Problem with new KAT500

[N1IX-2]

I just received a new factory built KAT500 a few days ago.

I am using it with my K3 and KPA500 cabled with (2) E850463 Aux interface
cables as in Figure 1 on page 5 of the KAT500 manual.

I have recently updated the firmware on both the K3 and KPA500.

 

I am running about 250W on FT8. The K3 output is about 12W.

 

My problem is in "auto" mode. The tuner suddenly tries to tune, searching
for a solution when it doesn't require tuning. This is without any change in
frequency.

This causes the amplifier keying to be disabled. There are no fault
conditions on either the tuner or the amp.

This occurs on any of my antennas including a Steppir that has a 1.2 SWR
without the tuner.

 

Everything is fine in "manual" mode.

 

I have read and reread the manual and don't see anything that I am doing
incorrectly.

 

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

73

Dave N1IX

 

 

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[KE8G-2]

Hi Dave,
Yes, you would think that auto mode is probably the best to be in, but it's
not.  Once you have the tuner "trained" for the operating frequencies, put
it in manual mode and leave it there.

That's what I did and continue to do, and I've had the KAT500/KPA500 combo
for quite a few years.

73 de Jim - KE8G

On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 3:34 PM <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I just received a new factory built KAT500 a few days ago.
>
> I am using it with my K3 and KPA500 cabled with (2) E850463 Aux interface
> cables as in Figure 1 on page 5 of the KAT500 manual.
>
> I have recently updated the firmware on both the K3 and KPA500.
>
>
>
> I am running about 250W on FT8. The K3 output is about 12W.
>
>
>
> My problem is in "auto" mode. The tuner suddenly tries to tune, searching
> for a solution when it doesn't require tuning. This is without any change
> in
> frequency.
>
> This causes the amplifier keying to be disabled. There are no fault
> conditions on either the tuner or the amp.
>
> This occurs on any of my antennas including a Steppir that has a 1.2 SWR
> without the tuner.
>
>
>
> Everything is fine in "manual" mode.
>
>
>
> I have read and reread the manual and don't see anything that I am doing
> incorrectly.
>
>
>
> Any ideas would be appreciated.
>
>
>
> 73
>
> Dave N1IX
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[Cady, Fred-2]

Hi Dave,

Basically you shouldn't be running in Auto mode because if the tuner happens to calculate a "bad" swr it will try to retune even though it doesn't have to.

You should just train the tuner for your operating frequencies and then operate in Manual mode.

Here are a couple of pdf files that may help you understand a bit more how the amp and tuner work.

http://www.ke7x.com/home/k-line-introduction-and-set-up-guide


73,

Fred KE7X

For information on all KE7X Elecraft books and "The Successful Ham Radio Operator's Handbook", see www.ke7x.com<http://www.ke7x.com>.

PS: Lulu has a 15% discount on print books.  The code is LKAB317CD


________________________________
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2019 1:33 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Problem with new KAT500

I just received a new factory built KAT500 a few days ago.

I am using it with my K3 and KPA500 cabled with (2) E850463 Aux interface
cables as in Figure 1 on page 5 of the KAT500 manual.

I have recently updated the firmware on both the K3 and KPA500.



I am running about 250W on FT8. The K3 output is about 12W.



My problem is in "auto" mode. The tuner suddenly tries to tune, searching
for a solution when it doesn't require tuning. This is without any change in
frequency.

This causes the amplifier keying to be disabled. There are no fault
conditions on either the tuner or the amp.

This occurs on any of my antennas including a Steppir that has a 1.2 SWR
without the tuner.



Everything is fine in "manual" mode.



I have read and reread the manual and don't see anything that I am doing
incorrectly.



Any ideas would be appreciated.



73

Dave N1IX





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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
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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