Steve:
So, to clarify, if you just hit the mode button once for a short time, does
it toggle between semiauto and auto mode?
And, if so, how do you know which setting you are in?
I guess you could hit the tune button, and if it doesn't tune, maybe that
means you are in auto mode, but I'm not sure if that's true if you have the
rig interface cable connected.
What do you think?
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 10:14 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Question about accessible antenna tuners
Tom,
The mode button switches between automatic and semiautomatic mode.
Automatic grabs a saved tuner memory when it senses rf. The semi mode needs
you to hit the button to do a tune.
A long press on the mode button is what puts you into the tuners menus.
This is where you would select the brand of radio for interface to the
tuner. The menus don't talk, and wrap around, so not easy to get
around without help if you really want to get into it. However, other
than the radio selection, there isn't anything you really have to do.
The default setting of 2.0 for swr trip of the amp keying line is perfect
for a solid state amp, so no need to change. The beeps to give swr
indication are clunkey, but may be a help to someone who has no other
device for reading swr. This is off by default and would need to be
turned on in menu.
About a year ago I did a bone head reset of the tuner and had to get into
the menu to restore the Kenwood setting. It took some trial and error
with no sighted help, but did get it. I was sure to note the combo of
button presses to do this again if ever needed. It's a pain, but can
be done without help.
73, Steve KW3A
> Jim:
>
> Regarding the mode button, and what happens when you get the tuner in
> the wrong mode, I honestly don't know the answer to that question.
> This is because I simply leave the mode button alone. I would assume
> that if you hit it, and do nothing, the tuner will revert back to how
> you had it set up, but I don't know for sure.
>
> If you send me your private e-mail address, I'll send the audio and
> PDF manuals to you.
>
> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
> Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 3:31 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Question about accessible antenna tuners
>
> 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
>
>
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