Topband: Good tuner for 160 m

w8uvz w8uvz at voyager.net
Sat Dec 13 12:07:25 EST 2008


Another tuner, often overlooked by some, is the Ten Tec model 229 and later 
model 238.  With it's roller inductor and L match, it does the job without 
fail on the low bands.

A nice feature is the ability to add capacitance for 160 m to the (outside) 
rear of the unit.  Users can add up to 1000 pf to the match.

And it does have a decent antenna switch.

Only drawback that I'm aware, is the less than quality metering in the unit. 
Of course, one should use a quality wattmeter when tuning a mismatch, as 
most tuners metering leaves much desired.

Ten Tec Model 229 (and the 229P kit) tuners are often found on the used 
market for less than $200.  Newer model 238 (same design) bring closer to 
$300.  Good value, I think

FWIW

George W8UVZ 



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