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Reviews For: ICOM AT-180

Category: Antenna Tuners/Matching Networks

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Review Summary For : ICOM AT-180
Reviews: 40MSRP: 499.95
Description:
Matching Auto-Tuner for the IC-706 Series
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.icomamerica.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00404.1
ON7YI Rating: 2021-11-22
Does not tune an swr of 1.5-2.5 in the 60m band (5.357 Mhz) Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It is specified 1.8-54 mhz and my unit works as designed EXCEPT in the 60 M band. Impossible to tune an SWR of 1.5-2.5 at 5.357 Mhz !!! The specification indicate the impossibility to user the tuner at 4.75 Mhz but in fact it will not tune an swr of 1.5-2.5 between approximately 4.5 and 6 Mhz, so no coverage of the 60 m band very unfortunately. The SWR tuning tests in the range of 1.5-2.5 were done with restive dummy loads of several values for best coherence of results over frequency as well as on the air with antennas. The driving TX is an IC-7100.
K9IK Rating: 2021-09-10
Outstanding Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I love my ICOM AT-180 HF+50 MHz Automatic Antenna Tuner. I use it with my Icom IC-7000 and Icom IC-7100. I have no complaints at all. It is an outstanding automatic antenna tuner. Good job Icom!
KQ4KK Rating: 2020-01-01
Gone thru 4 radios, a WORK HORSE Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I originally bought it to use with my 706. Then MK2G, Then 7000, and now with my 7100. Best purchase for all those years. Still keeps up with the 7100, even with the 7100 doing full power on DSTAR HF and 6M. Doesn't tune a bare wire antenna, but does everything else great.
SQ2TAC Rating: 2020-01-01
It is unbelievable...! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have had LDG Z11pro2 tuner connected to my IC706mk2G. In my opinion it's very good setup but... I always wanted to have all 706s line. I decided to buy AT180. It works perfectly. I do not need to do anything... Although LDG is working from 6-1000 Ohm and AT180 from 16-150 Ohm, it tunes my stupid 83m loop perfectly. During the tuning process it's so quiet. It tunes so fast. It's connected to IC706MK2G CPU so It knows what I'm doing and keeps SWR as low as possible. The only thing that I don't like is that fan inside tuner, turns on when I push PTT even on VHF and VHF band. I wish I could find some solutions. Anyway it deserves 5 STARS. It's very nice to have this device connected and LDG is already sold.
CR7000 Rating: 2015-08-21
Not Cheap - But Fantastic Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use this paired with my IC-7100
Performance is great, it tunes my end fed wire from top band right through to 50Mhz with ease, kicks in automatically when needed, and tunes to 1:1 every time, any band.
Fast, quiet performance, works great with the icom radios that it is compatible with
K1FBI Rating: 2013-08-23
Works Well Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have no idea what some are talking about. This tuner is fast and tunes higher SWR than it is advertised to do. I am very pleased with how it works.
VA2DV Rating: 2013-07-08
Perfect mate of the IC-7200 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have tried 2 others models before this one with my Icom IC-7200 , an LDG Z11-proII that was continuously retuning even after all possible things corrected and a lousy SGC MAC-200 that will not go any lower than 2:1 SWR.I was able to return everything and finaly ordered an AT-180 from Icom despite it's limited advertised range.I was first surprised by the weight of the unit.Heavy components.I do like the complete integration with my rig.No more random retuning and 1:1 everytime.
My particular unit will even tune up to 4:1 and 5:1 in certain situations so this is a great extra.It's certainly costly compared to aftermarket units but it's money well invested.
No surprise this tuner as been around for many years.
VA3QRP Rating: 2012-06-03
works great! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have owned one for 13 yrs and have had no problems tuning everything from ham sticks to random wire to dx-lb+'s. Just keep in mind it's 16-150ohm, so of course it doesn't have the range of a roller.

It has survived mobile for more than a decade bouncing in my truck and jeep, can't argue with that.
N0YXE Rating: 2010-09-18
Works great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I re-purchased the AT-180 tuner and 706Mk2 transceiver to use as a back-up rig, also for 2 meter SSB and 10 meter FM simplex and duplex. I tried the LDG IT-100 and it did not tune worth a damn! I remembered how well the first AT-180 had worked, so back the LDG went and in came the AT-180. Yes, it's not cheap. Yes, it doesn't have super large memory. But it works extremely well and unless you are trying to tune a coat hanger (which the LDG will not do) the AT-180 will be perfect with most any antenna. The LDG is marketing their IT-100 at 706 and other Icom rigs, but it falls short! I even tried one of their high power auto tuners and it also failed to a good job. You will enjoy ease of operation and solid quality with the AT-180.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N0YXE on 2009-02-15

I just purchased (again) another new 706 to use with my 756 Pro III, as a back-up and for Ten meter FM repeaters. I went "cheap" by buying the new LDG IT-100 tuner. After I discovered that it doesn't tune 10 meter FM much below 2:1, I decided to call it quits. I re-ordered the AT-180. As I recall, it was fast, quiet, and an excellent unit. The vertical that I'm using has an SWR of around 2.7:1 on 29.600. There is no excuse for the LDG. I've had other problems with LDG autotuners in the past and ended up sending them back, too! Save yourself grief and spend the extra bucks for the very best, the AT-180. If your using the G5RV and the SWR is high (over the 3:1 limit) you might want a multi-band inverted-vee with overall lower SWR (mostly below 2:1). Try an Off Center Fed Dipole. Most all your SWR with be lower and if you plan to use an amp that is fussy with an antenna that has high SWR, it should be content with the OCF. I have an excellent article on OCF's if you would like to read it.

E-mail me at: tbgspaceship@yahoo.com
W2HES Rating: 2010-01-15
Returned for refund Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The first time I used this item it tuned my 20 meter dipole to 1.2:1 with my IC-718. Then I tried 40 meters and got 1.2:1. So far OK. Then I re-tuned to 20 meters - the exact same frequency as before - and got 2.2:1! Tuned back to 40 M and got 1.2:1 went back to 20 m and was stuck at 2.2:1!

Tried everything I could think of (cycle power, etc.) but no luck. The next day the same exact thing happened.

I returned it to HRO ASAP to meet the 10 day return policy requirement.

My antenna is in the attic - dry, no ice, and no wind problems. I can't recommend this tuner to anyone.