I don't believe it is an antenna or stray RF problem.
I have "memorized" tuner settings for the entire 75 meter band at 20 kc steps. The K-Line is set up per instructions (although the manual supplied by Elecraft is a little thin).
When I QSY, the KAT500 will click to a memory when I transmit (either by using TUNE on the K3 or PTT and start talking). That is what I expect.
What happens next is not expected! While in QSO, the KAT500 will suddenly retune. Normally, this retune will be a click or two (seeking a known memory) and a light show on the KPA500 - followed by the tuner settling down and the QSO continues. This is random and quite disconcerting - sometimes happening several times during a single QSO.
A great amount of effort has been expended in checking and rechecking the entire antenna system. I am using a normal dipole for 75 meters with proper feedlines/connectors. There were no problems noted (not that I expected any).
When using the same antenna system on other rigs - there have been NO similar incidents to what the KAT500 does. Once the tuning or tune memory is selected - there is no further tuner activity during a QSO. As it should be.
Having learned how to do a trace report of the KAT500's tuning activity, I am able to see what the tuner is doing when this happens. In simple terms, it gets lost mid-QSO and the tuner activity noted is an attempt to retune to the frequency it is sensing that frequency will not be what your VFO is showing. When it settles back down, it will once again be tuned to your current XMIT frequency. For some reason, the KAT500 senses an incorrect XMIT frequency during the QSO.
I have been informed that a solution is being worked on by Elecraft. Bill W2BLC K-Line(?) ______________________________________________________________ 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
