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Getting the correct tuner solution.

There is a discussion in my mind about where an antenna tuner will be most effective. At the shack end of the antenna cable, or at the antenna end of the cable. I have recently installed a Grayline 28' flagpole antenna. For that antenna Grayline has designed the tuner to be located at the base of the antenna, or before the it goes into the shack cable. They have their reasons for this and since it is a very high preforming antenna they prove they have a point.

I just purchased a flex 8600 to replace my Icom-7610. I have also added to the mix an antenna and tuner genius. But here is the rub, how do I connect the flagpole? I do not think the best solution is to run both. That is the LDG-100 located at the base of the antenna, or the tuner genius in the shack. Does anyone have any input on this problem that they would share with me to make the decision before the equipment arrives.

73 Bill - NO4ON

Comments

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    It is about impedance matching.

    Ham radios are expecting a 50 ohm load. The coax is 50 ohms. The coax then connects to the antenna of some impedance.

    It is always better to place the tuner near the antenna if possible.

    It isn't saying that having the tuner at the radio won't work and it is done for because it is easy.

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    The worse the match and the more loss in the feedline, the more important it is to put the tuner at the feedpoint.

    When the loss isn't bad and the match is fairly close, you will never hear the difference between having the tuner at the radio compared to having it at the feedpoint.

  • Rich - N5ZC
    Rich - N5ZC Member ✭✭

    This would be a great solution if 4O3A ever releases it.

    https://4o3a.com/tuner-genius-outdoor

    Rich - N5ZC

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