I don't want to start poking around that plug unless I know exactly where 
and what to poke.  Modern electronic equipment is very unforgiving if you 
make a mistake.

Right now, I use PF1 for tuning, but it would be nice not to have to do it 
that way.

Steve

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: December 09, 2014 11:45
Subject: Re: Antenna Tuners


> Steve,
>
> I don't have this documented anywhere.  I wish I had saved it when I saw
> it years ago on one of the lists.   I think it was the TS-2000 list.
>
> My recollection is that it is a high value resistor (10k???) between the
> 2 middle pins of the 6 pin molex on the radio.
>
> I've never  had need to do this, but my understanding is that this will
>  disable the internal tuner on any of the Kenwood radios that use the 6
>  hole molex.
>
> Of course, with the 590, you could set a pf key  to do the TX tune thing.
>
> I would want to confirm this from another source before  shoving
> resistors into little holes.
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
> On 12/9/2014 11:07 AM, Steve Dresser wrote:
>> 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
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>