Icom AT-130 User manual

HF AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER
AT-130
AT-130E
Icom Inc.

IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and
completely before using the AT-130 and AT-130E.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This
instruction manual contains important safety and
installation instructions.
PRECAUTIONS
DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER
touch the antenna terminal, ground terminal, antenna
or counterpoise while transmitting. Place the AT-130
or AT-130E, antenna and counterpoise in positions
where no one touches them.
NEVER use without a ground connection.
NEVER transmit during internal adjustment to pre-
vent electric shock.
USE the ground terminal for ground connection. The
mounting plate is not connected internally.
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
DO NOT operate your HF marine transceiver
without running the boat's engine.
AVOID using the AT-130 or AT-130E in areas
where the temperature is below —30°C or above
+60.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
The explicit definitions in this instruction manual.
WARNING Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock may occur,
| CAUTION | Equipment damage may occur.
If disregarded, inconvenience only. No
personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock will occur.
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing the AT-130 or AT-130E HF
AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER.
The AT-130 and AT-130E are designed, primarily for
use with Icom HF transceivers. To meet with Euro-
pean regulations, the AT-130E includes an extra
emergency tuner circuit for 2182 kHz operation.
Refer to your HF transceiver instruction manual for
operation. If you have any questions, contact your
nearest authorized Icom Dealer or Service Center.
UNPACKING
The following parts are supplied with the AT-130/E.
@ U-bolts
@ U-bolt plates
@ Flat washers (M6 large)
@ Flat washers (M6 small)
® Spring washers (M6)
© Nuts (ME) .....sesseecseee
@ Hex head bolts (M6 x 50)
® Self-tapping screws (AO 6 X 30) .
© Weatherproof cap
@® 4-pin connector
@® Connector pins
@ Ground cable (O!
4HRRO@ORONNS
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
The following parts are required for installation, but
are not supplied with the AT-130 or AT-130E.
@ AWG 14 x 4-conductor shielded cable
*Icom offers an optional OPC-420 CONTROL CABLE.
Length: 10 m; 32.8 feet
@ 50 Q coaxial cable
@ PL-259 connectors

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT ..
PRECAUTIONS accssssssscssssosssssssassssrsesssnessssovesseaes
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS. ...........essssssssessssnseneseesesseeseesel
FOREWORD ..
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ........sccsssessesssssserseesseesneeseed
TABLE OF CONTENTS |... n0iessnsecsssncencssonssnsseensmsonsall
FEATURES sissisiscicssanrernncrnermninnnes pinacapenceaseieiinnse ii
1 ANTENNA SYSTEM.
WAntenna for ship.....
Antenna for land operation .
Coaxial cable ............00
Ground and counterpoise
2 INSTALLATIONS
Minstallation outline .
Cable installation
MIPL-259 connector .
Control cable ..
Cable connectio:
Mounting
12
PRAwBOOR NN
3 INTERNAL SETTINGS .
Before internal settings
Mode switch ..
Preset tuning
Emergency tuning (AT-130E)
4 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS
Terminal information
Transceiver switch
5 INSIDE VIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS ................
Miinside view..
Specifications
oO VYN onuug
FEATURES
Matches all bands
The AT-130/E matches any frequency on every HF marine
band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m; 23.0 feet
long-wire antenna across 1.6—30 MHz.
Full automatic tuning
Just push the [TUNE] switch on a transceiver, the
AT-130/E adjusts immediately to the minimum SWR in any
frequency on any HF marine band.
HF operation on any size ship
The AT-130/E allows you HF operation where antenna
element length is restricted due to space.
Weather resistant
The AT-130/E is housed in a durable, completely weather-
resistant acrylic 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 antenna
cables and short-time internal settings. After installation,
you never need to open the cover for maintenance.
Preset tuning function
This function provides super fast tuning on your most-used
frequency.
45 memories for shorter tuning time
To decrease the tune-up time, the AT-130/E automatically
stores the matching conditions for up to 45 frequencies.
Retuning for a memorized frequency takes only approx.
1 sec,
Super capacitor for memory backup
Even if the AT-130/E is not used for approx. 1 week, the
built-in super capacitor backs up the 45 memory contents.
Low power tune up
The AT-130/E emits low output power during tuning. This
feature reduces the possibility of causing interference to
other stations.
Emergency tuner circuit (AT-130E)
To meet with European regulations, the Europe version
AT-130E includes an emergency tuner circuit for 2182 kHz
operation. If any signal from the control cable indicates an
abnormal condition, this circuit is automatically selected.

1 ANTENNA SYSTEM
Antenna for ship
Required antenna element length
Required antenna element length to achieve full perform-
ance varies according to the lowest frequency:
Required antenna element length The lowest frequency
1.6 MHz band 7 m; 23.0 feet or longer
4 MHz band 3 m; 9.8 feet or longer
The longer the antenna element, the better the antenna
efficency.
Undesireable antenna element lengths
AVOID multiples of 1/2 (half wavelength) for antenna
element lengths, since tuning becomes difficult.
L : Antenna element length to be avoided [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
n : Natural number (n= 1, 2, 3, ...)
1
= .
L=
xn
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the following
antenna element lengths:
300 1
L= —— x— Xn 94, 188...
16 2
1m = 39inches
For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna element
length, you have no problem in 1.6—25 MHz marine
bands.
W Antenna for land operation
In some countries, HF transceivers can be used for land
mobile operation. Ask your Icom Dealer for details, since
the radio law varies according to countries.
For land mobile operation on 4 MHz and above, an
optional AH-2b ANTENNA ELEMENT is available. The
AH-2b includes a sturdy tow hook mount system for
holding a 2.5 m; 8.2 feet stainless steel antenna element
plus all the necessary hardware.
NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other objects as
possible, especially metal objects.
Refer to the AH-2b instruction manual for the AH-2b and
AT-130/E installation to your vehicle. Ask your Icom
Dealer for details.
Connect a suitable antenna element for a coastal station,
To achieve full performance, refer to “Required antenna
element length” above,

WiCoaxial cable
Insulate the lead-in cable of the AT-130/E antenna ter-
minal and antenna element from other metal objects.
To prevent interference, keep cables as far as possible
from an antenna, electric pump and other electronic
equipment.
WGround and counterpoise
Why ship’s ground is required
The AT-130/E’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.
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
—Oil-catch pan
BE CAREFUL. The mounting plate is NOT connected
to the AT-130/E’s internal ground. Non-through mast is
NOT electrically connected to sea water.
Ideal ground points
One of following points is ideal:
—Ship’s ground terminal
— External ground plate
— External copper screen
Good ground points
If electrically connected to sea water, one of the following
points is usable:
— Stainless steel tuna tower
— Stainless steel stanchion
—Through mast
— Throughhull
— Metal water tank
Undesireable ground points
AVOID the following points, if possible. These connec-
tions may cause noise or electrolysis:
— Engine block
— Keel bolt
Electrolysis
All ground cables from the AT-130/E, HF transceiver, etc.
on your ship should be connected to only 1 ship's ground.
AVOID connection to 2 or more points. Voltage differ-
ences between 2 or more ship’s grounds may cause
electrolysis.
AVOID connections between dissimilar metals where an
electric current is present. These connections may cause
electrolysis.
ANTENNA SYSTEM 1
To prevent erroneous indications, keep cables as far
away as possible from the flux gate compass.
Use suitable noise filters for alternators, fluorescent
lights, etc. Ask your Icom Dealer for details.
Counterpoise
If your ship is made of FRP, etc. and a good ship's
ground is not available, connect a counterpoise.
1/4A radial for
each band
Ground terminal
AT-130/E
1/4A (quater wavelength) radial for each band is suit-
able for a counterpoise. Install the counterpoise directly
below the AT-130/E’s ground terminal. Insulate the ends
of each radial from other metal objects. Layout the
radials horizontally and as straight as possible.
L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
300 1
L= = a
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a counter-
poise with the following length:
300 1
L= =. == = 4.7 [m]
1m 39 inches
Ground cable
For the best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or
metal strap available. Make the distance between the
AT-130/E's ground terminal and ship's ground as short
as possible,
Supplied ground cable is usable for ground connection to
a through mast. Confirm that the through mast is
electrically connected to sea water.

= 2
INSTALLATIONS
Hinstallation outline
1) Remove the top cover.
2) Install a control cable and coaxial cable.
Refer to “Cable installation” below.
3) Connect and solder the PL-259 connector to the
coaxial cable.
® Refer to “PL-259 connector” below.
4) Connect the control cable to the AT-130/E.
® Refer to p. 4 “Cable connection.”
5) Mount the AT-130/E in the desired location.
* Refer to p. 4 “Mounting.”
WCable installation
1) Remove the 10 screws from the top cover. Remove
the top cover.
2) Loosen the screws on both cable clamps.
3) Set or remove the strain relief inserts corresponding
to the diameters of the cables.
4) Install the coaxial cable through the top cover cable
clamp. Install the control cable through the bottom
cover cable clamp.
5) After connecting the coaxial cable and control cables,
perform preset tuning setting.
© For the AT-130E, also perform emergency tuning setting.
6) After internal adjustments, tighten the cable clamp
screws,
HIPL-259 connector
1) Slide the coupling ring over the coaxial cable. Strip
the cable jacket and pull back to reveal 10 mm of
braid.
* Soft solder the exposed braid and then pull out the jacket.
Coupling
[}--30 mi
ke
10 mm (soft solder)
2) Strip the cable as shown below. Tin the center
conductor the entire length of the exposed braid.
1-2 mm
oft solder
10 mm = 3/8 inches
6) Connect an antenna, ship's ground or counterpoise.
Refer to p. 1 “Antenna for ship" and p. 2 “Ground and
counterpoise.”
8) Connect the control cable and the coaxial cable to the
transceiver.
© Refer to p. 4 “Control cable.”
9) Perform preset tuning setting. For the AT-130E, also
perform emergency tuning setting.
@ Refer to p. 5 “Preset tuning" and p. 6 “Emergency tuning.”
10) Select the mode switch (S1) to NORMAL mode
(center position). Replace the top cover.
3) Slide the connector body over the cable and solder as
shown below.
Solder Solder

INSTALLATIONS 2
Control cable
Between the AT-130/E and HF marine transceiver, con- For an optional OPC-420 CONTROL
nect 4 contro! signal lines as shown at right. To prevent To Icom HF marine CABLE, you need not assemble
RF feedback, use a 4-conductor shielded cable. Connect transcelver supplied Acpnicp nec
the shield line to the [GND] terminal on the transceiver. AT-130 ;[E] Control cable
Icom offers an optional OPC-420 CONTROL CABLE AT-130E:(ANTC]
(10
m;
92.8
feet).
:
ALY
AT-120/€
Refer to p. 7 “Terminal information” and “Transceiver
switch” for details.
WiCable connections
Coaxial cable
[ANTC] terminal in-
stead of the [E] ter-
minal. Refer top, 7
for details,
Before connecting to terminals,
soft solder ends of the cable.
Ship's ground =
HiMounting
Attach the AT-130/E either horizontally or vertically
with one of the water drains facing downwards. After
mounting, remove the screw in the water drain.
Mounting on a mast
Using U-boits
‘Drill a hole here.
Diameter: 7-8 mm; 9/32—5/16 inches i

—E
INTERNAL SETTINGS
WBefore internal settings
Before operation, preset tuning setting and emergency
tuning setting are required.
What Is preset tuning
Preset tuning setting provides fast tuning on your most-
used frequency.
HiMode switch
According to the mode switch (S1), the AT-130/E oper-
ates as follows:
[tose [Poon] —__bwecrnion
Used only for preset tuning. Refer
reser |e _[Svirac ve
Operates in automatic tuning. For
NORMAL | Center
fast tune up, preset switches (S3,
Operates in automatic tuning only.
OFF to This mode is for some non-lcom HF
wer | transceivers, Refer to p. 7 for de-
tails.
‘$4, $5) information is also used.
After internal settings are performed, select the mode
switch (S1) to NORMAL mode (center position).
Preset tuning
1) Connect a SWR meter between an HF transceiver and
the AT-130/E.
2) Confirm the mode switch (S1) is in NORMAL mode
(center position).
3) Select your most-used operating frequency.
4) Push the [TUNE] switch on the HF transceiver.
® When the AT-130/E succeeds in automatic tuning, an LED
(DS24) lights up.
© Confirm that SWR reading is less than 2:1.
5) Make a note of which LED's (DS1 —DS23) light up.
6) Select S1 to PRESET mode (upper position).
7) Select the preset switches (S3, S4, S5) so that the
same LED's light up as in step 5).
8) Select S1 to NORMAL mode (center position).
What Is emergency tuning
The Europe version, AT-130E, includes an emergency
tuner circuit for 2182 kHz operation separated from the
automatic tuner circuit. If any signal from the control
cable becomes abnormal, the emergency tuner is auto-
matically selected,
Mode switch (S1) location
9) Replace the top cover of the AT-130.
For the AT-130E, perform emergency tuning settings.
Switch and LED locations
000000
|900000
32-8 0
[s36 sai [s4—0 051s |s5—0 oss

INTERNAL SETTINGS 3
Emergency tuning (at-130E)
For the AT-130E, before operation, perform emergency
tuning setting.
4) Disconnect the 13.6 V DC cable from the [13.6]
terminal. Tape the end of the wire,
¢ NEVER allow the 13.6 V DC cable end to touch any
other parts,
5) Disconnect all 4 pins on J2 as shown below.
6) Connect a red wire to a pin (J7-J22) where minimum
SWR reading is obtained.
1) Connect an SWR meter between an HF transceiver
and the AT-130E. 7) Connect pins on J2 to obtain a minimum SWR
reading.
2) Remove the top cover of the AT-130E.
8) Adjust C8 to obtain a minimum SWR reading.
3) Select 2182 kHz and AM (H3E) mode for the HF * To avoid damage to the HF transceiver, DO NOT transmit
transceiver. for more than 5 sec.
© Refer to each transceiver's instruction manual for d
9) Repeat steps 6)—8) to obtain a minimum SWR
reading.
10) Connect the 13.6 V DC cable to the [13.6] terminal.
11) Replace the top cover of the AT-130E.
13.6 V DC cable Red cable layout
Connect to a pin (J7—J22)
where a minimum SWR
reading is obtained.
Layout the red
cable as shown.
Disconnect 13.6 V DC
cable from the [13,6]
terminal. Connect af-
ter manual tuning.
Adjust C8 to ob-
tain = minimum
SWR reading.
J2 location. Refer to
Selectable
pin
connections
on
J2
below
left
for
details,
Select one of following pin connections to obtain minimum
SWR reading.
Pin connection be-
fore shipping from
Icom.
Disconnect all 4
pins on J2 in step
5) above.

mm 64 = «=coNTROL CABLE SIGNALS
WTerminal information
Consider the following points when using a non-lcom Start voltage [STAR]
transceiver. When start voltage (less than 1 V) is received, the
AT-130/E begins automatic tuning.
More than
50 msec.
No connection.
AT-130E: Antenna current detector output from
the emergency tuner.
13.6 V DC @ input terminal.
Max. current drain 2A
The same voltage as the ground terminal at the
bottom. No need to connect from this terminal.
Receives start voltage. Key voltage [KEY]
Max. current drain 100 mA During automatic tuning, the AT-130/E grounds key
voltage line, and the HF transceiver reduces output
Key voltage. Grounded during tuning. power.
Max, current drain 100 mA
During automatic tuning
If the key voltage is more than 8 V, select the mode
switch (S1) to OFF mode (lower position).
NORMAL mode ——j———
OFF mode
si
°
@ Transceiver switch
IC-M700 with serial numbers 2500 and below Other Icom HF transceivers
In the IC-M700, change the [TUNE] switch setting from Some Icom HF transceivers have internal [KEY] and
the “1" position to the “2” position. Confirm that the [KEY] [TUNE] switches. Suitable switch settings for the
switch is in the “2” position. Refer to the IC-M700 instruc- AT-130/E are performed before shipping.
tion manual p. 9 for details.
However, if a non-Icom automatic tuner was previously
used, confirm the switch settings. Refer to the instruction
{KEY} [TUNE] manual for details.
‘Confirm *2" position. Non-Icom HF transceivers
Laue Select correct settings for the start voltage and key
Select “2” position. voltage. Refer to your HF transceiver instruction manual
for details.