[Elecraft] Using Dual Switched Radios with KAT500 Tuner

[Jack Brindle]

Phil;

How would you switch between the radios? Manual switch?
Be sure you also connect that you provide some method for cutting power on the transmitter when the KAT is tuning. This is built into the K3/KPA setup, but you also need to do it for the IC706.
You really don’t want to hot-switch the KAT500’s relays at 100 watts+. It would greatly shorten their life.

- Jack, W6FB

> On Nov 28, 2016, at 6:06 PM, Phil Hystad <phystad at mac.com> wrote:
> 
>> < quoted from Jim Cox K4JAF>
>> Main question I have:  Why would you want to use the 706 on HF when you have the K3?
> 
> I suppose the most direct and honest answer is “because I want to”.  Actually, the 706 is sort of my backup radio if I ever need a backup radio.  And, I have a tendency to use my backup radio a couple of times per month just as a means of exercising it.  Right now, the antenna tuner I use with the 706 is a manual Palstar AT1KM which is bulky and takes up room on the desk.  I want to get rid of it.  Making dual use of the KAT500 would be a nice solution to getting rid of the AT1KM.
> 
> I also own a KX3 but I use it for portable QRP ops only — it does not have an external amplifier.
> 
>> I think the 706 covered 2 meters?  Hook the 2 meter antenna to it and use it there..
> 
> Of all the 2-meter solutions I have already, the 706 would be my last to use.  2-meters on the 706 is a hassle.
> However, I do next to zero 2-meter work so a moot point.  I have a 2-meter Yaesu FM transceiver as well as the 2-meter option on the KX3,   and two Yaesu 2-meter capable HTs.
> 
> 
> 73, phil, K7PEH
> 
>> 
> 
> 
> 
>> -----Original Message----- From: Phil Hystad
>> Sent: Monday, November 28, 2016 7:13 PM
>> To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Using Dual Switched Radios with KAT500 Tuner
>> 
>> I would like to consider using my KAT500 tuner in a configuration switched between two radios.  One of them is my K3 and the other is my Icom 706.
>> 
>> My normal configuration is a full K-Line:
>> 
>>       K3/P3 —> KPA500 —> KAT500 —> Antennas
>> 
>> This K-Line configuration is by the book full Elecraft cabling setup.
>> 
>> My alternate configuration is the Icom IC-706:
>> 
>>        IC-706  —> KAT500 —> Antennas
>> 
>> No amplifier in this configuration.
>> 
>> My first thought is that my 706 will be RF connected to the KAT500 only — no other cabling as I am using with the K-Line.  While using the 706 the K3/P3-KPA500 will be switched off (front panel switch for KPA500).
>> 
>> I am thinking of using RF sensing for the frequency, band detection and thus switching to the right antenna by the KAT500 but I am not sure if this will work.  Manually switching is OK but would rather make use of auto-switched by KAT500.
>> 
>> Advice??  Is there anything wrong with this idea and my operating plan with the 706?  All cabling RF/Digital between K-Line and KAT500 will be left connected with the exception that RF input is actually physically switched between the K-Line and the 706 (only one connected to KAT500 at a time).
>> 
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>> 
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