Big Upgrades for MY ATU 100 Antenna Tuner

Why Upgrade the ATU 100?

As a ham radio enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to improve my equipment. One of my most used pieces of gear is the ATU 100 Antenna Tuner, which I purchased a few years ago on eBay. While it served me well, I felt there were several areas where I could make some significant upgrades to enhance both its performance and usability. In this article, I’ll walk you through the improvements I made to my ATU 100, from the case to the connectors, button, and even the screen. Let’s dive in!

Upgrading the Case: A Metal Solution

When I first bought my ATU 100 tuner, it didn’t come with the best case. While the functionality was great, the case didn’t do much to protect the internals, and it didn’t provide adequate shielding for RF signals. As anyone in ham radio knows, having a case that minimizes interference is crucial for keeping your signal clean.

Instead of opting for a 3D printed case, I decided to go with a metal one. The metal case provides the necessary RF shielding, ensuring that my tuner operates without unwanted interference. Plus, it offered enough space to fit a larger OLED screen—more on that in a moment!

I found the perfect metal case on AliExpress, and it was an easy swap. The sturdy build of the new case not only protects the board but also gives the tuner a professional look that blends nicely with my other gear. The additional space in the case also made room for all the upgrades I planned to add.

Switching to SO239 Connectors

One of the first things I wanted to address was the connectors. The original SMA connectors on the ATU 100 weren’t ideal for my setup, and I knew I could improve them. So, I decided to desolder the old connectors and replace them with SO239 connectors.

Why SO239? Well, the SO239 connectors are more reliable, especially for longer-term use. I used solid copper wire to connect these new connectors to the board, ensuring a solid connection. I also ran a ground from the connector to the board, which is a much better solution than relying on painted screws, which can lead to poor connections and signal loss.

With the upgraded SO239 connectors, I now have a stronger, more reliable connection between my antenna and the tuner, improving the overall performance of the ATU 100.

Upgrading the Button: A Sleek New Look

The original button that came with my ATU 100 was nothing special. It felt cheap, and it didn’t exactly match the rest of the gear. I wanted something more durable and aesthetically pleasing. After searching for options, I found the perfect replacement: a sleek, aluminum button.

This new button doesn’t just look better; it’s also more reliable. The single button handles both tuning and resetting the tuner, which is all I need. The aluminum material feels solid under my fingers, giving me confidence that it will last longer than the original plastic button. Plus, the upgraded button adds a touch of class to my tuner setup!

Upgrading the Screen: A Bigger OLED Display

The next upgrade I made was to the screen. The original display on the ATU 100 was functional but small. I wanted something bigger and more vibrant, so I opted for a 2.4-inch I2C OLED display. This display, which I purchased from HiLetgo, offers several color options, but I went with a clean white display for clarity and aesthetics.

The best part? This new screen is an I2C model, meaning it connects easily to the board and requires minimal wiring. I used a Dremel tool to cut out a space in the case for the screen. While the cut was a little rough around the edges, I plan to add a plastic bezel to tidy it up. The screen now fits perfectly, offering clear, easy-to-read information at a glance.

With the larger OLED screen, I can now see the tuning status and other relevant information more clearly, making the tuning process faster and more efficient.

Final Thoughts: A Better ATU 100 Antenna Tuner

These upgrades have transformed my ATU 100 tuner into a more reliable, functional, and visually appealing piece of equipment. The metal case provides RF shielding, the SO239 connectors offer a stronger connection, the aluminum button feels better to use, and the larger OLED display makes it easier to read. The tuner now fits seamlessly with my other gear, and I’m excited to use it on future projects and in my ham radio station.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your own ATU 100 tuner, I highly recommend making these changes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ham, improving the case, connectors, button, and screen can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Do you have an ATU 100 tuner? What upgrades would you make to improve it? Let me know in the comments below!