K3 Multiple antenna connections

[AD6XY]

Do we know if there are any plans to allow several outputs without an ATU?

It is not really worth getting the auto ATU for the K3 if you intend to use an external amplifier or even a well matched antenna like a tuned loop or a 6m beam, but currently it seems to be the only way to get more than one antenna connection. Indeed, even with the ATU fitted, two antenna connections is not really enough in many cases and some form of auto-switching interface, like the KRC2 but with the relays integrated would be a very useful addition.

Maybe I should design one?

[Joe-aa4nn]

If I were you, Mike, I would just go ahead and plan
on having an external switch box, maybe out in
front of your amplifier.  Not practical inside the K3.
de Joe, aa4nn
----- Original Message -----
From: "AD6XY - Mike" <[hidden email]>
> Do we know if there are any plans to allow several outputs without an ATU?
>

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[N5GE]

On Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:54:47 -0500, you wrote:

>If I were you, Mike, I would just go ahead and plan
>on having an external switch box, maybe out in
>front of your amplifier.  Not practical inside the K3.
>de Joe, aa4nn
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "AD6XY - Mike" <[hidden email]>
>> Do we know if there are any plans to allow several outputs without an ATU?
>>
>
[snip]

I have an Orion II (soon to be replaced with a K3.  I never use the second
antenna output because I have been using switch boxes for years to feed my
antennas.  It saves money on coax and hard line.  Hardline to the switch and
coax to the antennas.  My VHF and UHF antennas are connected to a good switch
box on the mast.  The HF antennas are connected to a switch box just below the
rotator.  Even the wire antennas are fed from the switch box.

73,

Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Support the entire Constitution, not
just the parts you like.

http://www.n5ge.com
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[Neal]

In my opinion, be that as it may, external interfaces are always more flexible.  For example, antenna tuners, antenna switches, etc. give many options.  I use LDG autotuners (great) and an LDG antenna switch.  When the power is off, all antenna are grounded.  

Neal WA6OCP

AD6XY - Mike wrote

Do we know if there are any plans to allow several outputs without an ATU?

It is not really worth getting the auto ATU for the K3 if you intend to use an external amplifier or even a well matched antenna like a tuned loop or a 6m beam, but currently it seems to be the only way to get more than one antenna connection. Indeed, even with the ATU fitted, two antenna connections is not really enough in many cases and some form of auto-switching interface, like the KRC2 but with the relays integrated would be a very useful addition.

Maybe I should design one?

[Dale LeStourgeon]

AD6XY - Mike wrote:

> Do we know if there are any plans to allow several outputs without an ATU?
>
> It is not really worth getting the auto ATU for the K3 if you intend to use
> an external amplifier or even a well matched antenna like a tuned loop or a
> 6m beam, but currently it seems to be the only way to get more than one
> antenna connection. Indeed, even with the ATU fitted, two antenna
> connections is not really enough in many cases and some form of
> auto-switching interface, like the KRC2 but with the relays integrated would
> be a very useful addition.
>
> Maybe I should design one?
>  

I love having the autotuner in my K3. First it makes it really flexible
for the field, and also for my non-resonant home antennas; but I find it
helps match the ( not so great)  tuned input in my L4B amp and fantastic
for feeding my old Dentron Amp which has no tuned input. Also the
flexibility of having 2 instantly switched antenna outputs ( tuned  w/
memory ) is great. Best money I ever spent
73
Dale K5AJZ
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[Mike Harris-9]

G'day,

Not strictly true.  certainly two outputs fit and could be provided
without the need for the ATU, just a switch module.  I've ordered the ATU
not only for the two outputs but also for those times when I need to use
the wrong antenna for the right reasons.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

| If I were you, Mike, I would just go ahead and plan
| on having an external switch box, maybe out in
| front of your amplifier.  Not practical inside the K3.
| de Joe, aa4nn

| ----- Original Message -----
| From: "AD6XY - Mike" <[hidden email]>
| > Do we know if there are any plans to allow several outputs without an
ATU?

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