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| Reviews Summary for Elecraft T1 Miniature ATU for all Low-Power Transceivers |
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Reviews: 39
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Average rating: 4.7/5
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MSRP: $135
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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.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.elecraft.com
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write your own review of the Elecraft T1 Miniature ATU for all Low-Power Transceivers.
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KC9TNH
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Rating: 5/5
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May 6, 2011 06:41
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Outstanding portable/QRP solution
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Rig: FT-817ND (both CW & SSB)
Setup: When portable, Craig's $-Store Special (thrown speaker wire w/couple of counterpoises); at home QTH, 80m OCF dipole.
I think this tuner could find a match on a coat hanger or piece of rebar. It is quick, gives reasonable other data via the LEDs if you can learn to read some slo-Morse. Best of the small autotuners.
Now have a THP 45w amp for the 817 when at home, but dialed back on the 817 as I don't want to hurt the precious T1. When a more robust tuner (rated at >20w) comes to hand for home use the T1 will go permanently in the field-bag. I don't hang out on one band all the time, but jump around and an auto-tuner is the ticket. LDG probably has a couple of 100w-rated tuners that will act like this T1, but I too wish the Elecraft would make an assembled 100-125w version of this T1 - just clone it, but a little bigger.
A nice gent sold me this one as he retired from working portable stuff; it's still in great shape and no one is getting their hands on it.
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KC9ECI
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 24, 2011 15:15
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Brilliant!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I really like this little tuner! I purchased it to use with my Flex 1500. If I had any complaint about it, it would be that it doesn't interface with enough rigs like it does the FT-817. I also like the suggestion of a clear case. That would look cool. I was recently working a RTTY contest when my autotuner from another company failed. I dialed the power on my Icom 706 back to 20W, put the T1 in line and carried on and worked a lot of DX. I wish Elecraft would make a line of tuners.
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KV4AN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 6, 2010 12:46
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WORKS FB AND VERY SMALL
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Bought the T1 to go with my FT-817. Very high-quality construction with a slide-off battery cover. The best thing about it is it is very small. I like the other popular brand of tuners too, but went with the T1 because of the very small size. It tuned my portable OCF multi-band dipole and I worked several north eastern states from my QTH in Virginia on 20, 12, and 10 meters QRP from my patio. I like the couple push-button controls and the operator feedback from the LEDs. When tuning, it grinds for a second or so and then gets a perfect match. The small size, buttons, and indicators caused me to buy it over the other brand even though the T1 was more expensive. I'm glad I bought it as it is a very nice QRP tuner. I didn't get the FT-817 adapter and not sure it would do for me for the extra cost.
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N6AIR
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 6, 2010 17:22
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Amazing
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have several tuners. The T1 is cut above the rest.
Everybody raves about Elecraft quality. With this tuner, I see why.
It's not hype. Elecraft is really extraordinary.
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XE1UFO
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 19, 2008 10:07
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TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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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
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XE1UFO
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 19, 2008 10:05
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TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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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
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N4UED
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 23, 2008 17:33
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THE BEST QRP ANTENNA TUNER
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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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.
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W5CEM
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 27, 2008 16:40
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I LIKE IT!!!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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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...
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WD4ELG
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 16, 2008 21:09
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Works like a charm
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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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.
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KC7FYS
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 14, 2007 22:57
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Good unit. Can't complain.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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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.
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