[Elecraft] K3 STATUS -- a note from the lab

[AB2TC - Knut]

Hi all,

I have a different scenario. I like the concept of locating the tuner 
close to the antenna and controlling it remotely (the only control I 
need is "Tune!"). So what I need at the transceiver is the ability to 
start a carrier at reduced power (10W regardless of power and mode 
setting) and provide a tune command to the tuner (just a pulse on a 
logic output will do). Will the K3 support this? For the record I am 
doing this today with my IC-718's Tuner button with a bit of external 
hardware hooked up to the tuner port of the transceiver. The remote 
tuner is a MFJ-929 modded to externally control the Tune button. Believe 
me, MFJ makes really good auto tuners.

73 AB2TC - Knut

The ability to control an external ATU is very important for those of use
who will also be using a high power auto-tuner after an amplifier.
Eric/Wayne have said that this is on the list for a future release.  What
would make sense (to me) would be:

1) External auto-tuner sends keying signal to K3 when high SWR or manual
start-tuning button is pushed.
2) K3 reverts to a low power (10 watt) CW signal for tuning, and DOES NOT
key the amplifier as long as the external tuner keying signal is applied.
3) Once tuner finishes tuning, external keying signal goes away, K3 reverts
to normal power/mode, and K3 will again be able to key external amplifier.

Just my humble opinion.

Phil - AD5X