[Elecraft] Product suggestion

[Dave Johnson]

>> How about modifying the existing phenomenal K2 ATU into
>> a stand-alone, remote antenna coupler?
>
>I've had that thought myself. The advantage of the Elecraft tuner
>would be that it draws almost no current except while it is tuning. An
>internal 9-volt battery could last for months. The unit could be small
>and water-tight. While camping, motel, whatever, you could place the
>tuner outside with a directly fed antenna and run coax to the rig. The
>LDG QRP tuner comes close but it doesn't quite cut it. It's designed
>for inside use (no water tight case and you need to access the
>controls) and it doesn't have the range of the K2 tuner.

Hi Guys

I have one of the LDG Z-11 auto ATUs. The L and C values appear to be
the same as those used in the K2 auto ATU. The main "disadvantage" is that
frequency vs. tuning data isn't stored, the advantage is that it can be used
with
any low power radio. I can tune a 33 foot doublet on all bands from 80 to
10, so
tuning ability is quite good!

I'm seriously thinking of adding the K2 auto ATU to save carrying an extra
box
when portable, but it's a close run issue.

I've added a couple of flush mounting 4mm sockets on the rear panel of my
K2, in the
holes marked "VXTR IN and OUT", these connect via a fuse to the KBT2. If you
follow my
route, be careful to use case ground for the -ve connection to avoid a
ground loop. This external
power source is great for a Z-11 ATU.

73's Dave, G4AON
K2 #1892