[Elecraft] KAT3 don't tune

Mon Nov 1 06:01:14 EDT 2010

Hi
I have the same problem, but with a twist to it. I even got Elecraft to send me a replacement KAT3, but it did not help anything.

By chance I tried one of the older configurations (call it config B) and then all of a sudden the ATU worked excellent (able to tune a 80m loop and a 17m dipole on all bands from 80m thru 10m ... Yes even the dipole!... Both antennas use 450 ohm ladder and 4:1 baluns. By the way, now the ATU works better than ever before. It never before was able to tune the 17m dipole on 30m, 40m or 80m - but now it is!

BUT now with config B something weird happens when the rig is switched ON. The TX symbol flashes like in test mode, but there is no audio and the TX LED goes on when keyed. I have not found any other way to get out of that mode than to make the EE Init reset. Having done the EE Init I can only make the rig "see" the KPA3 and the KAT3 by loading a config file.

If I try manually to use CONFIG to select ATU Auto I hear relays clicking, when selecting KPA3 I dont hear any fans going in the fan test and leaving the KPA3 in norm and leaving the CONFIG it seems that the rig doesn't see either KAT3 or KPA3. As soon as I load config B all works again and the ATU too ... Until next time I switch ON the rig. Then it needs another EE Init and config load.

If I load config A the ATU doesn't work, but now the rig can be switched OFF and ON without problems.

I can not see any difference between config A and B and I don't know why the rig configuration should influence the functioning of the ATU. Also my K2 works fb with its ATU. So the problem is not in the hardware or antenna, but something else.

Elecraft is looking into it.

OZ4UN
Poul-Erik

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] På vegne af Juha - oh6os
Sendt: 31. oktober 2010 19:32
Til: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Emne: [Elecraft] KAT3 don't tune

Hello,

I have worked CQWW SSB this weekend and noted that kat3 don't tune correctly.

Many times after tuning SWR is 1.2 or 1.3 even there is no more swr on antenna.

I have dipole on 160 meter and swr is under 3 to1 on band, but kat3 try and try long time and leave it 1.8 if at all.

My K2 with KAT100 work correctly with these same antennas.

What is the problem?

juha - oh6os
K2 #4781
K3 #2100
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