Fig.

5 MOUNTING EXAMPLES Thank you for purchasing the AH-4 HF + 50 MHz

AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER. The AH-4 matches
RRDANGER! HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER touch the antenna while transmitting or tuning. Place the antenna in a position
where you are sure it will not be touched.
INSTRUCTIONS your transceiver to an antenna more than 7 m/23 ft long
(3.5–54 MHz), or the optional AH-2b (7–54 MHz).
HF + 50 MHz AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER Please read these instructions thoroughly before
AH-2b
antenna element kit
AH-2b + long wire
AH-4 installing and operating the AH-4.
(optional)

DANGER!
Long wire RRNEVER operate this tuner without a solid ground. Always
connect the ground wire to the ground terminal. DO NOT
use the mounting plate as a ground terminal.

NEVER transmit or tune without an antenna connected.

Ground terminal Failure to use an antenna will damage the tuner.
Long wire
RRHIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER touch the antenna while
transmitting or tuning. Place the antenna in a position where
Mounting plate you are sure it will not be touched.

OPERATION
Tuning is required for each frequency. Be sure to retune FEATURES
the antenna before transmitting when you change the
frequency— even slightly. ❍❍WIDE TUNING RANGE ❍❍WEATHERPROOF DESIGN
The AH-4 provides reliable matching from 3.5 MHz to 54 MHz The AH-4’s tightly sealed plastic case allows convenient
(eg. IC-7300) when using at least a 7 m (23 ft) antenna; or 7 MHz to 54 MHz mounting virtually anywhere. The AH-4 can be mounted
qqTurn ON the transceiver. eeAfter tuning, “TUNE” is displayed. when using the AH-2b antenna element. outdoors under your antenna.
•• Each time you push TUNER , “TUNE” is displayed or goes LLWhen the long wire antenna cannot be tuned, “TUNE” goes
out, and the AH-4 is turned ON or OFF (bypassed). out. In that case, the AH-4 is bypassed and the wire is directly ❍❍AUTOMATIC DIGITAL CONTROL TUNING ❍❍0.3 W RADIATED POWER
wwHold down TUNER for 1 second to start manual tuning. connected. The built-in 8-bit microprocessor chooses the lowest SWR using Radiated power during tuning is less than 0.3 W, minimizing
•• The tuner reduces the SWR to less than 2:1 after 2~3 seconds more than 1,040,000 different LC (coil/capacitor) combinations. interference to other stations.
of tuning. NOTE:
L
LWhile tuning, “TUNE” blinks red. When the wire antenna cannot be tuned, confirm wire ❍❍45 FREQUENCY MEMORIES FOR FAST TUNING ✍ NOTE:
LLIf the tuner cannot reduce the SWR to less than 2:1 after 15
length and connection. Note that the AH-4 cannot tune a The LC combinations of 45 previously-used frequencies are The AH-4 can be used with most of Icom HF transceiver,
seconds of tuning, “TUNE” goes out.
wire that is a ½λ long or on a multiple of that frequency. automatically memorized. Once a frequency is memorized, the which covers HF through 50 MHz bands.
AH-4 tunes on that frequency in less than 1 second. Note that However, the IC-706 and IC-736 can only be tuned in the
the AH-4 does not memorize a frequency which is normally 3.5–30 MHz range.
tuned within 2.5 seconds. Memories are retained only when the
power is on.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Hold down [TUNER] for 1 second.
qqU-bolts…………………………………………………………2
u wwU-bolt brackets………………………………………………2
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS eeFlat washers (M6 large)………………………………………8
q rrFlat washers (M6 small)………………………………………4
DD Specifications DD Options ttSpring washers (M6)…………………………………………8
• Frequency range : 3.5–54 MHz (with an antenna longer •• OPC-420 shielded control cable w yyNuts (M6)………………………………………………………8
i
than 7 m; 23 ft) Shielded control cable helps protect the transceiver from RF
uuHex head bolts (M6 × 50)……………………………………4
7–54 MHz (with the AH-2b) feedback and extends separation between tuner and transceiver
up to 10 m. (cable length 10 m; 32.8 ft) e iiSelf-tapping screws (A0 6 × 30)……………………………4
• Maximum input power : 120 W
• Input impedance : 50 Ω •• AH-2b antenna element ooPL-259 connectors……………………………………………2
• Tuning power required : 5 to15 watts A 2.5 m long antenna element for mobile operation with AH-4. !0 Weatherproof cap……………………………………………1
r
• Rated voltage : 13.8 V DC ±15% Frequency coverage: 7–54 MHz with the AH-4. !1 Rubber vulcanizing tape……………………………………1
(current less than 1 A) t o !0 Control cable* (5 m; 16.4 ft)……………………………………1
• Usable temperature range : –10°C to +60°C (+14°F to +140°F) !1 Coaxial cable* (5D-2V: 5 m; 16.4 ft)……………………………1
• VSWR : 2.0 : 1 or less (except antennas a y
 *Not shown in the illustration to the left.
one half wave or multiple of a one
half wave in length)
• Weight (approximately) : 1.2 kg (2.65 lb)
• Dimensions : 172(W) × 69.5(H) × 230(D) mm
(projections not included) ; 6.8(W) × 2.7(H) × 9.1(D) inches

 All specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

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1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan A8295W-1EX-3 Printed in Japan

Dec. 2020 © 1997–2020 Icom Inc. –1–
 INSTALLATION Fig. 2-2 Waterproofing the antenna connection
✍ NOTE: After inserting the coaxial cable through the q w e
waterproof cap and into the AH-4 top cover, solder the Pull the tape to slightly
Carefully bend this stretch it as you wrap
PL-259 connector to the coaxial cable. part up, AFTER firmly around the
Insulator you tighten the weatherproof cap.
qqRemove the top cover (Fig. 1). yyReplace the top cover. wing nut.
wwInstall the control cable and coaxial cable (Fig. 1). uuMount the AH-4 in the desired location; on an antenna
eeConnect and solder the PL-259 connector to the coaxial pole, in your vehicle’s trunk, and so on. (Fig. 4). Rubber vulcanizing tape
cable. iiConnect an antenna to the AH-4 (Fig. 5).
rrConnect the control cable to the AH-4 (Fig. 2-1). ooConnect the control cable and the coaxial cable to the
ttConnect the GND cable to the AH-4 (Fig. 3). transceiver. Fig. 3 GROUND CONNECTIONS
The ground wire of the antenna tuner is used as an To the AH-4 GND terminal
antenna element. The transceiver and antenna tuner
Fig. 1 COVER REMOVAL AND CABLE INSTALLATION must have an adequate ground connection. Otherwise,
qqRemove the 8 screws from the top cover and remove the cover. the overall efficiency of the transceiver and antenna tuner
wwLoosen the screws on both cable clamps. If desired, install a strain installation will be reduced. Interference, RF feedback and
relief insert (supplied) corresponding to the diameter of the cable. electrical shocks from other equipment could also occur.
eeInstall the coaxial cable through the top cover cable clamp. Copper pipe Metal object Copper screen
rrInsert the control cable through the bottom cover cable clamp. For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or strap
Strain relief ttAfter connecting the coaxial cable and control cables, tighten the available, and make the connection as short as possible.
insert cable clamp screws. (see the illustration to the right)
•• A long wire connected to the GND terminal as a counterpoise is
Coaxial NOTE: also acceptable.
cable
•• Make sure the cable clamps are well tightened with the screws,
otherwise the waterproof protection may not be guaranteed.
•• We recommend that you also wrap rubber vulcanizing tape or
Control
cable electrical tape over the cable clamps for better waterproofing. Fig. 4 MOUNTING THE AH-4
Cable •• Mounting on a flat location
clamp Rubber seal •• Mounting on an antenna pole
Using self-tapping screws Using nuts and bolts
About the rubber seal NOTE:
Correct position Incorrect position When attaching the tuner cover, make sure dust or other material does Using the supplied U-bolts
not adhere to the rubber seal. If dust or other material is on the seal
Rubber seal when attaching, waterproof protection may not be guaranteed.
Make sure the rubber seal is properly seated into the groove.
Groove
Bottom cover Bottom cover

Fig. 2-1 CABLE CONNECTIONS (eg. IC-7300)

✍ NOTE: C
 onnect the coaxial cable to the appropriate antenna
connector if the transceiver has more than one. Antenna element
See your transceiver’s instruction manual for details. AH-2b (optional)

Wing nut Nut

Coaxial cable Spring AH-4
washer
Star washer
Black (GND) Crimp-on wire Flat
Red (DC13V) washer
IC-7300 rear panel PL-259 terminal CAUTION:
White (START)
connector Green (KEY) Flat washer DO NOT mount the antenna tuner upside down. Weatherproof cap
J2 Hex head
bolt Drill a hole here
J8
Base nut (diameter: 6.6–7 mm; 1⁄4–9⁄32 inches)
Insulator

GND Top cover

Bottom
GND cover
Control cable

+ See the Fig. 2-2 as shown to the right above.

wwPlace the weatherproof cap over as much of the
qqPut the flat washer, crimp-on wire terminal, star washer insulator as possible.
and then wing nut on the base bolt. Then, tighten the eeWrap the insulator with the rubber vulcanizing tape,
wing nut. starting at its bottom, then the cap, and finally the
•• Before you tighten the wing nut, make sure the base nut is
firmly tightened. antenna wire.
•• After you tighten the wing nut, carefully bend the wire This will help prevent water seepage.
terminal up so the wire lines up with the insulator. •• Also, you may wrap electrical tape over the wrapped rubber
vulcanizing tape for better waterproofing.

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