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Author Topic: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM  (Read 161 times)

K0SJZ

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Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« on: February 02, 2023, 06:42:49 PM »

Hello,

I am considering one of the above for a tuner that will last forever and will tune virtually anything. 

In my research, it seems like these are some of the most desirable models.   

I would be interest in any advice on which to get and why.

Thank you so much,

Dale
K0SJZ
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W0CKI

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2023, 07:02:55 PM »

I currently have a Palstar AT2KD, it’s great. Tune’s anything.
Bought it new.
Also had the Heathkit, also terrific. I wish I had never sold it.
If you can find the Heathkit, never abused, no arching signs with a clean case, buy it.
I’ve seen them in the 250-400 bucks range.
GL, Gary W0CKI
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KA2PTE

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2023, 09:27:14 PM »

I have a Dentrom MT-3000A now for a while. Picked it up as a tech special, someone removed the swr board
so the meters were not working. Was able to put in an aftermarket swr board, as well as new meter switches
a ham is selling new for these, as the buttons have a habit of breaking. So far no problems, but I hear on 160m
its capacitance is a bit marginal on the low side of the band, and some have added in additional capacitance as well
as removing the internal resistive dummy load, and making an extra jack on the back for an external one.

The internal voltage balun for the open wire / balanced feedline is a bit shakey once you are on 40m and above,
but on 80 and 160 it does well.
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WA2VUY

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2023, 05:18:05 AM »

If I recall to bypass the 2060A you have move a coax in the back, not via a switch in front? If you have several antennas, some resonant, having a switch is an advantage.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2023, 10:16:25 AM »

What band(s) are you planning?
Gotta budget?
You could build/engineer your own.

-Mike.
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K0SJZ

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2023, 01:49:01 PM »

I am planning to be on 10M to 160M.   

Budget is approx $500 to $600 but would be more comfortable $300-$400 which is where I have seen some of the units I listed.

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WA2VUY

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2023, 04:11:14 PM »

You didn't say if you were going to run an amplifier or not. Looking at the eham reviews for the Palstar you are considering there seems to be an early version that has less power handling capabilities than later models (according to reviewer).
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K0SJZ

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2023, 06:30:03 PM »

Hello,

I am not going to be using a amplifier to begin with however, I am likely getting one in the next 12-18 months.

Appreciate everyones advice.

Dale
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WA2VUY

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Re: Dentron MT2000/MT3000 vs Heathkit 2060a vs Palstar AT1KM
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2023, 07:44:40 PM »

As they say, begin with the end in mind. The latest Palstar 1M version appears to be rated at 1,200 watts pep. The other two will handle legal limit.
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