[Elecraft] K3/KPA500/KAT500 SWR problem UPDATE

[Bill W2BLC]

I don't believe it is an antenna or stray RF problem.

I have "memorized" tuner settings for the entire 75 meter band at 20 kc 
steps. The K-Line is set up per instructions (although the manual 
supplied by Elecraft is a little thin).

When I QSY, the KAT500 will click to a memory when I transmit (either by 
using TUNE on the K3 or PTT and start talking). That is what I expect.

What happens next is not expected! While in QSO, the KAT500 will 
suddenly retune. Normally, this retune will be a click or two (seeking a 
known memory) and a light show on the KPA500 - followed by the tuner 
settling down and the QSO continues. This is random and quite 
disconcerting - sometimes happening several times during a single QSO.

A great amount of effort has been expended in checking and rechecking 
the entire antenna system. I am using a normal dipole for 75 meters with 
proper feedlines/connectors. There were no problems noted (not that I 
expected any).

When using the same antenna system on other rigs - there have been NO 
similar incidents to what the KAT500 does. Once the tuning or tune 
memory is selected - there is no further tuner activity during a QSO. As 
it should be.

Having learned how to do a trace report of the KAT500's tuning activity, 
I am able to see what the tuner is doing when this happens. In simple 
terms, it gets lost mid-QSO and the tuner activity noted is an attempt 
to retune to the frequency it is sensing that frequency will not be what 
your VFO is showing. When it settles back down, it will once again be 
tuned to your current XMIT frequency. For some reason, the KAT500 senses 
an incorrect XMIT frequency during the QSO.

I have been informed that a solution is being worked on by Elecraft.

Bill W2BLC  K-Line(?)