Vectronics VEC-102K - Manual (Page 12)

12
Tuning SSB (Single Sideband) Voice Signals
SSB signals are all those voice signals which sound like Donald Duck unless they are
tuned in very exactly. They have no background carrier as do AM broadcast signals.
On modern ham radio transceivers, tuning SSB is made so easy by means of internal
filters that many licensed ham operators are not aware of the basic technique for tuning in
SSB signals on receivers without such filters.
The first fact to know about any given group of SSB signals is whether they are Upper
Sideband (USB) or Lower Sideband (LSB). In ham radio communication, LSB is used
on 1.8 through 7.3 MHz, and USB is used for all higher frequency bands (14, 18, 21, 28
MHz.)
The best band to practice SSB tuning with your receiver is the "75 Meter'' band, 3.8 to 4.0
MHz, doing so in the evening when the signals are strong and plentiful. Notice that the
band is spread out on the dial more than the other amateur bands, which permits easier
tuning. These are all LSB (lower sideband signals).
Think to yourself: for LOWER sideband, tune DOWN.
for UPPER sideband, tune UP.
In practice, this means that you would "approach'' the LSB signal by tuning from higher
frequency (right) to lower (left), from higher voice pitch to lower pitch. Here's how to do
it step by step:
1. Pick out a strong, high-pitched Donald Duck voice.
2. Turn the tuning knob ever so slightly to the left.
3. If the pitch of the voice went DOWN slightly, you're heading in the right direction.
4. SLOWLY tune left, slightly more until the voice is clear.
Reverse this process to tune UP (to the right) for USB signals on the bands above 7 MHz.
The Regeneration Control often can be used to do the last touch of fine tuning to bring
the voice in clearly. If signals are exceptionally strong, it may be necessary to reduce the
RF gain level (rear panel).
SSB transmissions are used by embassies and agencies of various governments, so you
might find interesting voice signals on other than ham frequencies. Check with a
Shortwave Listener (SWL) or listings in Popular Communications Magazine for more
details.