INSTRUCTION MANUAL
HF AUTOMATIC
ANTENNA TUNER
AT-141
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following parts are additionally required for instal-
lation, but are not supplied with the AT-141.
Purchase these parts locally.
FOREWORD …………………………………………… i
IMPORTANT …………………………………………… i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS……………………………… i
PRECAUTIONS ……………………………………… i
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ………………………… i
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ………………………… ii
FEATURES …………………………………………… ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………… ii
q AWG 14×4-conductor shielded cable
*Icom offers an optional OPC-1465 CONTROL CABLE.
Length: 10 m; 32.8 feet
w 50 Ω coaxial cable
e PL-259 connectors
FEATURES
1 ANTENNA SYSTEM …………………………… 1–2
I Antenna for ship ………………………………… 1
I Coaxial cable …………………………………… 2
I Ground and counterpoise ……………………… 2
Matches all bands
The AT-141 matches any frequency on every HF ma-
rine band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m; 23 ft
long-wire antenna across 1.6–30 MHz.
2 INSTALLATIONS ………………………………… 3–5
I Installation outline ……………………………… 3
I Control cable……………………………………… 3
I PL-259 connector………………………………… 4
I Mounting ………………………………………… 4
I Cable connections ……………………………… 5
Full automatic tuning
Just push the [TUNE] key on the transceiver, and the
AT-141 adjusts immediately to the minimum SWR of
any frequency on any HF marine band.
HF operation on any size ship
The AT-141 allows you HF operation where antenna
element length is restricted due to space.
3 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS …………………… 6
I Terminal information …………………………… 6
4 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS … 7
I Unit description…………………………………… 7
I Specifications …………………………………… 7
Weather resistant
The AT-141 is housed in a durable, completely weather
resistant ASA case with a rubber gasket. The antenna
tuner can be conveniently installed both on the deck or
in the cabin near the antenna element.
Simple installation
Installation is simple. Just connect the control and an-
tenna cables. You never need to open the cover.
45 memories for shorter tuning time
To decrease the tune-up time, the AT-141 automatically
stores the matching conditions for up to 45 frequencies.
Re-tuning for a memorized frequency takes approx. 1
sec.
Super capacitor for memory backup
Even if the AT-141 is not used for approx. 1 week, the
built-in super capacitor backs up contents of the 45
memories.
Low power tune up
The AT-141 emits low output power during tuning. This
feature reduces the possibility of causing interference
to other stations.
Tuner through function
The tuner through function is built into the AT-141. This
function helps improve receiver gain, depending on the
antenna element length used, and operating fre-
quency.
ii
1
ANTENNA SYSTEM
I Antenna for ship
Required antenna element length
Required antenna element length to achieve full per-
formance varies according to the lowest frequency:
Insulator
The lowest frequency Required antenna element length
Backstay operates as
a long-wire antenna.
1.6 MHz band
4 MHz band
7 m; 23.0 feet or longer
3 m; 9.8 feet or longer
The longer the antenna element, the better the an-
tenna efficiency.
Undesirable antenna element lengths
AVOID multiples of ⁄2λ (half wavelength) for an-
tenna element lengths, since tuning becomes difficult.
Insulator
1
L : Antenna element length to be avoided [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, ...)
300
f
1
2
L =
n
×
×
Whip antenna
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the fol-
lowing antenna element lengths:
300
16
1
2
n
9.4, 18.8, ...
×
×
L =
1 m
39 inches
For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna ele-
ment length, you have no problem in the 1.6–25 MHz
marine bands range.
NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other objects
as possible, especially metal objects.
1
ANTENNA SYSTEM
1
I Coaxial cable
Insulate the lead-in cable of the AT-141 antenna ter-
minal and antenna element from other metal objects.
To prevent erroneous indications, keep cables as far
away as possible from the flux gate compass.
To prevent interference, keep cables as far as possi-
ble from an antenna, electric pump and other elec-
tronic equipment.
Use suitable noise filters for alternators, fluorescent
lights, etc. Ask your Dealer for details.
I Ground and counterpoise
Why a ship’s ground is required
The AT-141’s ground terminal MUST be connected
to your ship’s ground. Grounding prevents electric
shocks, interference to other equipment and other
problems. Grounding also ensures effective signal
transmission.
Counterpoise
If your ship is made of FRP, etc. and a good ship’s
ground is not available, connect a counterpoise.
1⁄4λ radial for
each band
Ground terminal
DANGER! NEVER connect the ground terminal to
the following points. These connections may cause
an explosion or electric shocks:
– Gas or electrical pipe
– Fuel tank or oil-catch pan
AT-141
IMPORTANT! The mounting plate is NOT con-
nected to the AT-141’s internal ground.
1⁄4λ (quarter wavelength) radial for each band is suit-
able for a counterpoise. Install the counterpoise di-
rectly below the AT-141’s ground terminal. Insulate
the ends of each radial from other metal objects. Lay-
out the radial horizontally and as straight as possible.
Ideal ground points
One of following points is ideal:
– External ground plate
– External copper screen
– External copper foil
L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
Good ground points
If electrically connected to sea water, one of the fol-
lowing points is usable:
– Stainless steel stanchion
– Through mast
300
f
1
4
L =
×
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a counter-
poise with the following length:
– Through hull
– Metal water tank
300
16
1
4
L =
1 m
4.7 [m]
×
Undesirable ground points
AVOID the following points, if possible. These con-
nections may cause noise or electrolysis:
– Engine block
39 inches
Ground cable
For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or metal
strap available. Make the distance between the AT-
141’s ground terminal and ship’s ground as short as
possible.
– Ship’s DC battery ground
Electrolysis
All ground cables from the AT-141, HF transceiver,
etc. on your ship should be connected to only 1 ship’s
ground.
Supplied ground cable can be used for ground con-
nection to a through mast. Confirm that the through
mast is electrically connected to sea water.
AVOID connection to 2 or more points. Voltage dif-
ference between 2 or more ship’s grounds may cause
electrolysis.
RWARNING!— When grounding to metal hull
Use a Zinc anode to protect the hull from electroly-
sis.
AVOID connection between dissimilar metals where
an electric current is present. These connections may
cause electrolysis.
Ask your technical dealer, installer or refer to a tech-
nical book, etc., for RF ground details.
2
2
INSTALLATIONS
I Installation outline
q Connect a control cable and 4-conductor shielded
r Connect the control and the coaxial cables be-
tween the transceiver and the AT-141.
• Refer to p. 5 “Cable connections.”
cable.
• Refer to “Control cable” below.
t Connect an antenna, ship’s ground or counter-
w Connect and solder the PL-259 connector to the
coaxial cable.
poise.
• Refer to p. 1 “Antenna for ship” and p. 2 “Ground and
counterpoise.”
• Refer to p. 4 “PL-259 connector.”
e Mount the AT-141 in the desired location.
• Refer to p. 4 “Mounting.”
I Control cable
Between the AT-141 and HF marine transceiver, con-
nect 4 control signal lines as shown below. To prevent
RF feedback, use a 4-conductor shielded cable. Con-
nect the shield line to the [GND] terminal on the trans-
ceiver. Icom offers 10 m (32.8 ft) long optional control
cables as at right.
OPC-1465 : for IC-M801E
Refer to p. 6 “Terminal information” for details.
D When connecting to Icom IC-M801E
Use the optional OPC-1465, or assemble the desired length 4-con-
ductor shielded cable and the connector kits supplied with the trans-
ceiver and the tuner.
To transceiver
To AT-141
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
[GND]
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
[GND]
3
INSTALLATIONS
2
I PL-259 connector
q Slide the coupling ring over the coaxial cable. Strip
the cable jacket and pull back to reveal 10 mm of
braid.
e Slide the connector body over the cable and sol-
der as shown below.
Solder
Solder
•
Soft solder the exposed braid and then pull out the jacket.
Coupling
30 mm
r Screw the coupling ring onto the connector body.
10 mm (soft solder)
w Strip the cable as shown below. Soft solder the cen-
ter conductor the entire length of the exposed braid.
1–2 mm
10 mm
3⁄8 inches
soft solder
10 mm
I Mounting
Attach the AT-141 either horizontally or vertically with
one of the water drains facing downwards. After
mounting, remove the screw in the water drain.
Mounting on a flat surface
Using nuts and bolts
Using self-tapping
screws
Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole
Mast/
Metal pole
Using U-bolts
U-bolt
U-bolt plate
Flat washer(L)
Spring washer
Flat washer(S)
Nut
Nut
Flat
washer(S)
Spring
washer
Flat
washer(L)
WARNING: Mount the AT-141 securely with the
supplied nuts and bolts. Otherwise, vibrations and
shocks due to waves, etc. could loosen the antenna
tuner making if fall, causing personal injury.
Flat
Weatherproof cap
Drill a hole here
Diameter:7–8 mm; ⁄32– ⁄16 inches
washer(L)
Hex head
bolt
9
5
4
2
INSTALLATIONS
I Cable connections
q Connect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the AT-141 as illustrated below.
r Connect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the transceiver as illustrated below.
w Cover both the antenna and the control cable con-
nectors with rubber vulcanizing tape and fix it with
a vinyl tape to prevent water seeping into the con-
nector.
t Ground the transceiver, AT-141 and shield cable of
the control cable via the ground terminal.
•See p. 2 for grounding details.
IMPORTANT!— AT-141
NEVER ground the AT141 via the mounting
plate. It is not connected to ground internally.
Rubber vulcanizing tape
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
e Fix both of the coaxial and control cables to pro-
tect the inside connections.
DO NOT pull the antenna and control cable re-
ceptacles. This may cause disconnection (in the
AT-141), internal connector damaged or bad
connection.
Icom’s HF transceiver
AT-141
Grounding
Grounding
5
3
CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS
I Terminal information
Consider the following points when using a non-Icom
transceiver.
Start voltage [STAR]
When a start voltage (less than 1 V) is received, the
AT-141 begins automatic tuning.
Terminal
Description
More than
350 msec.*
[KEY]
Key voltage. Grounded during tuning.
Max. current drain 100 mA.
Start
voltage 8
Approx. 7.5 V
[13.6]
13.6 V DC + input terminal.
Max. current drain 2 A
[V]
6
4
[STAR] Receives start voltage.
Max. current drain 1 mA
Less than 1 V to
2
start tuning
0
[ANTC] Antenna current detector output.
Time
*For tuner through operation; Less than 250 msec.
Key voltage [KEY]
During automatic tuning, the AT-141 grounds the key
voltage line, and the HF transceiver reduces output
power.
During automatic tuning
Key
Approx. 7.5 V
voltage 8
[V]
6
[KEY]
[STAR]
[13.6]
4
2
0
[ANTC]
Time
Grounded
6
4
UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
I Unit description
340 mm
80 mm
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
Water drain screw
Antenna cable receptacle
Control cable receptacle
Antenna terminal
Mounting plate
91.5 mm
I Specifications
• Frequency coverage
• Power supply requirement
• Current drain
: 1.6–30 MHz (with 7 m or longer antenna element)
: 13.6 V DC (supplied from HF transceiver)
: Max. 2 A
• Operating temperature range : –30°C to +60°C
• Weight (approx.)
: 2.5 kg
• Antenna connector
• Max. Input power
• Automatic tuning time
: SO-239 (50 Ω)
: 150 W (PEP)
100 W (continuous)
: Approx. 2–3 sec. (general condition) Max. 15 sec.
Approx. 1 sec. (re-tuning for a memorized frequency)
: SWR 2.0:1 (after tuning, except for multiples of 1⁄2 λ)
• Automatic tuning accuracy
All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
7
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