What types of antennas can be matched by the KXAT1?
Due to size constraints, the KXAT1 has a more restricted matching range than the ATUs we offer for the K1 or K2. The K2’s ATU has 17 elements, the K1’s 10, and the KX1’s 7. So, during field trials, we optimized the L and C values in the KXAT1 to provide a good match on 40-20 meters when using typical random-wire, tree-supported antennas (20′ or longer for use on 40/30/20 m, 16′ or longer for 30/20 m, and 12′ or longer for 20 m only). Wire lengths that are close to a half wavelength on any band may be very high impedance and should be avoided. Using antennas meet these criteria, matches are typically under 1.5:1, but 2:1 or even 3:1 will not bother the final amp transistor, and losses due to such an SWR will still be low. On 80 m, the KXAT1 will sometimes help “tweak” an antenna that’s close to resonance, but its L and C values are too small to tune up a short random wire on this band.
