Inexpensive coil tuning tool

[Pete Olin]

For those needing a resonant coil tuning tool (the type that increases or decreases inductance), an inexpensive T50-6 powdered iron ring from Palomar Engineering taped to the end of a wooden dowel serves very well to increase inductance.  The other end of the dowel has a brass screw taped to it and will decrease inductance.  This is an inexpensive equivalent to the tool described in the E.H. Scott alignment procedures and used in amplifier stages.    

When the optimum inductance is reached, output will decrease when either end of the tool is inserted in the amplifier coil;  this is only done when the radio is set to the low end of each band.  The tool should NEVER be used at the high end of the dial on any band-  that's when finger tracking comes in play.  

-Pete