I recently received a query asking about the Palstar AT2K tuner. I answered and then thought the answer might be helpful to others also:
The Palstar tuner looks like a high-end, high-power manual antenna tuner. Probably a good product, though a bit pricey. If you are planning to get a linear amplifier so you can go full legal limit, this would be a good accessory.
But before you get the amplifier, you should invest in a really good antenna, such as a 5 or 6-element beam on a tower, because if you can’t hear ’em, you can’t work ’em!
After 35 years of hamming I still use 100 watt radios, and find that my MFJ-993B, for about half the price of the Palstar, is automatic and very fast, and will tune up to 300 watts. You can see the page for it at http://mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-993B. They also offer a higher power unit, I think 600 watts, for more money.
Bob, I don’t use the tune button on the tuner. Rather I use the tune button on the TenTec. On the Jupiter, pressing tune puts out about 20 watts, and causes the tuner to seek the best match. I don’t have to touch the tuner at all. Does your Omni 6 have a similar tune button? 73, Dave
Dave,
I read your comments on the TenTec and Intellituner. How did you connect the tuner to the back of the rig? I am using the tuner with my Omni 6 but would like to set it up so that the tuner keys up the radio tune at a lower power level than it does now connected only to the antenna line.
Thanks
nz2z