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You can
write your own review of the EMTECH ZM-2 ATU.
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ZL2AIM
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 27, 2009 21:29
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Great matching unit for QRP
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have built two of these tuners and both work extremely well. I used them in conjunction with both TenTec 1340 and TenTec 1320 rigs and on a variety of balanced and unbalanced antennas.
I have used one with a FT817 with no problems in tuning up whatever antenna I was using.
I have never used one on my bedsprings but have managed to tune up a variety of antennas ranging from a G5RV, inverted Vee's, long wire with good earth and long wire with counterpoise earth. I found they were great to tune up a dipole antenna made out of two slinky springs. With that antenna tuned by the Emtech ZM2 I worked Zimbabwe from Durban South Africa using 2 watts.
Yes, the tuning is very sharp and some practice is required, but once mastered it is a cinch to set up and tune. Don't have a heart attack if the red LED does not go out completely, - you will not damage your set if you can see some dimming of the LED.
For portable operation on QRP, this is a great little matching unit.
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W6EOD
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 13, 2009 05:06
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Versatile
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is a very versatile piece of gear. I use it when portable and have no issues whatsover with packing it around.
Those upset about quality or ruggedness, remember that it is NOT MILSPEC. If you want tough as nails then go get a box of nails and make a tuner out of them.
You might say that the price is a bit high but If you ask the folks at EMTECH they will tell you that EMTECH is not their primary buisness. That translates to me that they offer this product for because we want them to. I don't mind the fact that the ZM-2 is not from a massive supply warehouse operation like MFJ.
My only observation that may stand out is that the "null" when tuning can be super narrow, and combine that with the fact that the SWR LED indicator may or may not go completly out at the match. This may cause some anxiety but all this amounts to is careful tuning will do the job.
If you are an /p operator give it a try because that is where it really shines!
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CWBILL
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 22, 2008 06:20
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OK but not GREAT
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I ordered this kit and shipping seemed a bit slow, once I did receive it, I was not impressed by it's quality for the price paid. The instuctions were not helpful, but you can get by with google.. It works OK but not great.
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W2AEW
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 18, 2008 21:18
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Very Nice!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Easy to build, and simple to use. Tunes a wide range of impedances. I took the advice of other builders and used a self-stick clear protective film over the laser printed paper front panel/label to keep it in good shape. I also added a couple of blocks of styrofoam to mount the toroids on, using a bit of hot-melt glue to tie everything together. Very nice addition to my "portable shack" suitcase.
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KC8SLC
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 9, 2008 10:16
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Thumbs up!!!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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This is an excellent tuner!! Works great on all antenna types. I'm currently using it on a 83' foot long single wire with an earth ground for my qrp rigs, and I can tune up in about a minute with a perfect match. I'll be taking this on my backpacking trip to South Manitou Island this summer and many other outings!! Tim.
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GM0ELP
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 3, 2008 04:16
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Great
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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ATU arrived after 3 weeks wait.
Would advise to read whole manual first as they put building hints at the end which I found when I had finished.
The diagrams for T130-2 torroid windings start by showing an anti-clockwise wind direction then switch to showing a clockwise wind direction which was confusing. The advise to wind all sections in the same direction in which you started is good and saved the day.
Care should be taken to read all notes on the diagrams as the diagram themselves are misleading.
Build time was 4 hours and was easy going.
All parts were present in the kit. The front panel decal is a sticker of matt finish which would turn to mush at the first sign of rain (a handy tip is given after you've finished to spray clear lacquer over the decal and allow to dry before mounting any components).
The ATU works well into my doublet and tunes all bands. The tuning LED is great and tuning using it is easy and avoids having to hook up a SWR meter. All in all this tuner deserves a 5 because it presents good value for money and works well. A little more work on the manual would make it more user friendly.
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EI8DRB
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 3, 2007 03:30
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Fantastic Tuner
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After much research, I decided that the ZM2 would be the perfect companion to my FT817.
I was stunned by the quick delivery... 4 days to Ireland, and for only $5.
The construction was easy, guided by clear instructions. It took just over two hours to complete, with the only hiccup being a missing 500pf cap. I received a replacement cap via the same amazingly quick postage, fitted it and tried it out.
Tuning is fast and precise. Switch to 'operate', tune for maximum noise, switch to 'tune', fine tune for minimum led light (usually off), switch back to 'operate' and you're ready. All in all, after a bit of practise, it takes about a minute.
Great kit. I recommend to anyone considering taking the QRP road.
Build review with pictures at my blog...
http://blog.gerryk.com/?cat=4
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WA9UAA
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Rating: 5/5
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May 30, 2007 12:05
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Great lil' tuner
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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A great tuner, took me a bit to get used to the tuning. For those bemoaning the stick on label, make a copy of the label sent with the kit. Use the copy along with the double sided sticky plastic used for preserving photos. Place the label copy with the lettering facing the sticky inside of the plastic. Leave enough room to trim around the edges. When your done, you've got a plastic covered front for the tuner. Open the marked holes with a pointed exacto- knife and mount the parts. With a little trimming the label will fit down into the plastic chassis a bit and look very neat. I have had great luck with this tuner using a 40M Cub and my IC 703. Don't forget to take it out of "tune mode" before trying a QSO. hi hi
73,
Rob WA9UAA
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GM0WEZ
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Rating: 5/5
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May 30, 2007 01:48
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Ideal for backpacking
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I like the ZM-2 very much.
Pros
Very quick to tune, especially after a few days practice.
Looks cheap- so I was not charged UK taxes....your mileage may vary.
Light for backpacking
Trail friendly ergonomics with controls on top.
Tunes almost anything. Just for fun I plugged the FT817s 2m rubber duck into the BNC output. The ZM2 will tune it up on 80m, but not top band.
LED SWR bridge allows safe tuning and abolishes the need for a separate SWR meter.
Tunes balanced antennas
Very light for backpacking
Seems to be fairly efficient - plenty of 5w contacts in the log anyway.
Easy build
Cons
Feels a little flimsy - manual warns against forcing the controls past end stop.
Controls on top layout is good for the trail but less good for the shack.
Slightly bulky
Tuning is pretty fast from the start but it definitely gets faster with practice.
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DAVEL831
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 9, 2006 06:24
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OMG
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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ok well i am a new ham here in the uk and i am doing my next level in ham radio so i decided to build this ZM-2ATU.
Up to now i have only ever built a am radio so this was going to be fun?
Ok overall i think it looks cheap with plastic bit and a stick on sticker for the front!!
Building it took me 5 hours i didnt want to rush it i did make 1 mistake when connecting 2 bits together but after a search on the internet on pics i corrected myself.
Then came the moment of truth ! my god it works, and my god wow using a really cheap antenna i threw up and running only 5 watts i got into germany with ssb.
Wow this thing will tune really anything (hope it can tune my xyl she cant sing lol)
Really impressed for something that i built and my god does it work wow. This is my first real bulding project so if i can do it i think you can as well.
73's to you all Dave M3NCB
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