Re: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question- Update
If I remember correctly, there is a procedure in the K3 manual for manually setting the L and C values in the ATU. However, if all you're really interested in is getting the VSWR readings, then all you need do do is turn your power way down (2-3 W is enough), set the ATU to bypass (press and hold the ATU TUNE button), then press and hold the TUNE button. The VSWR will be displayed in the VFO-A display if my memory serves me correctly. This is outlined in the book as well but it may not be immediately obvious. Personally, I have set the TUN PWR to 2.5W in the config menu so I don't have to keep adjusting my power to do a quick antenna check. You might also try K3-EZ. It has a neat VSWR plotting routine. I've seen 99:1 readings on very badly mismatched antennas and/or open connections which is one reason I keep my TUNE PWR set low. The default setting is "NOR" which uses whatever setting you have for transmit power... 73 And hope to catch you on the air Chuck - AA3CS Sent from my iPhone >> >> >> 1) Where can I find detailed instructions for using the KAT3? Such as, >> step by step instructions on how to use the "manual" tuning option. >> >> 2) I'm tuning an Inverted L antenna and the initial SWR is higher than >> maximum SWR LED level as all lights are lit. (so I have no idea what the >> actual SWR is) Is there a way to get an actual SWR or Reflected Power >> >> reading via the KAT3? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question- Update
I believe it goes up to 99:1 (don't ask how I know this). I think the step you are missing is to turn off the ATU, then press tune (hold the XMIT button) to see the mismatch. I keep the tune power set low in case I transmit into the wrong antenna with a 99:1 match. 73, Joe W8JH K3 1713 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-KAT3-Antenna-Tuner-Question-Update-tp5876338p5877517.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question- Update
I've seen 25 and 33 before and both matched when tuned :-) 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174, P3 #108 On 30 Dec 2010, at 10:54, KU4AF wrote: > > Dick, > > The K3 will display higher values of SWR if you use the TUNE mode (hold the > XMIT/TUNE button). That will transmit a carrier and display the SWR in the > VFO A display area. > > I don't know what the upper limit of this SWR display is, but I just tested > it into a deliberately mismatched load and got 13.2 : 1. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question- Update
Dick, The K3 will display higher values of SWR if you use the TUNE mode (hold the XMIT/TUNE button). That will transmit a carrier and display the SWR in the VFO A display area. I don't know what the upper limit of this SWR display is, but I just tested it into a deliberately mismatched load and got 13.2 : 1. John, KU4AF Pittsboro, NC RLVZ wrote: > > Since the SWR is over 3.5 to 1 the SWR bar graph is of no value for > tuning the antenna. > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-KAT3-Antenna-Tuner-Question-Update-tp5876338p5876714.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question- Update
Hi Willis, Thanks for the reply. I always leave something out! The KAT3 tuner will tune the Sloper fine. But when the tuner is out-of-line the Sloper SWR "pins" the SWR meter (lights all of the bars) and therefore I can't tell whether the antenna is too long or too short becuz wherever I qsy on the band the SWR still pins the meter. I was hoping there was a way to get an actual SWR reading from the K3/KAT3, such as: 5 to1. That way, I could check the SWR on the CW and SSB portions of the band and know whether the antenna needs to be shortened or lengthened. It appears that the K3/KAT3 will readout inductance or capacitance but not the actual SWR nor will it readout the Reflected Power. Since the SWR is over 3.5 to 1 the SWR bar graph is of no value for tuning the antenna. Guess I'll have to wait until my Antenna Analyzer is repaired. Thanks & 73, Dick- K9OM In a message dated 12/29/2010 10:52:47 PM Eastern Standard Time, wrco...@yahoo.com writes: > Didk, you must have something terribly wrong to get this indication, like > connected to the wrong connector or an open coax. I don't remember ever > encountering a situation where my KAT-3 could not find a match. I have > never tried a manual tune in the three years that I have owned the K3. Try > connecting the K3 to your dummy load and see it it will tune. If you have a > different tuner, try it on your L and see if it will work. > > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke > K5EWJ > > > From: "r...@aol.com" > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Sent: Wed, December 29, 2010 8:01:05 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question > > Hi Guys, > > I have a couple of questions about the KAT3 antenna tuner I'd appreciate > your help with: > > 1) Where can I find detailed instructions for using the KAT3? Such as, > step by step instructions on how to use the "manual" tuning option. > > 2) I'm tuning an Inverted L antenna and the initial SWR is higher than > maximum SWR LED level as all lights are lit. (so I have no idea what the > > actual SWR is) Is there a way to get an actual SWR or Reflected Power > reading > via the KAT3? Yes, I know I should be using an Antenna Analyzer but mine > > is in for repair. > > Thanks & 73, > > Dick- K9OM > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question
Didk, you must have something terribly wrong to get this indication, like connected to the wrong connector or an open coax. I don't remember ever encountering a situation where my KAT-3 could not find a match. I have never tried a manual tune in the three years that I have owned the K3. Try connecting the K3 to your dummy load and see it it will tune. If you have a different tuner, try it on your L and see if it will work. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ From: "r...@aol.com" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wed, December 29, 2010 8:01:05 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question Hi Guys, I have a couple of questions about the KAT3 antenna tuner I'd appreciate your help with: 1) Where can I find detailed instructions for using the KAT3? Such as, step by step instructions on how to use the "manual" tuning option. 2) I'm tuning an Inverted L antenna and the initial SWR is higher than maximum SWR LED level as all lights are lit. (so I have no idea what the actual SWR is) Is there a way to get an actual SWR or Reflected Power reading via the KAT3? Yes, I know I should be using an Antenna Analyzer but mine is in for repair. Thanks & 73, Dick- K9OM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: KAT3 Antenna Tuner Question
Hi Guys, I have a couple of questions about the KAT3 antenna tuner I'd appreciate your help with: 1) Where can I find detailed instructions for using the KAT3? Such as, step by step instructions on how to use the "manual" tuning option. 2) I'm tuning an Inverted L antenna and the initial SWR is higher than maximum SWR LED level as all lights are lit. (so I have no idea what the actual SWR is) Is there a way to get an actual SWR or Reflected Power reading via the KAT3? Yes, I know I should be using an Antenna Analyzer but mine is in for repair. Thanks & 73, Dick- K9OM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
