[Elecraft] remoting KPA500 tuner at antenna base

[ab2tc]

Hi,

There seems to be an uptick in interest in this concept recently (I have
responded to several E-mails over the last few weeks). I have run my KAT500
remotely in Upstate NY for almost a year now with absolutely no problems due
to temperature or weather. Here is a few pictures:

http://ab2tc.com/img_0124.jpg
http://ab2tc.com/img_0128.jpg
http://ab2tc.com/img_0179.jpg
http://ab2tc.com/img_0181.jpg

The enclosure is a feed container found here:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753804&utm_source=googleproduct&utm_campaign=2753804&utm_medium=cse&mr:referralID=e69722b5-5062-11e2-8751-001b2166c2c0

Having it in full auto mode with auto turn on when power is applied *should*
work. Are you mostly CW or mostly SSB? On SSB a potential problem is that
the tuner may decide to start tuning while you are talking and that is *not*
nice. I was running an MFJ tuner like that for about a year before I decided
to put in a cable for the tune button so I could run it in semi automatic
mode where it would never start tuning on its own. With the KAT500 I have
had full remote control using a wireless serial server from Lantronix almost
since day one:

http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/external-device-servers/wibox.html

For a short while I was using an Ethernet connection, but it created a large
number of birdies. Wireless has no interference below 30MHz whatsoever. Give
it a try. You will enjoy it.

Knut - AB2TC


John Fritze wrote
> I know this has been covered once before but I am wondering if anyone has
> any further info on using the KPA500 remotely at a vertical antenna base?
> The pictures from the previous discussion are no longer available.  I am
> not seeing much in the archives.
> 
> So, here's my dilemma:
> 
> I have been using a MFJ tuner which has just crapped out. It figures as it
> is poorly rated, but there is not much available for tuning higher power
> installations (read: KPA500). So the question is: If I set up a KAT500 for
> only antenna 1 and put it in automatic mode, to always power up if
> connected to 12V will it automatically tune my vertical with no other
> intervention from me? My installation is such that if I need to reprogram
> it with newer firmware  I can just bring the tuner to the shack. I do not
> need to change antennas, manually tune or flip between auto and manual or
> byp.  Has anyone done this and how has it worked?  Has weather been an
> issue if properly protected?
> 
> If this looks like it would work for me, does anyone have a god suggestion
> for a weather proof box to mount it in?  It needs to survive the upstate
> NY
> winters.  I am thinking Pelican or similar.
> 
> OK to reply off list too.
> 
> -- 
> John Fritze Jr
> K2QY

> k2qy@

> AARA president 2013
> ACACES secretary 2013
> Albany County RACES Radio Officer
> ARES ENY DEC Northern District
> Hudson Div. Asst. Director
> Twitter: @k2qy
> 401 261 4996 (cell)
> <snip>





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