Michael, I reviewed your prior description of your problem, and since you can reproduce the problem with a dummy load - I would tend to believe it is not an antenna or RF Feedback problem at all. The fact that you get the ATU into CAL instead of Tune does not mean it is an ATU problem either - the menu entries are maintained and controlled by the main firmware on the KX1 board.
Further, since this does not happen with the internal batteries, I would strongly suspect the problem source is actually in the external supply, the connecting cord or the power connector itself. Be certain the power connector is the correct type there are several sizes of coaxial power connectors that differ only slightly in size, so they almost fit, but not good enough. I would recommend a 16 guage wire size, not only because it can handle more current and has less voltage drop, but will take more physical abuse before failing. Also be certain you have good low resistance connections to the battery or power supply itself. Poor power supply connections and leads can result in many 'strange happenings' that seem to be unrelated, so as a matter of course, I now check th epower connections and supplies first in case of ny strange behaviors. Whether you need 4 watts as opposed to 2 watts is entirely a matter of personal choice. Yes is is only half an S unit, but then it is 3dB less too. The real answer may depend on the other stations 'ears' and his local noise level. If his noise level is a couple dB above your 2 watt signal, you are not likely to be heard, but he might hear you at the 4 watt level. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > A question on power output: what are your opinions on > the value of 12V from an external battery? I.e., 4W > vs. 2W? > > I have had some intermittent ATU problems with the KX1 > when on external 12V, so I often need to revert to > internal Li AA's. I am wondering what your opinions > are on the need for 3dB gain on the KX1. > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
