[Elecraft] Auto Tuner Wish List

[jmeade at telebytebroadband.com]

Here is what I would like in an auto tuner.

1. Balanced Output for ladder line - two sets of inductors and one set of
capacitors (like the Rich Measures roller L design). The inductors can step
along in parallel.  No control software changes are needed - just another
set of inductors and relays. The capacitors can switch between the input and
output depending on the load impedance.

2. A current balun on the input side of the tuner driving the 2 sections of
inductors.

3. 160m to 10m operation.

4. Matching range somewhat better than the Johnson Matchbox.

5. A rating for 150W max. power output.

6. A switch for bypassing the tuner and connecting the ladder line directly
to the output of the balun.

7. A peak-reading, illuminated power-output meter.

8. A 4-position input (rig) selection switch.

Right now, I have the following set up:

Outside: 
Ladder-line fed Cobra Ultralite 160m to 10m antenna.

On the desk:
Johnson Matchbox for 80m to 10m.
Drake MN75 with Elecraft balun on the output for 160m. It also has a bypass
switch.
Ceramic knife switch to switch the ladder line from one tuner to the other.
Heath coax switch to select one of four inputs (2 rigs and 2 boatanchor
receivers).
Autek WM-1 peak wattmeter.

Everything works fine, but takes up a lot of precious room on the desk.  (I
could put more boat anchors there!).

Having a one-box, balanced auto tuner with those options would be great!

IMHO, of course.

John W2XS