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[KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

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Phil Hystad-3

[KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

The new forthcoming KX3 includes an optional 20-watt automatic tuner called the KXAT3. Question: is this the same as or better than the T1 20-watt auto-tuner? Are there clear advantages to owning the KXAT3 versus maybe using the T1 for portable/field QRP operations.

Thanks,

73, phil, K7PEH
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wayne burdick

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Administrator

Hi Phil,

The KXAT3 has a few advantages over the T1 when used with the KX3:

- wider matching range (16 network elements vs. 14)

- nothing extra to carry

- well-integrated with the radio (for example, you can use the menu to
see what the ATU settings are, test the relays manually, etc.)

- automatically recalls settings per-band and per-segment within each
band

- switchable low-pass filter components that optimize receive
performance when you're listening in the AM broadcast band

Of course the T1 is very small, and would be a good choice if you had
multiple rigs you wanted to use it with. It runs from a 9-V battery
and draws no current during normal operation.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Dec 9, 2011, at 4:53 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:

> The new forthcoming KX3 includes an optional 20-watt automatic tuner
> called the KXAT3. Question: is this the same as or better than the
> T1 20-watt auto-tuner? Are there clear advantages to owning the
> KXAT3 versus maybe using the T1 for portable/field QRP operations.
>
> Thanks,
>
> 73, 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

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Tord

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Wayne,

I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at the feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto band switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2 connector of the KX3?

73 de Tord/LA7MHA

wayne burdick

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Administrator

Hi Tord,

This is possible, though I'm not sure it would work over this distance. Meanwhile, the T1 manual shows a simple method for remote-controlled tuning via a switch closure.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Mar 30, 2014, at 10:26 AM, Tord <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Wayne,
>
> I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at the
> feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
> The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto band
> switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to
> implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2 connector
> of the KX3?
>
>
> 73 de Tord/LA7MHA

Phil Hystad-3

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Wayne ---

This is all new news to me about remote operation of the T1. Actually, I never thought of it. I have a T1, I have a KX3 with the built-in tuner, and I also have a KX1 and I have normally used the T1 with my KX1.

For portable ops, I have strung up make-shift 20-meter dipole antennas up in a tree but because of all kinds of factors and environment, the match is not that good usually. The idea of using a T1 at the match point and then remote controlled should make QRP ops much better with the coax feedline losses being much lower.

So, is this a reasonable thing to try? Sometimes, the distance to the make-shift antenna from a picnic bench (for example) is 50 feet or so and I always use 75 foot of coax. I usually don't try ladder line for lower losses because often the feed line is running along the ground for awhile.

73, phil, K7PEH

On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:01 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Tord,
>
> This is possible, though I'm not sure it would work over this distance. Meanwhile, the T1 manual shows a simple method for remote-controlled tuning via a switch closure.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Mar 30, 2014, at 10:26 AM, Tord <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Wayne,
>>
>> I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at the
>> feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
>> The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto band
>> switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to
>> implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2 connector
>> of the KX3?
>>
>>
>> 73 de Tord/LA7MHA
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Greg - AB7R

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Hi Phil. If you are going to remote it and keep it in place take a look at
the Green Herron wireless boxes. They work great. I have a remote that
controls my 2x6 antenna switch, one that creates a TTL BCD matrix using 4
relays for band switching the quadra amp and one that controls my Hi-Z rx
antenna. You can also get them with an internal bias-T.

73
Greg

On Mon, Mar 31, 2014 at 8:47 AM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Wayne ---
>
> This is all new news to me about remote operation of the T1. Actually, I
> never thought of it. I have a T1, I have a KX3 with the built-in tuner,
> and I also have a KX1 and I have normally used the T1 with my KX1.
>
> For portable ops, I have strung up make-shift 20-meter dipole antennas up
> in a tree but because of all kinds of factors and environment, the match is
> not that good usually. The idea of using a T1 at the match point and then
> remote controlled should make QRP ops much better with the coax feedline
> losses being much lower.
>
> So, is this a reasonable thing to try? Sometimes, the distance to the
> make-shift antenna from a picnic bench (for example) is 50 feet or so and I
> always use 75 foot of coax. I usually don't try ladder line for lower
> losses because often the feed line is running along the ground for awhile.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:01 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Hi Tord,
> >
> > This is possible, though I'm not sure it would work over this distance.
> Meanwhile, the T1 manual shows a simple method for remote-controlled tuning
> via a switch closure.
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
> > On Mar 30, 2014, at 10:26 AM, Tord <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> >> Wayne,
> >>
> >> I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at
> the
> >> feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
> >> The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto
> band
> >> switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to
> >> implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2
> connector
> >> of the KX3?
> >>
> >>
> >> 73 de Tord/LA7MHA
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

wayne burdick

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

Hi Phil,

The T1 can use a simple contact closure on the "ring" pin of the remote-control jack to turn power on and enable tuning. This signal is just wire-OR'ed with the T1's TUNE/PWR switch, so it works the same way: close the contact for about 1/2 second, then release. This will enable tuning -- the T1 will give you up to 3 seconds to start transmitting. If you can see the front of the T1 from your operating position, you'll see the LED turn on. You might even be able to hear the relays doing their thing, assuming the wind isn't blowing.

It may be possible to feed the contact closure for remote-control through the feedline (coax) instead of using a separate control cable. You'd need a little break-out box at each end, with RF chokes to isolate the RF from the control signal, etc. This is left as an exercise for the reader :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:47 AM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Wayne ---
>
> This is all new news to me about remote operation of the T1. Actually, I never thought of it. I have a T1, I have a KX3 with the built-in tuner, and I also have a KX1 and I have normally used the T1 with my KX1.
>
> For portable ops, I have strung up make-shift 20-meter dipole antennas up in a tree but because of all kinds of factors and environment, the match is not that good usually. The idea of using a T1 at the match point and then remote controlled should make QRP ops much better with the coax feedline losses being much lower.
>
> So, is this a reasonable thing to try? Sometimes, the distance to the make-shift antenna from a picnic bench (for example) is 50 feet or so and I always use 75 foot of coax. I usually don't try ladder line for lower losses because often the feed line is running along the ground for awhile.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:01 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Hi Tord,
>>
>> This is possible, though I'm not sure it would work over this distance. Meanwhile, the T1 manual shows a simple method for remote-controlled tuning via a switch closure.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>> On Mar 30, 2014, at 10:26 AM, Tord <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Wayne,
>>>
>>> I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at the
>>> feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
>>> The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto band
>>> switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to
>>> implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2 connector
>>> of the KX3?
>>>
>>>
>>> 73 de Tord/LA7MHA
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Phil Hystad-3

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

Thanks.

It may be possible to see the LED but listening to the click is something that is done by youth. My ears just aren't good enough for some kinds of noises (such as the turn signal clicking in my wife's car is hard to hear at times -- not a problem in my truck).

I would probably experiment merely with some light conductor. When the WX is predictably better I will experiment out in the back yard with the KX3.

phil

On Mar 31, 2014, at 9:01 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Phil,
>
> The T1 can use a simple contact closure on the "ring" pin of the remote-control jack to turn power on and enable tuning. This signal is just wire-OR'ed with the T1's TUNE/PWR switch, so it works the same way: close the contact for about 1/2 second, then release. This will enable tuning -- the T1 will give you up to 3 seconds to start transmitting. If you can see the front of the T1 from your operating position, you'll see the LED turn on. You might even be able to hear the relays doing their thing, assuming the wind isn't blowing.
>
> It may be possible to feed the contact closure for remote-control through the feedline (coax) instead of using a separate control cable. You'd need a little break-out box at each end, with RF chokes to isolate the RF from the control signal, etc. This is left as an exercise for the reader :)
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:47 AM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Wayne ---
>>
>> This is all new news to me about remote operation of the T1. Actually, I never thought of it. I have a T1, I have a KX3 with the built-in tuner, and I also have a KX1 and I have normally used the T1 with my KX1.
>>
>> For portable ops, I have strung up make-shift 20-meter dipole antennas up in a tree but because of all kinds of factors and environment, the match is not that good usually. The idea of using a T1 at the match point and then remote controlled should make QRP ops much better with the coax feedline losses being much lower.
>>
>> So, is this a reasonable thing to try? Sometimes, the distance to the make-shift antenna from a picnic bench (for example) is 50 feet or so and I always use 75 foot of coax. I usually don't try ladder line for lower losses because often the feed line is running along the ground for awhile.
>>
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>
>>
>> On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:01 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Tord,
>>>
>>> This is possible, though I'm not sure it would work over this distance. Meanwhile, the T1 manual shows a simple method for remote-controlled tuning via a switch closure.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mar 30, 2014, at 10:26 AM, Tord <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Wayne,
>>>>
>>>> I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at the
>>>> feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
>>>> The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto band
>>>> switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to
>>>> implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2 connector
>>>> of the KX3?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 73 de Tord/LA7MHA
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>

Phil Hystad-3

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

In reply to this post by Greg - AB7R

Greg,

Thanks -- I will take a look at that.

73, phil

On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:55 AM, Greg <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Phil. If you are going to remote it and keep it in place take a look at the Green Herron wireless boxes. They work great. I have a remote that controls my 2x6 antenna switch, one that creates a TTL BCD matrix using 4 relays for band switching the quadra amp and one that controls my Hi-Z rx antenna. You can also get them with an internal bias-T.
>
> 73
> Greg
>
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 31, 2014 at 8:47 AM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Wayne ---
>
> This is all new news to me about remote operation of the T1. Actually, I never thought of it. I have a T1, I have a KX3 with the built-in tuner, and I also have a KX1 and I have normally used the T1 with my KX1.
>
> For portable ops, I have strung up make-shift 20-meter dipole antennas up in a tree but because of all kinds of factors and environment, the match is not that good usually. The idea of using a T1 at the match point and then remote controlled should make QRP ops much better with the coax feedline losses being much lower.
>
> So, is this a reasonable thing to try? Sometimes, the distance to the make-shift antenna from a picnic bench (for example) is 50 feet or so and I always use 75 foot of coax. I usually don't try ladder line for lower losses because often the feed line is running along the ground for awhile.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:01 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Hi Tord,
> >
> > This is possible, though I'm not sure it would work over this distance. Meanwhile, the T1 manual shows a simple method for remote-controlled tuning via a switch closure.
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
> > On Mar 30, 2014, at 10:26 AM, Tord <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> >> Wayne,
> >>
> >> I have a KX3 and would very much like to use my brilliant T1 tuner at the
> >> feedpoint of the antenna, typically 30-50 feet away from the KX3.
> >> The T1 has a remote control jack that enables remote tuning and auto band
> >> switching if used together with a FT-817. Are there any future plans to
> >> implement an ATU MODE for remote controlling the T1 over the ACC2 connector
> >> of the KX3?
> >>
> >>
> >> 73 de Tord/LA7MHA
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

gm3sek

Re: [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

Why not turn it all around? If you use a manual ATU at the base of the
antenna, you could remotely control the TX instead using a cheap
315/433MHz "wireless remote" (eBay).

73 from Ian GM3SEK

>-----Original Message-----
>From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
>[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Phil Hystad
>Sent: 31 March 2014 16:47
>To: Wayne Burdick
>Cc: Tord; [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXAT3 versus T1 ?
>
>Wayne ---
>
>This is all new news to me about remote operation of the T1. Actually,

I
>never thought of it. I have a T1, I have a KX3 with the built-in
tuner, and I
>also have a KX1 and I have normally used the T1 with my KX1.
>
>For portable ops, I have strung up make-shift 20-meter dipole antennas
up
>in a tree but because of all kinds of factors and environment, the
match is
>not that good usually. The idea of using a T1 at the match point and
then
>remote controlled should make QRP ops much better with the coax
feedline
>losses being much lower.
>
>So, is this a reasonable thing to try? Sometimes, the distance to the
make-
>shift antenna from a picnic bench (for example) is 50 feet or so and I
always
>use 75 foot of coax. I usually don't try ladder line for lower losses
because
>often the feed line is running along the ground for awhile.
>
>73, 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
Message delivered to [hidden email]