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Reviews For: SGC SG-235

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : SGC SG-235
Reviews: 13MSRP: 1595.00
Description:
Model SG-235 Smartuner automatic microprocessor antenna coupler
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.sgcworld.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00134.4
K5EC Rating: 2021-05-10
Don't buy anything from SGC if you think you'll need support Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The SGC SG-235 may be a great antenna coupler, but it is impossible to get a timely response from SGC. I had another issue with the SG-230 a while back. It took weeks for SGC to answer my e-mail and their only response was to deal with HRO where I bought the unit. I sent them an e-mail requesting clarification on how to hook the Smart Lock SGC 54-63 to the Smart Tuner on April 12, 2021. SGC has not answered my e-mail as of May 10, 2021. I have made many phone calls none of which has been answered by a live person. My voicemails are ignored and sometimes I can't even record a message before the voicemail system hangs up on me. Don't buy anything from SGC if you think you might ever need support from the manufacturer.
WA6III Rating: 2020-07-01
Outstanding after 23 years of continuous use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had originally bought an SG-230 ......It worked flawlessly!

Later, I acquired an ICOM 500w amp, sold the 230 and bought the 235. I bought my SG235 in 1997 so I have probably one of the very early ones!

After selling the ICOM, I had an SG500 amp for a time and now have a Henry SS750 solid state amp, And I also use it with my Drake L-4B running around 800w

The SG235 has never failed to tune! It will literally tune anything from an incandescent light-bulb to a metal desk!

I currently have it connected to an approximately 300ft wire that makes a 90 degree bend at about 200ft......and it tunes 160-10m.

In more than 20 years, it has never failed to tune. It does occasionally "break-lock" which can be a bad thing if you're running high power. It's probably a good idea to use the smart-lock circuit to lock the tuner (from re-tuning) unless you're actively tuning. I initially tune using only 10w

They are a little high priced. I think I paid around $1100 from AES Las Vegas, NV (out of business for many years now) But considering how long I've had it, and how well it's worked, it's a bargain!

There is one key to good operation with any end-fed wire tuner.

You must have a GOOD ground! That means there should probably be as much wire on the ground as you have in the air. A simple copper ground rod will not cut it. I have 5 radials 135ft long spread out over the ground underneath the radiating wire. I did run it for years with a single 300ft wire buried PLUS 2 ground rods with *ok* results. It improved greatly with the addition of the 5 radials. I would venture to guess that more wire on the ground would improve it.

I have never tried it with a resonant centerfed dipole but there are people who, using choke baluns and isolation who have been successful at making it work. It's not really designed for center-fed dipoles etc.
W8EDW Rating: 2015-04-15
This hooked to the base of my 43' Vertical - awsome! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had the SG-230 and loved it. I used it at the base of my 43' vertical. I was only running 100 W at that time. I was so pleased with it, I bought the SG-235 when I got my AL-811 amp. All I can say is wow, what a nice combination. (Check out my set up on QRZ.) For someone that has a "postage stamp" size yard like me, you can literally work the world with no problem. The other kicker is that I only have about 6 random length radials...Buy one, you won't be sorry.
K0LTD Rating: 2014-07-31
Great unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Should have bought this unit in the 1st place..This unit has a range of 2ohms to 5,000 ohms..Yes, that is the statement from SGC..
VK3GK Rating: 2013-06-12
Perfect !!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought this beastie 2nd hand with a broken case as it had been dropped on the feedthrough insulator. Luckily all the bits were still inside the case, a bit of superglue and I fired it up, still works.... Bonus.
I took this tuner on the VK9NT Dx-pedition to use with a 500w KPA500 amp and a 12m spiderpole vertical. I made a home brew controller, basically ground the reset pin, apply 10w RF and clackity clack....tuned in seconds
What a combo, fast tuning with 10w drive across all bands except 160m (wire was too short but i knew this)
ATU easily handled the 500w CW and 600w or so of SSB.
(We also used the SG230 200w atu on the other vertical with 200w CW again flawless operation)


Z21BB Rating: 2012-01-16
Good tuner, but Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Great piece of equipment, well built and works flawlessly. This is what I use for anything but 10, 15 or 20m. It tunes my tilted long wire, which is about 150m long (folded in a rectangular shape with a longer side of about 60m) hanging from the top of a tall tree.
I have had the same 2 diodes blown in the tuner 3 times already, in heavy thunderstorms. My tuner is well grounded by means of a 2m galvanized steel rod driven into good soil, and is also connected to a fan of 15 long radials spreading under the wire (good RF ground is essential for your LW to work properly, as clearly explained in the manual). The tuner rests very close to the ground, to achieve a very short connection between the radial fan, the rod and the ground bolt in the tuner. This is also an important detail, as otherwise the connecting cable may radiate and create problems to you. It is not such a big deal to replace the diodes, which are ordinary fast-switching ones, but somehow it annoys me that this keeps on happening in spite of my precautions. That is why I give it a 4 instead of a 5. I am not sure whether there is a technical impediment as to not fitting a fuse in the circuit. Otherwise I am really satisfied with this quality product, and look forward to a version that can handle 1 KW or more.

73 de Fernando (now Z21BB)
9V1VV Rating: 2008-07-07
Good Remote Coupler Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Unlike the SG-500 amp which I think is overpriced, this coupler is excellent value.

I have used one on the roof of an offshore accomodation barge mounted in a plastic box for added protection, on and off for the past 3 years. It still works well even in such a harsh salty environment.

Pay attention to the minumum wire lengths: it will not work with less than 300 feet on 2.0 MHz and below.

It can drive a ballanced antenna such as a doublet fed with 600 Ohm ladder line, by placing an ugly balun of 30 feet RG213/RG8 and control cable wrapped round an 8 inch plastic drum just before the coupler.

Works well even with total 100 feet cable, including 70 feet to the radio room from the balun. 600 watts PEP no trouble.

Be careful not to tune on full power; the relays don't like it. Only a few watts is required.

You definitely need the smart-lock pro if you are using it totally remote such as in this installation.
KG5JJ Rating: 2004-02-13
Nice coupler. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The case on the 235 is much better than the one on my 231. Very nicely built unit. Has worked flawlessly for me.

I gave this coupler a 4 out of 5 for two reasons; don't stress or twist the case feed-through that houses the Smart-Lock and coaxial cables. The sealant will release. Also, be aware of the minimum length of wire allowed on 160 meters. Pay attention to the above, and follow the directions, and you'll be rewarded with a QRO (500 watt) coupler that makes bandswitching almost instantaneous. Two thumbs-up on this unit.

73 KG5JJ (Mike)
K8SWD Rating: 2003-11-11
Fantastic! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using for over 5 years an SGC-235 coupler in a mobile installation using the QMS and SG-303 whip along with the SGC 500 watt amp and an Icom 706MKII. I originally started out with a QMS/303 whip and SGC230 coupler using an Icom 735 in the mobile. Then I wanted to move up to 500 watts, so I swapped out the 230 for the 235. I still have the 230 by the way--that is also an awesome coupler! I did have to add a ceramic insulator to the QMS box.

I am on my second 235 coupler. Something went wrong with the "brain box" after a couple of years or so and it was replaced with a complete new unit. Warranty was 5 years when I bought mine, but is only 1 year now :( I think inadequate grounding is the root of most problems with couplers such as these, and grounding becomes more critical with higher power levels.

My replacement unit has been in daily service for over 3 years now without a problem. I use solid copper strap to ground it to the vehicle. I believe this is a must--I had some tuning problems using braid strap--I even had up to 4 1" braids at one time. After going to the solid copper strap--it works like a charm. The minimum antenna specifications have been increased several times over the years I have owned this unit. When I bought my 235 coupler, a 50' or longer wire was needed for 160 meters. Now, it's 315' long! Hmmmmm? I have done well with at least a 1/4 wave on the lowest frequency I needed--but try for 150' when I can. Must have a real good ground and/or counterpoise however!

My QMS box has the lettering all faded off. It has withstood over 7 Michigan winters and I am due for my 3rd set of suction cups. The coupler has performed its tasks well, automatically, in rain, heat, cold, snow, ice, on and off road.

Occasionally, the 235 will not find a match under 1.5:1 and will settle in around 2.1:1 or so. I simply go to another band, tune there, then come back and all is good.

This coupler is not cheap. It does take some time to install into an effective station. This coupler is not a "cure all" for lack of antenna knowledge either. It may not perform up to a good screwdriver, but often I only have a 4 mile drive. In the time it takes me to tune a screwdriver, I can work 3 DX stations on different bands with my SGC235.

SGC's service and warranty coverage is second to none. Many can learn by their example! Even though this unit costs a lot, and I had one fail, I don't regret buying it and would do so again. I still give it a 5.
9K2KS Rating: 2001-10-06
Doesn't like high temperature Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I'm using the SG-235 for the last 5 months in different combinations and locations.I also compare it with HARRIS 601A coupler.
Combinations and locations :
TS-950SDX,SG-500AMP,25m wire at home.
IC-706MKIIG,SG-500AMP,SG-303 ANT. at car.
IC-706MKIIG,SG-500AMP,RACAL BASE&WHIP '3m' at car.
TS-B2000,SG-303 ANT. at an island.
TS-B2000,RACAL MAST-ANT.12m at an island.
DX-70TH,SG-500AMP,RACAL MAST-ANT.12m at a camp.
DX-70TH,SG-500AMP,15m wire at a camp.
FURUNO marinr,SG-500AMP,10m wire at boat.
The unit will tune any piece of wire on any HF frequency 'minimum 4m' and it's 100% Waterproof, but it does not like high temperatures '55C+' even in the shade while it should work in '70C' as mentioned in the specification.That's the difference between it and the HARRIS 601A coupler which I've been using for years.On the other hand The SG-235 is better in weight,size and in the tuning speed after the modification.
The optional SG Remote On/Off unit should include more indications,TEMP...etc.
I don't think that we will ever find a coupler that will suit all.

Regards,
9K2KS