[Elecraft] KAT2 Power Calibration

[Dan Barker]

Kirby, I went the RF Probe way, and this is how it worked for me. I =
don't know (or really even care) how accurate it is.

You are trying to get the metering in the K2 to match "reality". =
However, the metering in the K2 directs the RF power level. So, if you =
set 5 Watts on the K2, and the metering circuit says 6 watts (right, =
wrong or indifferent), then the K2 will reduce power. If you then adjust =
R1 down and re-key, then the K2 will still try for 5 watts, and the =
metering circuit might now say 4 watts (due to the R1 setting), so the =
K2 outputs more juice.

As these settings interact, it is a bit touchy to tweak without an =
accurate power meter.

With an accurate external power meter, you adjust R1 for the K2 reading =
and the external meter reading matching, not for a specific value.

I set my K2 on 5.0 watts, and keyed. If the RF probe voltage was above =
15.8, I'd turn R1 down a bit (key up) and re-try. Vice versa for under =
15.8.

For R2, I matched the resistance from the wiper to ground on R1. It was =
noticably different than just setting them to the same location =
visually.

Hey, I THINK I'm sending 5 watts, I SAY I'm sending 5 watts, and since =
this is just a hobby, I BELIEVE I'm sending 5 watts. YMMV.

Dan Barker / WG4S / K2 #2456


<snip>I just don't have an accurate wattmeter.<snip>