Note
The Z-817 20-watt is and automatic tuner for QRP transceivers. While the Z-817 works well with any radio with a maximum power of 20 watts, it offers enhanced features when coupled with the Yaesu FT-817 QRP transceiver.
The Z-817 provides semi-automatic antenna tuning across the entire HF spectrum plus 6 meters, at power levels up to 20 watts. It will tune dipoles, verticals, Yagis, or virtually any coax-fed antenna. It will match an amazing range of antennas and impedances, far greater than some other tuners you may have considered, including the built-in tuners on many radios.
The Z-817 is similar to previous LDG tuners, but is specially engineered to integrate with the Yaesu FT-817 QRP HF radio. The Z-817 connects to the CAT port on the back of the radio. The CAT interface allows an external device such as a PC or the Z-817 to control the FT-817 by sending it serial commands. The Z-817 takes advantage of this interface to simplify the tuning process -- one button push is all that is needed in order to switch the radio to PKT mode, reduce output power, transmit a carrier, measure the transmit frequency, and then restore the radio to its previous mode and power level.
The Z-817 will also function as a general-purpose QRP antenna tuner with other radios. Manual operation will be required in this case.
The Z-817 is powered by internal batteries, so there is no additional power cable required to use the Z-817. Latching relays are used, so the Z-817 consumes no power when not tuning, so batteries only need to be replaced once per year or less.
Specifications
• 0.1 to 20 watts SSB, CW, and digital modes.
• Latching relays for ultra low power operation.
• 2,000 memories for instantaneous frequency and band changing (when used with FT-817 radio. 200 memories otherwise.)
• Battery powered. 4 x 1.5V AA (Alkaline recommended for long life)
• Designed specifically for the Yaesu FT-817 QRP HF transceiver.
• Works with any transceiver with maximum 20 watts power rating.
• Pass-thru CAT port allows Z-817 to control the FT-817 over the CAT bus while still allowing a host PC to also control the radio.
• 1.8 to 54.0 MHz coverage. Frequency for memory storage is read from the radio via CAT.
• Tunes 6 to 600 ohm loads (16 to 150 on 6M), 24 to 2400 ohms with optional 4:1 Balun.
• Optional external Balun allows tuning of random length, long wire or ladder line fed antennas.
