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Reviews For: LDG Z-11Pro Memory Autotuner

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : LDG Z-11Pro Memory Autotuner
Reviews: 80MSRP: 179
Description:
The return of the popular Z-11 in a Pro version with increased RF power capacity and more memories. 0.1 to 125 watts (100W on 6M). 8000 3-D memories store up to 4 antenna settings per frequency, SWR indicator, internal battery capable, latching relays, SSB tuning and 160 thru 6 meter coverage.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ldgelectronics.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
14804.2
N2LRB Rating: 2015-09-28
Work OK, Takes Long to tune Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased this auto tuner with the thought of using it outdoor portable with my Yaesu FT-857D. I found that it takes an average of 20-35 seconds to tune. This happens even when the antenna is the proper length for the given frequency. I have tried it on a dipole resonate on 14.250Mhz, which my MFJ-259C says has an swr 1:1 and this tuner will still take 20 seconds. It should take no second. Ultimately it works, but after using my first Elecraft tuner (on my KX3 which takes 1 second to tune) I can't give this tuner a great review. This tuner takes too long to tune and makes me concerned about my finals.
NA5XX Rating: 2015-05-31
Works mobile for me Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have an IC-706 original feeding the LDG tuner and a 102 inch whip running mobile. The combo works great. The tuner will tune the whip from 6-40 meters. 40 takes some doing but it works. Have to use the tune button on the tuner for 6meters for some unknown reason. Tune button or radio works for all other bands. This is my second tuner from LDG and both are excellent.
TA3EP Rating: 2015-02-08
GREAT LITTLE TUNER Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I use my LDG Z-11 Pro II with my longwire antenna by adding a RBA-4:1 balun. I also added 8 AA batteries in it. LDG Z-11 Pro II is user friendly, easy operable, almost plug and play, lightweight and tiny. Works smoothly. If you want to make the memory operation work well, you have to mount the batteries in it. It uses batteries only during tuning, when tuning finishes it doesn't consume the batteries. I tried that tuner with IC-7200, FT-857D and Efe QRP succesfully. It works better than AT-200. I will buy one another LDG Z-11 Pro II for mobile operations.
N2DM Rating: 2015-01-22
very handy Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have the Z11 Pro,tuner. Have had for over 5 years. Number 1 like: The tuner has latching relays, and draws no power in standby mode. Retains setting until you retune. (Other auto tuners I have used that are non-latching lose settings with power shutdown).
No. 2 like, matches any antenna I have used. Balun may be needed for some ant's.
Dislike: tuner may be put into bypass, but will not remain so, unless power is removed from tuner. With 12volts applied, and when transmitting, the tuner will switch from bypass to retune mode.
I very much like using with Hustler mobile whip, tuner at base of antenna in weather proof container, works great.
Would buy another. 73, Dale.
M0NAF Rating: 2014-10-01
Excellent!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I would not be without my Z11 Pro2. It lives in my car and is used for Special Event stations and for mobile use. It will tune almost anything, and that include a 2m Slim Jim to 40 M ( a coax connection error caused that!!). I run it off the same battery I use for the Alinco DX-70 I keep in the car. It has not failed me of given me any trouble in well over two years and I would recommend it to any new Amateur as it is a good price and you get an excellent piece of kit at the price.
KK4WEY Rating: 2014-06-18
SIMPLE Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This little unit has worked great for me. I use an end fed match box antenna on hf, and the z11 keeps my swr below 1.75, 80-10m. Great product and simple to use.
WA6MOW Rating: 2014-03-19
A Must Have! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
These tuners are an absolute bargain. I have one in my vehicle and one in my shack. I installed an internal battery holder and my AA batteries last over a year of daily use. No additional power cable required. Key down and it instantly tunes. Works better than any internal tuner. Whether you work QRP or run 100 watts I highly recommend the LDG line of tuners. Great company, greta products.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by WA6MOW on 2008-11-23

I love this tuner. I managed to burn it up through stupidity and the LDG people repaired it at no charge! In conjunction with an LDG balun, the antenna configurations are endless. I highly recommend the LDG tuners.
WB0OEW Rating: 2013-06-09
works well complete remote Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My approach to antenna tuners is always put them as close to the antenna as possible. A tuner in the radio or amp is only useful if you expect to ever connect it directly to the antenna without a feedline. Since I don't ever run more than 100W I decided to use the Z11-Pro as the basis for a rugged remote tuner for use around the home that I could leave outdoors with the antennas.

I live in the desert SW so I was concerned about heat. I contacted LDG and they assured me the unit will be fine with ambient temperatures up to 140F. I put mine in a polycarbonate box covered with aluminum tape to help reflect some of the hot sun. In the box I put the LDG along with an MFJ 4116 Bias Tee and Elecraft BL2 balun kit. Antenna connections come out to two 5-way binding posts. Before closing it up I set it to Auto mode by pressing Func then tapping C Up until the inner two (of the four) LEDs are lit.

Then with another bias tee at the shack end, this gives me a maintenance-free fully automatic remote tuner located at the antenna connected back to the radio with any amount of coax. I've used it with long wires, inverted-Ls, ground planes and dipoles. Any time I QSY or change bands I give a quick tune with 1 Watt and watch the SWR drop within a few seconds. On the rare occasions when it can not find a match, it leaves the SWR at 10:1 so it is always clear one way or the other. I've had this setup for over two years, outside from freezing to over 110 F without any problems whatsoever.

I am very satisfied with the the LDG Z-11Pro.
LICENSED1962 Rating: 2013-04-30
Convienance for old guy Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The magic smoke that makes this work has never left the box.

Why did I purchase this expensive accessory instead of properly tuning my antenna(s)? Only because I no longer enjoy putting up and taking down all those improperly tuned antennas for the freq I want to be on, and have always found eliminating SWR across multiple bands with "manual" units bit tedious.

Sure, it hunts and pecks to get there, but it often does! I have used it with several radios, including QRP, with very good results. I am currently using it with a 20-15-10 inverted V and a TS480AT. It often tunes better than the 480 (sometimes tunes when the 480 will not.) YMMV. And of course it can be tuned manually for SWL.

A couple of suggestions: Get your antenna as close as you can and ALWAYS tune with low power.

I give it a "good" instead of a "great" because recently, sometimes, it seems one or more of the relays becomes stuck. I unplug the unit, power up, and manual jog the relays. Also, it seems multiple memories are at work on the same frequency. Several momentary "Tunes" are needed to get the right one.

All things considered I am very happy I spent the money for this Z-11ProII.
WB0FDJ Rating: 2013-04-29
No problems at all Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Got this when I moved several year ago. It was early winter and no time for putting up a decent antenna. So dropped a 33 ft wire out the window (upstairs shack) to tree and ran it with my FT-817, using the free balun they included. Used only the internal batteries. Works like a champ. Got a good match on 40 through 10 and made a lot of contacts with it. Yeah I had a manual tuner but changing bands took only seconds. Have been happy with. Not one problem. Recommended.