Go Bag + LDG Z11 pro II tuner review

[@normnpat]

Just purchased the FT891 and have the LDG Z11 Pro. Looking forward to setting up my own portable station. Thanks for the fine video.

[@dutchovenguy]

Nicely done. I just set up my LDG Z11 Pro II tuner with your help. 73, N4JEL.

[@АндрейДенисюк-ш7п]

Thanks. Another important thing about this tuner is that it doesn’t consume current after tuning. It uses polarized relays. “Z” in name means exactly that - zero. You could turn off power and it will hold the tune. Especially useful for light portable setups when your battery capacity is limited.

[@redstickham6394]

Thanks for the great video. I've been thinking of replacing my ancient Kenwood TS-140S and since I have the LDG Z11 Pro tuner already, the 891 looks like a good rig to pair it with. One thing I note in the video is you used the tuner in semi automatic mode. I use my tuner in semi automatic mode and here is why. I tried using it in full automatic mode, but it had some issues. Sometimes it would tune down to 1:1 then start tuning again during the QSO. Another problem I had was one evening I was watching a digital pileup and checking into a 2 meter net at the same time. When I keyed up the HT, which was on battery power into a rubber duck not connected to the tuner or anything else, the RF from the HT caused the LDG to start tuning! I put the tuner in semi automatic mode and that solved the problem. Other than this quirk, the Z11 Pro is a great tuner. I had a doublet fed with RS TV Twinlead into a balun which was connected to the tuner and it worked pretty well. One other thing, even if it doesn't tune down to 1:1 on its own, sometimes using the C/L buttons can tweak it down to 1:1. Great video, thanks for putting it together. 73

[@alanslade2319]

Wow just love the way that tune it just does it itself it’s like magic stuff. And a great copy 🇬🇧👍

[@mikes6844]

I like watching all the various /p setups for inspiration and I take snippets from each. I use a KX3 with various antennas depending on location. The MFJ 1979 is a good performer especially on 20, I mount mine on a decorators pole with just a couple of radials. During Covid lockdown I've done a lot of experimentation in my garden and similar to your setup for best results the vertical needs to be off the ground - this I found has a massive impact on the tuning. I bought a few plastic electric fence post that are really light weight and have spikes in them to support the radial(s). Thank you so much for this vid as it has great value two years on from the original date you posted it. 73 M0AZE Mike.

[@9999plato]

If you always plan to use that tuner and radio together in that same stacked way as I have they make velcro elastic straps that hold these units together securely. They never shift and the only downside is that the tuner blocks the speaker somewhat. I also have an inexpensive set of steel external frames I bought from Ebay from a European seller for under $50 (like the expensive ones that sell for over $100) that protect the front and back important bits. I installed them because on on the first club outing a member accidentally tripped on the wiring putting the shiny radio into the dirt. No harm no foul. Lesson learned.

[@samstlm]

I'm five years late...but well done! I have the FT 891 and was looking for info on the LDG tuner. Thx!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Dennis you are a good teacher number one

[@dougbas3980]

Setting up a Go-Bag radio(GBR) now with FT857d & LDG AT100PRO tuner and Raspberry Pi for digital modes (FT4/8, JS8CALL, FLDIGI suite, WinLink, etc.) using KM4ACK's 'Build-A-Pi'. This video was perfect for me right now 👍 My GBR is heavy too, but at least my 36Ahr LiFePO4 battery is 10#😉 Thank you 73 N8VY

[@keegan854]

You can use the "MOX" function in the function menu in order to transmit a carrier without using an external key.

[@joeframo3347]

Hello Dennis great presentation thank you for sharing this great video I'm qrp your best friend from Atlanta Georgia

[@kd4baoc612]

Very nice. I would look at adding either a LDG 9:1 Unun for a end fed random wire or a 49:1 or 64:1 Unun for a half wave end fed wire.

[@BenButler1]

Good Stuff! I just got my FT-891 a couple of months ago. I've done a POTA activation and WFD. Still learning the radio and building my kit.

[@eminusipi]

Nice. You know that you can put the details of the system in the description section? That would be very helpful.

[@_onthemike_]

Nice video. I like your cb antenna idea. I have the 891 and it’s a great radio. This tuner seems to work really well with it.

[@franciscocorrales2400]

Thank you for your time filming this video Dennis, it's great! I just passed my license exam for Costa Rican Tango India indicative and I'm looking for the same radio and tuner shown in video for exploring the HF world. Still looking for a dipole wire V antenna yet for bands this radio covers. Open to suggestions.. Thanks again 73

[@VE3BF]

Congrats on getting your licence and welcome to the hobby. My Channel has many videos on antennas that are very easy to build, 73

[@stevenforde5098]

Great video, thank you as I just purchased the same two units.

[@RecycleBenProd]

Bravo! Thanks for showing setup and contact!

[@HayesSalley]

I very much enjoyed the video. I am considering a similar rig for portable use.

[@TheAntonymer]

It would be super great if you also added the model and make of the stuff to the video notes. Thank you for excellent material.

[@MrLehtinen69]

Thank you for this video. I am very interested in portable setup my self and this was really straight forward introduction to portable world. 73 de OH2BMS

[@frankmooney7282]

Old school here with Alinco dx-70 and Kenwood at-230 manual tuner for portable and mobile. Just found your your videos, simple and straight forward. 73 KI7MJU

[@M70ACARRY]

Great rig and nice tuner

[@M6JKW]

Really helpful video thank you for making 🙂👍

[@DavidMitchell79]

Will the TUN function on the FT-891 radio initiate a retune when using the Z--11ProII with the control cable?

[@spqa2004]

I am thinking about buying this radio and this tuner. I have a question about switching back to a previously tuned frequency. When you first tuned to 18.145.510 MHz at 16:31 and then to 7.120.080 MHz at 17:29, you had to Press and HOLD it for about two seconds. At 18:26, you went back to 18.145.510 MHz to show us that the tuner "remembers" the frequency. It seems like all you did was quickly tap the "Tune" button. I said all that to say this... How can i tell that it actually is tuned after just tapping "Tune"? I went back to 16:31 and i couldn't see an obvious difference in the display that let you know that the radio was or was not tuned.

[@mikesmith5139]

Thanks for another really informative and detailed video. Great portable set up and very useful information on the Z11ProII. 73, Mike M0MTJ

[@brendanmcnam]

Hi Denis, could you give some more details about your power set up. Maybe even a quick video please?

[@VE3BF]

I've had a few requests for this so a new video is coming soon.

[@Macro-photographer]

Hi, i have the Z11 pro and the Pro II and they are just great, I run mine with an 8 cell AA pack case which I velcro to the z11. 8x AA’s have lasted well over 6 months already, the great thing about the Z11’s is they use a latching mechanism so once the memory is set for that antenna / impedance match its saved and doesn’t need power to re activate. I have a slightly different question, I used in the past an FT897D and found the power consumption both on RX and TX very conservative! I am looking at the 891 as sold the 897d years ago, how do you find the pwr drain on the 891? Ive heard its quite hungry? Regards M0KTY Graham.

[@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

[@dennisalexander1630]

Enjoyed the video. Getting back into the hobby after being in South America (Ecuador) for 4 years. Reminds me of why I am in the hobby. 73's K0daa Dennis

[@dutchovenguy]

Many thanks for your efforts here. Excellent review. My new 891 will be glad to welcome a Z11 to the shack. 73

[@1911twoshots]

Thanks, I've ordered the same set up. New HAM here on the other side of the park

[@loufigueroa304]

I just landed on your channel and had a good time viewing it. Very nice job! I just subscribed to your channel. I just ordered the LDG 100A-DXE and hope it works as well as your Z11 Plus. 73, KA6VVD. I hope to work you someday my friend.

[@k_meowington]

Hi. What are the mai differences between LDG Z11 and LDG Z100Plus? Which one would you recommend? Thanks

[@knikk77]

Sounds like the birds are running digital modes. Bird8Call running in beacon mode. Great combo! I got the same rig and tuner! Thanks for the gr8 video! 73 LB9YH Ken

[@seanfinlayson3943]

Excellent video! Mine works great from the UK with my FT-857D. 73's from 2E0SFP. 👍

[@janiceemery2008]

Hi Dennis, I was wondering if I could power the LDG tuner with a talentcell? What are you thoughts?

[@VE3IPS]

When you add up the accessories it costs more money than the radio. But hey what a great hobby we have.

[@gilliganfetixsh]

Hi. I just noticed you had that antenna mounted to what looks like a plastic table. Do you not need ground radials for it?

[@VE3BF]

Yes yill need radials on this antenna unless it is mounted the a large metal base. I carry 4 16 foot wires that I use as radials. 73

[@stevepatterson2290]

question I have a 891 and just bought this tuner but did not get the Yaesu cable what setting on the radio do I set it to ?? lamp or external ?

[@michaeledmonds3218]

Great video! ....I just got an 891 and I'm curious about your black pack that contains your radio and tuner. Also, what make/model is the grey & red large carrier that everything goes in. Thanks for the info, Steve KZ5MSE

[@VE3BF]

I'd love to share some amazing brands and such but I picked both bags up a a local surplus discount store for about 5 bucks each. 73 de VE3BF

[@philippw.147]

Somebody know where to get the red/black cable from tuner to radio?

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks for sharing. I have the IC-7300 with a LDG AT100PROII tuner in my shack on a My Antennas EFHW-8010 antenna and the IC-7100 with a LDG IT-100 tuner to a set of Shark Distributing fiberglass whip antennas with quick disconnects mounted with the K400 Diamond mount. I just bought the FT-891 HF radio this weekend for my portable rig which I will use with my Wolf River Coils Silver Bullet 1000 Take It Along system. I can't wait to try it out. Kevin KA0KAE

[@VE3BF]

1crazynordlander sounds like a great set up.

[@1crazynordlander]

@@VE3BF Thanks! I am looking forward to activating some parks. I have never done that. I have just hunted POTA.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

You weren’t lying when you said it’s not a backpacking kit. Lol

[@ronsmith7764]

Great vid, Denis. I gather this particular LDG tuner model will work with just about any HF unit...Icom, Yaesu Kenwood etc. ?

[@VE3BF]

Hi Ron, Yes in the full auto mode this tuner sense the RF from any rig regardless of the make and model.

[@kreskyv]

Price point on tunner?

[@jamesk0ua]

Yes, any radio. I didn't bother getting the cable for any specif rig, as you can power the tuner with its internal battery pack which last for about a year in normal operation and have no other connections other than coax between rig and tuner. Just put out a little RF and it will tune. Near instantly if it is a frequency it has been on before, or if not it can take a few seconds. Or if the SWR is too high it will start an autotune sequence on its own. 73 de James K0UA

[@englishandproud1949]

Great video Dennis. I am new to Ham radio and this was extremely useful. I have subscribed and look forward to seeing your other ones. By the way I am in the UK. I have been working CB for a while but I want more. Be disabled I can't do much but the radio world puts me on an equal footing. I am going to see about the antenna you used and the tuner. I'm not wealthy so I will be looking for used equipment. Once again many thanks for the video. 73s Keith

[@williampeacock9473]

I enjoyed the video very much you done a great job.I have YAESU FT891 but I am using a mfj 903 tuner for now I would like to get a LDG z11proll in the future it would definitely make it a lot easier for me setting up my antenna . Thanks again. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM PEACOCK EM-81UF Blackshear, Ga USA 🇺🇸

[@pjo1964]

Wire ties. Fun out in the field when you realize you didn't bring cutters.

[@samuellourenco1050]

So, you are tuning your radio with 100W straight?

[@nr3rful]

nice set up...are you turning down the power to tune or does the tuner automatically turn it down or are you tuning 100 watts ?

[@VE3BF]

The tuner turns the power down to 5 watts for the tuning cycle

[@eugenecbell]

Does the connection cable come with the radio, the tuner or sold separately? Model number?

[@VE3BF]

The cable does not come with the radio or the tuner it is sold separately, it’s an LDG part. I don’t remember the part number but I’m sure it will be on the LDG website.

[@eugenecbell]

@@VE3BF thank you

[@eugenecbell]

@@VE3BF I believe it is model, Y-ACC-1 Interface Cable

[@garyruthannmurdoch6714]

what is the radio you are using

[@stevenlawhon3695]

Thanks just wondering if an auto tuner will work

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

oh man that Yaesu FT-891 and tuner setup looks nice i am lugging around a Kenwood TS-450s camping ROFL

[@PhillRobinson]

I have one of these. It will tune anything It beats my 991 internal tuner.

[@HugDeeznueces]

so, what is the part number on the antenna?

[@VE3BF]

MFJ-1979

[@jorgeguzman9955]

Your pretty good what is algorythem any ways comp talk

[@robbsanderson3572]

Thank you for the video. I’m looking to possibly buying one. Wanted to check it out on You Tube. I have an old Kenwood TS 180 which I plan on using it with. 73’s Rob, Wa2fmh.

[@billryland6199]

What brand battery is that & where did you get it?

[@VE3BF]

the battery is branded as Interstate and is sold by Interstate batteries. I'm working on a solar panel charging set up at the moment so a new video will be coming soon. 73

[@alanread6596]

Exellent video very informative. 73's alan in the UK

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

I run the 891 and the z-11 tuner also. Great combo. I want to buy a 2nd, identical set up.

[@pz1301]

Dennis, was the interface cable for the radio and tuner included with the tuner? Thanks.

[@VE3BF]

The cable is separate they one for Yaesu and one for Icom

[@pz1301]

@@VE3BF Thank you!

[@DrHWO]

Excellent video, Denis. Clear, concise and complete. If you needed to choose one portable LDG tuner to work with the 891, would it be the Z11 Pro 11 or the Z100 Plus and briefly why ? 73 , 2E0HWO

[@VE3BF]

Both are very good I now use the Z11 pro, I like that I can fine tune the final results.

[@josebrivera1716]

Why are you tuning on SSB? You need a constant carrier like Ritty, AM, FM to tune a radio.

[@VE3BF]

The tuner switches the radio to CW and lowers the output power automatically.

[@o00scorpion00o]

Good video but I got a Question, is it good to be so close to the Antenna ?

[@VE3BF]

Yup being that close to the antenna for an extended period of time is not a great idea. The things I do for KZbin LOL 73 de VE3BF

[@n1kkri]

Can you confirm the power required for the tuner to tune. In the video it sounded like you said 1 watt. The LDG site states The LDG Z-11ProII is a small, low-cost automatic tuner suitable for any amateur purpose, whether base, mobile or portable. It handles up to 125 watts SSB or 30 watts Digital, but requires only 0.1 watts to tune, making it ideal for QRP operation. I am thinking about this tuner for QRP less than 1 watt. Thanks

[@VE3BF]

I just went through the manual here and yes the minimum power for this tuner is .1 of a watt, perfect for QRP. 73 de VE3BF

[@jamesk0ua]

You really don't need the external battery pack for the Z11proII, I use the internal AA pack and it lasts about a year as the tuner uses no current when it is not tuning. It has latching relays that draw no current for their coils. Only occasional problem is once in a blue moon the tuner will get confused with common mode currents coming back into the tuner and the tuner will hang with one of the lamps lit. My solution was to put a small SPST switch in the back above the power jack to kill the battery connection. This will reboot the CPU in the tuner. This "hanging" is very rare, but it can and does occur once in a great while. I never bothered with getting the cable for the various rigs I put the tuner on, as it seems just as simple to me to put out a little carrier in either CW or AM mode. I set the AM transmit power on the 891 to 5 watts as AM mode is pretty worthless anyway and use it for a carrier to have the LDG autotune. As the LDG remembers where it has been frequency wise the tuning solution is near instantaneous as you change bands. You can also do the "OOOLAH" thing into the microphone on SSB if you so desire to get some steady RF out of the rigs. 73 James K0UA

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Do you use a volt monitor?

[@tommycheshire5508]

I am an old noob, so please forgive my ignorance in advance . Hoe do you connect a wire into a small banana plug. Is that the same thing as a 3.5 plug? Thank you so very much for your time. I am a subscriber and find your videos very informative. N4KBM. PS: I have been away from radio for 35 years, life got in the way. My equipment is old and so am I. I do have a 891 transceiver.

[@NathanWeier]

What kind of antenna is that you have? Did you build it yourself or is it store bought? Would love to know more about it.

[@VE3BF]

Most of my antennas are featured on my channel. This video features the MFJ telescopic whip.

[@paulhastings3109]

Using the 817 with ldg tnxs 73

[@barrykery1175]

Great video. Very helpful for new comers to portable operations. Why RG 8? RG-8X would be lighter. Also, I don't know if Elecraft still makes this, but they made a little kit balun the has a switch. One position the balun is a 4 to 1 and the other position it is a 1 to 1. I only mention this so you can lighten the load. Keep making these great videos. Barry, KU3X

[@shellybelknap1524]

antenna link?

[@usbp151]

I would like to know where you purchased the battery?

[@VE3BF]

I got mine from Interstate Battery here in Ottawa, Ontario, I pretty sure Interstate Battery has franchises all over North America.

[@cappaculla]

Top video, good work and thanks !!

[@placeholder-065]

Nice to the point video, like that. 73, good DX Gust ON6KE ON7QRP

[@robertdemartino2572]

Good video thanks for the info. I have the ft 891 and I'm looking for a tuner.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

where did you get that "wrap" for the radio ?

[@VE3BF]

It's just a piece of padding I had kicking around, my wife sowed on a velcro tab. Denis

[@chuck9490]

If you’re still looking for something like that check out the Domke 19” wrap

[@VA7BC]

Nice video! Thank you.

[@ramseshaiyer]

Cool Dennis

[@miamimiami47]

👍

[@vrb1960]

Good informative video.. wondering if you might comment on the bag that holds the tuner and the rig and the protective case the rig is in. ie, brand and where you acquired them. I’m ready to put my kit together and this is the best I’ve seen. Thanks 73 Brad NØDPR

[@VE3BF]

Hi Vaughn, I wish I could give a list of product numbers but I can't I shopped on line for bags and came up with nothing that I considered affordable. I ended up getting two bags at a second had thrift shop and the main bag came from a surplus tool store here in Canada called Princess Auto The US has a very similar store called Harbour Freight. Look for surplus video game cases most are padded and you get get them for less then $5. 73 Denis

[@stevenlawhon3695]

Will they tune an artificial ground wire

[@VE3BF]

Good question, I've never tried an artificial ground so I'm afraid I do not have an answer for you at this time. I will ask LDG the next time I contact them.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Terrific dx 73

[@msedmonds4133]

Good job, very informative. I keep getting mixed reviews on the 891, but mostly good. Minor point: Might pay extra attention to your camera cropping and shoot details a bit tighter. But still, very nice work. Liked your whole rig. Will be glad when large, light weight LIFE batteries get cheaper.

[@mikesmith5139]

@ MSEdmonds , I also have an FT891 and did a lot of research before buying; reading reviews and hands-on. It really is a great rig. I don't use it portable, however, it's my base station rig. 73, Mike. M0MTJ

[@MrCowboybud]

I have the FT 891 and the 991, they are both great radios. The FT 891 is by far the best park/camping radio I own. I guess I should mention I own 4 Elecrafts and 1 Icom too, so I have a lot to compare with. As far as a base station the filtering on the FT 891 is great, in a noisy urban environment.

[@wardnuke]

I never saw the model number of your antenna.

[@VE3BF]

MFJ-1979

[@Lee784447]

This is a fantastic video, thank you de kb0wzh

[@kd1s]

Fantastic go bag there. de KD1S

[@richlovin2173]

Well, you just covered the vents on the top of your radio!!!

[@paulplack490]

Dropping a carrier to tune up without at least an ID afterward is disappointing. Otherwise, a good how-to!

[@milwman1958]

I ordered One 2022 they are still selling them.

[@robbsanderson3572]

Thank you for your video I plan on buying one wanted to check it out here on You Tube. 73’sRob, Wa2fmh.

[@MINI-4X4-RADIO]

What happens if you innate a "Tune" from the FT-891..?? You can set-up a "Tune" on on one of the A, B, C keys..?? Thanks...

[@VE3BF]

Good question, I will have to try that the next time I'm out.

[@VK5AV]

@@VE3BF I am also interested in this. I have this tuner, and have ordered an FT891. Thanks for the great video. DE VK5AV Tim.

[@mikeh9446]

@@VE3BF Have you tried to tune from the FT 891 in tuner settings and set up on the A B C front keys? Does it work as i am interested in buying it for the FT 891 and would be a be bonus for mobile and portable ops cheers 73's

[@Undermin3d.]

What is the bag you have your radio and tuner in?

[@VE3BF]

Hi, There is no brand name on it. I got this bag at a surplus store for about $10 a few years ago.

[@glp2000]

Very nice - good presentation, informative, nice simple quick set up - George VY1GP

[@PollyPayne-w2v]

Keara Corners

[@1OFGODSOWN]

All that LDG Auto Tuners have over the MFJ Auto Tuners is 6 meter tuning.I own an LDG AT-1000 and an MFJ 929 and the MFJ is far faster and it tunes what the LDG will not tune and it does it quickly every time.

[@jimguelde4068]

For security, I refer to my portable radio setup as a "Rutabaga". My actual Rutabaga is called an "Insole".

[@cg9952]

Ok vid but it was more than halfway done before we see a radio used

[@VE3BF]

Okay thanks but that's what the fast forward slider is for Hi Hi 73

[@tx2sturgis]

Tuner review starts at NINE minutes in....jeeze....