[Elecraft] Tuner

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

It all depends on the SWR the tuner has to handle rather than the mode.  
If you look at the specifications you will find that the KAT500 will 
handle 1000 watts over a 3:1 SWR range (600 watts over a 10:1 SWR range) 
- and that is from 3 to 30 MHz.  At the 1.8 to 2 MHz frequency range, 
the 600 watt level is reduced to a 5:1 SWR for low impedances (still 
10:1 for high impedances).  At 1000 watts the rating is still for a 3:1 
SWR over an impedance range of 16 to 150 ohms.

So the real answer depends on your required antenna tuning range. Will 
it work at levels exceeding the specifications?  It may, but it may 
exceed the maximum voltage of the capacitors and/or the maximum current 
of the inductors.  In other words, operation beyond the limits of the 
specifications is at your own peril.

Examine the impedance of your antennas and then you can determine the 
answer for your station.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/17/2014 9:14 AM, David Cole wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I am considering the Elecraft KAT500K tuner for my station...  I run
> around 1K to 1.5K for SSB, and 500 to 750 for RTTY/Digital.
>
> Is this pushing the Elecraft too far?
>
> I am looking at an LDG AT-1000 PROII, and the Elecraft KAT500K right now
> as the two possible candidates.  Palstar would be nice, but too
> expensive.  Any other suggestions?
>
> Looking for general input and want your feelings if you have used both,
> or thoughts you might have on the two as a comparison point prior to
> purchase.
>