Anchor wrote:

Mine packed up. Four years of pactor email did it.

Apply RF power and the relays chatter never settling down to a tuned
configuration. It does this regardless of whether I am trying to load up
an antenna or a dummy load.

We have been playing with PIC's lately. I wonder if it is worth while to
use a PIC and the relay switched inductors and capacitors to make a make a
home brewed automatic tuner. PIC frequency counter software is all over
the net. Something like a 16F870 has five 10-bit A2D's. That's about all
one would need to make an automatic tuner from a broken SG-230.

My experience with an LDG Z11 has been very much unlike that. They make
several models, including one that will handle a kilowatt. The Z11 I
have was intended for QRP with a maximum of 60 watts. I can't tell you
how the other models will work, but they are all based on the same
microcontroller (I think) and base software, so my guess is that they
will perform equally well.

I bought my Z11 as a kit, and it was a well done one. As good as any
Heathkit. Doesn't look like they sell kits any longer.

The web site is www.ldgelectronics.com.

tom
K0TAR