[Elecraft] KAT 500 SWR FAULTS [INTERMITTENT]

[Andy Durbin]

The minimum power for reliably tuning a KAT500 depends on the characteristics of the exciter.  If the exciter fold backs when the load is mismatched, and a low power setting is used, the KAT500 may  think it has found a good match when the reflected power drop below the detection threshold.

I have scope traces that how severe the power foldback is during KAT500 tune for my Kenwood TS-590S.  I run full search tunes with power set to 25 W but I check the tuning solution with only 5 W.

A properly installed KAT500 will inhibit amplifier keying before any change in the tuning solution so it should never be possible for KAT500 to open any relay with 500 W input to the tuner.

73,
Andy, k3wyc