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Reviews For: Mizuho KX-3 Sky Coupler

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : Mizuho KX-3 Sky Coupler
Reviews: 1MSRP:
Description:
SWL/BCL antenna tuner with optional AM broadcast receiving loop. Also great for QRP HF operation. (160-10m, 10W maximum through power.)
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mizuhoradio.com/kx.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
KU4QD Rating: 2003-05-06
Very nice for the QRPer or shortwave enthusiast Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The Mizuho KX-3 Sky Coupler, much like the older KX-2, is a manual antenna tuner designed for shortwave and AM broadcast band listening. It also can handle 10W of through power for HF QRP operation. I've used mine for both SWLing with a Ten Tec 1254 receiver and with several QRP rigs (Mizuho and Tokyo Hy-Power HF handhelds, Mizuho CW monoband rigs, NCG 7/21/50 on HF, NCG 15M) and found that it can tune just about anything and get a decent match. As with most Mizuho tuners, this one is built like a tank. The controls are large enough and clearly labelled. An optional loop antenna was available for AM broadcast listening.

Unlike the older KX-2, SO-239 connectors and connections for wire antennas are standard on both the antenna and transceiver connections, which is a big step forward. The coupler off position has been replaced by an LF (low frequency) position which I have not had the opportunity to try. The idea that this tuner may work for VLF is intriguing to say the least.

For SWLing I have nothing but nice things to say about this tuner. It offers everything the KX-2 did and operates pretty much the same way. For a QRP ham tuner it's a bit big compared to Mizuho's own KX-QRP or the current KX-S9 Sky Coupler. As the KX-S9 is about $100 new and covers 6 meters as well, I can only recommend the KX-3 if you find it at a very nice price. I did, and I have not been disappointed.