[Kenwood] Kenwood AT-230 Manual Antenna tuner PEP limit

Fri Jun 20 16:20:42 EDT 2014

You will find that any maximum tuner rating will be at low value tuning, that is no greater than 3:1 unmatched.  The further you push the limits (say 10:1) the power handling ability falls rapidly.

For example, my Elecraft KAT500 can take full legal limit <3:1 but at 14:1 (my EDZ on 80 and 160) it doesn't like more than about 300 watts.

With the amount of voltages that 450 watts into a mismatched load can present, I'd defer using the AT-230 unless the unmatched SWR is <3:1 (then it's a roll of the dice) OR I'd use another tuner (Heathkit) that can handle the loads and wattage.  They are not horribly expensive unless you'd want an automatic tuner, then they're merely expensive until you get to full power automatic tuners (in the OUCH category).  ;o)

To answer your question specifically, using it above 200 watts PEP is not recommended.  Use the Heathkit.

Rick, WA6NHC

iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-)

> On Jun 20, 2014, at 10:53 AM, Terry Clinard <tclinard at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Can anyone advise me if the specs. on the AT-230 manual torroid tapped inductors / variable capacitors, can withstand 450watts PEP when on SSB?  The manual states that it is rated at 100 watts CW carrier and 200 watts PEP.  If the load conditions do not allow for arcing, then it seems possible to do this once you use the tuner and determine at what wattage it will begin arcing at.  Maybe it will withstand 350 watts PEP.  Is there any way to test prior to using it with higher wattage than what it is rated at? 
> 
>  I am using a TS870S exciter at 20 watts output to drive a homebrew 400 watt out solid state amp SSB only.  This set up works well with my Heqathkit SA2060A antenna tuner but the Heathkit is rated at 2000 watts PEP.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks Terry WA8OPR
>                         
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