Hi, Tom.  Thanks for the info.  How would you rate the quality 
control of that tuner?  I've heard not-so-good things about MFJ's 
overall quality.  Thoughts?  And based on the interface cable, 
definitely a deal maker.--Matt, N1IBB.

At 08:53 PM 5/3/2015 -0400, you wrote:
>Matt:
>
>To add to what Ron has said, I just recently purchased an MFJ 998 high-power
>auto-tuner, and like it very much.
>
>By high power, I mean it will work with up to 1500 watts, which is what I
>needed since I use an ALS600 amplifier here.  Actually the amp puts out
>roughly 500 watts, so it is well within the acceptable operating range for
>the tuner.
>
>A few of us on the list use the MFJ 998, and, although it isn't totally
>accessible since the menus don't talk, there are enough beeps and other
>indicators to allow the basic functions to be quite manageable.
>
>I think the only thing I needed sighted assistance for was when I had to
>tell the tuner to recognize my TS590 via the Kenwood interface.
>
>As for price, I bought mine from Ham Radio Outlet this past March for $569.
>
>If you will only be operating 100 watts with your TS480, I know there are
>cheaper models by MFJ and LDG to meet that requirement.
>
>One other thing you might want to think about is that, as far as I
>understand, LDG tuners can't directly be interfaced with Kenwood rigs like
>the TS480 and TS590.  The MFJ models do interface well with Kenwood rigs,
>via the 5114K interface cable, and this was one of the main selling points
>for the MFJ over the LDG, as far as I was concerned.
>
>Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>On Behalf Of Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
>Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2015 1:10 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Question about Auto Antenna Tuners
>
>The Palstar is an excellent external automatic antenna tuner, but it is
>quite pricy for many people. As less expensive alternatives, both MFJ and
>LDG also sell excellent external automatic antenna tuners that are very
>accessible. At least two of us have LDG tuners and Tom has one of the MFJ
>tuners, and as far as I know, we all like our tuners quite well.