[Elecraft] KPA500 and KAT500 Ports

[Don Wilhelm]

  Let me chime in on this discussion with my opinions.  Those who are 
already using remote antenna switches are happy with only one port on 
the KPA500, and two ports on the KAT500 will be more than sufficient.
OTOH, those who do not use remote switches seem to want multiple (more 
than two) outputs from the KPA500 and/or the KAT500.

While I can understand that, I already have a setup that works for me, a 
remote 6 way switch, and 3 HF coax runs into the shack, plus one for 6 
meters, 2 meters and 432 MHz - total of 6 coax runs.  Selection of which 
transceiver connects to which coax/antenna is manual, and if the K3 is 
not using the coax, it is available for the FT-847, and if neither is 
using a particular coax, it is available to a 3rd transceiver.

So for my purposes, a single coax to any one of 3 transceivers is 
sufficient.  Even the ANT2 connection on the KAT3 serves me no purpose, 
it is connected to a dummy load just in case I punch the wrong button.

Dreaming of what "could be" in any one particular situation may be nice, 
but multiple RF outputs from any amp or tuner cloud my thinking.  While 
it may be nice in some specific situations, it is not the ultimate for 
all.  Those running multiple transceivers will have had their own 
antenna switching scheme worked out, and the need for multiple outputs 
from any one device evaporates.

Now, how can I disable the ANT1/ANT2 selection from my K3?

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/12/2011 5:39 PM, ab2tc wrote:
> Hi,
>
> One, two or three antenna outputs makes no difference to me either. I use an
> inexpensive 6-way MFJ switch remotely where the cables from my wire antennas
> come down in the woods behind the house and a single low-loss coax to the
> house. I currently use all 6 ports. The control is with a 100' CAT5 cable
> and a matvhing rotary switch also by MFJ. I don't mind the manual switching.
> Works for me and has at least 3 CNY winters on it. I am ooking forward to
> see the details on the KAT500.
>
> AB2TC - Knut
>