What is it?

This is a Z-Match manual antenna tuner designed specifically for QRP HAM radio operators and DIY RF enthusiasts. It supports HF frequencies from 3MHz to 28MHz, matching a broad impedance range of 25 to 2500 ohms, making it a versatile companion for portable and fixed QRP operations. With a compact, lightweight design (just 261g) and BNC connectors, it’s ideal for field use, backpacking, and quick deployment ham setups.

Whether you're tuning a random wire, long wire, dipole, end-fed, or vertical antenna, this tuner allows you to quickly and accurately achieve the lowest SWR possible—all without power-hungry or complex automatic tuners.

Why did you make it?

QRP operators know that power is precious, and simplicity is essential. Many available tuners are bulky, overly complex, or simply not optimized for QRP operation. Automatic tuners often introduce unnecessary circuitry, power consumption, and delay. That's why we built this manual Z-Match tuner: to give you complete control, high efficiency, and unmatched tuning precision in a compact, rugged form—built by HAMs, for HAMs.

We wanted something small, reliable, and highly adaptable that works seamlessly with common QRP transceivers like the FT-818, KX2, KX3, QCX, and other homebrew rigs. We chose the Z-Match configuration because it offers superior performance when matching high-impedance and reactive loads, especially on lower HF bands.

What makes it special?

True Z-Match Design This isn’t just another L or T network. The Z-Match is known for its ability to match a wide impedance range (25Ω to 2500Ω) and work well with long wires, end-fed antennas, and even unbalanced loads. Ideal for non-resonant wire antennas and field setups.

QRP Friendly Rated for 5W continuous and 10W intermittent, it’s perfect for low-power operation with your favorite QRP rig. You get smooth tuning and no power loss to relays or automation systems.

HF Coverage (3–28MHz) Covers all popular HF amateur bands including 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m. Whether you're working CW, SSB, or digital modes like FT8, this tuner is ready.

Compact & Portable At just 88mm × 83mm × 39mm, and weighing only 261g, it easily fits in your go-bag or QRP pack. Designed for backpack portable operation, SOTA, POTA, or EMCOMM.

BNC Connectors BNC is the go-to choice for many QRP operators. Reliable, secure, and easy to connect in the field, this tuner features BNC in/out ports for seamless integration with common gear.

Built & Tested This is a finished product, fully assembled and tested before shipping. No soldering, no guesswork—just plug in your antenna, dial it in, and get on the air.

Product Specifications

Circuit Type: Z-Match Manual Tuner Power Rating: 5W Continuous / 10W Intermittent (CW, SSB, FT8 etc.) Frequency Range: 3MHz – 28MHz (80m to 10m) Impedance Matching Range: 25Ω – 2500Ω Connectors: BNC Female (Input & Output) Weight: 261g (Net) Dimensions: 88mm × 83mm × 39mm (Excluding protrusions) Build: Fully Assembled & Tested

Compatibility

This tuner is compatible with most QRP transceivers and antenna types commonly used in portable HF work: Works with QRP rigs like Yaesu FT-817/818, Elecraft KX2/KX3, Xiegu G90/X6100, uSDX, QCX, and more Supports random wire, end-fed, long wire, dipole, and vertical antennas Compatible with baluns or ununs when needed for unbalanced loads Ideal for portable HF, SOTA, POTA, EMCOMM, or stealth operations

Note

Not suitable for full-power HF rigs or outputs exceeding 10W. Avoid using with high duty cycle digital modes at full 10W for extended periods. Always use in dry environments—unit is not waterproof.