Description
HF/50 MHz Automatic Antenna Tuner for Base and Mobile Transceivers
High-speed, heavy-duty automatic impedance matching network engineered for 150W-class Icom transceivers.
The Icom AH730 is an authentic original equipment manufacturer high-speed automatic antenna tuner designed to seamlessly expand your multi-band operational footprint. Engineered to integrate cleanly with 100-watt class HF through 50 MHz transceivers, this external matching unit handles up to 150 Watts PEP input. The Icom AH730 HF/50 MHz (1.8-54MHz) Automatic Antenna Tuner allows operators to successfully match standard vertical whips, long-wire configurations, or random-wire elements measuring 7 meters (23 feet) or longer, optimizing total system performance and ensuring a safe voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) across diverse outdoor setups.
Constructed for permanent outdoor or remote field installations, the unit features a high-strength resin case tested to an IPX4 water-resistant splash protection threshold. This rugged housing protects advanced internal inductive and capacitive matching circuitry from water, heavy weather, and corrosive salt damage. Driven by an intelligent 32-bit microprocessor, the tuner evaluates over 1,040,000 distinct LC combinations to secure a stable match in just 2 to 3 seconds on average. Furthermore, it incorporates 45 non-volatile frequency memories that store tuning profiles to deliver near-instantaneous matching of approximately 1 second when returning to a previously utilized operating frequency.
To protect neighboring stations and maintain clean spectrum hygiene during setup, the tuner emits a minimal 0.3 Watts of RF output from the antenna during active matching routines. This outdoor tuner is fully controlled and powered directly by the connected transceiver via an included 10-meter shielded control interface cable, eliminating the need for an external standalone DC power cord. Operators should note that the long-wire antenna elements, grounding counterpoises, linear high-power base amplifiers, and primary desktop transceivers are sold separately.
Key Features & Benefits
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Wide Range Matching: Automatically tunes a massive spectral layout from 1.8 MHz through 54 MHz when paired with an antenna element 7 meters or longer.
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Intelligent High-Speed Auto-Tuning: Analyzes more than one million LC configurations to lock in a safe match within 2 to 3 seconds.
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45 Frequency Memory Slots: Retains previous matching paths inside on-board memory arrays to perform rapid 1-second tuning cycles on recalled channels.
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IPX4 Weatherized Resin Frame: Sealed heavy-duty casing completely isolates sensitive components from environmental wind, rain splash, and maritime salt ingress.
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Ultra-Low Tuning Radiation: Emits an extremely low 0.3W RF signature during active matching cycles to minimize spectral interference with adjacent stations.
Specifications
| Attribute |
Details |
| Brand |
Icom |
| Model/SKU |
AH730 |
| Product Type |
Automatic Antenna Tuner |
| Frequency Segment |
HF / 50 MHz (1.8 – 54 MHz) |
| Maximum Input Power |
150 Watts PEP / 100 Watts Continuous |
| Input Impedance |
50 Ohm (SO239 Female Coaxial Connector) |
| Tuning Power Required |
5 – 15 Watts (10 Watts Nominal Rated) |
| Tuning Speed |
2 – 3 Seconds Average (15 Seconds Maximum) |
| Tuning Accuracy |
VSWR 2.0:1 or Less |
| Frequency Memories |
45 Internal Channels |
| Power Supply Requirements |
13.8V DC 15% (Supplied Directly from Transceiver) |
| Current Drain |
Less than 0.7 Amps |
| Environmental Ingress |
IPX4 Splash and Water Resistant |
| Case Construction |
High-Strength Weatherproof Resin |
Compatibility
|
|
|
|
| 7300 |
7610 |
7100 |
718 |
| 78 |
7200 |
7410 |
9100 |
What’s Included
| Description |
SKU/Model |
Status |
| HF/50 MHz 150W Automatic Antenna Tuner |
AH730 |
Included |
| Shielded Power and Control Interface Line (10m / 32.8ft) |
OPC1465 |
Included |
| Comprehensive Mast Mounting Assembly (U-Bolts and Plates) |
Mounting Kit |
Included |
| Protective Waterproof Weather Terminal Cap |
Caps Unit |
Included |
| Self-Adhesive Rubber Vulcanizing Sealing Tape |
Safety Wrap |
Included |
Recommended Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this automatic tuner handle the full power of a 500-watt linear amplifier?
No, this tuner is specifically engineered for 100W-class base and mobile transceivers with a maximum threshold peak of 150 Watts PEP. High-power amplifiers will destroy the matching matrix.
What is the minimum length wire needed to match down to the 1.8 MHz (160m) band?
To cover the full 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz frequency range, you must attach a long-wire antenna element measuring at least 7 meters (23 feet) in length.
Does this tuning system require a separate connection to a ground plane?
Yes, a heavy-duty, clean electrical connection to a proper counterpoise, vehicle chassis, or grounding radial system is absolutely required for safe operational VSWR tracking.
Can I run this tuner without opening up the plastic casing to wire it?
Yes, the advanced layout allows the primary SO239 coaxial feedline and the 4-pin shielded control cables to be connected externally without breaching the weatherized chassis seal.
How fast does this tuner re-engage when switching between memorized frequencies?
If a previously configured frequency path resides within the 45 internal memory slots, the internal microprocessor recalls the LC matrix to execute a match in roughly 1 second.
Will this tuner function correctly if my wire antenna is exactly a half-wave long?
No, automatic tuners inherently struggle to match half-wave multi-frequency nodes due to extreme voltage peaks. Avoid cut lengths that align exactly with a half-wavelength.
Warranty
1-year manufacturer’s warranty.