[Elecraft] K3 - operation with the KPA500 and KAT500

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

On Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 3:20 AM, Bill W2BLC <w2blc at nycap.rr.com> wrote:
> Am I correct that the K3, KAT500, and KPA500 operates seemlessly when
> operating SSB and you QSY? Specifically, is any operator intervention
> (button pushing or tuning) need for QSY from the upper part of the band to
> the lower part of the band (ie: 3975 QSK to 3655). Can I just pick the mic
> and talk? Or, is some manual action required for the change?

With firmware 1.20 or newer, the KAT500 will (unless you configure it
not to) automatically perform "memory recall tunes" as you move around
within a band - i.e. when it detects a frequency change, it will
recall the memory closest to the new frequency.

In AUTO mode, it will also initiate full tuning if necessary, based on
VSWR measured above the configured threshold. In MAN mode, it will not
initiate tuning based on VSWR. This is explained in mode detail in the
KAT500 Utility help.

Full tuning will require a key-down signal - SSB won't do it - so, as
Gary suggests, "teaching" it about various segments within each band
(especially 80m) will help with smooth operation as you QSY around.

73,

    ~iain / N6ML