Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Kent - In addition, special rules are in place for operation on 630 meters and 2200 meters: Section 97.313(g)(2) of the rules requires that, prior to starting operation in either band, radio amateurs must notify UTC that they intend operate by submitting their call signs, intended band(s) of operation, and the coordinates of their antenna’s fixed location. The new rules do not permit any mobile operation. http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-opens-630-and-2200-meter-bands-stations-must-notify-utc-before-operating I received approval to do so in November, 2017. Here’s the website for those who may be interested: https://utc.org/plc-database-amateur-notification-process/ 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 9:35 AM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection Deja Vu. Virtually none of the U.S. manufacturers after WW-II (with some exceptions) included 160-meters in their transmitters or ham-band only receivers for at least three reasons: 1) LORAN precluded use in some parts of the United States; (2) small urban lots precluded dipoles in the air, and long radials precluded verticals on the ground; and (3) the market wasn't there. It wasn't until LORAN disappeared and hams got interested in 160 that the band started showing up on imported Japanese transceivers. Until a substantial commercial market develops, 630 meters will be home-brewed only. 73, Kent K9ZTV On 3/7/2020 3:07 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > Bob - > > If you are addressing me, I am afraid that you are misinterpreting my remarks. > > I bought the unit knowing full well what the tradeoffs were. The > capabilities it has more than offset that deficiency. > > I just wish it also covered 630, but apparently "shame on me" for even > suggesting there might be a feature or two that could be beneficially added. > > 73 > Lyn, WØLEN > > > > -Original Message- > From: Bob McGraw K4TAX > Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 1:27 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection > > If it doesn't do what you need and your needs are outside of the > specifications, then one needs to ask "why did I purchase this item?". > The fact it does not cover 630 meters is understandable and is not a > fault of Elecraft or the KAT500. The frequency range covered, per the > specs, is 1.8 to 54 MHz, continuous. > > I have no sympathy, patience or understanding as to why someone wants to > use an item outside of the design specifications. It just makes no > sense at all. I often say if one wants to know where the issue lies, go > look in the mirror. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Deja Vu. Virtually none of the U.S. manufacturers after WW-II (with some exceptions) included 160-meters in their transmitters or ham-band only receivers for at least three reasons: 1) LORAN precluded use in some parts of the United States; (2) small urban lots precluded dipoles in the air, and long radials precluded verticals on the ground; and (3) the market wasn't there. It wasn't until LORAN disappeared and hams got interested in 160 that the band started showing up on imported Japanese transceivers. Until a substantial commercial market develops, 630 meters will be home-brewed only. 73, Kent K9ZTV On 3/7/2020 3:07 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: Bob - If you are addressing me, I am afraid that you are misinterpreting my remarks. I bought the unit knowing full well what the tradeoffs were. The capabilities it has more than offset that deficiency. I just wish it also covered 630, but apparently "shame on me" for even suggesting there might be a feature or two that could be beneficially added. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: Bob McGraw K4TAX Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 1:27 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection If it doesn't do what you need and your needs are outside of the specifications, then one needs to ask "why did I purchase this item?". The fact it does not cover 630 meters is understandable and is not a fault of Elecraft or the KAT500. The frequency range covered, per the specs, is 1.8 to 54 MHz, continuous. I have no sympathy, patience or understanding as to why someone wants to use an item outside of the design specifications. It just makes no sense at all. I often say if one wants to know where the issue lies, go look in the mirror. 73 Bob, K4TAX -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Thanks for that, Rick. I have done as you suggested, and while I have not found a "good" match on 630, I have found what I believe is a "somewhat workable" match for use under QRP (< 2 watts) conditions with my existing 360 foot antenna. If anyone here wants to try a contact, I would suggest FT8 on 0.474200 at 900 Hz as a good starting point. Rick, you and I worked on 160m FT8 back in December, and are a bit over 1400 miles apart. When I last experimented with 630, I made a number of contacts at about that distance in the late evening hours. Do you have 630m? 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Bates, NK7I Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 7:39 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection I'll submit that the KAT500 was designed long before 630 meters was generally open and the values needed to present a low SWR are far larger than needed elsewhere. Anything below 160M is a 'specialty' band that far fewer will attempt. However you COULD go through the values that the KAT500 offers manually and see if something could work. You could use an antenna analyzer in SWR mode (fixed freq not sweep) to tune the antenna at almost any frequency (at flea power, all legally). Rick NK7I On 3/7/2020 11:09 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > Andy - > > You bring up some good points, and I will be watching for the input from the > assembled brain trust. > > One issue I have with the KAT500 is that it only goes down to 160 meters. > My previous tuner would handle much lower frequencies, allowing me to work > 630 meters. No such luck with the KAT500. If there is a workaround, I'd > like to hear what it is. > > Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you > transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not > legal. > > 73 > Lyn, WØLEN > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin > Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 11:10 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection > > The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning > solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the > antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. > > Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur > band closest to the out of band operating frequency? > > 73, > Andy, k3wyc > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to rick.n...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
630m is a 7-KHz wide band. Probably not requiring an auto-tuner. Most on 630m will be running a very short antenna in terms of wavelength which usually incorporates a large loading coil in series. My 630m antenna is an Inverted-L 43 by 122 feet and I have a base coil to ground which tunes out reactance with a movable tap. Matching to 50-ohms is done a couple turns up from the cold end. 2:1 SWR is 5-KHz wide. Efficiency is 4%. Radiation resistance is 0.8 ohms. EIRP = 4.15w. My K3 drives a 100w surplus NDB transmitter at 0.1 mw. I QRV on 600m in 2012 as WD2XSH/45 (experimental license) 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
I'll submit that the KAT500 was designed long before 630 meters was generally open and the values needed to present a low SWR are far larger than needed elsewhere. Anything below 160M is a 'specialty' band that far fewer will attempt. However you COULD go through the values that the KAT500 offers manually and see if something could work. You could use an antenna analyzer in SWR mode (fixed freq not sweep) to tune the antenna at almost any frequency (at flea power, all legally). Rick NK7I On 3/7/2020 11:09 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: Andy - You bring up some good points, and I will be watching for the input from the assembled brain trust. One issue I have with the KAT500 is that it only goes down to 160 meters. My previous tuner would handle much lower frequencies, allowing me to work 630 meters. No such luck with the KAT500. If there is a workaround, I'd like to hear what it is. Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not legal. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 11:10 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur band closest to the out of band operating frequency? 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rick.n...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Band transition frequencies for K3, KAT500, KPA1500 are: 1500 <= BAND160 < 3000 kHz 3000 <= BAND80 < 4800 4800 <= BAND60 < 6000 6000 <= BAND40 < 9000 9000 <= BAND30 < 13000 13000 <= BAND20 < 17000 17000 <= BAND17 < 19000 19000 <= BAND15 < 23000 23000 <= BAND12 < 26000 26000 <= BAND10 < 38000 38000 <= BAND6 < 54200 KX2, KX3, and KXPA100 use a 4500 kHz transition frequency between BAND80 and BAND60. 73 de Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Andy Durbin Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2020 09:10 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur band closest to the out of band operating frequency? 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
"I didn’t say “set the operating frequency.” I said “tuning it.” I have complete manual control over L, C, and C side without transmitting. I can, therefore, set a tuning solution for any frequency bin within the KAT500 frequency range without transmitting. I can also recall a stored tuning solution for any frequency without transmitting. I think both would qualify as "tuning it". What would be true is that AutoTune cannot be performed without transmitting. What I actually wanted to do this morning was listen to WWV on 5 MHz and I wanted to use my 40 m dipole. That antenna was not selectable. I later found it could be selected if I changed the 60 m enabled antennas to include the 40 m dipole. 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Andy I didnt say set the operating frequency. I said tuning it. 73 Lyn, WØLEN From: Andy Durbin [mailto:a.dur...@msn.com] Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 1:22 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; l...@lnainc.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection "Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not legal." No that's not true. The KAT500 can be set to any frequency within its operating range by sending it the frequency on the serial bus using either the "F" word or the "FA" word. See the "KAT500 Serial Command Reference" for more detail. No transmission is required to set the operating frequency of a KAT500. 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Bob - If you are addressing me, I am afraid that you are misinterpreting my remarks. I bought the unit knowing full well what the tradeoffs were. The capabilities it has more than offset that deficiency. I just wish it also covered 630, but apparently "shame on me" for even suggesting there might be a feature or two that could be beneficially added. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 1:27 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection For gosh sake, there are published specifications for the KAT500. Page 2 of the manual. If you are trying to use it outside of the published specification then you are accepting the role of a very under paid design engineer.Talk to your boss about a pay raise but don't blame it on Elecraft or the KAT500. If it doesn't do what you need and your needs are outside of the specifications, then one needs to ask "why did I purchase this item?". The fact it does not cover 630 meters is understandable and is not a fault of Elecraft or the KAT500. The frequency range covered, per the specs, is 1.8 to 54 MHz, continuous. I have no sympathy, patience or understanding as to why someone wants to use an item outside of the design specifications. It just makes no sense at all. I often say if one wants to know where the issue lies, go look in the mirror. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 3/7/2020 1:09 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > Andy - > > You bring up some good points, and I will be watching for the input from the > assembled brain trust. > > One issue I have with the KAT500 is that it only goes down to 160 meters. > My previous tuner would handle much lower frequencies, allowing me to work > 630 meters. No such luck with the KAT500. If there is a workaround, I'd > like to hear what it is. > > Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you > transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not > legal. > > 73 > Lyn, WØLEN > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin > Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 11:10 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection > > The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning > solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the > antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. > > Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur > band closest to the out of band operating frequency? > > 73, > Andy, k3wyc > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.net > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
For gosh sake, there are published specifications for the KAT500. Page 2 of the manual. If you are trying to use it outside of the published specification then you are accepting the role of a very under paid design engineer. Talk to your boss about a pay raise but don't blame it on Elecraft or the KAT500. If it doesn't do what you need and your needs are outside of the specifications, then one needs to ask "why did I purchase this item?". The fact it does not cover 630 meters is understandable and is not a fault of Elecraft or the KAT500. The frequency range covered, per the specs, is 1.8 to 54 MHz, continuous. I have no sympathy, patience or understanding as to why someone wants to use an item outside of the design specifications. It just makes no sense at all. I often say if one wants to know where the issue lies, go look in the mirror. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 3/7/2020 1:09 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: Andy - You bring up some good points, and I will be watching for the input from the assembled brain trust. One issue I have with the KAT500 is that it only goes down to 160 meters. My previous tuner would handle much lower frequencies, allowing me to work 630 meters. No such luck with the KAT500. If there is a workaround, I'd like to hear what it is. Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not legal. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 11:10 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur band closest to the out of band operating frequency? 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
"Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not legal." No that's not true. The KAT500 can be set to any frequency within its operating range by sending it the frequency on the serial bus using either the "F" word or the "FA" word. See the "KAT500 Serial Command Reference" for more detail. No transmission is required to set the operating frequency of a KAT500. 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Andy - You bring up some good points, and I will be watching for the input from the assembled brain trust. One issue I have with the KAT500 is that it only goes down to 160 meters. My previous tuner would handle much lower frequencies, allowing me to work 630 meters. No such luck with the KAT500. If there is a workaround, I'd like to hear what it is. Also keep in mind that tuning it on "off band" frequencies requires that you transmit a signal of at least a minimal value ... which is technically not legal. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2020 11:10 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur band closest to the out of band operating frequency? 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
The KAT500 has continuous frequency coverage for saving and selecting tuning solutions and is not constrained to amateur band limits. However, the antenna selection can only be defined for the amateur bands. Does the KAT500 simply use the antenna selection defined for the amateur band closest to the out of band operating frequency? 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Confirmed as a firmware defect by Elecraft. I don't understand how this has gone unnoticed for so long. Doesn't anyone else use bypass mode? 73, Andy k3wyc From: ANDY DURBIN Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 11:02 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: KAT500 antenna selection I've experimented more with the available selections but I still don't see why my KAT500 does what is does. Here is a specific example of a case that I don't understand: My configuration for 40 is Enabled 2 and 3. Preferred 2 My configuration for 20 is Enabled 1 and 3. Preferred 1 I select Auto and TX on 40 - Ant 2 is selected automatically and only 2 and 3 are manually selectable (all as expected) I select Ant 2 and then select Bypass I TX on 20 - Ant 2 remains selected and high SWR is shown I attempt to manually select Ant 1 but only 2 and 3 are selectable I select Auto and Ant 1 is auto selected. Now Ant 1 and Ant 3 are manually selectable. When in Bypass, either the Antenna selection should not be inhibited by the selection table, or it should be forced to match the selection table. What I see is that is forced to mismatch what's in the selection table. Would someone at Elecraft please try to duplicate this test sequence and explain why it should work this way. (I don't have a K3 and there is no frequency input to the KAT500 except for RF). Thanks and 73, Andy k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Tap the button left if the Ant LEDs to cycle thru the antennas. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Jul 3, 2018, at 11:52 AM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > I have a new KAT500 and am learning how to use it. I have set up the antenna > switching table in the expectation that the table will be followed when I'm > in Automatic mode. However, I find that the antenna switching table is also > in effect when I'm in Manual mode. I cannot manually select the antenna I > wish to connect because my Manual selection is overridden by the table > selection appropriate for the last transmitted frequency. > > > Why doesn't Manual mode give me full manual control? Why can't I select the > antenna I want to receive on without transmitting first? Am I doing > something wrong or is this an intentional limitation of the firmware design. > > > Thanks and 73, > > Andy k3wyc > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
I've experimented more with the available selections but I still don't see why my KAT500 does what is does. Here is a specific example of a case that I don't understand: My configuration for 40 is Enabled 2 and 3. Preferred 2 My configuration for 20 is Enabled 1 and 3. Preferred 1 I select Auto and TX on 40 - Ant 2 is selected automatically and only 2 and 3 are manually selectable (all as expected) I select Ant 2 and then select Bypass I TX on 20 - Ant 2 remains selected and high SWR is shown I attempt to manually select Ant 1 but only 2 and 3 are selectable I select Auto and Ant 1 is auto selected. Now Ant 1 and Ant 3 are manually selectable. When in Bypass, either the Antenna selection should not be inhibited by the selection table, or it should be forced to match the selection table. What I see is that is forced to mismatch what's in the selection table. Would someone at Elecraft please try to duplicate this test sequence and explain why it should work this way. (I don't have a K3 and there is no frequency input to the KAT500 except for RF). Thanks and 73, Andy k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Correct antenna selection is controlled by setting up the tuner using the utility program. Each band can select up to three antennas to use. One of the options is 'Last Used'. That may apply to your station. Antenna selection cannot be determined without using the utility. If your antennas are multiband, the tuner can be taught which antenna on which band(s). If the tuner is not programmed for a specific antenna on a given band, you cannot override it from the front panel, this is logical and protects from accidental choices. Once you have the selection correctly set (SAVE) you can 'teach' the tuner on each antenna on each band segment, per the manual. It will remember (use save in the utility). The time you take to correctly program the tuner saves you hours of grief later. It's time WELL spent. Then leave the tuner set in manual mode so it doesn't attempt retuning if something occurs during use (a branch brushing a wire, an unfortunate bird action). I DO suggest that you (after complete setup) at least glance over to the SWR LED display during operation to ensure things are as you expect, even after some time of successful use. 73, Rick wa6nhc On 7/3/2018 9:39 AM, Dennis Moore wrote: Manual/Automatic is not used for overriding antenna selection, it turns on or off the automatic initiation of a tune cycle when high SWR is detected for the antenna that is currently selected. Many users will tune each of their antennas on separate bands using automatic then switch it to manual so that it doesn't attempt to retune that antenna again. 73, Dennis NJ6G On 7/3/2018 08:52, ANDY DURBIN wrote: I have a new KAT500 and am learning how to use it. I have set up the antenna switching table in the expectation that the table will be followed when I'm in Automatic mode. However, I find that the antenna switching table is also in effect when I'm in Manual mode. I cannot manually select the antenna I wish to connect because my Manual selection is overridden by the table selection appropriate for the last transmitted frequency. Why doesn't Manual mode give me full manual control? Why can't I select the antenna I want to receive on without transmitting first? Am I doing something wrong or is this an intentional limitation of the firmware design. Thanks and 73, Andy k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to den...@mail4life.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to wa6...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
Manual/Automatic is not used for overriding antenna selection, it turns on or off the automatic initiation of a tune cycle when high SWR is detected for the antenna that is currently selected. Many users will tune each of their antennas on separate bands using automatic then switch it to manual so that it doesn't attempt to retune that antenna again. 73, Dennis NJ6G On 7/3/2018 08:52, ANDY DURBIN wrote: I have a new KAT500 and am learning how to use it. I have set up the antenna switching table in the expectation that the table will be followed when I'm in Automatic mode. However, I find that the antenna switching table is also in effect when I'm in Manual mode. I cannot manually select the antenna I wish to connect because my Manual selection is overridden by the table selection appropriate for the last transmitted frequency. Why doesn't Manual mode give me full manual control? Why can't I select the antenna I want to receive on without transmitting first? Am I doing something wrong or is this an intentional limitation of the firmware design. Thanks and 73, Andy k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to den...@mail4life.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection
I have a new KAT500 and am learning how to use it. I have set up the antenna switching table in the expectation that the table will be followed when I'm in Automatic mode. However, I find that the antenna switching table is also in effect when I'm in Manual mode. I cannot manually select the antenna I wish to connect because my Manual selection is overridden by the table selection appropriate for the last transmitted frequency. Why doesn't Manual mode give me full manual control? Why can't I select the antenna I want to receive on without transmitting first? Am I doing something wrong or is this an intentional limitation of the firmware design. Thanks and 73, Andy k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
I notice the KAT500 has three antenna ports. Is it programmable to auto-select the port from band data? 73 jim ab3cv __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
As per information given by Elecraft and the field testers: YES. 73, Olli - DH8BQA - Original Message - From: Jim Miller j...@jtmiller.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:53 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection? I notice the KAT500 has three antenna ports. Is it programmable to auto-select the port from band data? 73 jim ab3cv __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - E-Mail ist virenfrei. Von AVG uberpruft - www.avg.de Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virendatenbank: 2441/5321 - Ausgabedatum: 09.10.2012 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
On 10/10/2012 5:53 AM, Jim Miller wrote: I notice the KAT500 has three antenna ports. Is it programmable to auto-select the port from band data? Yes. And it doesn't even NEED band data -- like the KPA500, it auto-detects the transmiitted frequency, recalls settings for that frequency, and switches between antennas if it has been programmed to do so. I've been beta-testing one for about a month. The only connections between my K3, KPA500, and KAT500 are coax and PTT, and they work together flawlessly. When I do contesting, I use the K3 and KAT500 with my 30 year old Ten Tec Titan tube amp at legal limit power. Works fine that way too. A band data connection allows the KAT500 to switch when you change bands on the K3, before you transmit. That saves a few hundred msec. So far, I've not seen the need for it. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
A band data connection allows the KAT500 to switch when you change bands on the K3, before you transmit. That saves a few hundred msec. So far, I've not seen the need for it. A band data connection allows the KAT500 to switch *before* RF is applied rather than hot switching *after* RF begins. I would be very concerned about the service life of the relays when using RF switching at high power - particularly in a constant power mode like RTTY. Most relays have significantly higher carry ratings than switch ratings and will not survive repeated switching at full power. While the KAT500 may be fast enough to switch during the ramp up time at the start of a transmission, that is still pushing the envelope - particularly if one is using it with a legal limit amplifier. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/10/2012 10:41 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On 10/10/2012 5:53 AM, Jim Miller wrote: I notice the KAT500 has three antenna ports. Is it programmable to auto-select the port from band data? Yes. And it doesn't even NEED band data -- like the KPA500, it auto-detects the transmiitted frequency, recalls settings for that frequency, and switches between antennas if it has been programmed to do so. I've been beta-testing one for about a month. The only connections between my K3, KPA500, and KAT500 are coax and PTT, and they work together flawlessly. When I do contesting, I use the K3 and KAT500 with my 30 year old Ten Tec Titan tube amp at legal limit power. Works fine that way too. A band data connection allows the KAT500 to switch when you change bands on the K3, before you transmit. That saves a few hundred msec. So far, I've not seen the need for it. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
On 10/10/2012 7:59 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Most relays have significantly higher carry ratings than switch ratings and will not survive repeated switching at full power. While the KAT500 may be fast enough to switch during the ramp up time at the start of a transmission, that is still pushing the envelope - particularly if one is using it with a legal limit amplifier. This is prevented by the requirement that PTT be looped through the KAT500. When the KAT500 is tuning (or switching), PTT to the amp is interrupted. The only condition under which this does not work well is with an amp like the Titan, whose 30 year old logic won't allow interrupting PTT to stop TX because that would hot-switch the T/R relay. When using that amp, I transmit a dit or two (or tap the mic) to let the KAT detect frequency so that it can switch bands before I transmit for real. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
This is prevented by the requirement that PTT be looped through the KAT500. When the KAT500 is tuning (or switching), PTT to the amp is interrupted. This only moves the hot switching from the KAT500 to the amplifier. Whilst the KPA500 can handle hot switching due to its PIN diode T/R system (we won't talk about the clicks that result) other amplifiers - particularly those with vacuum relays on the output - will certainly suffer a catastrophic failure (damaged relays and/or flashover due to the transient no load condition) if asked to hot switch on a regular basis. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/10/2012 11:33 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On 10/10/2012 7:59 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Most relays have significantly higher carry ratings than switch ratings and will not survive repeated switching at full power. While the KAT500 may be fast enough to switch during the ramp up time at the start of a transmission, that is still pushing the envelope - particularly if one is using it with a legal limit amplifier. This is prevented by the requirement that PTT be looped through the KAT500. When the KAT500 is tuning (or switching), PTT to the amp is interrupted. The only condition under which this does not work well is with an amp like the Titan, whose 30 year old logic won't allow interrupting PTT to stop TX because that would hot-switch the T/R relay. When using that amp, I transmit a dit or two (or tap the mic) to let the KAT detect frequency so that it can switch bands before I transmit for real. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
*Ollie, Correct. I might add the advantage of using AUXBUS on the KAT500 (for me at least) is on receive, changing bands to 'check' another band, there is no need to Tx a DAH to effect a change from say ANT1 to ANT2 if that is the antenna assigned to that band. Without AUXBUS connected one has to TX some RF to cause an antenna change. Convenience! (but as noted by Jim, not essential) YMMV * On 10 October 2012 22:58, Oliver Dröse dro...@necg.de wrote: As per information given by Elecraft and the field testers: YES. 73, Olli - DH8BQA - Original Message - From: Jim Miller j...@jtmiller.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:53 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection? I notice the KAT500 has three antenna ports. Is it programmable to auto-select the port from band data? 73 jim ab3cv __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - E-Mail ist virenfrei. Von AVG uberpruft - www.avg.de Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virendatenbank: 2441/5321 - Ausgabedatum: 09.10.2012 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- *Gary* *Start the day off slow, then taper off.* K3 #679 KPA500FT #18 KAT500FT 007 P3 #1629 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
On 10/10/2012 12:15 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: This only moves the hot switching from the KAT500 to the amplifier. Not if the operator isn't stupid. A smart operator will do as I have described -- a short burst of RF to let the KAT determine operating frequency and recall settings. And with an amp like the Titan, simply put it in standby to let the KAT tune if needed. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
Not if the operator isn't stupid. ... or tired, not thinking clearly, in a hurry to work a new one, changing the SO2R radio while concentrating on the run rig, or in a hurry to work a multiplier on a new band, etc. It only takes one time to forget to tune the KAT500 - or have something happen to a normally well behaved antenna - for the KAT500 delay RTTY to a legal limit amp by 1/4 second so the vacuum relay switches at full power and end up with heap of trouble. I'm not saying the RF switching/tuning isn't fine in its place but I would certainly want to minimize the chances of a failure by using the band data. If it were my design, the pass through PTT would not activate until the input PTT had cycled - that is if the KAT500 had to take the amplifier off line to retune, the PTT would not activate until the input PTT had cleared and been asserted again. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/10/2012 4:56 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 10/10/2012 12:15 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: This only moves the hot switching from the KAT500 to the amplifier. Not if the operator isn't stupid. A smart operator will do as I have described -- a short burst of RF to let the KAT determine operating frequency and recall settings. And with an amp like the Titan, simply put it in standby to let the KAT tune if needed. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection?
In my opinion, antenna switching should either fully automatic or fully manual. I've had both, plus a mix. I've never had a problem when it fully one way or the other. But for various reasons as stated in Joe's, it created problems, popped diodes, what have you. The K3/KAT500/KPA500 can work either way. DON'T mix the methods!! You'll surely be saying OOPS(Or worst) sometime in the future. That OOPS can be expensive!!! Larry/K2GN - http://k2gn.com -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 5:14 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna Selection? Not if the operator isn't stupid. ... or tired, not thinking clearly, in a hurry to work a new one, changing the SO2R radio while concentrating on the run rig, or in a hurry to work a multiplier on a new band, etc. It only takes one time to forget to tune the KAT500 - or have something happen to a normally well behaved antenna - for the KAT500 delay RTTY to a legal limit amp by 1/4 second so the vacuum relay switches at full power and end up with heap of trouble. I'm not saying the RF switching/tuning isn't fine in its place but I would certainly want to minimize the chances of a failure by using the band data. If it were my design, the pass through PTT would not activate until the input PTT had cycled - that is if the KAT500 had to take the amplifier off line to retune, the PTT would not activate until the input PTT had cleared and been asserted again. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/10/2012 4:56 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 10/10/2012 12:15 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: This only moves the hot switching from the KAT500 to the amplifier. Not if the operator isn't stupid. A smart operator will do as I have described -- a short burst of RF to let the KAT determine operating frequency and recall settings. And with an amp like the Titan, simply put it in standby to let the KAT tune if needed. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
