[Elecraft] K3/KPA500/KAT500 SWR Problem

[Cady, Fred]

Hi Fred et al,
I think CW operators have not had the same level of problems as SSB operators, unless they are using high speed CW.  The tuner seems to get all the information it needs in about a dits worth of RF.  But I think it has to be pretty constant RF and the varying SSB waveform may be causing the problem. I think training (using a steady CW carrier) and then operating in MAN mode is the key, given there aren't other things going on such as RF that others have suggested.

One other thing I might suggest for SSB operators is to set up the K3 to allow CW in SSB mode (K3 CONFIG:CW WGHT, tap 1 for SSB +CW).  Then when changing bands tap your key (you do have a key, don't you) and you'll tune right up on the band.


Cheers and Happy New Year everybody.
Fred KE7X

Fred Cady
fcady at ieee dot org
> WAYNE:  FWIW: I'm running FW Ver 1.32 and have been since I got the
> KAT500.  I run a tribander at 70' about 150' from the shack, a
> ladder-line fed sloping-V [~180' on each leg] with a DXE balun at the
> tower base [9913 to the shack], and a roof-mounted GAP Titan about 12'
> above my head.
>
> I've never had this problem being discussed although 500W into the GAP
> on 15m sure does annoy the WinKeyUSB. :-)
>
> ALL:  I took an afternoon right after getting the KAT500 and "trained"
> it on every segment of every band using all the antennas that work on
> each band [it did take most of the afternoon].  I then disabled the
> antennas that don't work on each band using the KAT500 Utility, and put
> the KAT500 into MANUAL.  I haven't taken it out of MANUAL since and I
> can't remember the last time it wanted to auto-tune.  A QSY to any band
> and a single DIT and it's tuned.  On bands with two operable antennas,
> it selects the primary one.  Tapping the ANT button will select the
> secondary, tapping again goes back to the primary.  It's pretty slick.
>
> As a test, those with the problem might reload 1.32 and see what
> happens.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
> - www.cqp.org
>
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