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Kessler AT-AUTO Operating Manual

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AT-AUTO
Operating Manual
(tm)
Firmware Version 3.00
Kessler Engineering, LLC
Beavercreek, Ohio
USA
15 February, 2023

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Summary of Contents for Kessler AT-AUTO

  • Page 1 AT-AUTO Operating Manual (tm) Firmware Version 3.00 Kessler Engineering, LLC Beavercreek, Ohio 15 February, 2023...
  • Page 2 Copyright 2023 Kessler Engineering, LLC Beavercreek, Ohio (Firmware Copyright 2005, 2023)

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    CX-AUTO Setup ......(tm) 5 AT-AUTO QRO Keyline (tm) 5.1 Retrofitting to Older AT-AUTOs .
  • Page 4 6 Firmware Configuration 6.1 General Description ....... . 6.2 Accessing the Service Menu ......6.2.1 Display SWR .
  • Page 5 14 Firmware Revision Summary of Changes 14.1 New Firmware Features / Changes ..... . . 14.2 Bug Corrections ........105 15 Software License Agreement 16 Service and Warranty 17 Frequently Asked Questions...
  • Page 6 Control ........4.5 Icom Transceiver with Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX to AT-AUTO...
  • Page 7 6.4 Service Menu Option – Adjust A-D Inputs ....6.5 Service Menu Option – Erase Match Memory ....6.6 Service Menu Option –...
  • Page 8 6.1 Suggested Serial I/O Settings ......6.2 AT-AUTO Compatible CAT/CI-V Radios ....
  • Page 9 Thank-You! At Kessler Engineering, we endeavor to make your ham radio hobby more enjoyable and trust that our products will bring you many years of faithful service. We Thank-You for the confidence that you have placed in us and in our products.

  • Page 10: Introduction

    Table 1.4 on page 9. The AT-AUTO firmware is subject to periodic updates. As improvements are (tm) made and new features are added, the user may update the AT-AUTO firmware directly (tm) from the Kessler Engineering website. See page 72 for more detail.

  • Page 11: Front Panel View

    Figure 1.1: Front Panel View www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 12: Front Panel Controls As Shown In Figure 1.1

    Table 1.1: Front Panel Controls as shown in Figure 1.1 Reference Control Name or Function Master Power Switch, Controls power to AT-AUTO processor (tm) peak-hold meter circuitry, and the meter lamp Power/SWR Meter, Dual-needle meter displays forward and reflected power in Watts. The SWR is displayed on a line beneath the intersection of forward and reflected power needles...

  • Page 13: Top View (Cover Removed)

    Figure 1.2: Top View (Cover Removed) www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 14: Internal Components As Shown In Figure 1.2

    Balanced RF output 340-14-340 pF split-stator capacitor 26 µH roller inductor Stepper motor Master power switch Cross-needle power and SWR meter AT-AUTO processor and display (tm) Split-stator capacitor gap detector Roller inductor gap detector Roller inductor travel limit switch www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 15: Rear Panel View

    Kenwood external tuner I/O* RS-232 I/O port. For firmware upgrades and CAT radio interface* 5mm X 20mm, 4A 125VAC fast-blow fuse 12 VDC input @ ≈ 3.5 A peak while tuning QRO Keyline Input/Output (AT-AUTO only) (tm)KL *Note: Requires specific cable configuration. See Table 8.1 (page 80) for details.

  • Page 16: Functional Block Diagram

    Stepper Motor 4:1 Current Balun RF Coupler RF Input Balanced Output Unbalanced Output Meter Stepper Motor Controller Figure 1.4: Functional Block Diagram www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 17: Specifications

    Table 1.4: Specifications Metering/Display Dual movement cross-needle with Peak, Peak-Hold, power and frequency compensated coupler, 2X16 LCD alpha-numeric display Front Panel Controls Capacitor Variable 340pF-14pF-340pF, 5KV Differential Inductor 26 µH, 12 ga. wire wound on steatite ceramic core, silver-plated shaft & hardware Power Range Switch 2-Position, 300/3000 W, manually switched Real Panel Connectors...

  • Page 18: Automatic Mode

    (tm) (tm) switched Off, and then (default) starts up in the Automatic mode. Here the AT-AUTO (tm) constantly monitors SWR and will commence tuning when appropriate. Manual mode is selected by momentarily depressing the Mode pushbutton. A subsequent activation of the Mode pushbutton selects Bypass mode, whereby the RF bypasses the tuning network.

  • Page 19: Detailed Operation

    The presetting operation may take up to 30 seconds when switching from very-low to very-high or from very-high to very-low frequency bands (such as QSYing from 160m to 10m). 8. Follow the prompts on the AT-AUTO display. (tm)
  • Page 20 While in Automatic Mode, the AT-AUTO continuously monitors Forward power. (tm) Whenever approximately 10 W of Forward power has been detected, the AT-AUTO (tm) calculates the corresponding SWR and responds appropriately. If the SWR is determined to be less than the “Tune Start SWR” threshold (default 1.2:1) or better, the AT-AUTO displays “Good Match”, the relative C and L positions, and...
  • Page 21 SWR”, but the resulting match was below the “Tune Start SWR”, the AT-AUTO will (tm) display Good Match, SWR ≤ 1.2:1. Note: Whenever a successful match is found the precise L and C settings are stored into memory, and the AT-AUTO...
  • Page 22 This may occur when the operator decides to QSY away from the previously matched frequency, but remain in the same band. Rather than repositioning L and C positions from memory, all that is required is for the AT-AUTO (tm) to perform fine adjustments of L and C from their present positions.

  • Page 23: Automatic Mode Control Functions

    L and C positions as the starting point for the fine tuning (tm) process. If L and C are at grossly inappropriate positions for the current band of operation, commanding Fine Tune will likely result in inability of the AT-AUTO to find a suitable (tm) match.

  • Page 24: Manual Mode

    Inductor control by momentarily depressing the Tune-Select knob. Warning: Wait at least 2 seconds after the last movement of the Inductor or Capacitor before removing DC power or turning Off the AT-AUTO . Firmware version 2.01 (and (tm) subsequent) will automatically re-home L and C if the memory write was interrupted.

  • Page 25: Example Manual Mode Display

    Icom and Kenwood transceivers to produce a CW (tm) carrier for tuning. When the operator presses the TUNER button on the transceiver, this action is conveyed via the tuner handshaking lines to the AT-AUTO which then controls (tm) the transceiver, forcing it to produce a low-power (nominal 10W FM or CW) carrier that the operator may then use to manually tune with.

  • Page 26: Manual Mode Control Functions

    Table 3.1: Manual Mode Control Functions Mode Pushbutton Short Duration Press Selects Bypass mode Medium Duration Press No effect Long Duration Press No effect Tune-Select Knob Short Duration Press Toggles C/L control Medium Duration Press If L Active: Causes L to turn continuously If C Active: Causes C to home to 000 Long Duration Press If L Active: Causes L to home to 000...

  • Page 27: Bypass Mode

    RF through the AT-AUTO’s matching network, such as when using a StepIR type of (tm) antenna or other resonant antenna systems. Bypass mode operation of the AT-AUTO (tm) nearly identical with the Manual mode, described previously. Bypass mode in selected by momentarily pressing the Mode pushbutton until the AT- AUTO display shows “Bypass Mode”...

  • Page 28: Bypass Mode Control Functions

    Table 3.2: Bypass Mode Control Functions Mode Pushbutton Short Duration Press Selects Automatic mode Medium Duration Press No effect Long Duration Press No effect Tune-Select Knob Short Duration Press Toggles C/L control Medium Duration Press If L Active: Causes L to turn continuously If C Active: Causes C to home to 000 Long Duration Press If L Active: Causes L to home to 000...

  • Page 29: Installation

    Electrical Connection and Setup The AT-AUTO should always be connected between the antenna system and the station (tm) transmitter. For installations that also include an HF amplifier, the AT-AUTO should (tm) be connected between the HF amplifier and the antenna system.

  • Page 30: Dc Power

    Kessler Engineering supplies a DC power cable for use with the AT-AUTO . The DC (tm) power supply used should be capable of supplying 4 Amps at 12VDC. The AT-AUTO (tm) consumes ≈ 3.5 A whenever the stepper motors are in motion. This is anytime during Auto- matic tuning, or while the user is repositioning L or C during Manual or Bypass operation.

  • Page 31: Flex Radio Setup

    3. Remove the “Reset Enable” jumper shown in Figure 12.1 on page 96. 4. Set DDUtil “Passive Listen” to that physical com port number. 5. Set the AT-AUTO to Kenwood CAT Only, No Ext Tuner I/O“ (tm) 6. Set the AT-AUTO serial baud to 9600, 8-N-1. www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 32: Icom Rig Setup

    4.3.4 Icom Rig Setup Icom radios often include a CI-V serial interface that the AT-AUTO may utilize to obtain (tm) frequency information from the radio. This interface is often labeled Remote on Icom radios. Most newer Icom radios (except IC-7800) also include a provision for controlling an external tuner via a button on the radio’s front panel labeled TUNER.

  • Page 33: Icom Rig With Hf Amplifier Setup

    5. Configure the desired CI-V operation as described in the Setup Icom CI-V section on page 59 6. Configure the serial I/O baud rate as described in the Configure AT-AUTO (tm) Serial Interface section on page 50. Most Icom radios use a default of 9600 baud and the AT-AUTO is also set to 9600 baud by default from the factory.
  • Page 34 “CIV Transceive From Select Icom” and set the radio’s (tm) CI-V address as described in the Setup Icom CI-V section on page 59. The IC-PW1 default CI-V address is 0x55 and the AT-AUTO ’s default CI-V address is 0xE0, (tm) neither of which should require changing.

  • Page 35: Icom Transceiver With Ic-Pw1 To At-Auto

    To 12VDC Coax Supply Icom Cable Icom−Supplied "Remote" Cable Icom IC−PW1 Input 1 Coax ACC1 Remote Input 2 Icom Transceiver Ant 2 Ant 1 ACC2 Remote Icom Supplied Cable Figure 4.3: Icom Transceiver with IC-PW1 to AT-AUTO Connection (tm) www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 36: Icom Transceiver With Ic-Pw1 To At-Auto (Tm) Connection And Qro Key- Line Control

    Input 1 Coax ACC1 Remote Input 2 Icom Transceiver Ant 2 Ant 1 ACC2 Remote Icom Supplied Cable (Modified) (Break Pin3 & Route Through GRO Keyline) Figure 4.4: Icom Transceiver with IC-PW1 to AT-AUTO Connection and QRO Keyline (tm) Control www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...
  • Page 37 Icom Rig & Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX with AT-AUTO (tm) Connections for using an Icom radio with a Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX and an AT- AUTO are shown in Figure 4.5. The HL-1.5KFX and the AT-AUTO will receive (tm) (tm) frequency information via the CI-V bus whenever the radio’s frequency changes. The radio should be set to CI-V Transceive mode (see your owner’s manual).

  • Page 38: Icom Transceiver With Tokyo Hy-Power Hl-1.5Kfx To At-Auto

    If the HL-1.5KFX is connected to the CI-V bus and the amplifier is turned Off, all CI-V communications will fail. Therefore, the HL-1.5KFX must be powered On in order for the Icom radio’s frequency information to reach the AT-AUTO (tm) AT−AUTO Rear Panel...

  • Page 39: Kenwood Rig Setup

    4.3.6 Kenwood Rig Setup Recent generation Kenwood radios include a serial interface that the AT-AUTO (tm) utilize to obtain frequency information from the radio. This RS-232 interface is often la- beled “COM” on Kenwood radios. Additionally, some newer Kenwood radios also include a provision for controlling an external tuner via a button on the radio’s front panel labeled...

  • Page 40: Kenwood Transceiver To At-Auto

    BALANCED Antenna AUX CIV PORTS DC Power Cable RS−232 DATA INPUT Coax FUSE POWER IN GROUND To Coax−Fed Antenna To 12VDC Coax Supply Serial Cable Interface Cable ANT2 ANT1 Kenwood Transceiver Figure 4.6: Kenwood Transceiver to AT-AUTO Connection (tm) www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 41: Tentec Omni Vii/Jupiter Setup

    “ANT 1”. A typical setup involving a Omni VII is shown (tm) in Figure 4.7. Jupiter setup will be very similar. The following are suggested steps to setup the AT-AUTO to interface with a TenTec (tm) Omni VII or Jupiter transceiver.

  • Page 42: Omni Vii Transceiver To At-Auto

    FUSE POWER IN GROUND To Coax−Fed Antenna To 12VDC Coax Supply RS−232 Serial Cable ANT1 TX EN TX OUT ANT2 SPARE SPARE DC OUT AUX RX SERIAL Omni VII Transceiver Figure 4.7: Omni VII Transceiver to AT-AUTO Connection (tm) www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 43: Yaesu Rig Setup

    4.3.8 Yaesu Rig Setup Many Yaesu radios include a serial interface that the AT-AUTO may utilize to obtain (tm) frequency information from the radio. On most newer generation Yaesu radios, this is gen- erally an RS-232 interface, but some Yaesu radios have serial I/O ports that are TTL and require a level converter to work with the AT-AUTO .

  • Page 44: Yaesu Transceiver To At-Auto

    DATA INPUT BALANCED Antenna AUX CIV PORTS DC Power Cable RS−232 DATA INPUT Coax FUSE POWER IN GROUND To Coax−Fed Antenna To 12VDC Coax Supply RS−232 Serial Cable ANT1 ANT2 Yaesu Transceiver Figure 4.8: Yaesu Transceiver to AT-AUTO Connection (tm) www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 45: Cx-Auto (Tm) Setup

    4.3.9 CX-AUTO Setup (tm) Operation with Icom Rigs Most Icom radios include a CI-V serial data interface that the AT-AUTO may utilize to (tm) obtain frequency information from the radio. When the AT-AUTO is properly connected (tm) and configured to operate with the CX-AUTO...

  • Page 46: Icom Transceiver To At-Auto

    Ant 2 Ant 1 COAX7 COAX6 Icom Transceiver Remote ACC2 CI−V CI−V To DC Power Supply Wall Wart DC Power Input CX−AUTO Icom External Tuner Interface Figure 4.9: CX-AUTO to AT-AUTO electrical connections when operating Icom (tm) (tm) Transceivers www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...
  • Page 47 (tm) (tm) matically selecting any 1-of-8 coaxial outputs based upon the frequency band of operation. The user may also manually select any of these outputs from the AT-AUTO front panel. (tm) Figure 4.10 depicts the correct electrical connection between a CX-AUTO...

  • Page 48: To At-Auto (Tm) Electrical Connections When Operating With

    COAX4 COMMON CI−V Cable COAX0 COAX5 RF Output COAX7 COAX6 Vintage Rig CI−V CI−V To DC Power Supply Wall Wart DC Power Input CX−AUTO Figure 4.10: CX-AUTO to AT-AUTO electrical connections when operating without (tm) (tm) CI-V equipped Transceivers www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...
  • Page 49 Setup Multi-Rig section on page 70. When using the multi-rig setup, the AT-AUTO will utilize CI-V frequency information whenever an Icom CI-V equipped radio is selected, and when a non CI-V equipped radio is selected, will automatically revert to counting the RF frequency to determine band and frequency.

  • Page 50: Dual Cx-Auto

    Ant 2 Ant 1 CI−V Cable Icom Transceiver Antenna Antenna Antenna Non CI−V Transceiver Non CI−V Transceiver Non CI−V Transceiver Remote ACC2 Figure 4.11: Dual CX-AUTO to AT-AUTO electrical connections for operating with (tm) (tm) multiple radios and multiple antennas www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 51: (Tm) Qro Keyline

    HF amplifier. Use of the (tm) QRO Keyline hardware is entirely optional and completely independent of the automatic tuning process. It does not otherwise change or alter the operation of the AT-AUTO (tm) The user may configure the AT-AUTO to automatically prevent the amplifier from...

  • Page 52: Electrical Connection And Setup

    Electrical Connection and Setup Figure 5.1 shows a simplified illustration of the QRO Keyline hardware. The Keyline in- terface consists of a normally-open SPST relay which is controlled by the AT-AUTO’s (tm) microprocessor. Keyline In/Out Keyline In/Out (Amp Keyline Input) (Radio Keyline Output) AT−AUTO Microprocessor...

  • Page 53: Operation

    AT-AUTO QRO Keyline jack (tm) as shown in Figure 5.2. The QRO Keyline relay is always Open whenever the AT-AUTO (tm) is Off, and as determined by QRO Keyline firmware configuration selected by the user.

  • Page 54: Automatic Mode With Qro Keyline Enabled

    Figure 5.3: Automatic Mode with QRO Keyline Enabled Note! If the * is not shown in the display, then the QRO Keyline is Open and the radio will not be able to key the amplifier. www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 55: Firmware Configuration

    General Description The AT-AUTO firmware permits tailoring the AT-AUTO’s behavior to better suit (tm) (tm) the users’ specific requirements. The user may configure the AT-AUTO firmware via the (tm) AT-AUTO’s service menu which is accessed from the AT-AUTO front-panel controls.

  • Page 56: Lcd Display - Service Menu Exit Prompt

    Service Menu Exit? Figure 6.1: LCD Display - Service Menu Exit Prompt Service Menu Service Menu Service Menu Setup Multi−Rig? Exit? Set to Defaults? Service Menu Service Menu Service Menu Service Menu Display SWR? Adj A−D Inputs? Erase Match Mem? Adj Serial I/O? Service Menu Service Menu...

  • Page 57: Display Swr

    6.2.1 Display SWR Service Menu Display SWR Figure 6.3: Service Menu Option – Display SWR Note: Intended for factory use only during calibration of the Analog-to-Digital converters necessary for RF Power detection and determination of SWR. To exit, momentarily depress the Mode switch.

  • Page 58: Adjust Serial I/O

    Service Menu Adj Serial I/O? Figure 6.6: Service Menu Option – Adjust Serial I/O When this option is selected, the AT-AUTO will display the currently selected data (tm) rate and number of stop bits (1 or 2). Supported data rates are shown in Figure 6.7 and suggested data rates and types known to work with various radios are shown in Table 6.1.

  • Page 59: Suggested Serial I/O Settings

    38400 8-N-1 Suggest 19200 Baud Note 1: Will work with any of the Icom radio’s Baud rates. Radio and AT-AUTO Baud (tm) must be set to same speed. 9600 Baud is a good compromise – especially if sharing the CI-V bus with multiple data devices.

  • Page 60: Configure Radio

    (tm) handshaking and control. In order to enable either of these features, the AT-AUTO (tm) must know what type of radio it is connected to as well as the CAT/CI-V serial data rate.

  • Page 61: At-Auto

    Table 6.2: AT-AUTO Compatible CAT/CI-V Radios (tm) Make Model Select Elecraft “Kenwood CAT Only, No Ext Tuner I/O” “Kenwood CAT Only, No Ext Tuner I/O” Flex Radio SDR-1000 “Kenwood CAT Only, No Ext Tuner I/O” FLEX-5000 “Kenwood CAT Only, No Ext Tuner I/O”...

  • Page 62: Supported Radio Capabilities

    No QSY Following, No External Tuner Control Yaesu QSY Following Only Note: If you are using an older-style radio without a compatible CAT/CI-V or external tuner interface, you should configure the AT-AUTO to operate with a “Vintage Rig” (tm) (default). Note: Flex Radio SDR-1000, Flex-5000, etc., should be configured as “Kenwood CAT Only”...

  • Page 63: Configure Rf Bypass

    RF input to the RF output. The first generation AT-AUTOs lacked the hardware necessary to provide this capability. Unless you own an (tm) older version of the AT-AUTO which lacks RF bypass capability, leave this option set to (tm) the factory default (bypass circuitry installed). AT-AUTOs...

  • Page 64: Configure Rf Output

    (based upon operating fre- (tm) quency) either the coaxial or balanced RF output and to route the RF through, or to bypass the tuning network . Additionally, if the Kessler Engineering CX-AUTO external Coaxial (tm)

  • Page 65: Configure Rf Output User-Options

    Smart Coax Swtch Smart Coax Swtch Smart Coax Swtch Smart Coax Swtch Smart Coax Swtch Address = 0xB2 Address = 0xB3 NONE Address = 0xB1 Address = 0xB0 Smart BAL Switch Smart BAL Switch Smart BAL Switch Smart BAL Switch Smart BAL Switch Address = 0xB6 Address = 0xB7...

  • Page 66: Configure Rf Output Options

    If No is selected, the other submenu items will not be available. Select Yes if automatic antenna selection by band is desired. Note 4: Select Yes if you want the AT-AUTO to temporarily bypass RF while (tm) the AT-AUTO is transitioning from band to band. If No is selected, RF will be routed (tm) through the tuning network during bandchanges.

  • Page 67: Setup Icom Civ

    This service menu area is only applicable if the AT-AUTO is connected to a CI-V (tm) equipped Icom radio, or if intending to remotely control the AT-AUTO . If not, then this (tm) section should be ignored. The various Setup Icom CI-V options are shown in Figure 6.15 and are summarized in Table 6.5.

  • Page 68: Setup Icom Ci-V Submenu Options

    Use this option to select the CI-V address of the attached Icom radio. Valid radio CI-V addresses may range of 0x04 to 0x7F. Note 3: Use this option to select the CI-V address of the AT-AUTO Any ad- (tm) dress within the range of 0x80 to 0xEF may be selected. Default is 0xE0.
  • Page 69 AT-AUTO from the specific radio. Valid Radio (tm) CI-V addresses are in the range of 0x04 to 0x7F and the AT-AUTO may be assigned an (tm) address in the range of 0x80 to 0xEF. In order for the AT-AUTO...

  • Page 70: Set Startup Mode

    Setup Auto-Tune Service Menu Setup Auto−Tune Figure 6.18: Service Menu Option – Setup Auto-Tune While in Automatic Mode, the AT-AUTO monitors forward and reflected power and (tm) autonomously commences tuning whenever the SWR exceeds the “Tune Start SWR” (default 1.2:1) and ceases tuning whenever the SWR falls below the “Tune Stop SWR” (default 1.05:1).

  • Page 71: Setup Auto-Tune Submenu

    Initiate Tuning Initiate Tuning Auto−Tune Start Auto−Tune Stop Autonomously User−Prompted When SWR > 1.2:1 When SWR < 1.05:1 EXIT Figure 6.19: Setup Auto-Tune Submenu Rotate the Tune-Select knob until the desired tuning initiation option is displayed and then depress the Tune-Select knob. Table 6.6: Supported SWR Tuning Thresholds Tune Start Tune Stop...

  • Page 72: Configure Qro Keyline

    This service menu area is only applicable if the AT-AUTO QRO Keyline hardware is (tm) installed and the user intends to use an external RF power amplifier with the AT-AUTO (tm) Note! Configuration changes made to, and use of the QRO Keyline have absolutely No affect on overall tuner operation.

  • Page 73: Configure Qro Keyline Submenu Options

    Table 6.7: Configure QRO Keyline Submenu Options Submenu Option Note Bypass Mode QRO Enable? Yes, No Manual Mode QRO Enable? Yes, No, SWR Threshold 1,2 Manual Mode QRO When Tuning? Yes, No Automatic Mode QRO Enable? Yes, No, SWR Threshold 1,2 Automatic Mode QRO When Tuning? Yes, No Note 1: Yes –...

  • Page 74: Tx/Rx Freq Split

    Figure 6.22: Service Menu Option – Tx/Rx Frequency Split The AT-AUTO is capable of following frequency information provided by the ra- (tm) dio’s CAT/CI-V port. Under normal circumstances, the AT-AUTO will follow ALL (tm) frequency changes and reposition L and C accordingly. However when utilizing separate and distinct transmit and receive frequency “windows”, it is impractical and undesired for...

  • Page 75: Toggling Tx/Rx Window Direction Via Mode Pushbutton

    Split Tx/Rx frequency operation may be enabled for any amateur band except 60m. The Tx/Rx frequency boundary is user adjustable. Once split frequency operation is enabled for a particular band, the user may adjust the precise Tx/Rx frequency boundary as well as the Tx/Rx orientation (transmit high, receive low) or (transmit low, receive high).

  • Page 76: Set To Defaults

    Set to Defaults? Figure 6.27: Service Menu Option – Set to Defaults? When leaving the Kessler Engineering factory and whenever the user uploads new firmware, the AT-AUTO firmware will be reset to the default settings listed below. The user is (tm) encouraged to explore and configure the AT-AUTO...
  • Page 77 9. Tx/Rx Frequency Split 160m, 80m, etc., Enable - No 160m Split Frequency - 1850 kHz 80m Split Frequency - 3800 kHz 40m Split Frequency - 7150 kHz 30m Split Frequency - 10120 kHz 20m Split Frequency - 14175 kHz 15m Split Frequency - 21200 kHz 10m Split Frequency - 28500 kHz 6m Split Frequency - 50110 kHz...

  • Page 78: Setup Multi-Rig

    CX-AUTO configured as an input switch to (tm) (tm) enable up to any 1-of-8 radios to be used with the AT-AUTO . This feature is intended (tm) for those stations with multiple transceivers. After configuring the various rig types (See Figure 6.29), the user may select a particular radio by depressing the “Output”...

  • Page 79: Radio Selection Menu

    knob is rotated, the CX-AUTO that has been hardware configured to handle input rig (tm) switching, will route RF to/from the displayed radio. Once the desired radio is displayed, momentarily press the “Tune-Select” knob. Select Rig #5 Icom CIV = 58 Figure 6.30: Radio Selection Menu Each CX-AUTO in use as well as every other device (radio, etc.) attached to the...

  • Page 80: Firmware Update Guide

    (tm) were supplied with the Version II bootloader. While either bootloader is fully compatible with all versions of AT-AUTO firmware, etc., special precautions should be observed when uploading firmware if using the Version I bootloader. If you have an AT-AUTO produced prior to ≈...
  • Page 81 3. Download “Kessler Engineering - Firmware Uploader” software from our website at: http://www.Kessler EngineeringLLC.com. The software is located in the “Down- loads” section. 4. Unzip the software and place it in a folder on you PC desktop or hard drive.
  • Page 82 10. Click on the “Check new version” button to check availability of uploadable firmware for your AT-AUTO . Afterward you should see something similar to the following (tm) screen indicating that firmware is available and for you to select the desired version: 11.
  • Page 83 13. Click on the “Download firmware” tab. Once the firmware is downloaded, select the com port that the AT-AUTO is connected to: (tm) 14. Click on the “Update Firmware” and the bootloader will begin searching for the AT- AUTO (tm)
  • Page 84 15. Firmware should soon start writing to the AT-AUTO (tm) www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...
  • Page 85 firmware. The serial cable used for the firmware update must include the “RTS” (Request to Send) handshake line. The Kessler Engineering-supplied serial cable is intended for this purpose. www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...
  • Page 86 Additionally, the Universal Serial Interface, (also available from Kessler Engineering), provides a convenient method of permanently interconnecting the AT-AUTO , the PC, (tm) and the transceiver without the need to disconnect or reconfigure the hamshack to perform a firmware update. It also provides a convenient “Y” Interface capability as described in Section 8.3 on page 82.

  • Page 87: Rear-Panel Pinouts And Interface Cables

    RS-232 to TTL level converter. Connecting the AT- AUTO’s RS-232 serial output to a radio that expects TTL voltage levels will very likely (tm) damage the radio. Kessler Engineering is not liable for damage caused by improper tuner to radio interfacing. www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 88: Rear Panel Connector Descriptions

    Kessler Engineering supplies interface cables that are suitable for use with either Icom transceivers, most Kenwood, some Yaesu, several TenTec and Elecraft transceivers. The information supplied in this section is provided to enable AT-AUTO owners to construct (tm) their own interface cables. Rear panel connector pinouts are provided in Table 8.1 on page 80, and Figure 8.1 (page 81) provides illustrations of the serial date interfacing cabling.

  • Page 89: Interface Cable Diagrams

    Icom Tuner Plug Transceiver AT−AUTO DC Power Input Data Input Auxiliary +12V CI−V Jacks Ground Icom to AT−AUTO Icom CI−V AT−AUTO "Remote" Jack Transceiver Kenwood Data Input "AT" Plug 2N7002A DB9 Male DB9 Male 470K Kenwood to AT−AUTO Radio CAT Port Circuitry built into Kenwood "handshake"...

  • Page 90: Radio/Computer Serial Data "Y" Interface

    (tm) the HF radio must be connected to the shack PC. The Universal Serial Interface, (available from Kessler Engineering), provides a conve- nient method of permanently interconnecting the AT-AUTO , the PC, and the transceiver (tm) and provides a convenient “Y”...

  • Page 91: Radio/Computer Serial Data "Y" Interface Cable Diagrams

    DB9 Female Figure 8.2: Radio/Computer Serial Data “Y” Interface Cable Diagrams Note: Although some users report success with the “Y” serial data cable, Kessler Engi- neering makes no claim that it will work for your particular application. Note! Some radios do NOT provide data headers in their serial data strings which causes erratic frequency following whenever non-frequency serial data is sent by the HF transceiver.

  • Page 92: Remote Control

    AUTO will ignore any commands not addressed specifically to it. Additionally, all com- (tm) mands should originate from a specific CI-V address, that is different from the AT-AUTO (tm) CI-V address. Any of the AT-AUTO’s commands may be sent to the AT-AUTO...

  • Page 93: Example Command Strings

    Note: When controlling the AT-AUTO , the CI-V From-Address MUST NOT be (tm) identical to the radio’s CI-V. The AT-AUTO WILL ignore any commands sent to it from (tm) the radio (anytime the From-Address matches the radio’s CI-V address). 9.1.1 Example Command Strings The controlling PC may be assigned any CI-V address.

  • Page 94: Remote Control Command Set

    0xFE 0xFE 0xE0 0x3A 0x09 0x74 0x02 0xFD. The QSY command involves sending frequency information to the AT-AUTO . The AT- (tm) AUTO will recall match settings for that frequency and automatically position C and L to (tm) their corresponding match positions. For example, to QSY the AT-AUTO to 28.725,168...

  • Page 95: At-Auto

    Table 9.2: AT-AUTO Response to Read Status Command (tm) Byte Value/Bit Definitions Output 0x00 - Through to Coax (Selected Output) 0x10 - Through to Balanced 0x80 - Bypass to Coax 0x90 - Bypass to Balanced Mode 0x00 - Automatic Mode...

  • Page 96: At-Auto

    A/D converters. The output of the A/D converters is relative and not absolute. If specific power calibration is required, this may also be accomplished with custom user application software. The AT-AUTO “Read Power” command returns the conversion (tm) results for all four A/D converters in the following format: 0xFE, 0xFE, 0x3A, 0xE0, 0x06, 0x06, Forward-High, Reflected-High, Forward-Low,...

  • Page 97: Analog Power Meter

    Wattmeter circuitry. (tm) The Wattmeter also has an operator-selectable dual-range power level switch (300 W or 3000 W). Wattmeter switch settings have no effect on operation of the AT-AUTO (tm) Hardware Update Availability The Wattmeter installed in AT-AUTOs manufactured prior to ≈...
  • Page 98 The PEAK/AVG switch must be depressed in order for the PEAK/HOLD feature to function properly. Calibration The meter was calibrated at the Kessler Engineering factory. However, it may be calibrated with the following procedure: 1. Connect the AT-AUTO coaxial output to another calibrated Wattmeter of known (tm) accuracy.
  • Page 99 Wattmeter to read PEAK power. (tm) (b) Apply an approximate 100 W CW carrier to the AT-AUTO (tm) (c) Adjust the PEAK LO potentiometer (Figure 10.1) so that the AT-AUTO ’s (tm) forward power indication matches that shown on the calibrated Wattmeter.

  • Page 100: Meter Board Adjustment Locations

    Wattmeter to the 300 W power range. (tm) (b) Apply an approximate 10-20 W CW carrier to the AT-AUTO (tm) (c) Adjust the REV LO potentiometer (Figure 10.1) so that the AT-AUTO ’s (tm) reflected power indication matches the forward power displayed on the calibrated Wattmeter.

  • Page 101: Operating Tips

    SSB transmissions. This problem was addressed in firmware version 2.0, and testing shows that the problem is greatly mitigated. However, to prevent this from happening, the user may disable “Autonomous” automatic tuning (See Configuration Section), or else select Manual mode after the AT-AUTO has successfully (tm) completed the automatic tuning attempt.

  • Page 102: Cat Passive Listening

    “Y” cable, whereby the AT-AUTO ’s serial data transmit line is omitted, but where (tm) the serial data line from the radio is shared between the computer and the AT-AUTO (tm) The AT-AUTO and the computer will both be able to receive the radio’s frequency data, (tm) transmitted as a result of the computer-generated query command.

  • Page 103: Internal Jumper Settings

    Warning: Remote (tm) control programs that routinely assert the RTS line will cause damage to the AT-AUTO (tm) if the “Reset-Enable” jumper is in-place. Remove the “Reset-Enable” jumper anytime the RS-232 port is to be used for remote control! CI-V Tx Enable In it’s default jumper configuration, the AT-AUTO...

  • Page 104: Jumper Locations

    Jumper Access Remove DC power from the AT-AUTO . Then remove the screws along the left and right (tm) sides of the AT-AUTO to remove the top cover. The controller circuit board is located (tm) immediately behind the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Observe anti-static precautions when working on/near the controller circuit board.

  • Page 105: Jumper Settings

    Closed Default Closed Open *Note: Reset Enable jumper may be Closed if using the “AT-AUTO to CAT” cable (tm) illustrated in Figure 8.1 on page 81. **Warning: Reset Enable must be Open if hardware flow control line (RTS) is present in the CAT cable.

  • Page 106: User Manual Summary Of Changes

    Chapter 13 User Manual Summary of Changes 27 January, 2018: Corrected Figure 8.1 on page 81. The External Tuner Handshake cable for Kenwood radios contained a wiring error. This revision corrected that error and posted component values for this particular cable. www.KesslerEngineeringLLC.com...

  • Page 107: Firmware Revision Summary Of Changes

    Version 3.00 is the follow-on to the prior release (Version 2.14) and has been released in order to specifically support serial port (CAT) operation with some of the newer Yaesu HF rigs. Kessler Engineering, LLC. encourages all AT-AUTO owners to update their...

  • Page 108: Cx-Auto

    2. Restore to Defaults. The user can restore all firmware configuration settings to factory defaults without needing to upload new firmware and without erasing match memory settings. 3. Enhanced “Vintage Rig” operation. The AT-AUTO now uses counted RF frequency (tm) when operating with ‘Vintage Rigs”...

  • Page 109: Cx-Auto

    (tm) mation via the radio’s CAT/CI-V port and automatically positioning the L and C. However, during split frequency operation it is impractical if the AT-AUTO (tm) positions L and C whenever switching from the transmit to receive frequency. The firmware is now configurable to enable the AT-AUTO...
  • Page 110 (tm) the ability to follow frequency changes in the Onmi VII and Jupiter radios via the radio’s CAT port. 2. Control of external Coaxial and Balanced antenna switches. The AT-AUTO will (tm) permit selection of any one of eight Coaxial outputs as well any one of four Balanced antenna outputs.
  • Page 111 AT-AUTO will home L and C, and then preset C to 250. (tm) 2. L and C synchronization tracking - If the user switched the AT-AUTO Off before (tm) L or C position information was successfully written to non-volatile memory, then the...
  • Page 112 AT-AUTO is changing bands. When enabled, if QSYing (tm) from one band to another (40m to 160m for example), the AT-AUTO will route (tm) the antenna directly to the radio (RF does not pass through the tuning network) until the L and C have been repositioned to the band of operation (160m in this example).

  • Page 113: Bug Corrections

    Select knob. Momentarily pressing the Tune-Select knob signals the user’s consent to initiate automatic tuning. This feature was added to provide a means to completely prevent automatic re-tuning, especially when using an HF amplifier. 10. Selectable SWR Tuning Thresholds - While in Automatic mode, the AT-AUTO ini- (tm) tiates automatic tuning whenever the SWR exceeds 1.2:1 (default).
  • Page 114 RF carrier was produced and the AT-AUTO subsequently detected a mismatch. This bug (tm) has been corrected. Now whenever the RF output is changed, the AT-AUTO will (tm) immediately reposition L and C for the active RF output.
  • Page 115 (0x00) or else the command failed. Positioning command is now in accordance with the description provided in the operating manual (See Table 9.1). 2. CI-V bus collision detection - In earlier firmware releases, the AT-AUTO would (tm) sometimes spontaneously QSY based upon collision-corrupted CI-V bus data, which manifested as an illogical/erroneous QSY frequency.
  • Page 116 “Good Match” and fail to initiate automatic tuning (tm) despite the very obvious (via the analog meter) antenna mismatch. 8. Frequency Error - Under conditions of very high SWR, AT-AUTO would occa- (tm) sionally be unable to discern the operating frequency from the RF sample. Firmware and hardware changes have considerably improved this problem.

  • Page 117: Software License Agreement

    Copyrighted work. To do so will be deemed intentional infringement of Copyright. Kessler Engineering, LLC takes such Copyright infringement seriously and shall take whatever steps necessary to protect its intellectual property.

  • Page 118: Service And Warranty

    Service and Warranty Warranty Kessler Engineering, LLC. warrants all of our products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During this one-year warranty period, Kessler Engineering will either repair or replace the product at it’s option at the Kessler Engineering facility in Beavercreek, Ohio.

  • Page 119: Frequently Asked Questions

    ATAUTO/ 17.1 Serial Port Related Questions Why is there a serial port on the AT-AUTO (tm) Does this mean that I can remotely control it? What is the control protocol? Answer: Remote control operation has been included since Version 2.0 (and subsequent) firmware versions.

  • Page 120: Memory-Related Questions

    Each memory default when “coax” output is selected is for a nominal 50 Ω load. Likewise, the “balanced” output default is for a nominal 200 Ω load. Based upon frequency and selected output, if the SWR exceeds an approximate 1.2 : 1 threshold, the AT-AUTO (tm) recalls from memory the respective Inductor and Capacitor settings and presets them ac- cordingly.

  • Page 121: Radio-Interfacing Questions

    (tm) I need change the firmware setup? Answer: You are correct, the earlier Icom radios used 4-byte frequency data, but newer Icom radios pass 5 bytes of frequency data over the CI-V bus. The AT-AUTO works (tm) just fine with both the 4 and 5 byte frequency protocols. However, the IC-735 is (hardware) configured to operate at 1200 baud, whereas most newer Icom radios support a broad range...

  • Page 122: General Usage Questions

    Remove the top-cover of the AT-AUTO. Look at the roller Inductor and you will see the wheel shaft – it is parallel with the axis of the roller Inductor. Remove the existing lubricant...
  • Page 123 Inductor motor. Remove the top-cover of the AT-AUTO. Look at the roller Inductor and you will see the wheel shaft, the contact wheel, and arm of the limit switch. The limit switch is located on the Inductor assembly and is near the back of the tuner.
  • Page 124 1-3 second tuning time is (tm) very typical. The 30 seconds quoted is due to the transit time it takes for the AT-AUTO (tm) to reposition the roller Inductor from one extreme to another such as QSYing from 160m to 10m.
  • Page 125 I switch to high power operation. It does this about 30% of the time when using the coax-fed loop, but rarely does this when using a similar loop which is fed directly with ladder line. Why does it do that? Is there something wrong with my AT-AUTO (tm) Answer: Tuning at low power has a couple of advantages It reduces QRM and it places less stress on the transmitter while a match is being sought.
  • Page 126 Forward and Reflected power and if the SWR is less than 1.2:1 (default), then it does not automatically tune. However, if the SWR is determined to be greater than 1.2:1, then automatic tuning is initiated. During the automatic tuning process, the AT-AUTO (tm) attempts to improve the SWR to 1.05:1.

  • Page 127: Feedline Match Losses

    limited, the most detrimental factor is the overall feedline loss and the actual SWR at the antenna feed point. From the ARRL Handbook, the matched losses for several feed lines are Table 17.1: The “matched loss” is the expected power loss due to the resistive and dielectric Table 17.1: Feedline Match Losses Feeder Type Loss per 100’...

  • Page 128: 100' Feedline Match Loss For Various Swr

    MHz with 100 W drive power. See the ARRL Handbook for a more detailed explanation and associated equations. Table 17.3: 100’ Feedline Match Loss for various SWR Feeder SWR at Ant SWR at AT-AUTO Feeder Loss Power at Antenna (tm) RG-58 1.36:1...

  • Page 129: Firmware-Specific Questions

    The AT-AUTO samples (tm) SWR at some distance from the antenna feed point, which is affected by the match loss of the feedline. However, using low-loss feeders will mitigate this effect. The AH-4 is also NOT an autonomous antenna tuner the AT-AUTO is.
  • Page 130 I wanted the customer to be able to take advantage of these improvements at no additional cost. This is the reason I included the ability to upload the firmware to the AT-AUTO (tm) The design of the AT-AUTO...

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