This is how i used to tune my antenna's back in the 80's and 90s as well and plate and load valve radio's.. everything seems too automated these days.. nice video 73s
Nice video. In my 3 HF/VHF/UHF (FT 857D, IC 706 MK2, FT 818nd), I use three models of the MFJ mini antenna tuners (MFJ 900, 901B, 902B) in the go kits. I have found all 3 models to do the job when I use them with the standard dipole antennas
Seems like a lot of “other” equipment is also needed to verify the antenna settings with the tuner? Too many steps for my taste. While I like the idea of a manual tuner, the autos seem to be a lot faster and more accurate. Maybe a manual tuner with the appropriate meters built in would be easier to visualize the settings vs hoping back and forth with several pieces of equipment? Just my opinion 🤷♂️
I have the same setup with FT 891, 901b, home brew 9:1 balun and abt 84 feet of wire only 17 ft up and in "L" configuration. It works fine. Good tuner.
I use a Rig Experts AA-35 Zoom to analyze my antennas, and I really like using it. The one thing I don't understand is that when the analyzer is typically used with antennas outside, it can be really hard to see the display outside.
Hey John - thanks for watching. I totally agree with you. Last xmas I bought a 991A and the AA-55 zoom. I really like working with the VNA on the bench but the screen is pretty much worthless outside in the daylight. I love the RigExpert for it's ease of use and durability in the field. 73
So.....in order to find the best SWR for the FT891, I have to switch to AM (5-watts power setting) and just key the mike and make adjustments....correct?? Also, can I used a cross-needle SWR meter on the FT891 if I choose?? Thank you.
have this tuner and I was wondering what how the readings would change impedance wise after tuning up if you just changed the center control?just out of curiosity?
Hi Stephen, thanks for making the video.I wanted to ask you about the power output settings on 891. I just purchased a FT891 and have only had it for 24 hours. What is the difference with HF SSB PWR and HF PWR. Cheers, Roc
Hey Roc - thanks for watching. What a great radio and so so many options! HF SSB PWR vs HF PWR. The easy way to remember for me is HF PWR is data. RTTY, DATA, CW fall into this category. There is also a 50M and HF AM PWR setting but that is self explanatory. I like to start at about 25W for SSB and work my way up. For DATA like FT8 or PSK I start at 10W. See you on the air! W0KNI
@@W0KNI Cool radio, set the radio to 100w ssb and 25w in ft8, the when switching between ssb and ft8, the radio remembers the powersetting. is there an extra powersetting for FM ? how good is the modulation in AM ?
@@DonauweIIe The FT-891 has several power settings for different modes and bands. I agree with you, it's really nice having them separated. Yes, FM, AM, SSB and DATA all have their own settings. See menu section 16.
Thanks for watching! YES it does. I was on a 2015 MacBook Air. I go back and forth between the free AntScope 2.0 software and the free web app for the Nano. Both have their strengths/weaknesses. 73, w0kni.
Before you use an MFJ tuner the knobs need to be calibrated 6 on the dials should be caps fully meshed = max capacitance 1 = min capacitance caps fully unmeshed.I haver never seen an MFJ that had the knobs set on the shafts correct. Just open the box and slacken the screws on the knobs .They are a good tuner i four of them all needed calibration ,must have something to do with assembly convenience .Ei7gg
Ok, you did not say if you were keying the rig, or just using and listening to the incoming ref signals.. .. two different methods of doing the tuning…
Hey there! Good question and sorry the video wasn't more clear. The instructions say to start out with adjusting the tuner while receiving first. Look for the loudest or most noise. Then lower your power and key your mic on AM or RTTY and start making finer adjustments. I now use this on my base station for the harder to reach bands.
This is exactly the information I was looking for, so cool to use the nano vna to check what the box was giving in terms of swr and rl. Thank you
This is how i used to tune my antenna's back in the 80's and 90s as well and plate and load valve radio's.. everything seems too automated these days.. nice video 73s
Right on! Thanks for stopping by, happy you enjoyed it.
Nice video. In my 3 HF/VHF/UHF (FT 857D, IC 706 MK2, FT 818nd), I use three models of the MFJ mini antenna tuners (MFJ 900, 901B, 902B) in the go kits. I have found all 3 models to do the job when I use them with the standard dipole antennas
I'm very happy with it. It packs well being so light and does what it's designed to do! Thanks for watching.
Seems like a lot of “other” equipment is also needed to verify the antenna settings with the tuner? Too many steps for my taste. While I like the idea of a manual tuner, the autos seem to be a lot faster and more accurate. Maybe a manual tuner with the appropriate meters built in would be easier to visualize the settings vs hoping back and forth with several pieces of equipment? Just my opinion 🤷♂️
I have the same setup with FT 891, 901b, home brew 9:1 balun and abt 84 feet of wire only 17 ft up and in "L" configuration. It works fine. Good tuner.
Hey M.K. 😁 Perfect setup! Gets the job done and so very tunable. Hope to hear you on the air. Cheers!
I use a Rig Experts AA-35 Zoom to analyze my antennas, and I really like using it. The one thing I don't understand is that when the analyzer is typically used with antennas outside, it can be really hard to see the display outside.
Hey John - thanks for watching. I totally agree with you. Last xmas I bought a 991A and the AA-55 zoom. I really like working with the VNA on the bench but the screen is pretty much worthless outside in the daylight. I love the RigExpert for it's ease of use and durability in the field. 73
So.....in order to find the best SWR for the FT891, I have to switch to AM (5-watts power setting) and just key the mike and make adjustments....correct?? Also, can I used a cross-needle SWR meter on the FT891 if I choose?? Thank you.
have this tuner and I was wondering what how the readings would change impedance wise after tuning up if you just changed the center control?just out of curiosity?
This is a classic t-tuner. It works great with a variety of antennas like long wire.
Couldn't agree more! Although I don't use it everywhere, it's not far away. I highly recommend it. Thanks for watching!
I ended the video and thank you for all the info. Please keep making the videos. 73 AE4OY William Peacock EM-81UF SOUTH EAST GEORGIA
Thank you for the kind words Bill. I will keep, keeping at it! 73
Hi Stephen, thanks for making the video.I wanted to ask you about the power output settings on 891. I just purchased a FT891 and have only had it for 24 hours. What is the difference with HF SSB PWR and HF PWR. Cheers, Roc
Hey Roc - thanks for watching. What a great radio and so so many options! HF SSB PWR vs HF PWR. The easy way to remember for me is HF PWR is data. RTTY, DATA, CW fall into this category. There is also a 50M and HF AM PWR setting but that is self explanatory. I like to start at about 25W for SSB and work my way up. For DATA like FT8 or PSK I start at 10W. See you on the air! W0KNI
@@W0KNI Thanks for the reply. We should plan a QSO!!!
@@W0KNI
Cool radio, set the radio to 100w ssb and 25w in ft8, the when switching between ssb and ft8, the radio remembers the powersetting.
is there an extra powersetting for FM ?
how good is the modulation in AM ?
@@DonauweIIe The FT-891 has several power settings for different modes and bands. I agree with you, it's really nice having them separated. Yes, FM, AM, SSB and DATA all have their own settings. See menu section 16.
Thank you for sharing I wanted to ask if the Rigexpert software you were using runs on a Mac.
Thanks for watching! YES it does. I was on a 2015 MacBook Air. I go back and forth between the free AntScope 2.0 software and the free web app for the Nano. Both have their strengths/weaknesses. 73, w0kni.
Can you tell me the total length of the tuner including the knobs and rear connections?
Hi John - thanks for watching! From the manufacturers site I found the following: W 127 x D 152 x H 63 mm. I hope that helps! Have a great day. W0KNI
When it reduces SWR, I hear less. When it increases the swr to about 2 I can hear them better and they do me too ... Strange
Hmm. That is strange.
Sir you need to be alot quicker when transmitting and adjusting your atu for a low swr .....FINAL TRANSISTORS ARE EXPENSIVE OK
Hey there. Thanks for the tip. I make sure to only tune using 5w just to minimize any issues like that! Thank you!
Before you use an MFJ tuner the knobs need to be calibrated 6 on the dials should be caps fully meshed = max capacitance 1 = min capacitance caps fully unmeshed.I haver never seen an MFJ that had the knobs set on the shafts correct. Just open the box and slacken the screws on the knobs .They are a good tuner i four of them all needed calibration ,must have something to do with assembly convenience .Ei7gg
Hey Charles, wow good info. I would not have known having just one. Thank you!
Does this tune 10:1 or just 3:1 or less?
Oh at least 10:1 if not more! I use it at home still but not so much in the field now since I normally run a monoband dipole
@@W0KNI I may need to buy one. I had an ldg tuner die on me.
Captain she cant take much more of that
LOL - no doubt.
Ok, you did not say if you were keying the rig, or just using and listening to the incoming ref signals.. .. two different methods of doing the tuning…
Hey there! Good question and sorry the video wasn't more clear. The instructions say to start out with adjusting the tuner while receiving first. Look for the loudest or most noise. Then lower your power and key your mic on AM or RTTY and start making finer adjustments. I now use this on my base station for the harder to reach bands.
I just don't know how I made it my first 50 years licensed with just a SWR bridge...hi...hi
WA8QFE
LOL - times have changed! Thanks for checking out my video Lee. 73.