[Icom] SGC-230 Vs AH-4.

[Ray V.]

I don't have an AH-4 but if the AH-4 is like the SGC-230 (in terms of
specified operating frequencies) then both ranges are probably correct.
I have two SGC-230's, one for mobile (using the QMS-2 system) and a
second for home use with my low powered (under 200 watt output) gear.
The SGC-230 is spec'ed for 1.8 to 30 when used with a 23 min length
antenna, but only 3.5 to 30mc when used with the min 8' mobile whip.
That may be the same with the AH-4 and why you see two different
operating ranges, depends on the min antenna length used.

However, I have no problem using my SGC-230 to load my SG-303 whip (9'
helical wound) on 160 meters and have used it 160 mobile many times, it
certainly isn't very efficient and doesn't get out like gangbusters, but
it does work and it's fun to have guys come back and say "your MOBILE on
160?"

For those with newer rigs that cover 6 meters, SGC makes other tuners
that cover up to 60mc, as the SGC-230 stops at 30mc.

73, Ray  W2EC


TJ - K7CD wrote:

Dear Friends:

Has anyone compared the performance of the SGC-230 to the AH-4?



Ken - VE5KC wrote:

  > 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"
  >>
  >
  >
  >
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