Tom, thanks for this encouraging information.  Yes, it would be 
good to listen to the audio tutorial on the 998.  Let's talk 
further about this.  I'd especially like to know your concerns 
about the Mode Button.  What happens if you get the thing in the 
wrong mode??  Thanks and 73, Jim WA6EKS

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Behler <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:44:11 -0400
Subject: Re: Question about accessible antenna tuners

Jim:

The MFJ 998 auto-tuner is very blind accessible.  The buttons are 
very self
explanatory, with the exception of the "mode" button, which is 
not needed
for basic tuner operation.

I set up mine completely independently, once my sighted XYL 
helped me label
the controls, and used the mode button to set the tuner for my 
Kenwood
TS590.

There is an audio manual for the tuner, plus a PDF file that I 
can send you
if you want to go this route.

I know that MFJ tends to be plagued by occasional quality control 
issues,
but I have had my 998 for about 6 months now, and have had no 
issues.

Plus, that's what warranties are for.

I know that several others on the list also use this tuner.  They 
are Steve
(KW3A), and Dave (W7OQ).  There may be more too.

So, you have a number of people to give you a hand.

Regarding LDG,  I have to say that I have become very 
disappointed in recent
years regarding their approach to accessible ham products for the 
blind.
This is especially ironic in my view, since they did make the TW1 
and TW2
talking SWR watt meters, which, although not top grade, still are 
helpful
for basic shack operation and troubleshooting.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators 
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2015 11:12 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Question about accessible antenna tuners

I have a question about the FMJ 998 auto tuner.  How user 
friendly is it for
blind folks? I recently purchased, then returned an LDGAT600 Pro 
tuner to
use with my ALS600 Amp because the LDG tuner not accessible far 
as I could
tell though I only had it online a few minutes.  Also, I found 
through an
email which is the only way you can talk to LDG, that the LDG 
engineers said
that blind people would not be able  use that tuner.  So that 
limits my
operating space to where my SWR is best tolerated by the amp 
which is the
best way but I am interested in other people's solutions to this 
issue.
Looking for a good auto-tuner that can handle 600 watts.  73, Jim 
WA6EKS