Note
HFT-9 1983-1987 $54.95
HFT-9A 1987-1990 $49.95
HFT-9B 1991-1991 $49.95
The HFT-9 was designed primarily as a companion for the HW-9 QRP transceiver but found favor with the QRP crowd in general and ended up selling quite well.
The unit is a straightforward antenna tuner that can be assembled to cover one of two frequency ranges: 80 to 10 meters or 160 to 15 meters. It is easy to determine which range has been selected. Open the cover and check the presence or absence of two capacitors. Refer to photo for the location of these capacitors, marked with an asterisk ( * ). If these capacitors are present, the 160 meter range has been selected. If the capacitors are absent, the 80 meter range has been chosen.
The HFT-9 will handle up to 50 watts of power, and includes a built-in 4:1 balun for use with open wire feed lines, and can also be used with random wire antennas. The inductor is not continuously variable—a control selects one of 12 taps. The rear panel includes SO-239 connectors for antenna and transmitter, screw terminals for balanced lines and single wires, and a wingnut ground post. Heath did not specifically state the output impedance range, saying only that it had a “wide range.”
Caution: Only one antenna may be connected at one time.
In 1991 the HFT-9 was part of the legendary big blowout Heath initiated to clear out all remaining kit products from its inventory.
References:
Review. QST. Jul 1984, p. 41.
Frequency range: 80 to 10 meters, or 160 to 15 meters, user option.
Power handling capability: 50 watts
Input impedance: 50Ω
Output impedance: wide range
Impedance transformer: 4:1 balun
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
