K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question- Update

[RLVZ]

Hi Willis,

Thanks for the reply.  I always leave something out!  The KAT3 tuner will
tune the Sloper fine.  But when the tuner is out-of-line the Sloper SWR
"pins" the SWR meter (lights all of the bars) and therefore I can't tell whether
the antenna is too long or too short becuz wherever I qsy on the band the
SWR still pins the meter.  I was hoping there was a way to get an actual SWR
reading from the K3/KAT3, such as: 5 to1.  That way, I could check the SWR on
the CW and SSB portions of the band and know whether the antenna needs to
be shortened or lengthened.  It appears that the K3/KAT3 will readout
inductance or capacitance but not the actual SWR nor will it readout the Reflected
Power.  Since the SWR is over 3.5 to 1 the SWR bar graph is of no value for
tuning the antenna.  Guess I'll have to wait until my Antenna Analyzer is
repaired.

Thanks & 73,

Dick- K9OM  



In a message dated 12/29/2010 10:52:47 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[hidden email] writes:

> Didk, you must have something terribly wrong to get this indication, like
> connected to the wrong connector or an open coax.  I don't remember ever
> encountering a situation where my KAT-3 could not find a match.  I have
> never tried a manual tune in the three years that I have owned the K3.  Try
> connecting the K3 to your dummy load and see it it will tune.  If you have a
> different tuner, try it on your L and see if it will work.
>  
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
> K5EWJ
>
>
> From: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Wed, December 29, 2010 8:01:05 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I have a couple of questions about the KAT3 antenna tuner I'd  appreciate
> your help with:
>
> 1) Where can I find detailed instructions for using the KAT3?  Such  as,
> step by step instructions on how to use the "manual" tuning option.
>
> 2) I'm tuning an Inverted L antenna and the initial SWR is higher  than
> maximum SWR LED level as all lights are lit.  (so I have no idea what  the
>
> actual SWR is)  Is there a way to get an actual SWR or Reflected Power  
> reading
> via the KAT3?  Yes, I know I should be using an Antenna Analyzer  but mine
>
> is in for repair.  
>
> Thanks & 73,
>
> Dick- K9OM  
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>
>
>

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[KU4AF]

Dick,

The K3 will display higher values of SWR if you use the TUNE mode (hold the XMIT/TUNE button). That will transmit a carrier and display the SWR in the VFO A display area.

I don't know what the upper limit of this SWR display is, but I just tested it into a deliberately mismatched load and got 13.2 : 1.

John, KU4AF
Pittsboro, NC

RLVZ wrote

Since the SWR is over 3.5 to 1 the SWR bar graph is of no value for
tuning the antenna.

[M0XDF]

I've seen 25 and 33 before and both matched when tuned :-)
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174, P3 #108
On 30 Dec 2010, at 10:54, KU4AF wrote:

>
> Dick,
>
> The K3 will display higher values of SWR if you use the TUNE mode (hold the
> XMIT/TUNE button). That will transmit a carrier and display the SWR in the
> VFO A display area.
>
> I don't know what the upper limit of this SWR display is, but I just tested
> it into a deliberately mismatched load and got 13.2 : 1.

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[W8JH]

I believe it goes up to 99:1 (don't ask how I know this).
I think the step you are missing is to turn off the ATU, then press tune
(hold the XMIT button) to see the mismatch.  I keep the tune power set low
in case I transmit into the wrong antenna with a 99:1 match.
73,

Joe  W8JH
K3 1713
--
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[Chuck Shefflette]

If I remember correctly, there is a procedure in the K3 manual for manually setting the L and C values in the ATU. However, if all you're really interested in is getting the VSWR readings, then all you need do do is turn your power way down (2-3 W is enough), set the ATU to bypass (press and hold the ATU TUNE button), then press and hold the TUNE button. The VSWR will be displayed in the VFO-A display if my memory serves me correctly. This is outlined in the book as well but it may not be immediately obvious. Personally, I have set the TUN PWR to 2.5W in the config menu so I don't have to keep adjusting my power to do a quick antenna check. You might also try K3-EZ. It has a neat VSWR plotting routine.

I've seen 99:1 readings on very badly mismatched antennas and/or open connections which is one reason I keep my TUNE PWR set low. The default setting is "NOR" which uses whatever setting you have for transmit power...

73 And hope to catch you on the air

Chuck - AA3CS

Sent from my iPhone

>>
>>
>> 1) Where can I find detailed instructions for using the KAT3?  Such  as, step by step instructions on how to use the "manual" tuning option.
>>
>> 2) I'm tuning an Inverted L antenna and the initial SWR is higher  than maximum SWR LED level as all lights are lit.  (so I have no idea what  the actual SWR is)  Is there a way to get an actual SWR or Reflected Power  
>>
>> reading via the KAT3?  
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