Elecraft T1 ATU User Manual

ELECRAFT T1

AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

Owner’s Manual

Revision A, March 15, 2005. Copyright © 2005, Elecraft; All Rights Reserved

Remote

Control

Jack

OUT

ANT XCVR

Tune: Hold TUNE; LEDs show SWR.

Power: Tap PWR; LEDs show P (W).

Bypass: Tap PWR, then BYP. Status

indicated by green (IN) or yellow (OUT).

Info (in CW): Tap PWR; hold INFO.

Low Battery: Red LED flashes briefly.

PWR

SWR

E

Automatic Antenna Tuner

H F ~ 6 m 2 0 W max.

GND

Quick Reference

PWR

1051

(Tap)

TUNE

3:12:11:1

(Hold)

L E C R A F T T

BYP

(Tap)

INFO

(Hold)

1

Elecraft • www.elecraft.com • 831-662-8345

Introduction

The T1 is a miniature, stand-alone automatic antenna tuner (ATU) that can be used with any low-power HF
through 6-meter transceiver. Despite its small size, the T1 provides a wide matching range and can handle
up to 20 watts SSB/CW and 10 watts FM/AM/digital. It’s an ideal general-purpose ATU for home, mobile,
camping, and HF Pack use.

T1 features include:

• Rugged design – can handle brief transmissions at more than twice its rated power

• Tunes with a constant carrier, SSB voice, or CW keyer – no need to change modes

• Optional remote control adapter

1

provides instant recall of ATU settings when you change

bands, without transmitting

• 7 inductors, 7 capacitors, and 2 network types, for a total of 32,768 possible combinations

• Tries to find lowest possible SWR – doesn't stop at 1.5:1 or 2:1

• Works with all QRP rigs – autotuning can be done using as little as 0.5 watts

• Internal 9-V battery with low-battery indication and reverse-polarity protection

• Auto power-off and latching relays ensure long battery life

• SWR or Power shown on three LEDs, with combinations of LEDs showing intermediate values

• INFO feature reports SWR, battery voltage, etc. in CW – uses both LED and RF signaling

Specifications

Network Type L-network (series L, shunt C); C switchable to transmitter or antenna side
L and C Ranges L (inductance): 0-7.5 H in 128 steps; C (capacitance): 0-1300 pF in 128 steps
Frequency Range 1.8 to 54 MHz

SWR Range 10:1 or better (reduced range on 160 and 6 meters)
Min. Power 0.5 watts minimum required for autotuning (2 to 5 watts recommended)
Max. Power 20 watts SSB/CW, 10 watts FM/AM/digital modes
Tuning Time 5 sec. average for initial tunes; 1 to 2 sec. for retunes

SWR/Power Display 1:1 to 3:1 and 0.5 to 10 watts on three LEDs (5 gradations)
Battery Voltage 8 to 10 V (9-volt Ultralife lithium or alkaline battery recommended)
Current Drain 20 mA average during TUNE, 0 mA when inactive (automatic power-off)
Size 4.4" (L) x 2.5" (W) x 0.9" (H) (11.2 x 6.3 x 2.3 cm)

Weight Approx. 5 oz. (0.14 kg) including battery

1

Adapters for specific transceivers can be found on our web site. You can also build your own T1 remote-control

interface as explained on page 8.

2

Customer Service Information

Technical Assistance

If you have any difficulty with an Elecraft product, we’re here to help. You may be able to save time by
first consulting our web site, www.elecraft.com, or by posting your question on the Elecraft e-mail forum,

[e-mail]. You’ll need to subscribe to the forum first; instructions are on our web site.

Telephone assistance is available from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time (weekdays only) at 831-662-8345.
You can e-mail assistance requests to [e-mail], and parts requests to [e-mail]

Please use e-mail when possible since this gives us a written record of the details of your problem.

Repair Service

If necessary, you may return the unit (completed, if purchased as a kit) to us for repair. Contact Elecraft
before mailing the unit to obtain the repair shipping address, as well as information on repair fees.

(Kits that have been soldered using acid core solder, water-soluble flux solder, or other corrosive or
conductive fluxes or solvents cannot be accepted for repair—see Warranty below.)

The following should be provided to expedite repair: your name, address, and phone number; your e­mail address (if applicable); and a complete description of the problem.

Shipping: First, seal the unit in a plastic bag to protect the finish from dust and abrasion. Use a sturdy
packing carton with 3" or more of foam or shredded paper on all sides. Seal the package with reinforced
tape. (Neither Elecraft nor the carrier will accept liability for damage due to improper packaging.) Cover
the "to" address label with clear tape.

.

Elecraft’s 1-Year Limited Warranty

This warranty is effective as of the date of first consumer purchase. Before requesting warranty service on kits,
you should complete the assembly, carefully following all instructions in the manual.

What is covered: During the first year after date of purchase, Elecraft will replace defective parts free of charge
(post-paid). We will also correct any malfunction caused by defective parts and materials. You must send the unit
at your expense to Elecraft, but we will pay return shipping.

What is not covered: This warranty does not cover damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD), correction of kit
assembly errors or misalignment; repair of damage caused by misuse, negligence, or builder modifications; or
any performance malfunctions involving non-Elecraft accessory equipment. The use of acid-core solder, water-
soluble flux solder, or any corrosive or conductive flux or solvent will void this warranty in its entirety. Also not
covered is reimbursement for loss of use, inconvenience, customer assembly or alignment time, or cost of
unauthorized service.

Limitation of incidental or consequential damages: This warranty does not extend to non-Elecraft equipment or
components used in conjunction with our products. Any such repair or replacement is the responsibility of the

customer. Elecraft will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but
not limited to any loss of business or profits.

3

Inside the T1

i

If you need to open the T1 to do testing or replace parts, use an anti-static mat or touch a

grounded metal surface occasionally. This will help prevent ESD damage to sensitive components.

Figure 1 shows the interior of the T1. It is accessed by opening the battery compartment, then removing

four screws on the bottom of the unit. The LEDs and switches are on the Control board, which plugs into
the Main board at J4 and J5. U1, the microcontroller (MCU), is located beneath the Control board.

J3

(Remote)

J2

(Ant.)

Control Board

J4

E1

(Gnd)

Main Board

MCU (U1)

J1

(Xcvr)

J5

(+)

(-)

9-V Battery

Figure 1

4

Battery
Retaining Tab