[Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner

[Don Wilhelm]

With a remote KAT500, it is still necessary to connect the AUX cables as 
indicated in the KAT500 manual for use with the K3/K3S and KPA500. 
Alternately, if used in the basic mode, the Keying cable must go first 
to the KAT500 and from the KAT500 on to the amplifier.  That allows the 
KAT500 to prevent keying the amplifier while tuning.

So while as Wayne indicates, the KAT500 can be remote controlled with 
the KAT500 Utility, there is a bit more to be considered, namely the 
keying lines through the KAT500 and then to the amplifier.

Certainly, the operator could always put the amplifier into standby when 
the KAT500 needs to tune, that reduces the seamless operation of the KAT500.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/2/2018 5:54 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled and placed closer to the antenna(s). The answer is yes: All functions of the KAT500 can be conveniently controlled via our KAT500 Utility program, which runs on any PC. Alternatively, you could write your own controller application using the KAT500's simple 2-letter command set.
> 
> The tuner would have to be housed in a weather-proof enclosure of your own choice. This part of the project is left as an exercise for the reader. The KAT500 is quite compact, though, so many different NEMA (etc.) enclosures could be used.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR