Absolutely phenomenal explanation of the FT-891 integration with the LDG Z11 Pro II !!! I just picked up the radio and tuner. Was a breeze to setup and get on the air for a quick test. Also, I took your advice and soldered a 9V connection to power the Z-11 PRO. Thanks KB9VBR!!!
I have the FT-891 with the FC-50 out of vanity and also because I am able to tie the two together with the mounting brackets as one unit. Probably spent more than I needed, but love the ATU combination when I am out working portable. 73, KJ7FEE
LOL,,, Well Mike I never thought a video on you tube would save me twice,,,, bet yours did for sure. It was my own lack of knowing my tuner and not spending enough time getting to know it. I have the LDG AT-200 Pro II and I absolutely love it. This video helped me a couple months ago when I first got on HF and because I did a reset on my radio today actually trying to learn some setting on the Yaesu FT-891. Needless to say when I did a factory reset my tuner no longer worked lol. Well Wala! KB9VBR to the rescue. I did a general search for LDG Auto Tuner will not tune up and this video came up again. I was laughing at myself as soon as you showed the menu for setting the tuner select to Lamp. Oops my bad; so thank you again for your great, easy to understand (at my level) videos. People like you are a valuable asset to this amazing hobby and I appreciate what you do to help us out here in the Ham Community. God Bless and keep on doing what you do. KI5DAY,, Allen in Oklahoma!
Morning, first thing thanks for all your help, with everything. My question is this, I have the FT-891 and the ATAS-120 I'd like to see how to set up the tuner with this radio.
Michael, just got a Z11ProII for my FT-891. I discovered that you can set the radio’s 16-03 HF PWR down (I set mine to 10w) so when it sends out the CW carrier upon tuning, it’s hopefully not as hard on the finals as the 25-50w it uses when the 891’s factory default setting of 100w is used. I checked that this was happening with the power out meter. Thanks for the great video and turning me on to the LDG!
@@KB9VBRAntennas But what if you want a (permanently) higher power setting in 16-03 (for instance 40W for data modes). The tuner will use those 40W then, even if it would be much better to just work with 5 W, right?
The LDG Z11Pro autotuner is a great tuner no questions. I use it with my old Kenwood TS140S and it works fine. I have found one issue with it I'd like to point out to anyone wanting to buy it. It has an autotune mode which will tune the antenna automatically when switching bands without having to touch the tuner. When in this mode, I've had situations in which the tuner would tune down to 1:1 but will start retuning during a QSO. Also when in this mode, it seems sensitive to any RF near it. For example, one evening I was watching a digital pileup and picked up a 2meter HT and called a friend I heard on the repeater. The HT was on battery power using a rubber duck and when I keyed up, the tuner started tuning. The HT was not connected to the tuner or antenna at all, yet the LDG started tuning. The way around this is the semiautomatic mode which the tuner will only tune when the tune button is pressed. Once I put it in this mode, the problem went away. Other than that, it's a great tuner.
I've had the tuner do the same thing. Almost always in the field and on the lower bands. I usually chalked it up to the variability that sometimes happens with field antennas. If its wanting to retune, I'll pull the battery connection so the tuner stays on that same spot.
I have the old Z-11 Pro. Smart choice on the 9 volt external power. I like the internal battery setup on the Pro II, but would forget about the batteries (heavier) that would surely be oozing crud by the time I checked them. Plus, unscrewing those little screws in the cold while on a POTA event wouldn't be much fun! Great video, thanks! 73, Brett
The ultimate antenna tuner what is the first one made was called a Matchbox from Johnson Viking and it was a big metal box about the size of three school lunch boxes put together. And had two large knobs on the front which ran a variable capacitors inside and the other one ran a connector around the inside of a large spiral wound inductor.. It was sold by the Matchbox label. And that would carry a kilowatt of K down am transmitter RF which was the design capability. It was made in the 1940s because a full legal limit AM transmitter or amplifier boy put out 100 watts of AM modulated RF which was a lot of power and more than today kilowatt sideband amplifiers will handle. In the 60s and afterwards, the American FCC it changed the output limits on RF transmitters to accommodate single side band... The limit put on what is a maximum of 1500 watts ohh modulated single side band RF which was actually about the equivalent of 500 watts key down AM modulated.. It was actually a reduction in RF power allowed to hams but because it was transmitted as a sideband emitter, the effect on the receiving end was even better than a full kilowatt of modulated AM RF. This is why the earliest Johnson Viking Matchbox was so big and so heavy duty inside the output on this unit word 2 ceramic insulated freezer bushings is it could be connected to either the two sides of a dipole or one side of a dipole or one side of very sloping wire antenna.over a correct length. Johnson ranking also made a very heavy duty half size antenna tuner that had a coaxial socket output where's promise matching 50 ohms properly tuned. The second smaller Matchbox The second smaller Johnson manually tuned Matchbox was really sized for the single side band era...... That is lower actual RF peak instantaneous hi RF output. Both made versions we're sold later additions there's a meter mounted in the middle of the front panel which allowed you to find a null point which indicated a good match. Like all matching antenna tuners, is very difficult to adjust a tuner without some output indicator like a meter. While he was in good health and young,, a man from Asia, Mr. Martin Ju, started a company selling low price ham radio products that grew to a huge inventory of just about anything you would want as an accessory to your ham shack. He created MFJ company and apparently bought cheaper Asian products to put in his units and apparently hired local unemployed ladies to build the units. These were all products that worked as described I just don't overload any of them or they will burn out with no overhead protection. Fortunately MFJ company had a huge line of accessories and toward the end of its life, it took up the stock and sales of remarkably good antennas from HyGain, and many other well established brands that couldn't make hey market driven Crawford only at your hams-- which is always been a small number of highly specialized needs. Unfortunately the MFJ line is succumbing to the advantage of its owner.... And may go totally out of business along with all of the well known brands it had adopted. By the way you can still get a magnificent five to seven elements monoband beam for 20 meters and less than $1000... Quite a bargain but not going to last as a sale item very long. I had the HyGain Christmas Tree fh a stack of five element mono banders for 20,15 and 10 yogis. really barking.
I use a speech to text computer program they give me lots of errors.I hope you'll forgive me. I have PD and shaking fingers. Getting old reduces your fun.
I have an FT-891 and LDG Z-100 Plus tuner. I can't tell if the tuner is inline or bypassing by looking at it. Sometimes the 891 says "HIGH SWR" after changing bands or antennas. Then pushing the TUNE button switches it in or out. Holding the TUNE button drops the power to 5 watts and starts a matching cycle. I had to add a switch in series with the internal AA cells to stop discharging them when not in use.
I have really enjoyed your videos and they have been very helpful. I hope to catch a qso with you soon. It would be great to have you in my QRZlogbook which I do support QRZ by the way as those who use it should.
I just wish you could split that control cable so that the radio could communicate with the tuner but the ABCD data could still be sent to another device like an antenna switcher or band pass filter system.
Great video. For those new to portable ops, some advice: Lean toward resonant antennas. Most of your activations will be on 20/30/40m. Save yourself a lot of time and money and just get a Sotabeams Bandhopper. A balanced, resonant dipole will give you the best results and you won't need as much power, gear and bulk.
Michael, in line with this video, it would be interesting if you could review the Mat Tuner mAT-30 tuner that the brand recommends for the FT-891. Greetings from Argentina Michael, en linea con este video, seria interesante que le hagas una revisión al sintonizador Mat Tuner mAT-30 que la marca recomienda para el FT-891. Saludos desde Argentina
I think that's a key difference between the MFJ and LDG tuners, the MFJ uses the tuner button on the transceiver and the LDG does not. I don't think one is better than the other in that regards as to get to the tune button on the FT-891 you have to dig through a menu (although you can program one of your front buttons for the tune activity).
Ok so my LDG Pro II auto tuner on my Yaesu FY-891 quit tuning properly. I don’t if I did something to throw it off or not. I unplugged and replugged in auto tuner. Rechecked radio settings and yes had tuner set to Lamp for tuner. Ok so here is my question. Other people tune on AM or CW mode. You were tuning on this video in LSB mode. Is it ok to tune in LSB/SSB, as you said the radio automatically tunes in CW mode? I do have the proper control cable for the Yaesu radio. I do have data and center power settings low as noted.
I like having both a manual and autotuner BUT if one only had money for one right now (I'm ordering the FT891 soon unless I stumble across an Estate deal on say a good working legacy radio in the next two weeks for a starter then backup rig in the next two weeks.) Should I just buy the manual tuner and which one do 9ou recommend?
I think you should start with a manual tuner; they are more versatile. They will match a larger range, handle more power, and work with balanced and unbalanced feed lines. The MFJ line of tuners are good, like the 941, 945, or 949. You can usually pick one up at an estate or hamfest relatively cheap. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one used- as long as it doesn't smell like smoke or burnt electronics, it will work.
The FC-50 is a matched tuner for the FT-891, so it is tightly integrated into the operation of the rig. The downside is that the FC-50 is limited to a 3:1 match, which may not be enough range for a non-resonant antenna. (The LDG tuner can do up to a 10:1 match)
Reviewed your setup for the LDG z11pro ii. Unfortunately I could not get my ft-891 to tune. So I tried your suggestion of tuning in AM without the cable. Tuned just as expected. Tried the tuner with my ft 857d and had the same issue. I either have a bad cable from the tuner (its new) or the LDG tuner has a bad port. Plan to call the vendor where I bought the tuner (also new) and see what they suggest. Glad I found your setup or I would not have tried the work around. Thanks for posting. Andrew
Thank you for the review and how-to. As of today, would you still purchase this LDG model, or is there a better/preferred alternative for a similar size or smaller AT? Thanks in advance.
I'm still using my LDG tuner would would recommend it to someone looking for a good auto tuner for their FT-891. But I have heard some good things about MAT Tuners, especially the MAT30. I have not tried that model, though.
Hello, I got a FT-891 and Z-100 Plus Tuner, trying to setup like you mention in this video, and I can't. When I put the radio in Tuner Select and option LAMP star to transmit the power, like a push the PTT and the red light is ON, the only way to stop this is turn off the radio. LAMP option is not warking, thanks for your comments. Gabriel *TI4GO*
Is the cable you are using to connect the tuner to the radio an LDG tuner cable? If so, the red connector goes to the radio and the black to the tuner.
Hmm...I deleted my earlier comment. I just bought the LDG Z11 ProII on Friday, Jan 14. My 891 PO meter does not appear to show any power rollback during tuning. And I also was not able to get the tuner to initiate tuning via a button press on the Z11proII front panel after the first time. Yes, I do have LAP selected, and I do have the the Yaesu accessory installed properly. I don't know if I am missing something, or the unit is faulty. I can tune if I transmit a carrier.
If resonance is defined as when the capacitive and inductive reactances have been adjusted to zero or very close too And the tuner does just this then the system has electricity been tuned to resonance by the tuner
Could anyone confirm that this tuner actually drops the output power from the radio when tuning? Seems like it just transmits on current settings. Thank you
There's no need for a tuner for VHF/UHF. The antennas you will use with that rig will either be resonant or have enough bandwidth to cover the entire band.
Thanks for the video, very informative. I just got my first HF rig, a lightly used Icom 7100 and this same tuner. I believe they are compatible, but was wondering if you have ever done a video or know of any resources describing how this tuner and the 7100 interface?
I think that's a key difference between the MFJ and LDG tuners, the MFJ uses the tuner button on the transceiver and the LDG does not. I don't think one is better than the other in that regards as to get to the tune button on the FT-891 you have to dig through a menu (although you can program one of your front buttons for the tune activity).
Hey Michael, I just received my LDG 100 tuner and moved the Z11 Pro to my Go Box for use with my (new to me) 891. 👍🏻 I’ve been scouring the manual for steering TX power. It would be great if you can do a video on these transmit settings fir AM, Data and SSB on the FT 891. Joe KI5IQE
I have an 891 with an LDG z-100plus attached. I got the setting all set up thanks to this video.. One questing I have is, if I want to us the 891 with out the tuner do I need to reset everything to factory? Thanks KE8RHS
I don't. Grounding isn't necessary for portable operation. Here's a livestream excerpt that goes into more detail: th-cam.com/video/evvtr1TjBls/w-d-xo.html
Popular combination...I have the same. Great setup so far. To power the LDG, I picked up an 8 AA battery holder from Digi-Key and mated it with a 2.5mm connector I had around. I like your 9v solution. Cheers and 73
The external AA pack is a good idea. The downside of using a 9v battery is that it doesn't last very long. I usually get about 6 portable activities on a battery before it dies.
Hi Michael, on one of your videos you showed how to get audio on both sides of your headphones, I can't seem to find that video. Can you point me to that info? Thanks, love the videos.
If I want to use a balanced feedline with this tuner, can I simply connect a coax to the Z11 and then run to a 1:1 balun? Or connect a short coax, remove the shielding, and connect the mesh and wire directly to the balanced line? Thanks for any help
You could remove the shielding and directly connect a piece of coax to your ladder line, but in doing so you will introduce common mode currents into the tuner. The better solution is to use a 1:1 current balun to transition between ladder line and coax. LDG makes some inexpensive baluns that will allow you to connect balanced feed line to their tuners.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you for the response. In an amazingly lucky coincidence, I stumbled through a few options before ending up on the exact one you recommended, and managed almost perfect resonance. Additionally, I ordered an MFJ 971 tuner. I had given up on this option because almost every vendor was reporting Sept delivery for many MFJ products. I ordered direct from MFJ and site says I'll have it in less than a week, so I will have another option...hopefully. Thanks for your response and everything I have learned from your videos....as a relatively new operator, they are an amazing wealth of information.
I have used the LDG Z11Pro autotuner with balanced line(RS TV Twinlead) and it worked well. What I did was I used an external balun connected to the tuner with a short coax. External baluns are available both from LDG and MFJ. I like the LDG Z11pro, it tunes just about anything and if it doesn't find 1:1 SWR on it's own, you can tweak it with the buttons on the front.
Can you help me? I have a homebrew 80 meter full wave loop antenna fed to an MFJ-993B Automatic tuner with 400 ohm ladder line. I have an FT-891 Transceiver. On the back of the MFJ tuner there is a port called Radio Interface. How does that connect my FT-891? Thanks!
Other than the obvious, what are the different features of the LDG AT-100Proll Autotuner and the LDG Z11 Pro ll? I have the AT-100Proll Autotuner and just was wondering. The only difference I think is that I have two antenna inputs. Would a 9 volt battery run my tuner and is the tuner drawing power after a tune? If I use antenna 2 input then I have the antenna 2 led illuminated. Thanks for any info de N3OJL.
I understood. Built-in tuner - for fully automatic tuning of small(1:3) SWR. It always requires power and resets settings when turned off. External - for adjusting hight SWR(1:10) by switching on the carrier. It is made on a relay with permanent magnets and requires power only at the time of tuning. Manual - for huge SWR(>1:10), for random wire and non-resonant antennas. It does not require power, it allows you to adjust very precisely, but it takes time. Michael, I'd like to ask. If I use an automatic tuner with a resonant antenna only to adjust the SWR at the edges of the band - how big will the losses in the tuner be in this case?
The tuner will aid in the energy transfer by presenting a proper match to the transceiver. But you aren't making the antenna more efficient. Some of the energy will be passed through, but most will be absorbed by the tuner. You really won't know how much unless you have power meters on both sides of the tuner.
@@KB9VBRAntennas One more question Michael. An optional 4:1 balun is available for the LDG Z11 Pro II, greatly increasing the impedance matching range. Have you encountered the fact that the standard range is not enough? Does it make sense to buy this option?
Hi Michael: I just picked up the LDJ Z11 Pro II for my 891. HRO Atlanta didn't have the cable in stock. My question is how are you getting your 891 to output RF for the LDG to sense the SWR. My FT891 will not transmit when the SWR is high. I'm experiencing the same issue with the New SDC-105 screwdriver antenna controller for my little Tarheel 2.with the 891. It also needs RF to read the frequency to move the controller. If I switch bands the SWR is too high and the 891 gives a High SWR and doesn't transmit. Thanks for the video. I hope to log you in a Park to Park. I have you in the log while I was hunting. 73 NM3J Nick
Will this work with the LDG Z100A? I will using the LDG IC-108 interface cable once it arrives. I can't find any info on this set up for a FT-891. Thanks KO4MWD
Unfortunately it won't. The Z100A is designed specifically for Icoms with the AH-4 tuner interface. I'm not sure if you could hack the interface to use with other rigs or if the tuner will automatically tune for you if it encounters a high SWR.
I have both manual and auto tuners. I hear that with auto tuners, one can risk higher SWR destroying the finals while tuning. What is true or just misconception?
That is a possibility. Going through a full tune cycle with an auto tuner can present high SWR to the finals. Much like the process with a manual tuner, you should turn the power down during a full tune cycle.
Like all hams, I felt manuals are for confused dummies. The first time I pressed the button that thing were nuts clicking for 30 seconds or so. Thought I broken it. And of course, 5 minutes on TH-cam clears that up. Still haven’t read the book but have used tuner for 3 years.
I have the same results as jyunte... the tuning cycle does not reduce the FT-891 power. Is there a Menu setting I need to change to have the power reduced while tuning? 73, Ed ad7gr
@@jfrphoto01 But the problem is: If, for example, I set 40 watts in 16-03 because I am operating data modes (FT8...), then the tuner will also work with these 40 watts and not with a lower, desired power (e.g. 5W)! Do I understand this correctly?
Is your Yaesu 891 just for POTA or do you use it for a base station. Can you review the radio a little. Iam new and trying to pick between the 891 or the 991A.
I used the FT-891 in the shack for about as year as I transitioned from the Icom IC-718 to my current shack transceiver, the FTdx-3000d. Now it pretty much is my portable rig for outdoor adventure. I think the key difference between the FT-891 and the FT-991A, other than size, is that the 991A has VHF/UHF, System Fusion, sound card, and a built in tuner. For HF, the transmit and receive quality between the two are quite similar, the 991A may be a bit more sensitive. The 991A has more function buttons which makes operating a bit easier, although once you learn the 891's menu system, you can make changes quick enough. I think if you are looking for something to use inside only, then I'd seriously consider the 991. If you think you are going to work outdoors, then consider the 891 as it will function well both inside and out. One final note, the 891 may be a bit cheaper, but you will want to add an external tuner to it so you can use a wider range of antennas. That will close the price gap a bit between the two radios.
Hi, nice video, as always. Are you sure the tuner causes radio to reduce it's power? If I switch the meter to PWR and initiate a tune on the LDG, it still shows 100W out.
I left the power cord alone and got a 9 volt battery connector and added a plug on the end for the power connection. These are the plugs I used: amzn.to/3AW7edN
Question for ham radio q+a , my call M0ANO Rob from the UK..in previous years I have used atas 120's for my mobile operation but the don't last for many years. I've been things about buying a mat-40 auto atu in the back of the car with a very shout lead to a 9 foot tank whip. Just wondering if you think it will work well . Regards M0ANO Rob
I know of many hams that have great results using the 102 in (9 foot) whip with a wide range tuner. You need the tuner at the feed point of the antenna and the MAT-40 should be up to the challenge. My only advice is to bond everything in vehicle: doors, frame, chassis, etc. This will help greatly especially with using this setup on the lower bands.
Good evening. I am just wondering if anyone is having issues with this setup on FT8? For some reason, with the accessory cable connected between the radio and tuner, the radio is wanting to drop transmit any time I try to tune or TX the radio. As soon as I remove the plug from the back of the radio, it does just fine. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem? 73 de N4JKD
Just bought an 891 and a Z11. Perfect timing that this popped up! 73
Absolutely phenomenal explanation of the FT-891 integration with the LDG Z11 Pro II !!! I just picked up the radio and tuner. Was a breeze to setup and get on the air for a quick test. Also, I took your advice and soldered a 9V connection to power the Z-11 PRO. Thanks KB9VBR!!!
I have the FT-891 with the FC-50 out of vanity and also because I am able to tie the two together with the mounting brackets as one unit. Probably spent more than I needed, but love the ATU combination when I am out working portable. 73, KJ7FEE
Only 2 downsides to the Yaesu tuner..the cost and it is only a 3 to1 tuner..The LDG does a 10 to 1..Gives you a lot more doe the money..Just my 2cents
@@bentrider1972 Does it only do 10:1? The docs say 6 to 1000 ohms, 1000/50=20, so should be 20:1, right?😊
LOL,,, Well Mike I never thought a video on you tube would save me twice,,,, bet yours did for sure. It was my own lack of knowing my tuner and not spending enough time getting to know it. I have the LDG AT-200 Pro II and I absolutely love it. This video helped me a couple months ago when I first got on HF and because I did a reset on my radio today actually trying to learn some setting on the Yaesu FT-891. Needless to say when I did a factory reset my tuner no longer worked lol. Well Wala! KB9VBR to the rescue. I did a general search for LDG Auto Tuner will not tune up and this video came up again. I was laughing at myself as soon as you showed the menu for setting the tuner select to Lamp. Oops my bad; so thank you again for your great, easy to understand (at my level) videos. People like you are a valuable asset to this amazing hobby and I appreciate what you do to help us out here in the Ham Community. God Bless and keep on doing what you do. KI5DAY,, Allen in Oklahoma!
Would love to see more Yaesu 891 videos. Thanks for sharing!
Morning, first thing thanks for all your help, with everything. My question is this, I have the FT-891 and the ATAS-120 I'd like to see how to set up the tuner with this radio.
Michael, just got a Z11ProII for my FT-891. I discovered that you can set the radio’s 16-03 HF PWR down (I set mine to 10w) so when it sends out the CW carrier upon tuning, it’s hopefully not as hard on the finals as the 25-50w it uses when the 891’s factory default setting of 100w is used. I checked that this was happening with the power out meter. Thanks for the great video and turning me on to the LDG!
I do the same thing, I keep the HF power relatively low and switch to RTTY mode when I'm tuning.
@@KB9VBRAntennas But what if you want a (permanently) higher power setting in 16-03 (for instance 40W for data modes). The tuner will use those 40W then, even if it would be much better to just work with 5 W, right?
Thank you, I can now hear 40m FT8 on USB (Upper Side Band), and see them being decoded in WSJT-8!
The LDG Z11Pro autotuner is a great tuner no questions. I use it with my old Kenwood TS140S and it works fine. I have found one issue with it I'd like to point out to anyone wanting to buy it. It has an autotune mode which will tune the antenna automatically when switching bands without having to touch the tuner. When in this mode, I've had situations in which the tuner would tune down to 1:1 but will start retuning during a QSO. Also when in this mode, it seems sensitive to any RF near it. For example, one evening I was watching a digital pileup and picked up a 2meter HT and called a friend I heard on the repeater. The HT was on battery power using a rubber duck and when I keyed up, the tuner started tuning. The HT was not connected to the tuner or antenna at all, yet the LDG started tuning. The way around this is the semiautomatic mode which the tuner will only tune when the tune button is pressed. Once I put it in this mode, the problem went away. Other than that, it's a great tuner.
I've had the tuner do the same thing. Almost always in the field and on the lower bands. I usually chalked it up to the variability that sometimes happens with field antennas. If its wanting to retune, I'll pull the battery connection so the tuner stays on that same spot.
I have the old Z-11 Pro. Smart choice on the 9 volt external power. I like the internal battery setup on the Pro II, but would forget about the batteries (heavier) that would surely be oozing crud by the time I checked them. Plus, unscrewing those little screws in the cold while on a POTA event wouldn't be much fun!
Great video, thanks!
73,
Brett
The ultimate antenna tuner what is the first one made was called a Matchbox from Johnson Viking and it was a big metal box about the size of three school lunch boxes put together. And had two large knobs on the front which ran a variable capacitors inside and the other one ran a connector around the inside of a large spiral wound inductor.. It was sold by the Matchbox label. And that would carry a kilowatt of K down am transmitter RF which was the design capability. It was made in the 1940s because a full legal limit AM transmitter or amplifier boy put out 100 watts of AM modulated RF which was a lot of power and more than today kilowatt sideband amplifiers will handle. In the 60s and afterwards, the American FCC it changed the output limits on RF transmitters to accommodate single side band... The limit put on what is a maximum of 1500 watts ohh modulated single side band RF which was actually about the equivalent of 500 watts key down AM modulated.. It was actually a reduction in RF power allowed to hams but because it was transmitted as a sideband emitter, the effect on the receiving end was even better than a full kilowatt of modulated AM RF.
This is why the earliest Johnson Viking Matchbox was so big and so heavy duty inside the output on this unit word 2 ceramic insulated freezer bushings is it could be connected to either the two sides of a dipole or one side of a dipole or one side of very sloping wire antenna.over a correct length. Johnson ranking also made a very heavy duty half size antenna tuner that had a coaxial socket output where's promise matching 50 ohms properly tuned. The second smaller Matchbox The second smaller Johnson manually tuned Matchbox was really sized for the single side band era...... That is lower actual RF peak instantaneous hi RF output. Both made versions we're sold later additions there's a meter mounted in the middle of the front panel which allowed you to find a null point which indicated a good match. Like all matching antenna tuners, is very difficult to adjust a tuner without some output indicator like a meter.
While he was in good health and young,, a man from Asia, Mr. Martin Ju, started a company selling low price ham radio products that grew to a huge inventory of just about anything you would want as an accessory to your ham shack. He created MFJ company and apparently bought cheaper Asian products to put in his units and apparently hired local unemployed ladies to build the units. These were all products that worked as described I just don't overload any of them or they will burn out with no overhead protection. Fortunately MFJ company had a huge line of accessories and toward the end of its life, it took up the stock and sales of remarkably good antennas from HyGain, and many other well established brands that couldn't make hey market driven Crawford only at your hams-- which is always been a small number of highly specialized needs. Unfortunately the MFJ line is succumbing to the advantage of its owner.... And may go totally out of business along with all of the well known brands it had adopted.
By the way you can still get a magnificent five to seven elements monoband beam for 20 meters and less than $1000... Quite a bargain but not going to last as a sale item very long. I had the HyGain Christmas Tree fh a stack of five element mono banders for 20,15 and 10 yogis. really barking.
I use a speech to text computer program they give me lots of errors.I hope you'll forgive me. I have PD and shaking fingers. Getting old reduces your fun.
I have an FT-891 and LDG Z-100 Plus tuner. I can't tell if the tuner is inline or bypassing by looking at it. Sometimes the 891 says "HIGH SWR" after changing bands or antennas. Then pushing the TUNE button switches it in or out. Holding the TUNE button drops the power to 5 watts and starts a matching cycle. I had to add a switch in series with the internal AA cells to stop discharging them when not in use.
Thank you Mike for the info on the LDG Z11 tuner, a great "how-to" video.
I have really enjoyed your videos and they have been very helpful. I hope to catch a qso with you soon. It would be great to have you in my QRZlogbook which I do support QRZ by the way as those who use it should.
I just wish you could split that control cable so that the radio could communicate with the tuner but the ABCD data could still be sent to another device like an antenna switcher or band pass filter system.
Michael…I would like to see a video about the advanced (fine tuning) features of the Z11plus
Great video. For those new to portable ops, some advice: Lean toward resonant antennas. Most of your activations will be on 20/30/40m. Save yourself a lot of time and money and just get a Sotabeams Bandhopper. A balanced, resonant dipole will give you the best results and you won't need as much power, gear and bulk.
Michael, in line with this video, it would be interesting if you could review the Mat Tuner mAT-30 tuner that the brand recommends for the FT-891. Greetings from Argentina
Michael, en linea con este video, seria interesante que le hagas una revisión al sintonizador Mat Tuner mAT-30 que la marca recomienda para el FT-891. Saludos desde Argentina
Do its relays draw current to hold the position after tunned, or are they permanent magnets?
The LDG tuners are designed so that once a tune is achieved, power is no longer needed at the relays.
With the radio interface does the tuner button on the radio work? I have the MFJ 939 and that is the way that tuner works.
I think that's a key difference between the MFJ and LDG tuners, the MFJ uses the tuner button on the transceiver and the LDG does not. I don't think one is better than the other in that regards as to get to the tune button on the FT-891 you have to dig through a menu (although you can program one of your front buttons for the tune activity).
I have one of the buttons programmed. For some reason the MFJ’s seem to tune faster.
Ok so my LDG Pro II auto tuner on my Yaesu FY-891 quit tuning properly. I don’t if I did something to throw it off or not. I unplugged and replugged in auto tuner. Rechecked radio settings and yes had tuner set to Lamp for tuner. Ok so here is my question. Other people tune on AM or CW mode. You were tuning on this video in LSB mode. Is it ok to tune in LSB/SSB, as you said the radio automatically tunes in CW mode? I do have the proper control cable for the Yaesu radio. I do have data and center power settings low as noted.
Wonder what kind of tuner I need for 200w and positioned out in the garden away from the house.
Thank you, this video helped me with my exact same set up!
I like having both a manual and autotuner BUT if one only had money for one right now (I'm ordering the FT891 soon unless I stumble across an Estate deal on say a good working legacy radio in the next two weeks for a starter then backup rig in the next two weeks.) Should I just buy the manual tuner and which one do 9ou recommend?
I think you should start with a manual tuner; they are more versatile. They will match a larger range, handle more power, and work with balanced and unbalanced feed lines. The MFJ line of tuners are good, like the 941, 945, or 949. You can usually pick one up at an estate or hamfest relatively cheap. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one used- as long as it doesn't smell like smoke or burnt electronics, it will work.
Thanks...I really don't mind fine tuning it by hand. Like the extra power capacity. Not to mention, save some $$$.
is this cable from radio to ldg a special cable u have to buy???
Can you use a 10-meter CB radio
How will this compare to the Yaesu FC-50 AutoTuner?
The FC-50 is a matched tuner for the FT-891, so it is tightly integrated into the operation of the rig. The downside is that the FC-50 is limited to a 3:1 match, which may not be enough range for a non-resonant antenna. (The LDG tuner can do up to a 10:1 match)
Great combo. I use it in portable operations.
Great video Michael. I use the FT-891 and the same LDG tuner for mu portable operations. Absolutely excellent combo. 73, K4UVX
Having just received my new 891 I was thinking this or yeasu's FC-50?
The FC-50 is matched to the 891, so it is an excellent choice. It will do well. The only difference is cost.
Thanks for the video. It was very helpful
Good info as always. By the way the 2 Meter Folded J-Pole that you sent to Texas several months ago is working fantastic.
Reviewed your setup for the LDG z11pro ii. Unfortunately I could not get my ft-891 to tune. So I tried your suggestion of tuning in AM without the cable. Tuned just as expected. Tried the tuner with my ft 857d and had the same issue. I either have a bad cable from the tuner (its new) or the LDG tuner has a bad port. Plan to call the vendor where I bought the tuner (also new) and see what they suggest. Glad I found your setup or I would not have tried the work around. Thanks for posting. Andrew
Hi Michael, does your bypass work fine? If I press quickly (I tried different speeds) it doesn’t enable bypass. Thanks.
Thank you for the review and how-to. As of today, would you still purchase this LDG model, or is there a better/preferred alternative for a similar size or smaller AT? Thanks in advance.
I'm still using my LDG tuner would would recommend it to someone looking for a good auto tuner for their FT-891. But I have heard some good things about MAT Tuners, especially the MAT30. I have not tried that model, though.
Thanks for your videos and knowledge.
My exact setup. Would like any additional information about it. Thanks
Here's a video of my complete portable HF kit: th-cam.com/video/Ag3Z3295cN0/w-d-xo.html
Hello, I got a FT-891 and Z-100 Plus Tuner, trying to setup like you mention in this video, and I can't. When I put the radio in Tuner Select and option LAMP star to transmit the power, like a push the PTT and the red light is ON, the only way to stop this is turn off the radio. LAMP option is not warking, thanks for your comments.
Gabriel *TI4GO*
Is the cable you are using to connect the tuner to the radio an LDG tuner cable? If so, the red connector goes to the radio and the black to the tuner.
Hmm...I deleted my earlier comment. I just bought the LDG Z11 ProII on Friday, Jan 14. My 891 PO meter does not appear to show any power rollback during tuning. And I also was not able to get the tuner to initiate tuning via a button press on the Z11proII front panel after the first time. Yes, I do have LAP selected, and I do have the the Yaesu accessory installed properly. I don't know if I am missing something, or the unit is faulty. I can tune if I transmit a carrier.
If resonance is defined as when the capacitive and inductive reactances have been adjusted to zero or very close too
And the tuner does just this then the system has electricity been tuned to resonance by the tuner
Could anyone confirm that this tuner actually drops the output power from the radio when tuning? Seems like it just transmits on current settings. Thank you
How long with that 9v battery provide power for the tuner? One day or more?
It depends on how much you use the tuner. The 9v battery usually lasts about 6 months for me.
is there a tuner for yaesu ftm 300 dr or no need for a tuner on that radio...2 m , 70 cm and digital. TIA
There's no need for a tuner for VHF/UHF. The antennas you will use with that rig will either be resonant or have enough bandwidth to cover the entire band.
Thanks for the video, very informative. I just got my first HF rig, a lightly used Icom 7100 and this same tuner. I believe they are compatible, but was wondering if you have ever done a video or know of any resources describing how this tuner and the 7100 interface?
I noticed when you opened the LDG, it had AA battery bays, would I be able to use that instead of the homemade 9v setup you have?
The MFJ 939y is easy to use. You use the timer button on the 891 not the tuner.. The radio does the tuning. Good video.
Tuner.
I think that's a key difference between the MFJ and LDG tuners, the MFJ uses the tuner button on the transceiver and the LDG does not. I don't think one is better than the other in that regards as to get to the tune button on the FT-891 you have to dig through a menu (although you can program one of your front buttons for the tune activity).
Hey Michael, I just received my LDG 100 tuner and moved the Z11 Pro to my Go Box for use with my (new to me) 891. 👍🏻
I’ve been scouring the manual for steering TX power. It would be great if you can do a video on these transmit settings fir AM, Data and SSB on the FT 891. Joe KI5IQE
Michael, great job on the video. Very informative. 73, K9RGB
I have an 891 with an LDG z-100plus attached. I got the setting all set up thanks to this video.. One questing I have is, if I want to us the 891 with out the tuner do I need to reset everything to factory? Thanks KE8RHS
Did you add that internal AA battery tray in the LDG?
Great video. I was wondering how do you ground the Antenna Tuner when you are operating it outside?
I don't. Grounding isn't necessary for portable operation. Here's a livestream excerpt that goes into more detail: th-cam.com/video/evvtr1TjBls/w-d-xo.html
Popular combination...I have the same. Great setup so far. To power the LDG, I picked up an 8 AA battery holder from Digi-Key and mated it with a 2.5mm connector I had around. I like your 9v solution. Cheers and 73
The external AA pack is a good idea. The downside of using a 9v battery is that it doesn't last very long. I usually get about 6 portable activities on a battery before it dies.
Hi Michael, on one of your videos you showed how to get audio on both sides of your headphones, I can't seem to find that video. Can you point me to that info? Thanks, love the videos.
Here's the video about the headphones: th-cam.com/video/9fnWXtqSDnA/w-d-xo.html
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for!
If I want to use a balanced feedline with this tuner, can I simply connect a coax to the Z11 and then run to a 1:1 balun? Or connect a short coax, remove the shielding, and connect the mesh and wire directly to the balanced line? Thanks for any help
You could remove the shielding and directly connect a piece of coax to your ladder line, but in doing so you will introduce common mode currents into the tuner. The better solution is to use a 1:1 current balun to transition between ladder line and coax. LDG makes some inexpensive baluns that will allow you to connect balanced feed line to their tuners.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you for the response. In an amazingly lucky coincidence, I stumbled through a few options before ending up on the exact one you recommended, and managed almost perfect resonance. Additionally, I ordered an MFJ 971 tuner. I had given up on this option because almost every vendor was reporting Sept delivery for many MFJ products. I ordered direct from MFJ and site says I'll have it in less than a week, so I will have another option...hopefully. Thanks for your response and everything I have learned from your videos....as a relatively new operator, they are an amazing wealth of information.
I have used the LDG Z11Pro autotuner with balanced line(RS TV Twinlead) and it worked well. What I did was I used an external balun connected to the tuner with a short coax. External baluns are available both from LDG and MFJ. I like the LDG Z11pro, it tunes just about anything and if it doesn't find 1:1 SWR on it's own, you can tweak it with the buttons on the front.
Can you help me? I have a homebrew 80 meter full wave loop antenna fed to an MFJ-993B Automatic tuner with 400 ohm ladder line. I have an FT-891 Transceiver. On the back of the MFJ tuner there is a port called Radio Interface. How does that connect my FT-891? Thanks!
Other than the obvious, what are the different features of the LDG AT-100Proll Autotuner and the LDG Z11 Pro ll? I have the AT-100Proll Autotuner and just was wondering. The only difference I think is that I have two antenna inputs. Would a 9 volt battery run my tuner and is the tuner drawing power after a tune? If I use antenna 2 input then I have the antenna 2 led illuminated. Thanks for any info de N3OJL.
I understood.
Built-in tuner - for fully automatic tuning of small(1:3) SWR. It always requires power and resets settings when turned off.
External - for adjusting hight SWR(1:10) by switching on the carrier. It is made on a relay with permanent magnets and requires power only at the time of tuning.
Manual - for huge SWR(>1:10), for random wire and non-resonant antennas. It does not require power, it allows you to adjust very precisely, but it takes time.
Michael, I'd like to ask. If I use an automatic tuner with a resonant antenna only to adjust the SWR at the edges of the band - how big will the losses in the tuner be in this case?
The tuner will aid in the energy transfer by presenting a proper match to the transceiver. But you aren't making the antenna more efficient. Some of the energy will be passed through, but most will be absorbed by the tuner. You really won't know how much unless you have power meters on both sides of the tuner.
@@KB9VBRAntennas One more question Michael. An optional 4:1 balun is available for the LDG Z11 Pro II, greatly increasing the impedance matching range. Have you encountered the fact that the standard range is not enough? Does it make sense to buy this option?
Thank you very much for great overview of basic functions. I appreciate the information.
Hi Michael:
I just picked up the LDJ Z11 Pro II for my 891. HRO Atlanta didn't have the cable in stock. My question is how are you getting your 891 to output RF for the LDG to sense the SWR. My FT891 will not transmit when the SWR is high. I'm experiencing the same issue with the New SDC-105 screwdriver antenna controller for my little Tarheel 2.with the 891. It also needs RF to read the frequency to move the controller. If I switch bands the SWR is too high and the 891 gives a High SWR and doesn't transmit.
Thanks for the video. I hope to log you in a Park to Park. I have you in the log while I was hunting. 73 NM3J Nick
Michael, can one initiate a retune using the TUN function in the radio assigned to one of the programmable buttons? Just curious ... KJ7WUZ
I watch your video’s and have learned a lot about the ft 891 thank you 73 KO4PF
Does that tuner have ferrite inductor? I hear they are less efficient than air coil.
Great tutorial for customization! Thank you friend!
Great video - Thnak you Michael. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Michael. I have this exact setup.
When I bought the 891 I ordered the FC50, why did you go with the LDG? The FC50 seems so much faster and easier.
Mostly the price. The LDG tuner is about half the cost of the FC50.
Will this work with the LDG Z100A? I will using the LDG IC-108 interface cable once it arrives. I can't find any info on this set up for a FT-891.
Thanks KO4MWD
Unfortunately it won't. The Z100A is designed specifically for Icoms with the AH-4 tuner interface. I'm not sure if you could hack the interface to use with other rigs or if the tuner will automatically tune for you if it encounters a high SWR.
@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks for getting back to me.
I have both manual and auto tuners. I hear that with auto tuners, one can risk higher SWR destroying the finals while tuning. What is true or just misconception?
That is a possibility. Going through a full tune cycle with an auto tuner can present high SWR to the finals. Much like the process with a manual tuner, you should turn the power down during a full tune cycle.
Like all hams, I felt manuals are for confused dummies.
The first time I pressed the button that thing were nuts clicking for 30 seconds or so. Thought I broken it.
And of course, 5 minutes on TH-cam clears that up.
Still haven’t read the book but have used tuner for 3 years.
I have the same results as jyunte... the tuning cycle does not reduce the FT-891 power. Is there a Menu setting I need to change to have the power reduced while tuning? 73, Ed ad7gr
Menu number 16-03 sets the HF power for tuner/CW/FM operation and menu number 16-06 for 6 meter tuner/CW/FM operation.
73, John, N1WOM
@@jfrphoto01 But the problem is:
If, for example, I set 40 watts in 16-03 because I am operating data modes (FT8...), then the tuner will also work with these 40 watts and not with a lower, desired power (e.g. 5W)! Do I understand this correctly?
Thank you for the video!
Where would the power meter go?
Typically between the transceiver and the tuner. Then you can view the return power and make adjustments to the tuner, if necessary.
Is your Yaesu 891 just for POTA or do you use it for a base station. Can you review the radio a little. Iam new and trying to pick between the 891 or the 991A.
I used the FT-891 in the shack for about as year as I transitioned from the Icom IC-718 to my current shack transceiver, the FTdx-3000d. Now it pretty much is my portable rig for outdoor adventure. I think the key difference between the FT-891 and the FT-991A, other than size, is that the 991A has VHF/UHF, System Fusion, sound card, and a built in tuner. For HF, the transmit and receive quality between the two are quite similar, the 991A may be a bit more sensitive. The 991A has more function buttons which makes operating a bit easier, although once you learn the 891's menu system, you can make changes quick enough. I think if you are looking for something to use inside only, then I'd seriously consider the 991. If you think you are going to work outdoors, then consider the 891 as it will function well both inside and out. One final note, the 891 may be a bit cheaper, but you will want to add an external tuner to it so you can use a wider range of antennas. That will close the price gap a bit between the two radios.
Hi, nice video, as always. Are you sure the tuner causes radio to reduce it's power? If I switch the meter to PWR and initiate a tune on the LDG, it still shows 100W out.
This was my question as well.
I have just posted this same question here
Great video, Michael. The power cord that comes with the LDG Z11 Pro lol, can I leave it long or shorten it for a 9 volt battery?
I left the power cord alone and got a 9 volt battery connector and added a plug on the end for the power connection. These are the plugs I used: amzn.to/3AW7edN
Thanks, Michael!! I enjoy your vids.
By the way, I just bought the LDG to go with my FT891 because of your video.
Question for ham radio q+a , my call M0ANO Rob from the UK..in previous years I have used atas 120's for my mobile operation but the don't last for many years. I've been things about buying a mat-40 auto atu in the back of the car with a very shout lead to a 9 foot tank whip. Just wondering if you think it will work well . Regards M0ANO Rob
I know of many hams that have great results using the 102 in (9 foot) whip with a wide range tuner. You need the tuner at the feed point of the antenna and the MAT-40 should be up to the challenge. My only advice is to bond everything in vehicle: doors, frame, chassis, etc. This will help greatly especially with using this setup on the lower bands.
Thank you!
Good evening. I am just wondering if anyone is having issues with this setup on FT8? For some reason, with the accessory cable connected between the radio and tuner, the radio is wanting to drop transmit any time I try to tune or TX the radio. As soon as I remove the plug from the back of the radio, it does just fine. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem?
73 de N4JKD
What about Yaesu auto tuners?
The Yaesu tuner works seamlessly with the FT-891 and it a great choice, albeit a little more expensive than the LDG.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks. I was wondering why you hadn't mentioned the Yaesu unit. Good to know.
@@billloveless6869 the ldg covers 10:1 mismatch while the yaesu covers 3:1 max. No brainer to go with ldg or mfj.
@@JayN4GO OK. That sense even to me, a newbie:) !
Check out the mAT-30 tuner for Yaesu radios at around $175.00.
An excellent video on this rig and auto-tuner. You explained it well and I am sold that I could make this tuner work too. K4PYA
i like this radio a lot but at the same time it makes me so made some times lol
Great review on this tuner. I will be ordering one based on your review. Thank you. 73, KE8NQL
New to your videos. Great by the way. Keep up the good !!!!! Work. Look forward to checking them all out. Marc. Kf4imv
"Manual tuners have air coils"
MFJ 902 raises head.
5:55 so you basically skipped the most important feature that makes it unique from other autotunes like LDG Z100Plus
I think Ive got to buy an ft-891.
I like mine very much. I think you'll enjoy having one as well!
How about a wiring diagram? I don't care about the guts.
Thank you so much for all these great videos!!!!!