[Icom] SGC-230 Vs AH-4.

[Ken - VE5KC]

Hi TJ,

I spent a lot of time trying to find information comparing tuners. I was
not able to find any direct comparison between tuners but was able to
gather a lot of information. One thing for sure is that there is a lot of
opinions on which one is best. Part of the question will depend on your
planed use is and how much you want to spend. The AH-4 does offer ease of
setup and use with Icom rigs but does not have the same level of
documentation and support as SGC tuners. Checking the SGC website you will
find all kinds of excellent support information including the download of
full manuals..  http://www.sgcworld.com On the other hand, all I could find
find from Icom was the 4 page user manual
http://www.icomamerica.com/support/manuals/ah-4.pdf . There are user groups
on Yahoo for both SGC  and Icom tuners. These groups are the best place to
ask you questions and compare notes with users. 

ICOM: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IcomTuner/

SGC: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sgc-smartuners/

As well there are some excellent user created support pages that may be
helpful:

Chris, K9EQ Has created a site devoted to the AH-4
http://www.usfamily.net/web/k9eq/ah4/

Dave, N9ZRT has an excellent site for information on the SG-239
http://www.wireservices.com/n9zrt/SG-239/

One question often asked when comparing tuners is can the tune button on
the radio used. Though it is not necessary, you can interface SGC tuners to
the Icom rig tune buttons. Information on this is available on the SGC
website.. 

 I decided to go with the SGC SG-239. My main consideration was the price,
documentation and information available.  Also, for my application, it is
not necessary for the tuner to be waterproof so the SG-239 will serve the
purpose. there is no problem using this tuner with my Icom IC-746 and
IC-703. 

73 . . Ken - VE5KC


*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

On 8/1/2003 at 1:05 AM TJ - K7CD wrote:

>Dear Friends:
>
>Has anyone compared the performance of the SGC-230 to the AH-4?
>
>Which one is more efficient?  Which one performs the best?  Which one has
>the best construction quality?
>
>Also, what are the "true spec's" on the AH-4?
>
>In the IC-756 ProII Instruction Manual, page 50 -- it specifies the AH-4
>to be 1.8 - 50 Mhz.  However, the Icom AH-4 brochure spec's the AH-4 to be
>3.5 - 50 Mhz.
>
>Which is correct?
>
>The antenna coupler will be used on a IC-756 ProII.
>
>Your input, experience's and opinion's would be greatly appreciated!
>
>73's
>
>TJ - K7CD
>
>"Life begins at 7KV"