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Product Idea for Elecraft

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Jose Rivera

Product Idea for Elecraft

Elecraft makes the most excellent antenna tuners. Of all the antenna tuners I own (MFJ, LDG), the tuner in
my KX3 is the best!! My KX3 tuner will tune anything in one or two seconds. My other tuners take anywhere
from 15-30 seconds to tune the same antennas.

So here is my suggestion to Elecraft - Make a standalone 100 watt antenna tuner!! I think it would sell
well. Not only for our Elecraft Radios, but mostly for all those poor unfortunate souls, who don't have
Elecraft radios.

Jose

N2LRB

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NK7Z

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

Not sure what other tuners you are using, but my LDG AT1000- PROII, and
every other LDG tuner I have owned, takes about 3 seconds to tune a
pretuned frequency.
--
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On Thu, 2015-09-10 at 14:01 -0400, Jose Rivera wrote:

> Elecraft makes the most excellent antenna tuners. Of all the antenna tuners I own (MFJ, LDG), the tuner in
> my KX3 is the best!! My KX3 tuner will tune anything in one or two seconds. My other tuners take anywhere
> from 15-30 seconds to tune the same antennas.
>
>
>
> So here is my suggestion to Elecraft - Make a standalone 100 watt antenna tuner!! I think it would sell
> well. Not only for our Elecraft Radios, but mostly for all those poor unfortunate souls, who don't have
> Elecraft radios.
>
>
>
> Jose
>
> N2LRB
>
>
>
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Nate Bargmann

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Jose Rivera

Actually, I am of the opposite opinion and rate my LDG AT-200Pro above
the internal tuner of my K3. When I return to a previously tuned band
frequency on the LDG all I hear are a click or two and it is there. The
K3's tuner rattles and carries on for quite a bit longer seemingly
needing to find the match all over again as though there is no memory in
the tuner. The K3 tuner is still reasonably fast, but just annoying
that it seems to go through the whole cycle when changing bands on an
antenna previously used.

73, Nate, N0NB

--

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true."

Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
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Gregory Schippers

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

Nate- OP referenced tuner in kX3, not K3. The KX3 tuner is noticeably
faster, in my experience. Also, my experience with the SGC line of auto
couplers is such that I think that niche is well filled at the moment, but
I am sure an Elecraft product would make improvements. ;-)
Greg in West Mitten, KC8HXO
K3 #270

On Thu, Sep 10, 2015 at 4:49 PM, Nate Bargmann <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Actually, I am of the opposite opinion and rate my LDG AT-200Pro above
> the internal tuner of my K3. When I return to a previously tuned band
> frequency on the LDG all I hear are a click or two and it is there. The
> K3's tuner rattles and carries on for quite a bit longer seemingly
> needing to find the match all over again as though there is no memory in
> the tuner. The K3 tuner is still reasonably fast, but just annoying
> that it seems to go through the whole cycle when changing bands on an
> antenna previously used.
>
> 73, Nate, N0NB
>
> --
>
> "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
> possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true."
>
> Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

David Bunte

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

I find the tread about the Elecraft, vs other tuners to be interesting. I
have a K3 with the internal tuner. I also have the KAT500. I have
thousands of QSOs on those devices, and the tuners ALWAYS go back to the
memorized setting so fast I may sometimes not even notice that it
changed... but when I gift it RF I see that the SWR is right where I hoped
it would be. My experience was exactly the same with the KX3 that I
borrowed from a friend in the Summer of 2013, when I made hundreds of QSOs
on 80 through 10 meters into a 125' end fed wire.

I have far less experience with LDG or SGC tuners, but if you have an
Elecraft tuner that does not do the job almost instantly, then I suspect
there is something wrong, either in the setup, the initial training of the
tuner, or in the device itself.

If a person wants an external tuner of Elecraft quality, I suggest getting
the KAT500. It is more money than tuners rated for less power, but I have
a friend who got one to use with his IC756ProIII and an SGC amp. It
replaced his LDG-1000 PRO which fried (for reasons I am not aware of). I
felt that the KAT500 matched his antennas better and faster than the
internal tuner in the '756... but admit, that may have been prejudice on my
part... I am the one who talked him into the KAT500.

73 to all,

Dave - K9FN

On Thu, Sep 10, 2015 at 6:17 PM, Gregory Schippers <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> Nate- OP referenced tuner in kX3, not K3. The KX3 tuner is noticeably
> faster, in my experience. Also, my experience with the SGC line of auto
> couplers is such that I think that niche is well filled at the moment, but
> I am sure an Elecraft product would make improvements. ;-)
> Greg in West Mitten, KC8HXO
> K3 #270
>
> On Thu, Sep 10, 2015 at 4:49 PM, Nate Bargmann <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Actually, I am of the opposite opinion and rate my LDG AT-200Pro above
> > the internal tuner of my K3. When I return to a previously tuned band
> > frequency on the LDG all I hear are a click or two and it is there. The
> > K3's tuner rattles and carries on for quite a bit longer seemingly
> > needing to find the match all over again as though there is no memory in
> > the tuner. The K3 tuner is still reasonably fast, but just annoying
> > that it seems to go through the whole cycle when changing bands on an
> > antenna previously used.
> >
> > 73, Nate, N0NB
> >
> > --
> >
> > "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
> > possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true."
> >
> > Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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]
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Jose Rivera

I second Jose's suggestion for the development of a lower power stand alone auto tuner. I love the Elecraft tuners in my KX3 and KXPA100, but want to replace my LDG tuner for my FT950 which takes longer to tune, is noisier, and won't achieve as good a tune as my Elecraft. I would like it to handle 200 watts so it has some headroom.
73 Mike KF6KXG
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Stephen Shearer

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Nate Bargmann

I can't speak for the K3, but my KX3 only tunes when I ask (push a
button) but my LDG is an auto tuner. I DO have a LDG AT-200 on my
Orion. I had another brand z 125 watt tuner and it fried when I ran
RTTY at 100 watts. I switched to the LDG and it does take the power.
After digging (much digging) I found tuner z was only good for about 60
watts key down. The KX3 also "burps" when I change bands - quick, so I
am not sure the problem with the K3.

The pushing a button is nice, but... I can set the LDG tuner to
automatically tune when the VSWR gets above a set-point. Nice, no
"need" to push a button. It will tune with full power drive. Auto tune
is nice. The first Orion's with the built in tuner (LDG) only tuned
when asked (push the button). One reason I went for the external tuner
for the Orion II.

I do like my KX3. It is a little difficult to put the Orion in my
pocket. (the K3 wasn't out when I purchased the Orion...)

73, steve WB3LGC

On 10-Sep-15 4:49 PM, Nate Bargmann wrote:

Doug Hensley

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Jose Rivera

I'm new to Elecraft but I thought the KAT-100 in the EC1 slim line enclosure could be used as a versatile antenna tuner for the different Elecraft transceivers and most 100 watt radios.
Am I wrong ?

Doug W5JV

> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:01:21 -0400
> From: "Jose Rivera" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Product Idea for Elecraft
> Message-ID: <016601d0ebf2$b34d8780$19e89680$@n2lrb.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Elecraft makes the most excellent antenna tuners. Of all the antenna tuners I own (MFJ, LDG), the tuner in
> my KX3 is the best!! My KX3 tuner will tune anything in one or two seconds. My other tuners take anywhere
> from 15-30 seconds to tune the same antennas.
>
>
>
> So here is my suggestion to Elecraft - Make a standalone 100 watt antenna tuner!! I think it would sell
> well. Not only for our Elecraft Radios, but mostly for all those poor unfortunate souls, who don't have
> Elecraft radios.
>
>
>
> Jose
>
> N2LRB
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 10, 2015, at 6:05 PM, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Elecraft does make a 20W tuner and a 500W tuner, so a 100W tuner would fill out that line. It could become “gateway Kool-Aid” for those who don’t want to buy a new radio. Yet.
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
>> On Sep 10, 2015, at 5:59 PM, Mike Lichtman via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I second Jose's suggestion for the development of a lower power stand alone auto tuner. I love the Elecraft tuners in my KX3 and KXPA100, but want to replace my LDG tuner for my FT950 which takes longer to tune, is noisier, and won't achieve as good a tune as my Elecraft. I would like it to handle 200 watts so it has some headroom.
>> 73 Mike KF6KXG
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>
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>
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Doug Hensley

The KAT100 & KPA100 work only with the K2, Doug.

73, Phil W7OX

On 9/10/15 7:14 PM, Doug Hensley wrote:
> I'm new to Elecraft but I thought the KAT-100 in the EC1 slim line enclosure could be used as a versatile antenna tuner for the different Elecraft transceivers and most 100 watt radios.
> Am I wrong ?
>
> Doug W5JV

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Doug Hensley

Doug,

The KAT100 depends on internal signals from the K2 for proper
operation. That means that it is a K2 specific tuner and cannot be used
with other transceivers. For QRP users, the Elecraft T1 20 watt tuner
can be used with a variety of transceivers.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/10/2015 10:14 PM, Doug Hensley wrote:
> I'm new to Elecraft but I thought the KAT-100 in the EC1 slim line enclosure could be used as a versatile antenna tuner for the different Elecraft transceivers and most 100 watt radios.
> Am I wrong ?
>
>

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Johnny Siu

Product Idea for Elecraft

If you don't mind less power at 50 W. Hardrock HR50 with internal ATU could be an alternative.
www.hobbypcb.com
73
Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人︰ Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ Doug Hensley <[hidden email]>; "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
傳送日期︰ 2015年09月11日 (週五) 11:08 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Product Idea for Elecraft

Doug,

The KAT100 depends on internal signals from the K2 for proper
operation. That means that it is a K2 specific tuner and cannot be used
with other transceivers. For QRP users, the Elecraft T1 20 watt tuner
can be used with a variety of transceivers.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/10/2015 10:14 PM, Doug Hensley wrote:
> I'm new to Elecraft but I thought the KAT-100 in the EC1 slim line enclosure could be used as a versatile antenna tuner for the different Elecraft transceivers and most 100 watt radios.
> Am I wrong ?
>
>

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

In reply to this post by Stephen Shearer

Most (if not all) the Elecraft "auto tuners" will not tune unless
commanded by a tap of the TUNE button.
The "automatic" part means that once tuned, the tuner will remember the
L/C settings for that frequency and will return to it when you move the
VFO to that band segment.

That means that your transmission is not interrupted by the tuner
attempting to tune while you are transmitting.
The KXAT1 and KAT500 are the exception, if placed in "AUTO" it will
attempt to tune when it senses a high SWR. On SSB particularly, that
may initiate a false SWR reading. The instructions for the KXAT1 tell
you to "train the tuner" to your antenna and then change it to "MAN"
mode so it does not respond to those false SWR indications.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/10/2015 9:36 PM, Stephen Shearer wrote:

> I can't speak for the K3, but my KX3 only tunes when I ask (push a
> button) but my LDG is an auto tuner. I DO have a LDG AT-200 on my
> Orion. I had another brand z 125 watt tuner and it fried when I ran
> RTTY at 100 watts. I switched to the LDG and it does take the power.
> After digging (much digging) I found tuner z was only good for about
> 60 watts key down. The KX3 also "burps" when I change bands - quick,
> so I am not sure the problem with the K3.
>
> The pushing a button is nice, but... I can set the LDG tuner to
> automatically tune when the VSWR gets above a set-point. Nice, no
> "need" to push a button. It will tune with full power drive. Auto
> tune is nice. The first Orion's with the built in tuner (LDG) only
> tuned when asked (push the button). One reason I went for the
> external tuner for the Orion II.
>

Pierfrancesco Caci

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

>>>>> "Don" == Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> writes:

Don> Most (if not all) the Elecraft "auto tuners" will not tune unless
Don> commanded by a tap of the TUNE button.

wasn't one of the tuners (maybe the KAT500) enhanced to track VFO also
in RX, by using the AUX connection?

--
Pierfrancesco Caci, ik5pvx
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Product Idea for Elecraft

Yes, but it does not tune - it switches in the last used L/C combination
as you move the VFO.
The meaning in this sense is that it will not seek to find a new L/C
combination - you must tap the TUNE button for that to happen.
It will automatically switch to the last remembered L/C combination.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/11/2015 9:24 AM, Pierfrancesco Caci wrote:
>>>>>> "Don" == Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> writes:
>
> Don> Most (if not all) the Elecraft "auto tuners" will not tune unless
> Don> commanded by a tap of the TUNE button.
>
> wasn't one of the tuners (maybe the KAT500) enhanced to track VFO also
> in RX, by using the AUX connection?
>

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