Product Reviews
Magazine reviews:
ARRL & QST: www.arrl.org
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QST Sept 2004: AT1500BAL & AT4K Tuners
© 2004 QST/ARRL.
Used with permission.
QST July 2002: WM150 wattmeter
© 2002 QST/ARRL.
Used with permission.
QST Nov 2002: R30 Shortwave Receiver
© 2002 QST/ARRL.
Used with permission.
Customer reviews: AT1500CV | AT4K | R30
AT1500CV
Hello:
I bought a Palstar AT1500CV in December. I use wire antennas exlusively and have always tried many different tuners.
This 1500CV is one of the best tuners I have owned in 43 years of hamming. The design is good and the build quality is
excellent. Please tell everyone who is involved with this product that it is "a job well done."
Many hams who have seen my Palstar are going to end up buying one. In fact, I am getting tired of taking the cover off
to let people see "inside".
73,
Stan K9IUQ
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Re: AT1500CV
Hi Paul,
Just like to say how pleased I am with the new AT1500CV. I did a lot of fact finding before deciding on this unit. It
took me quite a while including an e-mail inquiry to you. I definitely made the right choice. I'm one that is not easily
pleased either, but I can't remember the last time I bought a piece of equipment that please me so much. I think you
might categorize me in the "tickled pink" class.
I've been a ham since 1955 (same call - K2OAA) and have had lots of different tuners including Matchboxes, Murch, home-brews
and surplus tuners. This tuner outclasses them all for quality, design and shear ruggedness. Someone put a lot of heart and
soul into this unit. Bravo!
The outside of the unit is very impressive just looking at it, but what really impressed me were the vernier tuning knobs.
That's class. I wasn't expecting it and it was like icing on the cake. To my knowledge it wasn't mentioned anywhere in my
research. It should be.
Naturally, I had to see what was inside and I opened it up right away within ten minutes. Again, I was very impressed with the
quality and layout of the unit. Normally, I'm very critical, but I can't agree with any of the negatives that I read about in
eHam.net reviews. They either don't know what they're talking about or they just like to complain. I just can't find a thing
wrong with the unit and that's saying something for me. Nice work Paul and the Palstar team.
Sincerely,
John/K2OAA
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Re: AT1500CV
Hello Palstar,
I just thought you might like to know about the AT1500CV and DL2K I've had about two months now. I really love the quality
and the workmanship of these two products. I know you've no doubt had others write, but I thought maybe one more. Thanks
for the great products.
Best regards,
Jerry
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Re: AT1500CV
Paul,
Many thanks for the excellent service. The AT1500CV arrived well packed in just 4 days and the build quality is even better
thank I expected. So congratulations to you and your team on a job well done. I will not hesitate to order any Palstar
products in the future. Many of my local radio club members are very interested in the product.
Many thanks for now,
Dave 2WODAA
Link to AT1500CV Product Page | Back to Top
AT4K
Re: My new AT4K
Paul,
The tuner arrived the same day I called you. This is what I think of it. My first tuner way back when was a Murch and it
was an excellent tuner even though it didn't have the metering. I was inactive for 14 years than when I became active
again two years ago I sold the Murch and acquired a MFJ 989-C...my next tuner was a used Tucker 3000(Vectronics HT1500)...
my next one was an Ameritron ATR 30...I sold it after not quite 4 months of use. I was undecided which tuner to buy, the
Nye viking or the Palstar AT4K. After reading the reviews of the AT4k on eHam.net I decided to go with the AT4k.
After just a few days use I can tell you I am totally and completely thrilled and tickled to death with my new AT4K. It tunes
everything I throw at it. For the first time I was able to get a flat SWR on 160 meters using a variation of 132 FT. Carolina
Windom. The tuner works very smoothly and is good in appearance. The internal compnents are top notch quality. The tuner
as a whole is #1 in my book and I look forward to many years of operating with the AT4K. I haven't applied high power yet
for my amp -- it needs a little repair -- but I am 100% positive it will do the job in that area also.
I just wish I would have visited you website sooner as I would have ordered your watt/SWR meter also instead of the one I just
purchased. After I have used it for a few weeks I will post a review on eHam.net giving nothing but a very positive review.
Neil Hood -- WA4NRQ
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Re: AT4K
Dear Palstar,
Just hooked up my new AT4K and we are having ice and rain storms here in Traverse City, MI. Anyway, the tuner performs great...
The AT4K was able to tune one of my antennas (a ground feed sloper) for 80 meter phone which...[two other tuners]...were not
able to match. 37 countries this last weekend on 80 phone with that antenna and your tuner. Thank you and your staff very much!!!
73,
Jeffrey Peters K9JP
Link to AT4k Product Page | Back to Top
R30 Shortwave Receiver
Re: R30 Shortwave Receiver
Dear Sirs:
Thank you for making the only very high quality, compact, and low cost MW/HF receiver! From what I've heard - especially for
low-interference and relatively weak-signal-strength locations like mine in northern NM - it is the best receiver for under
$2000...
Thanks again for an outstanding, unique, and innovative receiver!...
Sincerely,
John Evensta
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Re: R30 Shortwave Receiver
Thanks Paul!
The receiver is wonderful. The selectivity with the collins filter is nothing short of remarkable and with no PBT, no B/W
adjustments at all, between the excellent dynamic range and lack of leakage through the filter (plus what must be a close to
ideal shape factor) I can honestly say the R30 equals the SSB performance of my 756 Pro II...and in a wonderfully small and
attractive enclosure that seems rugged enough to drive a vehicle over.
Nice design work. I think I am going to buy the [AA30] active antenna next then probably the big tuner [AT4K]. When one finds a quality
manufacturer, well, it is kind of ridiculous to purchase inferior products again.
Dick
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Re: R30 Shortwave Receiver
I recently purchased an R30 and have been enjoying it immensely. The build quality is good, audio quality is excellent with
an outboard speaker. Sensitivity is also excellent. It's nice to see that there are still some quality products made here in
the 'ole USA! I'm in the process of beginning an R30 discussion group on yahoogroups.com, and would appreciate any input to help
it become successful. Congratulations on building an excellent product and I look forward to many a happy hour DXing with it!
Best wishes,
Gary Wilt in NJ
Link to R30 Product Page | Back to Top
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