[Elecraft] KAT500 - ...and a long wire inverted "L"

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Oscar, you have the ideal situation now, with the remote tuner. And it's why
a remote version of the KAT500 will be essential to serve the needs of many
Hams like yourself.

There is nothing you can do at the antenna feed point that will allow you to
put the tuner in the shack and use a length of coax that is nearly as
efficient as what you have now. Every passive device, a balun, common mode
choke, whatever, you have in  the system eats RF. How much varies, but any
"passive" device eats RF, even feed line. Putting your tuner at the radiator
feed point ensures the losses in your feed line are as low as possible. 

I have an inverted L myself, and have often thought of adding the SGC230 to
allow me to have a feed point farther from the 'shack'. 

I believe a remote version of the KPA500 is in the works for eventual
release. 

73,

Ron AC7AC



-----Original Message-----

Although I'm not very good with antenna theory, I've enjoyed reading the
discussions of where what type balun should go, or not go, etc. in the
KAT500 discussions.   I still don't know how I would go about connecting my
current antenna to a KPA500, so I thought perhaps some of you would have
some input.  Here's my situation/configuration:
  - Due to convenant restrictions, I am limited to a long wire (about 170')
in an inverted "L" configuration (stealth situation)
  - Antenna feed point and ground/radial system feed point are together and
about 50' from my K3/P3 location
  - Currently using an SGC-230 remote antenna coupler at the antenna feed
point, with good quality 50 ohm coax coming into the house
This configuration is working admirably on 160 through 10 meters.  My
original thinking on this configuration was having the tuner/coupler at the
antenna feed point would help 1) keep stray RF away from the shack, and 2)
minimize any feedline loss.  However, with the 230, I'm limited to about 60
watts cw, and 200 watts ssb.  Obviously, no KPA500 under my Christmas tree.


I initially was thinking there would be two versions of the KAT500, one
model for indoor use, then another for remote/outdoor use.  I could then
replace the 230 with the remote KPA500 and then be free to purchase my
KPA500.  However, it appears a remote version of the tuner may be awhile
coming.

The question I keep asking myself is:  Could I use the "shack" version of
the KAT500 with my current antenna, and, if so, how would one hook
everything together?  Balun (1:1, 4:1, choke), or no balun? Coax, I assume
would still be OK, but obviously would be higher voltages and a little
power loss (but still probably OK at HF frequencies).  Or, given the
inverted "L"has to remain my antenna, is there still significant advantage
to having the tuner at the antenna feedpoint - and I should simply wait
awhile longer and see if there will be a "remote" version of the tuner?

I love this reflector and Elecraft.

Oscar, WB5GCX