Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Why not ground the antenna and feed it as a Unipole?  Most AM BC stations are doing that these days.  They also use a remote tuner, although it is usually a fixed network as they only use one frequency.  That way the reflected power on the line is nil. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 2/13/2018 12:29 PM,

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

I have been using MFJ tuners outside (MFJ-927) on a 43' vertical in southwest Florida for many years. The only complaint I have is that they don't get along with thunderstorms. I've probably gone through half dozen of these over the years. However, it's worth it to me because when they work,

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

om> To: "John W2XS" <jm...@optonline.net> Cc: "<elecraft@mailman.qth.net>" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: 2/13/2018 8:55:23 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner I have a very similar setup. K3 -> KPA500 -> MFJ 994BRT 6

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

I was thinking of a similar remote setup, wondering which remote autotuner is recommended? Thanks, Frank w4tg On Feb 13, 2018 8:56 AM, "Chris Hallinan" wrote: > I have a very similar setup. K3 -> KPA500 -> MFJ 994BRT 600W autotuner > mounted remote -> Balun Designs 4:1 ->

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Have you tried adding some additional length to the 600 ohm feedline? I originally couldn't perfectly match 30 meters with the Johnson Matchbox and added about 15 or 18 feet IIRC. That brought 30m into range and didn't mess up the other bands too much. Since your worst band is 17m, you might

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Thanks, Don, Yes I understand the basics - the doublet is not typically used in a "matched" configuration, thus the need for the tuner. If I understand correctly, it can present from very low to very high impedances to the tuner. I will try a 1:1 and/or adding some wire length. Also, as I

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Chris, Try a 1:1 balun instead of the 4:1. You are matching the impedance seen at the shack end of the feedline, and that can vary from very low to very high. The impedance you have to match is NOT the characteristic impedance of the feedline. The 600 ohm line simply acts as an impedance

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Thanks, Bob. I'll do just that when I get a chance. And I might just try the 1:1 also! I have an Array Solutions analyzer, been meaning to scan it to see exactly what the tuner sees. All of this requires a ladder and some creative juggling of tools/laptop etc. ;) 73 Chris On Tue, Feb 13, 2018

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Chris; Add or remove about 6 ft of the open wire line.  See if this helps the 17M issue. I personally don't like the idea of using a 4:1 balun and much prefer a 1:1 current balun.  With the 4:1, without measuring the Z on the coax side, it may be the Z presented to the tuner is very low and

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

I have a very similar setup. K3 -> KPA500 -> MFJ 994BRT 600W autotuner mounted remote -> Balun Designs 4:1 -> 600 Ohm open wire line to 80 m doublet. It works fantastic on 80-20, but will not tune better than about 2:1 on 17. I cannot use the KPA500 on 17 because the SWR is too high. Nothing

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

I have not seen any of their products, but a post on their website indicates that they do not understand how common mode chokes work. The result is that they sell stuff that won't burn up, but it won't do anything useful either. 73, Jim K9YC On 2/12/2018 7:29 AM, David Bunte wrote: I am

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

I replaced my Johnson Matchbox with a Balun Designs tuner balun. The biggest benefit is that the K3 ATU remembers the settings from band to band so the QSY is very rapid. I love watching the DX spots come rolling through on my N3FJP logging program and clicking on them to QSY to that frequency and

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Alan, Good questions. The Elecraft tuners can not be beat for what they can tune, so the only real issue is how to transition to coax from open wire/ladder line. Probably, the easiest is to use a 4:1 current balun to make the transition. I would go with one that is rated at least 3KW. Why

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

I've used balanced line systems and tuners and baluns for years. In general the 135 ft center fed wire with your choice of balanced line, I use the vinyl covered 450 line from The Wireman, will work quite well.    I bring the line from the feed point of the antenna all the way to the operating

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

Alan - I am pleased with results I have gotten with units from BALUN DESIGNS. Their 1161 & 1171 models are possible choices. I know some folks would rather spend less and build their own, but if that is not your preference, then look at these models. Best of luck. 73 de Dave - K9FN On Mon, Feb

Re: [Elecraft] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner

MORE Info As is I can work 80-10. Some bands are better then others but I can work them all with an SWR in the 1:1 to 1.3:1 range.The fed line is 450 window. The dipole is center fed. On Mon, Feb 12, 2018 at 9:26 AM, Alan Lambert wrote: > I could use a little advice