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| Reviews Summary for PALSTAR AT1KM |
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Reviews: 57
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Average rating: 4.8/5
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MSRP: $$359.00
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Description: The AT1K comes in two models: the AT1KM meter display (pictured) and the AT1KD digital display.
Featuring differential capacitor tuning with 2 stators and 1 rotor. For ease of use the AT1K series utilize only 2 controls to operate for tuning with a precision ceramic body roller inductor and high power balun. As on all Palstar tuners the front panel and top cover are powdercoated.
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More info: http://www.palstar.com/palmain.htm
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W4JAH
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 29, 2009 10:11
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I give Palstar a A+ in all areas. Service and quality
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I now own three of the palstar tuners. They are very easy to use and built well. Palstar very good on answering any questions you have. Because of the excellent reports and company support I rate them the best. W8CFS
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K7UNZ
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Rating: 3/5
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Nov 16, 2008 12:47
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Clarification of problem
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Finally got around to repairing the meter problem today, and discovered that the REAL problem was not the SWR bridge itself, but rather the way the unit is constructed.
As you know, the meter sits just above the antenna selection switch, and this is where the problem began.
There are two really thin (whispy?) wires that come (one each) from each side of the meter. That is, one from the forward, and one from the reflected power needles. They are, in turn, soldered to a connection on the switch itself, which acts as a common ground. The switch connection is the front most wafer of the antenna switch, and has one other wire (heavier guage) connected to the same spot.
Now, it appears that this wafer should be attached to something, as it has obvious mounting holes at each end, and the race for the switch ball bearings is also located on this wafer.
However, it is not.....and that's the problem.
The wafer had been turned about 60 degrees from it's normal position, most likely from the force of turning the switch to various positions, and had severed BOTH wires to the meter needles. I still had reverse power indication simply due to that wire having landed in a position that made contact with the chassis. The other wire was just dangling in the air.
Needless to say, I've replaced those wires with much heavier stuff, double wrapped around the wafer contact to help prevent it moving.
It appears possible to secure the wafer to the switch mounting bracket with a bolt, and I'll be doing that soon.
Anyway, now works perfectly again.
Jim/k7unz
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K9FON
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 13, 2008 19:16
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Absolutely GREAT!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had mine since 2005 and it still works and looks new! It tunes my 260' 160 meter doublet like a dream but it acts funny on 10 meters for some oddball reason but thats no big deal asi have a 4 element trapped tribander for that band. I know the AT4KM is supposed to handle 1200 watts pep but i run my Swan MK II into it at legal limit with no issues. Even with 1500 watts in CW tune mode it doesnt mind. If the day comes when my tuner bites the dust i know darn well i will buy another Palstar tuner.
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N5MZL
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Rating: 5/5
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May 31, 2008 13:53
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Built like a tank
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This model of tuner has been discontinued, but I'm sure there are still plenty of them out there. I purchased my AT1KM some years ago (it's the 1Kw version; they later came out with a model of the same name and appearance, but that could handle in excess of 1Kw) after I put up a Carolina Windom OCF dipole that the tuner in my old FT-890 could not handle. Since that time I've used this tuner on several multi-band dipoles, and it never gave any problems. I also used it between those antennas and an Ameritron AL-80B, and it performed flawlessly in that mode as well. The setup and tuning is very easy, the meter is accurate and easy to read (probably why everybody's brother and their dog Rex is using this same meter in all sorts of equipment), and it's just plain built like a tank. I'm currently running an Icom 746Pro into a Buckmaster OCF dipole, and it's internal tuner handles it with no problem, so I will be selling my AT1KM soon. However, I will be buying more of Palstar's gear; their antenna analyzer is on my "to get" list now. I say this because not only do they make good equipment; but their customer support is second to none.
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WA2EQF
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 23, 2008 09:50
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Rock Solid MFT (Mighty Fine Tuner)
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had this tuner for more than 3 years now and have used it on a variety of antennas; dipoles, folded dipoles, verticals, & long wires. On 3 through 30 it matches anything. I have made a chart of the dial settings for each band and frequency that I commonly work, it has never varied, to this day I can set an antenna, set the dials and get the SWR I expect. The controls are smooth and intuitive, easy to use is an understatement. The lighted meter is easy to read and dead accurate against a bird meter. It is built like a brick you know what house, a pleasure to have in the shack and pleasing to the eye. I have since purchased other Palstar products and the quality of construction is at a level that you wish all manufacturers would provide. Whereas, I have never had a problem with a Palstar product, I have on occasion called Paul with questions, he is always polite and courteous with intelligent answers and never a "well that's a stupid question" attitude. This is a product I would highly recommend.
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NH7PG
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 28, 2007 17:07
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Amazing tuner
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have thus far not found any antenna that this tunner will not tune across the entire HF spectrum. I've been using a rain gutter for the past three years, and have had great success, even on 160 meters. It's built solid, the rotors move smoothly, and lighted dial is really a plus. Definitely worth the investment, and it's built to last a lifetime.
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K8KAS
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 12, 2007 09:51
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Tune a Tuner
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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All tuners will not tune everything, this does not make them bad. For years it has been common to add or cut wire from the feeders to get the SWR down. This was standard practice on the old Johnson Matchboxes. You can also cut the antenna wire itself to something the tuner likes to see. Talk to an older ham and you might be surprised what they can pass on.
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KI4LHA
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Rating: 2/5
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Aug 12, 2007 05:09
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Wish it would tune
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Bought one new to get 160M. Ran my 300' long wire to it and would not go but 3:1. What???? After Several days messing with it, I gave up. Went and got a MFJ to do the job of a so called better tuner.
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N2PEU
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 28, 2007 13:33
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Excellent!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I'm using a G5RV Jr. at about 30' and this transmatch was able to let me load it on 80-10 and even 1.5 at 6M! Beautiful construction and flawless performance so far. If you are thinking of buying a MFJ, save your pennies and get a Palstar!!
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K5ENA
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 18, 2007 11:34
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Outstanding
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought my used AT1KM a month ago and am IMPRESSED!! It is a first class product produced by a first class company. I only wish I had bought one sooner. You cannot go wrong with a Palstar tuner.
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