[Elecraft] Using Yaesu FT-991 with KPA500

[Barthold Lichtenbelt]

Hi Don,

Thanks for the reply!

The FT991 has an input TX-REQ (on the REM/ALC port) that, if shorted to
ground, will send the necessary RF for an external tuner to function. So if
the KAT500 has some way to signal that I am done. Any idea if that
functionality exists?

Thanks!
Barthold

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:donwilh at embarqmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2016 6:01 PM
To: barthold; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using Yaesu FT-991 with KPA500

Barthold,

The KAT500 is designed to operate seamlessly with the Elecraft K-Line, but
it is also usable with other non-Elecraft gear, but not as seamlessly.

The fact that it needs RF from your transceiver to tune is a fact of life.
The KAT500 does need RF from the K-line to tune, but that happens
automatically with the K-Line.  That automation is not available with
non-Elecraft gear.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/8/2016 6:59 PM, barthold via Elecraft wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I know this is an old post, but sharing my recent experiences.
>
> I did build a Yaesu FT991 to KPA500/KAT500 aux cable. The actual pin 
> connections needed to go from the 8 pin mini din on the 991 to the 15 
> pin connector for the KPA500/KAT500 is described in the KPA500 manual. 
> The section appropriately named "Yaesu cable".
>
> What this will do is two things:
>
> 1) Eliminate the need for a key line (unless you have a need for a 
> separate
> keyer)
> 2) Control the KPA500 to switch bands when you select a new band on 
> the 991
>
> Note you need to set the FT991 menu option 143 (tuner) to "LAMP", to 
> make this work.
>
> What does not work, unfortunately, is to get the FT991 to provide a RF 
> signal when you push the tune button on the KAT500. Which would have 
> been awesome. Does anyone know how to achieve this by any chance?
>
> The best way I have found to tune with this combo is to switch to CW 
> mode and simply key the microphone on the 991. This will provide the 
> necessary RF power for the tuner to do its work. Then of course switch 
> back to the mode you need. Not ideal.
>
> 73,
> Barthold / AD0RM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
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