|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
| Reviews Summary for Elecraft T1 Miniature ATU for all Low-Power Transceivers |
|
Reviews: 35
|
Average rating: 4.7/5
|
MSRP: $135
|
Description: This may be the world's smallest high-performance, stand-alone ATU. At just
4.4 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches, and weighing only 5 oz., it's about one-fourth the size
and weight of other compact automatic antenna tuners.
The T1 has 7 inductors and 7 capacitors to provide a wide tuning range. It
can be used with any 0.5 to 20-watt transceiver or transmitter, and can be
tuned in any mode, even SSB voice. Many L-C settings are saved in the unit's
EEPROM for quick re-tune (typically 1 to 2 seconds).
An internal 9-V battery powers the unit, and battery life is excellent thanks to
the use of latching relays and auto power-off after each use. There's zero
power consumed except when actually tuning.
There's a "smart" adapter cable available for the Yaesu FT-817. This
convenient accessory allows the T1 ATU to track band changes made at the
transceiver, recalling per-band L-C settings without the need to transmit.
|
|
More info: http://www.elecraft.com
|
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this review.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
|
You can
write your own review of the Elecraft T1 Miniature ATU for all Low-Power Transceivers.
|
XE1UFO
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 19, 2008 10:07
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
I want to report my experiences with the Elecraft T1 ultra-portable (pocket-size) automatic antenna coupler. I have used it extensively with two different rigs:
1. My Yaesu FT817ND
2. My SGC SG2020ADSP2
I purchased the assembled version, with the cable for the 817. I have found the T1 to be very versatile, and have used it into many different random and long wire configurations, dipoles and G5RV's. I have also used it in conjunction with my MP1 SuperTenna antenna.
I am amazed how tiny this thing is, and how easy to use. We do backpacking into remote mountain villages. Also amazing is how long the internal 9-volt battery lasts. This is because the unit turns itself off once the match is found. In over six months of weekend use, I have not replaced the battery.
When used with any unbalanced antenna system, of course, you have to lay down at least one counterpoise wire for best overall efficiency. I
consider this one of my best ever antenna coupler investments.
My two pesos' worth.
Steve, XE1UFO a.k.a. KA5SUT
San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Mexico
|
|
XE1UFO
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 19, 2008 10:05
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
I want to report my experiences with the Elecraft T1 ultra-portable (pocket-size) automatic antenna coupler. I have used it extensively with two different rigs:
1. My Yaesu FT817ND
2. My SGC SG2020ADSP2
I purchased the assembled version,with the cable for the 817. I have found the T1 to be very versatile, and have used it into many different random and long wire configurations, dipoles and G5RV's. I have also used it in conjunction with my MP1 SuperTenna antenna.
I am amazed how tiny this thing is, and how easy to use. We do backpacking into remote mountain villages. Also amazing is how long the internal 9-volt battery lasts. This is because the unit turns itself off once the match is found. In over six months of weekend use, I have not replaced the battery.
When used with any unbalanced antenna system, of course, you have to lay down at least one counterpoise wire for best overall efficiency. I
consider this one of my best ever antenna coupler investments.
My two pesos' worth.
Steve, XE1UFO a.k.a. KA5SUT
San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Mexico
|
|
N4UED
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jun 23, 2008 17:33
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
THE BEST QRP ANTENNA TUNER
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
THIS IS THE VERY BEST QRP ANTENNA TUNER HANDS DOWN.
I USE MINE WITH MY ELECRAFT K-1 AND MY TEN TEC ARGONAUT V.
IT HAS TUNED ANYTHING I HAVE CONNECTED TO IT.
OFF CENTERFED ,DOUBLE EXTENED ZEPPS,ETC USING LADDER LINE AND A 4-1 BALUN.
I HAVE TRYED THE LDG Z11 PRO HOWEVER IT DOES NOT COMPARE TO THIS TUNER.
WHEN IT SHOWS A 1 TO 1 GREEN LIGHT YOU CAN COUNT ON THE T1 ELECRAFT TUNER BEING CORRECT.
I CAN ASSURE ANYONE THAT IT WILL WORK WITH ANY QRP RIG OUT THERE.
BUY ONE DONT BE SHY,IT WILL BE A PLEASURE TO USE.
|
|
W5CEM
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 27, 2008 16:40
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
I LIKE IT!!!
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
|
I have been using the T1 to tune my OPEK HVT400 mobile antenna on 17 mtrs. Worked just fine for that. Finally this week I got tired of the noise with my attic antennas and starting experimenting with various lengths of wire outside in the trees, dangling down from the third floor patio, up over the roof, etc. The T1 tuned them all with ease. Hit the button, wait a few seconds and a good match to my FT 817 is there. I have absolutely no complaints with this unit at all. I did build mine in a few nites, which was good to get that solder smell wafting thru the house again. Buy one today if you need a good QRP tuner...
|
|
WD4ELG
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 16, 2008 21:09
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Works like a charm
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
Bought it pre-assembled. Arrived on schedule as stated by Elecraft customer service (which was a pleasure to deal with).
Put in the 9V battery, hooked it up, tuned the antenna, and forgot it was there. It just works.
I take it everywhere with my FT817ND as an insurance policy to protect the rig's final amp circuit.
You won't be disappointed.
|
|
KC7FYS
|
Rating: 4/5
|
Oct 14, 2007 22:57
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Good unit. Can't complain.
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I already feel guilty giving this guy a 4, but I suppose the rating system doesn't work if we don't apply it honestly.
I bought it unassembled. It went together in an evening for this semi-experienced assembler. I didn't need the SMDs pre-soldered after building the ATS-3B QRP xcvr! (But that is a considerate touch by Elecraft.) Manuals are well-written. Assembly instructions are written for an almost absolute beginner, no detail omitted. Layout is excellent. No parts missing, everything A-OK.
Now on to that case we've been hearing so much about. Now I build kits because I like solder smoke, I like holding something in my hands that I made with my own gumption--and I don't expect it to look like something off the shelf. Having said that (and I can just imagine Burdick and Swartz rolling thier eyes) I kinda like my BLT better. It looks like I made it. I know that sounds goofy--but building the T1 is like building a kitchen blender. You're whipping up daiquiris, and you say, "You know, I MADE this blender." Still looks like a regular blender.
So it's a free country; I could have mitered this T1 into a Hellman's mayonnaise jar just to get oohs and ahs from my QRP buddies--but the case is exactly right, so what could any builder do? Don't laugh--I'd like a clear plastic case, at least. The guts of this thing look cool, and I'm never gonna see 'em again! Looks good, could be billet aluminum, not pre-drilled, but the folks at Elecraft have been doing this for a long time, and certainly know what works and what doesn't.
I'll still bring along my BLT, though.
|
|
M3XEK
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 14, 2007 14:36
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Brilliant elecraft t1!
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
Just got my t1 and ft817 lead today and I have run around the house tuning stuff like the table, chairs, the 6m rubber duck that came with the ft817 (tunes perfect on 20m) and I cant fault it!
It gets a better match than my mfj and lake tuners and the link cable means it only does it once with my loft 20m dipole that is my main antenna- it tunes it to all bands down to 80 with perfect swr.
I can recommend this setup to everyone.
As for the comments about the case and build quality, that I thankfully ignored, I think that it is fine; not a metal box you can drive a tractor over, but its small enough to fit your shirt pocket safe out of the way of tractors!
|
|
KC2RSP
|
Rating: 2/5
|
Jun 18, 2007 16:13
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Needs better design
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I got this tuner with very little expecttions. It appealed to me because of its size and compatibility to the ft-817nd.
I got a fully assembled unit with the 817 tuning cable.
But unfortunately the ground nut came off and the tuning cable port broke on the very first day.
The tuning was also inconsistent. Often not changing the tune between bands.
I am not quite sure how this tuner got such high marks. I am guessing its bcause its made in America and the same reason why a person would buy a Ford despite its obvious flaws. Generally I am seeing remarkably high marks for elecraft. I'll leave it to conjecture the marks would not be so high if the units were imported. Also the pride of making it one self probably has a lot to do with it.
I have no such bias and see things for what they are.
However, I did like the customer support. I dread talking to customer support but elecraft was not stressful, even pleasant, so I gave it a 2. I also liked the compact size.
I have time to assemble a all band rig and I am taking my time trying out different equipmnt. The LDG tuner I replaced the elecraft with is built sturdier.
|
|
AB8XX
|
Rating: 5/5
|
May 23, 2007 22:03
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Works well!
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
I have used this tuner to load up short whip antennas for backpack use and it works great. It loaded up a 30' random wire with ease from 80-6m. It is so small and lightweight, wish I would have got one a while ago. This unit came assembled. I would recommend getting one already made for a few more bucks. The case could be better though.
|
|
N0XE
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Oct 22, 2006 13:21
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Works Well
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
Like any electronic device regardless of make or model, a problem may occur, with most users finding this tuner to work well I would expect a problem with the paticuliar unit if anyone is having problems tuning , my T-1 worked perfect and tuned several non resonant antennas with ease. I found it to work very well, but agree that the case leaves a lot to be desired.
73 Jim N0XE
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
