Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Hello again, again On advice from Raymond Sills I try again: ab2tc - Knut -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Hello again, I am not sure why my link doesn't show as such (underlined) ; I try again: ab2tc.com ab2tc - Knut -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Hi all, I am more than happy to chime in. Since I do not run power, I have it easy. No amplifier control to worry about. I do not attempt to extend the aux cable to the remote site either. It is entirely controlled using the KAT500 utility over the serial port which is remoted over a Wifi to serial bridge, a Lantronix Wibox. I forget what the model number is. A "wibox" Google search should reveal the model number. You can view a couple of pictures of the installation here: ab2tc.com AB2TC - Knut -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
I have dreamed about remoting my KAT500, but since it won't match my 30' vertical on 80 or 160, I went with a tuner that will do so. It is a remote tuner but not automatic. For a variety of reasons I have it sitting under a "Fake" rock that I got at a big box home improvement center. I think it cost about $28 and protects the tuner from UV and lots of other stuff... PLUS my XYL thinks it looks great compared to the tuner box sitting there. I also have a smaller fake rock over the conduit where it comes up by the tower base... a couple of real rocks (small boulders) helps 'balance' the look at the base of the antenna. If I recall correctly, AB2TC remotely controls his KAT500. He may weigh in on this discussion. What I recall of his setup is well thought out. Dave - K9FN On Sun, Nov 4, 2018 at 12:06 PM ANDY DURBIN wrote: > Ok, warnings noted. I like having my TS-590 interface controlling my > local KAT500 so, if I were to try a KAT500 as a remote tuner, I'd look at > the feasibility of making a control interface with a wifi link. That link > would include the capability to remote the keying interrupt. > > > Andy, k3wyc > > > > > > From: Jack Brindle > Sent: Saturday, November 3, 2018 7:07 PM > To: ANDY DURBIN > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner > > The answer is yes. But then it won’t tune and the cores will overheat from > excess power trying to use a now-invalid solution. You must disable the > amplifier to perform a tune or anytime the ATU needs to do any switching. > It determines when it needs to do that (say from a QSY where it needs to go > to a different solution). If you have fixed-frequency operation and can > guarantee that the ATU won’t need to change the relays while power is high, > then your analysis may be correct. Why risk it? > > So what is wrong with hot switching? You get arcs across the relay > contacts greatly reducing their lives. Having to replace the relays isn’t > fun, but having to replace a coil because the relay won’t make contact is > even worse. > > There is a reason we designed the key line interrupt into the ATUs. > > Jack, W6FB > > > __ > 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 > Message delivered to dpbu...@gmail.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Here is a US map of "County Level UV Exposure Data for the Continental United States”. The desert southwest is the clear hotspot. If you look carefully at California, you can see the effect of altitude in the Sierra. That area has higher UV than the coastal areas. The page also has an Excel data file of county-level data. https://gis.cancer.gov/tools/uv-exposure/ <https://gis.cancer.gov/tools/uv-exposure/> wunder Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.org http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Nov 3, 2018, at 5:44 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > I live in AZ so I know what UV does. What I don't yet know is if the KAT500 > is smart enough to inhibit tuning with an input power level high enough to > damage the L C switching relays. > > > If the answer is no then the obvious follow up is - why not? > > > if the answer is yes then a keying inhibit is not needed to protect the > KAT500. > > > Andy, k3wyc > > > > > > From: Jack Brindle > Sent: Saturday, November 3, 2018 12:58 PM > To: ANDY DURBIN > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner > > The keying interrupt must be provided by the ATU in order to avoid hot > switching the ATU relays when it tunes. This cannot be determined anywhere > but in the ATU, thus it must provide the break. > That key line break is pretty important to the life of the ATU. > > Jack, W6FB > > > >> On Nov 3, 2018, at 12:17 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: >> >> "Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled" >> >> >> It wasn't me that asked but I have been considering using the KAT500 as a >> remote tuner as I need higher power capability than my current MFJ-993BRT. >> However, my approach was going to be to buy just the KAT500 board and >> find/build a suitable enclosure. I'm a bit surprised Elecraft does not >> offer the KAT500 board packaged as a weather resistant remote tuner. >> >> >> As to needing AUX cable and keying interrupt - >> >> >> - KAT500 does not need AUX cable to operate but if you want to help it >> along it's far better to give it the TX exact frequency rather than just the >> band. >> >>- What other remote tuners provide keying interrupt? In any event, the >> SWR seen at the remote tuner could be quite different from the SWR seen at >> the amplifier and may not be a good indication of whether the amp should be >> keyed. >> >> >> The keying interrupt should be based on SWR seen at the amplifier output. I >> actually already have that wired using my LP100A. >> >> >> 73, >> >> Andy k3wyc >> __ >> 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 >> Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 > Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Ok, warnings noted. I like having my TS-590 interface controlling my local KAT500 so, if I were to try a KAT500 as a remote tuner, I'd look at the feasibility of making a control interface with a wifi link. That link would include the capability to remote the keying interrupt. Andy, k3wyc From: Jack Brindle Sent: Saturday, November 3, 2018 7:07 PM To: ANDY DURBIN Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner The answer is yes. But then it won’t tune and the cores will overheat from excess power trying to use a now-invalid solution. You must disable the amplifier to perform a tune or anytime the ATU needs to do any switching. It determines when it needs to do that (say from a QSY where it needs to go to a different solution). If you have fixed-frequency operation and can guarantee that the ATU won’t need to change the relays while power is high, then your analysis may be correct. Why risk it? So what is wrong with hot switching? You get arcs across the relay contacts greatly reducing their lives. Having to replace the relays isn’t fun, but having to replace a coil because the relay won’t make contact is even worse. There is a reason we designed the key line interrupt into the ATUs. Jack, W6FB __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
The answer is yes. But then it won’t tune and the cores will overheat from excess power trying to use a now-invalid solution. You must disable the amplifier to perform a tune or anytime the ATU needs to do any switching. It determines when it needs to do that (say from a QSY where it needs to go to a different solution). If you have fixed-frequency operation and can guarantee that the ATU won’t need to change the relays while power is high, then your analysis may be correct. Why risk it? So what is wrong with hot switching? You get arcs across the relay contacts greatly reducing their lives. Having to replace the relays isn’t fun, but having to replace a coil because the relay won’t make contact is even worse. There is a reason we designed the key line interrupt into the ATUs. Jack, W6FB > On Nov 3, 2018, at 5:44 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > I live in AZ so I know what UV does. What I don't yet know is if the KAT500 > is smart enough to inhibit tuning with an input power level high enough to > damage the L C switching relays. > > > If the answer is no then the obvious follow up is - why not? > > > if the answer is yes then a keying inhibit is not needed to protect the > KAT500. > > > Andy, k3wyc > > > > > > From: Jack Brindle > Sent: Saturday, November 3, 2018 12:58 PM > To: ANDY DURBIN > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner > > The keying interrupt must be provided by the ATU in order to avoid hot > switching the ATU relays when it tunes. This cannot be determined anywhere > but in the ATU, thus it must provide the break. > That key line break is pretty important to the life of the ATU. > > Jack, W6FB > > > >> On Nov 3, 2018, at 12:17 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: >> >> "Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled" >> >> >> It wasn't me that asked but I have been considering using the KAT500 as a >> remote tuner as I need higher power capability than my current MFJ-993BRT. >> However, my approach was going to be to buy just the KAT500 board and >> find/build a suitable enclosure. I'm a bit surprised Elecraft does not >> offer the KAT500 board packaged as a weather resistant remote tuner. >> >> >> As to needing AUX cable and keying interrupt - >> >> >> - KAT500 does not need AUX cable to operate but if you want to help it >> along it's far better to give it the TX exact frequency rather than just the >> band. >> >>- What other remote tuners provide keying interrupt? In any event, the >> SWR seen at the remote tuner could be quite different from the SWR seen at >> the amplifier and may not be a good indication of whether the amp should be >> keyed. >> >> >> The keying interrupt should be based on SWR seen at the amplifier output. I >> actually already have that wired using my LP100A. >> >> >> 73, >> >> Andy k3wyc >> __ >> 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 >> Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
I live in AZ so I know what UV does. What I don't yet know is if the KAT500 is smart enough to inhibit tuning with an input power level high enough to damage the L C switching relays. If the answer is no then the obvious follow up is - why not? if the answer is yes then a keying inhibit is not needed to protect the KAT500. Andy, k3wyc From: Jack Brindle Sent: Saturday, November 3, 2018 12:58 PM To: ANDY DURBIN Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner The keying interrupt must be provided by the ATU in order to avoid hot switching the ATU relays when it tunes. This cannot be determined anywhere but in the ATU, thus it must provide the break. That key line break is pretty important to the life of the ATU. Jack, W6FB > On Nov 3, 2018, at 12:17 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > "Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled" > > > It wasn't me that asked but I have been considering using the KAT500 as a > remote tuner as I need higher power capability than my current MFJ-993BRT. > However, my approach was going to be to buy just the KAT500 board and > find/build a suitable enclosure. I'm a bit surprised Elecraft does not offer > the KAT500 board packaged as a weather resistant remote tuner. > > > As to needing AUX cable and keying interrupt - > > > - KAT500 does not need AUX cable to operate but if you want to help it > along it's far better to give it the TX exact frequency rather than just the > band. > > - What other remote tuners provide keying interrupt? In any event, the > SWR seen at the remote tuner could be quite different from the SWR seen at > the amplifier and may not be a good indication of whether the amp should be > keyed. > > > The keying interrupt should be based on SWR seen at the amplifier output. I > actually already have that wired using my LP100A. > > > 73, > > Andy k3wyc > __ > 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 > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Im farther south than FL, and have more sunny days, the UV is stronger here, anything out doors is eaten up on no time, people included. K9FD Molokai Hawaii UV in South Florida is so strong that we used to erase EPROMS by just sitting them outside. Miami is very much subtropical, and the sun’s damage from UV and intensity is incredibly strong. It does have high humidity, which is rare in Arizona. It would be interesting to use good tools to measure UV at both places to compare. In either place I wouldn’t expect plastic that hasn’t been protected for UV to last all that long. 73, Jack, W6FB On Nov 3, 2018, at 4:39 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: UV increases with altitude, because it is absorbed by the atmosphere. For every 1000 m of elevation, UV increases 10% to 12%. UV is also higher closer to the equator. wunder Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.org http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) On Nov 3, 2018, at 4:31 PM, Jack wrote: Wes, Just giving my experience...no need to get snotty Jack W4GRJ On Nov 3, 2018, at 6:01 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: Okay, you know better than the manufacturer. On 11/3/2018 2:42 PM, w4grj wrote: All I can say is I have had one on my boat exposed to the Sun for over a year I live in Florida can't be any worse UV anywhere and it still good you never know Jack W4GRJ Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Original message From: Wes Stewart Date: 11/3/18 17:32 (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure. Not ready for AZ desert. __ 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 Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ 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 Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 Message delivered to merv.k...@gmail.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
UV in South Florida is so strong that we used to erase EPROMS by just sitting them outside. Miami is very much subtropical, and the sun’s damage from UV and intensity is incredibly strong. It does have high humidity, which is rare in Arizona. It would be interesting to use good tools to measure UV at both places to compare. In either place I wouldn’t expect plastic that hasn’t been protected for UV to last all that long. 73, Jack, W6FB > On Nov 3, 2018, at 4:39 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: > > UV increases with altitude, because it is absorbed by the atmosphere. For > every 1000 m of elevation, UV increases 10% to 12%. UV is also higher closer > to the equator. > > wunder > Walter Underwood > wun...@wunderwood.org > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > >> On Nov 3, 2018, at 4:31 PM, Jack wrote: >> >> Wes, >> Just giving my experience...no need to get snotty >> Jack >> W4GRJ >> >> On Nov 3, 2018, at 6:01 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: >> >> Okay, you know better than the manufacturer. >> >>> On 11/3/2018 2:42 PM, w4grj wrote: >>> All I can say is I have had one on my boat exposed to the Sun for over a >>> year I live in Florida can't be any worse UV anywhere and it still good you >>> never know >>> >>> Jack >>> W4GRJ >>> >>> Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device >>> >>> Original message >>> From: Wes Stewart >>> Date: 11/3/18 17:32 (GMT-05:00) >>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner >>> >>> Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure. >>> >>> Not ready for AZ desert. >> >> __ >> 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 >> Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org > > __ > 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 > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
UV increases with altitude, because it is absorbed by the atmosphere. For every 1000 m of elevation, UV increases 10% to 12%. UV is also higher closer to the equator. wunder Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.org http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Nov 3, 2018, at 4:31 PM, Jack wrote: > > Wes, > Just giving my experience...no need to get snotty > Jack > W4GRJ > > On Nov 3, 2018, at 6:01 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: > > Okay, you know better than the manufacturer. > >> On 11/3/2018 2:42 PM, w4grj wrote: >> All I can say is I have had one on my boat exposed to the Sun for over a >> year I live in Florida can't be any worse UV anywhere and it still good you >> never know >> >> Jack >> W4GRJ >> >> Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device >> >> Original message >> From: Wes Stewart >> Date: 11/3/18 17:32 (GMT-05:00) >> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner >> >> Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure. >> >> Not ready for AZ desert. > > __ > 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 > Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Wes, Just giving my experience...no need to get snotty Jack W4GRJ On Nov 3, 2018, at 6:01 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: Okay, you know better than the manufacturer. > On 11/3/2018 2:42 PM, w4grj wrote: > All I can say is I have had one on my boat exposed to the Sun for over a year > I live in Florida can't be any worse UV anywhere and it still good you never > know > > Jack > W4GRJ > > Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device > > Original message > From: Wes Stewart > Date: 11/3/18 17:32 (GMT-05:00) > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner > > Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure. > > Not ready for AZ desert. __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Okay, you know better than the manufacturer. On 11/3/2018 2:42 PM, w4grj wrote: All I can say is I have had one on my boat exposed to the Sun for over a year I live in Florida can't be any worse UV anywhere and it still good you never know Jack W4GRJ Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Original message From: Wes Stewart Date: 11/3/18 17:32 (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure. Not ready for AZ desert. __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
All I can say is I have had one on my boat exposed to the Sun for over a year I live in Florida can't be any worse UV anywhere and it still good you never knowJackW4GRJSent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Original message From: Wes Stewart Date: 11/3/18 17:32 (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure.Not ready for AZ desert.On 11/3/2018 1:44 PM, w4grj wrote:> Here is a watertight case for $13 w/ free shipping> https://www.amazon.com/MTM-ACR5-72-Crate-Utility-Medium/dp/B00T4XL2MO/ref=sr> _1_7?ie=UTF8=1541277586=8-7=mtm+case+gard>> Jack> W4GRJ>__Elecraft mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.netThis list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to w4...@satterfield.org __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Look at the Q on this item. Not good for UV exposure. Not ready for AZ desert. On 11/3/2018 1:44 PM, w4grj wrote: Here is a watertight case for $13 w/ free shipping https://www.amazon.com/MTM-ACR5-72-Crate-Utility-Medium/dp/B00T4XL2MO/ref=sr _1_7?ie=UTF8=1541277586=8-7=mtm+case+gard Jack W4GRJ __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Here is a watertight case for $13 w/ free shipping https://www.amazon.com/MTM-ACR5-72-Crate-Utility-Medium/dp/B00T4XL2MO/ref=sr _1_7?ie=UTF8=1541277586=8-7=mtm+case+gard Jack W4GRJ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of ANDY DURBIN Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2018 3:18 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner "Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled" It wasn't me that asked but I have been considering using the KAT500 as a remote tuner as I need higher power capability than my current MFJ-993BRT. However, my approach was going to be to buy just the KAT500 board and find/build a suitable enclosure. I'm a bit surprised Elecraft does not offer the KAT500 board packaged as a weather resistant remote tuner. As to needing AUX cable and keying interrupt - - KAT500 does not need AUX cable to operate but if you want to help it along it's far better to give it the TX exact frequency rather than just the band. - What other remote tuners provide keying interrupt? In any event, the SWR seen at the remote tuner could be quite different from the SWR seen at the amplifier and may not be a good indication of whether the amp should be keyed. The keying interrupt should be based on SWR seen at the amplifier output. I actually already have that wired using my LP100A. 73, Andy k3wyc __ 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 Message delivered to w4...@satterfield.org --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
"The keying interrupt must be provided by the ATU in order to avoid hot switching the ATU relays when it tunes. This cannot be determined anywhere but in the ATU, thus it must provide the break. That key line break is pretty important to the life of the ATU." Thanks to Jack and Dick for pointing out the flaw in my proposal. However, I still don't know of any other remote tuner than provides an amplifier keying interrupt. Are there any? If not, how do those QRO remote tuners survive? Wouldn't it be possible for KAT500 firmware to inhibit tuning when the input power exceeded a safe level? Isn't that protection included now? It would seem to be a requirement very similar to maximum power for key line interrupt - "When your KAT500 starts to tune, because of a band or antenna switch, a TUNE button press, or auto tune based on VSWR threshold, it waits for the transmit power to drop below this "Amplifier Key Interrupt Power", then it interrupts the amplifier key line, waits for a tune-level signal from the transceiver, and selects the appropriate relay settings. " 73, Andy k3wyc __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
The keying interrupt must be provided by the ATU in order to avoid hot switching the ATU relays when it tunes. This cannot be determined anywhere but in the ATU, thus it must provide the break. That key line break is pretty important to the life of the ATU. Jack, W6FB > On Nov 3, 2018, at 12:17 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > "Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled" > > > It wasn't me that asked but I have been considering using the KAT500 as a > remote tuner as I need higher power capability than my current MFJ-993BRT. > However, my approach was going to be to buy just the KAT500 board and > find/build a suitable enclosure. I'm a bit surprised Elecraft does not offer > the KAT500 board packaged as a weather resistant remote tuner. > > > As to needing AUX cable and keying interrupt - > > > - KAT500 does not need AUX cable to operate but if you want to help it > along it's far better to give it the TX exact frequency rather than just the > band. > > - What other remote tuners provide keying interrupt? In any event, the > SWR seen at the remote tuner could be quite different from the SWR seen at > the amplifier and may not be a good indication of whether the amp should be > keyed. > > > The keying interrupt should be based on SWR seen at the amplifier output. I > actually already have that wired using my LP100A. > > > 73, > > Andy k3wyc > __ > 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 > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Brian, The Keying line should not need buffering. It is either an open circuit or a closed circuit. Yes, you may be asking for trouble if you attempt to use the AUX cable with a long length. So connect it for the basic mode connections only. KeyOut from the transceiver to the KAT500 and then from the KAT500 to the amplifier KeyIn. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/3/2018 1:23 PM, Brian Hunt wrote: I've been looking at this very issue as part of a project to QRO on the lower bands. I currently have an MFJ autotuner at the end of a 130 ft coax run out to the garden. My low band doublet is fed with a balun and ladder line from there. It's really impractical to run the AUX cabling out and back as indicated in the KAT500 manual. But it may be practical to run a keying line out and back and a serial line as Wayne indicated. Would the key line need buffering with that long a run? A total of 5 wires required. A CAT-5 cable could provide a twisted pair for each signal line to avoid RFI. Power for the KAT500 could be provided using a bias-T arrangement as I do now. Any other thoughts/considerations? __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
I've been looking at this very issue as part of a project to QRO on the lower bands. I currently have an MFJ autotuner at the end of a 130 ft coax run out to the garden. My low band doublet is fed with a balun and ladder line from there. It's really impractical to run the AUX cabling out and back as indicated in the KAT500 manual. But it may be practical to run a keying line out and back and a serial line as Wayne indicated. Would the key line need buffering with that long a run? A total of 5 wires required. A CAT-5 cable could provide a twisted pair for each signal line to avoid RFI. Power for the KAT500 could be provided using a bias-T arrangement as I do now. Any other thoughts/considerations? 73, Brian, K0DTJ On 11/3/2018 08:00, Don Wilhelm wrote: With a remote KAT500, it is still necessary to connect the AUX cables as indicated in the KAT500 manual for use with the K3/K3S and KPA500. Alternately, if used in the basic mode, the Keying cable must go first to the KAT500 and from the KAT500 on to the amplifier. That allows the KAT500 to prevent keying the amplifier while tuning. __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
With a remote KAT500, it is still necessary to connect the AUX cables as indicated in the KAT500 manual for use with the K3/K3S and KPA500. Alternately, if used in the basic mode, the Keying cable must go first to the KAT500 and from the KAT500 on to the amplifier. That allows the KAT500 to prevent keying the amplifier while tuning. So while as Wayne indicates, the KAT500 can be remote controlled with the KAT500 Utility, there is a bit more to be considered, namely the keying lines through the KAT500 and then to the amplifier. Certainly, the operator could always put the amplifier into standby when the KAT500 needs to tune, that reduces the seamless operation of the KAT500. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/2/2018 5:54 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled and placed closer to the antenna(s). The answer is yes: All functions of the KAT500 can be conveniently controlled via our KAT500 Utility program, which runs on any PC. Alternatively, you could write your own controller application using the KAT500's simple 2-letter command set. The tuner would have to be housed in a weather-proof enclosure of your own choice. This part of the project is left as an exercise for the reader. The KAT500 is quite compact, though, so many different NEMA (etc.) enclosures could be used. 73, Wayne N6KR __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
