Tuning up the IC-7300 with Heathkit SB-200 and Kenwood SM-220

Quick video on how to tune up an SB-200, and IC-7300, when using a manual tuner. Also some information on using the Kenwood SM-220 to monitor SSB envelope and check linearity with the trapezoid display. My antenna is an 80m loop at 15ft height, and I am also using a Heathkit SA-2040 manual tuner with an Ameritron ARB-704 amplifier interface.

[@farmerphil]

Nice video, I have been a ham for over 45 years and this is my first linear for HF. Picked up a nice one owner Sb-200 with the Harbach soft key and stand by switch installed plus two NOS National 572 B tubes in great shape and the manual. Paid $ 400 and it was only 45 miles from the house, no bouncing around with a shipper. I an not afraid to say I learned a thing or two from your video. Phil N9CAV. 73

[@solarflare8905]

Please post a clear tuning procedure of the SB-200...Much appreciated...

[@weslindsey]

How’d you do the amplifier bypass? Also, what was your final power out? Is your SB wired for 120v or 240VAC?

[@Ibelieve218]

how to make the connection from antenna tuner to the sb-200 there is an rc jack for input and the so-239 for antenna output

[@patrickbaer3742]

As the previous comment asked what was the power output and how much were you driving it with I suspect you were getting 700 out with a 80 watt Drive

[@Ibelieve218]

A new area for me I have never owned an amp so I need to connect the icom 729 to the heathkit sb-200 so how do I go about it.I see the so239 for antenna out but what about rf in??? I am totally blind at this I have never owned an amp

[@Ibelieve218]

I see an rca type jack for rf power in is this hwere I connect the the icom?I have the icom 729 with at-160 auto tuner

[@extremlaybak]

you never said what power the sb200 did

[@RafalBrzegowy]

Thanks for nice video. I just got my SB-200 so it is great to see tuning procedure. I am wondering how do you bypass the amplifier? Is the bypass home brewed? Let me know please!

[@r1derbike]

Don't know if you ever got an answer. Here is the short scoop. The amp filaments light nearly instantly. If you have turned the amp on, it is ready. You may use the power switch as the bypass switch. Addition of a separate 'bypass' switch is redundant, and unnecessary, as the T/R relay is in bypass mode with no power applied. I wouldn't keep drive power applied as you switch the amp on and off, when making comparisons.

[@rockeraaj]

I have the IC7300 and just acquired an SB-200 and a wattmeter. I see you are using the ARB-704. Can you tell me your cable chain connecting the components starting with the IC7300 and ending with your antenna? And I assume the ARB-704 is to interface the radio with the amplifier. Thank you.

[@johnleonardelli_VE3IPS]

That SB-200 looks like its brand new?

[@junrimiras5363]

ur ALC from arb 704 is not connected to amp?

[@georgediaz1213]

Hi! Thanks for the video.I just picked one of these amps up at ham fest. It was being driven with a 60-100 watt amp. Can you tell me the wiring for the radio, meter, amp that is driving please. Do I tune it with the drive amp on or ???? Thanks. Thanks for the video also.

[@BootstrapWorkbench]

George Diaz I drive my SB-200 at 65W. I have replaced the power supply with a Harbach, and I use the Ameritron ARB-704di amp interface. Keep in mind, the SB-200 has lethal voltages (2400 volts) and the keying line can burn up a modern radio. Use caution, and try to find someone local to help you get set up.

[@DK-vx1zc]

Thanks for the video, I have the same amplifier and IC-7300. What part number cable did you use for the ARB-704 with the IC-7300? Thanks. Dan

[@farmerphil]

If you are going to use the amp with a hybrid or solid state radio you will need the Harbach soft key installed they are inexpensive and easy to install. Go to there web site and check online post for the Harbach and You Tube. The SB-200 manual is online for free download and many of the upgrades that can be done. As stated by others get help from a ham that has done this, will save you a lot of aggravation. 73

[@RonPurser]

@@BootstrapWorkbench IF I have the Ameritron ARB-704 interface - do I really need the Harbach soft key mod for the SB200? I thought the Ameritron interface is the solution to the 120VDC key closure in the SB 200? Ron

[@krazytrinisteve]

I just got a sb200 and was going to purchase the 7300 but then I saw 7900 and was like this looks like more capability

[@krazytrinisteve]

Should I get the 7300 or 7900 and I am looking for max capability short of 7610

[@krazytrinisteve]

I year later and I read my comments and it made no sense! Haaa oh well

[@jomf8929]

Here's what you did wrong. You did not initially dip the plate. Always ALWAYS dip the plate first to find near-resonance even at low power. Only transmit for 2 seconds at a time. Dip it once at 20W....then turn the radio up to full output (set power of the raido at 70W in your case) . Now put full power in and re- dip the plate and peak the load/grid for max power output. Should take no more than 4-5 seconds TOTAL...between the two. Now, check for no more than 500MA plate current on DC keydown, and keep the Grid current in the white GRID section of the amp. You ALWAYS tune at full power for linearity.....if you run CW you're done. If you're running SSB, one final step - advance the load about 1/4 of a "number" to ensure linearity...(turn the load knob a little a bit clockwise). Finally: once youre tuned up (that's why they call it tuning up)....you can turn power of the exciter down- a so you dont run the amp at full output. Just remember - don't re-touch the plate tune after lowering power .

[@jaywardjulian6163]

Really sounds like a pro, very informative. I'm still getting familiarize with my AL811 amp. And I really want to learn how to tune it properly. I'm pretty close but still want to hear some advise from HAMS like yourself. I also noticed that on my plate meter when I press HV it only reads to 1300KV. What can be the problem? Also can you pls teach me how to tune it steps by steps. I really appreciate it. 73 de KH2ZZ THANK YOU

[@tjornpartietkommunpolitike1083]

MANY THANKS, I just bought an old sb 200 here in sweden. your comments seems good an plate current maximum. Much thanks from sweden.

[@harrybalz69]

Charles, use a dummy load, don't be a lid.

[@solarflare8905]

I've restored one of these .Tuning is very, very confusing... I'll get a Drake...

[@hornhospital]

The Drake will tune essentially the same way. 73, KO4AXN