[Elecraft] Using the K3s Tune button causes a growing SWR on my KPA500

[Dave (NK7Z)]

Hi,
A bit more information please...

1.  How much power are you putting out?

2.  How long in seconds before the SWR starts to increase?

3.  What is the native antenna SWR, not what the tuner is showing, but 
the real SWR?

4.  Are you running with a balun of any kind?

5.  What type of antenna?

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 7/15/22 19:53, Peder Kittelson wrote:
> When on 80 meters, the longer I hold the tune button down the higher the
> SWR goes to the point the KPA500 folds back with warnings.  I don't usually
> hold down the tune button longer than about 5-6 seconds.
> 
> I use a Manual Palstar BT1500A tuner which does a good job of tuning my
> EFHW wire antenna.  So the initial tune is very good. I sometimes will hold
> down the Tune button on the K3s for maybe 5-6 seconds with the initial tune
> at 1-1 SWR.
> 
> The KP500 first shows a 1-1 SWR.  Then 1.2-1, 1.3-1 and so on.  I stop when
> it reaches 1.5-1.
> 
> I suppose that initially the transmitting wire sends out the signal and
> over time the current backs up.  I have torroids in place to prevent RFI
> coming back down the antenna transmission line.
> 
> I only use the system for CW.  So when I send, the problem does not
> escalate to the point of a dangerous SWR.
> 
> I wonder if this is a normal problem when holding the tuning button
> longer?  And since I do not hold down the key for a long period of time it
> doesn't develop.
> 
> Still, I am looking at solutions. And I am concerned.
> 
> Your thoughts?
>