The Ultimate Guide to Manual Antenna Tuners

In this video, we dive into the world of manual antenna tuners from MFJ. These devices are essential for fine-tuning your antenna system to achieve optimal performance. We will explain how manual antenna tuners work, why they are important, and how to use them effectively. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned ham radio operator, understanding manual antenna tuners by MFJ is crucial for maximizing your signal strength and minimizing interference. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of these essential tools for any radio enthusiast. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more informative videos on ham radio and antenna technology! #MFJ #antennatuners #hamradio #antennatechnology #manualtuners #radioenthusiast #MFJantennatuners
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[@esoxlucius2649]

I run a remote auto tuner at the antenna and second manual tuner to match the feed of the radio. Makes a huge difference. M0UTA.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s awesome 👍

[@Swamp-Fox]

I am a fan of manual tuners. Enjoyed it!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching SF 👍

[@jonathoncary]

Learnt more in 1 hour than 2 years at my club and online. I left the club! Joined up information. Thanks guys

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Jonathon, glad you liked the video 👍

[@OGmolton1]

As someone who's just trying to get into radio after all theses years, I feel like I got a lot of useful information on here. Thanks a lot, good stuff

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful 👍

[@DaveJohnsonUTU]

All of your videos are great. I've watched probably a dozen or so by now. I have to admit, I was hesitant to sit through an hour-long video on manual antenna tuners, but from the beginning I was learning so much, and all the way to the end. Talking about the different models, pros and cons, etc, was really interesting. Opening them up and showing the insides was fascinating. I'm a new ham, and I still have a lot to learn. Thank you so much for making your videos.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Dave, glad you liked it and thank you for watching. I try to do a mix of short and long form content but sometimes it takes a bit to get it all out.

[@TyeMorrisVlog]

My very first tuner back when I got my general class was an MFJ-971 that I bought to use with my TenTec Argosy. Opening up that to learn how it worked was my big intro to home brewing matching systems. Sadly I no longer have the TenTec, but I still have and use the MFJ tuner while working QRP in the field.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Simple designs that are built to last, thanks for watching Tye 👍

[@HOAHamRadio]

I ALWAYS come away from your videos having learned something useful!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bob, that’s what I’m trying to do over here 👍

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

Then in _Ye Olden Daze,_ you tuned the *transmitter* to the antenna (system). I’m sure we’ve all heard _”You can tune a guitar but you can’t tuna fish”._ In many cases _”tuning”_ a wire antenna is really _PRUNING_ the antenna. *73 de AF6AS in **_“DM13”_** land*

[@Ezzell_]

Nice live class! Great job.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Ken 👍

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Thanks Ape, Chuck and Jeem, Lots of great information in this stream, I'm sorry I missed it at the time.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Mike, glad you checked it out 👍

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

I like antenna tuners, my first was MFJ 969 deluxe for my FT-991A, and I have an LDG Z-11 Pro II for my FT-891 and I have MFJ-998 auto tuner for my Kenwood TS890-S. I usually use a 73' or 130' random wire with a 9:1 or 4:1 balun. All of them had no problem tuning on any band I use.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s awesome, I’m thinking about doing a new 9:1 antenna 👍

[@sandythompson4256]

Really found out a lot from this thanks a lot guys

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Sandy, glad it was helpful 👍

[@Paddy_Roche]

Thanks guys. Great show Mr. Ape, I love this hobby, there is always something to learn. You're a great teacher man always humble, wishing you continued success.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching Paddy 👍

[@thedamned6248]

I learn so much from this channel. Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it’s helpful TD, thank you for watching 👍

[@donniedotson3318]

The one that Ape is showing is a 300 watt tuner the one that KK6USY is showing is a 1.5 KW tuner that is the reason for the difference in the posts on the back.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That is likely true, thanks Donnie

[@robertmeyer4744]

great job on manual tuners. all i have is 2 MFJ manual tuners. work great. I have the MFJ 949F that 1.8 to 60 MHz 300 watt with dummy load. the power is needed for lamp and peak reading on meter. the avg power works with out power. I paid around $260 for it some years back. the outher one like Chucks but newer . the MFJ 962E I have. 1.5Kw will run the AL 572 1300 watt amp as well. 4-572/B tubes. a manual tuner can be set with a VNA or analyzer with out transmitting power. how I per tune. gets it so close. both have the 4:1 in it. never used it. that 300 watt dummy load has a time vs power graph . like the MFJ dummy load which the graph is on the box. I printed out that graph and taped it to top of my tuner. it will smell a bit when first used. that the dummy load. all MFJ dry dummy loads do that. I got the 2.5Kw fan cooled one as well. and the oil paint can one. them not MFJ but still is they sell outher brands . I got Synectic transformer oil in the paint can one. cost more then mineral oil and takes heat better. power company uses it in substation big transformers. 73's

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Robert. I like the MFJ tuners, I know there is better stuff out there but these work pretty well and are priced right 👍

[@robertmeyer4744]

@@TheSmokinApe I never went wrong with MFJ . I rather have a manual tuner. love the bult in dummy load ! I use it all the time testing . gets the job done. all that counts .

[@jeffwright6685]

I got one of these tuners in kit form, helps me understand how stuff work .

[@TheSmokinApe]

That does look like an awesome project 👍

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Any time you want to do a vid on open feed line and hw doublet & loop talk I can either step in or have the Toad harbor leader step in 😉or better yet I could point you toward John stephens who did the balun testing I sent you 😉just put up a new 260’ hw doublet and a 200’ feeder 4” spaced

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

The better Quality Manual Tuners have the balun on the ant input to keep the swr on the balun 1:1 like the Palstar bt1500,at4k,& at5k

[@edtruthseeker3337]

I like my old Daiwa CNW-419. It tunes a wet noodle, is rugged, and has a cross needle meter.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice, I think Chuck has a Davies that he really likes 👍

[@johnlew5972]

I am deciding between MFJ MFJ-934...MFJ MFJ-948...MFJ MFJ-941E. Im starting with a 110ft plus doublet. Would like to know if there ar any great differences between them. Any particular one heaver duty? Thank you .

[@markharrison1160]

To fix MFJ issues - Remove cover fully engage cap, observe dial and if needed/wanted loosen knob and re position to common sense position desired.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s a great idea 👍

[@carlosroig5315]

There are many with knobs in the incorrect positions. Minimum inductance on both capacitors is 1, minimum inductance on tapped inductor is A. The manuals are correct but the assembly is done wrong.

[@mikesradiorepair]

For those who are visual learners one of the best videos ever produced on standing waves was produced by Bell Lab's Dr. Shive's. It's from the 1950's and uses a device he invented called a Shive wave generator for the presentation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqDZpqGFrdGMZ80feature=shared

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike, that is an excellent video 👍

[@dx398]

I thought the only difference between the 949E and F was that the F handled 6M and the E did not. Why did you prefer the E model?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I wanted the E because it had larger caps 👍

[@CraigW5CBW]

Got in late this morning.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Better late than never, thanks for watching Craig 👍

[@Ezzell_]

Does Big Jeem have a channel? Cant seen to find one.

[@Paddy_Roche]

FEPLABS Radio kzbin.info

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the assist Paddy 👍

[@Ezzell_]

Thanks! Something intersting to discuss is how an antenna creates gain even after the loss from the coax.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@Ezzell_ might just have to do a video on that 👍

[@Paddy_Roche]

@@TheSmokinApe no problem

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

You guys also skipped over ameritron roller inductor tuners think they offer 3 pcs a 1.5 2k & 3k I think 🤔 😊

[@TheSmokinApe]

I didn’t have one on hand 🥲

[@gfodale]

Ape needs a cat-ah-pault.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes.

[@DiggerD-w6r]

An hour long?! No thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Right, think of all the cat videos and unboxing you can watch in that hour!