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Introduction: Congratulations on choosing the LDG Z11 tuner. The Z11 is a full featured low power
automatic or semiautomatic antenna tuner designed for the HF ham bands (1.8 to 30 MHz). It will
work with virtually any transceiver or transmitter providing between 0.1 and 30 watts continuous RF
output (60 watts SSB or CW). The tuner uses the highly versatile "Switched L" configuration with
256 capacitor, 256 inductor and High/Low impedance settings to provide over one hundred and
thirty thousand possible tuning combinations. The "L" network will match practically any coax-fed
antenna (dipole, vertical, sloper, beam, etc). Long wires, and dipoles fed with ladder line can be
matched using the LDG RBA-1 external balun, sold separately. Regardless of antenna type, tuning
time is between 0.1 and 3.0 seconds, typically about 1.5 seconds.
The Z11 uses latching relays to switch tuning components in the "L" network. These relays hold the
tuning configuration even when power is removed; once matched, the tuner automatically enters a
low-power mode where it draws only 0.8 milliamps. Placing the tuner into "Standby" reduces power
consumption to zero; the latching relays maintain the tuned configuration indefinitely. During tuning,
the Z11 may draw up to 300 milliamps, but only for a few seconds. These exclusive LDG features
make the Z11 ideal for portable, battery-powered HF operation.
An important word about power levels: The Z11 is intended for low-power operation only. The
Z11 is rated at 30 watts continuous power input, at most. On CW and SSB, whose duty cycle is
approximately 50%, this translates into 60 watts peak RF into the tuner. Many ham transmitters and
transceivers output 100 watts or more; this power level will definitely damage your Z11. Be sure to
observe the 60 watt power limitation for CW and SSB operation, and 30 watts when tuning, or using
FM, RTTY or any other 100% duty cycle mode. Most transceivers and transmitters have a level
control to adjust the output. Use a good quality wattmeter to find the setting that corresponds to
these rated power output levels, and note the setting of the level control. Never exceed that level in
operation with the Z11.
Front panel controls: The Z11 is operated from the front panel through four switches, four LEDs
and one pushbutton. Refer to the index numbers on photo below.
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