Icom YPL 880 User manual

2001 NEW
HF AUTOMATIC
ANTENNA TUNER
AT-141
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

i
2001 NEW 2001 NEW
FOREWORD
T h a n k y o u fo r p u r c h a s i n g t h e AT- 1 4 1 H F
AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER.
The AT-141 is designed, primarily for use with Icom
HF transceivers.
Refer to your HF transceiver instruction manual for
operation. If you have any questions, contact your
dealer.
IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and
completely before using the AT-141.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This
instruction manual contains important safety and
installation instructions.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
PRECAUTIONS
RDANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER touch
the antenna terminal, ground terminal, antenna or
counterpoise while transmitting. Place the AT-141,
antenna and counterpoise in positions where no one
can touch them.
NEVER use without a ground connection.
NEVER transmit during internal adjustment. This
may cause an 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-141 in areas where the
temperature is below –30°C or above +60°C.
Word Definition
RWARNING Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock may occur.
CAUTION Equipment damage may occur.
NOTE
If disregarded, inconvenience only.
No personal injury, fire hazard or
electric shock.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
The following accessories are supplied with the AT-141. Qty.
q
w
e
r
t
y
u
i
o
!0 !1
!2
qU-bolts ������������������ 2
wU-bolt plates ��������������� 2
eFlat washers (M6 large) ���������� 8
rFlat washers (M6 small) ���������� 4
tSpring washers (M6) ������������ 8
yNuts (M6) ����������������� 8
uHex head bolts (M6×50) ���������� 4
iSelf-tapping screws (A0 6×30) �������� 4
oWeatherproof cap ������������� 1
!0 4-pin connector �������������� 1
!1 Connector pins �������������� 4
!2 Ground cable (OPC-412) ���������� 1
Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United
Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.

ii
2001 NEW
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
The following parts are additionally required for
installation, but are not supplied with the AT-141.
Purchase these parts locally.
qAWG 14×4-conductor shielded cable
*Icom offers an optional OPC-1465 control cable.
Length: 10 m; 32.8 feet
w50 Ωcoaxial cable
ePL-259 connectors
FEATURES
Matches all bands
The AT-141 matches any frequency on every HF
marine band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m;
23 ft long-wire antenna across 1.6–30 MHz.
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.
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
antenna cables. You never need to open the cover.
45 memories for shorter tuning time
To d e c r e a s e t h e t u n e - u p t i m e , t h e AT- 1 4 1
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
frequency.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD����������������� i
IMPORTANT ����������������� i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ����������� i
PRECAUTIONS ��������������� i
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ���������� i
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS����������� ii
FEATURES ����������������� ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ������������ ii
1 ANTENNA SYSTEM ����������� 1–2
n Antenna for ship ������������� 1
n Coaxial cable��������������� 2
n Ground and counterpoise ��������� 2
2 INSTALLATIONS ������������� 3–5
n Installation outline ������������ 3
n Control cable��������������� 3
n PL-259 connector������������� 4
n Mounting ���������������� 4
n Cable connections ������������ 5
3 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS �������� 6
n Terminal information������������ 6
4 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS � 7
n Unit description�������������� 7
n Specifications �������������� 7

1
1
ANTENNA SYSTEM
2001 NEW
nAntenna for ship
Required antenna element length
Required antenna element length to achieve full
performance varies according to the lowest frequency:
The longer the antenna element, the better the
antenna efficiency.
Undesirable antenna element lengths
AVOID multiples of 1⁄2λ (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, ...)
L =
300
f
×1
2n
×
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the
following antenna element lengths:
L=300
16 ×1
2n
×9.4, 18.8, ...
1 m 39 inches
For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna
element length, you have no problem in the 1.6–25
MHz marine bands range.
Insulator
Backstay operates as
a long-wire antenna.
Insulator
Whip antenna
NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other
objects as possible, especially metal objects.
The lowest frequency Required antenna element length
1.6 MHz band 7 m; 23.0 feet or longer
4 MHz band 3 m; 9.8 feet or longer

2
1
ANTENNA SYSTEM
nCoaxial cable
Insulate the lead-in cable of the AT-141 antenna
terminal 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.
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 Dealer for details.
nGround 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.
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
IMPORTANT! The mounting plate is NOT
connected to the AT-141’s internal ground.
Ideal ground points
One of following points is ideal:
– External ground plate
– External copper screen
– External copper foil
Good ground points
If electrically connected to sea water, one of the
following points is usable:
– Stainless steel stanchion
– Through mast
– Through hull
– Metal water tank
Undesirable ground points
AVOID the following points, if possible. These
connections may cause noise or electrolysis:
– Engine block
– 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.
AVOID connection to 2 or more points. Voltage
difference between 2 or more ship’s grounds may
cause electrolysis.
AVOID connection between dissimilar metals where
an electric current is present. These connections
may cause electrolysis.
Counterpoise
If your ship is made of FRP, etc. and a good ship’s
ground is not available, connect a counterpoise.
Ground terminal
AT-141
1
⁄ 4 λradial for
each band
1⁄4λ(quarter wavelength) radial for each band is
suitable for a counterpoise. Install the counterpoise
directly below the AT-141’s ground terminal. Insulate
the ends of each radial from other metal objects.
Layout the radial horizontally and as straight as
possible.
L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
L=
300
f×1
4
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a
counterpoise with the following length:
L=300
16 ×1
44.7 [m]
1 m 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.
Supplied ground cable can be used for ground
connection to a through mast. Confirm that the
through mast is electrically connected to sea water.
RWARNING!— When grounding to metal hull
Use a Zinc anode to protect the hull from
electrolysis.
Ask your technical dealer, installer or refer to a
technical book, etc., for RF ground details.

2
3
INSTALLATIONS
2001 NEW
nInstallation outline
qConnect a control cable and 4-conductor shielded
cable.
• Refer to “Control cable” below.
wConnect and solder the PL-259 connector to the
coaxial cable.
• Refer to p. 4 “PL-259 connector.”
eMount the AT-141 in the desired location.
• Refer to p. 4 “Mounting.”
rConnect the control and the coaxial cables
between the transceiver and the AT-141.
• Refer to p. 5 “Cable connections.”
tConnect an antenna, ship’s ground or
counterpoise.
• Refer to p. 1 “Antenna for ship” and p. 2 “Ground and
counterpoise.”
nControl cable
Between the AT-141 and HF marine transceiver,
connect 4 control signal lines as shown below. To
prevent RF feedback, use a 4-conductor shielded
cable. Connect the shield line to the [GND] terminal
on the transceiver. 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.
[GND]
Use the optional OPC-1147N/1286N/1465, or assemble the
desired length 4-conductor shielded cable and the connector kits
supplied with the transceiver and the tuner.
[E] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
[KEY] : Green
[STAR] : White
[13.6] : Red
[E] : Black
Use the optional OPC-566/1147N/1465 (either the connector to the
AT-141 or the transceiver requires assembly), or assemble the
desired length 4-conductor shielded cable and the connector kits
supplied with the transceiver and the tuner.
DWhen connecting to Icom IC-F7000, IC-M802
DWhen connecting to Icom IC-M710/RT, IC-M700PRO
DWhen connecting to Icom IC-M801E
[GND]
[GND]
[GND] OPC-1465
[GND]
To AT-141
To AT-141
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
To transceiver
To transceiver
Use the optional OPC-1465, or assemble the desired length 4-
conductor shielded cable and the connector kits supplied with the
transceiver and the tuner.
OPC-1465
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
To transceiver
[E] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
To AT-141
[E] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
[GND]

4
2
INSTALLATIONS
nPL-259 connector
qSlide 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 mm
10 mm (soft solder)
w Strip the cable as shown below. Soft solder the center
conductor the entire length of the exposed braid.
1–2 mm
10 mm soft solder
10 mm 3⁄8inches
eSlide the connector body over the cable and
solder as shown below.
Solder Solder
rScrew the coupling ring onto the connector body.
nMounting
Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole
Using U-bolts
U-bolt
U-bolt plate
Flat washer(L)
Spring washer
Nut
Mast/
Metal pole
Flat washer(S)
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.
Mounting on a flat surface
Using self-tapping
screws
Using nuts and bolts
Nut
Spring
washer
Flat
washer(L)
Flat
washer(L)
Hex head
bolt
Drill a hole here
Diameter:7–8 mm;
9
⁄ 32 –
5
⁄ 16 inches
Weatherproof cap
Flat
washer(S)

2001 NEW
5
2INSTALLATIONS
2001 NEW
nCable connections
qConnect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the AT-141 as illustrated below.
wCover both the antenna and the control cable
connectors with rubber vulcanizing tape and fix it
with a vinyl tape to prevent water seeping into the
connector.
Rubber vulcanizing tape
eFix both of the coaxial and control cables to
protect the inside connections.
DO NOT pull the antenna and control cable
receptacles. This may cause disconnection (in
the AT-141), internal connector damaged or
bad connection.
rConnect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the transceiver as illustrated below.
tGround 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.
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
AT-141
Icom’s HF transceiver
Grounding
Grounding

3
6
CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS
2001 NEW
nTerminal information
Consider the following points when using a non-Icom
transceiver.
[KEY]
[STAR]
[13.6]
[ANTC]
Start voltage [STAR]
When a start voltage (less than 1 V) is received, the
AT-141 begins automatic tuning.
8
6
4
2
0
Time
More than
350 msec.*
Approx. 7.5 V
Less than 1 V to
start tuning
Start
voltage
[V]
*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.
8
6
4
2
0
Time
Key
voltage
[V]
Grounded
Approx. 7.5 V
During automatic tuning
Terminal Description
[KEY] Key voltage. Grounded during tuning.
Max. current drain 100 mA.
[13.6] 13.6 V DC +input terminal.
Max. current drain 2 A
[STAR] Receives start voltage.
Max. current drain 1 mA
[ANTC] Antenna current detector output.

4
7
UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
2001 NEW
Antenna terminal
Mounting plate
Control cable receptacleAntenna cable receptacle
Mounting plate
Ground terminal
340 mm
230 mm
80 mm
91.5 mm
nSpecifications
nUnit description
• Frequency coverage : 1.6–30 MHz (with 7 m or longer antenna element)
• Power supply requirement : 13.6 V DC (supplied from HF transceiver)
• Current drain : Max. 2 A
• Operating temperature range : –30°C to +60°C
• Weight (approx.) : 2.5 kg
• Antenna connector : SO-239 (50 Ω)
• Max. Input power : 150 W (PEP) 100 W (continuous)
• Automatic tuning time : Approx. 2–3 sec. (general condition) Max. 15 sec.
Approx. 1 sec. (re-tuning for a memorized frequency)
• Automatic tuning accuracy : SWR 2.0:1 (after tuning, except for multiples of 1⁄2 λ)
All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan
2001 NEW
Icom America Inc.
<Corporate Headquarters>
2380 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icomamerica.com
E-mail: [email protected]
<Customer service>
Phone: [phone]
Icom (Europe) GmbH
Communication Equipment
Himmelgeister Str. 100,
D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icomeurope.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom Canada
Glenwood Centre #1150-6165 Highway 17, Delta,
B.C., V4K 5B8, Canada
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icomcanada.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom Spain S.L.
Ctra. Rubi, No. 88 “Edificio Can Castanyer”
08190, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icomspain.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom (Aus�ralia) P�y. L�d.
Unit 1/103 Garden Road, Clayton Victoria, 3168,
Australia
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icom.net.au
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom (UK) L�d.
Unit 9, Sea St., Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 8LD, U.K.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icomuk.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected].uk
Icom New Zealand
146A Harris Road, East Tamaki, Auckland,
New Zealand
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icom.co.nz
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom France s.a.s.
Zac de la Plaine,
1 Rue Brindejonc des Moulinais, BP 45804,
31505 Toulouse Cedex 5, France
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icom-france.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Asia Icom Inc.
6F No. 68, Sec. 1 Cheng-Teh Road, Taipei, Taiwan,
R.O.C.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.asia-icom.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom Polska
Sopot, 3 maja 54, Poland
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icompolska.com.pl
E-mail: [email protected]
A-6472H-1EU-w
Printed in Japan
© 2005–2008 Icom Inc.
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.