[Elecraft] KAT1 disappointment

[Bob Cunnings]

Maybe, for your line length, the 4:1 transformation is putting the
feedline input Z out of range of the K1 tuner on 40 and 30. It might
be fun to try switching to a 1:1 balun (or no balun at all) to just to
see what happens... since it's so easy to do.  Beyond that,
experimenting with feedline length seems like the next step.

Bob NW8L


On 6/21/06, Randy Moore <wrmoore47 at comcast.net> wrote:
>  Just completed my KAT1 for my K1 that I finished last night.  All the tests
> seem to work properly, and I get a r1.0 (SWR of 1.0) on all 4 bands (7, 10,
> 14, & 21 MHz) when transmitting into a dummy load.  However, when
> transmitting into my attic dipole the KAT1 can only achieve a match on 14
> and 21 MHz (1.3 and 1.2 respectively).  On 7 MHz I get r4.1 as best match,
> and on 10 MHz I get r3.2, both after much rattling of relays.  My K2 (which
> I realize has a greater matching range) has no trouble with the same antenna
> setup.
>
> The rigs are connected with about 2 ft. of RG58 to a 4:1 LDG balun, then to
> maybe 30-40 ft. of 450 ohm ladder line out into the attic where I have a
> 40m. 1/4 wave dipole with the center at the peak of the roof and the ends
> drooped down in random ways to fit the available space.
>
> When I adjusted C9, by the way, I got a null of about 0.06 mv.
>
> As I said, I've been through all the tests on the KAT1, including trying
> each L and C individually to make sure they are all working, and everything
> looks good.  So I'm guessing I have to do something to the antenna to get
> make things work.  Perhaps play with the length of ladder line?  Any
> suggestions would be welcome.
>
> 73,
> Randy, KS4L
>
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