KAT1 tuning cycle.

[Ron ZL1TW]

Hi,
      I just built a KAT1 to put in the K1 I am taking to Norfolk Island
soon, and while it appears to work just fine, and remembers the setting of
my dipoles ( which have a low SWR in the CW portions) but I have to wonder
at how long it takes to tune, if I string the likes of a random length of
wire to it and try to get a match. (working it to a good earth peg)
It "buzzes" away in what appears to be a timed run, and starts at 9.9SWR
and works down, reaching the ultimate setting it will record and then
carries on buzzing for a few more seconds.  Those little relays in there
seem to be working their butts off....
I only ask this , as the KAT2 makes a match on the same antenna with
considerably less fuss. ( I am aware the KAT1 tuner does not have the same
L/C combinations as the KAT2)
Just thought I would try the "random wire" as I am taking 1/2w center fed
antennas with me as well for 80/40/30, but not knowing the layout of where
I am staying, a wire thrown over a tree might be handy.............
I'll have to say the match it ultimately obtains checks out pretty close on
the KAT2 as well, but should there be all that activity when a tune is
initiated? I guess if I used a 1/4 w instead of a random length, with
slightly longer radials it might be better perhaps?
Perhaps I worry too much............. :-(
Cheers......Ron ZL1TW      ( will be VK9BRW from 1/11/05 to 10/11/05)



No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.9/118 - Release Date: 10/3/2005

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Sandy W5TVW]

For 40/30/20/15 (4 band card) I routinely use a 33' radiator and
two or more 33' radials.
The KAT1 seems to work fine with that.
I hoist the 33' radiator up an MFJ-1910 33' fibreglass pole.

73,
Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Willcocks" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2005 4:53 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] KAT1 tuning cycle.


| Hi,
|       I just built a KAT1 to put in the K1 I am taking to Norfolk Island
| soon, and while it appears to work just fine, and remembers the setting of
| my dipoles ( which have a low SWR in the CW portions) but I have to wonder
| at how long it takes to tune, if I string the likes of a random length of
| wire to it and try to get a match. (working it to a good earth peg)
| It "buzzes" away in what appears to be a timed run, and starts at 9.9SWR
| and works down, reaching the ultimate setting it will record and then
| carries on buzzing for a few more seconds.  Those little relays in there
| seem to be working their butts off....
| I only ask this , as the KAT2 makes a match on the same antenna with
| considerably less fuss. ( I am aware the KAT1 tuner does not have the same
| L/C combinations as the KAT2)
| Just thought I would try the "random wire" as I am taking 1/2w center fed
| antennas with me as well for 80/40/30, but not knowing the layout of where
| I am staying, a wire thrown over a tree might be handy.............
| I'll have to say the match it ultimately obtains checks out pretty close on
| the KAT2 as well, but should there be all that activity when a tune is
| initiated? I guess if I used a 1/4 w instead of a random length, with
| slightly longer radials it might be better perhaps?
| Perhaps I worry too much............. :-(
| Cheers......Ron ZL1TW      ( will be VK9BRW from 1/11/05 to 10/11/05)
|


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


| _______________________________________________
| Elecraft mailing list
| Post to: [hidden email]
| You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
| Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
|  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
|
| Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
| Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com


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


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.13/126 - Release Date: 10/9/2005

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com