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Reviews For: SGC SG-239 Smartuner

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : SGC SG-239 Smartuner
Reviews: 44MSRP: 199.95
Description:
Very small SG-239 Smartuner automatic microprocessor antenna coupler with 68HC711 microprocessor. Coupler can be used within its' power rating with any SSB in range of 1.8-30 MHz. Designed for base station, marine, mobile and ladder feed antenna applications. For antenna types 100ft or longer base or marine whip for full frequency range operation. Housed in an aluminum case.
• Number of channels: unlimited
• Frequency range: Minimum length of 9 feet (7-30 MHz @ 100W), 40 feet (3-30 MHz @ 200W) or 100 feet (1.8-30 MHz @ 100W).
• Power rating: 200 watts* PEP maximum: 12VDC. operation
• SWR: Less than 2:1
• Minimum tune power: 1.5 watts typical
• Supplied with manual.
• Over all dimensions 7.5 x 6 x 1.85 inches
• Under 2 pounds
* For antennas 100 feet or longer.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.sgcworld.com/products/239/239.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00444.4
W0EG Rating: 2022-01-27
Served Me Well Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned this tuner for over ten years and it serves me well. Used it at the top of a sloper from a second story window and now at my new QTH it sets under the house eave in a food storage container feeding a random wire for NVIS. I use it for HF CAP and HAM. I built a remote control box from the SGC diagram so I have a tuned indicator light and a reset button. I wonder why SCG dose not offer this pre-built as I thing its worthwhile. Once the tuner learns the antenna, it tunes quickly so I can even us it for ALE. I run power up to 150W with no isues.
VE3LJQ Rating: 2021-08-30
Fantastic! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I am using this with a Ten-Tec Omni VI and although I also received the Ten-Tec Model 253 Auto Tuner when I bought the Omni VI it did not come with the remote control cable so, since I had been using the SG-239 with other transceivers, I put it into use and haven't looked back. I have a home brew 80 meter off centre fed dipole and an Alpha Delta DX-LB and it tunes both of them perfectly.
KB2EZN Rating: 2021-05-13
Excellent product which continues to work well Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned this for > 8 years and am now on my second Rubbermaid container since the first one wore out due to UV. I have utilized this on and off for many years in various situations and it has performed fantastically. I have loaded many antennas (I enjoy building and testing antennas) along with baluns between the output and antennas. Primarily it loads an inverted L (up 35' then south for another 45') with 2 ground radials (I know not the best) however I am in a HOA and this is just the thing for loading the hidden antennas I use. Often I run it off a 12V 7Ah battery and it will operate for >24 hours without recharging. That so I don't have to run the extra cable since it's mostly temporary (HOA). I have used in car with 108" whip with good results also. And, yes I have had some fun loading the gutters, ladders, TV coax laying on lawn, and other conductors with no adverse effects. When the enclosure fell apart the unit got wet and after thoroughly drying out is still working fine.
This is one of the quickest tuners I have used (after the first tune) and would highly recommend it.
N7GGJ Rating: 2021-04-11
This is an excellent tuner. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned my SG-239 for a long time, really not sure how long. At least 10 years, and I think probably more like 15+.

The 239 has worked to match an inverted L that I made for 160m (and all bands). With that antenna I had plenty of wire out and a pretty good ground radial system. I also tried elevated radials for a while but that's a hassle.

Many an RV trip with the 239 got me on the air in a campsite with random wire slung over whatever tree was available. I had a bag of radials that I'd spread out wherever it seemed safe. One has to be careful and discreet in a campground.

Currently I live in a no-antenna location. I have an antenna that consists of a vertical element about 15 feet high, and a piece of #24 wire that heads out horizontally into a nearby tree. There is one ground wire that is about 60 feet long laid in a convenient drainage area.

This antenna really should be too much for the tuner, but I have used it on 80CW many times. I don't have a strong signal, but the thing does load up and I can hear other stations OK. I keep the power down to 50W--I have very close neighbors, and I know that the match must be way, way out.

Maybe there has been a better piece of equipment in my years of hamming (1963), but if so, I don't recall what it was.
G0UOO Rating: 2018-07-21
Works very well Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Used on a 120ft doublet. Choke on antenna side at the end of 35ft twin line, and co-ax buried back to shack.

Finds a match on all bands 160Mtrs to 10Mtrs. I find it best to tune with about 20W RF. If tuned at lower power it sometimes tries to re-tune during a QSO.

Re-tuning from memories is VERY fast.

Does what it's supposed to at a good price.
KF5PWJ Rating: 2014-03-17
Works great most of the time Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This unit tunes my horizontal V (65' legs) on all bands from 6m to 160m. Unit mounted under the eave of my 2 story home (inside enclosure) with LMR400 and power leads back to an alpha delta lightening arrestor then into my shack. At times it will not find a tuning solution, so I cycle 12VDC supply power then all is good. Returned unit to SGC but they found nothing wrong (1 month at SGC). Installed feeding an inverted "V" (65' legs) at 50' apex height through twin lead and had the same issue with not finding a solution. Eventually worked after power cycled.

Overall finds a tuning solution majority of the time, but when it does not I only have to cycle power and it's good to go. I have not tried the remote control device they offer.
KX4TT Rating: 2014-01-27
Solid Performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I'm on my second SG-239 (I blew up the first one through carelessness; not the tuner's fault). I've used it with whips, random wires, and wire loops. It does a nice job with a 50-ft indoor loop around my ceiling; handles 10-40m without a problem. With a random wire (~55 ft) and several radials, I got good results on 10-80m, with only a little extra time to tune 80m. A 40-ft random wire is a bit of a stretch for 80m but will get you there with a GOOD radial system. With the 16 ft MFJ whip (portable), 10-40 is no problem, but make sure you have several radials. The tuner does a good job finding a match under often adverse operating conditions. I do suggest the Smart Lock for operation under rapidly changing conditions (windy, for instance), but it is not needed for normal use.

So why only a 4? First, the tuner will only handle 80W on CW, while most rigs will generate 100W (I usually run 20-40W anyway); the 80W limit may be conservative, as I've run 100W CW through the tuner without problems (I did it accidently; DO NOT do that with a marginal match; that is why I'm on #2). Also, the input is only two lugs, and not a SO-239 connector, so its a bit of a pain to hook up (the other tuners have SO-239s).

One other note: I have had great service by the techs at SGC. E-mail is the best way to go; they'll get back to you within 24 hours in most cases.
2E0FTG Rating: 2013-11-18
Forgt the rest, buy the best Time Owned: N.A.
I've had the SGC SG-239 for about 3 weeks now and I've got to say that's its the (((BEST))) ATU that I have ever used since day one of being a ham radio operator.
I've got the SG-239 connected directly to the ladder line on my half size G5RV so no coax between the ladder line and SG-239, its in an IP56 water/weather proof box and it tunes every band with ease from 80m-10m, its even tuned up my half size G5RV on 6m even though its only made for 160m-10m. I've not had to mess about with the antenna or SG-239 since its all been installed so truly is an install and forget ATU.
I will be buying another one very soon for my HF setup in the car. From now on I will only be using/buying SGC products in the future without hesitation.
If your looking for a 100% performer (NO) fuss ATU then forget the rest and buy the best.
73s.
N0OQA Rating: 2013-11-03
Great multi-band tuner Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have a Kenwood 590 connected to the SG-239. The SG-239 is connected to a 160 meter horizontal loop antenna (> 500 feet) via ladder line. I am very happy with the combination so far (tunes all bands). Testing this configuration will be my Winter 2013 project. The antenna is very quiet in terms of noise and does well on weak stations. This is the best tuner for may application.
W8EDW Rating: 2013-09-05
Excellent !!! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have a S9V43 43' Vertical. It is parked right next my wooden built shed and pine trees. I use the end peak of the shed roof to help stabilize the ant at about 15'. I bought the SGC SG239 ant coupler, mounted it inside the shed next to the ant wall. Drilled a hole in the wall and ran the ant vertical wire through to the coupler. I didn't expect much since I only buried about 6 radials ranging from 15' to 100'. My brother (not a ham) helped me put up the vertical and we walked into the house to see if it worked. My first contact on 40 meters ssb was a Texas station. (I live in Columbus, OH) The next one was EA3JE in Spain! Not bad for an Icom 735 running 100 watts. So long story short...I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS COUPLER!!