Note
TThe Palstar AT-500 is a manual antenna tuner designed for the 160m to 6m amateur radio bands, with a power rating of up to 600 Watts PEP. It utilizes a differential T-matching network that simplifies operation by reducing the manual tuning process to only two primary controls.
Internal Components and Construction
The tuner's interior is built with high-quality materials to handle high power and provide precise matching:
– Differential Capacitor: Features a single rotor and two stators, with a range of 14 pF to 360 pF at 2.5 kV.
– Roller Inductor: A precision 15 μH ceramic body inductor handles tuning for 40–6 meters
– 160m Operation: Includes a relay-switched add-on inductor specifically for the 160-meter band.
– Balun: Equipped with a 4:1 ferrite current balun for feeding balanced lines.
– Metering is based on the PM2000A watt meter.
The tuner features a cross-needle meter that displays both peak and peak-hold power.
Specifications
– Frequency Coverage: 1.8 - 54 MHz
– Maximum Power: 600 W PEP SSB, 500 W CW
– Impedance Range: 20 to 1500 Ω, 160m to 6m (assuming resistive load). Reduce power for lower Z-range
– Dual movement cross-needle power and frequency compensated coupler
– Variable capacitor 360-14-360pF 2.5 kV with 6:1 Vernier Drive
– Inductance: 15 µH roller inductor; 12 ga. wire wound on steatite ceramic core, plated bar and wheel, fixed 15 µH coil relay switched
– Antenna Switch: 6 position: Coax 1 tuned and tuner bypass, Coax 2 tuned and tuner bypass. Switch wafers are 3 kV rated
– Range: 300 W / 3000 W
– Balanced Output: 4:1 current balun
Power Requirements: 12 VDC at 200 mA/
CHASSIS & COVER: 11 ga., .090 gold Iridite Treated Aluminium
