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Author Topic: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole  (Read 261 times)

IC8CYV

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Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« on: September 11, 2020, 08:59:42 AM »

Won't bother with my antenna issues, matter of fact I bought the FT897D ages ago and it still has the plastic film on the display, tempted to sell it many a times, tempted to upgrade but why, it's brand new, maybe 3-4 QSO to test it and that's it.

I have a 5+5 meters of 2.5mm electric wire through a 1:1 Balun on my roof but can barely hear anything, I would like to get a tuner which I would anyway need even if I move to a different QTH but don't want to spend tons of money, no need for big power handling cause I won't get any amplifier so something basic, sturdy and functional to look for, even better on the used market, any suggestion?

Grazie
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KG5AHC

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2020, 11:59:47 AM »

My recommendation would be the LDG YT-100 it is described as being automatic [but i think not RF sensing automatic].  It has no tuning knobs so it automatically finds a good match for you. It has 2000 frequency memories for faster tuning against memorized frequencies.  You can initiate tuning cycle from the radio or from the push button on the tuner. I have the IT-100 for my ICOM 7200 and it works great for me.





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WB4CVZ

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2020, 02:32:48 PM »

As far as used tuners go I have an old MFJ 941D that I have used for years. I also liked the old MFJ 901B. Finally I recommend anything made by Dentron.
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AF5CC

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2020, 06:12:15 PM »

I would go with a manual tuner as well, like the MFJ 901, as it has a wider matching range than the LDG does, and the LDG tuner is only rated at 30 watts for the digital modes, whereas the MFJ will take the full 100 watts on the digital modes, and it will work on 6 meters as well, even though it isn't rated for that band.  I have a MFJ 941D also that I have been using for years.

73 John AF5CC
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IC8CYV

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2020, 04:21:40 AM »

Let's try and restrict the options, I won't need big power handlings so the classic 100 or 300W would fit perfectly, I own an SWR meter I was given by a colleague but if I could skip using another tool and save space by having it built into the tuner then much better.
6 meters wise why not, my FT897D does it and I never ever did any QSO on such frequency range whereas I was very active, long time ago, on 2 meters band in contests (As IW8CDU) so 6 meters would be nice to experiment since I also have a 5el antenna to work it so the addition to tune it would be welcome.

What else to look for?


Grazie

p.s. just found an used MFJ 941E here in Italy, any good? I am not in a rush at all...
« Last Edit: September 12, 2020, 04:33:33 AM by IC8CYV »
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W1VT

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2020, 04:52:49 AM »

A tuner helps more on transmit than receive.  It you can't hear anything it is unlikely that a tuner will help. 
If you can, moving the antenna away from the roof may help.  You may also have a noise source inside the home causing poor reception.

Many hams have found that dipoles on the "wrong band" will hear quite well even though signals are much weaker.

Zak W1VT
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KD0REQ

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2020, 02:25:52 PM »

get that skyhook as high as you can, so you're not hearing worms instead of stations. then see what happens. takeoff angle at 12 or 14 feet is nowhere.
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N8RKD

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Re: Advise for a manual antenna tuner to use the FT897D and a dipole
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2020, 08:47:59 AM »

Late reply, I know but I'm also using an 897D into a 40 meter dipole fed with window line.  I'm using an old Dentron manual tuner and a Radio Shack SWR/power meter.   There's a picture of my setup on my page on the Zed. 

It's a low power, unsophisticated rig, but I have fun with it.  Optimizing your antenna may help you more than an expensive automatic tuner.
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