[Boatanchors] Using a SG-230 tuner on AM

[Robert Nickels]

Gary Schafer wrote:
> You might get away with it with some loads where the current and or voltage
> was not too extreme in the tuner but you are probably asking for a zapped
> tuner. 
>   
That's kinda my thinking too, Gary.    There are two major functional 
aspects of the SGC tuner -

1)  Tune-up, where the controller searches for the best L-C combination 
to produce minimum SWR.  Since this is normally a one-time event for 
each frequency, it wouldn't be hard to simply reduce the applied RF if 
necessary, and as long as the load stays reasonably constant, there 
shouldn't be any relay actuation in use once a good match has been found.

2)  Operation, where the tuner has to carry the applied RF to the load.  
Here's where I'm thinking you may be asking for trouble, since you'd be 
running right at (or above) the rated power level, and we don't know how 
conservative the design and specs are.  As Gary says, it would probably 
depend on the impedance of the load, and even such subtleties as the 
voltage breakdown at various points on the PC board, as well as the 
maximum ratings of the components in use.

The LDG AT-1000Pro is rated at 1000 watts, and while it comes in a 
desktop case, it might be possible to buy just the guts and package if 
for remote use - could be worth asking at least.  (That sounds like a 
pretty good product line extension to me!)

73, Bob W9RAN