Rev:1_17
Training the Tuner
Overview
We will be stepping through each band where you have an antenna connected to the KAT500, selecting the
top, bottom and places in the middle of each band where you expect to operate. At each of these points, we
will be causing the radio to emit a steady-state RF signal for the KAT500 to use while it executes a full tune
cycle. Since the KAT500 is an Automatic Tuner, it will remember the settings it finds at each of the points in
the band. This is referred to as 'Training the Tuner'.
The following sequence assumes that the radio, KAT500 and, if appropriate, the KPA500 are installed as
specified in the KAT500 Owner's Manual, shown above as Figure 1. Place the KPA500 into STBY mode while we
train the tuner.
Set up
On the radio, please select RTTY mode and an RF output level of about 25 watts.
On the KAT500, select the MAN mode.
On the KAT500, Tap the ANT button to select the appropriate antenna. The ANT LED will light
solidly indicating the antenna port selected.
On the radio, select the appropriate band. Then, adjust VFO A to the lowest spot in that band
where your antenna will work.
We suggest you start with 160 meters and step through the bands up to 6 meters.
For each VFO Setting perform the following to Train the KAT500:
1.
Tap the MODE button so that MAN light is selected and is not flashing.
2.
Next, Tap the TUNE button on the KAT500. The MAN light will now start to Flash. This
indicates that the KAT500 is now awaiting the RF needed to execute a Full Tune Cycle.
3.
On the radio, key the rig with the PTT button on your mic to cause the radio to go into
transmit. The radio’s TX light should come on to
confirm it is transmitting.
4.
While holding the PTT button in, the KAT500 will begin to clatter as it searches for a low
SWR. This is called the Full Tune Cycle.
5.
The clattering will stop once a low SWR is found and the KAT500 MAN light will now be
solid. This indicates that the full tune cycle is complete and the results have been memorized.
a.
Note that the tuner may not find a 1:1 SWR, which is normal. As long as the MAN light
goes out, it has found a low SWR and has memorized the tune elements needed.
6.
On the radio, adjust VFO A frequency for the upper end of the band where your antenna will
operate. Repeat Steps 1-3 above for this setting.
7.
Then, move into the middle of the band and repeat Steps 1-3 again.
