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Reviews For: BetterRF 7000 Screwdriver Control

Category: Antennas: HF Mobile & Accessories

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Review Summary For : BetterRF 7000 Screwdriver Control
Reviews: 43MSRP: 84.95 + 8.00 shipping
Description:
Companion piece for the BetterRF 7000 Tune Control. It allow automatic tuning of a motorized antenna with the tune button on the IC-7000
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.qth.com/betterrf/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00434.5
K2WO Rating: 2008-01-13
Excellent and Reasonable Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently picked this up, along with the Better RF IC-7000 Tune Control(you need both to make this work). The two items together are priced right. The instructions that come with it are somewhat convoluted, but if you take your time and read them all carefully, you won't have a problem. I am using this set up with a High Sierra Sidekick(also great piece of equipment) and it works perfectly! Much better(and safer) than tuning manually. This little baby finds a perfect 1.5:1 match on all bands, 8 - 6 meters. I recommend this very highly.
K2BU Rating: 2007-12-02
Works Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been using this screwdriver controller for about two months. The installation was simple connecting it to the 7000 Tune Control. Of course every mobile installation is different. I found the key is to remove any RF by adding a mix 31 type snap on ferrite bead to the motor and tuner leads. This acts as an RF choke and takes the RF off all the lines. This controller allows you to change the motor speed, set minimum SWR per band and park the antenna if you want to get into your garage. I am using a High Sierra Sidekick Antenna, and it is a pleasure to just hit the tune button on the IC-7000 while safely driving the car. This product works as advertised.
K0BG Rating: 2007-10-17
Works as advertised Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This unit plugs into the 7000 Tune Control via a 2.5 mm stereo cable. All of the functions are programmable from the front panel of the Icom IC-7000. The only modification, is changing a jumper position inside the Tune Control. It will interface with any remotely tuned HF antenna (160 through 6 meters), which draws less than 4.5 amps.

The SWR maybe set for each 2 MHz segment from 1 to 56 MHz. Direction control, stall current, and motor speed can be programmed into non volatile memory.

Since it remembers where it is, changing bands and pushing the Tune/Call button will cause the antenna to move in the correct direction. There is even a park function for those who need it.

All power except for the antenna's motor are supplied by the radio (about 200 mils during operation).

At $120 plus shipping for the two devices, it's a bargain.