Fw: RE: [ICOM] IC706 Mk2G and AH-3

[C Whitaker]

de WB2CPN           2005.09.03

I've had or used three or four AH-2 tuners
which are the same as AH-3.  Also use four
AH-4 here now.  ICOM's antenna specs are aimed
at their whip antenna that is part of the AH-2
package.  In the real world the AH-* is a SWR
detector in front of a two or three element
coil/capacitor circuit.  The AH-* logic can
vary the values of the coil/capacitor in such
way as to get the SWR to a minimum, which
must be less than about 3 or the logic calls
it "No Go" and stops trying.  In the fine
print of the AH-4 there's some mention of
storing frequencies for a quick recall, but
I've never noticed this is being of any use.
My favorite antenna is a 160' dipole fed in
the middle with ladder or open wire line, and
a 1:1 or 1:4 (?) balun at the rig.  My current
antenna is a end fed piece of wire that runs
from my well to a tree 80 feet away.  Well
stems make good grounds.  The AH-4 is in an
upturned bread box.  Good Luck.

73  Clete