Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU question

[Jorge Diez - CX6VM]

Hi

I tried to train the ATU for 6 mts.

50.090, I do ATU Tune and after it finished show me a SWR 1.5:1
I change to ATU BYP and SWR is 1:1

So seems something is wrong with the KPA1500 tuner?

73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W

El mar, 13 sept 2022 a las 15:29, Dick Dievendorff ()
escribió:

> What I do is leave the ATU function ON for all bands.  If my 6 meter SWR
> is “really good”, the ATU tune operation (done once in a “training
> session”) discovers this and selects ATU bypassed as the preferred ATU
> setting. Both ATU LEDs are illuminated, indicating that the ATU function is
> enabled, but the current ATU a setting is bypassed.
>
> Some of my HF antennas have good SWR at one end of the band but need more
> ATU assistance at other frequencies.  I don’t turn the ATU on and off, my
> ATU relay settings are “bypassed” on some frequencies.
>
> You can choose the “really good” SWR threshold, by band, in a menu or the
> KPA1500 Utility.  I think it defaults to 1.2 to 1.
>
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>
> > On Sep 13, 2022, at 10:14, Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
> wrote:
> >
> > hello
> >
> > How can I use the KPA1500 to remember what bands need ATU IN and what
> bands
> > need ATU BYP?
> >
> > I have ATU IN on HF bands, but when I change to 6 mts I need that KPA1500
> > change to ATU BYP
> >
> > Is this possible?
> >
> > thanks!
> > --
> > 73,
> > Jorge
> > CX6VM/CW5W
> > __
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> > Message delivered to d...@elecraft.com
>


-- 
73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU question

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

IMO, the really critical thing to do is to follow the table in the 
manual and "train" the ATU at the recommended intervals on each band.  
Once you have done this it effectively becomes a 1500-watt transceiver 
(unless, of course, you have more than two antennas per band).


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 9/13/2022 3:03 PM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:

thanks all very much for the tips

73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W

El mar, 13 sept 2022 a las 15:29, Dick Dievendorff ()
escribió:


What I do is leave the ATU function ON for all bands.  If my 6 meter SWR
is “really good”, the ATU tune operation (done once in a “training
session”) discovers this and selects ATU bypassed as the preferred ATU
setting. Both ATU LEDs are illuminated, indicating that the ATU function is
enabled, but the current ATU a setting is bypassed.

Some of my HF antennas have good SWR at one end of the band but need more
ATU assistance at other frequencies.  I don’t turn the ATU on and off, my
ATU relay settings are “bypassed” on some frequencies.

You can choose the “really good” SWR threshold, by band, in a menu or the
KPA1500 Utility.  I think it defaults to 1.2 to 1.

73 de Dick, K6KR


On Sep 13, 2022, at 10:14, Jorge Diez - CX6VM

wrote:

hello

How can I use the KPA1500 to remember what bands need ATU IN and what

bands

need ATU BYP?

I have ATU IN on HF bands, but when I change to 6 mts I need that KPA1500
change to ATU BYP

Is this possible?

thanks!
--
73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU question

[Jorge Diez - CX6VM]

thanks all very much for the tips

73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W

El mar, 13 sept 2022 a las 15:29, Dick Dievendorff ()
escribió:

> What I do is leave the ATU function ON for all bands.  If my 6 meter SWR
> is “really good”, the ATU tune operation (done once in a “training
> session”) discovers this and selects ATU bypassed as the preferred ATU
> setting. Both ATU LEDs are illuminated, indicating that the ATU function is
> enabled, but the current ATU a setting is bypassed.
>
> Some of my HF antennas have good SWR at one end of the band but need more
> ATU assistance at other frequencies.  I don’t turn the ATU on and off, my
> ATU relay settings are “bypassed” on some frequencies.
>
> You can choose the “really good” SWR threshold, by band, in a menu or the
> KPA1500 Utility.  I think it defaults to 1.2 to 1.
>
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>
> > On Sep 13, 2022, at 10:14, Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
> wrote:
> >
> > hello
> >
> > How can I use the KPA1500 to remember what bands need ATU IN and what
> bands
> > need ATU BYP?
> >
> > I have ATU IN on HF bands, but when I change to 6 mts I need that KPA1500
> > change to ATU BYP
> >
> > Is this possible?
> >
> > thanks!
> > --
> > 73,
> > Jorge
> > CX6VM/CW5W
> > __
> > 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
>


-- 
73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU question

[Dick Dievendorff]

What I do is leave the ATU function ON for all bands.  If my 6 meter SWR is 
“really good”, the ATU tune operation (done once in a “training session”) 
discovers this and selects ATU bypassed as the preferred ATU setting. Both ATU 
LEDs are illuminated, indicating that the ATU function is enabled, but the 
current ATU a setting is bypassed.  

Some of my HF antennas have good SWR at one end of the band but need more ATU 
assistance at other frequencies.  I don’t turn the ATU on and off, my ATU relay 
settings are “bypassed” on some frequencies.

You can choose the “really good” SWR threshold, by band, in a menu or the 
KPA1500 Utility.  I think it defaults to 1.2 to 1.

73 de Dick, K6KR

> On Sep 13, 2022, at 10:14, Jorge Diez - CX6VM  wrote:
> 
> hello
> 
> How can I use the KPA1500 to remember what bands need ATU IN and what bands
> need ATU BYP?
> 
> I have ATU IN on HF bands, but when I change to 6 mts I need that KPA1500
> change to ATU BYP
> 
> Is this possible?
> 
> thanks!
> -- 
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU question

[Tim Tucker]

The easiest way is to set the defaults per band in the KPA1500 Utility.

Tim

On Tue, Sep 13, 2022 at 10:11 AM Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
wrote:

> hello
>
> How can I use the KPA1500 to remember what bands need ATU IN and what bands
> need ATU BYP?
>
> I have ATU IN on HF bands, but when I change to 6 mts I need that KPA1500
> change to ATU BYP
>
> Is this possible?
>
> thanks!
> --
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
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>


-- 
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AE6LX, Amateur Radio
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU band/bin operation

[Gary Slagel via Elecraft]

Thanks for the good explanation Dick.  It got by me that the bins are storing 
the ant port# along with the tuner settings.  That should work well having 2 
antennas on every band if needed.  Adding a 3rd might be cumbersome but more 
then I need for now anyway... I'll think about that later.
Thanks for all 3 of your comments good food for thought.

Gary SlagelKT0A
  

On Sunday, November 15, 2020, 10:20:04 AM MST, Dick Dievendorff 
 wrote:  
 
 Gary:

If the Xcvr provides freq info (a K3 menu enable is required), the KPA1500 
selects new ATU settings as the K3 Tx VFO changes (a bit after VFO motion 
ceases), without waiting for a transmission.  The KPA1500 chooses the most 
recently stored ATU setting in the new “bin”.  On transmission, if SWR exceeds 
a threshold, and a KPA1500 config choice for HiSWR retune is enabled, other ATU 
settings in the bin are evaluated. This requires a bit of RF. Once the best ATU 
setting is found, the bin is reordered and stored, so when you return to this 
frequency, the most recent setting is tried first.

If you mostly use your three antennas on the obvious bands, there should be one 
or two ATU settings per bin.  If you train your 80 meter dipole on 20 and your 
40 meter beam on 15, there may be more ATU settings per bin.  I’d consider 
putting the HyTower on the second ant port so that it can be used on all bands 
without having to search thru settings for the “other” antenna.

If there are any ATU settings in the bin, only those settings will be tried, so 
tune in every bin if you have multiple antennas.

It takes on the the order of 20 milliseconds of stable RF per ATU setting, 
which has to do with relay settle delay and reevaluating SWR.  A CW dit at 30 
WPM is 40 mSec. ATU relays are changed after bypassing the PA momentarily, and 
that also takes a few mSec.  

73 de Dick, K6KR

> On Nov 15, 2020, at 08:51, Gary Slagel via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I'm thinking of replacing an old SPE amp with a KPA1500.
> I have 4 antennas: 10/15/20 yagi, 40M yagi, 80/160 dipole and an all band 
> hytower vertical so will probably have 3 switched antennas to one antenna 
> port on the KPA1500 and 1 antenna to the 2nd antenna port.
> After 'training' on all freq/antenna combinations I'll tend to have 2 or 3 
> settings for each freq/bin.  When I tune from one frequency to the next and 
> one bin to the next bin, the tuner will have to select one of the 2 or 3 
> settings for the bin.  Does it wait until I transmit (a dit with the key) to 
> select the new setting or will it track with the k3 and make changes as I 
> move from freq to freq.  Will I notice the tuner trying each setting (lights 
> flashing, relay noise) until it finds the correct setting? 
> My older SPE has a similar freq/bin concept but has 4 antenna ports and 1 set 
> of band/bins per antenna port.  This allows it to know exactly setting to use 
> which is nice.  But... maybe not as durable as the KPA1500.
> Thanks for any advice.
> Gary SlagelKT0A
>  
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU band/bin operation

[Dick Dievendorff]

Gary:

If the Xcvr provides freq info (a K3 menu enable is required), the KPA1500 
selects new ATU settings as the K3 Tx VFO changes (a bit after VFO motion 
ceases), without waiting for a transmission.  The KPA1500 chooses the most 
recently stored ATU setting in the new “bin”.  On transmission, if SWR exceeds 
a threshold, and a KPA1500 config choice for HiSWR retune is enabled, other ATU 
settings in the bin are evaluated. This requires a bit of RF. Once the best ATU 
setting is found, the bin is reordered and stored, so when you return to this 
frequency, the most recent setting is tried first.

If you mostly use your three antennas on the obvious bands, there should be one 
or two ATU settings per bin.  If you train your 80 meter dipole on 20 and your 
40 meter beam on 15, there may be more ATU settings per bin.   I’d consider 
putting the HyTower on the second ant port so that it can be used on all bands 
without having to search thru settings for the “other” antenna.

If there are any ATU settings in the bin, only those settings will be tried, so 
tune in every bin if you have multiple antennas.

It takes on the the order of 20 milliseconds of stable RF per ATU setting, 
which has to do with relay settle delay and reevaluating SWR.  A CW dit at 30 
WPM is 40 mSec. ATU relays are changed after bypassing the PA momentarily, and 
that also takes a few mSec.  

73 de Dick, K6KR

> On Nov 15, 2020, at 08:51, Gary Slagel via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I'm thinking of replacing an old SPE amp with a KPA1500.
> I have 4 antennas: 10/15/20 yagi, 40M yagi, 80/160 dipole and an all band 
> hytower vertical so will probably have 3 switched antennas to one antenna 
> port on the KPA1500 and 1 antenna to the 2nd antenna port.
> After 'training' on all freq/antenna combinations I'll tend to have 2 or 3 
> settings for each freq/bin.   When I tune from one frequency to the next and 
> one bin to the next bin, the tuner will have to select one of the 2 or 3 
> settings for the bin.  Does it wait until I transmit (a dit with the key) to 
> select the new setting or will it track with the k3 and make changes as I 
> move from freq to freq.   Will I notice the tuner trying each setting (lights 
> flashing, relay noise) until it finds the correct setting? 
> My older SPE has a similar freq/bin concept but has 4 antenna ports and 1 set 
> of band/bins per antenna port.   This allows it to know exactly setting to 
> use which is nice.   But... maybe not as durable as the KPA1500.
> Thanks for any advice.
> Gary SlagelKT0A
>  
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU Memories

[Dave]

As Dick pointed out, use the utility program to set which bands to use the 
tuner and which to bypass. I only use the tuner on 80 and after going up the 
band and letting the tuner find a solution every 20 kHz it works great. 

Dave wo2x

Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. 

> On Sep 9, 2019, at 1:01 PM, Dick Dievendorff  wrote:
> 
> See "ATU Mode switch" in the KPA1500 Utility "Edit Configuration" dialog and
> in KPA1500 Utility Help for the Edit Configuration tab.
> 
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
> Behalf Of Ray Spreadbury via Elecraft
> Sent: Monday, September 9, 2019 09:23
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU Memories
> 
> In my station  I have a SteppIR yagi for 20M - 6M, a rotatable Optibeam
> dipole for 30M & 40M and a wire dipole for 80m &160M. The SteppIR & Optibeam
> are both resonant antennas & I use the KPA1500 in ATU Bypass. 
> 
> However I need the  ATU for the 80M wire dipole when moving from the CW end
> to the SSB end of the band or for using the dipole on 160M. 
> 
> A single output coax runs from the amplifier to an auto antenna switch
> (using BCD codes) at the base of the mast.
> 
> The KPA1500 does not seem to remember which bands the ATU is in Bypass mode
> & which bands are in ATU Tune mode. 
> 
> If I forget to change the ATU setting in the heat of a Contest, the amp
> switches into Standby with the Hard fault condition.
> 
> Can the KPA1500 ATU be made to remember whether the ATU is in Bypass or In
> by band or have I just got to be more careful?
> 
> 73 Ray G3XLG
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU Memories

[Dick Dievendorff]

See "ATU Mode switch" in the KPA1500 Utility "Edit Configuration" dialog and
in KPA1500 Utility Help for the Edit Configuration tab.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Ray Spreadbury via Elecraft
Sent: Monday, September 9, 2019 09:23
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU Memories

In my station  I have a SteppIR yagi for 20M - 6M, a rotatable Optibeam
dipole for 30M & 40M and a wire dipole for 80m &160M. The SteppIR & Optibeam
are both resonant antennas & I use the KPA1500 in ATU Bypass. 

However I need the  ATU for the 80M wire dipole when moving from the CW end
to the SSB end of the band or for using the dipole on 160M. 

A single output coax runs from the amplifier to an auto antenna switch
(using BCD codes) at the base of the mast.

The KPA1500 does not seem to remember which bands the ATU is in Bypass mode
& which bands are in ATU Tune mode. 

If I forget to change the ATU setting in the heat of a Contest, the amp
switches into Standby with the Hard fault condition.

Can the KPA1500 ATU be made to remember whether the ATU is in Bypass or In
by band or have I just got to be more careful?

73 Ray G3XLG

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU

[N4ZR]

I'm seeing a similar phenomenon, Scott, but figured I'm too much of a 
newbie with the amp to question it.


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at , now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 2/6/2019 10:49 AM, K9MA wrote:
Ever since I received my KPA1500 (SN 00178), I've observed that the 
ATU sometimes won't achieve a match better than about 1.4:1, even 
though the antenna SWR is well within range. (ATU STOP TUN SWR = 
1.0:1, tune power 40 W) Now, 1.4:1 doesn't sound that high, but the 
amplifier will often not operate at full output at that SWR, either 
due to excessive current or drive power. This is particularly 
troublesome when tuning across a band. Clearly, the KPA1500 is 
designed to deliver 1500 W to a 50 Ohm load, with little margin for a 
mismatch. More margin would have increased cost, size, and weight, of 
course.


Just to be sure there isn't something unique wrong with my KPA1500, 
have others observed similar behavior?


A little ice on the antenna this morning provided an opportunity for a 
test. On 40 meters, the antenna SWR was 2.2:1. The best match the 
KPA1500 ATU could attain automatically was 1.4:1, in multiple 
attempts. I was able to manually get it down to 1.1:1. (SWR as 
indicated by the KPA1500 display.) It was a little tricky, requiring 
one value to be increased beyond the SWR minimum before the other was 
adjusted, as often happens with manual tuners. With the KPA1500 ATU 
bypassed, the K3 ATU automatically got it down to 1:1 on the first try.


My conclusion is that there's something about the KPA1500 ATU 
algorithm that prevents it from achieving a better match, in some 
cases. (I'm assuming that, aside from their power ratings, the 
components in the KPA1500 ATU and the K3 ATU are similar.)  I'm 
wondering if the KPA1500 ATU algorithm could be improved to perform 
more like that of the K3 ATU. That would allow operating the KPA1500 
closer to full power across a band without having to ride the power 
control.


Further details of ATU component values, etc. are available.

73,

Scott K9MA



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU

[K9MA]

Hi Ken,

At the frequency of interest, the KPA1500 ATU goes right to bypass mode 
with a dummy load.


73,
Scott K9MA



On 2/6/2019 10:06, wa2...@gmail.com wrote:

Scott,

Did you try testing with a 50 ohm dummy load instead of an antenna?  
How goes it react?



/Ken /
/WA2LBI /
/LG G6 /
/
/

-- Original message--
*From: *K9MA
*Date: *Wed, Feb 6, 2019 10:50
*To: *elecraft@mailman.qth.net ;
*Cc: *
*Subject:*[Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU

Ever since I received my KPA1500 (SN 00178), I've observed that the ATU
sometimes won't achieve a match better than about 1.4:1, even though the
antenna SWR is well within range. (ATU STOP TUN SWR = 1.0:1, tune power
40 W) Now, 1.4:1 doesn't sound that high, but the amplifier will often
not operate at full output at that SWR, either due to excessive current
or drive power. This is particularly troublesome when tuning across a
band. Clearly, the KPA1500 is designed to deliver 1500 W to a 50 Ohm
load, with little margin for a mismatch. More margin would have
increased cost, size, and weight, of course.

Just to be sure there isn't something unique wrong with my KPA1500, have
others observed similar behavior?

A little ice on the antenna this morning provided an opportunity for a
test. On 40 meters, the antenna SWR was 2.2:1. The best match the
KPA1500 ATU could attain automatically was 1.4:1, in multiple attempts.
I was able to manually get it down to 1.1:1. (SWR as indicated by the
KPA1500 display.) It was a little tricky, requiring one value to be
increased beyond the SWR minimum before the other was adjusted, as often
happens with manual tuners. With the KPA1500 ATU bypassed, the K3 ATU
automatically got it down to 1:1 on the first try.

My conclusion is that there's something about the KPA1500 ATU algorithm
that prevents it from achieving a better match, in some cases. (I'm
assuming that, aside from their power ratings, the components in the
KPA1500 ATU and the K3 ATU are similar.)  I'm wondering if the KPA1500
ATU algorithm could be improved to perform more like that of the K3 ATU.
That would allow operating the KPA1500 closer to full power across a
band without having to ride the power control.

Further details of ATU component values, etc. are available.

73,

Scott K9MA

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU

[wa2...@gmail.com]

Scott,
Did you try testing with a 50 ohm dummy load instead of an antenna?  How goes 
it react?

Ken WA2LBI LG G6 

-- Original message--From: K9MADate: Wed, Feb 6, 2019 10:50To: 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net;Cc: Subject:[Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU
Ever since I received my KPA1500 (SN 00178), I've observed that the ATU 
sometimes won't achieve a match better than about 1.4:1, even though the 
antenna SWR is well within range. (ATU STOP TUN SWR = 1.0:1, tune power 
40 W) Now, 1.4:1 doesn't sound that high, but the amplifier will often 
not operate at full output at that SWR, either due to excessive current 
or drive power. This is particularly troublesome when tuning across a 
band. Clearly, the KPA1500 is designed to deliver 1500 W to a 50 Ohm 
load, with little margin for a mismatch. More margin would have 
increased cost, size, and weight, of course.

Just to be sure there isn't something unique wrong with my KPA1500, have 
others observed similar behavior?

A little ice on the antenna this morning provided an opportunity for a 
test. On 40 meters, the antenna SWR was 2.2:1. The best match the 
KPA1500 ATU could attain automatically was 1.4:1, in multiple attempts. 
I was able to manually get it down to 1.1:1. (SWR as indicated by the 
KPA1500 display.) It was a little tricky, requiring one value to be 
increased beyond the SWR minimum before the other was adjusted, as often 
happens with manual tuners. With the KPA1500 ATU bypassed, the K3 ATU 
automatically got it down to 1:1 on the first try.

My conclusion is that there's something about the KPA1500 ATU algorithm 
that prevents it from achieving a better match, in some cases. (I'm 
assuming that, aside from their power ratings, the components in the 
KPA1500 ATU and the K3 ATU are similar.)  I'm wondering if the KPA1500 
ATU algorithm could be improved to perform more like that of the K3 ATU. 
That would allow operating the KPA1500 closer to full power across a 
band without having to ride the power control.

Further details of ATU component values, etc. are available.

73,

Scott K9MA

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU TUNE/MODE button Q.

[Dick Dievendorff]

If you HOLD the ATU TUNE button, you switch the ATU between IN and BYPASS.  
When you tap ATU tune, and provide some RF from the exciter, the ATU searches 
for a match.  If the SWR of the antenna is good enough without ATU reactances, 
the ATU discovers that the best tuning solution for that frequency is 
“bypassed”. And when that happens, both ATU LEDS are illuminated.  If you tune 
further up or down the band, and your antenna SWR is above 1.2, the ATU will 
insert reactances and if it does, the ATU BYP LED is not illuminated.

73 de Dick, K6KR

> On Jun 3, 2018, at 18:06, Bill Hassan  wrote:
> 
> I was noticing that when I hold the  ATU TUNE/ATU MODE button, the BYPASS
> led above it always stays on.
> The IN led will switch on and off as I hold the button a second time, but
> the bypass led will always remains on.
> I don't hear any relays latch.
> 
> This happens on all bands, except for 30m.
> 
> On 30m, holding in the button, releasing it and holding it again will turn
> on the IN led, and then the BYPASS led.
> I can hear the relays latch into place as it goes from in to bypass to in...
> 
> On all bands tapping the button will put the amp into tune mode. All normal
> there.
> 
> Something doesn't seem right with the ATU if the bypass and the in led are
> on at the same time.
> 
> Perhaps this could explain my other problems.
> 
> SN 209. Arrived 6/2, ordered late Oct.
> 
> Thoughts, ideas?
> 
> Bill, K1SM
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU

[K9MA]

I'll try that, but I suspect the delay in switching the ATU will 
persist.  I'd like the option to turn off that delay, so the beginning 
of my call isn't cut off.


73,
Scott K9MA

On 5/22/2018 07:13, Buck wrote:

After you've trained the ATU, switch it to manual mode

k4ia, Buck
K3# 101
Honor Roll  8B DXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com

On 5/21/2018 11:43 PM, K9MA wrote:
After "training" the ATU across part of the band and, I think, 
setting up the K3 so it should track, I notice some strange 
behavior.  As I tune to a different segment of the band, and stop, 
there's a delay or a second or so before the ATU relays switch. Other 
times, even though it's already been tuned to the new frequency, it 
doesn't switch until transmission starts which, of course, garbles 
the first character.  Am I doing something wrong, or have others 
notice this behavior?  I assumed that once the ATU has been tuned to 
each band segment, it would switch as soon as the K3 was tuned to a 
new segment (if necessary), so it would be ready to go when 
transmission starts.


73,

Scott K9MA


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU

[Buck]

After you've trained the ATU, switch it to manual mode

k4ia, Buck
K3# 101
Honor Roll  8B DXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com

On 5/21/2018 11:43 PM, K9MA wrote:
After "training" the ATU across part of the band and, I think, setting 
up the K3 so it should track, I notice some strange behavior.  As I tune 
to a different segment of the band, and stop, there's a delay or a 
second or so before the ATU relays switch. Other times, even though it's 
already been tuned to the new frequency, it doesn't switch until 
transmission starts which, of course, garbles the first character.  Am I 
doing something wrong, or have others notice this behavior?  I assumed 
that once the ATU has been tuned to each band segment, it would switch 
as soon as the K3 was tuned to a new segment (if necessary), so it would 
be ready to go when transmission starts.


73,

Scott K9MA


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually since key line interrupter is installed

[dick]

I’d encourage a stereo Y ¼” adapter. You don’t want to connect tip to ring at 
the KPA1500.

 

Something like this:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Y-Adapter-Single-Male-Female/dp/B00FE089DQ

 

I have some solid Y phone adapters, but they may not work as well when the K3 
front is lifted by its tilt stand.

 

Actually I’ve put my K3 on a shelf and now use a K-Pod near the keyboard so I’m 
not constantly twisting the VFO knob on the K3.

 

73 de Dick, K6KR

 

 

From: Don Butler <n...@comcast.net> 
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 21:40
To: d...@elecraft.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually 
since key line interrupter is installed

 

Tnx Dick …. Sounds like that will work … I’ll take a close look at it …. The 
big microHam cable assembly between MK2R+ and K3 is currently using the K3 
straight key jack but I should be able to make a Y adapter to run both lines in 
….

 

Don 

 

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986>  for Windows 10

 

From: d...@elecraft.com <mailto:d...@elecraft.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 7:02 PM
To: 'Don Butler' <mailto:n...@comcast.net> ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually 
since key line interrupter is installed

 

You might run a cable from the KPA1500 back panel TUNE connector to the K3 
straight key input.  The KPA1500 pulls the tip of the connector low when it 
needs to do an ATU tune (because you pressed the ATU TUNE button, or we're 
doing an "swr-initiated" tune.  I use a 3.5mm TRS plug to plug (the green kind 
from lots of computer sound cards), and a 3.5mm to 1/4" stereo adapter that 
plugs into the K3 straight key line.

 

I may have missed the thrust of your question, but this is how I cause my K3 to 
provide carrier for ATU tuning when needed.

 

73 de Dick, K6KR

 

 

 

 

-Original Message-

From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
<mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> > On Behalf Of Don Butler

Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 17:17

To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> 

Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually since 
key line interrupter is installed

 

I’m just getting to know my new KPA1500 and am having a ball doing so …. it is 
a gem!one minor problem:  I’m using the key line interrupter in the Aux 
cable since I am keying through a microHam MK2R+ (the K3S/KPA1500 is one of two 
radios connected through the MK2R+ ….. so the key line must now run from K3 to 
MK2R+ to KPA1500).   Without the direct keyline connection between K3 and amp I 
must manually key the K3 to initiate an ATU tune cycle  ….  I suspect that the 
same problem would exist if I were using a KPA500  …. How have KPA500 users 
been working around this?

 

Don, N5LZ

 

 

 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually since key line interrupter is installed

[Don Butler]

Tnx Dick …. Sounds like that will work … I’ll take a close look at it …. The 
big microHam cable assembly between MK2R+ and K3 is currently using the K3 
straight key jack but I should be able to make a Y adapter to run both lines in 
….

Don 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: d...@elecraft.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 7:02 PM
To: 'Don Butler'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually 
since key line interrupter is installed

You might run a cable from the KPA1500 back panel TUNE connector to the K3 
straight key input.  The KPA1500 pulls the tip of the connector low when it 
needs to do an ATU tune (because you pressed the ATU TUNE button, or we're 
doing an "swr-initiated" tune.  I use a 3.5mm TRS plug to plug (the green kind 
from lots of computer sound cards), and a 3.5mm to 1/4" stereo adapter that 
plugs into the K3 straight key line.

I may have missed the thrust of your question, but this is how I cause my K3 to 
provide carrier for ATU tuning when needed.

73 de Dick, K6KR




-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> On 
Behalf Of Don Butler
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 17:17
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually since 
key line interrupter is installed

I’m just getting to know my new KPA1500 and am having a ball doing so …. it is 
a gem!one minor problem:  I’m using the key line interrupter in the Aux 
cable since I am keying through a microHam MK2R+ (the K3S/KPA1500 is one of two 
radios connected through the MK2R+ ….. so the key line must now run from K3 to 
MK2R+ to KPA1500).   Without the direct keyline connection between K3 and amp I 
must manually key the K3 to initiate an ATU tune cycle  ….  I suspect that the 
same problem would exist if I were using a KPA500  …. How have KPA500 users 
been working around this?

Don, N5LZ



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually since key line interrupter is installed

[dick]

You might run a cable from the KPA1500 back panel TUNE connector to the K3 
straight key input.  The KPA1500 pulls the tip of the connector low when it 
needs to do an ATU tune (because you pressed the ATU TUNE button, or we're 
doing an "swr-initiated" tune.  I use a 3.5mm TRS plug to plug (the green kind 
from lots of computer sound cards), and a 3.5mm to 1/4" stereo adapter that 
plugs into the K3 straight key line.

I may have missed the thrust of your question, but this is how I cause my K3 to 
provide carrier for ATU tuning when needed.

73 de Dick, K6KR




-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Don Butler
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 17:17
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ... ATU tune cycle must be initiated manually since 
key line interrupter is installed

I’m just getting to know my new KPA1500 and am having a ball doing so …. it is 
a gem!one minor problem:  I’m using the key line interrupter in the Aux 
cable since I am keying through a microHam MK2R+ (the K3S/KPA1500 is one of two 
radios connected through the MK2R+ ….. so the key line must now run from K3 to 
MK2R+ to KPA1500).   Without the direct keyline connection between K3 and amp I 
must manually key the K3 to initiate an ATU tune cycle  ….  I suspect that the 
same problem would exist if I were using a KPA500  …. How have KPA500 users 
been working around this?

Don, N5LZ



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Dan AE9K]

Wayne,

Thanks for the response.  I waited to respond until the KPA1500 manual was
published to see if there were any PF1/PF2 functions out of the box.  What
I'd like to see first is much less fancy than interacting with external
relay-based antenna switching like you mentioned.  How about initially
providing a second set of ATU segment memories to allow a /manual/ external
switch?  The amp can't know or control which antenna is selected but it
would be very handy to have a PF function key the operator could use to
toggle between ATU segment set one and two, for example, when the manual
antenna switch position is changed.

I envision it like this:

ANT1
  \
  Manual Switch
 \--:  Antenna 1  (Manually select ATU logical segment set 1 with PF1
tap)
 \--:  Antenna 2  (Manually select ATU logical segment set 2 with PF1
hold)

ANT2
   \
   Manual Switch
  \--:  Antenna 3  (Manually select ATU logical segment set 1 with PF1
tap)
  \--:  Antenna 4  (Manually select ATU logical segment set 2 with PF1
hold)

Just a manual logical segment set change in support of manual external
antenna switching.

Is that do-able?  I imagine I'm not alone in the use of manual antenna
switches and needing to accommodate more than two antennas without the ATU
experiencing a high-SWR-triggered re-tune hunt each time an external switch
selects a different antenna.

Thanks,

Dan
AE9K




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[K9MA]

I considered buying the Expert 2K, but decided against it because there 
was no apparent way to tie the ATU into my antenna switch.  I'm not sure 
there is  or will be with the KPA1500, either, but it is much more 
attractive based on Elecraft's reputation.  Besides, I've since built an 
external tuner, which IS tied into my antenna switch, which matches both 
tribanders almost perfectly, so it won't even be necessary to use the 
ATU.  That was, however, a lot of work.


73,
Scott K9MA


On 1/27/2018 12:06, Ignacy wrote:

Microham Station Master listens to K3 traffic, decodes frequency and sets
switches as programmed. This is regardless whether the amp or computer are
on. Also very reliable unit. Can also be used for as rotator controller. I
cannot praise it enough.

I have Expert 2k-fa and it is  a love-hate relationships. On one hand, 2
input and 6 outputs with a reasonable antenna tuner. I switch bands and
antennas, and no extra work. On the other hand, it failed 4 times, the PS
supply creates RFI (fixed partially by a large toroid), and it is pretty
loud., requiring headsets all the time. Also, ability to control antennas
outside of front panel (or an unreliable app) is variable under Flex only
(DDUTIL).

Expert 1.3k-fa has RFI quiet PS and is very light. Its back fans are quiet
but the one insides is annoyingly loud - apparently fixed in newer models.
Also only 4 antenna outputs. But it was brilliant working with KX3 as
CE0Y/NO9E.

So I am looking for an Expert replacement -quiet both acoustically and RFI,
as automatic and with good CAT. Perhaps KPA1500-2 will be it.

Ignacy, NO9E

  




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Ignacy]

Microham Station Master listens to K3 traffic, decodes frequency and sets
switches as programmed. This is regardless whether the amp or computer are
on. Also very reliable unit. Can also be used for as rotator controller. I
cannot praise it enough. 

I have Expert 2k-fa and it is  a love-hate relationships. On one hand, 2
input and 6 outputs with a reasonable antenna tuner. I switch bands and
antennas, and no extra work. On the other hand, it failed 4 times, the PS
supply creates RFI (fixed partially by a large toroid), and it is pretty
loud., requiring headsets all the time. Also, ability to control antennas
outside of front panel (or an unreliable app) is variable under Flex only
(DDUTIL). 

Expert 1.3k-fa has RFI quiet PS and is very light. Its back fans are quiet
but the one insides is annoyingly loud - apparently fixed in newer models.
Also only 4 antenna outputs. But it was brilliant working with KX3 as
CE0Y/NO9E. 

So I am looking for an Expert replacement -quiet both acoustically and RFI,
as automatic and with good CAT. Perhaps KPA1500-2 will be it. 

Ignacy, NO9E

 



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[K9MA]

I designed my station controller over 20 years ago.  Since I'm a 
hardware designer, it's all hardware. I suppose, however, something like 
your Arduino could be programmed to read the antenna switch and send a 
serial command to the amplifier, though that seems a lot of trouble.


73,
Scott K9MA

On 1/27/2018 10:06, Bill Frantz wrote:
My switch uses an Arduino to read the band lines from the K3 and 
select the last antenna(s) used on that band. It the code could easily 
be modified to tell an antenna tuner -- in the K3, an amp, or separate 
-- which antenna system is in use. Manual switching is with a button 
for each antenna.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 1/27/18 at 11:31 PM, k...@sdellington.us (K9MA) wrote:

Another advantage of doing all the antenna switching external to the 
amplifier is it allows using a single coax, which can easily be 
disconnected when there's lightning about.


In my case, it minimizes the number of coax runs, which keeps my wife 
happy.



My system, for example, has a toggle switch to select one of my two 
tribanders.  I can switch back and forth several times in a second 
when trying to determine which direction the signal is coming from.  
I can't possibly manipulate more than one switch that fast, nor to I 
want to have to reach over to wherever the amplifier happens to be, 
and I certainly don't want to be messing around with a mouse.  (While 
all this antenna switching is going on, the other hand is running the 
radio.)


---
B


--
Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Bill Frantz]

My switch uses an Arduino to read the band lines from the K3 and 
select the last antenna(s) used on that band. It the code could 
easily be modified to tell an antenna tuner -- in the K3, an 
amp, or separate -- which antenna system is in use. Manual 
switching is with a button for each antenna.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 1/27/18 at 11:31 PM, k...@sdellington.us (K9MA) wrote:

Another advantage of doing all the antenna switching external 
to the amplifier is it allows using a single coax, which can 
easily be disconnected when there's lightning about.


In my case, it minimizes the number of coax runs, which keeps my 
wife happy.



My system, for example, has a toggle switch to select one of my 
two tribanders.  I can switch back and forth several times in 
a second when trying to determine which direction the signal is 
coming from.  I can't possibly manipulate more than one switch 
that fast, nor to I want to have to reach over to wherever the 
amplifier happens to be, and I certainly don't want to be 
messing around with a mouse.  (While all this antenna 
switching is going on, the other hand is running the radio.)


---
Bill Frantz| I don't have high-speed  | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  | internet. I have DSL.| 16345 
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com |  | Los Gatos, 
CA 95032


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[K9MA]

I don't think it's desirable to have the amplifier controls external 
antenna relays.  One might sometimes want to operate barefoot.  Besides, 
there are external antenna relay boxes available, as well as 
programmable controllers.  (And a few of us dinosaurs are using homebrew 
antenna controllers.)  In any case, an external controller can easily be 
made to switch antenna relays, bandpass filters, etc. Another advantage 
of doing all the antenna switching external to the amplifier is it 
allows using a single coax, which can easily be disconnected when 
there's lightning about.


If one already has the antenna switching and control set up, the ONLY 
new thing the amplifier has to do is to be able to switch the ATU among 
2 or more sets of parameters for each band, and have some way the 
external control system can tell the amplifier which set to use.  My 
preference would be some logic inputs to the amplifier, say 3 bits, 
which would allow 8 sets of parameters for each band.  (That might be 
excessive, but maybe not for some of the big muli-multi stations.  I'd 
settle for 2 bits, or even 1.) Using a serial port forces the user to 
use either a computer or a controller with a serial port, not compatible 
with simple homebrew systems.


My system, for example, has a toggle switch to select one of my two 
tribanders.  I can switch back and forth several times in a second when 
trying to determine which direction the signal is coming from.  I can't 
possibly manipulate more than one switch that fast, nor to I want to 
have to reach over to wherever the amplifier happens to be, and I 
certainly don't want to be messing around with a mouse.  (While all this 
antenna switching is going on, the other hand is running the radio.)


73,
Scott K9MA


On 1/26/2018 16:25, Matt NQ6N wrote:
I think this is a very important aspect of station design and a big 
consideration for any future amp purchase I make.


I'd like to respectfully suggest that Elecraft consider designing a 
bulletproof 16x2 antenna switch rated for 5KW and 10:1 SWR (and lots 
of isolation between ports) that integrates seamlessly with the amp 
and tuner.


There is typically a need to switch both antennas and high power 
bandpass filters, or at least the high cost of high power bandpass 
filters makes using only one for each band (via switching) very useful.


So when the amp QSYs to 40m the ideal scenario allows the switching in 
of a 40m bandpass filter after the amp, and then whichever antennas 
are usable on 40m, with the tuner knowing which antenna was chosen so 
that it can switch to the previously known settings for instant TX.


73,
Matt NQ6N



On Fri, Jan 26, 2018 at 1:45 PM, K9MA > wrote:


How about using an external switch to select which ATU settings
the amp uses?  Perhaps with a digital INPUT line?

Scott K9MA


On 1/26/2018 11:15, Wayne Burdick wrote:

This is definitely doable from the amp. All it takes is an
external antenna switch with a control port compatible with
RS232, Ethernet, USB, or one of the amp’s multi-purpose
digital output lines. (These have other uses, too, such as SWR
alarm output.)

To select among antennas from the amp, you could do any of the
following:

- tap the ANT switch to go between two or more antennas in
rotation

- tap ANT then use the UP/DN switches

- assign two frequently-used antennas to the front-panel PF1
and PF2 switches

In all cases, the LCD would show your selection from among N
external antenna jacks.

We can adapt the firmware to handle any such scenario.

Wayne
N6KR


On Jan 25, 2018, at 7:58 PM, K9MA > wrote:

I'm concerned about the same issue:  Multiple antennas on
one band. I have an automated antenna selection system. 
In addition to following the band data from the
transceiver, there are switches to select antennas.  I
frequently have to very quickly switch antennas, so it
must involve only a single switch.  Using a mouse with the
computer is nowhere near fast enough and I really don't
want to make it dependent on the computer, anyhway. 
However, my antennas have different impedances, so require
different ATU settings.  So, how can I tie the KPA1500 ATU
into my antenna control switch so it automatically
switches settings?  All the antenna switching is external
to the amp, so only a single amp output is used.  The
ideal would be a control line to the amp, controlled by
the same switch that selects antennas, which would select
ATU settings. I really don't want to make it dependent on
the computer.  I expect others 

Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Matt NQ6N]

I think this is a very important aspect of station design and a big
consideration for any future amp purchase I make.

I'd like to respectfully suggest that Elecraft consider designing a
bulletproof 16x2 antenna switch rated for 5KW and 10:1 SWR (and lots of
isolation between ports) that integrates seamlessly with the amp and
tuner.

There is typically a need to switch both antennas and high power bandpass
filters, or at least the high cost of high power bandpass filters makes
using only one for each band (via switching) very useful.

So when the amp QSYs to 40m the ideal scenario allows the switching in of a
40m bandpass filter after the amp, and then whichever antennas are usable
on 40m, with the tuner knowing which antenna was chosen so that it can
switch to the previously known settings for instant TX.

73,
Matt NQ6N



On Fri, Jan 26, 2018 at 1:45 PM, K9MA  wrote:

> How about using an external switch to select which ATU settings the amp
> uses?  Perhaps with a digital INPUT line?
>
> Scott K9MA
>
>
> On 1/26/2018 11:15, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>
>> This is definitely doable from the amp. All it takes is an external
>> antenna switch with a control port compatible with RS232, Ethernet, USB, or
>> one of the amp’s multi-purpose digital output lines. (These have other
>> uses, too, such as SWR alarm output.)
>>
>> To select among antennas from the amp, you could do any of the following:
>>
>> - tap the ANT switch to go between two or more antennas in rotation
>>
>> - tap ANT then use the UP/DN switches
>>
>> - assign two frequently-used antennas to the front-panel PF1 and PF2
>> switches
>>
>> In all cases, the LCD would show your selection from among N external
>> antenna jacks.
>>
>> We can adapt the firmware to handle any such scenario.
>>
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>> On Jan 25, 2018, at 7:58 PM, K9MA  wrote:
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about the same issue:  Multiple antennas on one band. I
>>> have an automated antenna selection system.  In addition to following the
>>> band data from the transceiver, there are switches to select antennas.  I
>>> frequently have to very quickly switch antennas, so it must involve only a
>>> single switch.  Using a mouse with the computer is nowhere near fast enough
>>> and I really don't want to make it dependent on the computer, anyhway.
>>> However, my antennas have different impedances, so require different ATU
>>> settings.  So, how can I tie the KPA1500 ATU into my antenna control switch
>>> so it automatically switches settings?  All the antenna switching is
>>> external to the amp, so only a single amp output is used.  The ideal would
>>> be a control line to the amp, controlled by the same switch that selects
>>> antennas, which would select ATU settings.  I really don't want to make it
>>> dependent on the computer.  I expect others have the same issue.  Can the
>>> KPA1500 be made to do something like this?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Scott K9MA
>>>
>>> --
>>> Scott  K9MA
>>>
>>> k...@sdellington.us
>>>
>>> __
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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>>>
>>
>
> --
> Scott  K9MA
>
> k...@sdellington.us
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[K9MA]

How about using an external switch to select which ATU settings the amp 
uses?  Perhaps with a digital INPUT line?


Scott K9MA

On 1/26/2018 11:15, Wayne Burdick wrote:

This is definitely doable from the amp. All it takes is an external antenna 
switch with a control port compatible with RS232, Ethernet, USB, or one of the 
amp’s multi-purpose digital output lines. (These have other uses, too, such as 
SWR alarm output.)

To select among antennas from the amp, you could do any of the following:

- tap the ANT switch to go between two or more antennas in rotation

- tap ANT then use the UP/DN switches

- assign two frequently-used antennas to the front-panel PF1 and PF2 switches

In all cases, the LCD would show your selection from among N external antenna 
jacks.

We can adapt the firmware to handle any such scenario.

Wayne
N6KR



On Jan 25, 2018, at 7:58 PM, K9MA  wrote:

I'm concerned about the same issue:  Multiple antennas on one band. I have an 
automated antenna selection system.  In addition to following the band data 
from the transceiver, there are switches to select antennas.  I frequently have 
to very quickly switch antennas, so it must involve only a single switch.  
Using a mouse with the computer is nowhere near fast enough and I really don't 
want to make it dependent on the computer, anyhway.  However, my antennas have 
different impedances, so require different ATU settings.  So, how can I tie the 
KPA1500 ATU into my antenna control switch so it automatically switches 
settings?  All the antenna switching is external to the amp, so only a single 
amp output is used.  The ideal would be a control line to the amp, controlled 
by the same switch that selects antennas, which would select ATU settings.  I 
really don't want to make it dependent on the computer.  I expect others have 
the same issue.  Can the KPA1500 be made to do something like this?

73,
Scott K9MA

--
Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us

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Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Wayne Burdick]

This is definitely doable from the amp. All it takes is an external antenna 
switch with a control port compatible with RS232, Ethernet, USB, or one of the 
amp’s multi-purpose digital output lines. (These have other uses, too, such as 
SWR alarm output.)

To select among antennas from the amp, you could do any of the following:

- tap the ANT switch to go between two or more antennas in rotation

- tap ANT then use the UP/DN switches

- assign two frequently-used antennas to the front-panel PF1 and PF2 switches

In all cases, the LCD would show your selection from among N external antenna 
jacks.

We can adapt the firmware to handle any such scenario.

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jan 25, 2018, at 7:58 PM, K9MA  wrote:
> 
> I'm concerned about the same issue:  Multiple antennas on one band. I have an 
> automated antenna selection system.  In addition to following the band data 
> from the transceiver, there are switches to select antennas.  I frequently 
> have to very quickly switch antennas, so it must involve only a single 
> switch.  Using a mouse with the computer is nowhere near fast enough and I 
> really don't want to make it dependent on the computer, anyhway.  However, my 
> antennas have different impedances, so require different ATU settings.  So, 
> how can I tie the KPA1500 ATU into my antenna control switch so it 
> automatically switches settings?  All the antenna switching is external to 
> the amp, so only a single amp output is used.  The ideal would be a control 
> line to the amp, controlled by the same switch that selects antennas, which 
> would select ATU settings.  I really don't want to make it dependent on the 
> computer.  I expect others have the same issue.  Can the KPA1500 be made to 
> do something like this?
> 
> 73,
> Scott K9MA
> 
> -- 
> Scott  K9MA
> 
> k...@sdellington.us
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Ignacy]

If there are only two antennas per band, perhaps this is doable with
dual-input antenna switch (like DXE-RR2X8B) and Microham StationMaster. For
each band, MH SM selects one antenna for A and another one for B. To change
an antenna within a band,  select A  or B in the amp or via CAT.

Ignacy, NO9E



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[K9MA]

I'm concerned about the same issue:  Multiple antennas on one band. I 
have an automated antenna selection system.  In addition to following 
the band data from the transceiver, there are switches to select 
antennas.  I frequently have to very quickly switch antennas, so it must 
involve only a single switch.  Using a mouse with the computer is 
nowhere near fast enough and I really don't want to make it dependent on 
the computer, anyhway.  However, my antennas have different impedances, 
so require different ATU settings.  So, how can I tie the KPA1500 ATU 
into my antenna control switch so it automatically switches settings?  
All the antenna switching is external to the amp, so only a single amp 
output is used.  The ideal would be a control line to the amp, 
controlled by the same switch that selects antennas, which would select 
ATU settings.  I really don't want to make it dependent on the 
computer.  I expect others have the same issue.  Can the KPA1500 be made 
to do something like this?


73,
Scott K9MA

--
Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Ignacy]

Multiple (4 to 6) antenna connectors is a nice feature of Expert amps. Once
you have antenna matched, QSY to up to 2-3 antennas per band is automatic.
The psychological effect is astounding, as trying to get SWR as close to 1:1
is becoming a waste of time. In my Expert 2k-fa I have 5 antennas connected. 

Having two antenna connectors is probably enough for heavy duty contesters
where sophisticated antenna selection together with SO2R  is done
externally.

However, Elecraft can provide several logical antennas software selected,
with each one matched separately. They can also come with an external
switch.  

Only 2 connectors is a reason why I am not placing the order for KPA1500. 

Ignacy, NO9E





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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 ATU - ability to handle more than two antennas

[Wayne Burdick]

Dan,

The KPA1500’s firmware is written to accommodate many more antennas. It would 
be a fairly simple matter to externalize a number of them in the form of a 
remote-controlled antenna switch. 

This is a good example of how the amp can be tailored to user needs. The 
firmware could be updated to support an external switch, patch it into the 
normal antenna selection process (i.e. ATU retuning, ANT switch control), 
display its number or noun name on the LCD, etc. We even have two 
user-programmable switches (PF1 and PF2) that could be used as hot-keys to 
select specific antennas, rigs, or other configurations.

As unique station needs arise, we’ll try to address them in a timely fashion. 
To that end, feel free to recommend specific third-party antenna switches that 
we could test. We’ll work with the manufacturers to ensure smooth operation.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Jan 25, 2018, at 11:48 AM, Dan AE9K  wrote:
> 
> While I'm awaiting the delivery of my KPA1500 I'm wondering if/how the amp's
> ATU can accommodate more than two antennas.  For example, if I have an
> antenna switch connected to one of the amp's antenna jacks is there a
> facility on the amp that would allow me to choose one of two /logical/
> antennas beyond the ANT1 / ANT2 physical selection?  Having two sets of
> memories per band per physical port would accommodate 4 antennas.  
> 
> Does the KPA1500 support this or something similar to allow for more than
> two antennas?  If not,  this seems pretty simple to implement as a firmware
> change - assuming there's enough memory available.  If memory is a
> constraint I suppose you could provide the option to halve the number of
> tuning solutions stored per segment to keep the memory footprint the same.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Dan
> AE9K
> 
> 
> 
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