Easy tuning dongle for the FT-817, FT-818, FT-897, FT-857
If you use an FT-817, 818, 857 or 897 with an antenna tuner you will have noticed the lack of any straightforward way to send a carrier for tuning. To do so requires you to change the mode. Given the slightly clunky user interface on these radios, sending a tone can require several key presses. It's annoying in the shack and can be very frustrating in the field. This is all the more of a problem if you use a narrow-band antenna such as a magnetic loop that needs frequent re-tuning.
The Click2Tune makes the tuning process so much easier! It's a tiny dongle containing a sophisticated microprocessor that plugs into the the back of your radio. Once set up, tuning just requires a double click of the microphone PTT switch to send a carrier; that's all. Brilliant!
With the 857 and 897 you might wish to carry out tuning at low power, the Click2Tune does this too by allowing you to select the tuning mode. That allows you to tune at 25 Watts - this is especially important for protecting auto-tuners. By the way, the same Click2Tune dongle can be used on all of the radios above, you don't need different types.
The Click2Tune is a really useful accessory that is sure to make your mobile and portable operating easier!
Download the Click2Tune instructions here.
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Frequently asked questions
12 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Click to tune Dongle
I bought the Dongle some months ago to use out portable/mobile with my FT897/SGC237 set up and a full wave 40mt Delta Loop fed with wire feeder as a multi band antenna. The dongle was easy to set up and works great with the SGC to change bands so simply and quickly rather than having to change modes and power settings on the radio and then setting them back before being able to transmit into the matched load. Another great product from Sotabeams Ken McCann
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CLICK2TUNE DONGLE
This works well and does what it says on the tin, i got just incase it is needed.
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click2tune for 857d
very useful tool, does a great work
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Small unit with BIG benefits
Worked great right from the start. Should have bought this ages ago.
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Great unit, saves time and trouble tuning
Sotabeams only provides the best quality Amateur radio gadgets.
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Great on 857 running mobile
This little tuning dongle is great. I use it on my FT-857 mounted in my truck running mobile. My antenna is a High Sierra Screwdriver Antenna (one of the best mobile antennae I might add) which is tuned by holding a toggle switch. I have a crossed needle SWR meter installed which I use to determine when I'm tuned. A double click on the microphone and the dongle goes to work resulting in a quickly tuned antenna. Great product. Worked "out of the box" first time! I'm buying another to use with my FT-817 portable.
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So good, I bought another!
I recently purchased another Yaesu radio (857) which just like the 817 really benefits from the quick tuning ability of the Click2Tune dongle. I have given 4 stars this time rather than 5 just because you need to trim a small amount of plastic from the dongle to fit the 857 - but in fairness this is made clear in the instructions and hinted at on the website. Ultimately, the process was a 30 second job and no big deal. If you own either of these radios, go ahead and purchase this dongle, it makes tuning up sooooo much easier!
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Works as Described
The Click 2 Tune Dongle makes working portable more convenient. Once setup, you may wonder how you ever managed without it.
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ATU Tune-up
Followed the instructions and it worked! May need to make a "Y" adapter lead if ACC socket already in use, not a problem with FT817 at the moment.
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Small but clever little device
Plugged into the FT-857. Switched on the Rig and it just worked. It's a brilliant little device that provides an easy solution by providing a carrier to tune for a fully automated process.
