LDG Z-100Plus auto tuner review

[@TXLorenzo]

I have this set up and I have to say this is one of the best radio/tuner combo for portable operations. I can put this entire rig with an antenna, solar panel and battery all in an airline friendly backpack. Great grab and go setup and you never feel under gunned like you do with a smaller QRP rig.

[@modifeye1]

Excellent tutorial. I am recently back into ham radio after quite a while of being away. I just purchased an FT-891 with this tuner. Could not be happier. I watched reviews on this tuner and the Pro ii version. Candidly, the pro version just didn't seem as efficient as the Z-100 plus. I am primarily interested in POTA right now so I wanted something with a simple interface. This met the need hands down.

[@stevenosko550]

Dennis, this video is just want I needed. I was unsure how to set it up on the FT-891. You saved the day. Thanks again.

[@benmmm7359]

Thanks very much for the detailed run-through! Just a little FYI/BTW: of course the ATU is only matching the input impedance to the feedline to the ~50 Ohms at the radio's RF output. An impedance match on any band for which the antenna is NOT designed to operate will result in much-reduced power radiation, with an unpredictable pattern. Sure, you won't upset your radio....but people need to realise that impedance matching does NOT equate to tuning a piece of wire to resonate on the desired frequency and operating efficiently. Thanks again for your well-presented video! 73 from VK-land

[@n1kkri]

The tuner reflects the reflected wave back up the coax to the antenna. The losses would be in the coax. Other than the coax losses all your power makes it to the antenna. How good the antenna is at the freq of operation is a different story.

[@johndeluca230]

Great video! I believe the Z-100Plus will make you happy. I use the earlier model LDG YT-100 for my Yaesu FT-857 to fantastic results. 85' random wire or 43' random wire using 4:1 Unun and the Wolf River Silver Bullet Mini+102" whip all operate fine. I made Saratoga, NY to Namibia (8,000 miles) from a park bench with that rig and tuner using the 43' endfed at 100W. I don't need anything more from a portable rig. 73 from N1DEL.

[@tombohon6280]

New FT891 owner - can't put antennas up in my apartment so I'll be doing portable operations for a while - and I just happen to have purchased this same tuner. This tutorial is PERFECT for me! Excited to get a good antenna and go out to a local park to give it a workout. Thanks! Tom W7BHN

[@azl5226ff]

I just ordered both today, my first HF radio and tuner.

[@VE3IPS]

Dennis I paired this with my FT-891 and it works like an LDG is expected too. From an 8 ft wire to 250 feet of wire without a hick up. I suggest you pack a 1:1 and 4:1 LDG balun in the go box for those times you need it.

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

I use the same tuner on the same radio, by watching i am making a use correction. The LDG tuner instructions were different and complex. Thanks for making it more simplified. 73

[@Marty48034]

I have the 100A. Different cable set-up. There is what looks like an S-video plug on the tuner end, then a different plug on the radio end, with anther 3.5 (like yours) attached. For this one, you need both plugged in on the radio for it to do things more automatically. I got there, but it took some playing. Thanks fort the help.

[@santossalinas7209]

Dennis, this video is what I needed. I just purchased a FT-891. Thanks you.

[@FargoFX]

Great video, short, clear, to the point. Exactly what I needed. Much thanks.

[@1crazynordlander]

I have all the parts to the puzzle now so I will be trying this out this afternoon. Thanks for doing this and taking the mystery out of the selection process.

[@XionUnjust]

Just received my 891 and z100 plus. Only waiting for my antenna and analyzer. Thanks for the vid!

[@giffjim55]

I just purchased the same combo but the tuner came with an interface for the 891. Thanks!

[@oquintan]

Beautiful tutorial . I have the same rig and your guide helped me get going!

[@davehansen2360]

Dennis, I came across your video while looking for a video on a newer version. Thanks for the video.

[@n1rbd]

Thanks for the Menu tip. Nowhere in their documentation does it mention this.

[@louisranger7647]

Thank you Denis, I'm looking to get a FT-891 and antenna tuner. It seems to be very easy to setup & use. 73 de VA2LRA

[@gilbreathca]

Thanks for the video, Dennis. I just got a second-hand LDG Z-100 Plus for my FT-891 and found your information very helpful. 73, W5ZYM

[@smoberdeen]

That's the POTA rig/setup I want to go with my fifth wheel. 73 K8STU *An equipment breakdown would be a nice feature to include in future posts.

[@pablod6872]

Thanks for the review. I'm considering this radio as part of an "all-in-one" portable system, and that tuner looks like it would fit the bill.

[@dovetomarc]

Thanks for the great video. Quick question: When you said you were concerned that the ground connection (your wire from LDG to back of radio) might interfere with the antenna can you explain and how would you recommend connecting the ground wire to the radio? Thanks again for this video. 73

[@buckeye5704]

THANKS! Great demo! I just ordered an FT 891 and want to use a random wire or G5RV (non-resonant wire) antenna on my trips to So. Africa (family) for easy set up and take downs. I first saw this tuner on Signal Searches channel and liked the price tag when I searched it out.

[@jasony.2001]

Your videos are great. I am considering this set up with a dipole, and I have 2 questions. Would you go with this setup again and why not pull DC from the same line that feeds your FT-891? I noticed you like the Z11 Pro II in another video.

[@WW5RM]

I think he did that so he wouldn't have to splice in is my guess. Probably had the battery pack laying around. I just sliced in some crimp terminals and run off the same power.

[@VE3BF]

If your set up is permanent then yes splice into the 12 volts for sure. My setup are mostly portable so I use the internal battery pack or one of the portable packs that I've made up. The Z-100 and the Z-11 are both very good tuners and I'd buy them again if I had too replace them. 73 de VE3BF

[@geirha75]

Thanks for nice information on the tuner. How much power do you actually get out to the antenna with a tuner?

[@jordanjohnson3370]

I have the same setup as well, very happy with it. My tuner came with a tray already installed under the cover for double a's yours probably has it too

[@VE3BF]

Thanks for the heads up, I just opened mine to discover the same thing. Strange that it's note in the documentation. Cheers Denis

[@CondoreComputing]

Was about to comment the same thing. It seems that some revisions of there smaller tuners do and others don't have the battery tray pre installed which is a little odd. Regardless I'm happy it has it, one less wire I need to carry with me for portable work.

[@SpencerRichKM4KFG]

Same for mine for anybody looking post early 2019'ish. My Z100Plus came with an internal tray as well so kudos to LDG for throwing that in there! Been running off and on HF portable over a year and still kicking strong on the internal batteries

[@MrCofresipirate]

Excellent video just bought the tuner and cable thanks

[@colinc.8742]

Thanks for the great review. Any problem not having radio interface with Index Lab I use? Colin

[@anthonycosta1776]

Very impressive. Ordering one tomorrow. Thanks.

[@johnfloy]

Great video sir, i ordered one of these based on your suggestion for my 891 to use with POTA activations

[@AzPauly]

HI, thanks for the video, 2018... now 2022.. I have an LDG KT-100, do you know if these models are all the same and the supplied interface dictates the model ie KT, YT etc.. asking if perhaps my KT-100 (looks identical to the Z100 Plus) would work on the FT 891 with appropriate cables..? currently plug and play on a Kenwood TS-50.. thank you for the videos, you have a nice calm manner that is easy to watch/listen to and casually very informative..

[@VE3BF]

The KT-100 has the interface for Kenwood radios, the YT-100 was for the previous generation of Yaesu radios, neither will work with the FT-891. Thanks for your kind words. 73

[@rjwade00]

Hi Dennis, thanks for the valuable information! Would you recommend this tuner or the Z-11ProII to pair with an FT-891? What are the relative merits of each?

[@keithkcurrie8516]

Will that tuner work with an icon 706? Great video good work. VE5 HKC. Keith

[@Mr1MOA]

Great demonstration!! Very helpful!!

[@tubbysailor]

Thanks. Your presentation is simple and very understandable. I am looking to add a tuner to my FT-891. You mention that your SWR reading on your transceiver is high. How did you determine that? Again, thanks.

[@robertvarner9519]

Great video about the tuner. Clear and to the point. I think I can use it for the Yaesu FT-710 or the FTDX-10.

[@fashionskiller]

Nice little tuner. Considering getting one for camping. But why do you use a separate wire to connect radio's and tuner's ground since the coax' outern shield did it already?

[@1crazynordlander]

Very good info on the Tuner and the radio I'm getting my FT-891 tomorrow. I think I can run it without looking at the manual with your great instructions on your videos. I probably get the Z-100 if I get a different antenna that needs a tuner. Sounds like the LDG Balun is a great add-on. I have the Wolf River Coils SB1000 with the mega tripod stand and an Rigexpert AA-55 Zoom to check resonance.

[@VE3BF]

Sounds like like you are all set. Enjoy your new FT-891

[@W7LDT]

Are you manually reducing radio power before tuning? The manual says that when using the Y-ACC interface cable that pushing the TUNE button, the radio is keyed at its “current power setting.” I am concerned about transmitting 100 watts into a hi SWR while it tunes. Have you had any issues?

[@josebrivera1716]

I still have that tuner, but it takes close to 20-30 seconds for it to tune. Have a new rig and resonant antennas, so I don't use the tuner anymore.

[@christianpaul3303]

JUST got my FT-891 and LDG Z-100 - still haven't warmed it up. I'll definitely get the interface cable - or build one (I probably have some jacks somewhere). Is that a Yaesu cable or an LDG cable? Enjoy and 73!

[@VE3BF]

Chris Paul the cable is an LDG part, 2 of the wires must be crossed, there are wiring diagrams on the web.

[@christianpaul3303]

@@VE3BF Thanks much - I'll check it out. 73

[@jamesharrison2374]

Nice video, picked up a FT-891 a few weeks back, need to grab one of these LDG’s as soon as I have the financials together. Looks like a great little setup. I use a BTV-6 with all the DXE toys, my 40mtr just does not play nice, and needs a tuner.

[@robertbird7297]

Hi Dennis….. how many memories does this antenna matching device have?

[@jterrellcreative]

Thanks for the video. I'm looking at using this tuner with my 891. The manual says that you should put a carrier wave on AM, FM or other during the tuning process, but I noticed you didn't. Looks like it tuned just fine without doing that?

[@billyaguilar1112]

nice denis i just ordered they same radio and tuner for my camp should have it this week tuner is on back order.thanks for the crash course on the menu settings to hook up the tuner and how to use the radio. the only question i have is i ordered anouther cable and i believe that it to power the tuner via the radio.

[@VE3BF]

Hi Walt, I'm sure that you will enjoy this little comb immensely. The newest version of this tuner has a battery try inside just open up the cover and put in some AA and you good to go for about 1 year. the Yaesu cable does not provide power to the tuner, The FT-891 does not support that. The Icon cable does provide the tuner with power depending on what Icon rig is used. Have fun with it.

[@philbodden4981]

Hi Dennis, I did the Mars Mod, That came out perfect, but when I did the factory reset, I forgot to put the Radio back to "LAMP" mode, this video helped me , so a BIG THANK YOU for this video.de ZF1PB

[@dutchovenguy]

Thanks for the informative review. I think the Z-100Plus will be just right for my 891. I operate portable with a Bushcomm Highlander 8 vertical on an Alpha Delta Outpost ground-coupled tripod mount.

[@n1kkri]

Any thoughts on the MFJ-939. They claim a wider impedance matching capability

[@geod3589]

I have the 929.. works like a charm, very fast. I chose it over the 939 due to the digital display on it.

[@smoberdeen]

That's the same rig and setup I have for POTA and traveling with our fifth wheel and the FT-991A is safely in the shack at the QTH.

[@timaltieri8529]

I'm late to the game. You're quite skilled at creating good videos Dennis. Can you mount the ldg z100 in the trunk along with the FT-891 body? 891 face plate is on the dash. How to engage the tuner when the tuner is in the trunk? (The tune button would be on the tuner in the trunk.) Thanks. Tim K3JTA

[@BadassWeldingVideos]

Learning a ton, thanks

[@aerozg]

Love the video, thank you so much. I was looking to get the Yaesu FC-50, but it can only do 3:1 matching (someone called it a "touch-up tuner", which sounds about right), whereas this little guy seems to be able to do more (10:1). The real selling point for me is that it can be powered by an internal 9V battery. I will do anything to avoid having to many cables and wires hanging around if i can, so this is a great option for me. Thank you for the little demo, this has helped me with my decision. 73s, 9A5ELO.

[@donalfinn4205]

Nicely done and I learned something!👍☘️

[@MrJimmy440]

What did you ground your equipment to ? Thanks KD2WPA

[@mikeerstad3705]

Question: What power does the FT-891 put out when you use the LDG tuner..... is it less than the SSB wattage you've set for talking (like around 90 watts) or is it reduced..... Thanks for the Video....

[@VE3BF]

The power output from the radio will not change, if you set to 90 watts then 90 watts will go into to tuner. Now the tuners job is to match the antenna’s impedance to as close to 50 ohms as possible to keep the radio safe, when doing that the tuner does absorb some of that power, exactly how much depends on the mismatch. Based on 100 watts out At 1.5 VSWR the output loss is about 5 watts at 3:1 it’s about 25 watts and at 6:1 is about 50 watts. I hope this helps. 73 de VE3BF

[@mikeerstad3705]

@@VE3BF Thanks for the reply....after playing around a bit... I've found that if I set 16-03 to 20 watts, that's exactly what's used for tuning.... I decided to hook up my LP-100A RF Watt meter to the line to verify that and all is well....but when talking on SSB I get close to full 100 Watts output...16-01 is set to 100 Watts... Thanks Again for your time to put these KZbin Video's out...it really helps us... Mike

[@NavyFE]

Thanks for the video, easy to understand and helpful in my operations coming up. 73's

[@roberttraylor1392]

awesome video i have a ft-897d will this tuner work for this radio

[@scottgoodrich5825]

I have one of these in my shack with the IC-706 mkIIG. Works like a champ.

[@MrShrtfnl1]

Thanks for the video, Dennis! I think you just sold a tuner! Nicely done with a great demonstration! I am about to buy a new FT-891 for the travel trailer and this will fill the bill as a nice companion! Subscribing as well, enjoyed listening to you!

[@raygami]

Can the LDG turner ground be connected to the Icom 7300 ground? I mean to put a direct cable from the transmitter to the coupler? Thank you

[@KD2GIY]

do you have to put the power down before tuning? or does the radio do it ?

[@reyespe]

Great Video Dennis! Do you lower your power to tune or tune at high power? I always lower my power to 5 watts before tuning and wonder if I am just wasting my time.

[@VE3BF]

No need to change your power settings the tuner interface does that for you. When you hit the tune button the rig drops down to 5 watts, once the tuning is do the rig goes back to whatever your you had it set at.

[@leethompson5274]

I use that tuner with both my 891 and the same cable works with my 857d. Lee, WA8QFE

[@Sparky5]

How about showing what the SWR is before hitting the tune button?

[@TheAmericanStranger1]

Great video! I just picked up both of these and was happy to find a video showing how to set it up. Is the ground wire between the tuner and radio a random length wire between the two that's simply screwed down?

[@VE3BF]

The ideal ground system is individual wires from each device to your grounding bus. You also want to keep the wires as short as possible. 73

[@joeframo3347]

Ve3bf thanks for sharing this video really appreciate that helping other ham operators I think you're awesome your best friend from Atlanta Georgia

[@normnpat]

Just got this radio and tuner. Very helpful. Thanks, 73

[@o2bnov0307]

I did not see the antenna project in the description. Would you share it with me? Thank you!

[@VE3BF]

Hi Davis. Here is the link to the 1/4 wave 20 meter antenna that I used in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJfLo4Cnj6afo8k 73 de VE3BF

[@o2bnov0307]

VE3BF I just enjoyed watching your antenna video. TNX es 73 de David AE4LH

[@julianlong]

Great video. Z100 plus or z11 pro II benefits of one over the other?

[@LB7VJ]

Just what I needed. Thank you! -73

[@TheCzemike]

What possible reason exists to use a non-standard 3.5mm TRS wiring connection? Is this on Yaesu or LDG?

[@CHENDOTREVINO]

Thank you for this excellent video 73.

[@willian.direction6740]

G day Dennis you might save a few gizmos by just fitting the earth alligator clip to the end of your earth wire and clip it to the radio at the back. Thanks for the demo I have had a ldg tuner fail on ft8 mode they don't seem to like long periods of fdc . Ian vk5cz ..

[@VE3BF]

the digital mode are certainly hard on the gear. Thanks for the lug tip, I will certainly give that a go. 73 Denis

[@rgp415]

After 6 months, how’s this working out? I noticed you also reviewed the z11 pro with the FT891, any favorites between the two tuners?

[@VE3BF]

Hi, both tuner are still working flawlessly the Z100 tends to get used when I'm mobile and the Z11 is my favorite when I'm portable. I really like to be able to fine tune the match, the Z11 lets me do that. 73 de VE3BF

[@WW5RM]

@@VE3BF I wish I had gone that route. A 2:1 isn't very good in my opinion. Usually the z100plus gets me a 1.5:1 or better which to me should be a Auto Tuners standard. Does the Z11 interface with the FT-891?

[@reidlanham2011]

I have the same radio/tuner combo. Waiting on some batteries so I can start doing some portable!

[@Seeker43]

I made a mistake and bought the MFJ-939Y. It has irritated me no end. Half the time it just stops working or the TNR in the 891 disappears. I have to manually do the pushbutton thing everytime i change freqs for it to tune. The autotune function just wont work. YES i have checked many times the jumper settings in the tuner. They are correct and the cables are the correct cables and the setup in the 891 is set to tune. I give up.

[@M6JKW]

Great video very informative thanks for posting 🙂👍

[@jonasv328]

Thanks for the video! Did you tune in SSB mode with full power?

[@VE3BF]

The beauty of an auto tuner is that you don’t have to worry about modes or power settings, this tuner will take care of that. During the tuning process the tuner switches the rig to cw and minimum power output, once the tuner is done it switches the rig back to whatever your setting where.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

So what's the difference between the z100a and the plus

[@MikeWood]

Looking to get a set up like this. Good info. Nice to see a Canadian perspective too. ~de VE3MXU

[@TXLorenzo]

Do Canadians look at radios differently than other people? lol

[@desertdispatch]

I’m considering using this in the house with the 891. Where are you grounding everything to.? Or should I ask what’s an acceptable ground ?

[@dalejirschele7922]

I have the same set-up and I don't ground anything, I have found that when I do ground it interferes with my antenna, I get a ground loop going and it's not good. Just my experience but I am guessing this is not the proper way to do things but it works over in these parts. Cheers!

[@norbertstepien9185]

Hi Denis. I found your video very helpful. I recently bought a 981 and I'm considering the Z100 tuner. The question I have is this. The default pwr setting for the 981 is 100 watts. I don't think I'd want to tune using that level of pwr. I know it can be reduced to something like 5 w, which is where I'd prefer to be on a tuning cycle. I'd rather not have to go into the lengthy menu to adjust pwr every time I want to tune. Can you program the optional menu buttons on the face of the rig to quickly take you to the cw menu pwr option? Am I missing something? How do you deal with this situation on your rig?

[@billryland6199]

That is the same question I have. Is there an answer?

[@jbonewitz]

I have the same question.

[@antenaseinterfacescb]

Could I use the tunner without 3,5 cable to the radio, only cable antenna and cable to the radio. Tks 7351.

[@pwalkin]

Not sure if this was mentioned previously but you cannot transmit on 80 meters with a 20 meter antenna. All the tuner does is make the radio happy. You are NOT tuning the antenna. If you hook up an antenna analyzer that shows reflected power, you will see there is no forward power and all the power is being reflected back. Tuners are great to fine tune but there is no tuner that tunes the antenna. All they do is keep your finals from burning up.

[@bkg1965]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@marcusjenkins]

Does the tuner request that the radio reduce TX power during the tuning cycle or does it tune at whatever power you happen to have set at the time you push the tuner's button?

[@VE3BF]

With the proper cable attached the rig power is reduced to 5 watts for tuning then returned to the user preset when the tuning cycle is done. 73 Denis

[@nikosntzanis8771]

Great video Thanks. Just bought the tuner too. Are you having the 891 to 100 watt when you tune?

[@VE3BF]

Thanks Nikos, as long as everything is wired correctly the tuner drops the output power of the rig down to 5 watts for the running process. 73

[@SV1RXI]

Thanks Denis

[@kreskyv]

So you can only run your rig at 5w if you use a tunner?

[@VE3BF]

No, the tuner turns to rig power down to 5 watts only during the tuning process. Once the the match is complete the tuner returns the rig to whatever your preset power is for transmitting.

[@thedayofevil]

Thanks for the info! N2HAM

[@KI4ZIH]

What antenna are you using in this video? I’m looking for an antenna that is short enough to easily deploy but tunable on 20, 40, and 80.

[@VE3BF]

Hi Bob, for this video I used a home brew 20 meter vertical kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJfLo4Cnj6afo8k, it will tune up on 40 but it is greatly compromixes on that band. you might want to try building the fishing pole vertical, it is easy and quick to deploy and I have had amazing success with it on a cress country rv trip I did 2 years ago, here is the ink kzbin.info/www/bejne/honKaI2FdtB3r8k 73 VE3BF

[@q1o1mancow]

where did you get the red and black cable for the antenna tuner that connects the 891 radio please, is there a link to buy it kd9jru

[@VE3BF]

It's called a Y-ACC here is the link ldgelectronics.com/index.php/products/accessories/cables/ I'm sure you can get it from your favourite ham store.

[@q1o1mancow]

thank you for the fast reply kd9jru

[@pabloespinosa2025]

Great video! Do you have the radio grounded to the tuner then into the Earth?

[@VE3BF]

Yes, for portable work was daisy chaining the ground, I know this is considered a "Don't Do" but it is better than no ground. I have made up a new grounding harness that brings both to earth directly. 73 Denis

[@pabloespinosa2025]

VE3BF right on! Thank you for the explanation.

[@pabloespinosa2025]

VE3BF that sounds like a “ground loop” due to the antenna tuner being attached to the radio via the tuning cable..

[@rather46131]

Great video. I just got the same setup yesterday.

[@af4od02]

Good Video Thanks for sharing

[@onkelsam1348]

I have a question, how do I protect my AT (old version) LDG Z 100 with 10 watts on CW? where do I set it on the FT 891? 80 watts is probably a bit too much for tuning. Translated by Google Sorry

[@hamradiocomms]

Excellent video. You mentioned 2:1 up to 3:1 is fine swr but most Yaesu HF radios fold back the power above 1.5:1 so the tuner is almost a must on most antennas. The HSWR reading comes on when the swr is way off i believe and cuts back power before that. Anyway, great job on the video, i have the same tuner and I’m looking forward to getting an 891 soon for this coming spring portable fun. 73

[@eddiecharles4020]

Foldback at SWR of 1.5 was not true on any of the Yaesu HF transceivers I've owned..FT817ND, FT450D, FT3000DX, or the FT891. They did not fold back until SWR was 3.0 or greater.

[@hamradiocomms]

@@eddiecharles4020 Hmm that's intersting since on my 817, 891, and 897, and all the manuals say that it starts folding back at 1.5:1.. other people have tested it I guess with different results... 3 sounds high and isn't good for finals or getting power out with 50% of the voltage and 25% of the power coming back to the radio... I'll have to do real testing and see what they do.. I don't know where the discrepancy is from the manual to what you are experiencing.. I'm assuming you are using a good external SWR meter to get these readings at 3:1 before foldback of power?

[@christophermccartykiwichri682]

Does this improve receive signal strength?

[@theharrisonmurray]

any problems wiht the tuner locking up with an audio tone? i have the same set up and it all of a sudden has an audio tone and it does not stop tuning. any help will be appricated. kn4lwj

[@kevinokeefe7796]

After the rig and tuner setting for a while I took this same combo out yesterday. After tuning my random wire I keyed up to talk and noticed a small click coming out of the tuner each time I spoke.I don’t remember this happening before I took the station home and hooked it up to my base antenna with a better ground, same thing happened. Is this normal

[@VE3BF]

My KT-100 has done that a few times, but only when the antenna is wet or ice covered. those conditions will throw a lot of RF back at the rig. Make sure your coax is not kinked or exposed to a voltage source. A RF choke or an ugly balun is alway a good thing to have inline as well. If it persists give LDG a call, they have awesome customer service.

[@VE3BF]

Sorry I do not own a 7300 so I do not know for sure. If the 7300 is the same as the 7100 then the ICom cable should work. Best to contact your dealer.