MagLoopTuner

MagLoopTuner is a simple script designed to read S Meter values aloud using text-to-speech for remotely tuning a magnetic loop antenna (“Mag Loop”). This makes it easy to find the best tuning position, even if you're not right next to your radio.

By default, MagLoopTuner is configured for a Yaesu FT-450D connected to /dev/ttyUSB0 at 38400 baud. A companion script, maglooptunerset.sh, adds the ability to set the radio frequency before it begins reading S Meter values aloud.

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Features

• Speaks S Meter readings once per second to help you tune your Mag Loop for maximum signal.
• Remote operation: Allows you to tune your antenna from across the room or even another room.
• Optional script to set the radio frequency via command line before reading S Meter values.

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Requirements

• hamlib
  Used for communication with your radio.
  Install via package manager or source:

  sudo apt-get install hamlib
  # or
  sudo yum install hamlib

• espeak
  For text-to-speech output.

  sudo apt-get install espeak
  # or
  sudo yum install espeak

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Installation & Usage

1. Clone or Download this repository

2. Make the scripts executable:

   chmod +x maglooptuner.sh
   chmod +x maglooptunerset.sh

3. Run the main script:

   ./maglooptuner.sh

   Or add the script to a directory in your $PATH for easier access.

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Tuning a Mag Loop with This Script

1. Power on your radio and set the volume so you can clearly hear it.
2. Set your desired frequency on the radio (or use maglooptunerset.sh to do this from your computer).
3. Ensure your computer's audio is loud enough to hear the spoken S Meter values.
4. Close any other hamlib-enabled applications or anything else using the same serial port.
5. Start the script to begin hearing S Meter values spoken aloud once per second.
6. Tune your Mag Loop for maximum S Meter reading:
   • Slowly adjust the loop.
   • Pause a second after each adjustment.
   • Listen for the S Meter value to increase.
   • Aim for the maximum S Meter value you can achieve.
7. Once at maximum, your loop is tuned. (On the FT-450D, max S Meter may be 120–150, but higher is better.)
8. Optionally, use your radio's built-in tuner for final matching.
9. Stop the script at any time with Ctrl+C in the terminal.

Tip: If you’re not in the same room, you can use a phone or video call to relay audio between locations.

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Using maglooptunerset.sh to Set Frequency and Read S Meter

To set the frequency and then start S Meter readings:

./maglooptunerset.sh 7078000

• Frequency must be specified in Hz (e.g., 7078000 for 7.078 MHz).
• You can create multiple copies of the script with preset frequencies for convenience.

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Troubleshooting

• S Meter reading doesn’t change: Adjust your radio's RF GAIN knob; sometimes the S Meter will get “stuck” if the gain is too high/low.
• Errors or gibberish spoken: Ensure no other applications are using the serial port. Double-check hamlib connection parameters.
• Script won't run: Make sure it’s executable (chmod +x maglooptuner.sh) and dependencies are installed.

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License

CC0 – Public Domain

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Author

Jeff Luszcz
https://github.com/jeff-luszcz/MagLoopTuner

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