The ATU in the K3, which should work exactly like the one in the
KPA1500, seems to consistently find a very good match, at least on the
lower bands where the L/C resolution is very good. Why the KPA1500 often
fails to find such a good match is a mystery to me. The only difference
should be the power handling capacity of the components. This would
affect strays, but I wouldn't expect them to be significant on 20 meters
and below.
73,
Scott K9MA
On 11/27/2018 14:02, Bill Johnson wrote:
If one thinks about it, no auto tuner can be expected to get an exact match
unless it is adjusted manually (that would be a PITA). And if done manually,
that doesn't mean that the match is perfect. It just appears that way.
Consider what goes on with feedline, connections and the antenna itself.
Grounding, RF and impedance issues, etc., all can contribute to inconsistent
behavior. The Elecraft tuning is among the best for price for in rig
performance IMO. I prefer remote auto tuning myself which requires a different
operation method.
Now if Elecraft could design a remotely controlled, wireless preferred, tuner,
I would buy one yesterday!
72 & 73,
Bill
K9YEQ
FT'er for K2, KX1, KX3, KXPA100, KAT500, W2, etc.
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On
Behalf Of Paul Baldock
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 1:39 PM
There is definitely room for improvements in the tuning algorithm. Because of
this I have tuned all my segments manually. I find if the SWR is not adjusted
to be close to 1:1 in all segments of a band then the drive requirements vary
across that band, which would be very annoying.
In addition the tuner may not always be in the segment you think it is. This is due to
the 8KHz resolution of the internal counter, that wins over you sending it a more
accurate frequency, and also the hysteresis algorithm that can require a 2 segment
frequency change before the tuner changes. Gary from Elecraft says "if you are off
by one bin segment then it should not matter too much"
I also note that when into a perfect 50 Ohms, and the tuner bypassed, on 6
meters, my KPA1500 says the SWR is 1.4:1. On 10 meters it reads 1.2:1.
Rene from Elecraft says "this is the best they can do".
Other than the issues above I am very happy with the KPA1500.
- Paul
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Scott K9MA
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