[Elecraft] KAT2 SWR readings ?

Mon Mar 31 11:33:00 2003

Dadgum!!!!  Tom really IS feeling better!!! Congrats Mr. Tom......you've got some grit!!!!! 73/Tim NZ7C
> 
> From: Tom Hammond <[email protected]>
> Date: 2003/03/31 Mon AM 10:56:42 EST
> To: "Dave @ Interaccess.com" <[email protected]>, 
> 	[email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT2 SWR readings ?
> 
> Hi Dave:
> 
> >I just finished building my KAT2 and was running the calibrations. It
> >seems to calibrate OK and agrees with the meter. So far so good. Then I
> >set up the SWR. And on 40 meters it was 1:1. Then I went to the higher
> >freq. Bands and it started rising on 20 meters it was 1.1:1 but by the
> >time I got to 15 Meters it was indicating 1.6:1 and on 10 meters it
> >indicates 2.2:1. Anybody got a guess where I should start looking? I'm
> >almost sure the SWR indication should not be 2.2:1 on 10 Meters???? Is
> >it Normal???
> 
> Normal? Well, kinda, but generally not to that extent...
> 
> The KAT2 does 'offer' a little stray reactance as you go higher in 
> frequency. As a result, this can/will cause indicated SWR to rise as you go 
> higher in frequency. But generally the level of indicated SWR does not rise 
> to the level you have indicated.
> 
> What are you using for your 50 Ohm dummyload? We've found that some 
> dummyloads will also 'offer' added reactance as the frequency increases. 
> Additionally, in order to do a credible job, you should strive to connect 
> your dummyload to the KAT2 through a SHORT (less than 3', and preferably < 
> 1') coax cable. Direct-connect is even better.
> 
> Try using a couple 100 Ohm 2W NON-INDUCTIVE resistors in parallel and wired 
> directly into a BNC connector. This should provide a near-50 Ohm load with 
> little stray reactance.
> 
> Good luck,
> 
> Tom Hammond   N0SS
> >