[Elecraft] Re: KAT100 Tuner and a Longwire

[wayne burdick]

On Mar 10, 2005, at 9:17 AM, Lee Buller wrote:

> I am not sure that this has been discussed before on the reflector, 
> but will the KAT100 tune a longwire?

Yes. You can connect it directly to the ATU using a binding-post 
adapter, or just wire up a PL-259's center pin to an alligator clip or 
to the wire itself. Counterpoise goes to the ground lug -- use a very 
high-quality ground to maximize transmit efficiency. (House electrical 
ground is marginal from both all angles -- noise, efficiency, and 
safety.)

A better alternative than direct feed is to use balanced feedline (and 
a low-loss 4:1 balun such as our BL1 at the tuner) to get the radiating 
part of the antenna *out* of the shack and away from computers, kids, 
pets, TVs, portable phones, etc. If you use a random wire without 
feedline, you'll likely have to stick with QRP power levels to avoid 
RFI.

73,
Wayne
N6KR