Antenna matching networks

[zl2ham]

Jay WX0B at Array Solutions has written up a description of how he used the AIM to design a matching network for a 160m antenna:

arraysolutions.com/images/Tuning_160m_Vertical.pdf

Has anyone here done something similar? I'm trying to improve the performance of a vertical particularly on 160, 80 and 40, and I'm wondering how much better a custom matching network would perform compared to a remote tuner like the CG-5000.

For a custom solution, I'm also looking for ideas on how multiple networks could be switched remotely.

[n3lcw]

I did not use the 4170b to design my matching network, only to analyze it after. I did purchase the 4170b to make designing matching networks simpler.

I did find the custom network to perform much better than a remote mounted SGC239 auto tuner mounted at the feedpoint of a 1/4 wave vertical 80M loop. The network uses a 3:2 impedance transformer to match the 50 ohm coax to the 22 ohm feedpoint impedance of my loop. The transformer is in series with a large air variable capacitor and this tunes the antenna to resonance. The antenna is based on Ben G0CWT's design ( g0cwt.co.uk/magloops/ )

I used an MFJ 259b for the initial work but the 4170b gives me the analysis I need to design similar networks for my other loops.

Andrew

[Deleted]

I have a Harris RF601 and a Mackay MSR4030 automatic couplers gathering dust in the garage. They are great for a quick portable setup where you just put up any length of wire and match it to your radio. They have quite large components, so the real issue for me is not about performing better as far as losses, but the ease of operation.
For my permanent setups I found it to be too much of a hassle tuning them all the time I switch bands, so I use matching networks at the base of verticals. My home vertical is 66' tall and uses four relay switched networks. The relays are Kilovac hc-1 and are remotely selected by a rotary switch.
My remote site vertical is 82' tall, and uses four networks at the base - 160, 80, 40 and 30m. The BCD band output from the FT1000MP selects the proper band on a transistorized amplifier, and at the same time the proper network at the antenna which is about 300' away. For 160 and 80 I use edge wound silver plated coils, and vacuum variables. There are 6 vacuum relays used in each set.

The tuner you describe is rated at 250W continuous duty. I assume you are running fairly low power, so your components would not need to be very large and expensive.

Niko