[Elecraft] Controlling KAT500/KPA500 with Icom 7610

[Ken Winterling]

Buck,

I have had the IC-7610 and KAT500/KPA500 for almost three years and they
are a very nice pair (or trio..). The IC-7610 doesn't "control" the KAT500
per se. Changing bands/frequencies on the IC-7610 doesn't cause any
response from the KAT500. Only when the IC-7610 transmits does the tuner
detect (sense) the RF and then adjust the capacitors and inductors to match
to the current antenna. An Elecraft transceiver, OTOH, does
communicate with the KAT500 (and KPA500) and changes
bands/frequencies/antenna ports as the bands and frequencies are changed.

The KPA500 responds the same way and changes bands by sensing transmit RF.
You can build a "band data" cable to interface the IC-7620 to the KP500 and
it will, with restrictions, follow the band selected by the IC-7610. The
restriction is that Icom's band data voltages do not support the WARC
bands. As a result, both 24 mHz and 28 mHz select 28mHz; both 18 mHz and 21
mHz select 21mHz. So, for all bands except WARC, the KPA500 will follow
band selections made on the IC-7610 (or almost any other Icom such as the
IC-7300, etc.).

I can send you a diagram of the band data cable if you would like. It is
only marginally useful and most ops of non Elecraft gear seem to just let
the KPA500 (and KAT500) RF sense the transmitted RF to make necessary
selections. Be sure to read the KAT500 manual section regarding "training"
your tuner.

GL!

Ken
WA2LBI





On Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 2:05 PM Buck <radiok4ia at gmail.com> wrote:

> I made up the cable from the Molex to the TUNE on the KAT500 as
> described and have checked continuity from end to end.  All OK.
>
> I have the SEND from the 7610 connected to the PTT RLY on the KAT500.
>
> When I change bands, nothing happens.  Is there another setting I need
> to change in the 7610?
>
> Buck, k4ia
> Honor Roll
> 8BDXCC
> EasyWayHamBooks.com
>
> On 4/19/2021 10:35 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
> > Buck -
> >
> > The KAT500 Rev D1 Manual, pages 13, 14 and 15 cover the Icom connections.
> >
> > The "AH4" cable (the one you're describing) powers the KAT500 and
> controls
> > the "Tune" function.  If yours isn't doing anything, the cable is
> probably
> > defective.
> >
> > What else do you have connected?
> >
> > 73
> > Lyn, W0LEN
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> > [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Buck
> > Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 7:42 AM
> > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Controlling KAT500/KPA500 with Icom 7610
> >
> > Anyone who has succeeded, I could use some help.  The connection from
> > the 7610 molex antenna tuner jack to the "Icom in" jack on the KSAT500
> > doesn't do anything.
> >
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