TuneMatic TM-1 Automatic Motorized Antenna Controller

I use a TuneMatic TM-1 Automatic Motorized Antenna Controller to make the tuning of my Scorpion antenna fully automated. It's wonderful!
Featured in this video:
TuneMatic TM-1 - tunematic.jtcomms.com/
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[@princerogers804]

Very Informative Video. I just picked up a Tunematic. Got a deal on it. Gonna be fun figuring it out.

[@StealthGTI]

Right on! I wound up removing mine. It wasn't necessarily because of the code. Instead, I felt that it was more finicky with the various tuning challenges presented by my Scorpion. For example, I've learned that the antenna tunes differently over concrete than it does asphalt due to the rebar. As a result, the various memory settings are not ideal for my situation. It also cannot account for the difference between when I'm using a caphat or a whip. My MFJ-1924, while not as sophisticated, is much easier to use in my particular settings. I'll shoot a new video soon about my decision to switch back to the MFJ. Thanks for visiting!

[@princerogers804]

You went back to the MFj? That's probably why the guy sold me the Tunematic then. It's not practical..but a complicated toy?

[@StealthGTI]

@@princerogers804 - I'm not sure why your guy sold his TuneMatic. It may work very well in an application where the antenna is mounted higher and with more ground plane. However, there are simply too many variables in my chosen mounting scheme. Staying simple is a better choice for me. Stay tuned for my MFJ video. I need to brainstorm how I want to present it.

[@boomerbits2297]

Nice video. Learn CW! Was waiting for an MFJ controller but they are back ordered forever so ordered a Tunematic today. Might have been able to go pick one up as I am only 30 miles from Ocala but I’ll let him ship it.

[@StealthGTI]

NO WAY! HAHA! I eventually came to conclude that the TuneMatic emits enough errors to be a little frustrating. Even if I knew CW, I'd still think "What's with the errors?" I went back to my MFJ-1924, which appears to be identical to the Ameritron SDC-102 (currently available at DXE). The challenge is with my particular antenna installation. Being low to the ground, anything and everything can affect the tune. This includes rebar on concrete roads, trees, and even wet roads. The TuneMatic automatically tunes once and then relies on programmed info after that. That's great for a higher antenna or one that operates from similar locations all of the time. But the "tune" is almost always wrong, given my various operating locations. I'd always have to manually retune, which I don't think is as convenient as with the 1924. The TuneMatic is a fine device, but the "automation" isn't all it's cracked-up to be in MY application. BTW, the "clunkiness" of the 1924's large relay buttons turns out to be very easy in a mobile environment. I'll share a video about the 1924 soon.

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

Should be getting my little tar heel soon Already received my tunematic just waiting on tar heel to arrive we will have the same radio setup

[@StealthGTI]

Very nice! I've actually gone back to my MFJ-1924. I prefer the reduced automation and "clunky" interface in a mobile environment. I need to create a video about it. Thanks for visiting!

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Had an Atas 120A & it was a POS💩.I was so happy when I sold it and the 857D.I replaced them with an ICOM 7000 and Tarheel II & it was a Huge improvement.👍🎙

[@StealthGTI]

Excellent! I have since returned to using my MFJ-1924. The TuneMatic isn't quite as automatic as one would hope, given the varied surfaces on which I operate. I need to make a video that describes my decision. Thanks for visiting!

[@wd4ite95]

Good evening, Scott. Will this work with the ATAS-120A? Great video and thanks for all your videos you do. 73’s WD4ITE

[@StealthGTI]

I don't believe it will, Allan. Most screwdriver antennas use +/- 12V switched and put that voltage on separate control lines. The ATAS-120A puts the control voltage on the coax, which the TuneMatic cannot do. But, perhaps more importantly, the ATAS-120A is driven by what I'll call a stepped voltage. I don't recall the specific voltage levels, but it's akin to using 11V to drive the coil upward and 7V to drive it downward, which is not how the TuneMatic works. To what rig are you trying to interface the ATAS? If not an FT-857D or FT-891, have you heard of the MFJ-1925?

[@wd4ite95]

@@StealthGTI thanks Scott, I am running the FT-891 and I will have to check into the MFJ-1925. I’ve made some awesome contacts on the ATAS-120A, and will upgrade later on. Thanks again, 73’s WD4ITE

[@StealthGTI]

@@wd4ite95 - If you have the FT-891, then you don't need anything else. The radio has ATAS controls built-in. It will apply proper tuning voltage and automatically adjust for lowest SWR, all with the press of a button. Check your owner's manual. If you open a PDF version of the manual, press CTRL+F and enter "ATAS" as a search phrase. You'll have plenty to read.

[@Kody10538]

Curious. Did you have to choke the Tunematic cables/control cables? If so, how did you go about it? This looks like an awesome controller. I might get one for my ICOM 7100 as I'll be buying a tarheel soon.

[@StealthGTI]

I did not choke the Tunematic. Perhaps I should have. Regardless, I returned to using my MFJ-1924. The TM-1 is a good controller, but required constant retuning or fine tuning in my particular application. See my MFJ-1924 video for general descriptions of my issues. Now that MFJ products may soon my unacquireable, I'd consider a Tunematic LITE. It features similar "clunkiness" to the MFJ, but also has some automated features that may still be practical, even in my application. Thanks for visiting!

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

how do you have the 891 mounted to your dash display? And what speaker do you use

[@StealthGTI]

I've moved my FT-891 since creating this video. But your question, along those from others over the years, compelled me to finally write an article about my display mounts. See it at ke4wmf.com/2023/11/05/mounting-the-displays/. I'll eventually create a video with this info, but I wanted to get you a detailed answer sooner. Oh, the speakers are at amzn.to/3FMUcV6. They're not amazing, but they're compact and bring the sound closer to me since the radio chassis are in the trunk. Thanks for visiting!

[@smiffykuk]

Do you have a common mode choke on you coax line?… this often cures any strange SWR anomalies..

[@StealthGTI]

Yes, both the coax and control lines are choked. I have since learned that, due to the low placement of my antenna, various road surfaces can have a significant impact on SWR. For example, cement roads often detune my antenna because of the rebar that's often overlooked by road users. The same can be said of nearby railings. Since this phenomenon also plays games with the TuneMatic and its memories, I have removed it and returned to using my more simple MFJ-1924. I need to shoot a video about that decision and how I've programmed my MFJ. Thanks for visiting!

[@garylanders1470]

FYI. There are inexpensive Morse code translators, connect one to the TunMatic and the CW will print out on a small screen.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the suggestion. If you have time, I'd love to see links to a few examples. I have used translators that were not automatic. I'd love to see my automated options. Take Care!

[@rayjackson8546]

Give me a fricken break... Morse Code is not rocket science ... how lazy can you be ??? All I can say is the FCC has allowed CBers to get a ham license which actually required a Morse Code and significant radio knowledge.. maybe go back to 11 meters where all you have to do is press a button, and make vulgar comments. NO KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

[@thiyag_]

Thank you for this video, I always come back to this, I have some trouble tuning on 15meters with a Little Tarheel ii, the controller says it found a match and MMs, but it doesn't unkey the radio.. it only happens on 15m, could it be stray RF?

[@StealthGTI]

Very likely to be common mode current. Do you have Mix 31 beads in your setup? If not, take a look at K0BG.com and view his "Common Mode" tab. And, FWIW, I have switched back to my MFJ-1924. I need to make a video detailing that. Thanks for visiting!

[@thiyag_]

@@StealthGTI thanks for the reply, I added a bunch of beads since making this comment and it did fix it.. I am having a different issue now where it moves off frequency in WSJT-x, I am planning to rewire everything and choke it properly.. nice running into you during the W3RAR memorial activation in MD, 73s, NB2R

[@StealthGTI]

@@thiyag_ - The change in frequency is probably because your computer is going nutty and moving the frequency. This assumes you are set up for rig control. If that's the case, don't forget to choke the control lines and even the power input on your computer. I have a similar issue on 20m and resolved it with chokes on the computer. The experience convinced me that it's just about impossible to block ALL common mode current; it's all of matter of additional suppression, including along alternate paths... even the microphone, display, and speaker cables. Good Luck!

[@garylanders1470]

Plus, driving a motor under voltage shortens its life. "Step it up" to 19 or 20 volts. Your Scorpion SA6-160 will thank you for it.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to ask its designer for his thoughts on the topic. Take Care!

[@rockinmayor7807]

@@StealthGTI Were you able to follow up with the designer? I just have bought the TuneMatic TM-1 and am curious.

[@StealthGTI]

@@rockinmayor7807 - I haven't. I still want to talk with Ron at Scorpion about it. Still, these things have been out there a while and would have problems by now if it was a terrible issue. Full-time use over the long haul may pose a risk. But our brief tuning sessions probably aren't hurting much, especially if the motor is designed to receive variable voltage input for speed control. Since I'm feeding mine with 14.2 volts, then I guess I'm operating at 75% speed. ;-)

[@hyperionsixzeroeight5064]

K0BG site is down, bummer and you did not leave a link. Sounded like K0BD in audio.

[@StealthGTI]

K0BG's outage was temporary. It's back up. Thanks for visiting!

[@rayjackson8546]

SCOTT, EVEN BOY SCOUTS WERE REQUIRED TO LEARN MORSE CODE... OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE A NEW HAM... NO CODE AND NO RADIO THEORY REQUIRED.

[@StealthGTI]

You should have put emphasis on "WERE." Morse code was dropped as a requirement to earn the "Radio" merit badge over 20 years ago! In fact, Scouts can advance to Eagle Scout without even looking at the Radio merit. Still, I appreciate your helpful and encouraging comments. Nearly 28 years as a licensed amateur has taught me who to take with a grain of salt.

[@chesty1369]

@@StealthGTI Scott I am at a loss. I used HF all the time in my 21 years of military service. Heck CW wasn't even taught anymore. Most of the traffic we sent was digitally since it was a fast mode of transmission and allowed for error correction. I have also installed and operated radios on numerous military platforms to include ground based, ships, and aircraft. Since I had no need for "code" was I incorrectly operating my radios while I was in the military? Which brings up a tought, I wonder if the encryption we used would allow CW, I am guessing not.

[@StealthGTI]

@@chesty1369 - Agreed! I remember when the Coast Guard sent its last CW message in 1995. The plan's announcement came much earlier. At that point, I knew the writing was on the wall and that the CW requirement would disappear from amateur radio, too. That happened in 1995. Do hams still send code? Yes! Does it get through more reliably than voice? Yes. However, advancements in digital HF transmissions are changing the game a bit as well. As you said, error correction makes for perfect copy.

[@boomerbits2297]

However Scott the CW bands are alive and well. You just are not required to learn it anymore but many of us really enjoy cw. Individual choice. Of course I had no option as I was a Novice back in 74. cW only so no choice enjoy the hobby no matter what modes you use. Next year is my 50 th anniversary of ham radio

[@stevest.martin3940]

I haven’t had any luck with a Turbo tuner I’m going to scrap the a turbo and try tunematic

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for writing, Steve! This is a copy of a recent response to someone else: I eventually came to conclude that the TuneMatic emits enough errors to be a little frustrating. Even if I knew CW, I'd still think, "What's with the errors?" I went back to my MFJ-1924, which appears to be identical to the Ameritron SDC-102 (currently available at DXE). The challenge is with my particular antenna installation. Being low to the ground, anything and everything can affect the tune. This includes rebar on concrete roads, trees, and even wet roads. The TuneMatic automatically tunes once and then relies on programmed info after that. That's great for a higher antenna or one that operates from similar locations all of the time. But the "tune" is almost always wrong, given my various operating locations. I'd always have to manually retune, which I don't think is as convenient as with the 1924. The TuneMatic is a fine device, but the "automation" isn't all it's cracked-up to be in MY application. BTW, the "clunkiness" of the 1924's large relay buttons turns out to be very easy in a mobile environment. I'll share a video about the 1924 soon.