Testing the new Mat-Tuner mAT-705Plus ATU from 160 to 6 meters

[@smfritch]

My little bride just ordered me one for Christmas. I can’t wait to plug it into my IC-705.

[@markihde4381]

I purchased the original version before you made this video. While watching this, I decided I would pop the covers on mine and check the original 9V battery to make sure it wasn't leaking. The battery was still fresh but I noted two issues. When I turned the circuit board over to see where it was safe to grab, the CON connector fell off the circuit board. None of the 6 pads had been soldered to the circuit board. Luckily, I didn't lose the part and I was able to get it soldered to the board. Second issue was the sticky pad ICOM uses to glue down the 9V battery. I thought the circuit board might snap in two when I was prying the battery loose. I reeplaced the original battery with a NiMH battery, put all the parts back together, tested it and everything seems to work. I think I may drill a hole in the case and route the battery connector to the outside so that the battery can be easily charged and replaced. With the delicate internals on this tuner, I'm not sure that the newer version is that much of an improvement, since USB rechargeable batteries also need to be replaced from time to time.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Wow! Thank you for that follow up. Components feel out? That's unacceptable. Glad you were able to solder them back. I think modding it for internal charging does make sense if for no other reason than not having to un-stick the battery each time it's replaced. That design--internally--was so disappointing.

[@genekauffman8286]

I saw your original videos. After the battery info, I canceled one I had on order. After watching this video I reordered and it's on its way. Thanks!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I think you made a wise choice, Gene. So far, so good with the new mAT-705Plus. It's served me on several POTA activations.

[@barrykery1175]

Thanks for the very informative review. I was pretty much sold on the Elecraft T1 tuner, but after watching how well your tuner interfaces with the 705, I have to say that I've given second thoughts. That is a really neat little tuner and I really liked the way it interfaces. When changing bands, by hitting the paddle one time and watching the ATU do its thing.....most impressive. Well done ! Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@alzeNL]

have been building myself a kit atu for the IC705 - really enjoying listening to your videos whilst doing the coil windings - cant understand morse yet, but loved listening to your activations - subscribed !

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Glad you like them! And this is the perfect season for kit building!

[@randyterrell2261]

Good and informative although wish we could have seen 705 screen better. Convinced me!

[@Sidmi5utc]

Great set up Thomas, hope you get lots of enjoyment ! 73.

[@patrickmolloy6994]

Great video. Thank you. I’d love you to go into detail of this setup. I never hear anything, but the clubs and forums never help. It’s just “why don’t you use this other radio or that antenna”. They simply don’t get that I have the radio, the antenna etc etc. A long end fed with a 9:1 balun, but nobody actually show all their setups. It’s really frustrating. 73 de M5PM 🇬🇧 Patrick

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Sure. You should check some of my video made over the past two years (this one is older). I typically show my entire set up including deploying the antenna.

[@ethzero]

Nice review! Liked & Subbed 👍

[@Scif64]

Nice test... i am very dubious of these antenna tuners especially the first one and the cost. will read your blog to see how the plus performs.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I don't blame you. In fact, this ATU looks promising, but I must see how it holds up over time!

[@drnv150]

I would strongly recommend perfecting antenna resonance as a priority, with only 10 watts, you can't afford much loss with a tuner.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Good point, but honestly? Some of my easiest activations have been completed with the Elecraft AX1 antenna which is truly a compromised antenna. Thing is, in POTA, we're not really going for DX, we just want to log at least ten stations in order to validate our activation. Sometimes, convenience and frequency agility (being able to work from the low bands to high ones) are more important factors. I use both resonant antennas and those that require an ATU. In terms of performance for POTA as an activator, I can't tell any difference. It also really helps that if you're an activator, you're the DX. :)

[@drnv150]

@@ThomasK4SWL Build a magnetic loop, you will tell the difference with at minimum 3 db increased signal and 6 db minimum less noise.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@drnv150 I have two mag loop antennas but rarely take them to the field because the bandwidth is so narrow and they're a little time-consuming to tune. Also, RFI really isn't an issue at 95% of the places I operate because I'm deep in the field. I do love mag loops when I need something self-supporting, low-profile, and I'm operating in a noisy environment. For this reason, I typically have one in the car if I'm activating a new site where urban noise could be an issue.

[@drnv150]

@@ThomasK4SWL They are a little tedious, however, the narrow bandwidth helps alot with QRM, almost like a notch filter, mine is soldered copper in an Octagon shape, for 75/60/40 meters just under 6' diameter for one, the other is 3 ft diameter copper octagon for 20 through 10 meters. 73's

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@drnv150 you're right. Loops are *the* choice for battling QRM! Your loops sound great! 73!

[@k6usy]

You can turn off auto tuning when you hit the PTT in the menu.

[@Vascular10]

Please shade the 705 screen next time you make a vid so we can see it easily. Also thanks for showing how the tuner works with the radio. I was wondering how that worked.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Will do. I'm still quite new at making videos, but getting there!

[@richardtwyning]

I've been going through a lot of review videos lately. I have a QMX on order and next year I'm getting a 705. As an antenna I've ruled out the AX1, and I certainly think I've ruled out the AT1 in favour of the MAT-705. The Elecraft tuner doesn't seem to match as well as the MAT-705. I'm currently undecided between the MPAS lite or the Chelagence 750 antenna

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I wouldn't normally pair the AX1 witht he QMX or '705 only because I'd need an extra matching device to make it work. That said, I have definitely had huge success pairing the '705 and AX1 using a cap hat. In my experience, the T1 has a slight edge on the mat-705. In two instances, I found that the T1 could match an antenna that the mat-705 could not. They were extreme examples, though. Both have excellent matching ranges and, frankly, the T1 is practically unobtainium with extended lead times. :)

[@Navreet5264]

What did you connect the RF connector from mAT705 back to?

[@dannystephenson4957]

I noticed when you went from 10m to 6m and tuned, the status/online led went out and the tune icon on the 705 went out also. Its wierd my Mat-705 does that too yet it still gave you an acceptable swr reading. For the record, no matter what antenna I use, the swr on 10m is around 1.5:1 - 2.1:1 my LDG-z11 proII is absolutely flawless but too bulky to carry around :-(

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Interesting. Thank you for sharing this.

[@dk3uh847]

Thank you for this Video, it was very helpful for me. Is not cheep, but its worth it ! Greetings from Germany! DK3UH 73!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you! :)

[@OttoDestruct]

Thanks for this review. I'm a new ham looking at the IC-705 as my do-everything radio. (likely with an external amp for home use) How's the mAT-705+ ATU holding up 3 years down the line? I saw your other comment about a possible control cable to link their T1 ATU with the 705 but I can't seem to find anything on that. The AH-705 looks "functionally" nice but the size and price are barriers for a portable rig.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The mat-705 + is still performing well. I have heard of long-term quality issues from others, but mine is fine. Just keep in mind that (at least with my generation unit) if you leave it plugged into the radio it has a phantom load that will drain the internal rechargeable batteries of the ATU. I wish the T1 wasn't so difficult to buy these days.

USB C is now problem here because if radio has micro USB and tuner box has USB C you have to have two cables instead one.

[@shawndobson5713]

Good point but they do at least include the usb-c cable.

[@k6usy]

Better to charge the 705 off the 12v port anyway as it is faster. I leave USB charging disabled on my 705. I only use the Micro-USB port for d-star terminal mode.

[@johnnorth9355]

Great video - thanks for suffering the cold to do it ! Seeing the size I am surprised they did not build it into the IC705 ? 73 M7BLC

[@kirkswater]

Tom - do you know either of these Tuners (MAT Plus and Elecraft T-1) discussed below behave vs. the ICOM brand AH-705 Tuner?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I've never tested the AH-705 tuner. Main reason for this is I own the two other tuners and they're so much smaller. That said, I know the AH-705 is an excellent ATU. One benefit of it is that it can be placed at the base of a random wire antenna.

[@thogevoll]

Don't forget that match is between the radio and the tuner not out to the antenna.

[@C4H6As]

Will there ever be Bluetooth-connected tuners for the 705? Technically it should be possible. Would be good to get rid of another cable.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I've never heard of Bluetooth being used to control an ATU, but from the commands standpoint, I'm sure it could be done. The Bluetooth transceiver in the ATU might chew up a bit more battery power, but I'm guessing that might be negligible.

[@MirekMach]

@@ThomasK4SWL It will be negligible for sure. My watches lasts 15 days with BT always on.

[@sinansinan80]

Can I use the Icom model iC 750 receiver and transmitter only shortwave receiver...Is it a good idea

[@k2wo1]

Another great video Tom. Looks promising. Where did you get the orange tilt prop for your IC-705? Thanks and 73, George K2WO

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks, George! Here are some details about the orange foot: qrper.com/2020/12/a-simple-3d-printed-foot-for-the-icom-ic-705/

[@k2wo1]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks!

[@K3RRR]

Nice video, Tom… I tried the ATU-100 that you find on eBay and Amazon and had to return it because it would not tune if you had an existing high SWR - even when operating at 10 W, the 705 would clamp down on power below 3 W. That puts me in the market to buy either this or the Elecraft T-1. I had the T-1 a dozen years ago and thought it was an outstanding tuner. I noticed that you have had a T-1 based on your photos on your website. Having just read through the manual on the Vibroplex website for the MAT-705 Plus, I see zero discussion as to the power limits or the minimum level of power for it to still work. Since that was a major deal killer with the ATU-100, let me know where I might get that information, if you know? (I do note that under Specifications on the DX Engineering site for this unit, it does list a maximum power of 30 W but again, it does not show a minimum power required to tune!) Bottom line question: Based on your experiences with both the MAT 705 Plus and the T-1, which one would you buy today for yourself for your 705? Thanks again for the great video and Merry Christmas! 73 de Robert K3RRR

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hi, Robert, Great question. If I could only have the mAT-705Plus or Elecraft T1, I would pick the T1. Even though the mAT-705Plus does a superb job making matches and pairs with the IC-705, I prefer the T1 because it will pair with any transceiver. I also don't see much advantage to having the ATU pair directly with the IC-705. If find it just as easy to tap the TUNE button on the T1 and move on. If I primarily operated the IC-705 from home? I might give the mAT-705Plus more consideration since I would have to carry the patch cord that acts as a CAT cable for the ATU. It would also tune faster than the T1 since it would store so many memories for tuning positions. I hope this helps! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@K3RRR]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks, Tom… I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question! I keep vacillating back and forth between these two. I am still concerned about the minimum wattage to drive the MAT 705+… As I recall, my T-1 could be driven with as little as half a watt but I need to verify this. The two units are within $10 of the same price including shipping costs if you buy from DX Engineering. My decision will pivot on the answer to the driving wattage for the MAT. Thanks again and just subscribed to your great channel! Merry Christmas! 73 de Robert K3RRR

[@mat-tunertuner4183]

Hello Robert When the RF signal is as low as 0.5w, the mAT-705/705Plus tuner can still be tuned accurately. 73!

[@rayerdinc2441]

Excellent video thank you.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You are welcome!

[@ChristopherWawak]

The tuner's relays clicking sounds like someone taking a bong hit.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha!

[@pauls9440]

Everyone seems to be ignoring the LDG817 tuner that will work just fine at 10W.....

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, LDG tuners are fantastic. I just haven't gotten one to try out yet. At home, my main ATU is an LDG Z100 Pro.

[@CliveDrone]

Paul, will it work with the 705. I don't see the proper connection on it for a 705?

[@joeblow8593]

Thanks

[@W-733_KWX]

I am not a fan of automatic tuners, one more thing that can fail in the field. i prefer to rely on my trusty MFJ-902, it will not fail at least. And I plan to make my own manual tuner for end-fed antennas I will build.

[@tom_olofsson]

Great job. 73 W9OLO

[@CliveDrone]

Thanks Thomas, no one has asked about your morse key. So I will. What model is it please.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's a CW Morse Pocket Paddle: cwmorse.us/product-category/pocket-paddles/ Great little paddle!

[@CliveDrone]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks again.

[@stevecolby6505]

Great video. One question: Can you test to see if the tuner will work without the aux cable between the 705 and tuner? If so, this would be a great tuner for tuning at the feed point of the antenna to minimize feedline loss. I have been working on my Elecraft T1 for this, but the mAT-705 Plus might be an easier solution if it will RF sense and initiate tuning without a control cable.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Great question, Steve! So I have already written the manufacturer with this very question. The original mAT-705 could do RF triggered tuning. Since the mAT-705Plus lacks a mechanical power switch like its predecessor, I'm not sure how to turn it on so it could sense RF. I'll wait for the manufacturer's reply. I suspect that if there's a way to trick the mAT-705Plus into powering up without connecting it to the IC-705, it will like tune via RF sensing.

[@stevecolby6505]

@@ThomasK4SWL So the old model could definitely do it? Might be a reason to find a used one that someone wants to sell. With the new model, I guess the work around (worst case assuming no remote on/off) would be to connect the 705 to tuner with aux cable, turn on the tuner, then disconnect the activated tuner and put at the feed point. I'm planning on using for POTA, so this would work for me.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

​@@stevecolby6505 So I never tested RF Sensing with the old one (I didn't keep it long enough to test). Vibroplex claims it could, though, so I assume that's true.

[@cgispdx]

Another great video, thank you. I'm still trying to decide between the IC-705 and the Elecraft KX-3 for QRP work. Which Cameleon antenna were you using?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, Melvin! At this particular activation, I was using the Chameleon Emcomm III Portable random wire antenna. And choosing between the KX3 and IC-705? That's a very tough call. :) Both are great rigs. Cheers, Thomas

[@cgispdx]

@@ThomasK4SWL Decided to go with the 705 since it so similar to the 7300 I already have.

[@TridentMissileTech]

I bought a 7300 a couple weeks ago and now I want a 705. It’s disappointing it doesn’t have an ATU. I have a bunch of QRP radios. I have a KX2 with internal atu so I would use an external atu with the qcx, mtr4b, Youkits etc. Knowing that, if you bought a single ATU which would you choose. Icom Mat 705 plus or Elecraft AX1 ? Does the mat705 work with the other Qrp radios Always said I would never buy an atu, but they sure seem to come in handy.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I would get the Elecraft T1 each and every time. It's an amazing ATU.

[@TridentMissileTech]

@@ThomasK4SWL thank you. I just ordered the 705. Once my bank account recovers I will get the AX1. I trust your advice!!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@TridentMissileTech Sure thing! You'll be pleased with the IC-705--it's an amazing radio. To be clear, the AX1 is the Elecraft antenna. The T1 is their automatic antenna tuner. :) There's a long wait for the T1, but it's worth the wait.

[@nr3rful]

Just wait for the offical tuner that goes with the radio comes out

[@nepalham7450]

hi could you pse explain what kind of antenna you have been using with this tuner.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I've used a number of antennas including a random wire antenna, the CHA MPAS 2.0, and an end-fed half wave.

[@johnarrow3190]

I received my original tuner, and found that the tuner would not switch on. I changed the battery, and it would still not work. In trying to open the tuner, I found that the provided allen wrench was too soft, and just.burred over. I had to use my own decent quality wrench. Also, when sliding out the board to change he battery, I found he cause of the rattle, which was one of the light lenses, which just fell out the back. The provider ‘cleaned out’ the power switch, and got ‘my’ tuner working, but I insisted on a new one. The new one, when it arrived, sounded like a child’s rattle again. One of the lenses had broken loose again, though the tuner did power up. I returned the tuner for a refund, and will definitely not buy a MaT tuner of any description.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I don't blame you at all after that experience, John. The lenses in that original unit were incredibly frustrating to deal with.

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

What tilt stand are you using for the Ic-705?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

This one: qrper.com/2020/12/a-simple-3d-printed-foot-for-the-icom-ic-705/

[@AloyisiusTMcKeever]

Great content... Plz what type of coax are you using between the radio and tuner??

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That is a 2 foot RG-316 cable assembley

[@AloyisiusTMcKeever]

Tks and did u make it??@@ThomasK4SWL

[@henrikh484]

Thanks, nice atu there. What ext. Battery are you using (voltage/capacity)?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm using a 3aH 12V Bioenno LiFePo battery. For me, it's the perfect size to pair with the IC-705. Not too large, yet still enough capacity for hours of operation.

[@reprhunter]

@@ThomasK4SWL Are you using the BLF-1203W or BLF-1203AB?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@reprhunter That's the BLF-1203AB.

[@reprhunter]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks!

[@MrBuddyLuv]

What would you say is the best qrp antenna for nvis ?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

For NVIS, a number of antennas would work. Depending on how low you go, you might consider a random wire antenna with a 9:1 at the feed point. You could deploy it lower to the ground either diagonally or in an inverted vee shape. Also, a dipole or doublet in an inverted vee shape maybe with the apex being no higher than 30' or so. I've also found the Elecraft AX1 antenna to be an excellent 40M NVIS antenna--it's pricey, though, if that's all you would want it for.

[@patm5165]

What is the consensus mat tuner 705 plus or the Icom ah-705?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I haven't tested the AH-705, but I believe Icom will be sending a loaner before long.

[@bobcreigh6257]

Thomas, it has been about 5 months since this video and I am curious how well the mat-705 has faired since the initial assessment. I have an Elecraft T1 that I am currently using with my 705 bit it is a pain to switch things around to tune particularly doing CW. Thinking about selling the T1 and getting a mat-705. What are your thoughts?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hi, Bob, The mAT-705 Plus is still doing very well. Keeping in mind I only use it in the field--so it's completely off between activations--I've yet to recharge it after its initial charge. I understand if you keep it hooked up all the time though, in the shack, it'll deplete the battery within a day as it doesn't seem to sleep when connected to the IC-705. Since you already have the T1--which I consider to be an excellent ATU--I would encourage you to wait for Elecraft to produce the IC-705 command cable. It's in the works now, it's just taking Elecraft a much longer time than normal to bring it to fruition. It should be out later this year. With that cable, the T1 should be fully-controlled by the IC-705. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@bobcreigh6257]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks for the quick response Thomas. I do like the T1 particularly the latching relays and the small and light form factor.

[@alexn78666]

Wow, thank you for asking and thank you Thomas for replying so quickly! I've been eyeing the tuner as well and saw one posted for sale, had to revisit the video to see if I should pull the trigger and low and behold there's an update! Thank you both!

[@donnymazon8516]

What was the swr before u tuned it?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm not sure. Since it's a random wire with a 9:1 (at least, I think it's that ratio) it'll be over 3:1 on most bands w/out an ATU. If I can remember, I'll tr to sweep it next time I have it in the field.

[@donnymazon8516]

@@ThomasK4SWL ok I was wondering

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks terrific job 73 from kb2uew

[@sinansinan80]

hi

[@VK4VO]

I bought the MAT 1500,,,, had it for a day before I sent it back. Utter piece of garbage and very dangerous to use if your using a SSA. On some bands it would not tune lower than 1.5 to 1, and that was from a 2:1 mismatch. Maybe it was faulty? I would not recommend it.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I do think quality varies with these units. I prefer the Elecraft T1 as an ATU.

[@TXLorenzo]

So, in addition to the $1200+ for the radio, you have to spend an additional $200+ for the tuner. My Xeigu G 90 with twice the power and built in tuner for $450 is looking pretty good .

[@Sidmi5utc]

You buy cheap..you buy twice.... time will tell. Who cares what the guy had to spend, its his money and his choice and i hope he enjoys it. Thats what life is about.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@Sidmi5utc I don't care what he wants to spend, but I do care what I have to spend. Price/performance has meaning to many people.

[@Johnstage]

So next time you can keep your negative comments to yourself. If you don’t care how much people pay maybe we don’t care how much you pay.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@Johnstage Take a deep breath Bobby boy. Not everyone can afford the highest end radio. There is nothing inherently wrong with the IC 705. it is just a more expensive option. If fact, I own one. Chill out.

[@madcarew.3256]

Wish someone would reach out to me...just burned my ldg!!! 73

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ouch! :)

[@Dreamlgider]

Major booboo from icom.

[@jonthompson2179]

For a 1400 dollar radio to not include a tuner comparable to a Xiegu G90 that goes for 430 dollars seems ridiculous to me

[@Capecodham]

first 6 minutes useless, no specifications, what swr can it MATCH?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Actually, what I'm demonstrating here is its ability to match a random wire antenna with an in-line matching transformer. A real-life application in the field. I've no way to test "what SWR it can match." I can tell you that the matches on this antenna were superb, and I've also used the mAT-705 Plus to match a 28.5' random wire antenna without a matching transformer. Obviously, it has a wide matching range.

[@Capecodham]

@@ThomasK4SWL Unlike Elecraft they don't specify the range.