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Reviews For: Kenwood AT-130

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : Kenwood AT-130
Reviews: 25MSRP: 144.95 / 1983
Description:
100W Antenna Tuner
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15255
LU7BSE Rating: 2023-03-10
Kenwood quality tuner Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Tuner, very well built, although in high bands I notice it much more sensitive, but it can adjust any type of antenna very well. I recommend it.
VA7AA Rating: 2022-05-29
Stood the Test of Time Time Owned: more than 12 months.
... recently dug out this little tuner to use with my new FT 891 (you get a lotta rig for very little coin). Surprisingly, it works exactly as advertised on all bands. This tuner has been used and abused over the years, put too much power though it over 20 years ago and just found out the main #2 iron core material fractured in two places... likely too much power from an amp I no longer have. Carefully glued the core back together with "crazy glue"... wow good as new.(yes you can do this) Purchased a new MFJ 948 along with the new rig, but it's now gonna get relegated to tuning long wires and balanced feeders. The AT-130 is a little easier to use than the MFJ but both seem to work OK into my EFHW antenna. Edit:.. the 12V light bulbs are incandescent, not LED so feed em with 7.5 or 9V instead of 12 and they'll last forever. Forum heading says product in production... Kenwood still make this little tuner?... if not they should.
VA2AYX Rating: 2020-07-31
It's a keeper Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought used in 1995, used it on my boat to tune pro-am style antennas. Easy to use solid and with a wider tuning range then most.
Was recently offered $ 250.00 for it, but REFUSED !
YU2SRB Rating: 2020-07-30
Reliable performer by Kenwood Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Use it both - mobile and home. It tune every wire in any direction you install it with my Icom IC 7400. Very reliable piece of equipment.
This little thing weights "only" 1.6kg and its a pleasure to own it and work with. Will never sell it.
ZS5J Rating: 2019-10-15
A lifetime ATU Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This AT-130, is the oldest ham item that I bought new and still have. I got licenced in 1984 right out of school. Visited the USA in 1987 and bought this new from AES when they still had a branch in Clearwater, Florida. I paid $ 115.00 for it new.

I have bought hundreds of ham radio items since then. This AT-130 is now 32 years old, and looks and works like new - after spending those 32 years in a salty humid environment close to the beach.

This ATU would truly last a lifetime and more. Very (extremely) well built, tunes anything. Ideal partner for your portable or base rig.
Buy one, if you can find one. MFJ cannot compare to these tuners. Any MFJ equipment I buy has labels wearing off after 6 months of use.
WB4TJH Rating: 2019-10-10
Tough little tuner. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I got this tuner used 15 years ago, and it has been a very versatile unit. I still use it, mostly when operating mobile and portable and it works well with my qrp Elecraft K2 and my Yaesu FT-450D. It is a heavy little item and is built like a tank. I will never part with it. It will match up to a 10:1 SWR and is hard to beat.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by WB4TJH on 2005-09-12

I have a mint one that I have used for years. It is extremely overbuilt and rugged and tunes about a 10:1 or so swr with no problems. The demand must be high these days, since I just saw a nice one with a manual go for $304 on Ebay! I could not belive what some people will pay for one. It is really a simple little tuner, just very well engineered and ruggedly built. I guess that goes to show you how well liked the AT-130 is and how rare they must be getting. I sure plan to hang on to mine.
WA8KOQ Rating: 2016-03-13
STILL a Great Tuner Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I agree with others that say," If you can find one BUY IT". This little tuner may not look like much but it sure does the job. Tunes my Rain Gutter with ease all bands. Still worth checking out if your looking for a tuner.
LU9WFN Rating: 2013-10-29
Very capable Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have not tried vertical, only one, the rest of dipoles, 20 meters long wire with coax or 300 ohm TV line no problem!
N5XJT Rating: 2013-10-28
Great little tuner! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought it used, was unsure of it at first but am now delighted with it. I use it with my FT-840 and my Tempo 2020, works great. Tunes quickly, would probably match a tin building to any rig and it is built like a tank. If you find one, grab it!
AI4WC Rating: 2010-08-01
Great tuner! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I recently reviewed this great tuner, and like NY4D, I put contact cleaner on the contacts and it works great. I match it up with my Kenwood TS-130 and I work the world. Yes, I did as I said I would; I found another one that looked new in the box and bought it too (for tuner insurance!). I won't even hook it up until/if I need a new tuner! If you can find one, buy it!!