At 11:30 PM 4/14/05, Robert Carroll wrote:
I bought my Orion with the tuner installed but did not expect to use it
often and have not done so. However the few times I have used it I did
notfeel it did a very good job. It seemed to give up around 1.2-1.4 to 1
on impedances easily handled by a manual tuner
This is normal for the relay switched auto tuners. Even the "standard of
comparison" SGC 230 will stop when it reaches 2/1 SWR unless you strap it
for 1.5/1 and then there may be times when it won't be able to get it that
close. The older motor driven L and C tuners were totally "variable" as
opposed to the newer relay driven "stepped" tuners and stood a better
chance of finding a lower SWR.
Practically speaking, 2/1 will give you about as much "on air" signal
as a perfect match, and a "radio user" (not an electronics type) will not
notice the discrepancy anyway. (ie: Marine shipboard use)
The reason for the new style relay driven tuners is cost, obviously. Add to
that less maintenance. Such is the state of the art.....
Perry w8au
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