MAT-TUNER mAT-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner

Introduction

The mAT-30 is an automatic tuner designed for use with modern YAESU transceivers. It is compatible with YAESU transceivers that support the FC-30, FC-40, or FC-50 YAESU tuner. A partial list of compatible units includes: FT-100, FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-450D, FT-891, FT-950, FT-991, FT-991A, FTDX-3000. Other YAESU transceiver models are being verified; if they support FC-30/40/50, they likely support the mAT-30. Older transceivers such as FT-80C and FT-757 are not compatible. Operation is similar to existing YAESU tuners, offering simplicity and convenience.

The mAT-30 does not currently support FT-817/818. For these models, the mAT-10 tuner is recommended, as it is specifically designed for QRP transceivers.

YAESU transceivers may require menu settings to be changed to support external tuners. Consult the MAT-TUNER website for specific menu configurations for different transceiver models.

The mAT-30 operates within the 1.8MHz to 54MHz range, supporting power levels up to 120 watts. It can tune various antenna types, including dipoles, verticals, Yagis, long wires, and virtually any coax-fed antenna, matching a wide range of impedances.

The tuner connects to the transceiver via the CAT/LINEAR port using an interface data cable. The transceiver's TUNE button controls the tuner, and the CAT/LINEAR jack also provides power, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Tuning is initiated by pressing and holding the TUNE button for one second. Interface data cables are included.

The mAT-30 features 16,000 frequency memories. When tuning on or near a previously tuned frequency, it uses "Memory Tune" to recall stored tuning parameters instantly. If no memory is available, it performs a full tuning cycle and stores the parameters for future use, effectively learning frequencies as it is operated. Manual tuning cycles can also be initiated.

SPECIAL EXPLANATION: After actual comparison testing, the mAT-30 is noted as the only tuner capable of tuning an antenna with an SWR higher than 3 when matched with the FT-891, a capability not found even in Yaesu brand tuners.

Specifications

• Power Output: 0.1 to 120 watts (SSB and CW peak), 30 watts (PSK and digital modes), 100 watts (6 meters).
• Frequency Coverage: 1.8 to 54.0 MHz.
• Memory Capacity: 16,000 memories for instantaneous frequency recall.
• Load Impedance Range: Tunes 5 to 1500 ohm loads.
• Tuning Time: 0.1 to 5 seconds for a full tune, 0.1 seconds for memory tune.
• Antenna Compatibility: Suitable for dipoles, verticals, Vees, beams, long wire, or any coax-fed antenna.
• Control and Power: Controlled via the YAESU TUNE button on the radio; powered directly from the YAESU radio.
• Partial Compatible Radio List: FT-100, FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-450D, FT-891, FT-950, FT-991, FT-991A, FTDX-3000.
• Dimensions: 20cm x 13cm x 4cm (Length x Width x Height).
• Weight: 0.8 Kg.

Important Word About Power Levels

The mAT-30 is rated for a maximum power input of 120 watts. Many ham transmitters, transceivers, and amplifiers can output power exceeding this level. Power levels significantly exceeding specifications will damage or destroy the mAT-30. If the tuner fails due to overload, it may also damage the transmitter or transceiver. It is crucial to observe the specified power limitations.

Front Panel

The front panel features two LED indicator lights:

• ONLINE: Indicates the tuner is Active or bypassed.
• POWER: Serves as the power indicator light.

[Description of front panel layout: The front panel displays the MAT-TUNER logo, the model name "mAT-30 HF-SSB Automatic Antenna Tuner", and two LED indicators labeled "ONLINE" and "POWER".]

Rear Panel

The rear panel of the mAT-30 features five connectors:

• ANTENNA: Connect the 50-ohm coax antenna feedline to this standard SO-239 connector.
• RF IN: Connect a 50 ohm coax jumper cable from this standard SO-239 connector to the ANT jack on the back of the transceiver.
• Radio: This mini-DIN 8-pin connector connects to the supplied radio interface cable, which also provides DC power to the mAT-30 tuner from the transceiver.
• GND: Connect to the antenna system ground.
• AUXILIARY POWER: This connector is not in use.

Radio Interface Cable

The mAT-30's interface cable facilitates control signals between the YAESU radio and the tuner. The cable has two mini-DIN 8-pin plugs. To initiate the tuning process, push and hold the radio's [TUNER] button for two seconds. To bypass the tuner, push the [TUNER] button quickly.

The supplied radio interface cable is 50 centimeters long. If the mAT-30 needs to be positioned farther from the transceiver than this length allows, a custom cable must be constructed. This can be done by cutting the supplied cable and soldering a jumper wire between all connections, or by purchasing new connectors and cable to build a custom length cable from scratch.

Radio Interface Cable Pinout:

• 1: +13.5V
• 2: TX GND
• 3: GND
• 4: DATA IN
• 5: DATA OUT
• 6: SENSE
• 7: RESET
• 8: TX INH

Installation

The mAT-30 tuner is designed for indoor operation only and is not water resistant. If used outdoors (e.g., for Field Day), it must be protected from rain. Always turn your radio off before plugging or unplugging any cables, as connecting or disconnecting them while the power is on may damage the radio.

Compatible Transceivers

The mAT-30 is designed for use with YAESU 100-watt transceivers that support the YAESU AH-3 or AH-4 antenna tuners.

Connection Procedure:

1. Connect the transceiver's HF/50 MHz antenna jack to the "RF IN" jack on the back of the mAT-30 using a 50-ohm coax cable rated for 120 watts or greater.
2. Connect the supplied radio interface cable to the mini-DIN 8-pin jack on the rear of the mAT-30, marked "Radio".
3. Connect the other end of this cable to the "CAT/LINEAR" or "TUN/LIN" jack on the rear of the YAESU transceiver.
4. Connect the antenna feed line coax to the "ANTENNA" jack on the rear of the mAT-30.

Grounding: Grounding the mAT-30 tuner enhances its performance and safety. It is recommended to connect the 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 holding an AC outlet cover can serve as a serviceable ground. The use of a properly installed, high-quality lightning arrestor on all antenna cables is strongly recommended.

Transceiver Settings (Example: FT-857D/897D)

Specific menu settings are required on certain YAESU transceivers to enable external tuner operation. The following steps detail the configuration for the FT-857D/897D:

1. Press and hold the [F]([FUNC]) key for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH (FT-857D: SELECT) knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU]. Then, rotate the DIAL to change the setting to "ON" to enable the extended Menu Mode.
3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH (FT-857D: SELECT) knob to recall Menu Mode No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN]. The default setting for this menu is "CAT". Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to "TUNER".
4. Press and hold the [F]([FUNC]) key for one second to save the new setting and exit. Turn the transceiver off.
5. Set up the mAT-30 and FT-897 according to the illustration. Turn the transceiver's power back on. Do not set up the mAT-30 and FT-897 before changing Menu Mode item No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN].
6. Press and hold the [F]([FUNC]) key for one second to activate the Menu mode.
7. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH (FT-857D: SELECT) knob to recall Menu Mode No-085 [TUNER/ATAS]. The default setting for this menu is "OFF". Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to "TUNER".
8. Press and hold the [F]([FUNC]) key for one second to save the new setting and exit.
9. Press the [F]([FUNC]) key, as needed, to recall Multi Function Row "k" [TUNE, DOWN, UP].

Operation from the YAESU Transceiver

Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the mAT-30 on. "Parentheses" will appear on both sides of the "TUNE" indication, and "TUNR" will appear on the LCD.

Press and hold the [A](TUNE) key to initiate automatic tuning. The FT-897D/857D transceiver will be activated, sending a carrier signal. The mAT-30's coils and capacitors will be selected and adjusted for optimum SWR. When tuning is complete, the transmission will cease, and you will be ready for operation on that frequency. Tuning data will be stored in the mAT-30's Memory system.

To initiate a tuning sequence from the YAESU transceiver, the radio will switch to CW mode, reduce power, and begin transmitting a carrier. The mAT-30 will commence a memory tuning sequence. If an acceptable SWR match is found during the memory tuning cycle, the cycle ends. Otherwise, the mAT-30 automatically begins a full tuning cycle to find a good match. If the full tuning cycle is successful, the match is stored in memory associated with the selected frequency. Upon completion of the tuning cycle, an indicator on the transceiver's display will show that the tuner is active. This indicator varies by model; consult the transceiver owner's manual for details on operating with an external automatic tuner. To bypass the tuner via the YAESU transceiver front panel, press the [A](TUNE) key momentarily.

Technical Support

Visit the Support Center at: http://www.mat-tuner.com/en/

The website provides links to product manuals, specifications, and dealer information to assist with purchase decisions.

Product Feedback

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Document version: BG3MZU 2018.11.10