FAQ

A: We recommend using 2 to 5 watts for initial tune-ups. But the T1 will auto-tune with as little as 0.5 watts, so it can be used effectively with nearly all available QRP rigs. If you want to do "milliwatting" with the T1, you may need to tune up at higher power first, then drop your transmitter's power during actual operation.

A: Yes. The PC board is only about 2 by 3 inches, so it could be built into just about any rig. With some effort, the T1 could be installed inside the battery compartment of the FT-817. In the case of a Sierra, you could mount the T1 in the Sierra's top cover so that the switches and LEDs were accessible, then aim the BNC jacks out the back by cutting U-shaped channels down from the top. This is an ideal ATU for either rig, and it has been extensively tested with both (not to mention the K2, K1, and KX1).

A: The T1 will tune using SSB voice or CW keying as well as a constant carrier (AM, FM, CW, packet, etc.). In the case of SSB voice, the ATU samples and averages peak voice power to establish a threshold that ensures accurate SWR measurement. Of course a constant carrier will reduce initial tune times compared to an intermittent voice or CW keyer waveform. But thanks to the T1's memories, re-tunes typically take just 1 to 2 seconds in any mode.

A: The T1 always tries to hit 1.0:1, and usually gets pretty close. This ensures maximum power transfer and takes best advantage of the low-pass characteristics of an L-network. Sometimes this extra effort to hit 1.0:1 means that the T1 will take a little longer to find a match, but finding the best match is usually more important than saving a couple of seconds on an initial tune.

A: Yes. The T1 saves a large number of L-C settings from previous tune-ups, then tries these first when you start a TUNE operation. This cuts typical re-tune times to about 1 to 2 seconds.

A: The vast majority of commercial, kit, and home-built transmitters have some form of protection from high SWR. This is important when using either a manual or automatic antenna tuner, because a wide range of impedances is presented to the final stage during tuning. SWR protection is often mentioned in the specifications or theory of operation section of a transceiver manual. If not, take a look at the schematic. If the transmitter includes ALC, current limiting, or voltage limiting (i.e., a zener diode at the PA collector), chances are it can be used at full power during auto-tuning. If you're not sure, do auto-tuning using no more than half the rig's maximum power output. Small transceivers of many types have been extensively tested at full power with the T1.

A: No. We've found that this causes problems in some matching situations, and can drain the battery much more rapidly. Instead, the T1 re-tunes only when you want it to-either by holding the TUNE button or by transmitting within a few seconds of changing bands (if you have a remote-control adapter).

A: Yes; it will usually extend the range of electrically short antennas to cover the entire nominal band and possibly nearby bands, too (without a coil or segment length adjustment). But these antennas can be very narrow-banded and/or inefficient, so longer antennas are generally preferred when available. Please refer to the "Antenna Recommendations" section of the T1 Owner's Manual, which you can download from our web site.

A: The T1 is intended for use near the operating position. But with a little effort it could be remoted, and its extremely small size would be beneficial for this purpose. First, the tuner must be placed in a weatherproof container if used outdoors. Second, controlling the tuner remotely requires a shielded control cable back to the operating position; this cable must supply, at minimum, a simple switch closure to wake up the tuner. It's also possible to create your own band-data interface from the rig to the ATU, as explained in the T1 Owner's Manual. Finally, you'll need an SWR bridge at the operating position since you won't be able to see the LEDs on the T1.

A: That depends on the battery type and how often you change bands or re-tune. Every effort was made to keep current drain low: we used latching relays, which draw no current once they're switched, and the T1 turns itself completely off when not tuning. Even with frequent use, an alkaline battery should last for many months, while a lithium ("Ultralife") battery should last for well over a year. The T1 checks the battery voltage on every power-up and will warn you when it starts getting low.

A: Yes-and it will save a lot of room and weight in your pack. It's just 4.4 by 2.5 by 0.9", which is about one-fourth the size of other small ATUs and half the size of small manual tuners. Even more important for hikers is that it weighs only 5 ounces, including the internal battery. The closest competing ATU weighs three times as much.

A: The T1 is very rugged, so there's no need to pack it inside a separate travel container. Also, if the T1 gets turned on accidentally, it will shut itself off after just a few seconds. However, to prevent the T1 from ever getting turned on during transport, we recommend flipping the battery around so it doesn't make contact. This takes just a few seconds thanks to the integrated 9-V battery compartment and molded-in battery clips; there are no wires to deal with. (The T1 also includes reverse-polarity protection, so no damage will occur if you put the battery in backwards.)

A: No. The T1 kit uses all through-hole parts, so it's easy to build. You'll need a temperature-controlled soldering iron with a fine tip, and flush-cutters for close trimming of component leads. Tools and soldering techniques are discussed in the professionally written, illustrated assembly manual.

A: We're only offering the T1-FT817 adapter assembled because it includes a very small PC board with 0402-size surface-mount components (translation: very hard for most people to solder). This PC board is located inside the mini-DIN connector at the transceiver end, which minimizes RF pickup on the band-data line. A shielded cable is used to route the adapter's output signals to the T1.

A: A third-party "one-touch-tune" (OTT) unit can be used with the T1 ATU, if desired, although the T1 doesn't require a constant carrier for tuning. Using both an OTT unit and the T1-FT817 adapter is also possible, but this may make the transceiver and tuner more susceptible to RFI, as well as less physically robust during mobile or HF Pack operation.

A: Not at present. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, we think you'll find the fully integrated KAT2 an excellent tuner for use with the K2.