I've a couple of 238 tuners that I use on a regular basis. Both I've
replaced the fixed C's with some of the "real" RF current rated caps. The
original disk ceramics were noted to heat, thus change value and the
result is a changing SWR indication. Generally the replacements I use
are Soviet made found on various auction or surplus sites.
The 238 tuner with replaced caps easily handle the power output of the AM
transmitter being carrier plus modulation. This is much much more
devastating and demanding on a tuner than any SSB signal. I find the
matching range to be excellent with good results with about any type of
antenna on any band.
73
Bob, K4TAX
> On 11/16/2012 3:55 PM, Richards wrote:
>> I once enjoyed the sheer convenience of the AT-AUTO... but now that I
>> know how to quickly adjust the 238C, that convenience no longer seems
>> so important.
>
> Yes, the Ten Tec tuners are surely first rate, and while I haven't seen
> one of the new generation that replaced the dial cord with a vernier,
> I'm confident that they're a nice step up from those that used the dial
> cord. BTW --there are some fixed caps that tend to fry. if you do
> contesting at legal limit power, at least in the older units I've
> owned. They're fairly easy to replace. I used inexpensive surplus parts
> that I bought from Halted (also called HSC) for a buck or so apiece.
>
> That said, I'm VERY pleased with my new Elecraft KAT500 auto tuner,
> which I've been beta testing for about two months. Rated 600W for 20:1
> SWR, and legal limit for a load that is 3:1 or better. Three outputs,
> each with per-band memories. $700. There used to be six Ten Tec 229 and
> 238 tuners on my operating desk. Now there are three in my closet, a 238
> I plan to keep, a 229 with a bad band switch, and a 229 that works but
> with a dial cord that needs re-stringing. The others are sold.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
|