[Elecraft] KAT500, KPA500, KAT3 - tests done

[Bill W2BLC]

Just for grins, I connected my faithful properly designed mil-spec 50 
Ohm dummy load to antenna output connector #3 on the KAT500. I then 
transmitted a signal on 3900, allowing the tuner to do its thing (per 
proper instructions). Then I proceeded to talk to myself for a couple of 
minutes on the dummy load - mimicking a QSO. Sure enough - the tuner did 
its usual hunt and seek retune after about 40 seconds. This is the same 
it does when actually on the air with a real antenna connected.

This tells me that "stray RF" is NOT the cause of the problem. From 
emails received, I understand Elecraft is working on the problem.

I have talked to a couple of local hams with K-Lines about the problem. 
They have experienced the same KAT500 retuning problem, but wrote it off 
as the tuner being overly sensitive to "stray RF." This make me curious 
as to how widespread this problem actually is and how many users just 
accept the problem?

I did the same test with the KAT3 (internal to the K3). No problems 
noted - the tuner performs flawlessly - whether into a dummy load or 
actually on the air.

Bill W2BLC K-Line(?)