I'm currently using an Ameritron ATR-30. What do others use and why?

'Dentron MT-3000A'. Not as expensive as some, will match almost anything I'm likely to try to use as an antenna, rated for around 1500 watts (3000 Pep). It uses 'taps' instead of a roller-inductor. No huge benefit in that but also won't arc across the roller. I've used probably one of almost all manual tuners at one time or another (except for the really expensive ones, or course). The 'Dentron' is more my style than other ones. As in it can take a bit more abuse, etc. As in trying some really dumb things for antennas? 'Sides, I like it. - 'Doc

Some have had trouble with the roller inductor on that unit, and other MFJ tuners.

Among the best tuners are from Palstar, such as the AT1K or AT1500CV. These units have had the least trouble.

All roller inductors can have issues with lubricant like grease build-up, and also this lubricant can absorb power on 10 meters and start smoking. Often these tuners will work on six meters, but probably only safe to 100 watts or so. Some of the MFJ/ameritron units have had quality issues.

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"Y'all mind hanging back? You're jamming my frequencies" -- Tangina in Poltergeist

Palstar's are tough to beat.

I use a ldg 200 pro tuner http://www.ldgelectronics.com/it works for me. The palstar are real popular with the legal limit crowd http://www.palstar.com . another good one is SGC the military uses them
http://www.sgcworld.com/products/239/239.html Of course there is MFJ which i have but don't use after 2 repairs you get what you pay for, sometimes not.

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If you run, you'll only die tired.
CDX-251,2SF251,AE926,

LDG AT-1000. Works great! I have a 40m Horizontal Delta loop and it will tune up HF everything except 160m. I guess its just not long enough to get 160m to match up. One button tune up with 200 memories. I like it so far. You have to get used to the noise it makes when it tunes in a new freq for the first time but other than that it is workin for me.

73's

Wayne C.

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"To be is to do"-Socrates;

"To do is to be"-Sartre;

"Do Be Do Be Do"-Sinatra;

WV4L,CDX-787,AK2787
Mobile/Base
Icom706MkIIG/Kenwood TS-2000 w/LDG AT-1000
Stock mic/D104 w/Heil HC-5
High Sierra 1800Pro w/N2VZ Turbo Tuner,Diamond SG7500/40m Horizontal Delta Loop,Wolf .64,Arrow 146-440GP
M Force 1000/Ameritron AL80A

Homebrewed mine about 25 years ago. Can't argue with results. Used parts salvaged from a few Navy sites.

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No trees were harmed in the sending of this post; however, many electrons were inconvenienced.

73 de K7KBN

Let me add one twist: I asked about legal limit, but I'm really interested in options for at least 2KW, preferably up to 3KW to give some "breathing" room. The "legal limit" in the U.S. really only applies to the ham bands, but those of us that use other services (or live in Canada) have much higher power limit levels to consider.

One of the foibles of commercially made tuners in the US is that they are usually rated in 'Pep' rather than average power. So, look for the CW power rating, which will give you a 'real' value to expect or just remember that things are in 'Pep'. {Why is that so? 'Cuz of the advertising of 'bigger' numbers means bigger sales.} If you really want a 3KW tuner start looking for one rated for about 6-7KW unless the rating is for CW. From what I've seen recently, you won't find one made commercially for the 'amateur' market. Start looking for parts to build one... - 'Doc

I run an AT1KM Palstar, however not full legal limit.

From my elmers, if you truly run legal limit, look at the roller inductor tuners rated at 3kW. Though mine is rated at 1200W, it's not really the truth, it's really for a 3-600W range amp like an 811H.

Also for full legal limit, actually any tuner, run cleaner through them to prevent arcing. If you have pets, smoke, etc, check them out and clean them up two or three times a year to keep things happy inside. Not cleaning tuners is the primary cause of arcing over and generally blowing them up.