YT-100 OPERATIONS MANUAL MANUAL REV B

LDG YT-100
Automatic Tuner for
Yaesu FT-100,
FT-857/897
Transceivers

LDG Electronics
1445 Parran Road
St. Leonard MD 20685-2903 USA
Phone: 410-586-2177
Fax: 410-586-8475
[email protected]
www.ldgelectronics.com

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 Table Of Contents
Introduction 3
Jumpstart, or “Real hams don’t read manuals!” 3
Specifications 4
An Important Word About Power Levels 4
Important Safety Warning 4
Getting to know your YT-100 5
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Installation 7
Compatible Transceivers
FT-100, FT-100D Installation:
FT-857 and FT-897 Installation
Finishing Up Installation
Operation 10
Power-up
Basic Tuning Operation
Toggle Bypass Mode:
Initiate a Memory Tune Cycle:
Force a Full Tune Cycle:
Status LED
Application Information 15
Mobile Operation
Remote Operation
MARS/CAP Coverage
Operation with a PC / CAT
Theory of Operation 17
The LDG YT-100 19
A Word About Tuning Etiquette 20
Care and Maintenance 20
Technical Support 20
Two-Year Transferrable Warranty 21
Out Of Warranty Service 21
Returning Your Product For Service 21
Product Feedback 222

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INTRODUCTION
LDG pioneered the automatic, wide-range switched-L tuner in 1995. From its laboratories in St.
Leonard, Maryland, LDG continues to define the state of the art in this field with innovative
automatic tuners and related products for every amateur need.
Congratulations on selecting the YT-100 automatic tuner for the Yaesu FT-100, FT-857 and FT-
897 transceivers. The YT-100 provides semi-automatic antenna tuning across the entire HF
spectrum plus 6 meters, at power levels up to 125 watts. It will tune dipoles, verticals, Yagis, or
virtually any coax-fed antenna. It will match an amazing range of antennas and impedances, far
greater than some other tuners you may have considered, including the built-in tuners on many
radios.
The YT-100 is similar to previous LDG tuners, but is specially engineered to integrate with your
Yaesu FT-100/857/897 HF radio. The YT-100 connects to the CAT (Computer Automated
Transceiver) port on the back of the radio. The CAT interface allows an external device such as a
PC or the YT-100 to control the FT-100/857/897 by sending it serial commands. The YT-100 takes
advantage of this interface to simplify the tuning process -- one button push is all that is needed in
order to switch the radio to AM mode, reduce output power, transmit a carrier, measure the
transmit frequency, and then restore the radio to its previous mode and power level!
The YT-100 is powered by the transceiver’s CAT interface itself, so there is no additional power
cable required to use the YT-100. Latching relays are used, so the YT-100 consumes no power when
not tuning.

JUMPSTART, OR “REAL HAMS DON’T READ MANUALS!”

Ok, but at least read this one section before operating the YT-100:
1. Turn off power to your FT-100/857/897 radio.
2. Connect the HF/50 MHz antenna jack on the transceiver to the “TX” jack on the YT-100,
using the supplied 50 ohm coax cable jumper.
3. Connect a 50 ohm coax antenna feedline to the “ANT” jack on the YT-100.
4. Connect one end of the supplied radio interface cable to the “CAT/Linear” port on the back of
your FT-100/857/897 radio.
5. Connect the other end of the supplied radio interface cable to the “Radio” jack on the back of
the YT-100.
6. FT-100: Turn on power to your transceiver. Once it powers up, hold in the F key for one
second to access the extended menus. Rotate the SEL knob until menu #61, “TUNER/ATAS”
appears. Rotate the dial knob until “off” is selected. Hold in the F key again for one second, to
return to normal operation.
7. FT-857/897: Turn on power to your transceiver. Once it powers up, hold in the FUNC key for
one second to access the extended menus. Rotate the SEL knob until menu #019, “CAT
RATE” appears. Rotate the dial knob until “4800” appears. Rotate the SEL knob again until
menu #020, “CAT/LIN/TUN” appears. Rotate the dial knob until “CAT” appears. Hold the
FUNC key for one second again to return to normal operation.
8. Select the desired operating frequency and mode.

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9. Push and hold the TUNE button on the front of the YT-100 for one second (until the Tuning
LED comes on), then release. The transceiver automatically switches to AM mode, and keys up
with a minimal amount of power, and the YT-100 begins a tuning cycle. At the end of the tuning
cycle, the original mode and power level is restored.
10. Wait for the tuning cycle to end; you’re now ready to operate!

SPECIFICATIONS
• 0.1 to 125 watts SSB and CW peak power, 100W on digital modes and 6 meters.
• Latching relays for ultra low power operation.
• 2,000 memories for instantaneous frequency and band changing.
• Powered from the radio -- no extra power supply to hook up.
• Designed specifically for the Yaesu FT-100/FT-100D/FT-857/FT-857D/FT-897/FT-897D
HF transceivers.
• Pass-thru CAT port allows YT-100 to control the radio over the CAT bus while still allowing a
host PC to also control the radio.
• Pass-thru CAT port waits for idle CAT activity before controlling the transceiver.
• 1.8 to 54.0 MHz coverage. Frequency for memory storage is read from the radio via CAT.
• Tunes 4 to 800 ohm loads (16 to 150 on 6M), 16 to 3200 ohms with optional 4:1 Balun.
• For Dipoles, Verticals, Vees, Beams or any Coax Fed Antenna.
• Optional external Balun allows tuning of random length, long wire or ladder line fed antennas.
• Dimensions: 8.0”L x 7.6”W x 1.8”H.
• Weight: 1.5 pounds

AN IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT POWER LEVELS

The YT-100 is rated at 125 watts maximum power input at most. Many ham transmitters and
transceivers, and virtually all amplifiers, output well over 125 watts. Power levels that significantly
exceed specifications will definitely damage or destroy your YT-100. If your tuner fails during
overload, it could also damage your transmitter or transceiver. Be sure to observe the specified
power limitations.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

Never install antennas or transmission lines over or near power lines. You can be seriously
injured or killed if any part of the antenna, support or transmission line touches a power
line. Always follow this antenna safety rule: the distance to the nearest power line should
be at least twice the length of the longest antenna, transmission line or support dimension.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR YT-100
Your YT-100 is a quality, precision instrument that will give you many years of outstanding
service; take a few minutes to get to know it.
The YT-100 is designed specifically for use with the FT-100/857/897. Tuning is performed
when the Tune button is pushed on the front of the YT-100 and held for one second. The tuner
can be placed in bypass mode by pressing the Tune button momentarily.
The YT-100 is powered directly from the CAT port on the radio; no separate power supply is
needed. The YT-100 automatically powers up at the start of a tuning cycle, and goes into an ultra
low-power sleep mode when tuning is complete. The latching relays hold the tuned configuration
indefinitely, even when DC power is completely removed. Tuning memories are stored in FLASH
memory.
The YT-100 has 2,000 frequency memories. When tuning on or near a previously tuned
frequency, the YT-100 uses “Memory Tune” to recall the previous tuning parameters in a fraction of
a second. If no memorized settings are available, the tuner runs a full tuning cycle, storing the
parameters for memory recall on subsequent tuning cycles on that frequency. In this manner, the
YT-100 “learns” as it is used, adapting to the bands and frequencies as it goes.
Front Panel
On the front panel there is one pushbutton and one LED indicator light.
• Tune Button: Initiates either a memory tune or a full tune, and also toggles the tuner between
“active” and “bypass” modes.

• Status LED: Lights to give feedback on button presses, lights during tuning; gives tune status
at the end of a tuning cycle.

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Rear Panel
The rear panel of the YT-100 features six connectors.
• ANT connector: Connect the 50-ohm coax antenna feedline to this standard SO-239

connector.
• GND connector (wing nut): Connect to antenna system ground.
• TX connector: Connect the 50-ohm coax jumper cable from this standard SO-239 connector
to the ANT jack on the back of the transceiver.
• Computer connector: This 8-pin mini-DIN connector connects to a personal computer via
Yaesu’s CT-62 cable or similar computer-to-CAT interface cable. Use of this port is optional; it is
provided for those hams who would like to control their FT-100/857/897 via computer. This is a
pass-thru port to the CAT Out port, and is switched under software control by the YT-100’s
microprocessor. The firmware of the YT-100 has been written such that this will seem transparent
to the user -- if using CAT to control your FT-100/857/897, just plug the PC’s CAT cable into
this port instead of the CAT jack on the back of the transceiver.
• Radio connector: This 8-pin mini-DIN connector is for connection to the radio’s CAT jack.
The YT-100 controls the PTT, power level, and operating mode via CAT commands sent to the
transceiver. The YT-100 also reads the operating frequency directly from the transceiver so that it
knows where to store tuning memory data.
• REMOTE connector (1/8” jack): Allows remote operation by connecting a pushbutton
switch to this input. Grounding the ring activates the tuner.

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INSTALLATION
The YT-100 tuner is designed for indoor operation only; it is not water resistant. If you use it
outdoors (Field Day, for example), you must protect it from the rain. The YT-100 is designed for
use with coax-fed antennas. If use with longwires or ladder-line-fed antennas is desired, an external
balun is required. The LDG RBA-4:1 or RBA-1:1 is ideal, depending on the antenna and
transmission line used.
Always turn your radio off before plugging or unplugging anything. The radio may be damaged
if cables are connected or disconnected while the power is on.
Compatible Transceivers
The YT-100 is designed to be used ONLY with the following Yaesu 100 watt transceivers:
• FT-100
• FT-100D
• FT-857
• FT-857D
• FT-897
• FT-897D
WARNING: Do not attempt to use the YT-100 with any other transceivers, even if the CAT
plug fits. At best, the YT-100 simply won’t work with these radios. At worst, it could cause damage
to either the YT-100, the radio, or both.
It is possible that more Yaesu transceivers will be added to this list as Yaesu releases new
models. Be sure to check the LDG website for additional information.

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FT-100, FT-100D Installation:
Connect the HF/50 MHz antenna jack on the FT-100 to the TX jack on the back of the YT-
100, using the supplied coax jumper cable, or a similar 50 ohm coax cable rated 125 watts or greater.
Connect the supplied radio interface cable to the mini-DIN 8-pin jack on the rear of the YT-
100, marked “Radio”. Connect the other end of this cable to the “ACC” pigtail lead on the rear of
the FT-100.
On the FT-100, press and hold the “FUNC” button on the front panel for one second, to enter
the extended menu. Rotate the SEL knob until menu # 61, “TUNER/ATAS” is showing. Rotate
the tuning dial until “off” is displayed. Now press and hold the “FUNC” button again to resume
normal operation.

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FT-857 and FT-897 Installation
Connect the HF/50 MHz antenna jack on the FT-857/897 to the TX jack on the back of the
YT-100, using the supplied coax jumper cable, or a similar 50 ohm coax cable rated 125 watts or
greater.
Connect the supplied radio interface cable to the mini-DIN 8-pin jack on the rear of the YT-
100, marked “Radio”. Connect the other end of this cable to the “CAT/Linear” jack on the rear of
the FT-857/897.

On the FT-857/897, press and hold the FUNC button for one second to activate the extended
menu system. Rotate the SEL knob until menu #019 “CAT RATE” is visible. Rotate the main
tuning knob until “4800bps” is showing. Because the YT-100 is compatible with both the FT-
857/897 and the FT-100 series of transceivers, the slower 4800 bps CAT rate must be used to
accommodate the older FT-100.
Next, rotate the SEL knob one click clockwise, to select menu #020, “CAT/LIN/TUNER”.
Rotate the main tuning knob until “CAT” is showing. Now press and hold FUNC again, to return
to normal operation.

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Finishing Up Installation
Connect a 50-ohm coax feedline to the jack marked ANT on the rear of the YT-100, and
connect this to the antenna system.
If it is desired to operate the FT-100/857/897 via computer control, connect the Yaesu CT-62
CAT interface cable to the YT-100 port labelled “CAT In”. The YT-100 will automatically feed
through any CAT commands coming in over this port to the transceiver and vice versa. Note that
any software used to control the transceiver will have to be set for 4,800 baud while connected
through the YT-100.
Grounding the YT-100 tuner will enhance its performance and safety. LDG recommends that
you connect your tuner to a suitable ground; a common ground rod connected to buried radials is
preferred, but a single ground rod, a cold water pipe, or the screw that holds the cover on an AC
outlet can provide a serviceable ground. LDG strongly recommends the use of a properly installed,
high quality lightning arrestor on all antenna cables.

OPERATION
Power-up
The YT-100 is powered by the transceiver over the CAT interface cable. When the transceiver is
turned on, the YT-100 powers up, and an audible “click” is heard from the YT-100 CAT bus relay.
At this time, the YT-100 checks the connection to the transceiver. If this check fails, the Status
LED will blink continuously. Possible causes for failure are an improperly seated CAT cable, a
damaged CAT cable, or plugging the CAT cable into a radio other than an FT-100, FT-100D, FT-
857, FT-857D, FT-897, or FT-897D.
As a further verification of proper installation, the Status LED will blink once at power-up if it
has detected an FT-857/897, and does not blink at all if an FT-100 is detected.

Power-up LED indication Meaning

Relay “click”, no blink Connected to FT-100

Relay “click”, blink once Connected to FT-857/897

Relay “click”, continuous blinking No valid radio detected

No relay “click”, no LED No power to YT-100

Basic Tuning Operation

The YT-100 is operated from the front panel TUNE button on the YT-100. Two types of
tuning cycles are available; a memory tuning cycle and a full tuning cycle.
The memory tuning cycle attempts to tune quickly based on having previously tuned on the
present frequency selection. If the tuner previously was successful in tuning on the currently selected
frequency, the settings for that match will be loaded into the tuner relays, and checked to see that an
acceptable SWR match is found.
A full tuning cycle “starts from scratch” and begins a fixed tuning sequence where the YT-100
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rapidly tries varying combinations of inductance and capacitance values, and then zeroes-in on the
best match possible. When the tuning cycle is complete, if an acceptable match was found, the
inductance and capacitance settings are saved in a memory associated with the selected frequency, so
that they may be recalled quickly in the future via a memory tuning cycle.
In this manner, the YT-100 “learns”; the longer you use it, the more closely it adapts itself to the
bands and frequencies used. Most users will probably use memory tuning most of the time; it takes
advantage of any saved tuning settings, but automatically defaults to a full tuning cycle if no stored
data is available.
In both cases, at the end of the tuning cycle, the carrier is held for 1.5 seconds after tuning is
complete, so that the final SWR may be read on the transceiver’s internal SWR meter or another
inline SWR meter, and the front panel LED will indicate the status of the tuning cycle.
The tuner may also be placed in “bypass” mode where it is electrically removed from the
antenna system.
Although the FT-100, FT-857, and FT-897 are all designed to transmit and receive on all HF
bands plus 6 meters, 2 meters and 70 centimeters, the YT-100 is designed only to work on HF and 6
meters. In addition, the FT-100/857/897 transceivers all transmit UHF and VHF on a different
antenna jack than the jack used for HF and 6 meters. For this reason, the YT-100’s built-in software
asks the transceiver for its operating frequency before beginning a tuning cycle, and will not allow a
tuning cycle to begin if the radio is set above 60 MHz. This protects both the tuner and the radio!
A Note About Tuning on the FT-100/FT-100D
Note that when tuning with the FT-100, the AM carrier transmitted by the FT-100 is dependent
upon the HF TX PO menu setting of the FT-100. If tuning seems erratic, or occasionally the YT-
100 blinks out the “No RF” or “RF Lost” error codes during tuning, try increasing the HF TX PO
menu setting before tuning.

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Toggle Bypass Mode:
To toggle between bypassed and active mode, press the front panel Tune button on the YT-100
momentarily. The Status LED will flash three times to indicate that the tuner is in bypass mode.
Press the front panel Tune button momentarily again to recall the previous tuner settings. The Status
LED will flash once to indicate that the tuner is no longer bypassed. This function may be useful if
you wish to compare antenna performance with and without the benefit of the tuner’s matching
network.

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Initiate a Memory Tune Cycle:
To initiate a memory tuning cycle, press and hold the Tune button on the front of the YT-100
until the Status LED lights up. A memory tuning cycle will begin. The YT-100 will force the
transceiver into AM mode, change the power level to one that is appropriate for tuning, and key the
radio. When tuning is complete, the transceiver will return to the operating mode and power level
previously set.
Be aware that the YT-100 tunes in AM mode. The microphone input is live during tuning, so
anything you say will be heard while tuning!

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Force a Full Tune Cycle:
Sometimes, if you are transmitting on a previously tuned frequency, but something has slightly
changed in your antenna system (maybe the antenna was re-oriented, for example), performing a
memory recall tune will find a stored match that is acceptable, but is not as optimal as could be. In
this case, forcing a full tune will cause the YT-100 to seek a better match than the match already
stored in memory for this frequency.
To force a full tuning cycle, press and hold the Tune button on the front panel of the YT-100
until the Status LED lights up, and keep holding until the Status LED goes out again. Release
the Tune button once the Status LED goes out. A full tuning cycle will begin. When tuning is
complete, the transceiver will be restored to its previous operating mode and power level.
Be aware that the YT-100 tunes in AM mode. The microphone input is live during tuning, so
anything you say will be heard while tuning!

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Status LED
The Status LED is used to indicate both operating modes, tuning status, and error codes. The
following table lists the LED status codes and their meaning.

LED Indication Meaning

Status LED on. Tuner is tuning.

Tuner has completed a tuning cycle; a

Status LED goes out, then blinks once.
good SWR match was found.

Tuning cycle is complete, tuning match is

Status LED goes out, then blinks twice.
between 1.5:1 and 3.0:1 SWR.

Status LED goes out, then blinks three Tuning cycle is complete, tuning match is
times. greater than 3.0:1 SWR.

Tuning cycle failed, RF was lost in the

Status LED blinks 4 times.
middle of the tune.

Status LED blinks 5 times. Tuning cycle failed, no RF was detected.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Mobile Operation
The YT-100 is perfectly suited to mobile operation. It can be installed under the dashboard
along with the transceiver, or mounted remotely. The only requirement is that the tuner remain dry.
The supplied radio interface cable is 14 inches long. If it is desired that the YT-100 is positioned
farther from the transceiver than this cable length allows, a custom cable will need to be constructed.
This can be accomplished in two ways: Cut the supplied cable and solder a jumper wire between all
the connections, or purchase new connectors and cable to construct a custom-length interface cable
from scratch.
The 8-pin CAT interface connector is Kycon Connector part number KMDAX-8P, available
from available from http://www.mouser.com/ as Mouser part number 806-KMDAX-8P. Pinning
for this cable is one-to-one, straight through; all eight signals are used.

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Remote Operation
If it is desired that the YT-100 be located away from the operating position, remote operation is
possible. A remote switch (not supplied) may be connected to the REMOTE jack on the rear of the
YT-100. The REMOTE jack accepts a 1/8” (3.5mm) stereo plug. In order to use the remote jack, a
remote control cable must be constructed according to diagram below. A momentary contact,
normally open switch is wired such that when its contacts are closed, it shorts the ring and sleeve
circuits of the remote jack together.
To operate the tuner remotely, press the momentary contact switch on the remote cable in the
same manner as the front panel Tune switch on the YT-100. A short press will toggle bypass, a
medium-length press will initiate a memory tune, and a long press will force a full tuning cycle.
The remote switch may be mounted in any convenient location.

MARS/CAP Coverage
The YT-100 provides continuous tuning coverage over its specified range; not just in the ham
bands. This makes it useful for MARS or CAP operation, or any other legal HF operation.
Operation with a PC / CAT
Although the YT-100 uses the transceiver’s CAT port for tuning control, the YT-100 is designed
to allow the user to continue to use the CAT interface with the transceiver for PC control, also.
If PC control of the radio is desired, simply hook the PC’s CAT interface cable (such as Yaesu
CT-62) to the “Computer” jack on the rear of the YT-100.
Any rig control software on the computer must be set to use the 4,800 baud rate, as this is the
communication rate used by the YT-100 for controlling the radio.
The YT-100 monitors the “Computer” port for activity before beginning any tuning cycle. Only
when the CAT line is idle for a period of time will the YT-100 take over control of the CAT line in
order to perform a tuning cycle. When the tuning cycle is complete, control of the CAT interface is
returned to the PC.

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 This procedure is completely automatic, and is transparent to the user. Simply hook up a PC,
and use the rig control software as normal. Press the TUNE button on the YT-100 when tuning is
desired.

THEORY OF
OPERATION
Some basic ideas about
impedance
The theory underlying
antennas and transmission
lines is fairly complex, and in
fact employs a mathematical
notation called “complex
numbers” that have “real”
and “imaginary” parts. It is
beyond the scope of this
manual to present a tutorial
on this subject1, but a little
background will help in
understanding what the YT-
100 is doing, and how it does
it.
In simple DC circuits, the
wire resists current flow,
converting some of it into
heat. The relationship between
voltage, current, and resistance
is described by the elegant and
well-known “Ohm’s Law”,
named for Georg Simon Ohm
of Germany, who first
discovered the principle in
1826. In RF circuits, an
analogous but more
complicated relationship exists.
RF circuits also resist the
flow of electricity. However,
the presence of capacitive and
inductive elements causes the
voltage to lead or lag the current, respectively. In RF circuits, this resistance to the flow of electricity
is called “impedance”, and can include all three elements: resistive, capacitive, and inductive.

1
For a very complete treatment of this subject, see any edition of the ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications (previously the
Handbook For Radio Amateurs).
PAGE 17
 The output circuit of a transmitter consists of inductors and capacitors, usually in a
series/parallel configuration called a “pi network”. The transmission line can be thought of as a long
string of capacitors and inductors in series/parallel, and the antenna is a kind of resonant circuit. At
any given RF frequency, each of these can exhibit resistance, and impedance in the form of
capacitive or inductive “reactance”.
Transmitters, transmission lines, antennas, and impedance
The output circuit of a transmitter, the transmission line, and the antenna, all have a
characteristic impedance. For reasons beyond the scope of this document, the standard impedance is
nominally 50 ohms resistive, with zero capacitive and zero inductive components. When all three
parts of the system have the same impedance, the system is said to be “matched”, and maximum
transfer of power from the transmitter to the antenna occurs. While the transmitter output circuit
and transmission line are of fixed, carefully designed impedance, the antenna presents 50-ohm, non-
reactive load only at its natural resonant frequencies. At other frequencies, it will exhibit capacitive
or inductive reactance, causing it to have an impedance other than 50 ohms.
When the impedance of the antenna is different from that of the transmitter and transmission
line, a “mismatch” is said to exist. In this case, some of the RF energy from the transmitter is
reflected from the antenna back down the transmission line and into the transmitter. If this reflected
energy is strong enough, it can damage the transmitter’s output circuits.
The ratio of transmitted to reflected energy is called the “standing wave ratio”, or SWR. An
SWR of 1 (sometimes written 1:1) indicates a perfect match. As more energy is reflected, the SWR
increases to 2, 3, or higher. As a general rule, modern solid state transmitters must operate with an
SWR of 2 or less. Tube exciters are somewhat more tolerant of high SWR. If a 50 ohm antenna is
resonant at the operating frequency, it will show an SWR close to 1. However, this is usually not the
case; operators often need to transmit at frequencies other than resonance, resulting in a reactive
antenna and a higher SWR.

1 R where F = Forward power (watts), R = Reflected power (watts)

SWR  F
1 R F



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 SWR is measured using a device called an “SWR bridge”, inserted in the transmission line
between the transmitter and the antenna. This circuit measures forward and reflected power from
which SWR may be calculated (some meters calculate SWR for you). More advanced units can
measure forward and reflected power simultaneously, and show these values and SWR at the same
time.
An antenna tuner is a device used to
cancel out the effects of antenna
reactance. Tuners add capacitance to
cancel out inductive reactance in the
antenna, and vice versa. Simple tuners
use variable capacitors and inductors;
the operator adjusts them by hand while
observing reflected power on the SWR
meter until a minimum SWR is reached.
The LDG Electronics YT-100
automates this process.
No tuner will fix a bad antenna. If
the antenna is far from resonance, the
inefficiencies inherent in such operation
are inescapable; it’s simple physics.
Much of the transmitted power may be
dissipated in the tuner as heat, never
reaching the antenna at all. A tuner
simply “fools” the transmitter into
behaving as though the antenna were
resonant, avoiding any damage that
might otherwise be caused by high
reflected power. For best performance,
the antenna used should always be as
close to resonance as is practical.

THE LDG YT-100

In 1995, LDG Electronics pioneered a new type of automatic antenna tuner. The LDG design
uses banks of fixed capacitors and inductors, switched in and out of the circuit by relays under
microprocessor control. An additional relay switches between high and low impedance ranges. A
built-in SWR sensor provides feedback; the microprocessor searches the capacitor and inductor
banks, seeking the lowest possible SWR. The tuner is a “Switched L” network, consisting of series
inductors and parallel capacitors. LDG chose the L network for its minimum number of parts and
its ability to tune unbalanced loads, such as coax-fed dipoles, verticals, Yagis, and, in fact, virtually
any coax-fed antenna.
The series inductors are switched in and out of the circuit, and the parallel capacitors are
switched to ground under microprocessor control. The high/low impedance relay switches the
capacitor bank either to the transmitter side of the inductor bank, or to the antenna side. This allows
the YT-100 to handle loads that are either greater than or less than 50 ohms. All relays are sized to
carry 125 watts continuously.
The SWR sensor is a variation of the Bruene circuit. This SWR measuring technique is used in
most dual-meter and direct-reading SWR meters. Slight modifications were made to the circuit to
PAGE 19
provide voltages instead of currents for the analog-to-digital converters that provide signals
proportional to the forward and reflected power levels. The single-lead primary through the center
of the sensor transformer provides RF current sampling. Diodes rectify the sample and provide a
DC voltage proportional to RF power. These two voltages are read by the ADCs in the
microprocessor, and are used to compute SWR in real time.
The relays are powered by the 12VDC input provided by CAT interface cable. The relays are a
latching type, and so they consume no current when not actively switching.
Although the microprocessor’s oscillator runs at 8 MHz, which allows the main tuning routine
to execute in only a few milliseconds, the relays require several milliseconds of settling time for every
combination of inductors and capacitors. Thus, it may take several seconds before all relay
combinations are exhausted, in the case of a difficult tune.
The tuning routine uses an algorithm to minimize the number of tuner adjustments. The routine
first de-energizes the high/low impedance relay if necessary, then individually steps through the
inductors to find a coarse match. With the best inductor selected, the tuner then steps through the
individual capacitors to find the best coarse match. If no match is found, the routine repeats the
coarse tuning with the high/low impedance relay energized. The routine then fine tunes the
inductors and capacitors. The program checks LC combinations to see if a 1.5:1 or lower SWR can
be obtained, and stops when it finds a good match.
The microprocessor runs a fine tune routine just after the tuner finds a match of 1.5:1 or less.
This fine tune routine now tries to adjust the SWR as low as possible (not just to 1.5); it takes about
half a second to run.

A WORD ABOUT TUNING ETIQUETTE

Be sure to use a vacant frequency when tuning. With today’s crowded ham bands, this is often
difficult. However, causing interference to other hams should be avoided as much as possible. The
YT-100’s very short tuning cycle, as little as a fraction of a second, minimizes the impact of tuning
transmissions.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The YT-100 tuner is essentially maintenance-free. Power limits in this manual should be strictly
adhered to. The outer case may be cleaned as needed with a soft cloth slightly dampened with
household cleaning solution. As with any modern electronic device, the YT-100 can be damaged by
temperature extremes, water, impact, or static discharge. LDG strongly recommends the use of a
good quality, properly installed lightning arrestor in the antenna lead.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The LDG Customer Support Center staff is ready to answer your product question by telephone
and over the Internet. We know that you will enjoy your product even more knowing LDG is ready
to answer your questions as the need arises.
Visit the Support Center at: http://support.ldgelectronics.com
Our website links you to the on-line Customer Support Center where you can send us a
question, do your own research in the LDG Product Knowledge Books, and read through lists of
frequently asked product questions. LDG regularly updates on-line information so the best on-line
support information is available all day and every day.

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 The LDG website provides links to product manuals, just in case you lose this one! When you
are thinking about the purchase of other LDG products our website also has complete product
specifications and photographs you can use to help make your purchase decision. Don’t forget the
links to all of the quality LDG Dealers also ready to help you make that purchase decision.

TWO-YEAR TRANSFERRABLE WARRANTY

Your product is warranted against manufacturer defects in parts and labor for two full years
from the date of purchase. This two-year warranty is also transferable. When you sell or give away
your LDG product give the new owner a copy of the original sales receipt and the two-year warranty
goes with the new owner.
There is no need to complete a warranty card or to register an LDG product. Your product
receipt establishes eligibility for warranty service so save that receipt. Send your receipt with the
product whenever you send your product to LDG for repair. Products sent to LDG without a
receipt are considered requests for out-of-warranty repair.
LDG does not warranty against product damage or abuse. This means that a product failure, as
determined by LDG, to be caused by the customer or by other natural calamity (e.g. lightning) is not
covered under the two-year warranty. Damage can be caused by failure to heed the product’s
published limitations and specifications or by not following good Amateur practice.

OUT OF WARRANTY SERVICE

Any time a product fails after the warranty, LDG wants to help you get it fixed. Send the
product to us for repair. We will determine what needs to be done, and, based on your prior
instruction, either contact you with an estimate or fix it and contact you with a request to pay any
repair charges. Please contact LDG if you have any questions before you send us an out-of-warranty
product for repair.

RETURNING YOUR PRODUCT FOR SERVICE

Returning a product to LDG is easy. We do not require a return merchandise authorization, and
there is no need to contact LDG to return your product. Visit the Customer Support Center and
download the LDG Product Repair Form. On the Repair Form tell the LDG technicians exactly
what happened or didn’t happen and why you believe the product needs servicing. The technician
attempts to duplicate the problem(s) you had based on how well you describe it so take the time to
be accurate and complete.
Ask your shipper for a tracking number or a delivery verification receipt. This way you know the
product arrived safely at LDG. Be sure to give us your email address so our shipper can alert you
online when your product is en-route back to you. Periodic updates on the status of the repair are
not available. We can only indicate the repair is in process until it ships back to you. Please be
assured that our staff makes every effort to complete repairs ahead of our published wait time. Your
patience is appreciated.

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 Repairs can take six to eight weeks, but are usually faster. The most recent information on
returning products for service is found at the LDG Customer Support Center. Send your carefully
packaged unit with the Repair Form to:

LDG Electronics, Inc.

Attn: Repair Department
1445 Parran Rd
St. Leonard, MD 20685

PRODUCT FEEDBACK
We encourage product feedback! Tell us what you really think of your LDG product. In a card,
letter, or email (preferred) tell us how you used the product and how well it worked in your
application. Send along a photo or even a schematic or drawing to illustrate your narrative. We like
to share your comments with our staff, our dealers, and even other customers at the LDG website.

http://www.ldgelectronics.com/

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