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INSTALLATION
The Z-100Plus 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 Z-100Plus 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.
Connect the HF antenna jack on the transceiver to the
Transmitter
jack on the back of the Z-
100Plus, using a 50 ohm coax cable rated 125 watts or greater.
The Z-100Plus can interface directly with several popular transceivers. For Icom radios, it will
enable their “Tune” button to start a tuning cycle and provide power to the tuner.
For Icom radios that are AH-3 or AH-4 compatible, connect the white Molex connector into
the radio’s tuner port. The power and radio plugs then connect to the tuner. The tuning process can
start by either pressing the tune button on the tuner or the radio.
For Yaesu FT-897 and 857, use the optional Y-ACC cable and plug the red end marked
“Radio” into the radio’s ACC port. Connect the black end marked “Tuner” into the tuner’s
interface jack. The radio does not supply power to the tuner. The tune button on the tuner is used
for starting the tuning process.
If you are not using an Icom interface cable for powering the tuner, connect the Z-100Plus to a
source of DC power capable of providing 7 – 18 volts DC at 300 mA, using the provided coaxial
connector (center positive). You can use two standard 9-volt alkaline transistor radio batteries
connected in series (this is very handy for portable operation). If your radio is powered by 12
VDC, you most likely can use the same power supply for the Z-100Plus.
Grounding the Z-100Plus 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.
