[Elecraft] KAT500 Band Data Input Question

[Jack Brindle]

Randy;

I fully agree with Dick’s analysis and comments, and I also question some of your assertions. The KPA does have a command set that allows it to be controlled from the computer. See the KPA500 Command Reference for details. I know of only one contest computer program that makes use of this - SkookumLogger on the Mac. But you should be able to code some of the commands into WriteLog or perhaps N1MM Logger to also perform the function.

The KPA takes band data from one of several methods - BCD (from K3 or other radios), analog (Icom), serial (Elecraft and Kenwood), computer control over the serial interface and RF from the radio itself. All of these work properly and have been verified in many stations. Interestingly, it cannot take band information over the Auxbus. As Dick mentioned, in the KPA, Auxbus is transmit only, and used specifically to send commands to the K3. In K3 mode, it receives band data through the BCD lines.

So how can we help you to get your station going properly. After all, we NCCCers do want your QSOs… ;-)

Jack Brindle, W6FB

On Jun 19, 2014, at 9:52 PM, Dick Dievendorff <dick at elecraft.com> wrote:

> Randy:
> 
> The KAT500 has four ways to learn the frequency.
> 
> First, at Tx, it counts the frequency.  If you change bands and transmit, that's enough. That freq count is used to locate the appropriate memorized tuning solution.
> 
> Second are the four band lines.  This is how the KAT500 and KPA50o can detect the K3 band before Tx.  I don't know FT1000, but it might have four band lines that work similarly. This is sufficient to choose and Chang bands without Tx, but not the actual frequency within the band. The ATU loads the solution for the last known freq on the new band. When you Tx, it might need to load another solution.
> 
> Third is an RS232 port and a serial command set.  Kenwood radios  send an FA command with frequency, and the ATU can use that to select a specific memorized solution.  Some customers have used Arduinos and the like to translate between what they have and the KAT500 serial command set.  The command reference is on our manual page.
> 
> Finally the K3 can send an AUXBUS message on QSY and the ATU listens to that.
> 
> It will work with just the Tx freq count.  If you want band change without Tx, you'll need one of the other three techniques.  And if you want a specific memory selected without Tx, you'll need either the serial port command or the K3 AUXBUS message.
> 
> The KPA500 similarly will change bands with the four band lines or a Tx freq count. The KPA500 transmits on the AUXBUS but cannot not listen to AUXBUS. The KPA500 also has a serial command set, and the band can be changed using the KPA Utility or any other program that can send the band change command.
> 
> I don't understand your comment that the KPA500 won't follow the band lines, mine certainly does.
> 
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
> 
>> On Jun 19, 2014, at 19:17, Randy Farmer <w8fn at tx.rr.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I have a brand new KAT500 coming, to be delivered tomorrow. I'm now trying to figure how to integrate it into my SO2R contest station. I've looked at the manual and done research in the reflector archives, but I'm still unsure what it takes to make the tuner change bands. I have a simple question:
>> 
>> Will the KAT500 respond to BCD band data alone at its control input or is it also necessary for it to be connected to the Aux Bus (like the KPA500) for it to change bands under positive hardware control?
>> 
>> I need to rig a way to share the tuner control between two dissimilar radios. The primary radio is a K3, so there's no problem there. The secondary radio is an old Yaesu FT-1000D, which obviously can't communicate on the Aux Bus. My station setup will allow me to create and select TTL band data for the appropriate radio, but it's not clear to me that this is enough to control the tuner. I was quite surprised to find out that the KPA500 wouldn't support control using band data commands alone, and I'm afraid the KAT500 may share the same "feature". This limitation really impedes the amp's usability in an automated station using other than Elecraft radios, probably for sound technical reasons that I don't quite understand. Can anyone tell me for sure how the KAT500 is controlled?
>> 
>> 73...
>> Randy, W8FN
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