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Reviews For: LDG Z-817 QRP Autotuner

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : LDG Z-817 QRP Autotuner
Reviews: 38MSRP: 129.99
Description:
The ultimate QRP autotuner with built-in interface for FT-817. Powered by four internal AA batteries that lasts over a year. Tuning could not be simpler; one button push on the tuner is all that is needed and the Z-817 takes care of the rest. It will switch to PKT mode, transmit a carrier, tune the tuner, then restore the radio to the previous mode! 2000 memories cover 160 through 6 meters. Matches up to 8 to 1 SWR and up to 20 watts.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ldgelectronics.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15384.8
DJ3UN Rating: 2016-07-15
Awesome Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
So far I tuned literary everything I tried to tune everywhere I try to tune - from couple of meters of wire to multiband vertical not intended for the tuned band at all - and I made QSOs every time with it and my FT817ND.
VK5GI Rating: 2016-01-17
No service Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Just out of warrantee, bought off another ham, and
I used it for less than six months. Working one moment, dead as a brick the next. LDG DO NOT SUPPLY SCHEMATICS WITH THEIR PRODUCTS. Are they totally ashamed of them? I would not buy another one, I only gave it a 1 because at least I had six months out of it with my FT-817.
K5TED Rating: 2015-05-23
Works Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just got this thing to replace a Z-100 in my backpack setup. It tuned a 48" Francis fiberglass CB stick on my backpack, no counterpoise, to 20m 14.300 and I checked in to the Maritme Mobile Net with it at 3.5w on a FT-817ND and got a "light but readable" report.

Nuff said.
WA7NDD Rating: 2015-03-24
Never failed! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have had my Z-817 since they came out, and my FT-817ND since 2008. The tuner has had no problem in tuning all normal antennas. OFC, Stepper 3 element if needed, and various end fed wire and verticals. Many like the Elecraft T1, and I am sure it is a great tuner. But, I like the extra accessory socket on the back of the tuner to allow CAT control when I use PSK31, no "Y" cable needed. I am not one for back packing, I can barley walk now, but the system works just fine in my RV. If you look up "The Old Man Go Box" in Eham.net there are two articles and pics showing my system. I have a newer third version pictures on the FT817 Face Book group, and the FT-817 Yahoo grouup. 73's
AE5YJ Rating: 2015-02-18
works as advertised Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have a homebrew buddistick clone with the 40 meter coil. To test, I connected the radio and tuner, listened on 80 meters, and pushed tune. Approximately 5 seconds later, the 40m antenna was tuned on 80 (probably not enough for actual use, but had swr light indicator) and noise level shot up indicating a decent tune. I was just curious, and to my surprise it tuned quickly. Installation was a snap, and I did not expect a collapsed buddistick clone with a 40 meter coil in to be in range enough to tune on 80. This thing is a winner.
M0SAZ Rating: 2014-08-24
Simple and Effective Time Owned: more than 12 months.
What's not to like about this matcher? I use it with my Yaesu FT-817ND. The relays are quiet, the batteries last an age in it, it will tune so much. There really isn't anything better for QRP. To give the ATU (any ATU) the best possible reliability and range, always use an earth connection where practical - the Z-817 has an earth point on it. The simple one touch tuning for the FT-817(ND) means there isn't anything else out there that could do a better job.
G8UBJ Rating: 2013-03-11
Well thought out Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have a few LDG tuners but this one really integrates well with my FT-817. In a way the simplicity (for the user) of the product makes it more useful than some of their high end models.
KA2WDV Rating: 2012-07-13
Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This Tuner is very good. When using it with the Yaesu FT-817Nd you need to go to menu #14 and select 38400 for the baud rate for it to work.GREAT TUNER
G4YVM Rating: 2011-11-04
Fabulous tuner. Works every time Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
A small and easily carried tuner that sits atop the 817 very nicely. It will work with other radios too of course, like my IC 703!

The z817 tunes quickly and quietly and I have had it tune everything from random wire kite aerials to stubby mobile whips in my 4x4. Every time it just works well, it does what it is meant to do!

I have used ( and use still) manual ATUs and long wire tuners as well as other auto tuners but the z817 is one of the easiest and neatest. It beats manual tuners for mobile work hands down. Combined with a rig-front SWR display it's a winning combination for the car. I wish the icon 703 built in ATU was as good !
AE5J Rating: 2011-08-01
Great tuner Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This tuner works very well with the FT-817. It easily tunes any of my four antennas quickly. Not too many mentions of one of the best features of the Z-817 is the additional CAT port. Just plug the CAT cable from the computer into the tuner and connect the supplied CAT cable to the port on the 817. Perfect CAT operation and a one button tune function for the 817.

Also a word of recommendation for W4RT where I purchased the Z-817. I ordered on Friday and had the tuner in hand on Monday- W4RT to Texas via USPS with FREE shipping and the best price. You can't beat that anywhere.