[Elecraft] K2: HI Power OUT during Tuning with an external ATU: normal?

[zendoc at netspace.net.au]

Hello Group,

K2 #6998 is now singing. The calibration and alignment went very smoothly. I
feel very pleased with myself :)  I've built the KSB2, KDSP2 and KNB2 to go into
this rig, but it's currently still a base K2 while I learn to drive it.

I have noticed something odd about the power while tuning using an external
autotuner and I'm wondering if it this is normal:

Set up:
Base K2
13.5V power supply
LDG z11 pro 11 auto ATU

Running the K2 into my DL1 50ohm dummy load, all works perfectly.  Expected
power out on all bands as measured by a voltmeter attached to the DL1 and on my
Autek WM1. No problems, until I connect the autotuner.

On 80, 40 and 30m when I hit "TUNE", the LDG autotuner starts and completes a
tuning cycle and indicates a 1:1.0 match, confirmed on the Autek meter.  But,
regardless of what power I request on the K2 prior to tuning, as the tuning
cycle starts, I get a Hi Cur warning as current draw rises to between 3-4A for a
power out of 12-15W measured on the Autek.  Power and current draw stay High,
despite the 1:1 match, until I hit TUNE and exit TUNE mode.  Then, if I
transmit, or hit tune again with a match already set, the power reduces to  or 
what is dialed in to the K2 power setting and all is OK until I change bands and
hit TUNE to initiate another tuning cycle.  This occurs with the LDG tuner and
my Elecraft T1 tuner.  But again, operating into the dummy load, all works
perfectly - the power you dial in is what you get, on any band.

It's seems as if the reactive load presented to the K2 prior to the tuning cycle
is causing the K2 to ramp up the power out and current draw and the K2 stays in
this high output state until TUNE mode is interrupted.

Hope this makes sense.  

So can anyone tell me if this is expected behaviour when using an external
autotuner with the K2?  The fact that all works as expected into a dummy load
makes me think the problem's not with the rig.

And a second question - is it OK to leave the frequency counter permanently
connected inside the rig to TP2 so you can adjust the BFO/Filter settings on the
fly?

Thanks in advance for any advice and 73,

John
VK7JB




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