Hi Dave,

I am using the notorious MFJ-998. Had mine  six and a half years with no 
issues or problems.   Even back then, there were  reports of QC 
problems, so I did something I would usually never do.  I bought a demo 
unit from a dealer.   I figured if it was going to fail, it would have 
failed in use at the dealers.  It came with a very steep discount on 
price, but also had the full factory warranty.    I took a gamble and 
for once in my life it paid off.

With the optional cable, it interfaces to the 6 pin molex on the radio. 
   Hitting the tune button on the radio puts the radio into a low power 
CW carrier, tunes the tuner, then returns  the radio to original mode/power.

Recently,with the Hex, and 30 meter GP, I only need it on 160-40 meters. 
     The tuner won't load my dipole above 1.880, but  no problem since 
all the action is lower.   Probably need some antenna adjustment.

It's rated at 1.5 kw, but I've only put 1 k into it.   I think some on 
the list may be using the MFJ-993 (300 watts) and the MFJ-994 (600 
watts) with similar interface to the radio.

The LDG 1000 is nice, but is limited to 1kw on SSB and 750 watts CW. 
It does cover 6 meters (the MFJ doesn't), but doesn't interface with the 
radio.    You could set a pf key to do TX Tune:  hit the pf key,the 
radio goes to cw low power, then hit the tune on the tuner to do the 
tune, then hit the pf key again to  exit TX tune and revert to original 
mode/power.

There is also a work around to disable the internal tuner with a 
resistor in the  molex jack so  you wouldn't have to use the pf key.

If you've been a very good boy, maybe Santa would bring you a Palstar 
Auto.    Instead of relays like the MFJ and LDG, the Palstar uses motors 
to  turn real variable caps and a roller inductor.    It's around $1,500 
and has menus and a display.  Not sure how accessible it is.   I don't 
really remember if I needed any sighted help getting the MFJ-998 up and 
working, but  I've been on my own for the last 5 years and haven't 
needed to monkey with it.


Hope this long winded discourse was of some help.
  You still have a few weeks to get your chimney swept out.   You don't 
want soot on your new toy.
73, Steve KW3A





On 12/9/2014 12:27 AM, Dave Basden wrote:
> Hi Steve,
>
> I'm thinking of asking Santa for an automatic tuner.  I see that the MFJ
> 998 interfaces with Kenwood rigs, but the reviews on the MFJ 998 on Eham
> suggest a real quality control problem.  What are you using and how easy
> is it to use with the TS-590?
>
> 73,
>
> Dave, W7OQ
>
>
>
>