[Elecraft] Where does the tuner go

[Wallace, Andy]

For my 2c on the debate, I will say again that the Elecraft
KATx is what has allowed me to get on the air. In the ideal
world, we'd all do better to have resonant antennas on each
band, fed with lossless feedline.

However, my situation necessitates a compromise, and a big
one. With no prospect of improvement (short of moving),
my only antenna is a sloping 35' randomwire, fed with
ungrounded RG-58 coax for about 20', and a counterpoise
bundle bundle running down a stairwell.=20

With this setup, I was able to work 90+ countries with
my K1 from here in New England, including ZL7C in
Chatham Island (off New Zealand!). (And another 11
portable with randomwires, too.)

How much of my 5W is getting to my antenna is unknown.=20
But the fact remains that having a wonderful, in-rig,
automatic antenna tuner with band memories is what allowed
me to just get on the air and have fun.=20

So strive for the best antenna possible, but at the same time,
if you're itching to get on the air, all bands, then
the KATx series are great tools to use.

Andy