[Elecraft] Re: KAT1

[Randy Moore]

 Thanks Wayne!  I hadn't noticed the BL2 before.  I'll probably give that a
try.  Meanwhile, I'll play with your other suggestions.

73,
Randy

> Randy,
> 
> It's true that the KAT1 has a smaller reactance range than 
> the K2. This 
> was unavoidable given the limited PCB real estate.
> 
> Assuming all the L and C components are installed correctly, 
> there are 
> several things you can do to effectively increase the matching range. 
> Here are the things I'd try.
> 
> 1. Use a 1:1/4:1 balun with a switch (like the BL2). There are times 
> when this will transform the impedance to advantage on one or more 
> bands.
> 
> 2. Short the twinlead wires together, and connect the two wires 
> directly to the KAT1's hot lead. Make sure the K1's chassis 
> is grounded 
> at the antenna jack or elsewhere. This turns the system into a random 
> wire or sorts, and again this may allow easy matching on some bands.
> 
> 3. Adjust the length of the twinlead or of the dipole itself by a few 
> feet at a time. Apparently on 40 and 30 m the reactance is a 
> lot higher 
> than expected, and by adjusting the length a bit, you can sometimes 
> move away from very high- or low-impedance points.
> 
> Also note that the K1 is reasonably well protected against high SWR. 
> You can safely use it into high SWR, although you might be 
> down a dB or 
> two at 4:1 depending on how the transmitter feels about the 
> situation  
> :)
> 
> Let me know if any of these suggestions help.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR