Steve:

Thanks for the "heads up" on the separate DC power connection needed to run
the MFJ 998 auto-tuner.

Since I have a rig runner, it will not be hard to make this connection, but
it's good to know in advance, rather than running into problems if I decide
to go with this particular tuner.

Will wait to see what Dave's experience is, but right now, I'm leaning
toward making the purchase, once I can sell some of my other gear.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 6:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Antenna Tuners

Good luck Dave.    I doubt I will smell anything burning from this distance.

You may already know this, but you will need  to provide 12 volts to the 
tuner.    While there is 12 vdc  available on the 6 pin molex  connector 
on the back of the radio, there isn't enough current to  run this tuner. 
   Smaller tuners can take the power from the radio, but not the 998. 
  I think it needs a full amp.  I power mine from the station's supply, 
but you   can use a  different supply, proper size wall wart, or whatever.

In the box with the tuner you will get a  power cable with  the plug at one
end to go to the tuner and bare wires on the other end to connect to the 12
vdc.

If I remember right, the tuner is default set up for Kenwood, so no 
jumper change needed inside.   Also, when all is set up right,  be sure 
the tuner is always turned on first, before the radio.    This way the 
radio will recognize the tuner.

If you haven't  listened to this already, there is a audio version of the
manual  on the active elements website.

http://active-elements.org/

73, good luck, Steve KW3A



On 12/15/2014 5:15 PM, Dave Basden wrote:
> Hi Steve,
>
> Well, I ordered the MFJ998 this morning along with the Kenwood cable.  
> I'll cross my fingers that it was put together correctly.
>
> 73,
>
> Dave, W7OQ
>
> At 05:27 AM 12/9/2014, you wrote:
>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>