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Using the ATU

KG5PTE
KG5PTE Member ✭✭
in SmartSDR for Windows
FLEX-6400-ATU.jpeg

Hi maybe I doing something wrong but after reading page 98 using the ATU. I have a question. What is the purpose of the tune button on the left next to the MOX button ? I All I do is push the ATU wait for a green Success and then PTT and talk. I am not running an amp only 100W. Thanks.

Best Answer

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    Answer ✓

    Pushing the Tune button puts out a CW carrier at the displayed frequency for the slice with the TX flag set. It uses the Tune Pwr setting for power out so that you don't have to change your RF Power setting. It lets you see what your SWR is without initiating a tuning cycle.

    Since I don't have a built-in ATU on my 6400, I use it all the time to provide 10 watts or so to tune my antennas using my KAT 500 tuner. If you ever get an amp and high-power tuner, you would leave the built-in ATU in bypass and use the Tune button with your external tuner.

Answers

  • VE7ATJ_Don
    VE7ATJ_Don Member ✭✭✭✭

    Hi... using the ATU automatically invokes the TUNE function. You'll notice there are two sliders above this area -- one for RF Power (output when you press the PTT or the MOX button) and Tune Power, which sets the output when the TUNE button is pressed.

    For people using an external amp and/or antenna tuner, they would leave the ATU in bypass mode, then set the Tune Pwr relatively low (to what the external unit requires), then press the TUNE function to output that amount of power required to let the external tuner do its thing.

    If, like me, you are running barefoot, then you are doing everything right. (Although, I would reduce the Tune Pwr a bit -- maybe to 5W or so by moving it to the left, and increase the RF Power by moving the slider to the right).

  • John KB4DU
    John KB4DU Member ✭✭✭✭

    And RF power is a percentage of the max power out in settings. Mine is always 100%.

  • KG5PTE
    KG5PTE Member ✭✭

    So would this explain. Why I have my radio power set to 95 to 99 watts. But when I key up and throw out a carrier. I do not see the meter go to 95-99 watts ?

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