Do I need a tuner at the base of the antenna or can a Tuner in the Shack work too?

DO I NEED A TUNER AT THE BASE OF THE ANTENNA OR CAN A TUNER IN THE SHACK DO THE JOB?

We get this question often and we do urge our radio op friends to consider using a remote tuner at the antenna if possible for "perfect" results. Still, many (50/50!) find great success on all bands using their manual or auto tuner in the shack, and they are very happy with the results. (see our Customer Reviews tab above for various examples). Here's one using full legal power and an ATU in the shack.

Read more about our customers and their chosen options when it comes to Remote Tuner vs Desktop Shack Tuner = Again, we found it's... 50/50, '6 of one, half dozen' of the other, it's a tie!

Yep, it's a split up the middle. Recently we ran a poll with 100's of our active customers and found a 50/50 split between those using Remote Tuners and those using Tuners in the shack. We were surprised and looked closer asking lots of questions. Folks much smarter than us (including RF Engineers) are reportedly using both scenarios and are just as happy working Real DX.
Choose your style of tuner and get on the air with us, today.

I've used the Remote Tuner at the base of my Antenna and the ATU in the shack too and just can not sense any difference in signals, at all...

Originally, at Greyline, we were hardwired to urge our customers to use the Remote Tuner as the losses were obvious, on paper. Practically though, with the 50/50 results from our poll.

With short coaxial runs to the antenna system, losses may be overlooked. Some bury coax and others run ladder line (aka twin lead, open wire, or window line) for the lowest possible losses. Most won't use ladder line simply out of disbelief and again, that's fine. Coax such as LMR-400 is of high quality well-known now for cost per foot value and is widely used with Greyline antennas.

On paper (design programming) the tuner at the antenna is the best way to keep efficiency at the highest levels. Again, lots of radio ops (about 50% of our customers!) are working the world with the manual or auto-tuner in the shack with what seems to be of the same result. Also, the tuning unit can be placed at any location between the radio and antenna offering you flexibility. You might find a location for your ATU on this path, maybe a protective bush or other stealthy areas, and just can't install it at the antenna. That's okay.

Just like with the placement of the antenna system, you may or may not have many options for an ATU placement owing to aesthetics, stealth concerns, etc.

Let's look closer at the present options for the various matching systems below.

Rig ATU: The tuner inside your radio is likely not strong enough to tune (owing to a narrow impedance, or tuning range) a multi-band antenna on more than a couple of the bands. These rig tuners are meant to resolve a rather small mismatch. The Greyline HF Antennas are designed as non-resonant antennas. Therefore, they require a bit larger matching network to achieve the high efficiency we have designed for you to enjoy across 160-6M. Remember, the remote tuner does the same job as the unsightly stubs, coils, traps, etc., and looks much prettier to family, friends, and neighbors.

Desktop ATU: Most desktop tuners on the market will do the job easily from 160-6M and this is a very popular method that works loads of DX and passes important traffic, we are sure of that. Please know that the tuner at the vertical antenna site is the lowest loss option that we offer to feed your antenna system, although about 50% of our customers use this method, an ATU in the shack. If you choose this method we ask you to consider using best-of-breed coax and RF Choking at the antenna to mitigate CMC (common mode current).

Remote Tuners: The advent of remote tuners for installation at the antenna has become a major benefit for the Amateur Radio enthusiast. They are cost-effective, smart, and work like magic within their impedance range. Each ATU we recommend on this website indeed works well to tune the Greyline vertical dipole antenna thus radiating with efficiency on every frequency you desire. It's a popular option with disaster prep and (EOC, EMS) emergency communications service agencies. Look closely at the power ratings and impedance range to ascertain the level of quality your selection may offer your favorite bands and modes of operation. In any case, all of the remote tuners on our website do the job nicely and you'll be very pleased with how easily they match up together.

Power over Coax: Most of the remote tuners we’ve identified for you to conduct their tuning do so without the need for a second line of control cabling and therefore are controlled over the single feedline (coax) between your radio and the ATU already set for use. This makes things less messy. It simply sends a 12V ~100 milliamp signal over your existing coaxial feedline. Note that all makes and models of HF Ham Radios can match your antenna over coax with these Remote Tuners, providing the radio can send a steady signal to it to perform the quick tune task, usually a split second. This typically is achieved using an AM or FM Mode for the signal at low power. See our How to Tune Up in our FAQs.

Home Brew Tuning Options: We share a wide variety of client tips, experiences, feedback, and pictures on these subjects within our FAQ sections.

LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO FEEDING YOUR ANTENNA, ARE HERE:

Polite Forewarning:
We've had radio ops order this for the backyard, commence to dig a hole, and pour the concrete and then the wife says, "Honey, that looks good enough for the front yard." You'd end up moving it to the front yard. Guaranteed that Ham Radio is fun again!

"So pretty she let me install it in the garden!"

Have you ever heard anyone (your XYL or family!) say this about a ham radio antenna before? We think not. You're welcome!

HOW TO ORDER A FLAGPOLE ANTENNA, CHECKLIST.

HOA Flagpole Antennas View similar products » DX Vertical Antennas View similar products »

Don't forget that we offer extras to consider:

  • 4-Year Warranty (why not?)
  • 100% Money Back Guarantee (we want you happy!)
  • Free Shipping (well, we do get a bulk discount)

More Customer Reviews for your reading pleasure:

Customers install pictures, videos, and stories covering many topics in our various topic collections:

Favorite Customer quotes:

  • It's so pretty my XYL asked me to install it in the front yard. Imagine that. The front yard! Note: This is after he installed it in the back yard :-)
  • 4 Band DXCC this summer from my HOA
  • Holds its own vs. my taller antennas and with no radials. It is also stealthy.
  • I got my DXCC in the 80s using a vertical dipole and wanted to try again from my new home in an HOA
  • Since I added the Greyline DX Flagpole vertical antenna, I have added over 200 additions to my DXCC Challenge account. I am now right at 900 and hope to complete it in the next few months.
  • 30W and a couple of hours, I worked the entire planet on FT8
  • My wife appreciates the compliments from the neighbors, and it reminds her of her Father's Flagpole. Thank you.
  • If I can hear it, I can work it. It hears very well.
  • Highly Recommended for HOA and CC&R Restricted Ham Radio QTHs.
  • So pretty my DX Flagpole Antenna is allowed in my wife’s garden. In the GARDEN!
  • Clean Sweep in November Sweepstakes with my DX Flagpole. Note: That's the entire list of USA sections; amazing.
  • Got Indonesia (YB) this morning on 40m SSB with 100 watts. Just over 9,000 miles!
  • 60M Band: The other night I was on 60M and it felt just like the old days, running JA’s from Chicago in the CQWW CW with a 4-1000 Amplifier to a Quad at 80 feet.
  • 80M Band: Got Mauritania, Dodecanese, Israel, and Cypress on 80 meters and 4 bands and 3 modes for VP6R on Pitcairn. First Pitcairn since 10 Meter AM contact in the 1960s.
  • Designed Smarter, Stronger, and with Aesthetic Elegance.
  • So so many FT8 stations worldwide.
  • If I can hear it, I can work it and this antenna hears well.

The past several years have been full of learning experiences and we remain grateful to assist hundreds of happy radio ops to experience the hobby on the bands with us. The bands are hot, join us.

We are honored to serve you, our peers. We are delighted to play a small role in your enjoyment of short-wave HF radio and we do hope that we inspire you to get on the air with Real DX confidence.

4 YEAR WARRANTY

We offer a 4 Warranty, no questions asked. We use the honor system and know you do as well. Hey, we want you on the air and are proud to offer this 4-year service or replacement offer.

100% GUARANTEE

We also offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If for any reason you aren't happy with your purchase, send it back for a full refund. We know circumstances change. We want you happy.

One Customer Used our Warranty offer saying, "It Works & Greyline Warranty Is For Real - de AA5DV"
Just wanted you to know --- Greyline replaced my Vertical Antenna --- No Questions asked!"

Greyline Performance Antennas are Popular with Ham Radio, CB, Preppers, and DX'ers alike. The digital modes are a natural fit with the often low noise and low power requirements as well as those commercial industries that need a rapid frequency hopping (ALE) attribute. We are proud to serve Ham Radio, Survival Prep, and Emergency Communications Agencies.

We enjoy talking radio!
Write in or call us to discuss any questions you have. It’s an honor to serve you in this manner. Thank you for the opportunity.

We hope you enjoyed this story and were entertained by it.
Maybe you remember a similar story in your youth. GL finding your rare ones. Ham Radio is fun again! Pass it on...

Our Mission:
At Greyline, it's our Mission to serve you by offering higher-quality products that truly enhance your Ham Radio experiences. Standing up to Hurricanes is just a bonus. Antennas that work Real DX and that the ladies can love too. Now that is smarter, stronger, and more elegant for you and your family's security. We are delighted to serve you.

Let's enjoy the adventure, together. Until next time...

73 Greyline Performance
Ph. 435-200-4902





Ham Radio is fun again! Pass it on...



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