LDG Z-11 "Pro"

[kg4llq]

I'd like to know anyone's experience with the LDG Z-11 "Pro" Auto-Tuner.

[kg4llq]

Well, it seems strange, but I will answer my own question. I just received the Z-11 "Pro" last week, installed it & set it up last Friday evening (11-11-05) and began operating it Saturday & Sunday. #Let me explain my operating situation: #Transceiver is an IC-718 which I primarily operate in the CW mode. #My antenna is a Force 12 "Flag Pole" vertical, with 10 radials and a maximum height of 15.75 feet above ground level. #It has previously performed well on 30 meters & up with an MFJ 949e. #It performed fairly well on 40 meters but the mismatch really cut my effective radiated power on that band. #I wanted to replace the 949e because it would periodically arc as well as require tightening of the various controls. #The quality of the MFJ 949e was not up to my standards.
The Z-11 "Pro" Operator's Manual is very well written and is humorous (on purpose) in certain sections. #As with all hams, I don't like to read manuals but studied a couple of paragraphs I thought important. #(Presently I am not operating with the Icom Interconnection Cable which arrived just before I left town on a business trip; but plan to this following weekend). #Anyway the Z-11 "Pro" tunes up quickly and accurately on all bands on which I operate except 40 meters. #Of course tuning the rig to the 40 meter mismatch when the antenna is less than 16 feet high is quite an accomplishment in itself. #The Z-11 "Pro" won't tune to less than 2:1 SWR; however LDG incorporates a unique feature. #There are manual adjustments for capacitance & inductance! #After the Z-11 "Pro" tunes as best it can, I simply increase the capacitance and the IC-718 can be matched to about 1.25:1. #What a deal. #Bottom line: #At $179 including a rebate to LDG for a free interconnect cable for Icom, Kenwood & Yaesu rigs is quite a bargain in my opinion. #The Z-11 "Pro" is a quality designed & manufactured product (especially when compared to MFJ) and has an impressive value to dollar ratio! #Also, I hate rebates; but within 7 days after snail-mailing my packing- list from HRO to LDG, I received the free Icom interconnect cable!
That translates to a quality product and excellent customer service. #I rate LDG "FIVE STARS". #73, Ken

[n2nh]

LDG does build some great inexpensive antenna tuners. I've been using a Z-100 Ultra for awhile and it's KISS approach makes it a pleasure to use. The Ultra model has built-in batteries (for backpacking) and my unit runs off them all the time with no degradation in performance. I totally agree with your assessment, but I think that would extend to the Z-100 Ultra also. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W3BIG]

I agree with your review of the LDG Z-11 PRO antenna tuner. I bought one to replace the original Z-11 because it is quicker to tune (on any mode) and can be used with internal batteries. I operate with a Yaesu FT-817 and it is a valuable little companion. I have so far had no trouble tuning my homebrew G5RV and have used it at heights as low as 10-12 feet. on bands as low as 75 meters.

I also just purchased the LDG DTS-6 antenna switch with six coaxial ports. It's compact and you just push a button to select an antenna. I waited 6 weeks for it to become available and it was well worth the wait.

W3BIG , I just sent an MFjunk 971 manual tuner back for a refund, what junk. #I am looking for a tuner for my ft-817nd. #I wanted a manual qrp tuner, but now I'm looking at a z-11 pro auto tuner. #Have you ever used it with a end fed wire (with a 4:1 balun I suppose) and how did it work??? #Thanks for any info. #cheers scott.

[KG6WOU]

I bought one to match up my BuddiPole and SG-2020 portable station. Fast and easy to use, just like my AT-100 Pro at the home station. I've really come to like LDG's equipment.

I too have the DTS-6 and at a price comparable with the alpha-delta 4 position switch, it's really much nicer looking!