[Elecraft] KAT500 - Tune on QSY

[Andy Durbin]

I've had my KAT500 for about 18 months and I thought I had come to know it quite well.  Today I found something that surprised me.

The KAT500 utility has 2 "Memory Recall on Tune" options, one for MAN mode and one for Auto mode.  My understanding was that, if these options were not enabled, the KAT500 would not use RF frequency count or CAT TX frequency to change the tuning solution if the frequency was changed within band.

For MAN mode, with memory recall tune not checked, it appears that the KAT500 does still select tuning solutions as appropriate for the frequency received over CAT.  It does not change solutions if CAT frequency is not available and RF frequency is changed.

The utility "Tune on QSY" page says:

"Enable or disable memory recall tune on transmit frequency changes with the check boxes below."

However, the help file says:

"The tuner continuously monitors the transmit frequency. Beginning with firmware version 1.20, the tuner performs quick "memory recall" tunes as the transmit frequency changes within the current band, recalling the memory closest to the current transmit frequency.


If you prefer that the tuner not attempt to change settings for "in-band QSY" based on the transmit frequency count, uncheck the "Memory Recall Tune on QSY in Mode MAN" checkbox."


So it seems to be doing exactly what it says in the help file and there is no option to inhibit tuning changes if a new frequency is received over CAT.


I'm not suggesting any of this is a problem but it did surprise me.


Andy, k3wyc