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 com-
pletely before using the AT-141.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This
instruction manual contains important safety and installation instructions.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
WORDDEFINITION
RDANGER!
RWARNING!
CAUTIONEquipment damage may occur.
NOTE
Personal death, serious injury or an
explosion may occur.
Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock may occur.
If disregarded, inconvenience only.
No risk of personal injury, fire or
electric shock.
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.
RWARNING! NEVER transmit during internal
adjustment. This may cause an electric shock.
NEVER use without a ground connection.
USE the ground terminal for ground connection.
The mounting plate is not connected internally.
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
DO NOT loosen the screws or cord bushings. This
may result in water immersion and damage the antenna tuner.
DO NOT operate your HF transceiver without run-
ning the vessel’s engine. When the transceiver’s
power is ON and your vessel’s engine is OFF, the vessel’s battery will soon become exhausted.
DO NOT use the AT-141 in areas where the tem-
perature is below –30°C or above +60°C.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
The following accessories are supplied with the AT-141.
Qty.
i
q U-bolts ������������������ 2
w U-bolt plates ���������������� 2
e Flat washers (M6 large) ����������� 8
r Flat washers (M6 small) ����������� 4
t Spring washers (M6) ������������ 8
y Nuts (M6) ����������������� 8
u Hex head bolts (M6×50) ����������� 4
i Self-tapping screws (A0 6×30) �������� 4
o Weatherproof cap ������������� 1
!0 Rubber vulcanizing tape����������� 1
!1 4-pin connector �������������� 1
!2 Connector pins��������������� 4
!3 Ground cable (OPC-412) ���������� 1
Page 3
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following parts are additionally required for installation, but are not supplied with the AT-141.
Purchase these parts locally.
q AWG 14 × 4 conductor shielded cable
• Icom offers an optional OPC-1465 control cable.
Length: 10 m
w 50 Ω coaxial cable
e Two PL-259 connectors
FEATURES
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 near the
antenna element.
Matches all bands
The AT-141 matches all frequencies on the HF marine
band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m long-wire
antenna across 1.6–30 MHz.
Full automatic tuning
Just push the [TUNE] key on the transceiver, and the
AT-141 immediately tunes for a minimum SWR on any
frequency in the HF marine band.
HF operation on any size ship
The AT-141 allows HF operation where antenna element length is restricted due to space.
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 decrease the tune-up time, the AT-141 automatically stores the matching conditions for up to 45 frequencies. Retuning a memorized frequency takes approximately 1 second.
Super capacitor for memory backup
Even if the AT-141 is not used for approximately 1
week, the built-in super capacitor backs up the contents of the 45 memories.
FOREWORD ………………………………………… ii
IMPORTANT …………………………………………… ii
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS …………………………… ii
PRECAUTIONS ……………………………………… ii
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ………………………… ii
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS………………………… iii
FEATURES ………………………………………… iii
1 SYSTEM INSTALLATION ………………………… 1
■ Five Critical Points for a successful HF
installation ���������������� 1
■ Vessel ground connection �������� 1
■ Antenna and tuners ������������ 2
■ The importance of grounding ������� 2
2 ANTENNA SYSTEM ……………………………… 3
■ Antenna for ship ������������� 3
■ Coaxial cable �������������� 4
■ Ground and counterpoise ��������� 4
3 INSTALLATIONS ………………………………… 5
■ Installation outline ������������ 5
■ Control cable �������������� 5
■ PL-259 connector ������������ 5
■ Waterproofing the antenna connection ��� 6
■ Mounting ���������������� 6
■ Cable connections ������������ 7
4 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS …………………… 8
■ Terminal information ����������� 8
■ Unit description ������������� 9
■ Specifications �������������� 9
5 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS … 9
6 INSTALLATION EXAMPLE …………………… 10
7 INFORMATION ………………………………… 12
■ About CE and DOC ����������� 12
■ Disposal ��������������� 12
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 the operating frequency.
Icom and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom,
Germany, France, Spain, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and/or
other countries.
ii
Page 4
1
Copper pipe
Transceiver
Antenna tuner
Metal objectCopper screen
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
■ Five Critical Points for a successful HF installation
These critical points apply to almost any HF installation, whether it is for a base station, in a vehicle, or
a marine vessel. For the best and most reliable communication capability, use them during the planning
and installation of your HF system.
1. Install transceiver as close as possible to your vessel’s operation location and to your power source,
whether you are using batteries or an external
power supply.
2. Install the antenna in an open location as far as
possible from your operating station.
3. Install the antenna tuner in an open location* as
close to the base of your antenna as possible.
■ Vessel ground connection
The HF system MUST have an adequate RF ground
connection. Otherwise, the overall efficiency of the
HF system installation will be reduced. Electrolysis,
electrical shocks and interference from other equipment could also occur.
For best results, use 50 or 75 mm wide copper
strap and make the connection as short as possible.
Ground the HF system to one ground point, otherwise
the voltage difference (in RF level) between 2 ground
points may cause electrolysis.
RWARNING— When grounding to a metal hull
Use Zinc anodes to protect the hull from electroly-
sis.
Ask your technical dealer, installer or refer to a
technical book for RF grounding details.
CAUTION: NEVER connect the HF system to a
“positive-grounded ship,” otherwise it will not function.
4. Install copper straps or radial wires as your ground
system. These will give you a good solid ground
system, which is critical for reliable communications.
5. Make all your power source, control and coaxial
cables as short as possible. Do not coil up any
cables that are longer than they should or could
be.
Following these rules will minimize marginal installations and problem sources such as RF feedback in
the transceiver, power supply or cables and “hot” or
RF burning microphones.
If all 5 above points are followed during the design
and installation of your HF system, the operator can
expect top performance.
* The AT-141 is housed in a durable, completely weather
resistant case. You don’t have to worry a lot about rain,
splash, and so on.
Best ground points
• External ground plate
• Copper screen
• Copper foil
Acceptable ground point
• Stainless steel stanchion
• Through mast
• Through hull
• Metal water tank
Undesirable ground points
• Engine block
• Ship’s DC battery ground
Unusable ground points
( these connections may cause an explosion or electrical
shock)
• Gas or electrical pipe
• Fuel tank or oil-catch pan
Ground system example
1
Page 5
■ Antenna and tuners
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
1
If your Icom HF system is going aboard a sailboat,
you may use an insulated backstay to make up your
antenna system. Your best range will be from an insulated backstay because of the long length of the
antenna element which is that portion between the
top and bottom insulators. Have your rigger put the
top insulator about at least 1 meter down from the
tip of the mast. Have your rigger install the bottom
insulator at about eye-level when you’re standing
back aft. (This length between insulators should not
exceed 37 meters or be less than 7 meters.)
This non-resonant antenna can be tuned by the Icom
automatic antenna tuner that matches your transceiver. The tuner is connected to the transceiver. We
suggest you use “GTO-15” high voltage lead-in wire
from the single wire output of the tuner to your insulated backstay. This high voltage wire won’t break
down in wet weather or sunlight. Use stainless steel
hose clamps to attach the wire to the insulated backstay.
The tuner is fed with a coaxial and a control cable
from the Icom transceiver.
Check with your dealer regarding antennas and cabling.
RDANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE!
NEVER touch the antenna element while tuning
or transmitting.
Antenna element
Insulator
Antenna
tuner
Insulator
Ship’s
ground
Insulator
Antenna element
Antenna
tuner
To
transceiver
■ The importance of grounding
Surface area to the sea water and the use of copper
foil exclusively throughout your RF ground system is
the combination that gives you reliable long range
communications. The sea water gives your signal a
solid surface to push off from. This is called a “counterpoise,” and it’s the necessary “other-half” of your
antenna system that must be achieved for your overall HF transceiver system to work well.
2
Page 6
2
L =
300
f
×
1
2
n
×
L =
300
16
×
1
2
n
×
9.4, 18.8, ...
Insulator
Backstay operates as
a long-wire antenna.
Insulator
Whip antenna
ANTENNA SYSTEM
■ Antenna for ship
D Required antenna element length
Required antenna element length to achieve full performance varies, according to the lowest frequency.
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
The longer the antenna element, the longer communication distance.
D Undesirable antenna element lengths
DO NOT
tiples of 1⁄2λ lengths (half wavelength), since tuning
becomes difficult.
L : Undesirable antenna element length [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, ...)
use an antenna element such as mul-
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the following antenna element lengths:
For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna element length, you have no problem in the 1.6 to 25
MHz marine bands range.
NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other objects as possible, especially metal objects.
3
3
Page 7
■ Coaxial cable
L=
300
f
×
1
4
L =
300
16
×
1
4
4.7 [m]
Ground terminal
AT-141
1
⁄4λ radial for
each band
ANTENNA SYSTEM
2
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.
■ Ground and counterpoise
D 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. The AT-141 does not properly operate
without the grounding connections.
R DANGER! NEVER connect the ground termi-
nal 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 con-
nected to the AT-141’s internal ground.
D Ideal ground points
One of following points is ideal:
• Ship’s ground
• External ground plate
• External copper screen/foil
D 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
To prevent erroneous indications, keep cables as far
away as possible from the flux gate compass.
Use suitable noise filters for alternators or fluorescent
lights. Ask your dealer for details.
D Counterpoise
If your ship is made of FRP, etc. and a good ship’s
ground is not available, connect a counterpoise.
1
⁄4λ (quarter wavelength) radial for each band is suit-
able 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]
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a counterpoise with the following length:
D Undesirable ground points
These connections may cause noise or electrolysis:
• Engine block
• Ship’s DC battery ground
D Electrolysis
All ground cables from the AT-141 or HF transceiver
on your ship should be connected to only one ship’s
ground.
DO NOT connect to two or more points. Voltage
difference between two or more ship’s grounds may
cause electrolysis.
DO NOT connect between dissimilar metals where
an electric current is present. These connections may
cause electrolysis.
Ground cable
For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or
metal strap. Make the distance between the AT-141’s
ground terminal and ship’s ground as short as possible.
The supplied ground cable can be used for ground
connection through a mast. Confirm that the 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 or installer, or refer to
a technical book for RF ground details.
4
Page 8
3
DWhen connecting to an Icom transceiver
[GND]
To the AT-141
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
Use the optional OPC-1465, or assemble a four conductor shielded
cable of the desired length using the connector kits supplied with the
transceiver and the tuner.
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
To the transceiver
[GND]
Coupling
30 mm
10 mm (tin)
1–2 mm
10 mm
tin
Solder
Solder
INSTALLATIONS
■ Installation outline
q Connect the pins to the control cable and insert
into the supplied connector.
• Refer to “Control cable” as described below.
w Connect and solder the PL-259 connector to the
coaxial cable.
Refer to “PL-259 connector” as described below.
e Mount the AT-141 in the desired location.
• Refer to page 6, “Mounting.”
■ Control cable
Between the AT-141 and HF transceiver, connect
four control signal lines, as shown below.
To prevent RF feedback, use a four conductor
shielded cable.
Connect the shield line to the [GND] terminal on the
transceiver.
r Connect the control and coaxial cables between
the transceiver and the AT-141.
• Refer to page 7, “Cable connections.”
t Connect the AT-141’s ground terminal to the ship’s
ground or counterpoise.
• Refer to page 3 “Antenna for ship,” and page 4
“Ground and counterpoise.”
y Connect the antenna element (wire).
• Refer to examples on pages 2, and 10–12.
Icom offers an optional OPC-1465 control cable.
• Length: 10 m
Refer to page 8, “Terminal information” for details.
■ PL-259 connector
q Slide the coupling ring down.
Strip the cable jacket and tin the shield.
• Tin the exposed braid and then pull out the jacket.
w Strip the cable as shown below.
Tin the center conductor.
5
5
e Slide the connector body over the cable and sol-
der it.
NOTE: Use a soldering iron with enough heating
power to securely solder the ground braid and
body. Otherwise the connection may be loose, and
communication trouble may occur.
r Screw the coupling ring onto the connector body.
Page 9
■ Waterproofing the antenna connection
Wing nut
Using U-bolts
U-bolt
U-bolt plate
Flat washer (L)
Spring washer
Nut
Mast/
Metal pole
32–60 mm
Flat washer (S)
NEVER install the antenna
tuner upside down.
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
Flat
washer (S)
CAUTION: If you skip the following steps, moisture will get
into the connector, and this could damage the antenna tuner.
q Cut off just the top of the weatherproof cap, and
pass the antenna wire through the cap.
Antenna wire
Weatherproof cap
w Insert the antenna wire into the opening of the
crimp-on wire terminal.
• Crimp or solder the antenna wire.
Crimp
Solder
e Put the crimp-on wire terminal, star washer, and
wing nut on the base nut, in that order, then,
tighten the wing nut.
• Make sure the base nut is tightened firmly, before you
tighten the wing nut. (See the Fig.1 to the right.)
• Carefully bend the wire terminal up, after you tighten
the wing nut. (See the Fig.2 to the right.)
Fig.1
r Place the weatherproof cap over as much of the
insulator as possible.
• How far down it will go depends on the height of the
wing nut.
t
Start wrapping the rubber vulcanizing tape at the bottom of the insulator, then the weatherproof cap and
finally the antenna wire to prevent water seeping.
• Wrap electrical tape* over the rubber vulcanizing tape
to secure waterproofing.
* The electrical tape is not supplied with the AT-141.
Fig.2
e
Insulator
Bend this part
up, AFTER
you tighten
the wing nut.
INSTALLATIONS
Star washer
Crimp-on wire terminal
Base nut
Antenna tuner
r
t
Rubber
vulcanizing tape
3
■ Mounting
CAUTION: Mount the AT-141 in a horizontal position
or in a vertical position with the antenna terminal up.
D Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole
R WARNING! Mount the AT-141 securely with
the supplied nuts and bolts. Otherwise, vibrations
and shocks due to waves could loosen the antenna
tuner making it fall, causing personal injury.
D Mounting on a flat surface
6
Page 10
3
Rubber vulcanizing tape
Coaxial cable
Control cable
Icom’s HF transceiver
INSTALLATIONS
■ Cable connections
q Connect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the AT-141, as shown below.
w Wrap both the antenna and the control cable con-
nectors with rubber vulcanizing tape, and then
wrap electrical tape* over the rubber vulcanizing
tape to secure waterproofing.
* The electrical tape is not supplied with the AT-141.
e Fix both the coaxial and control cable to protect
the inside connections.
DO NOT pull the antenna and control cable re-
ceptacles. This may cause disconnection (inside the AT-141), internal connector damage or
a bad connection.
r Connect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the transceiver as shown below.
t Ground the transceiver, AT-141 and shield cable
of the control cable via the ground terminal.
• See pages 1, 2 and 4 for grounding details.
IMPORTANT:
NEVER ground the AT-141 via the mounting
plate. It is not internally connected to ground.
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
Connect to the
ship’s ground.
OPC-412
(Supplied)
AT-141
Copper
strap,
etc.
Ship’s ground
Connect to the
ship’s ground.
Ground wire
(Purchase separately)
Ship’s ground
Copper
strap,
etc.
7
7
Page 11
■ Terminal information
[KEY]
[STAR]
[13.6]
[ANTC]
8
6
4
2
0
Time
More than
350 milliseconds
Approximately 7.5 V
Less than 1 V to
start tuning
Start
voltage
[V]
*For tuner through operation; Less than 250 milliseconds
8
6
4
2
0
Time
Key
voltage
[V]
Grounded
Approximately 7.5 V
During automatic tuning
CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS
4
Terminal Description
[KEY]
[13.6]
[STAR]
Key voltage. Grounded during tuning.
Maximum current drain 100 mA
13.6 V DC + input terminal.
Maximum current drain 2 A
Receives start voltage.
Maximum current drain 1 mA
[ANTC] Antenna current detector output.
D Start voltage [STAR]
When a start voltage (less than 1 V) is received, the
AT-141 begins automatic tuning.
D Key voltage [KEY]
During automatic tuning, the AT-141 grounds the key
voltage line, and the HF transceiver reduces output
power.
8
8
Page 12
5
Antenna ter
Mounting plate
le connector
Ground ter
UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
■ Unit description
340 mm
230 mm
80 mm
minal
Mounting plate
Antenna connector
minal
90 mm
Control cab
■ Specifications
• Frequency coverage : 1.6–30 MHz (
• Power supply requirement : 13.6 V DC ±15% (supplied from the HF transceiver)
• Current drain : 1.0 A or less
• Operating temperature range : –30°C to +60°C
• Weight (approximate) : 2.5 kg
• Antenna connector : SO-239 (50 Ω)
• Maximum Input power : 150 W (PEP)
100 W (continuous)
• Automatic tuning time : Approximately 2 to 3 seconds (general condition)
Maximum 15 seconds
Approximately 1 second (retuning to a memorized frequency)
• Automatic tuning accuracy : SWR 2.0 : 1 or less (after tuning, except for multiples of 1⁄2 λ)
• Usable pole diameter : 32 to 60 mm
All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
With a wire antenna longer than 7 meters, and the ground
terminal connected to the vessel’s ground point, or a
counterpoise wire longer than 7 meters.
)
9
9
Page 13
INSTALLATION EXAMPLE
Horizontal element
6
The following are antenna tuner and antenna installation examples for a non-sail boat.
They also explain both transmission and reception
performance, for your reference.
RDANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE!
• Descriptions
Ver tical
element
Antenna
tuner
NEVER touch the antenna element while tuning or
transmitting.
D Antenna tuner location versus the strength of radiation from the antenna element
The antenna tuner should be installed outside the vessel as high as possible.
However, the length of the vertical element should also be as long as possible.
Good — High position
This antenna tuner unit position is better than others but the length of the vertical element is shorter than the others.
Better — Mid position
This installation is also good.
Best — Low position
This installation is perfect for the length
of the vertical element and the total element length.
D Style of the antenna element
When the horizontal element is longer, or made with multiple wires, the effective height of the antenna is high and
communication distance may be improved.
Good — Vertical
This is a basic style with only the vertical element. This style is not effective
for NVIS* communications.
* Near Vertical Incidence Skywave. This is a radio-wave propagation method that provides usable signals in the range between
groundwave and skywave distances (usually 30 to 400 miles, or 50 to 650 km).
Better — Inverted-L
This style is a good for NVIS* and longer communications.
Best — Two wire inverted-L
This is an even better element style
than the one to the left.
D Antenna element style versus the strength of radiation from the antenna element
When the antenna tuner is installed on the deck, the following installation may be possible. The antenna element
should be as long as possible, especially for the HF low band, such as the 8 MHz marine band.
Good — Vertical
This is a good style. The vertical element radiates waves, but the length of
the element may not be enough for HF
low band operation.
Better — Type-T
The antenna effective height is much
better than other styles. The higher
position of the Antenna tuner provides
longer communication distance.
Best — Inverted-L
This is the best style for HF low band
operation as the vertical element is
long, and the total element length is
also long.
10
Page 14
6
INSTALLATION EXAMPLE
D Antenna tuner location versus the strength of radiation from the same length of the
antenna element
When the antenna tuner is installed on the deck with the same element length connected.
Good — Horizontal
The antenna tuner is installed at a
higher position and the element is installed horizontally.
Better — Inverted-L
The element is bent in the middle as an
Inverted-L antenna.
Best — Vertical
If the length of the antenna element is
limited because of installation space, a
longer vertical element will give a longer communication distance.
D Style of the antenna element connection versus the strength of the radiation from the
element
The vertical element should be connected at the end of the horizontal element.
Good — Long
The distance is longer between the
connection of the vertical element and
the end of the horizontal element.
Better — Short
The distance between the vertical element
and the end of the horizontal element is
shorter, compared with the one to the left.
Best — Direct
The vertical element is connected directly to the end of the horizontal element.
D Thickness of the Antenna element versus the strength of radiation from the element
The thickness of the antenna element does not change communication quality much, but it should be as thick as
possible for better radiation from the antenna element.
Good — Regular size
Better — ThickBest — Thicker
RDANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE!
NEVER touch the antenna element while tuning or transmitting.
11
Page 15
■ About CE and DOC
Hereby, Icom Inc. declares that the versions of AT-141 which have the “CE” symbol on the product, comply with the essen-
tial requirements of the Radio Equipment
Directive, 2014/53/EU, and the restriction of the use
of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment Directive, 2011/65/EU. The full text
of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the
following internet address:
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/
■ Disposal
The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol
on your product, literature, or packaging reminds you that in the European
Union, all electrical and electronic
products, batteries, and accumulators
(rechargeable batteries) must be taken
to designated collection locations at the end of their
working life. Do not dispose of these products as unsorted municipal waste. Dispose of them according to
the laws in your area.
INFORMATION
7
Below statement is for UKCA purpose only
United Kingdom Authorised Importer:
Icom (UK) Ltd.
Address: Blacksole House, Altira Park, Herne Bay,