[Elecraft] KAT500 operation?

[Fred Jensen]

On 6/14/2014 12:11 PM, Mike Hagele AC6JA via Elecraft wrote:
> I am using a K3 and KPA500 with the KAT500. I also have the KAT500
> mode set to MAN. I thought that the firmware was supposed to switch
> the tuner automatically when you switch bands? After I go to a new
> band, I need to tap my key  momentarily to get the tuner to tune to
> the new frequency. Is this  normal? Let me know as I thought the
> tuner would remember the presets when  QSY'ing to a new frequency?
> Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hmmm ... I have the control cables ... K3-->KAT500/KAT500-->KPA500,
I've trained my KAT500 for all 3 antennas on all the bands that each of 
them work on, and I run the KAT500 in MAN.  All indications are that the 
KAT500 recalls the correct solution for the frequency when I QSY to a 
new frequency or band.

I'm hardly an expert on the insides of Elecraft firmware, and I suppose 
it could be recalling on very first sign of RF and doing so very quickly 
so that I don't notice it, but I really don't think so.

I do notice when changing bands that the K3 power control sometimes 
takes a dit or two to settle to the correct drive power ... often that 
first dit will blink the 600 [occasionally 700] watt LED.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org