Product Overview
The mAT-80M is a 200 W class automatic antenna tuner specially designed for ICOM HF transceivers. It follows the ICOM external antenna tuner protocol and is compatible with ICOM external tuners such as the AT-130, AT-140 and AT-141, so it can be used as a direct replacement with exactly the same tuning operation as the original models. Compatibility refers to the control and operating method — it does not mean that all electrical specifications are identical.
The tuner is fully controlled by the transceiver. Tuning and switching the tuner online / offline are performed with the transceiver's [TUNER] key (on some transceivers labeled [TUNER/CALL]). The transceiver supplies power to the tuner through the supplied 10-meter ICOM-dedicated four-conductor control cable — no additional power supply is required.
The mAT-80M is equipped with a tower-type antenna terminal and an SO-239 coaxial antenna connector, allowing it to feed either a wire antenna or a coax-fed antenna. The waterproof ABS enclosure makes it suitable for both fixed and outdoor installation. The supplied stainless-steel U-bolts allow it to be mounted on a mast or on a wall with expansion bolts. The tuner may be installed vertically or horizontally — regardless of orientation, make sure the coaxial feed line and control cable exit downward to reduce the possibility of rainwater entering the unit.
Key Features
Fastest Tuning Speed
The mAT-80M is the fastest tuning antenna tuner in the entire mAT series, delivering exceptionally quick matching.
Wide Impedance Matching Range
It covers a much wider antenna impedance range than most other tuners on the market.
Wire & Coax Antenna Support
It can tune both wire antennas and coax-fed antennas, giving you flexible antenna choices.
Antenna Connection Guide
The mAT-80M supports two types of antennas: wire antennas (connected to the top tower-type terminal) and coax-fed antennas (connected to the bottom SO-239 coax connector). Please read the relevant section below according to the antenna type you are using.
Using a Wire Antenna
Connect the wire antenna to the tower-type antenna terminal labeled "ANT" on the top of the tuner. This terminal is designed for single-wire, long-wire, or other unbalanced wire antennas. Secure the antenna firmly using a ceramic or resin insulator before connecting it to the "ANT" terminal, and tighten the screw. Do not connect an unsecured antenna directly to the tuner terminal — the tension of the antenna may damage the tuner.
Antenna Length Recommendations
An antenna length close to 1/4 wavelength will generally provide good matching performance. A longer antenna is recommended. For the same type of HF wire antenna, an antenna that is too short will generally reduce radiation efficiency and may make tuning more difficult when other conditions are similar. Avoid antenna lengths close to an integer multiple of 1/2 wavelength whenever possible — in some cases, such lengths may produce a high feed-point impedance and make tuning difficult.
For users of a single-wire antenna, an antenna length of approximately 12–14 meters may be used as a reference. With a suitable ground system or RF return path, this can cover many frequencies from the 80-meter through 10-meter bands. If a satisfactory SWR cannot be obtained after repeated tuning attempts, adjust the antenna length as appropriate and tune again.
Using a Coax-Fed Antenna
Connect the coaxial feed line from the antenna to the SO-239 RF connector labeled "COAX ANT" on the bottom of the tuner. The mAT-80M will tune dipoles, verticals, Yagis, or virtually any coax-fed antenna, matching an amazing range of antennas and impedances.
Waterproofing tip: For all outdoor cable connection points, it is recommended to seal the connection with self-fusing rubber tape first, then wrap it with waterproof vinyl tape to improve water resistance. The coaxial feed line, self-fusing rubber tape, and vinyl tape are not supplied with the tuner and must be provided by the user.
IMPORTANT: Connect either a wire antenna or a coax-fed antenna. Do not connect both at the same time.
Tuning Modes
The mAT-80M has two tuning modes: Memory Tuning and Full Tuning. After receiving a tuning command, the tuner first performs Memory Tuning. If the resulting SWR is ≤ 1.5:1, tuning is complete. If the SWR is too high, Full Tuning starts.
- Memory Tuning — the tuner automatically measures the current RF frequency, reads the LC parameters stored for the corresponding frequency, and configures the LC circuit. This normally takes about 0.1 second.
- Full Tuning — the tuner automatically searches for the best LC combination according to the current SWR. This normally takes several seconds. After tuning is complete, if the SWR is ≤ 1.5:1, the current LC data is stored in the memory corresponding to the current frequency.
Start tuning: press and hold the tuner key on the transceiver. During tuning, "TUNE" will normally appear or flash on the transceiver display; when tuning is complete, the indicator stops flashing and remains on.
Turn off the tuner: briefly press the tuner key on the transceiver. When the tuner is off, the RF input and output are directly connected and the tuner is bypassed. When offline, the "TUNE" indicator on the transceiver display turns off. Some ICOM transceivers do not provide this function.
PTT TUNE function: an automatic tuning function provided by some ICOM HF transceivers. When enabled, the transceiver automatically starts tuning on the first transmission after the frequency is changed, without requiring the tuner key to be pressed. This function is disabled by default. For example, on the IC-7300 it is enabled in Initial Set mode via MENU → SET → Function → Tuner → PTT Start.
Compatible Transceivers
Compatibility Notes
For ICOM transceivers with a standard 4-pin external tuner socket, the mAT-80M can be used directly as a replacement for the AT-130, AT-140 or AT-141.
Non-standard sockets: IC-M710, IC-F7000 and IC-F8101 do not use the standard 4-pin ICOM tuner connector. The supplied control cable cannot be connected directly to these transceivers — a correct adapter cable or proper interface conversion is required. Make sure every wire is connected correctly. In particular, an incorrect power-wire connection may damage the tuner or transceiver.
Not supported: ICOM IC-705 (please use the mAT-705 instead).
Technical Specifications
| Frequency Range | 1.8 - 54 MHz |
|---|---|
| Maximum Input Power | 200 W PEP (SSB), 100 W (Data mode) |
| Tuning Power | 1 - 5 W; 10 W recommended |
| Typical Matching Range | 3 - 2000 Ω |
| Tuning Time | ≤ 3 seconds (Full Tuning,≥90% of tuning points); 0.1 second (Memory Tuning) |
| Power Supply | 10 - 15 V DC; maximum operating current 1.0 A. Powered by the transceiver through the control cable — no separate power connection required |
| Operating Temperature | -10 °C ~ +60 °C (14 °F ~ 140 °F) |
| Antenna Connectors | Wire antenna terminal (ANT) + SO-239 coax connector (COAX ANT) |
| Enclosure | Waterproof ABS, suitable for fixed and outdoor installation |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 350 x 190 x 75 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
Accessories
Standard Accessories:
10-meter control cable (ICOM dedicated, four-conductor) × 1
Stainless-steel U-bolts and screws × 2 sets
Operating manual × 1
Not Supplied (user provided):
Coaxial feed line, self-fusing rubber tape and waterproof vinyl tape
Waterproofing tip: for all outdoor cable connection points, it is recommended to seal the connection with self-fusing rubber tape first, then wrap it with waterproof vinyl tape to improve water resistance.
Technical Support
Visit the web: http://www.mat-tuner.com/ for more information and operation manual.
If you encounter any problems while using the tuner, please contact your dealer for assistance.
(NOTE: The pictures on this page are for reference only. The actual products received are the basis.)