Steve,l
That resistor workaround sounds like a good idea for me since I never use
the internal tuner. Do you have more info on the workaround?
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: December 09, 2014 08:27
Subject: Re: Antenna Tuners
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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