[Elecraft] Auto Tuner Wish List

[Ben Hofmann KB1AHR]

John W2XS, I have been wondering about a balanced L
network auto tuner for some time now.  No one is
making one that I know of at this time.  Like you, I
thought it would be great for the Elecraft guys to
produce a kit for it.

And Don K7FJ, I would be very interested in following
your progress in building one of these as you
described in your post.

Here's my wish list.

1)  Balanced output using a balanced L network with 2
set s of inductors and one set of capacitors.

2)  Current balun at input.

3)  Programmable and switchable to be able to use
unbalanced line as well by: switching the balun out of
line, and bypassing one set of inductors to
effectively be the same tuning circuit as the
presently available L network autotuner.

4)  At least 2 antenna inputs (even better 3) each
separately programmable and switchable for balanced or
unbalanced as stated above.

5)  160m - 10m capability.

6)  Bypass function.

7)  150w power handling minimum.

8)  Maybe an option kit to add an analog meter if the
user wants one.

9)  Same algorithm as KAT100, where it searches for
the best match, not just an "acceptable" one.

10)  Function to auto-retune when a certain (user
selectable maybe) SWR threshold is exceeded.

11)  Integration with the K2 "TUNE" and "ANT 1/2"
functions as the KAT100 does

12)  Selectable Ability to use stand-alone with other
non-Elecraft rigs

13)  A kit


So Wayne, Eric, what do you think?

Another idea might be to sell production rights to
manufacture an assembled version.  I bet lots of
people who maybe don't like kits would be interested
in an assembled one.

This thing has the potential to be marketable to a
very much larger customer base than elecraft's current
product offerings.

Of course I'd buy the kit, and use it faithfully with
my K2 (s/n 4429) which is very close to completion by
the way.

-Ben  KB1AHR