K3: Using the MFJ-998 IntelliTuner

[Phil Hystad]

Does anyone use an MFJ-998 IntelliTuner with their K3 that includes the ATU?

If so, does the K3 interface to the MFJ-998 in a supported fashion where the tune button on the K3 would control the MFJ-998 instead of the internal tuner.

phil, K7PEH

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[Steve Ellington]

I have the MFJ-998, K3 combo. No...There is no direct interface between them
as there is with the import rigs. The K3 doesn't provide an input that
automatically keys the rig at low power. This is not really a problem, just
a difference in design. With the K3, you disable it's internal tuner from
the front panel. When you want to activate the 998, you depress the "tune"
button on the K3. The K3 automatically outputs a preset power level, I use
15 watts, into the 998. The 998 responds and quickly finds a match if
possible.
The 998 has it's own "tune" button but this won't work with the K3 since as
I said, there is no interface. Actually, I prefer using the K3's tune button
anyway. This allows the 998 to be installed some distance from the K3, even
at the antenna in a weather proof environment. 73
Steve
N4LQ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:46 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Using the MFJ-998 IntelliTuner

> Does anyone use an MFJ-998 IntelliTuner with their K3 that includes the
> ATU?
>
> If so, does the K3 interface to the MFJ-998 in a supported fashion where
> the tune button on the K3 would control the MFJ-998 instead of the
> internal tuner.
>
> phil, K7PEH
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2657 - Release Date: 01/30/10
02:35:00

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[Phil Hystad]

Steve,

Thanks for your quick reply.  Your solution sounds good to me.  But, this means that you keep the 998 in auto-tune mode, right?  Do you have any issues or problems with it auto-tuning during a single frequency QSO (that is, once tuned)?

Another problem I have is that I want to run two rigs (switched of course) with a common auto-tuner.  Apparently, the rather nice (and more expensive) Palstar AT-AUTO requires a firmware reconfiguration for a different rig driving it.  I still have some questions outstanding and pending with Palstar on this issue but if this is not resolved, the Palstar is out.  Currently, I am looking at both the Palstar and the MFJ.  

I also like the fact that the MFJ 998 does not force an internal balun on you for a second antenna.  My desired second antenna is another coax fed antenna so that is another problem with the Palstar.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Jan 30, 2010, at 11:04 AM, Steve Ellington wrote:

> I have the MFJ-998, K3 combo. No...There is no direct interface between them as there is with the import rigs. The K3 doesn't provide an input that automatically keys the rig at low power. This is not really a problem, just a difference in design. With the K3, you disable it's internal tuner from the front panel. When you want to activate the 998, you depress the "tune" button on the K3. The K3 automatically outputs a preset power level, I use 15 watts, into the 998. The 998 responds and quickly finds a match if possible.
> The 998 has it's own "tune" button but this won't work with the K3 since as I said, there is no interface. Actually, I prefer using the K3's tune button anyway. This allows the 998 to be installed some distance from the K3, even at the antenna in a weather proof environment. 73
> Steve
> N4LQ
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:46 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Using the MFJ-998 IntelliTuner
>
>
>> Does anyone use an MFJ-998 IntelliTuner with their K3 that includes the ATU?
>>
>> If so, does the K3 interface to the MFJ-998 in a supported fashion where the tune button on the K3 would control the MFJ-998 instead of the internal tuner.
>>
>> phil, K7PEH
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2657 - Release Date: 01/30/10 02:35:00
>

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[Phil Salas]

"But, this means that you keep the 998 in auto-tune mode, right?  Do you
have any issues or problems with it auto-tuning during a single frequency
QSO (that is, once tuned)?  Another problem I have is that I want to run two
rigs (switched of course) with a common auto-tuner."

I use a MFJ-998 with my K3 and ALS-600 amplifier.  I also initiate tune with
a 15 watt tune signal from the K3.  I I leave the MFJ-998 in the auto mode
all the time, and have never had an issue with it trying to retune during a
QSO.  However, should something happen in your antenna system resulting in
the MFJ-998 wanting to tune, it first takes the amp off-line by interrupting
the amp-key output from the K3 before tuning starts.  It you use two rigs
with the common autotuner, just make sure you also switch the amp-enable
line from the transceivers and pass this through the MFJ-998.

Phil - AD5X

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[Steve Ellington]

I do the same here Phil. I want to install the 998 out next to the inverted
L's feed point. I've tried this by simply using 95 feet of landscape
lighting cable to supply the 12v from my shack's power supply. When
something goes wrong, I switch the DC off and back on to reset the 998 but
I'm still not totally satisfied. I'm looking into using a multiconductor
cable wired directly to the 998's control switches for complete remote
control. Of course I couldn't actually see it's display.....Maybe a camera?
Occasionally the 998 runs into a matching problem and some tweaking needs to
be done with the manual controls thus the need for better remote control.
I've been running 1KW into the 998 from the Centurion without any issues so
it does seem to be a rugged beast.
73
Steve
N4LQ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil & Debbie Salas" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Using the MFJ-998 IntelliTuner

> "But, this means that you keep the 998 in auto-tune mode, right?  Do you
> have any issues or problems with it auto-tuning during a single frequency
> QSO (that is, once tuned)?  Another problem I have is that I want to run
> two
> rigs (switched of course) with a common auto-tuner."
>
> I use a MFJ-998 with my K3 and ALS-600 amplifier.  I also initiate tune
> with
> a 15 watt tune signal from the K3.  I I leave the MFJ-998 in the auto mode
> all the time, and have never had an issue with it trying to retune during
> a
> QSO.  However, should something happen in your antenna system resulting in
> the MFJ-998 wanting to tune, it first takes the amp off-line by
> interrupting
> the amp-key output from the K3 before tuning starts.  It you use two rigs
> with the common autotuner, just make sure you also switch the amp-enable
> line from the transceivers and pass this through the MFJ-998.
>
> Phil - AD5X
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2657 - Release Date: 01/30/10
02:35:00

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[Bill K9YEQ]

I did the same thing with the 994 with an ALS600.  I would use the tune set
at 10 watts from the K3.  If the SWR wouldn't come down low enough, I
selected a different antenna with my remote antenna switch, retuned and then
switched back to the desired antenna and that would reset the memory and
retune.  Resetting the power would not clear the already stored memory.
This would be a nice feature to have with any remote tuner... to avoid the
cabling which can be a big pain.  

73,

Bill
K9YEQ


-----Original Message-----
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Using the MFJ-998 IntelliTuner

I do the same here Phil. I want to install the 998 out next to the inverted
L's feed point. I've tried this by simply using 95 feet of landscape
lighting cable to supply the 12v from my shack's power supply. When
something goes wrong, I switch the DC off and back on to reset the 998 but
I'm still not totally satisfied. I'm looking into using a multiconductor
cable wired directly to the 998's control switches for complete remote
control. Of course I couldn't actually see it's display.....Maybe a camera?
Occasionally the 998 runs into a matching problem and some tweaking needs to

be done with the manual controls thus the need for better remote control.
I've been running 1KW into the 998 from the Centurion without any issues so
it does seem to be a rugged beast.
73
Steve
N4LQ
----- Original Message -----

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