[Elecraft] Future of KPA500 & KAT500

[Ken Winterling]

Dave,

Do you own either/both the KPA500 or KAT500 and are familiar with their
operation?

The KPA500 is not involved in the receive path, it is only used for
transmitting, so it doesn't cause an issue on receive.  When in standby the
amp is bypassed and the T/R circuit feeds the input to the output. That
output is connected to the KAT500 input.  My antenna system, for various
bands, is connected to the three outputs.

Yes, if I just want to monitor a number of bands/frequencies I can press
the KAT500 mode button repeatedly until the unit is in BYPass so that it
won't attenuate receive signals. Unless the KAT500 is bypassed the
last tuning solution will be applied regardless of band or frequency
selected on the rig.

Then, for each frequency I want to monitor, I can then press the ANT button
on the KAT500 repeatedly until the correct antenna for the desired
frequency is selected. Depending on the memory or VFO band/frequency
selected it may be necessary to do this repeatedly. This will not work at
all in the case of scanning.

When done listening on various bands/frequencies and I want to return to
transmitting I have to press the KAT500 mode button repeatedly until the
unit is in MANual.  Then press the ANT button on the KAT500 repeatedly
until the correct antenna for the desired frequency is selected.  All off
this is doable but I'm looking for a more automatic system like that
built-in to the Elecraft equipment.

It appears that I need to design and build what I want.  I've taken up more
than enough forum time on this subject so it can be closed.

Thanks to All,

Ken
WA2LBI





On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 11:47 PM Dave <n8ag at comcast.net> wrote:

> Ken,
>
> Can’t you simply press a couple of buttons on the KPA500 and the KAT500 to
> listen on a different band? No RF required. No tune required.
>
> 73,
> Dave N8AG
>
>