[Elecraft] KAT500 and SWR

[Phil Hystad]

I am having trouble getting a reasonably low SWR on the 80-meter band with the KAT500.  Maybe someone can help by confirming that this is the best I should expect or maybe give me hints to see if something better is achievable.

On the frequency 3.569 MHz I regular operate each evening on a CW Net.  My best SWR from the KAT500 has been around 1.75:1 and tonight the best I was able to achieve was 1.99 to 2.01 to 1.

Yet, using my other manual tuner, my Palstar AT1KM, I easily tune to a 1.0:1 SWR, absolutely flat.

Another puzzle is that I can get a descent SWR on another much used frequency (3.975 MHz) of about 1.25:1. But, on the AT1KM I can also easily achieve a 1.0:1 SWR.  Indeed, the tuned position for inductor and capacitor for the 3.569 and the 3.975 frequencies are not too far apart on the AT1KM but the KAT500 really struggles to get an SWR below 2:1 and half the time it does not.

Note:  all of my SWR readings are measured by multiple devices that all indicate similar readings and the KAT500 I am also using the KAT500 Utility to see the SWR and it is very close to my other readings so I am fairly sure these SWR values are reasonably accurate.

Has anyone else had trouble using the KAT500 to tune an antenna to a particular frequency where other manual tuners have had an easy time at it?

I appreciate your comments and suggestions.  By the way, no problems at all on all other bands and testing using two different antennas.  It seems the only problem is on the low end of the 80 meter band.

73, phil, K7PEH