PRODUCT REVIEW:  PALOMAR ENGINEERS' TUNER TUNER

The Tuner Tuner does just that - allows you to adjust your antenna coupler
to a given frequency without using your transmitter.  This is particularly
important for those using solid-state finals that are not particularly
forgiving if they don't see close to 50 Ohm impedance.  Not to mention
cuttingdown on the QRM!

The Tuner Tuner is easy to install - simply put it in line between your
transciever and antenna transmatch.  Install a 9V battery and you re
done.  To use, tune your receiver to the desired frequency, and switch the 
Tuner Tuner to TUNE.  Adjust your antenna tuner for a null in the noise from
the receiver and your antenna is tuned to match the transmitter on that
frequency.  Make sure to turn the Tuner Tuner OFF (or you'll risk putting
R F into it). Its that simple!  If you do forget to turn the Tuner Tuner
off you will blow the internal fuse (and a spare is provided!) but otherwise
the instrument will be unharmed.

When I first saw this accessory in the Palomar catalog I wondered why
anyone would want one.  I thought I could use the Palomar R-X Noise Bridge
to accomplish the same task, ie: preset my antenna matching unit to different
bands and frequencies and note the settings for future reference.  What I
hadn't taken into account is the fact that the antenna impedance would
vary at a given frequency under different conditions, like ice.  The tuner 
tuner was designed to be left in line and switched on as needed.

The Tuner Tuner is well constructed of quality materials and is a worthwhile
adjunct to any antenna tuner system.

%T      Tuner Tuner
%A      Palomar Engineers,
%I      PO Box 462222, Escondido  CA  92046
%C      (619) 747-3343
%D      Model PT-340
%O      $99.95 + $6.00 S&H


(C) 1995
Michael Crestohl  KH6KD/W1
Nahant Massachusetts  USA
mc@shore.net

DISCLAIMER:  I have no interest, financial or otherwise, in the success or 
failure of the book or materials reviewed herewith, nor have I received any 
compensation (other than a review copy requested by me) from anyone who has.  
All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Other Internet and Aviation book/software reviews by me can be obtained 
by anonymous FTP from:  x2ftp.oulu.fi in the /pub/books/crestohl directory.