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Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

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Tom Zeltwanger

Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not providing BAND
data, which is in line with recommendations for connecting this radio in
the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me that RF Frequency-sensing
overrides all other information. I have two antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a
vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an 80 meter dipole. I only ENABLE
ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE ANT 1 for all other Bands, in the
KAT Config.

If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change to
the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong antenna.
The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct antenna. If
instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct antenna is
selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other Modes. Is this a
bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think this would be
especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.

I confirmed that the latest KAT-500 Firmware is installed. Am I missing
something??

73,

Tom, KG3V

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Don Wilhelm

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Tom,

If by "hit the TUNE button", you are referring to the TUNE button on the
KPA500, those results are completely understandable.

Changing bands on your transceiver is not communicated to the KAT500 yet
- (it will only be communicated when you provide RF to the KAT500).

So the KAT500 will not switch bands and will attempt to tune on the
wrong antenna initially. Once the KAT500 senses RF, it will know that
the band is not correct and will switch to the proper antenna for the
band in use.

In your second scenerio, you are providing RF to the KAT500 first and it
will behave properly, so use that sequence.

You should not have any problems with the KPA500 if you have the keying
cable run correctly - from the transceiver to the KAT500 and then from
the KAT500 to the KPA500.
The KAT500 interrupts the keying line to the KPA500 so the tuning is
done only with the exciter power level.

73 and HNY,
Don W3FPR

On 12/26/2019 9:39 AM, Tom KG3V wrote:

> I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not providing BAND
> data, which is in line with recommendations for connecting this radio in
> the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me that RF Frequency-sensing
> overrides all other information. I have two antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a
> vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an 80 meter dipole. I only ENABLE
> ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE ANT 1 for all other Bands, in the
> KAT Config.
>
> If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change to
> the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong antenna.
> The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct antenna. If
> instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct antenna is
> selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other Modes. Is this a
> bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think this would be
> especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.
>

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Tom Zeltwanger

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Don,

Good to hear from you. You helped me many times with K2 questions in the
past. Thanks for that! Hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season.

I actually meant the TUNE button on the IC-7600. You must have meant on
the KAT-500, since there is not a TUNE button on the KPA-500. It does
not seem to matter which TUNE button I press. I think you confirmed that
it is working as expected. Still a bit annoying. As soon as the TUNE
cycle starts, of course there is RF. I guess the KAT-500 is not sensing
frequency DURING the TUNE event. So, any time I switch Bands, I may go
through a "complete" Tune cycle with an antenna for the wrong Band. Of
course, that most likely will not complete with a match. The second TUNE
cycle always selects the desired antenna.

I think I need to send the Band information from the IC-7600 to the
KAT-500. My other option will be to use only one antenna with the
KAT-500 during Contests. Is it safe to assume that if I send the Band
info, this would not happen and the first TUNE cycle would be with the
"correct" antenna?

73,

Tom, KG3V

On 12/26/2019 11:15 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Tom,
>
> If by "hit the TUNE button", you are referring to the TUNE button on
> the KPA500, those results are completely understandable.
>
> Changing bands on your transceiver is not communicated to the KAT500
> yet - (it will only be communicated when you provide RF to the KAT500).
>
> So the KAT500 will not switch bands and will attempt to tune on the
> wrong antenna initially. Once the KAT500 senses RF, it will know that
> the band is not correct and will switch to the proper antenna for the
> band in use.
>
> In your second scenerio, you are providing RF to the KAT500 first and
> it will behave properly, so use that sequence.
>
> You should not have any problems with the KPA500 if you have the
> keying cable run correctly - from the transceiver to the KAT500 and
> then from the KAT500 to the KPA500.
> The KAT500 interrupts the keying line to the KPA500 so the tuning is
> done only with the exciter power level.
>
> 73 and HNY,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 12/26/2019 9:39 AM, Tom KG3V wrote:
>> I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not providing
>> BAND data, which is in line with recommendations for connecting this
>> radio in the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me that RF
>> Frequency-sensing overrides all other information. I have two
>> antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an
>> 80 meter dipole. I only ENABLE ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE
>> ANT 1 for all other Bands, in the KAT Config.
>>
>> If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change to
>> the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong antenna.
>> The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct antenna. If
>> instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct antenna is
>> selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other Modes. Is this
>> a bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think this would be
>> especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.
>>

--
Get on the Air and make some noise
Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.COM

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Check the KAT500 utility to see which antennas are authorized and for which bands. You will need to supply RF from the IC7600 in order for the KAT 500 to know what to do.

If you have 2 antennas authorized for the same band that will confuse the issue. Also selecting LastUsed may be an issue where band data is not available.

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 26, 2019, at 10:58 AM, Tom KG3V <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Don,
>
> Good to hear from you. You helped me many times with K2 questions in the past. Thanks for that! Hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season.
>
> I actually meant the TUNE button on the IC-7600. You must have meant on the KAT-500, since there is not a TUNE button on the KPA-500. It does not seem to matter which TUNE button I press. I think you confirmed that it is working as expected. Still a bit annoying. As soon as the TUNE cycle starts, of course there is RF. I guess the KAT-500 is not sensing frequency DURING the TUNE event. So, any time I switch Bands, I may go through a "complete" Tune cycle with an antenna for the wrong Band. Of course, that most likely will not complete with a match. The second TUNE cycle always selects the desired antenna.
>
> I think I need to send the Band information from the IC-7600 to the KAT-500. My other option will be to use only one antenna with the KAT-500 during Contests. Is it safe to assume that if I send the Band info, this would not happen and the first TUNE cycle would be with the "correct" antenna?
>
> 73,
>
> Tom, KG3V
>
>
>
>> On 12/26/2019 11:15 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Tom,
>>
>> If by "hit the TUNE button", you are referring to the TUNE button on the KPA500, those results are completely understandable.
>>
>> Changing bands on your transceiver is not communicated to the KAT500 yet - (it will only be communicated when you provide RF to the KAT500).
>>
>> So the KAT500 will not switch bands and will attempt to tune on the wrong antenna initially. Once the KAT500 senses RF, it will know that the band is not correct and will switch to the proper antenna for the band in use.
>>
>> In your second scenerio, you are providing RF to the KAT500 first and it will behave properly, so use that sequence.
>>
>> You should not have any problems with the KPA500 if you have the keying cable run correctly - from the transceiver to the KAT500 and then from the KAT500 to the KPA500.
>> The KAT500 interrupts the keying line to the KPA500 so the tuning is done only with the exciter power level.
>>
>> 73 and HNY,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>> On 12/26/2019 9:39 AM, Tom KG3V wrote:
>>> I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not providing BAND data, which is in line with recommendations for connecting this radio in the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me that RF Frequency-sensing overrides all other information. I have two antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an 80 meter dipole. I only ENABLE ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE ANT 1 for all other Bands, in the KAT Config.
>>>
>>> If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change to the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong antenna. The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct antenna. If instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct antenna is selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other Modes. Is this a bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think this would be especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.
>>>
> --
> Get on the Air and make some noise
> Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Lyn WØLEN

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Coming in late on this discussion ... but wanting to add my .02 worth.

I have a setup similar to Tom's, except I have the IC-7300. With that unit, the KAT500 does, in fact, follow band changes on the 7300 with the FIRST TUNE request. It doesn't matter if I hit TUNE on the KAT, the 7300 or in software (FT8).

The KPA is already on the correct band, as it DOES follow band changes on the 7300.

Lyn, W0LEN

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2019 12:19 PM
To: Tom KG3V
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Check the KAT500 utility to see which antennas are authorized and for which bands. You will need to supply RF from the IC7600 in order for the KAT 500 to know what to do.

If you have 2 antennas authorized for the same band that will confuse the issue. Also selecting LastUsed may be an issue where band data is not available.

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 26, 2019, at 10:58 AM, Tom KG3V <[hidden email]> wrote:

>

> Don,

>

> Good to hear from you. You helped me many times with K2 questions in the past. Thanks for that! Hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season.

>

> I actually meant the TUNE button on the IC-7600. You must have meant on the KAT-500, since there is not a TUNE button on the KPA-500. It does not seem to matter which TUNE button I press. I think you confirmed that it is working as expected. Still a bit annoying. As soon as the TUNE cycle starts, of course there is RF. I guess the KAT-500 is not sensing frequency DURING the TUNE event. So, any time I switch Bands, I may go through a "complete" Tune cycle with an antenna for the wrong Band. Of course, that most likely will not complete with a match. The second TUNE cycle always selects the desired antenna.

>

> I think I need to send the Band information from the IC-7600 to the KAT-500. My other option will be to use only one antenna with the KAT-500 during Contests. Is it safe to assume that if I send the Band info, this would not happen and the first TUNE cycle would be with the "correct" antenna?

>

> 73,

>

> Tom, KG3V

>

>

>

>> On 12/26/2019 11:15 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

>> Tom,

>>

>> If by "hit the TUNE button", you are referring to the TUNE button on the KPA500, those results are completely understandable.

>>

>> Changing bands on your transceiver is not communicated to the KAT500 yet - (it will only be communicated when you provide RF to the KAT500).

>>

>> So the KAT500 will not switch bands and will attempt to tune on the wrong antenna initially. Once the KAT500 senses RF, it will know that the band is not correct and will switch to the proper antenna for the band in use.

>>

>> In your second scenerio, you are providing RF to the KAT500 first and it will behave properly, so use that sequence.

>>

>> You should not have any problems with the KPA500 if you have the keying cable run correctly - from the transceiver to the KAT500 and then from the KAT500 to the KPA500.

>> The KAT500 interrupts the keying line to the KPA500 so the tuning is done only with the exciter power level.

>>

>> 73 and HNY,

>> Don W3FPR

>>

>>> On 12/26/2019 9:39 AM, Tom KG3V wrote:

>>> I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not providing BAND data, which is in line with recommendations for connecting this radio in the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me that RF Frequency-sensing overrides all other information. I have two antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an 80 meter dipole. I only ENABLE ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE ANT 1 for all other Bands, in the KAT Config.

>>>

>>> If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change to the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong antenna. The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct antenna. If instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct antenna is selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other Modes. Is this a bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think this would be especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.

>>>

> --

> Get on the Air and make some noise

> Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.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

> Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________

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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

Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Tom Zeltwanger

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Lyn,

That is very interesting. Maybe I have an issue that I do not
understand. It sounds like your setup is working as I would have
expected. I also have a 7300, so I will have to give that a try. I do
not usually use the 7300 with the KAT-500 and I am a little worried
about powering the KAT-500 from the 7300.

73,

Tom, KG3V

On 1/8/2020 4:49 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

>
> Coming in late on this discussion ... but wanting to add my .02 worth.
>
> I have a setup similar to Tom's, except I have the IC-7300. With that
> unit, the KAT500 does, in fact, follow band changes on the 7300 with
> the */FIRST /*TUNE request. It doesn't matter if I hit TUNE on the
> KAT, the 7300 or in software (FT8).
>
> The KPA is already on the correct band, as it DOES follow band changes
> on the 7300.
>
> Lyn, W0LEN
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
> Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2019 12:19 PM
> To: Tom KG3V
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using KAT-500 without BAND Information
>
> Check the KAT500 utility to see which antennas are authorized and for
> which bands. You will need to supply RF from the IC7600 in order for
> the KAT 500 to know what to do.
>
> If you have 2 antennas authorized for the same band that will confuse
> the issue. Also selecting LastUsed may be an issue where band data is
> not available.
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Dec 26, 2019, at 10:58 AM, Tom KG3V <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > Don,
>
> >
>
> > Good to hear from you. You helped me many times with K2 questions in
> the past. Thanks for that! Hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season.
>
> >
>
> > I actually meant the TUNE button on the IC-7600. You must have meant
> on the KAT-500, since there is not a TUNE button on the KPA-500. It
> does not seem to matter which TUNE button I press. I think you
> confirmed that it is working as expected. Still a bit annoying. As
> soon as the TUNE cycle starts, of course there is RF. I guess the
> KAT-500 is not sensing frequency DURING the TUNE event. So, any time I
> switch Bands, I may go through a "complete" Tune cycle with an antenna
> for the wrong Band. Of course, that most likely will not complete with
> a match. The second TUNE cycle always selects the desired antenna.
>
> >
>
> > I think I need to send the Band information from the IC-7600 to the
> KAT-500. My other option will be to use only one antenna with the
> KAT-500 during Contests. Is it safe to assume that if I send the Band
> info, this would not happen and the first TUNE cycle would be with the
> "correct" antenna?
>
> >
>
> > 73,
>
> >
>
> > Tom, KG3V
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >> On 12/26/2019 11:15 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>
> >> Tom,
>
> >>
>
> >> If by "hit the TUNE button", you are referring to the TUNE button
> on the KPA500, those results are completely understandable.
>
> >>
>
> >> Changing bands on your transceiver is not communicated to the
> KAT500 yet - (it will only be communicated when you provide RF to the
> KAT500).
>
> >>
>
> >> So the KAT500 will not switch bands and will attempt to tune on the
> wrong antenna initially. Once the KAT500 senses RF, it will know that
> the band is not correct and will switch to the proper antenna for the
> band in use.
>
> >>
>
> >> In your second scenerio, you are providing RF to the KAT500 first
> and it will behave properly, so use that sequence.
>
> >>
>
> >> You should not have any problems with the KPA500 if you have the
> keying cable run correctly - from the transceiver to the KAT500 and
> then from the KAT500 to the KPA500.
>
> >> The KAT500 interrupts the keying line to the KPA500 so the tuning
> is done only with the exciter power level.
>
> >>
>
> >> 73 and HNY,
>
> >> Don W3FPR
>
> >>
>
> >>> On 12/26/2019 9:39 AM, Tom KG3V wrote:
>
> >>> I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not
> providing BAND data, which is in line with recommendations for
> connecting this radio in the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me
> that RF Frequency-sensing overrides all other information. I have two
> antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an 80
> meter dipole. I only ENABLE ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE ANT 1
> for all other Bands, in the KAT Config.
>
> >>>
>
> >>> If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change
> to the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong
> antenna. The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct
> antenna. If instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct
> antenna is selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other
> Modes. Is this a bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think
> this would be especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.
>
> >>>
>
> > --
>
> > Get on the Air and make some noise
>
> > Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.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
>
> > 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]
>

kd4iz

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Hi Tom,

I am also a very happy KPA500/KAT500 user with an IC7000, 7100, and 7300. I home brewed my own interface for the antenna tuner and the “big DIN” connector. They all start an autoswitch routine to memorized frequency values that is fast and accurate.

I always put the KPA500 in standby when I change bands that require an antenna switch over.

Never owned a better Amp/Tuner combo.

Jack - KD4IZ
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 8, 2020, at 19:55, Tom KG3V <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Lyn,
>
> That is very interesting. Maybe I have an issue that I do not understand. It sounds like your setup is working as I would have expected. I also have a 7300, so I will have to give that a try. I do not usually use the 7300 with the KAT-500 and I am a little worried about powering the KAT-500 from the 7300.
>
> 73,
>
> Tom, KG3V
>
>
>> On 1/8/2020 4:49 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>
>> Coming in late on this discussion ... but wanting to add my .02 worth.
>>
>> I have a setup similar to Tom's, except I have the IC-7300. With that unit, the KAT500 does, in fact, follow band changes on the 7300 with the */FIRST /*TUNE request. It doesn't matter if I hit TUNE on the KAT, the 7300 or in software (FT8).
>>
>> The KPA is already on the correct band, as it DOES follow band changes on the 7300.
>>
>> Lyn, W0LEN
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
>> Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2019 12:19 PM
>> To: Tom KG3V
>> Cc: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using KAT-500 without BAND Information
>>
>> Check the KAT500 utility to see which antennas are authorized and for which bands. You will need to supply RF from the IC7600 in order for the KAT 500 to know what to do.
>>
>> If you have 2 antennas authorized for the same band that will confuse the issue. Also selecting LastUsed may be an issue where band data is not available.
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> > On Dec 26, 2019, at 10:58 AM, Tom KG3V <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> >
>>
>> > Don,
>>
>> >
>>
>> > Good to hear from you. You helped me many times with K2 questions in the past. Thanks for that! Hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season.
>>
>> >
>>
>> > I actually meant the TUNE button on the IC-7600. You must have meant on the KAT-500, since there is not a TUNE button on the KPA-500. It does not seem to matter which TUNE button I press. I think you confirmed that it is working as expected. Still a bit annoying. As soon as the TUNE cycle starts, of course there is RF. I guess the KAT-500 is not sensing frequency DURING the TUNE event. So, any time I switch Bands, I may go through a "complete" Tune cycle with an antenna for the wrong Band. Of course, that most likely will not complete with a match. The second TUNE cycle always selects the desired antenna.
>>
>> >
>>
>> > I think I need to send the Band information from the IC-7600 to the KAT-500. My other option will be to use only one antenna with the KAT-500 during Contests. Is it safe to assume that if I send the Band info, this would not happen and the first TUNE cycle would be with the "correct" antenna?
>>
>> >
>>
>> > 73,
>>
>> >
>>
>> > Tom, KG3V
>>
>> >
>>
>> >
>>
>> >
>>
>> >> On 12/26/2019 11:15 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>
>> >> Tom,
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >> If by "hit the TUNE button", you are referring to the TUNE button on the KPA500, those results are completely understandable.
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >> Changing bands on your transceiver is not communicated to the KAT500 yet - (it will only be communicated when you provide RF to the KAT500).
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >> So the KAT500 will not switch bands and will attempt to tune on the wrong antenna initially. Once the KAT500 senses RF, it will know that the band is not correct and will switch to the proper antenna for the band in use.
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >> In your second scenerio, you are providing RF to the KAT500 first and it will behave properly, so use that sequence.
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >> You should not have any problems with the KPA500 if you have the keying cable run correctly - from the transceiver to the KAT500 and then from the KAT500 to the KPA500.
>>
>> >> The KAT500 interrupts the keying line to the KPA500 so the tuning is done only with the exciter power level.
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >> 73 and HNY,
>>
>> >> Don W3FPR
>>
>> >>
>>
>> >>> On 12/26/2019 9:39 AM, Tom KG3V wrote:
>>
>> >>> I am using a KAT-500 Tuner with an ICOM IC-7600. I am not providing BAND data, which is in line with recommendations for connecting this radio in the Elecraft manuals. The documents tell me that RF Frequency-sensing overrides all other information. I have two antennas enabled. ANT 1 is a vertical for 10-40 meters. ANT 2 is an 80 meter dipole. I only ENABLE ANT 2 for 80 meters and only ENABLE ANT 1 for all other Bands, in the KAT Config.
>>
>> >>>
>>
>> >>> If I change Bands and hit the Tune button, KAT-500 will not change to the correct antenna Instead, it tries to Tune with the wrong antenna. The second time I hit TUNE, it will go to the correct antenna. If instead, I change Bands and hit the Key, the correct antenna is selected. That is fine on CW, but not great for other Modes. Is this a bug? I don't see how this could be desirable. I think this would be especially bad if I have the KPA-500 powered-ON.
>>
>> >>>
>>
>> > --
>>
>> > Get on the Air and make some noise
>>
>> > Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.COM
>>
>> >
>>
>> > ______________________________________________________________
>>
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>>
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>>
>> >
>>
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> ______________________________________________________________
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Lyn WØLEN

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Tom -

There is no problem in powering the KAT500 from the IC7300. Works like a charm, and powers as the Icom AH4 tuner does.

73
Lyn, WØLEN

-----Original Message-----
From: Jack Spitznagel [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2020 8:06 PM
To: Tom KG3V
Cc: [hidden email]; Bob McGraw K4TAX; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Hi Tom,

I am also a very happy KPA500/KAT500 user with an IC7000, 7100, and 7300. I home brewed my own interface for the antenna tuner and the “big DIN” connector. They all start an autoswitch routine to memorized frequency values that is fast and accurate.

I always put the KPA500 in standby when I change bands that require an antenna switch over.

Never owned a better Amp/Tuner combo.

Jack - KD4IZ
Sent from my iPhone

Lyn WØLEN

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

In reply to this post by kd4iz

Jack -

I don't see any need to do that. The tuner cuts the amp until the new antenna is tuned.

73
Lyn, WØLEN

-----Original Message-----
From: Jack Spitznagel [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2020 8:06 PM
To: Tom KG3V
Cc: [hidden email]; Bob McGraw K4TAX; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

Hi Tom,

I am also a very happy KPA500/KAT500 user with an IC7000, 7100, and 7300. I home brewed my own interface for the antenna tuner and the “big DIN” connector. They all start an autoswitch routine to memorized frequency values that is fast and accurate.

I always put the KPA500 in standby when I change bands that require an antenna switch over.

Never owned a better Amp/Tuner combo.

Jack - KD4IZ
Sent from my iPhone

Rick Bates, NK7I

Re: Using KAT-500 without BAND Information

True but there are tuning solutions that appear safe at low power yet exceed the amp return voltage allowances at high power (it isn’t the best tuning mix) and trip the amp.

The amp is re-enabled as soon as the tuning is completed, a risk.

So it’s wise to at least test the match after tuning, with the amp on, with just the tuning energy and if ok (medium power out of the amp), then raise to the desired level of output for a ‘final’ test. At least until the tuner has been programmed for all bins in each band.

Using resonant antennas is SO much simpler. 😉

Rick NK7I

Smell Czech corruptions are inevitable

> On Jan 8, 2020, at 6:51 PM, Lyn Norstad <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Jack -
>
> I don't see any need to do that. The tuner cuts the amp until the new antenna is tuned.
>
> 73
> Lyn, WØLEN
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