I'm reading the specifications for the KAT500. Typical matching range from 3-30 MHz is 10:1 SWR for 600 watts.
This means that if the KAT500 utility reports "Bypass VSWR" in excess of 10:1 then the KPA500 should not be set to operate. I'm running a dipole cut for 80 and fed with 600 ohm ladder line as a multiband antenna. The BALUN is right outside my window. I have the option of 1:1, 4:1, 9:1 and 12:1 I think. They are DXE brand. My job then is to pick the right BALUN to provide <10:1 SWR on the bands of interest. I hoped this would be at least 80-20 if not 80-10. Not sure which BALUN is plugged in right now but on 80 meters I'm showing a bypass VSWR of 12.00 and VSWR of 1.6:1. This means I cannot use the KPA500 on 80 regardless of the good match the KAT500 provided. Should the key line cables from the KAT500 to the KPA500 and the rig (using a Flex) prevent keying the amp if the SWR exceeds 10:1 automatically? If I want better than that then I have to find another antenna tuner with a wider SWR range at 600 watts or a different antenna? Can anyone guess at the matching range of the KAT500 at 100W? The thing is... I think I have a dead amp. Kev K4VD ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
