3
Introduction
The KAT100 automatic antenna tuner (ATU) is designed for use with
the Elecraft K2/100 transceiver, as well as the basic K2. It can match
loads with SWRs in excess of 10:1, and can easily handle 150 watts of
transmit power. Ten front-panel LEDs provide an accurate, real-time
SWR indication during transmit. The KAT100 also includes
two
antenna jacks–the equivalent of two auto-tuners connected to the rig.
Because of its tight integration with the K2, the KAT100 offers many
advantages over generic external auto-tuners:
•
Automatic power reduction to 2 or 20 watts (in low- and high-
power modes) when the K2's
T U N E
switch is pressed; auto-tune is
possible with as little as 0.2 watts in low-power mode
•
Direct display of power, SWR, and other data on the K2 LCD
•
ATU can be configured using the K2 menu
•
K2's POWER control setting indicated by two LEDs
•
K2's
A N T 1 / 2
switch selection indicated by two LEDs
•
L/C settings stored in EEPROM for both antennas on all bands
•
SWR LEDs can use bar or dot mode (set by
G R P H
menu entry)
•
All LEDs have two brightness levels (set by
L C D
menu entry)
The ATU comes in two enclosure styles, both of which match the K2:
•
The
KAT100-1
, shown on the cover of this manual, is housed in a
low-profile cabinet, intended to be placed
beneath
the K2. Two
anti-slip brackets are provided, so the K2 will remain in position
even if the KAT100-1 is tilted up. (Also see
Tilt-Stand Options
at right).
•
The
KAT100-2
, shown in the photo at right, is intended for
side-
by-side
arrangement with the K2. It includes front and rear panels
that match our K2-sized
EC2
enclosure kit. (The EC2 is sold
separately.) The EC2 cabinet provides plenty of room in the top
cover for your own accessories.
Both KAT100 types are covered in this manual.
Tilt-Stand Options
Two different matching tilt stands are available, one for each KAT100
type. The
E T S 2
is our standard, full-height tilt stand (2.5"), and is
recommended for use with the KAT100-2. The
E T S 1 5
is identical to
the ETS2 but is only 1.5" tall. It's ideal for use with the low-profile
KAT100-1, providing the optimum viewing angle during operation.
Pre-Wound Toroids Available
The toroids in the KAT100 kit are not difficult to wind, and detailed
instructions are provided (beginning on page 13).
If you prefer not to wind the toroids yourself, you can obtain a full set
of pre-wound toroids (with leads stripped and tinned) from an Elecraft-
qualified source. Ordering information is at www.elecraft.com.
You do not need to send your cores or wire to the winding service. You
can keep your set for replacements or for use in your own projects.
KAT100-2
