Greg, there is really no requirement to ever push the KAT500 TUNE switch. That is a "convenience".
Once the KAT500 has been "tuned" to a particular frequency, it will store the settings and jump its tuning settings back to them when it senses RF at that frequency from any transmitter. No button pushing or other involvement is necessary as long as nothing changes in the antenna system. The "TUNE" switch is used ONLY when first commanding the KAT500 to tune the antenna system for a particular frequency with a particular antenna. Note that many antennas do not provide a low SWR across the entire Ham band, especially on the lower frequency bands. The KAT500 divides the spectrum up into segments and can memorize the tuning settings for *every* segment to ensure optimum SWR across the spectrum. If you are setting your KAT500 up for remote operation, you might want to make sure it has a memorized tuning setting for every frequency segment in each band. > Below 3 MHz the segments are 10 kHz wide. > From 3 MHz through 26 MHz the segments are 20 kHz wide. > From 26 MHz to 38 MHz the segments are 100 kHz wide. > From 38 MHz to 60 MHz the segments are 200 kHz wide. That involves transmitting briefly inside Ham bands every 10 kHz below 3 MHz, every 20 kHz between 3 and 26 MHz, etc. The KAT500 also stores the antenna you chose (ANT 1, 2 or 3) so it will automatically return there when it senses RF. Some Elecraft customer support people like to call this "training" the KAT500. But you don't even need to do that. Instead, you can leave the KAT500 in AUTO mode. In this mode, it will automatically initiate a TUNE cycle if it senses an SWR above a pre-defined level. IIRC the default threshold above which the KAT500 in AUTO mode will launch a tune operation is 1.8:1. That is adjustable in the KAT500 Utility Program. After that, it will have stored those values in memory so it will instantly switch back to them when you return to that frequency. Some operators take the time to "train" the KAT500 so it will switch back to the settings for a frequency instantly rather than have it possibly go through a TUNE cycle that might take several seconds. Bottom line: if you don't mind a few second wait while the KAT500 determines the optimum settings for a frequency when you visit it the first time, all you need do is make sure you have it in AUTO mode and, if you are using more than one antenna, that you have done a test transmission somewhere in each band so the KAT500 has memorized which antenna to select for each band. Of course if you are using an amplifier, the KAT500 protects it by opening the key line while it's tuning so the amp isn't stressed and the KAT500 sees only the exciter power. 73, Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Greg Felter Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2013 6:20 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 for remote operation Hello group I have a question about the KAT500. Initially I will not be using the KAT500 with an Elecraft transceiver. Occasionally I will be using my rig via iPhone remote and want to clarify tuner operation. Once the KAT500 has been set up with my system and antenna and then placed on "AUTO" a brief RF transmission will automatically alert the KAT500 to tune, correct? I would not have to be sitting in front of the KAT500 to manually push the "TUNE" button if I read the manual correctly. This is my only concern about KAT500 operation as I will be using my rig remotely at times. Thanks in advance for your assistance and 73. Greg KA2COP ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] 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:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
