[KAT500 and OT] Is a tuner using VNA feasible ?
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[KAT500 and OT] Is a tuner using VNA feasible ?
 
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This may be off-topic or it may be a derivative KAT500 question about design. And, I admit to not knowing that much about VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) devices.
But, the KAT500 discovers an L & C match by a search process, I think it is measuring reflected voltage but not quite sure about that. Can a vector network analyzer type circuit be used in a tuner to actually measure the complex impedance R + jX values and then use that to compute the required L & C values of the matching circuits (L-network ?). Thus, given an input frequency would it not be possible to instantaneously (almost) determine the match? 73, phil, K7PEH P.S. Or, am I completely off my rocker. ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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On 12/23/2012 9:56 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> But, the KAT500 discovers an L & C match by a search process, I think > it is measuring reflected voltage but not quite sure about that. I believe you're likely correct. That's how the KXAT1 operates. My KXAT1 tunes a lot faster than the KAT500 but then, it only has 3 L's and 3 C's plus choosing one of two configurations. The KAT500 has a lot more. Can > a vector network analyzer type circuit be used in a tuner to actually > measure the complex impedance R + jX values and then use that to > compute the required L & C values of the matching circuits (L-network > ?). Thus, given an input frequency would it not be possible to > instantaneously (almost) determine the match? I would think that, knowing the complex impedance presented to the output port of the tuner, one could compute the values of L and C and the L-net configuration and just "go there." I can do it on my HP48GX calculator. Measuring the actual complex impedance does not take a full VNA either. In years past ... that would be *many* years ... I and others experimented with what I'll call "analog autotuners" for lack of a real name. Mine was in the trunk of Dad's car along with the 75m radio. The matching network was an L-net. I used a stepper switch to manually select taps on the inductor controlled from the front seat, and an RF bridge produced a DC voltage proportional to the phase difference between the voltage and current in the short line to the antenna. This voltage drove a DC motor on the capacitor shaft which drove the cap to zero the phase angle. It worked, with some "wrinkles" ... it wasn't real reliable due mainly to my construction skills, and I had to detune the antenna far enough so that the polarity of the DC voltage remained the same over the range of frequencies I wanted to tune, or it got "lost." I know of at least one ham who tried to make it work with motors on both the L and C. I don't recall ever seeing that one actually work. > P.S. Or, am I completely off my rocker. I think that you and your rocker are still firmly intact. :-)) 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013 - www.cqp.org ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3
Having a KPA500 and been a potential customer for the KAT500 I have been watching reports about the KAT500 operation, unless I misunderstand it seems the KAT500 only has band information available to it so it needs a sniff of RF to make band segment adjustments. I think it can already store settings for band segments from previous training but without the frequency information prior to been sent RF it is unable to make the most efficient use of it. I'm no EE so I do not know what it would take to implement this, how much in extra hardware and software design but in my opinion if the KAT500 was passed the operating frequency information from the transceiver instead of just band information that would elevate it from a good tuner to a great tuner. 73 John ZL1BYZ ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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I have asked the same question about the KAT500 following the K3 as tuned to be ready for any keying of the K3. I was told the relays in the KAT500 would click as I was tuning. SO? As an option I think that would be fine to know the KAT500 was tuned at all time.
Keith, XE1/K5ENS |
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Very good thought, yes that would happen. A compromise could be some sort
of matrix with this mode of operation where you train the tuner at set intervals and the tuner only re tunes when they are passed. This would reduce the chatter and of course the tuner would already be trained so the clicking would be minimal. I could live with that, better than all this hot switching, KPA500 errors and all the on the band QRM that this extra tuning while sending RF. Just a dream maybe but I know Elecraft is a progressive company always looking for ways to improve their product so thought I would pipe up. 73 John ZL1BYZ. -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:00 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner I have asked the same question about the KAT500 following the K3 as tuned to be ready for any keying of the K3. I was told the relays in the KAT500 would click as I was tuning. SO? As an option I think that would be fine to know the KAT500 was tuned at all time. Keith, XE1/K5ENS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas ible-tp7567559p7567565.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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My poor choice of words with intervals. I meant frequency intervals not
time, that would be dumb. These could be further apart if you antenna is more broad banded as tuner settings would only need to change when SWR became unacceptable. This would mean with some antenna's and on higher bands probably no chatter at all. 73 John ZL1BYZ. -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Shaw Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:46 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner Very good thought, yes that would happen. A compromise could be some sort of matrix with this mode of operation where you train the tuner at set intervals and the tuner only re tunes when they are passed. This would reduce the chatter and of course the tuner would already be trained so the clicking would be minimal. I could live with that, better than all this hot switching, KPA500 errors and all the on the band QRM that this extra tuning while sending RF. Just a dream maybe but I know Elecraft is a progressive company always looking for ways to improve their product so thought I would pipe up. 73 John ZL1BYZ. -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:00 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner I have asked the same question about the KAT500 following the K3 as tuned to be ready for any keying of the K3. I was told the relays in the KAT500 would click as I was tuning. SO? As an option I think that would be fine to know the KAT500 was tuned at all time. Keith, XE1/K5ENS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas ible-tp7567559p7567565.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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In reply to this post by John Shaw
Something not unlike K3_EZ's SWR band scan comes to mind for a tool to
preset. Dick - KA5KKT ________________________________________ My poor choice of words with intervals. I meant frequency intervals not time, that would be dumb. These could be further apart if you antenna is more broad banded as tuner settings would only need to change when SWR became unacceptable. This would mean with some antenna's and on higher bands probably no chatter at all. 73 John ZL1BYZ. ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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In reply to this post by John Shaw
The kat500 stores information in what are termed 'Bins' and communication
of data via Auxbus recalls memories from these 'Bin' locations and hot switching does not occur. I can QSY, with the kpa500 in OPER and 'IF' the kat500 needs to tune it interrupts the amplifier key line and either selects from memory or does a tune if in auto etc. I rarely see a need for a retune once I have set up. I do this regularly as I am on the move touring and so I change antennas to suit where I am setting up. Wish VK had taller trees in more locations..;-) I have no issues here that need addressing with regards to operation, QSY or band changes/hopping etc.... KAT400 #007 might be licenced to kill but evrything has survived my addled brain and too fast/fat fingers...:-) 73's and Happy Holidays to all. Gary On 24 December 2012 08:24, John Shaw <[hidden email]> wrote: > My poor choice of words with intervals. I meant frequency intervals not > time, that would be dumb. These could be further apart if you antenna is > more broad banded as tuner settings would only need to change when SWR > became unacceptable. This would mean with some antenna's and on higher > bands > probably no chatter at all. > > 73 John ZL1BYZ. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Shaw > Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:46 > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner > > Very good thought, yes that would happen. A compromise could be some sort > of matrix with this mode of operation where you train the tuner at set > intervals and the tuner only re tunes when they are passed. This would > reduce the chatter and of course the tuner would already be trained so the > clicking would be minimal. I could live with that, better than all this > hot > switching, KPA500 errors and all the on the band QRM that this extra tuning > while sending RF. > > Just a dream maybe but I know Elecraft is a progressive company always > looking for ways to improve their product so thought I would pipe up. > > 73 John ZL1BYZ. > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS > Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:00 > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner > > I have asked the same question about the KAT500 following the K3 as tuned > to > be ready for any keying of the K3. I was told the relays in the KAT500 > would click as I was tuning. SO? As an option I think that would be fine > to know the KAT500 was tuned at all time. > > Keith, XE1/K5ENS > > > > -- > View this message in context: > > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas > ible-tp7567559p7567565.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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The Utility is useful for setting up in band memories as well as multiband
antennas etc. gary On 24 December 2012 09:42, Gary Gregory <[hidden email]> wrote: > The kat500 stores information in what are termed 'Bins' and communication > of data via Auxbus recalls memories from these 'Bin' locations and hot > switching does not occur. > > I can QSY, with the kpa500 in OPER and 'IF' the kat500 needs to tune it > interrupts the amplifier key line and either selects from memory or does a > tune if in auto etc. I rarely see a need for a retune once I have set up. I > do this regularly as I am on the move touring and so I change antennas to > suit where I am setting up. Wish VK had taller trees in more locations..;-) > > I have no issues here that need addressing with regards to operation, QSY > or band changes/hopping etc.... > > KAT400 #007 might be licenced to kill but evrything has survived my addled > brain and too fast/fat fingers...:-) > > 73's and Happy Holidays to all. > > Gary > > > On 24 December 2012 08:24, John Shaw <[hidden email]> wrote: > >> My poor choice of words with intervals. I meant frequency intervals not >> time, that would be dumb. These could be further apart if you antenna is >> more broad banded as tuner settings would only need to change when SWR >> became unacceptable. This would mean with some antenna's and on higher >> bands >> probably no chatter at all. >> >> 73 John ZL1BYZ. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [hidden email] >> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Shaw >> Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:46 >> To: [hidden email] >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner >> >> Very good thought, yes that would happen. A compromise could be some >> sort >> of matrix with this mode of operation where you train the tuner at set >> intervals and the tuner only re tunes when they are passed. This would >> reduce the chatter and of course the tuner would already be trained so the >> clicking would be minimal. I could live with that, better than all this >> hot >> switching, KPA500 errors and all the on the band QRM that this extra >> tuning >> while sending RF. >> >> Just a dream maybe but I know Elecraft is a progressive company always >> looking for ways to improve their product so thought I would pipe up. >> >> 73 John ZL1BYZ. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [hidden email] >> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS >> Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:00 >> To: [hidden email] >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner >> >> I have asked the same question about the KAT500 following the K3 as tuned >> to >> be ready for any keying of the K3. I was told the relays in the KAT500 >> would click as I was tuning. SO? As an option I think that would be fine >> to know the KAT500 was tuned at all time. >> >> Keith, XE1/K5ENS >> >> >> >> -- >> View this message in context: >> >> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas >> ible-tp7567559p7567565.html<http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567565.html> >> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > > > -- > *Gary - VK1ZZ > Motorhome Portable > The Shack* > *Elecraft K3 > P3 Panadapter > KPA500FT > KAT500FT** > KX3-K > * -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by Gary Gregory-2
Not everyone has the KPA500.
Keith +++++The kat500 stores information in what are termed 'Bins' and communication of data via Auxbus recalls memories from these 'Bin' locations and hot switching does not occur. +++++I can QSY, with the kpa500 in OPER and 'IF' the kat500 needs to tune it interrupts the amplifier key line and either selects from memory or does a tune if in auto etc. I rarely see a need for a retune once I have set up. I do this regularly as I am on the move touring and so I change antennas to suit where I am setting up. Wish VK had taller trees in more locations..;-) |
Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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Keith,
The kpa500 is NOT required to make the kat500 work as described. In the manual, and the utility describes operation of the kat500 in both auto and manual modes and 'teaching' the kat500 can be done with the utility. Any brand amplifier will only need the Key Line routed from the transceiver to the kat500 THEN to the amp. The kat500 will open the key line PTT relay preventing a hot switching situation. regards Gary On 24 December 2012 10:00, Keith-K5ENS <[hidden email]> wrote: > Not everyone has the KPA500. > > > Keith > > +++++The kat500 stores information in what are termed 'Bins' and > communication > of data via Auxbus recalls memories from these 'Bin' locations and hot > switching does not occur. > > +++++I can QSY, with the kpa500 in OPER and 'IF' the kat500 needs to tune > it > interrupts the amplifier key line and either selects from memory or does a > tune if in auto etc. I rarely see a need for a retune once I have set up. I > do this regularly as I am on the move touring and so I change antennas to > suit where I am setting up. Wish VK had taller trees in more locations..;-) > > > > > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567578.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by Gary Gregory-2
Interesting Gary,
Some seem to get on ok and others have problems. Operator/setup error, perhaps that is all it is? I watched a demo on YouTube of one and quite frankly I would be very disappointed if that was how they operate. I think have seen and read too many conflicting stories now I would have to see one operating correctly and for longer than in a short YouTube video to be convinced either way. Maybe some reports from those who have had difficulty and since sorted it all out would be helpful. 73 John ZL1BYZ _____ From: Gary Gregory [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 11:42 To: John Shaw Cc: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner The kat500 stores information in what are termed 'Bins' and communication of data via Auxbus recalls memories from these 'Bin' locations and hot switching does not occur. I can QSY, with the kpa500 in OPER and 'IF' the kat500 needs to tune it interrupts the amplifier key line and either selects from memory or does a tune if in auto etc. I rarely see a need for a retune once I have set up. I do this regularly as I am on the move touring and so I change antennas to suit where I am setting up. Wish VK had taller trees in more locations..;-) I have no issues here that need addressing with regards to operation, QSY or band changes/hopping etc.... KAT400 #007 might be licenced to kill but evrything has survived my addled brain and too fast/fat fingers...:-) 73's and Happy Holidays to all. Gary On 24 December 2012 08:24, John Shaw <[hidden email]> wrote: My poor choice of words with intervals. I meant frequency intervals not time, that would be dumb. These could be further apart if you antenna is more broad banded as tuner settings would only need to change when SWR became unacceptable. This would mean with some antenna's and on higher bands probably no chatter at all. 73 John ZL1BYZ. -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Shaw Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:46 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner Very good thought, yes that would happen. A compromise could be some sort of matrix with this mode of operation where you train the tuner at set intervals and the tuner only re tunes when they are passed. This would reduce the chatter and of course the tuner would already be trained so the clicking would be minimal. I could live with that, better than all this hot switching, KPA500 errors and all the on the band QRM that this extra tuning while sending RF. Just a dream maybe but I know Elecraft is a progressive company always looking for ways to improve their product so thought I would pipe up. 73 John ZL1BYZ. -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS Sent: Monday, 24 December 2012 09:00 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner I have asked the same question about the KAT500 following the K3 as tuned to be ready for any keying of the K3. I was told the relays in the KAT500 would click as I was tuning. SO? As an option I think that would be fine to know the KAT500 was tuned at all time. Keith, XE1/K5ENS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas <http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-fea sible-tp7567559p7567565.html> ible-tp7567559p7567565.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 -- Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT KX3-K ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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In reply to this post by John Shaw
On 12/23/2012 11:27 AM, John Shaw wrote:
> if the > KAT500 was passed the operating frequency information from the transceiver > instead of just band information that would elevate it from a good tuner to > a great tuner. As a beta tester for the KAT500, I can tell you that 1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of the K3; and 2) the KAT500 works just fine without that information if you use it intelligently and don't screw up switching the antennas that you connect to it. Like you, I wish that #1 was implemented, but I am told that it is not. I'm using a single KAT500 with two power amps -- a KPA500 and a Ten Tec Titan 425 (35 year old design, 1.5kW output). I use ANT1 and ANT2 in the K3 to switch between the two amp inputs, and a relay to switch the outputs. I also do extensive antenna switching external to the KAT500. I've "trained" the KAT500 to my antennas for the band segments where I operate, and program the KAT500 (using the KAT Utility) for which KAT output ports to use on which bands. When I change bands, I hit a dit or tap my mic to let the KAT500 read frequency, switches to the desired output port, recalls the tuning, and I'm ready to go. That works great -- EXCEPT when I screw up and don't do the right external switching to the KAT500. I'm working on automating that switching, but it's not done yet. The KAT500 is an excellent tuner. I took the beta unit to our Tehama County expedition for the California QSO Party, and it performed flawlessly switching between aluminum and wire antennas for several bands We used it with a K3 and KPA500, with only the key line cables between K3, KAT500, and KPA500. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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+++++1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of the K3; +++++
The K3 can be polled for this data. Many loggers are doing it. There is even some software that is polling data from the logger at the same time. Keith |
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In reply to this post by John Shaw
I have absolutely no complaints regarding the KAT500.
I have two sets of antennae connected to the KAT500. One set is an 8 position switch box and the other is an NVIS loop that covers all frequencies from 2.2MHz to 28MHz used for short distance communications on MARS. The antennae on the switch box are connected to the #2 output and the loop is connected to the #1 antenna. there is no duplication of frequencies between the ports. After I used the tuner on each frequency I use, it immediately switches to the correct antenna port and if the frequency has been tuned in the past the tuner does not re-tune for that frequency unless something has changed at the antenna. I couldn't ask for more. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 08:27:02 +1300, "John Shaw" <[hidden email]> wrote: > >Having a KPA500 and been a potential customer for the KAT500 I have been >watching reports about the KAT500 operation, unless I misunderstand it seems >the KAT500 only has band information available to it so it needs a sniff of >RF to make band segment adjustments. I think it can already store settings >for band segments from previous training but without the frequency >information prior to been sent RF it is unable to make the most efficient >use of it. I'm no EE so I do not know what it would take to implement this, >how much in extra hardware and software design but in my opinion if the >KAT500 was passed the operating frequency information from the transceiver >instead of just band information that would elevate it from a good tuner to >a great tuner. > >73 John ZL1BYZ > > > >______________________________________________________________ >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 Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member ______________________________________________________________ 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
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
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Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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In reply to this post by KV5J
That would require taking over the K3's serial port. The KAT500 is not
connected to the K3's serial port. Most loggers would prefer to own the serial port rather than relegate it to an ATU. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 10:58 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner +++++1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of +++++the K3; +++++ The K3 can be polled for this data. Many loggers are doing it. There is even some software that is polling data from the logger at the same time. Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas ible-tp7567559p7567626.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by KV5J
Hi,
The frequency data is not available on the *AUX* bus. On the serial port this data is of course available but to make it available to KAT500 would involve at least one PC software program. I have in mind to ask Larry Phipps if maybe he could add a feature to LP-Bridge to feed the frequency data out one of the output virtual ports. The utility could then listen to that port and send the data to the KAT500. This is getting rather complicated and involves a number of developers working together. AB2TC - Knut
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The KAT500 following the radio by frequency is not going to happen but that would make a GREAT new generation auto tuner. IMHO
Keith, XE3/K5ENS |
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In reply to this post by ab2tc
Hello again,
A simpler way that would only involve changes to the KAT500 utility would to have the utility talk to both the K3 and the KAT500. Even if the K3 is already busy talking to a logging program, LP-Bridge unmodified can fix that conflict. So now we have just created more work for Dick. AB2TC - Knut PS, Merry Christmas to all.
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Re: KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
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LP-Bridge alone will not help. While K3 Utility can obtain the
frequency information through LP-Bridge, that information would only be sent out the same serial port back to the K3 - nothing gained. Remember that the KAT500 uses a different serial connection than does the K3, so that data would have to be sent to the KAT500 via a different serial port (not connected to the K3). 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 3:00 PM, ab2tc wrote: > Hello again, > > A simpler way that would only involve changes to the KAT500 utility would to > have the utility talk to both the K3 and the KAT500. Even if the K3 is > already busy talking to a logging program, LP-Bridge unmodified can fix that > conflict. So now we have just created more work for Dick. > > AB2TC - Knut > > PS, Merry Christmas to all. > > ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
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