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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
KX5F Rating: 2009-02-27
Works Great So Far Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Using this with my FT-817nd, and so far its great. I have had several other tuners and they all worked but not as seamless as this one. 73 Patrick
VE3XNB Rating: 2009-02-27
Great Tuner Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am very pleased with this divice. It workd great. I previously was using a Z-100, but this proved to be slightly inconvenient. The "one touch" feature on the 817 is great. I use this in my portable station with my FT-817. My base is an FT-840 with an AT-100PRO.
The ONLY thing I did not like was the picture on the box was different then the tuner IN the box.
I like the tuner in the box better. This did not prove to be a problem at all.
KF8KL Rating: 2009-01-24
A no-brainer! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
For anyone who has the Yaesu FT-817 this one is a no-brainer. Easy to set up, easy to use--nothing could be simpler. AND, what's more it works like a champ. I used to own the Elecraft T1 and find the LDG 817Z works better for me. I'm using a 75 meter dipole up only 30 feet or so but remarkably the tuner will let me work on all bands. Bravo to LDG for a great accessory for the 817.
KA3EHL Rating: 2009-01-03
Recomended Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Got the unit new from outlet. Set up with ft-817 was very easy. Only tested on one antenna so far and matched my stealth antenna very quickly. Tunning was very fast. So far I recomend this unit with the ft-817.
W8MJE Rating: 2008-12-20
Perfect FT-817 companion Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was deciding between the Elecraft T1 and this unit for my new FT-817. The Elecraft is an excellent unit, but it would cost 50% more, and still not be as well integrated with the FT-817. Add to that a friend's rave review of the LDG 897 tuner, and I decided to get this unit.

I'm glad I did. It's the perfect companion to the little Yaesu. Together with a long hank of wire, some cord, and a 4:1 balun, you're ready to set up anywhere and start operating.
W8AQ Rating: 2008-12-14
Nice Little Tuner Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I own LDG AT-897 and Z-100 autotuners. Have been happy with both. I bought the Z-817 basically because it would give me one button tuning on my FT-817. I had used the Z-100 quite successfully so thought the one touch tune would be a plus. The Z-817 arrived two days ago. I spent the weekend on the air with it and am VERY impressed. It tuned everything I hit it with and without an hesitation. 40 meter inverted vee, dipole, etc. I am selling the Z-100 and very happy with the little Z0817.
W6GQ Rating: 2008-11-14
Good Tuner Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well I bought this tuner because I have had so much luck with the Z-100 Ultra tuner. This Z-817 has made me just as happy. One downfall I have found is tuning 60 meter with the FT-817ND. It will not provide any RF output in the PSK mode on 60 meter as is should not. I just have to find out how to make the Z-817 tune while I talk on USB. Now I have to read the the manual =(
VE2EQL Rating: 2008-11-11
Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just received it. Tested it with LDG baluns 4:1 & 1:1 models. My antennas are a 176 ft dipole with ladder line, and 2 - 88 ft dipoles also fed with ladder line. I also used current baluns and chokes. I had no trouble tuning any band, which it did quickly. The 4 - AA internal batteries have been running for two days, with constant re-tuning all over the band edges to see if there was a spot where the Z-817 would not tune. I have not found , anywhere on the bands, where it did not work. I also connected a BIRD wattmeter with a 5 watt slug on the output to see what the SWR was. The major selling point was having internal AA batteries, which will last a long time. BTW, I have also used it on a BIX20, and tunes easily. So buying this for another radio provides dual use. My next experiment is to use a whip antenna like the AT-271 on my back pack with a trailing wire. I also have the LDG QRP tuner, 2 - Z-100 and I just purchased the K-100 tuner for use with a TS-50. They all worked great, and support is first class.