LDG AT-200PC User manual

AT-200PC
Automatic PC-Controlled
Antenna Tuner
Manual Version 1.0
--- Preliminary ---
LDG Electronics
1445 Parran Road, PO Box 48
St. Leonard MD 20685-2903 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.ldgelectronics.com

2
LDG AT-200PC
Automatic Antenna Tuner
Introduction 3
Jumpstart, or “Real hams don’t read manuals!” 3
Specifications 4
Getting To Know Your AT-200PC 5
Installation 7
Hardware Installation 7
Software Installation 9
Operation 10
Auto and Semi-Auto Modes 10
Memory Tuning 10
Operation with provided LDG software 11
Software overview and setup. 11
Software Operation 13
Operation with the N4PY Rig Control Software 16
Application Notes 18
When to use Auto mode 18
MARS/CAP coverage 18
Data Interface 18
Updating your tuner 24
Updating your tuner 24
Troubleshooting 25
Theory Of Operation 27
The LDG AT-200PC 29
About Memory Tuning 30
A word about tuning etiquette 30
Care and Maintenance 30
Technical Support 30
Warranty and Service 30
Feedback 31

3
Introduction
Congratulations on selecting the LDG AT-200PC tuner. The PC-controlled AT-200PC provides
fully automatic, any mode antenna tuning across the entire HF range plus 6 meters at power
levels to 250 watts. It will tune dipoles, verticals, Yagis or virtually any coax-fed antenna. It will
match an amazing range of antennas and impedances, far greater than some other tuners you may
have considered. There are no controls or indicators on the tuner itself -- all functions are
controlled by software.
The AT-200PC represents a quantum leap in features and performance. Enhanced tuning
algorithms provide much faster, precise and consistent tuning. Automatic tuning is now available
during transmission, even SSB, and many user-settable options are accessible from the front
panel. The LEDs provide simultaneous readings of power and SWR, and readouts of internal
states and settings. LDG's design provides instant memory tuning for up to four different antennas
on each of the two antenna ports.
LDG pioneered the automatic, wide-range switched-L tuner in 1995. From its laboratories near
the nation’s capitol, LDG continues to define the state of the art in this field with innovative
automatic tuners and related products for every amateur need.
Jumpstart, or “Real hams don’t read manuals!”
Ok, but at least read this one section before you transmit:
1. Connect the antenna jack on your transceiver to the "Tx" jack on your AT-200PC
tuner using a 50 Ohm coaxial cable jumper of appropriate power handling capability.
2. Connect your 50 Ohm antenna coax lead to the "Ant 1" jack on the back of your AT-
200PC.
3. Connect your AT-200PC to a source of 11 - 16 volts DC @ 750mA via the 2.5 by 5.5
mm power jack on the back (center positive).
4. Connect the AT-200PC to your PC via an available serial data port.
5. Power up your transceiver and select the desired operating frequency.
6. Run your PC tuner control software and select the appropriate COM port.
7. Begin transmitting, any mode1.
8. Click the Tune button on the PC tuner control software.
9. Wait for the tuning cycle to end; stop transmitting.
10. You’re now ready to operate.
1If using SSB mode, simply speak into the microphone. You can tune while transmitting up to 125 watts if
your transceiver has a “roll-back circuit” to protect it from high SWR. If it does not have a roll-back circuit,
limit power when tuning to 25 watts to avoid damage to your transmitter or transceiver.

4
Specifications
• 5 to 250 watts SSB and CW. (100 watts on 6M)
• Two position antenna switch with memories for four antennas on each position
• Tuning time: 0.5 to 6 seconds full tune, < 0.1 second memory tune
• Built in frequency counter for memory operation
• Frequency coverage: 1.8 to 54.0 MHz.
• Tunes 6 to 1000 ohm loads (16 to 150 ohms on 6M), 6 to 4000 ohms with optional 4:1
Balun (LDG RBA 4-1)
• For Dipoles, Verticals, Vs, Beams or and Coax Fed Antenna
• Optional external Balun allows tuning of random length, long wire or ladder line fed
antennas
• Field upgradeable via software download
• Power requirements: 11 to 16 volts DC at 750 mA max during tuning
• Enclosure: 8.5 x 6.0 x 2.0 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
Never install antennas or transmission lines over or near
power lines. You can be seriousl
y
in
j
ured or killed if an
y
part
of the antenna, support or transmission line touches a power
line. Alwa
y
s follow this antenna safet
y
rule: the distance to
the nearest power line should be at least twice the len
g
th o
f
the lon
g
est antenna
,
transmission line or su
pp
ort dimension.

5
Getting To Know Your AT-200PC
Your AT-200PC is a quality, precision instrument that will give you many years of outstanding
service; take a few minutes to get to know it.
Your AT-200PC can be used with any transceiver or transmitter with coax output operating in the
HF and six meter range at no more than 250 watts output (100 watts on six meters). You can set
the unit to tune automatically whenever the SWR exceeds a set value, or to tune semi-
automatically when you start a tuning cycle by pressing the Tune button on the PC user
interface.
The front panel has no controls or readouts. All functions are controlled from a personal computer
interface. You can use any PC and operating system that supports a standard serial or USB port,
including Windows, Linux, Mac OS and others.
The AT-200PC has a total of 16,000 frequency memories. There are 8,000 memories for each of
the two antenna ports, 2,000 tuning settings for each of four separate antennas on each port.
When you transmit near a previously tuned frequency, you can use “Memory Tune” to reset the
tuner in only a fraction of a second. The process of storing tuning data in memory is completely
automatic; your AT-200PC “learns” as you use it, adapting itself to all of the bands and
frequencies you use.

6
On the back panel, there are six connectors:
RF input (marked “Tx”, standard SO-239 socket)
Antenna connector 1 (marked "Ant 1", standard SO-239 socket)
Antenna connector 2 (marked "Ant 2", standard SO-239 socket)
DC power in (2.5 by 5.5 mm power jack marked "Power", center positive)
DB-9 serial data port marked "Serial" for connecting a control cable to a PC
Ground connector (wing nut)

7
Installation
Your AT-200PC tuner is intended for indoor use only; it is not water resistant. If you use it
outdoors (Field Day, for example) you must protect it from rain. The AT-200PC is designed for
use with coax-fed antennas. If you wish to use it with longwires or antennas fed with a balanced
transmission line (e.g., ladder line), an external balun is required; either the LDG RBA-4:1 or
RBA-1:1 is ideal, depending on the antenna and transmission line used.
Hardware Installation
Connect the power supply to the tuner using the provided 2.5 by 5.5 mm coaxial connector. The
power supply must supply 11 - 16 vdc at 750 ma minimum. Best practice is a regulated power
supply, but an unregulated supply can be used if it remains with the specified voltage range under
load.
Connect the HF antenna jack on your transmitter or transceiver to the Tx jack on the back of your
AT-200PC tuner using a coax jumper with standard PL-259 plugs (not provided). Properly
soldered connectors will be far more satisfactory and reliable than crimp-on or “solderless”
connectors. Attach your antenna lead-in coax to either the Ant 1 or Ant 2 jack on the back of your
AT-200PC tuner. You will select the appropriate antenna from the PC control software (see
Operating Instructions).
Grounding your 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 can provide a serviceable ground. LDG strongly
recommends that you use a properly installed, high quality lightning arrestor on all antenna cables.
Your AT-200PC can interface directly with most popular PCs. Use a suitable 9-conductor serial
data cable to connect the AT-200PC to an available serial port on your PC. You can also connect
the serial cable to a USB jack on your PC by using the provided adapter. RTS and CTS lines are
required.
If you are using rig control software such as that offered by N4PY, for example, you will make
two serial connections to your PC: one for the radio and one for the tuner. Your AT-200PC is
designed to use a serial port, but in case you don't have a free port, LDG provides you with a
serial-to-USB adapter. This will allow you to connect your AT-200PC to a USB port instead of a
serial port.
In Windows 98 or XP, the USB adapter is a plug-and-play device. Place the included driver CD
in your drive, then plug the adapter into any available USB port on your PC. Follow the
instructions in the New Hardware dialog.
Select "Search for driver"; Windows will find the driver on the CD and install it automatically. If
a security panel informs you that the driver is not certified, select Continue to complete the
installation.
The USB adapter will install itself as the next available COM port. For example, if your PC is
already set for COM1 and COM2, the adapter will be installed as COM3. Thereafter, you can use
it as you would any COM port.

8
To set serial port parameters for the USB adapter in Windows, select Start > Control Panel >
System, then select the Hardware tab. Select Device Manager, then click on Ports. Double
click on the USB-to-Serial Bridge, then click on the port settings tab. On that panel, you can set
port speed, number of data bits, number stop bits, parity, flow control and other serial parameters.
Set the parameters to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control. Click OK to
save your settings.

9
Software Installation
Your AT-200PC is compatible with several popular rig control programs. Simply follow the
installation instructions that come with the software.
N4PY Rig control software.
All N4PY rig control programs support the AT-200PC. N4PY publishes software for the
following rigs:
• Most Icom transceivers
• Most Kenwood transceivers
• TenTec Orion, Orion II, Pegasus, Jupiter, Argonaut V
• Elecraft K2
See the N4PY web page at www.n4py.com for more details.
LDG provided software
As a convenience, LDG provides a simple control program to get you started. Download the file
from LDG's web site (http://www.ldgelectronics.com), saving it to your desktop. Execute this
installer program and follow the installation dialog.
The Microsoft .Net Framework version 1.1 must be installed on your PC to run this software.
This is a free download from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/

10
Operation
All tuner functions are controlled through the PC interface. The details of the interface vary
among software products; see your software's documentation for details. Details of the simple
LDG-provided software are below.
Auto and Semi-Auto Modes
In Auto mode the tuner will begin a tuning cycle whenever the SWR exceeds the value you set
(see section on setting autotune threshold in the PC interface). In Semi mode a tuning cycle
begins only when you start one by pressing the Tune button on the PC interface, regardless of
SWR. You can also start a Semi tuning cycle while the tuner is in Auto mode. Your personal
operating practices will determine which mode is best for you.
Auto mode tuning works well while you are transmitting in SSB, AM, CW or any digital mode.
Recent advances in LDG's tuning algorithms allow your AT-200PC to tune effectively even with
a varying RF signal. This means that as you change frequencies, antennas or bands, you don't
have to make a separate tuning transmission; just start talking and your AT-200PC will match up
in as little as 0.2 seconds.
Memory Tuning
Your AT-200PC has frequency memories for four antennas on each antenna port. They store the
tuning parameters for each frequency as you tune. You can use a wide variety of antennas,
connecting them to the two antenna ports as needed. Think of it; you could be using a Yagi,
Quad, Loop or Vee on the Ant A port, and a Dipole, Vertical, Longwire or J-Pole on the Ant B
port, connecting them as needed (or switching them through an external coax switch), and each of
them will have dedicated memories. When you transmit on or near a memorized frequency again,
the tuner finds the best match for that port and antenna and sets those parameters in a fraction of a
second, much faster than a full tuning cycle. This will work best if you always use a particular
antenna on the same antenna port each time.
When you tune, you can select between a Memory tune and a Full tune. If you select Memory
tune and there is no appropriate memory data, the tuner will automatically begin a full tuning
cycle. Tuning parameters are stored in EEPROM memory, and are retained indefinitely, even if
power is removed.

11
Operation with provided LDG software
LDG provides you with a simple application program to control your AT-200PC. Please note the
following carefully:
The provided software is "Beta" software, and may contain unknown bugs. It is provided to you
as "Freeware"; it is not part of the price of the tuner. It is provided to you "as is" without
warranty, and LDG provides no support for it. If you have problems or questions about the
software, LDG recommends you consult the LDG users group at http://groups.yahoo.com/ldg.
Software overview and setup.
The software provides a simple graphical user interface to control the tuner. Menu items [1]
provide for configuration. Several data fields [2] show internal tuner states and other related
information. Software pushbuttons [3] and radio buttons [4] control tuner functions.

12
With the tuner powered up and connected to your PC via a serial port or the USB serial port
adapter, select the correct serial port from the file menu: File ÆPreferences. A menu of COM
ports will appear:
Click on the appropriate COM port (COM1, for example), the click "Apply". The software will
connect with the tuner, then inform you that the tuner is online. Click OK to continue.
You can configure the tuner using the radio buttons in the center of the user interface.
SWR Thresh: This sets the tuning threshold. The tuner will continue to seek a match until it
reaches the SWR you set. The lower the SWR, the longer it will take the tuner to reach a match.
A setting of 1.5 is usually a good compromise between tuning time and low SWR.
Updates On/Off: When set to on, power, SWR and frequency values are updated in real time
while transmitting.
Antenna Select: You can select either of the two antenna ports with this setting. Never try to
change this setting while transmitting.
Tuner Select: When set to Active, the tuner is in the line, matching the antenna to the transmitter.
When set to Bypass, RF goes directly to the antenna with no matching.
Tuner Mode: In Auto mode, the tuner will automatically begin a tuning cycle an time the SWR
exceeds the threshold you set. In Manual mode, you must start each tuning cycle manually.

13
Software Operation
Full Tune: To begin a full tuning cycle, transmit a carrier of at least 5 watts, but not more than
250 watts. A convenient way to do this is to set your transmitter to AM and press the Transmit
switch. This will transmit an unmodulated carrier of 25 - 50 watts depending on your radio.
With RF present, click the Full Tune button on the user interface. The notation "Tuning" appears
in the frequency block, and a full tuning cycle will begin; you will here the relays clicking in the
tuner as it seeks a match.
In a few seconds the cycle will end, with the data blocks in the upper left displaying the
approximate frequency, transmitted power level and achieved SWR. Unkey your transmitter.
You can press Tune before transmitting if you wish; the tune cycle will time out after a few
seconds if no RF is present. If no RF is present, RF is lost during the tune cycle, or the tuner is
unable to achieve an SWR below the maximum you set, an error message will appear.
Memory Tune: As you use your AT-200PC, it automatically memorizes tuning parameters for
rapid recall. You can access these with the Memory Tune button. With RF present, click the
Memory Tune button on the interface. If parameters for the present frequency are available, they
will be reset in a fraction of a second. If no parameters are available, a full tuning cycle will
automatically begin.

14
Manual Adjustments: In rare cases, you may want to "tweak" the final tuned setting. You can
manually adjust both the capacitor and inductor setting with the buttons on the left of the user
interface. As you click up and down, the presently selected inductor and capacitor are shown in
the associated data blocks. You can similarly set the Hi and Low Z relay with the radio buttons.
Frankly, you probably won't use these controls very often; your AT-200PC is very good at
finding a match. These controls are included only to provide you with the maximum flexibility in
using your tuner.
Resetting the Tuner: The Reset button in the lower left resets all relays to their neutral position,
effectively putting the tuner in bypass. However, if Automatic mode is selected, a new tuning
cycle will begin when you transmit if the SWR is above the selected threshold.
Store: You can manually store the present tuning parameters at any time with this button.
During transmit, the frequency display turns red:
Other Menu Items:
The utility menu (Utils) contains three useful utility functions:
• Memory Clear: Clears all programming memories. Be careful with this function; clear the
memory only when you're sure you want to start over memorizing tuning parameters.
• Clear Comms: Resets the serial link between your PC and the tuner, and allows you to
reselect the COM port. Try this if your tuner appears "frozen".
• Clear History: Clears the history window on the right.

15
The Set menu includes:
Set Inductor: Provides an alternate means to set the inductor to a specific value. Move the slider
to the desired value and then click Ok. You can also set the Hi/Lo Z relay from this panel.
Set Capacitor: Provides an alternate means to set the capacitor to a specific value
Set Frequency: Allows you to manually set the frequency. This controls which stored tuning
parameters are used. Select MHz on the left, the adjust the slider for KHz. When done, click Set
Freq.

16
Operation with the N4PY Rig Control Software
N4PY publishes rig control software that is compatible with the AT-200PC2. Operation with this
software is shown here as an example of this class of program. To use the software with the tuner,
you will connect your rig to your PC via one serial port (COM1 for example), and the tuner to a
second serial port (COM2 for example). After launching the software, select the Settings menu,
then go to the Preferences 3 menu. Check the box labeled "Using LDG AT-200PC Autotuner",
and select the appropriate COM port from the list.
2This information is provided as a convenience to our users. LDG does not provide support for the N4PY
or other third-party software.

17
On the radio control panel, the tuner controls appear at the lower left.:
1. Auto Tnr: Enables the tuner
2. Byp: Puts the tuner in bypass mode
3. Ant1: Toggles between the two antenna ports on the tuner
4. Cap: Manually adjusts the capacitor setting
5. Ind: Manually adjusts the inductor setting
6. HiZ: Manually toggles between Hi and Low Z setting
7. Sto: Manually stores the present tuning settings
8. Rcl Tnr: Initiates a memory tune
To tune manually, click the Tune button on the N4PY interface while transmitting.
For more information on using the N4PY control program, consult the program's documentation
and help files.
12345678

18
Application Notes
When to use Auto mode
Auto mode is most useful when you are often changing frequencies and bands (a contest, for
example). With memory operation, Auto mode will retune almost instantly whenever you
transmit on a new frequency. On the other hand, if your antenna SWR is fairly flat across the
band of frequencies you're using, retuning might not be necessary, and semi-automatic mode
would be preferable.
MARS/CAP coverage
Your AT-200PC provides continuous tuning over its specified range, not just in the ham bands.
This makes it useful for MARS or CAP operation, or any other legal HF operation.
Data Interface
The following information describes the digital dialog that takes place between the PC and tuner.
It is included to allow you to write your own software to control the tuner.
Your AT-200PC communicates with your PC via a serial data interface with the following
parameters:
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control, data speed 9600 baud
The Transmit Data, Receive Data, Clear To Send and Ready To Send lines must be connected.
The RTS line must be asserted (positive going) for 3 milliseconds and then de-asserted for 1
millisecond before sending each command; this "wakes up" the tuner to receive the command.
Your AT-200PC is capable of accepting 37 different commands, and responding with 19 data
replies. Each command is in the following four-byte format:
Preamble Command Parameter 1 Parameter 2
Each part is one byte long. The Preamble byte is always 165 decimal ($A5 hex). The Command
byte specifies which of the 37 commands is being sent. Most commands have no parameters; two
have one parameter, and one command uses both parameters. Even when not used, the parameters
must be sent to the tuner; values are ignored but must be present -- zero works fine in these cases.
Unused parameters are omitted from the definitions below, but must always be present as zeros in
the data.
Responses from the tuner are in the same format. Unused parameters may in fact contain non-
zero data, but it is meaningless and the PC application should ignore it. If a parameter is not listed
in for a response code, its content should be ignored.
The following descriptions provide a brief summary of commands and responses. A more
complete and detailed description of the protocol is available for download from the LDG web
site.

19
AT-200PC Commands
No Operation, Command code 0. This is a dummy command that produces no change in the
tuner.
Inductor Up, Command code 1. Increases inductance value by one unit.
Inductor down, Command code 2. Decreases inductance value by one unit.
Capacitor Up, Command code 3. Increases capacitance value by one unit.
Capacitor Down, Command code 4. Decreases capacitance value by one unit.
Memory Tune, Command code 5. Starts a memory tuning cycle. Automatically defaults to full
tune if no stored tuning parameters are available.
Full Tune, Command code 6. Starts a full tuning cycle even if stored tuning parameters are
available.
Set impedance range relay to High, Command code 8. Sets the Hi-Low Z range relay to the High
setting.
Set impedance range relay to Low, Command code 9. Sets the Hi-Low Z range relay to Low.
Select Antenna 1, Command code 10. Selects Antenna 1 on the internal antenna switch.
Select Antenna 2, Command code 11. Selects Antenna 2 on the internal antenna switch.
Update setting data, Command code 40. Requests the tuner to send updated data on the current
state of all tuning relays.
Request version number, Command code 41. Requests the tuner to send its product ID and
firmware version number
Arm memory clear, Command code 42. Enables clearing memory if the next command is Clear
Memory.
Clear memory, Command code 43. Clears EEPROM memory if the previous command was Arm
Memory Clear
Standby, Command code 44. Places the tuner in standby mode.
Activate, Command code 45. Takes tuner out of standby mode.
Store tuning parameters, Command Code 46. Stores the current tuning parameters for the present
frequency.

20
Set SWR threshold, Command code 50 - 56. Set the threshold for a "good" tune to SWR values
between 1.1 and 3.0. Tunes ending at SWR values above the threshold will not be saved to
memory.
Command Code SWR Threshold
50 1.1
51 1.3
52 1.5
53 1.7
54 2.0
55 2.5
56 3.0
Reset relays, Command code 57. Resets all L, C and the Hi/Lo Z relays.
Automatic tuning on, Command code 58. Sets automatic tuning on.
Automatic tuning off, Command code 59. Sets automatic tuning off.
Request forward power, Command code 60. Requests tuner to report the forward RF power.
Request reflected power, Command code 61. Requests tuner to report the reflected RF power.
Request SWR, Command code 62. Requests tuner to report the SWR.
Turn live updates on, Command code 63. Turns live updates on if previous turned off.
Turn live updates off, Command code 64. Disable live updates of forward and reflected power,
SWR and frequency (defaults to On at power up).
Set inductor value, Command code 65. Parameter 1: inductor value 0 - 127. Manually sets
inductor values.
Set capacitor value, Command code 66. Parameter 1: capacitor value 0 - 127. Manually sets
capacitor values.