[TowerTalk] In Shack Tuner Vs. Remote Tuner for Multi-Band Antennas

[Jim Lux]

On 5/2/14, 4:45 PM, Tony wrote:
> All:
>
> Need some advise on getting the best performance out of a multi-band (80
> through 20) wire antenna and tuner. My first option is the in-shack
> auto-tuner feeding a doublet with a short run of coax and remote balun.
> The alternative option was to go with a remote auto-tuner mounted near
> the antenna feeding an 80 meter dipole with ladder line. There would be
> an 80 foot run of coax from the rig to the remote tuner. I can add
> dipoles to the remote setup if need be.


tuner at the feedpoint is better from a raw performance standpoint. But 
it's out in the outdoors, etc.


>
> I have a 500 watt amplifier so I was considering the 500 watt Elecraft
> in-shack auto-tuner. The MFJ remote tuner (600 watt version) is
> reasnably priced, but unfortunately, didn't get good reviews.

Read the reviews carefully. People might be complaining about some 
behavior that you don't care about. Example: It makes a lot of noise 
when it's tuning the first time.  Big problem if your shack is next to 
your bed and your wife likes to sleep while you do radio.  Not so much a 
problem if your tuner is mounted in a boiler making factory with punch 
presses and rivet drivers.