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Reviews For: KV5J Digital Display Unit for the Elecraft KAT500 Autotuner

Category: SWR & Wattmeters & Dummy Loads

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Review Summary For : KV5J Digital Display Unit for the Elecraft KAT500 Autotuner
Reviews: 1MSRP: $99 (October 2021)
Description:
LCD readout displays multiple parameters of the KAT500 Autotuner simultaneously: Mode of operation; Antenna selection; Bypass mode; Tuning network configuration (LC/CL); Tuning solution (in pF/nH); VSWR of selected antenna w/tuner out-of-line; and VSWR of selected antenna w/tuning solution applied
Product is in production
More Info: https://kv5j.com/store/product/digital-display-unit-for-elecrafts-kat500-tuner
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
W3FLH Rating: 2021-10-27
Excellent addition to the shack Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I reviewed the DDU for the KPA500 (purchased as a set), and the same info applies here:


I purchased the DDU "Twins" (for the KPA500 & KAT500), and I find them to be a great addition to my set up. I have the complete K3-line (along w/the P3), so the amp and tuner follow the radio, meaning that dedicating the PC ports to the DDU doesn't adversely effect my normal operation. The only time I need the amp or tuner to communicate directly with the PC is to run the Utility program (mostly for upgrades, which don't occur often), so I used twist-ties to marry those cables to the ones for the DDU. and keep them handy.

Having all of the info on display simultaneously is extremely nice; with the KAT500, the only way to see the tuning solution was to access the Utility program, so this is much better. And even though my amp isn't far from reach - I still have to hit the Standby/Operate button manually - I no longer have to cycle through the info buttons to see what's happening with it.

All things considered, I definitely recommend these displays for the KPA500/KAT500. If you're running a non-Elecraft rig, seeing the full info full-time is a great peace-of-mind, but you would have to use a RS232 port switch or give up computer control of your accessories...or buy an Elecraft rig (ignoring the Kool-Aid moustache) and solve that dilemma!