Can't decide which tuner

[KatKokomo]

I just purchased an ICOM 7200 radio and I can't decide what tuner to buy.
I am looking into the SG-230 smartuner Antenna Coupler. How about it?
Any other suggestions?

[btrayfors]

If you're going to put it on a boat, and don't care about 160 meters, I'd go with an Icom AH-4 tuner. Robust little fellow that works well with end-fed wires longer than 23' overall.

In the past I've used myself, installed, and trouble-shot many SG-230s. For several decades this was the premier auto tuner, and the most desirable one to put on a boat because you could use it with ANY transceiver. Alas, this is no longer my first recommendation, both because of the apparent higher failure rates of the more recent tuners -- SGC has made a number of circuit modifications -- and because of SGC's very inflexible and expensive repairs policy.

Bill
WA6CCA

[ka4wja]

KatKokomo,

I agree with Bill 100%!!
Go with the Icom AH-4....
SGC just isn't the same as they were years ago...

(I've got a friend that's using my old AH-2, from 1989....and it still works 100%, after 25+ years...and I own / have on board an Icom AT-140 as my primary and an SGC as a spare....)


Fair winds...

John

[roverhi]

Have the SGC 230 and it's worked great. No need to hit a tune button, just key the mike and talk. The tuner has a memory to so instant tuning on if you switch between different freq's regularly. SGC will work with any radio so if you change out radios or get a Marine SSB in addition to your 7200, you won't have to worry about the wattage limitation of the AH-4 or working with another brand of radio. AH-4 is considerably cheaper though.

Had an AT-4 but the tune function on Icom 718 radio was tits up so wouldn't tune. Didn't have the time to send the radio back to Icom for repair. Sold the AH-4 and bought the SGC 230 and all was fine.

[KatKokomo]

Thanks for the reply. I had an Ah-4 on my old Icom718. Worked great for many years.
Comparing the price with the SGC 230.......i ordered the Ah-4
Thanks again
Peter

[Seymore]

Does anyone have experience with the SEA tuners, say the 1612C? 1635? They look good on paper.

[btrayfors]

Yep, they're built like the proverbial "ceramic privvy".

But, like most automatic tuners, they can fail. I have two of them in my shop right now.

However, when they work, they work great!

Bill
WA6CCA