VERSA Beam
Antenna Controller
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Please keep this manual after you read for maintenance purpose
Ｒev3.1-0-Jul. 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS
１．
２．
３．
４．

INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------ 2
Adjustable Element Unit(AEU) ----------------------------------------------3
Front Panel ---------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Front Panel Controls
4-1．①POWER Button------------------------------------------------------6
4-2．②～⑨BAND Button-----------------------------------------------------6
4-3．⑩UP/DOWN Button ----------------------------------------------------9
4-4．⑪SET Button ----------------------------------------------------------9
4-5．⑫MANUAL/CAL.（CALIBRATION）-------------------------------------9
4-6．⑬CANCEL-------------------------------------------------------------10
4-7．⑭MODE/ADJUST ----------------------------------------------------11
4-8．⑮NORMAL Mode ---------------------------―------------―-----------13
4-9．⑯180°Mode ---------------------------------------------------------13
4-10．⑰DIPOLE Mode-------------------------------------------------------13
4-11．⑱AUTO/HOME Button -----------------------------------------------13

５．

Rear Panel -----------------------------------------------------------------15

６．

Before Start Using KA1
6-1. Check Initial SWR and SWR Adjustment --------------------------------17
6-2. Calibration -------------------------------------------------------------17
6-3. How to Adjust VSWR and Save the Setting -----------------------------19
6-4. Rain Mode and Snow Mode ---------------------------------------------20
6-5. Checking the Element Motion -------------------------------------------22
6-6. Remote Operation ------------------------------------------------------22
6-7. What You Should Keep in Mind When You Measure SWR ---------------22
6-8. Frequency Segment Width Change
6-8-1. For Regular VERSA BEAM Frequency Segment Width Change--------23
6-8-2. For VERSA Lite Frequency Segment Width----------------------------23

７．

User Mode Settings
7-1．What You Can Do with User Mode -------------------------------------24

7-2．Start Your Controller with User Mode ---------------------------------- 26
８．
Factory Default ------------------------------------------------------------- 27
９．
Connecting Transceiver with Computer
9-1．Jumper Settings for Your Transceiver------------------------------------29
9-1-1.RS232C Interface(YAESU/KENWOOD/JRC/ELECRAFT) --------------30
9-1-2．ICOM(CI-V interface) transceivers--------------------------------------31
9-1-3．YAESU: FT1000/FT1021 ------------------------------------------- 32
9-1-4．KENWOOD TS950/TS850------------------------------------------- 33
9-2．Setup with Your Computer --------------------------------------------- 34
9-3．Memory Setting for Your Transceiver ----------------------------------- 36
9-4．Memory Setting Table ---------------------------------------------------37
１０． Trouble Shooting ----------------------------------------------------------- 40
１１． Command Table ------------------------------------------------------------ 41
１２． Maintenance---------------------------------------------------------------- 43-1-1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing KA1 as one of your antennas. We are sure KA1 will makeyour DXing more competitive as well as enjoyable.
You can adjust elements length by the controller in your shack which means you canadjust not only SWR but also F/B ratio and gain of the antenna.
Please read this manual carefully to understand how KA1 works and how to use it.
KA1 is much heavier than ordinary Yagi antenna that has the same number of
elements. It also has some sharp parts which may hurt you if you touch them roughly.
Please be careful when you construct it or do maintenance.
CAUTION
Do not use AC adaptor or cable that doesn’t come with KA1.
Before installing KA1 on the tower, please make and confirm Adjustable Element Unit
(AEU) working on the ground.
Pull off the DC plug from the controller when you attach or remove the Amphenol
connector.
While in operation (elements are not fully out or home, in between), push HOME
button to get all the elements home position if you pull off the DC plug. Otherwise
KA1 may lose the accurate position. This should happen when you experience blackout.

* In case you don’t use VERSA Beam Antenna for long or you need to fix it, follow theprocedure a)
and b) written below.
a)First retract all element to HOME position by pressing HOME and SET.

b)

After a) remove DC plug from your controller.

-2-3. ADJUSTABLE ELEMENT UNIT (AEU)

Figure 1① Element Top② Element③ Supporting Rubber④ Rubber Holder⑤ Element Housing⑥ Housing Cover⑦ Housing Gasket⑧ Coaxial Connector ( only AEU for driven element )⑨ Control Cable Connector⑩ Glass Fiber Tubing

Note: We named the unit assembled with ① to ⑨ listed above AEU.

-3-

４．Controller Front Panel Buttons and Functions■Button Names

Figure 2① POWER
Press to power ON. LED comes to light on.
Press and hold to power OFF.
This function is disabled during the elements in motion.
One of the band LEDs comes on light when you turn power off to let you knowwhat band position the elements have been at.
While the controller power is off, in order to apply the brake on the stepping
motor small amount of electric current is running. That makes the controller a bit
warm. It is not a problem or failure.

In case of power outage or something happen like that, by turning on the
power VERSA antenna itself retracts all element to HOME position, andthen extends elements to the original position where it was before thepower turned off accidentally.
②～⑨

BAND

Elements move to the each band position that is selected by these buttons.
(②7MHz ③10MHz buttons don’t work for Model 203/204/205/206 )⑩

UP/DOWN
Adjustment (moving segments within the band or fine tuning of factory set
element length)
Selection of settings.
-4-

⑪ SETSet button for settings works like ENTER.

⑫ MANUAL/CAL.
* MANUAL: For you to adjust manually.
* CAL: CALIBRATION (Press and Hold); Elements moves to HOME position once
and then extend to the set frequency position.

⑬ CANCEL
Cancel the immediate command selection.
⑭ MODE/ADJUST* MODE: Switch between each mode. NORMAL, 180°,DIPOLE* JUST (Press and Hold): Element fine Tuning.

⑮ NORMAL
For normal operation.

⑯ 180°( Reverse )Switching the beam direction to opposite side. In this mode all the KA1 models
work as 3 element Yagi.

⑰ DIPOLE
KA1 has gain on both side (front and back) working like a dipole, however it has
some gain.

⑱ AUTO/HOME* AUTO: Coordinate with your transceiver frequency.
* HOME (Press and Hold): All the elements are wound up to the home position.

⑲ LCD
Displays antenna settings, frequency, and MODE.

〈Example LCD display〉

Your VERSA antenna is set

When you press 21M BAND button,

for18MHz band.

LCD shows above information.
The upper right number is time tofinish motion. 066 means 6.6
seconds. The number will disappear
after stopping motion.

-5-

4．Detail Functions of Front Panel Controls■4-1 ①POWER Button
Press the POWER button to power on the controller. Then Model Number, Software
Version, ROM Version, and Available Frequencies are shown.
The previous settings and the band will be shown some seconds later.
Refer to Figure 3 and 4. (Figure 3 shows the KA1-406 display)

Figure 3:

Figure 4

Right after turning on the power.

This shows the previous operation

This is shown only for some seconds,

mode was Manual, and the band wasthen switch to Figure 4 looking.

14MHz.

seconds to switch to Figure 4
looking.

■4-2 BAND Buttons ②～⑨＊NORMAL Mode(⑮LED is on）
When one of BAND Buttons is pressed, elements will move to the displayed frequency
position.
While the elements are moving, the MODE LED is flashing. The LED stops flashing andcomes to light on when the elements stop at the position.
The band and frequency are shown on the LCD. There are two options of showing
this information. Read the following description carefully.

□Band & Frequency Display (While Manual Mode is selected.)
Band and Frequency are displayed on the LCD shown like below.
7M/14M/21M/28M bands are divided into 3 segments.
Each pressing of BAND Button switches the segment.
②

7M： 40m 7.000MHｚ/40m 7.040MHz/40m 7.120MHz③ 10M： 30m 10.100MHz④ 14M： 20m 14.050MHｚ/20m 14.150MHz/20m 14.250MHz⑤ 18M： 17m 18.100MHｚ/⑥ 21M： 15m 21.050MHｚ/15m 21.200MHz/20m 21.350MHz⑦ 24M： 12m 24.950MHz⑧ 28M： 10m 28.000MHｚ/10m 28.500MHz/10m 29.000MHz⑨ 50M：

6m 50.100MHz＊②7MHz band and ③10MHz band are not available for Model 203/204/205/206.

-6-

□Freq Region Display (While Manual Mode is selected)② 7M ： 7.000-7.039MHｚ/7.040-7.079MHz/7.120-7.159MHz③ 10M：10.100-10.149MHz④ 14M：14.０50-14.099MHｚ/14.150-14.199MHｚ/14.250-14.299MHz⑤ 18M：18.100-18.149MHz⑥ 21M： 21.０50-21.099MHｚ/21.200-21.249MHz/21.350-21.399MHz⑦ 24M： 24.950-24.999MHz⑧ 28M： 28.000-28.049MHｚ/28.500-28.549MHz/29.000-29.049MHz⑨ 50M： 50.100-50.149MHz＊②7MHz band and ③10MHz band are not available for Model 203/204/205/206□Freq Region Display（While Auto Mode is selected）
KA1 controller shows the same frequency as your transceiver shows.
Example: If your transceiver frequency「14.195MHz, you see the same number like「14.195MHz」on the LCD.

-7-

＊How to Change Frequency Display Format

Go to 「User Mode」to switch frequency display format. We would like you
to read 8-2 for more detail.
① Press and Hold the POWER button to turn off the power.
→②Press and holding the 7M button, press POWER button.
→“ User mode” is displayed on LCD (Figure 5), and then some seconds
later LCD shows the information like in Figure 6.

Figure 5:

Figure 6:

The LCD shows as above, and thenPress ⑩UP or DOWN until you seechange to as Figure 6.

[05: Display Type].

Figure 7:

Figure 8:

Press ⑱AUTO/HOME. AUTO/HOME

The controller is shut down

button toggles from [000: Band&Freq]

automatically some seconds after you

to [001: Freq Region]. Press SET button

see the above.

to determine.

You need to restart to activate the.

Usermode you selected.

＊You can fine tune the element length for each band.(②7MHz～⑨50MHz)⑩You can move one segment to another in the same band by UP・DOWN
button.
You can also change element length from the factory default and save the
new settings in the controller with ⑭ADJUST on a band.
You can try to fine tune because it is easy to go back to the factory default
settings on any band.
See next AUTO・MANUAL mode function.

-8-

＊AUTO・MANUAL mode function
You can obtain factory default setting status by press and hold the BAND
button. If you do this operation in certain segment of a band, othersegments in the same band will get to factory default.
See Figure 9 and 10

Figure 9:

Figure 10:

In Manual mode.

Showing the message while the settings[Set default OK?] blinks on and off.

are going back to default. The mode LED

Press ⑪SET button.

that you have selected is flashing on andoff while the elements are in motion.

■4-3 ⑩UP・DOWN

button＊UP・DOWN button is used for selecting commands, choosing segments, andadjusting frequency.

■4-4 ⑪SET button＊SET button determines the selected command or status.
＊You can confirm model number, software version, and ROM version by press
and hold this button. (See Figure 3)■4-5 ⑫MANUAL/CAL.(CALIBRATION) button＊MANUAL button
This button is used to adjust element length manually.
You can fine tune the antenna resonant frequency by ⑩UP・DOWN button.
In order to get back to factory default you need to press and hold the BAND
button of which you want to make the setting factory default. LCD
displays as below.
→Set default OK? blinking→⑪SET→Write complete →factory default
element length＊Note The above operation deletes the previously set data.

-9-

＊CAL. (CALIBRATION)button（Press and Hold）
You can start calibration on any band and in either MANUAL or AUTO mode.
You will see Figure 11 by press and hold CAL button. Press ⑪SET button
while [Push SET] is blinking. Then you will see Figure 12.
The controller is set to factory default, which means the antenna was once
calibrated under certain condition in the factory.
We would like you to do [Calibration] once you removed power supply from thecontroller or after experiencing power outage.

Figure 11:

Figure 12:

Press and hold CAL button brings thePush SET disappears.

above message.

While one of MODE LEDs is blinking on andPush SET is blinking. Press ⑪SET tooff, the elements are in motion. Elements

determine.

go back to home position and then extend
to the set position.

Figure 13:(In case of 18.100MHz is selected) Once all the elements are retracted (going back to home position in
the AEU), elements will start extending to the correct length for the selected band (segment).One of
MODE LEDs turns to on from blinking tells you finishing the calibration process.

■4-6 ⑬CANCEL button
You can cancel the immediate operation by pressing this button.

- 10 -

■4-7 ⑭MODE/ADJUST button＊MODE
Switching NORMAL, 180°, and DIPOLE.
Each time pressing this button the MODE LED blinks. During blinking elements
are moving in the glass-fiber poles. When the elements are set to the length forthe selected band, the LED turns on from blinking.

＊ADJUST (Press and hold)Your can fine tune element length.
Press and hold while either AUTO or MANUAL mode is selected.
Figure 14 will be shown. Press SET, and then you can choose AEU (D1, D2,
D3, D4 (directors), Ra (radiator), All (all elements)) that you want to adjust
length with ⑩UP or DOWN button. Press ⑪.SET to determine which element
length should be adjusted.
Each pressing ⑩UP or DOWN button let the element extend or rewind 5mm. If
you press and hold the button, the element keeps moving until you release thebutton.
Press ⑪SET to set and save the setting. You see Write complete in LCD
display.
*You can go back to the normal operation by pressing ⑬CANCEL button toabort Adjust status.
After you adjust an element, you can repeat the same procedure to adjust
another element.
See Figure 14, Figure 15, Figure 16, and Figure 17*All
You can adjust all the elements by one operation at the same time.
See Figure 18*Note:
If you see [Max Length] in LCD display, the element length value you weregoing to obtain have exceeded the physical element length.

- 11 -

Figure 14:

Figure 15:[Push SET] is blinking.

You will see [SET] blink if you

Press ⑪SET to select what AEU

press ⑩UP or DOWN to adjust

to adjust.

element.

Figure 15 shows you selected [Ra].

Figure 16 :Figure 17:

Press ⑪SET to set and finish adjustment.

After Figure 16 process, you will see[Write Complete] will stop blinking.

AEU name (in this example it is
Radiator) start blinking again.
If you want to adjust another element,
use ⑩UP or DOWN to choose it.

Figure 18
Figure 18:
shows appearance of LCD display when you adjust all the elements at the same time.
Procedure is as same as described above for each element adjustment.
We recommend to do Adjust procedure if you think SWR is high after Calibration.

*Note:We recommend customizing element length by adjusting elements if SWR iscomparatively high at your location.
NORMAL mode adjustment works only for NORMAL mode. You may need totake the same procedure for each mode(180°, Dipole).

- 12 -

■4-８ ⑮NORMAL mode
＊Regular Yagi antenna mode
KA1 works as regular Yagi antenna.

■4-9 ⑯180°(Reverse) mode
＊Front and back switch from Normal mode.
Any type of KA1 works as 3 element Yagi antenna.

■4-10 ⑰DIPOLE mode
＊KA1 has dipole like pattern on both front and backKA1 has a little gain over dipole antenna.

■4-11 ⑱AUTO/HOME button＊AUTO button
Press AUTO button to make the controller to follow your transceiverfrequency.
Note: Because KA1 controller is designed to follow the transmitting frequency(Main VFO frequency for ICOM radio), KA1 doesn’t follow the receiving
frequency during SPLIT mode operation. KA1 controller follows only receiving
frequency of some transceivers that don ’ t have transmitting frequency
output like TS950/850.

＊HOME button (Press and hold)Pressing HOME button all the elements are retracted to the reels in AEU. We
call this status home position.
We strongly recommend retracting elements to home position during lighting
storm. Then please remove control cable and DC plug from the controller.
If you stack another or other antennas over KA1, you can reduce the effect of
KA1 over other antennas minimum by retracting elements.
Press ⑪SET button when Figure 19 is shown, and you will see Figure 20.
Mode LED is blinking while elements are in motion in the glass fiber poles.
When all the elements are retracted, LED turns on from blinking.

- 13 -

Figure 19:HOME

Figure 20:[Push SET] blinks.

When all the elements are retracted,

Press ⑪SET button to set.

the above message comes on LCD
display. After showing this message
the power will be shut off
automatically.

＊While selected mode LED is blinking,elements are in motion.

＊Figure 20 shows the example of 6
element model.

＊HOME operation and HOME sensor
After HOME operation is done and HOME sensor detects the element isretracted in an AEU, the AEU number will be show on the upper left corner of
LCD display. Then the power will be shut off.
The numbers at upper right corner of LCD display shown as Figure 20 areconnector numbers in junction box.

Displayed numbers for each model are shown below.

* Ra/Radiator, Ref/Reflector, D/Director- 14 -

5. Rear Panel and Connectors■The Name of the Connectors on the Rear Panel.

Figure 21① POWER：For AC adaptor plug. We strongly recommend you to use AC adaptor thatcomes with KA1.
*NOTE During operation if you accidentally removed power from the controller,
you should need to HOME operation (press and hold HOME and press SET)
for elements to get to home position once.
Otherwise the CPU in the controller may miscalculate the length.
② AMP：
RCA female for linear amplifier control.
③ RIG：
RCA female for your transceiver TX GND output. TX GND is connected to
ground during transmitting.
*② and ③ are connected inside of the controller normally. Only whenelements are in motion, they are cut off to prevent KA1 from being
damaged. This function should also work to protect your linear
amplifier.
④ USB Interface:
USB Type-B terminal to connect with your computer.
Driver software is automatically installed for Windows XP and later. But you
may need to install manually for earlier version of Windows and for some
Windows 7.

- 15 -

⑤ CI-V Interface：
3.5mm mono mini jack. (2P)This works as same as [REMOTE] of ICOM equipment. You need to use thisinterface to use ICOM transceivers or KOHJINSHA linear amplifiers.
⑥ PC⇔RIG：
This toggle switch lets you choose either computer or transceiver to control
VERSA Beam antenna.
⑦ RS-232C Interface：

Use RS232C straight cable to connect transceiver or computer that has
RS232C interface. Be sure to lock the connector after connection.
⑧ ANTENNA CONNECTION：
For Amphenol 36 pin connector supplied with control cable. Be sure to lockthe connector after connection.
*NOTE
Please confirm the AC adaptor is removed from the controller when you makethis connection.

- 16 -

6．Before Start Using KA1■6-1 Check and Adjust SWR at Factory Default Setting
Use antenna SWR analyzer or KOHJINSHA KP-1 Power meter to measure
SWR.

■6-2 Calibration
The controller is set to factory default. Factory default setting is the best
setting in certain condition. You may need to customize settings in order for
KA1 to fit your antenna circumstances.
Please confirm the initial display that tells you KA1 is at HOME position. Look at
upper right corner of LCD display. You should see 123 for 3 element, 1234
for 4 element, 12345 for 5 element, and 123456 for 6 element.
Confirm MANUAL mode is selected, and then press 28MHz button to extend
the elements to 28MHz length.
NORMAL LED blinks until extending stops. LED stops blinking and keeps lighton. Press and hold MANUAL/CAL button and press SET to go to calibration.
Element numbers are shown when elements are retracted to HOME position.
And then elements will extend to the 28MHz length. LED stop blinking andkeep light on when calibration is done.
(28MHz calibration should finish within 30 seconds.)

Figure 22:

Figure 23:

Press and hold MANUAL/CAL

When retraction completes, LCD

button make [Push SET] blink. Press

showing is like Figure 23. for some

SET button to start retracting

seconds, and disappear.

elements.

Figure 23 shows for 6 element
model.

＊ At this point let’s measure SWR on 28MHz band.
Please make sure the controller frequency is the same as the transceiverfrequency before measuring SWR.
For example : Transceiver 28.300→Controller 28.300＊Note
When you measure SWR, …………………………………………………………………
- 17 -

Get your tower the highest if your tower is a crank up tower.
Do not do it on the day of heavy rain, snow, or windy.
Choose the antenna direction to keep elements as far away as possible fromtrees, wires, or buildings. If the element tip is too close to those obstacles, you
may not be able to obtain good SWR.
Please make sure SWR is low enough on the other bands, too.
Please put SWR numbers that are obtained in the regular conditions for futurereference.
BAND
Frequency
NORMALDP
180°
7M
7.100MHz
10M
10.125MHz
14M
14.150MHz
18M
18.120MHz
21M
21.200MHz
24M
24.950MHz
28M
28.300MHz
50M
50.100MHz＊

SWR adjustment procedure is explained in the next section.

We strongly recommend retracting all the elements during typhoon (hurricane),thunder storm, heavy rain, or blizzard. We also recommend you to do
calibration again after severe weather is gone.
If you do calibration on a certain band, other bands are calibrated
automatically. The Higher the band you calibrate, the shorter the time youneed.
You can set automatic calibration after power on by USER setting. It is
recommended to set this setting because element length may change a little bystrong wind or shock by something.
*This table shows approximate time to complete calibration on each band.
BAND
7M
10M
14M
18M
21M
24M
28M
50M
Duration 80Sec 80Sec 60Sec 50Sec 40Sec 35Sec 30Sec 20Sec
The duration is for retracting to home position and extending to the band
length. (It takes about a half of above number to extend for the band fromhome position.)- 18 -

■6-３ How to Adjust VSWR and Save the Setting
SWR may not be the best at your antenna site because there should be some things
that may affect your antenna at your antenna site.
If you cannot get good SWR by calibration, use [Adjust] function to adjust element
length. After adjustment you need to save the setting in the controller.

How to Adjust 1．
①: Choose MANUAL mode. Go to the band that you want to adjust. Press UP or
DOWN to move frequency in the same band in order to find the best SWR point (thelowest point).
②: Pressing UP makes the frequency higher.(Element length gets shorter.)③: Pressing DOWN makes the frequency lower. (Element length gets longer)④: If you find the spot whose SWR is below 1.5 and the best for the band, read thefrequency.
⑤: Make the transceiver frequency and the controller frequency the same. Go to
Adjust mode. See Figure 18. Select All. Use UP or DOWN until you get the same
SWR(best) that you obtained in process ① to ④. Press SET.
You won’t lose GAIN or Front to Back ratio because all the elements moves withcoordinating the factory default data if you choose [All].

How to Adjust 2．
In case you couldn’t’t have good result by following How to Adjust 1, we would like
you to try this.
①: Choose MANUAL mode, and select a band which you want to adjust. Set yourtransceiver frequency as same frequency as the controller shows. Go to Adjust mode.
②: See Figure 16. Use UP or DOWN button to adjust the radiator length until you findthe best spot. Press SET.
If you think you did adjustment too much, return to factory default. You need torepeat above process on each band. You need to do the same process for 180°and
DP mode.
*Note:
If you adjust reflector and directors to pursue better SWR point, you may lose theantenna gain and good F/B radio.
If you would like to fine-tune reflector and directors, ask you local station that is
located within 5 Km (3 miles) from your station to transmit test signals. You need tocheck not only gain, or F/B ratio, but also SWR.
Our factory test frequencies are listed below.
7.100, 10.125, 14.150, 18.100, 21.200, 24.950, 28.300, 50.100MHz- 19 -

■6-4 Rain Mode and Snow Mode
The resonant frequency may move lower under rainy or snowy weather.You
can use Rain Mode or Snow Mode to adjust the resonant frequency. You canadjust it manually, too. However, it should be much easier and faster to use
Rain Mode or Snow Mode that can be set in advance.

How to use Rain Mode and Snow ModeAt any frequency position the controller switches from normal mode to Rain
Mode by pressing(not press and hold, just press) SET button. From Rain Modeone press of SET button let the controller work as Snow Mode. In both cases
you can see “R” for Rain Mode, “S” for Snow Mode in LCD display.
The amount of frequency shift should be set for both Rain and Snow Mode
beforehand.

Figure 24: Display example of Rain mode / Snow mode.

＊Note
Press CANCEL button to go back to normal mode(sunshine mode).”R” or “S”
disappears.

- 20 -

How to Set Amount of Shift Frequency
No amateur radio stations should have the same place. Furthermore anyantenna doesn’t have the same location. Therefore each user has to set theamount of shift frequency at each location.
Move elements manually to get to the best SWR point, and measure howmuch frequency shift occurs on every band in each atmosphere..
You can use either User Moder or Rain Mode( Snow Mode ) status for thispurpose.

①How to set in User Mode.
Turn off the power of VERSA controller. Press both 7M button and POWER
button at the same time to get into User Mode.(See 8-2)
Pressing UP button several times until 10. “RainShift” shows up.
You can set frequency shift amout in 10～17 for Rain Mode shift and 20～
27 for Snow Mode shift for each bands. Use AUTO/HOME and MANU/CAL
buttons to select shift amount. Once you finish selecting shift amount, press
SET button, then controller automatically start writing data. The power will
also be off automatically after the job is done.

Figure 25: Example A

Setting 15m Rain Mode shift frequency at #14.

Figure 26: Example B

Setting 30m Snow Mode shift frequncy at at #21.

②Setting from the Rain or Snow Mode status.
Select the mode you want to set. In the selected mode press and hold the SET
button, and then LCD display shows setting screen. Use UP/DOWN button to
get the proper shift amount. After setting is done, press AUTO/HOME or
MANU/CAL to go back to regular operation.

Figure 27: Example C- 21 -

■6-5 How to Check All Elements Move Properly
As described in 5-11 you can see element numbers on LCD when elements
are retracted, and get to HOME position. If you see all the element numbers,
AEUs work properly.
If you want to check while you are using KA1, go to Adjust mode and press
and hold UP or DOWN button to move elements. If you see SWR change, you
can tell AEUs work okay. Be sure to press CANCEL to get back to the last
position.

Figure 28: Adjust

Figure 29:[Push SET] is blinking.

[SET] blinks if you press ⑩UP・DOWN

Press ⑪SET to see an AEU name blink.

to adjust elements. After you confirm

Press ⑪SET to determine what AEU to

AEUs work all right, press CANCEL.

check.

■6-6 Remote Operation
If you turn off all the AC power supply, the DC power used for braking step
motor is also turned off. Without brake antenna elements may be moved bywind or something.
We recommend to set USER mode [07:AUTO CAL] [001] for your controller
to start with automatic calibration.
*Note:
If the elements are retracted to HOME position, automatic calibration won’t
start.

■6-7 What You Should Keep in Mind When You Measure SWRWhen you measure SWR,………………………………………..
Make your tower the highest if your tower is a crank up tower.
Do not do it on the day of heavy rain, snow, or windy.
Choose the antenna direction to keep elements as far away as possible fromtrees, wires, or buildings. If the element end part is too close to those obstacles,
you may not be able to obtain good SWR.
You may not be able to measure accurate SWR if there are linear amplifier,and/or antenna switch, and/or filters in between antenna and SWR meter. We
recommend remove those equipments when you measure SWR..

- 22 -

■6-8 Frequency Segment Width
Because some bands work with loading coil, low SWR( maybe below 1.5 )range is narrower. To avoid operating with high SWR you can change themoving step width to a half of the original.
6-8-1:How to Change Stepping Frequency Segment Width for Regular
VERSA Antenna (7MHz)In AUTO or MANUAL mode you can get 20KHz step by pressing and holding
the DOWN button.(Figure 30 to 31) Pressing and holding UP bottun make thecontroller to original 40KHz step mode.

Figure 30: regular 40KHz Step

Figure 31: 20KHz Step

■MHz: means 40KHz step■mhz: means 20KHz step
6-8-2:Lite Model (203L・403L)
VERSA Lite works as same as described above for regular VERSA antenna.
You can set up using as same procedure as regular VERSA antenna.
Refer Figure 30 to 31.
■7MHz: 20KHz⇒10KHz step
■10MHz/14MHz: 40KHz⇒20KHz step
*Note:
If you press and hold DOWN button outside of amateur band, you see “mhz”
in the display. However stepping frequency range doesn’t change. It is fixed as
50KHz step.

- 23 -

7．

USER MODE Settings■7-1 What You Can Do with USER Mode
Starting with USER Mode you can set following functions.

＊00:Exciter TypeChoose a transceiver you use with KA1. There are transceivers made by major
ham manufactures that are memorized in the controller.

＊01:Baud Rate
Select the baud rate that will be used to communicate with your transceiver.

＊02:Stop bit
You can select 1 Stop bit or 2 Stop bit.

＊03:Logging Soft
KA1 controller is design to work with some logging programs. Select one ofthem for your system.

＊04:ICOM RX ADRS
If needed, choose one of the addresses that are mapped for ICOM equipments.

＊05:FreqDisp Form
Choose your favorite display format from [Band&Freq] or [Freq Region].

＊06:Tracking Delay
KA1 elements move in accordance with your transceiver VFO frequency being
driven by step motors every 50 KHz (400series: every 40 KHz on 7MHz)
You hear step motor noise at the above moment. The noise is so small that canbe ignored. However, if a target station is just on the border 50 KHz, the noise
may bother you whenever you move across the frequency.
In above case you can set delay time for the step motor to start moving.
000 :0[sec] 、001 :3[sec]、002 :6[sec]、
003 :9[sec]、004 :12[sec]、005 :15[sec]- 24 -

＊07:Auto CAL
You can choose No Auto CAL or Auto CAL that calibration will be done
automatically when you turn on the main AC or controller power.
*LCD display and its function
000: No Auto CAL ・・・・・・・No automatic calibration
001: Auto CAL ・・・・・・・・・Calibration starts when main AC power is supplied.

＊08:Auto Home
KA1 is designed to retract elements when the transceiver frequency is out of
KA1 covering frequency. Here is an example. If you select below 14MHz bandwith 200 series or if you select below 7MHz band with 400 series, KA1
retracts all the elements to home position by this setting.
*LCD display and its function
000: Not Auto HOME
001: Auto HOME

No automatic retraction
Automatic retraction＊10～17:Rain Mode, 20～27:Snow Mode. How to Set up Frequency
Shift in the Rain&Snow Mode
You can setup frequency shift amount in the Rain or Snow mode.
You can follow the same procedure that is described in the regular VERSA
antenna section of this manual.
Please read below for more detail.
*7-4 Rain Mode and Snow Mode
Page 22, 23*8-2 Start Your Controller with User Mode
Page 28*10-2, 10-3, 10-4 in 10. Connecting with Transceiver and Computer
Page 36 to Page 39- 25 -

■7-2 Start Your Controller with User Mode
See Figure 32

Figure 32
Press and hold ①POWER to turn off the controller.
→With Pressing and holding ②7M button, press ①POWER button.
→[Figure 33 left] is shown on LCD for a while and then [Figure 33 right]
appears.
See Figure 33

Figure 33

Each time pressing ③UP/DOWN button the display switches like [BaudRate], [Stop Bit], and etc.
In order to select your transceiver model, press ④ AUTO/HOME or
MANUAL/CAL when you see [Exciter Type] on the LCD display.( Don’tpress ⑤SET yet. )Following above operation you need to set up [Baud Rate] and others. Afteryou set up all the settings here, press ⑤SET.
You will see [Write Complete ……….] on the LCD display. The power will beshut off automatically.

- 26 -

8． Factory Default■Please follow the procedure written below to get back to factory
default settings
See Figure 34

Figure 34
Note:
1: All the elements should be retracted at home position before factory default
operation. See 5-11⑱AUTO/HOME button. See Page 15
2: In order to get the factory default element length press and hold each BAND
button.
Press and hold ①POWER to turn off the power.
→Press and holding ②7M button press ①POWER button.
→Figure 35 [User mode] appears and then Figure 36 is shown.
Pressing ②7M button press ③SET button at Figure 36 state.
Figure 37 appears while controller is getting back to factory default setting.
When factory default is set, you see Figure 38. The power is automatically shutoff.
Press POWER button to turn power on Figure39 will be shown.
If you see Figure39, the controller is set to factory default.
See Figure 35 to Figure 39- 27 -

Figure 35:

Figure 36:

After [User mode] screen is displayed,

Press and holding ②7M button press

Figure 30 appears.

and hold ③SET button when you see
this screen.

Figure 37:

Figure 38:

This is showing the software is getting

When the work is done, you see

back to factory default settings. When

this screen. The power is shut off

the five digit counter becomes 0, theautomatically.

controller setting is factory default.

Figure 39:
Press ①POWER button to restart thecontroller, then this screen appears.
Now the software is set as factory
default.

*Figure 39 shows for 6 element model.
*Each number on the upper right of the screen corresponds to each AEU. See
the table of AEU name and Junction Board connector number in 5-11 on
page 16.

- 28 -

9． Connecting with Transceivers and Computers■9-１ Jumper Settings for Your Transceiver
At this section you will learn how to set up DIP switches to connect KA-1 withyour transceiver and computer.
*Please look at the drawing below. Remove two screws and take off the cover.
You will be able to see controller board.
*Note: Be sure to remove power supply from your controller before doing thiswork.

*DIP switches are lined up as shown in the picture.
*After you finish DIP switch settings, install the cover you removed. Please
don’t connect power supply before installing the cover.
- 29 -

9-1-1：YAESU/KENWOOD/JRC/ELECRAFT
Transceivers①YAESU: FTDX9000/FTDX5000/FT2000/FT1000MP/MK-V
KENWOOD: TS990/TS590/TS2000/TS480/TS870②YAESU: FT920
ELECRAFT: K2/K3③JRC: JST145/JST245*Controller interface
RS232C D-sub 9pin (female)*Rig interface①RS232C D-sub 9pin (female)②RS232C D-sub 9pin (male)③RS232C D-sub 25pin (male)*Set DIP switches shown as Figure 40.

Figure 40- 30 -

9-1-2: ICOM*All ICOM transceivers that have CI-V interface.
*Controller interface: CI-V 3.5mm mini-jack (2p)
*Rig interface: REMOTE 3.5mm mini-jack (2p)*Set DIP switches shown as Figure 35.

Figure 41- 31 -

9-1-3: YAESU*Transceivers FT1000/FT1021*Controller interface: RS232C D-sub 9pin (female)*Rig interface: DIN6 pin (male)*Set DIP switches shown as Figure 42.

Figure 42.

- 32 -

9-1-4： KENWOOD*Transceivers TS950/TS850*Controller interface: RS232C D-sub9 pin (female)*Rig interface: DIN6 pin (male)*Set DIP switches shown as Figure 43.

Figure 43- 33 -

■9-2 Setup with Your Computer
Use USB connector to connect your controller with computer. Controller has
USB interface on its rear panel.
①: Unless you use logging software , turn the toggle switch(⑥PC⇔RIG) on thecontroller rear panel toward [RIG] side BEFORE turning power on.
②: If you use logging software , turn he toggle switch(⑥PC⇔RIG) on thecontroller rear panel toward [PC] side BEFORE turning power on. Not only you
can control the transceiver and controller from your computer screen but also
the computer can import band/mode data from your transceiver.
You won ’ t be able to set KA1 frequency under this setup from yourtransceiver unless you have started logging software.
When you use logging software, you may need to work some more procedure.
Connect your computer directly with your transceiver like TS990 that has USB
interface.

- 34 -

Here is more detail description for each transceiver model.
Make
ICOM

YAESU

Rig
All thetransceivers with
CI-V

Memory Setup
Nothing

FT-1000MKVChange 03: Logging Soft set
up to select your logging
software.

FT-1000MP
FT-1000

For HAMLOG select
FT1000MP for input setting,and set timer command 5.

YAESU

FT DX 9000
FT DX 5000
FT-2000

Change 03: Logging Soft set
up to select your logging
software.
For HAMLOG select
FT2000/9000 for input
setting, and set timer
command 0.
For HAMLOG setup you
need to select KENWOOD.
Set 00: Exciter Type
007:TS950/850_AI
Choose your logging
software by selecting settingof 03: Logging Soft

KENWO
OD

TS-950TS-850

KENWO
OD

TS-990TS-590TS-2000
TS-480TS-870

Set 00: Exciter Type
005:KWD/K2/K3_AI
Choose your logging
software by selecting settingof 03: Logging Soft

ＪＲＣ

JST-145
JST-245

KA1 software is notavailable for any logging
software.

- 35 -

Note
In case KA1 band or frequency
jumps off and gets back tonormal while you are tuning thefrequency dial using with Logger
32, set the rig CI-V transceiverOFF. You need to run Logger 32
for KA1 to synchronize.
Tracking function may get introuble depending upon how
you use your logging software.
*Start your logging software andcheck the CAT indicator isblinking. If the CAT indicator isoff, tracking function doesn’t’t
work.
Data input window should be
appeared on the computer
screen for CAT operation to be
active for HAMLOG.
Tracking function may not work
properly because of logging
software setups.

First turn power on yourtransceiver, and next KA1, andthen start your logging software.
Please confirm the frequency of
the transceiver is shown on
controller display. The receiving
frequency should be shown.
First turn power on yourtransceiver, and next KA1, andthen start your logging software.
Please confirm the frequency of
the transceiver is shown on
controller display. The receiving
frequency should be shown.

■9-3 Memory Settings for Your Transceiver
All ICOM transceivers ・ KOHJINSHA-------------------------------00:Exciter Type
000:KJS/ICOM
01:Baud Rate
001:1200～016:19200bps(Recommended:9600）
02:Stop bit
01:1 Stop bit
YAESU---------------------------------------------------------------FT DX 9000・FT DX 5000・FT-2000
00:Exciter Type
016:YAESU AI
01:Baud Rate
004:4800（Same baud rate as your radio interface）
02:Stop bit
02:2 Stop bit
FTDX 101・FT 991
00:Exciter Type
015:YAESU IF
01:Baud Rate
004:4800（Same baud rate as your radio interface）
02:Stop bit
02:2 Stop bit
MARK-V FT-1000MP・FT-1000MP
00:Exciter Type
001:MK-V 1000MP
01:Baud Rate
004:4800 (Fixed)
02:Stop bit
02:2 Stop bit (Fixed)
FT-1000D ・FT-1021
00:Exciter Type
010:FT-1000
01:Baud Rate
004:4800 (Fixed)
02:Stop bit
02:2 Stop bit (Fixed)
KENWOOD-----------------------------------------------------------TS-990・TS-590・TS-2000・TS-480・TS-870 等
00:Exciter Type
005:KWD/K2/K3_AI
01:Baud Rate
004:4800（Same baud rate as your radio interface）
02:Stop bit
01:1 Stop bit
TS-950・TS-850
00:Exciter Type
006:TS950/850_IF
007:TS950/850_AI (※1）
01:Baud Rate
004:4800 (Fixed)
02:Stop bit
02:2 Stop bit (Fixed)(※1) In case the output power is reduced tohalf for about 16 seconds duringtransmission, set 007. This may happen forsome models of TS-950SDX and TS-850.
Elecraft--------------------------------------------------------------K2・K3
00:Exciter Type
005:KWD/K2/K3_AI
01:Baud Rate
004:4800（Same baud rate as your radio interface）
02:Stop bit
01:1 Stop bit
JRC-------------------------------------------------------------------JST-245・JST-145
00:Exciter Type
008:JST-145/245
01:Baud Rate
004:4800
02:Stop bit
01:1 Stop bit- 36 -

■9-4 Memory Setting Table
Setting items
00 : Exciter Type

Setting
000 : KJS/ICOMAll ICOM transceivers

001 : MK-V 1000MP

FT-1000MP,MARK-V FT-1000MP,

002 : FT-100

FT-100,FT-100D

003 : FT-920

FT-920004 : KWD/K2/K3_IF
005 : KWD/K2/K3_AI*KL-1

All the transceivers after KENWOOD TS-870 and＊This setting is

ELECRAFT

recommended.

005 is standard setting, but some logging soft
prefer 004.

006 : TS950/TS850_IF

Older KENWOOD model thanTS-870

007 : TS950/TS850_AI

It may happen on TS-950SDX or TS-850 that

＊This setting is

the output power is reduced to half for about 16

recommended.

seconds during transmitting. In this case, set
007:TS950/850..AI.
However, if you set as above, memory frequency
tracking is disabled.

008 : JST-145/245

JST-145/JST-245

009 : Not Use

not used

010 : FT-1000

FT-1000D, FT-1021

011 : FT-767

FT-767012 : Not Use

not used013 : Not Use

not used

014 : Not Use

not used

015 : YAESU IFFTDX101 FT991

016 : YAESU AI

FT2000 FTDX9000 FT5000

017 : FT-847

FT-847＊Some FT-847 doesn’t’t work.

018 : Stand Alone
01 : Baud Rate

No transceiver is connected

Setting up communication baud rate with your transceiver
You can select from 001:1200bps up to 032:38400bps.
・YAESU transceivers, TS-950,TS-850 and etc.,
004：4800
・ICOM
001：1200 ～

016：19200（recommended 008：9600）

・TS-2000,TS-870,TS-590 and etc.,
004：4800 ～032：38400- 37 -

02 : Stop bit

Setting up stop bit
・YAESU、KENWOOD の 4800BAUD：
02：2 stopbit・Other than listed above
01：1 stop
03 : Logging

Soft

bit

Select using logging soft or not using logging soft
000：Not

Use

001：CT/ARCP-2000

004：Logger32

005：Mixw2

002：Zlog

006：FTC Logger

003：HAM Log
007：FTC Logger CT

008 : KWD Limited

・Without using logging soft ( Turn ⑥PC⇔RIG to RIG side.)
000：Not

Use・With using logging soft（１）Control your transceiver from your computer(Turn ⑥PC⇔RIG to PC)
ICOM → 000:Not Use (You can leave there as Not Use.)
YAESU→ Set up what logging software you use(001～005)

KENWOOD → Set up what logging software you use(001～005)（２）Control your transceiver from VERSA Beam antenna(Turn ⑥PC⇔RIG to RIG)
ICOM

→ 000:Not Use (You can leave there as Not Use.)YAESU→ For HAMLOG,ZLOG,Logger32, and Mixw2
06: FTC Logger
For CT
007:FTC LoggerCTKENWOOD → 000：Not

Use

For HAMLOG,Zlog, and CT
Set up 00:Exciter Type005: KWD/K2/K3_AI or

007:TS950/TS850_AI＊NoticeIf you choose (1) to control your transceiver and VERSA Beam antenna fromyour computer, you need to activate your logging software. Otherwise VERSA
Beam antenna doesn’t’follow your transceiver frequency.
If you choose (2), your logging software can read frequency and mode from yourtransceiver, but you cannot control your system from your logging software.
VERSA Beam antenna works without logging software activated.
Unless your logging software works well, you can try like below.

For Logger32 and Mixw2
00:Exciter Type
004:KWD/K2/K3_IF or 006:TS950/TS850_IF- 38 -

*You cannot use logging software with FT-767.
04 :ICOM CI-V ADR

Several addresses are preset.
000:00～255:ff Choose the address of which your transceiver is allocated.
*Choose the same address of which you would like to follow the equipment if
you have more than one ICOM radios connected.
Otherwise you don’t have to do any setups.

05 :FreqDisp Form

000:Band&Freq Displaying [Band&Freq] on LCD*Displaying band as “m” corresponding to the transceiver frequency.
If the transceiver frequency gets out of VERSA Beam coverage, “***” will beshown. However frequency is displayed as same as your transceiver frequency.

001:Freq Region Displaying [Freq Region] on LCD*Displaying frequency region all the time whatever mode is selected.
06 :Tracking Delay

You can set tracking time with your transceiver000 :0[sec]001 :3[sec]004 :12[sec]07:Auto CAL

002 :6[sec]003 :9[sec]005 :15[sec]You can select automatic or non automatic calibration.
000:No Auto CAL→

No automatic calibration

001:Auto CAL→

Calibration starts automatically when your turn on the

power.

08:Auto Home

When AUTO MODE is selected, you can choose Auto HOME or No Auto HOME.
If you choose Auto HOME, the elements is retracted automatically when thefrequency moves outside VERSA Beam antenna coverage.
000:No Auto HOME
001:Auto HOME

*If you use Kohjinsha KL-1 linear amplifier with any exciter transceiver, select [000: KJS/ICOM].

- 39 -

10．Trouble Shooting

Symptom

Probable Cause

Suggested Action

Check
Page

The controller
will not power
up afterconnecting a
DC power
supply and
Pressing[POWER].

Power cable is not connected securely.

Reconnect power cable.

Elements don’t
move.

Each junction cable is not connected
securely.
Control cable is not connected securely.
Wiring in junction box is not connected
securely.

Check connections andmake sure connection issecurely done.

17

Elements aren’t
Retracted at
HOME
POSITION

Each junction cable is not connected
securely.
Control cable is not connected securely.
Wiring in junction box is not connected
securely.

Check connections andmake sure connection issecurely done.

17

High SWR

Elements aren’t retracted at HOMEPOSITION
Each junction cable is not connected
securely.
Control cable is not connected securely.
Wiring in junction box is not connected
securely or connected wrong.
Element length is not proper.

Check connections andmake sure connection issecurely done.
Check if connection
between junction box and
AEU is correct.
Perform CALIBRATION.

6

17

19
No tracings

Wrong connection or unsecuredconnection with transceiver.
Wrong setups

Check connections.

27

Retry setups.
33

No beampattern

DIPOLE Mode is selected

Select NORMAL Mode

6

Reversed beam
patter180°(Reverse)is selected

Select NORMAL mode6

- 40 -

11. Command Table

Item

BUTTON

SET

Page&Section

Additional

BUTTON
1Power onPress POWER-

Info
P6・P8 5-1

buttonPress and hold
POWER button
also works

2

Power off

Press and hold

-

P6

-

-

P6・P8 5-2--

P6・P15-POWER button
3

Antenna band change

Press band

（When MANUL isbuttonselected）
4

Set AUTO

Press（Controlled with

AUTO/HOME

5-11

transceiver and/or
computer）
5

6

Set MANUAL

Press（Working stand alone）

MANUAL/CAL.

Antenna mode change

Press(NORMAL/180

MODE/ADJUST-

P6・P11 5-5--

P6・P13 5-7-

P15 5-8/DIPOLE）
7

Retract all the elements

5-9
Press and holdPress SET

P15・P16-

Press SETP6・P11 5-5--

P6・P11 5-3-

P13・P14-

Press SETP6・P11--

P26 8-2-

AUTO/HOM
8910

Element length

Press and holdcalibration

MANUAL/CAL.

Manually change element

Press

lengthUP/DOWN

Element length

Press and holdPress SET, andadjustment

MODE/ADJUSTthen use
UP/DOWN
button tochoose element
to adjust11

Getting factory default

Press and holdon each bandparticular band
button12

Start with USER mode

Press POWER
button whilepress andholding 7MHz
button- 41 -

13

14

Change controller

You need to

Press SET--

settings 00～08

perform 12 first

Getting factory default

You need to

Press and hold-

The set value ison controller settings00

perform 12 firs

SET

written in the～08

ROM by press
and holding
SET

15

Change frequency

You need to-display mode

perform 12 firstP10

０５：FreqDisp
Form is used to
select16

Check Model number,Press and holdsoftware version,

SET button-

P11 5-4

Controller
should be

ROM version, and so on.

either AUTO or
MANUALmode.

17

Rain Mode

Press SET-

P22

buttonSET button
works astoggle switch.
Each press
switches Rain
→Snow→Rain

18

Snow Mode

Press SET

-

P22

-

Press CANCEL

-

P22

-

Setting up shift amount

Setup in the

-

P23

-

for Rain Mode

user mode

-

P23

-

-

P23

Use UP/DOWN

button19

Back to normal mode
(from Rain or Snow
mode)

20

( User mode )21

Setting up shift amount

Setup in thefor Snow Mode

user mode(User mode)
22

Setting up shift amountPress and Holdfor Rain Mode

SET button

button to( in the Rain Mode)select the one
you like

23

Setting up shift amountPress and Holdfor Snow Mode

SET button-

P23

Use UP/DOWN
button to( in the Snow Mode )select the one
you like- 42 -

12. Maintenance
Cleaning
The controller case and buttons are likely to become soiled after extended use.
Use a neutral detergent and warm water along with a damp cloth to clean thecase and front panel.
General Information
VERSA Beam antenna has been factory aligned and tested to satisfy the
specification before shipping out. Under normal circumstances, the VERSA
Beam antenna should work in accordance with the operation described in this
instructions manual.
Service
If it is ever necessary to return VERSA Beam antenna, double check by
yourself or consult a Kohjinsha specialist to make sure what part of VERSA
Beam antenna is wrong specifically? Then you can avoid shipping whole stuff
to our factory.
Contacts
Email: info@kojinsha.jp ( NOT Kohjinsha but kojinsha )Telephone:81-45-680-1015 ( Week days, 09;00 A.M. ～ 05:00P.M. JST)
Facsimile: 81-45-680-1016
Mailing address: Kohjinsha Co. Ltd.,
2-7-21 Matsukage-cho, Naka, Yokohama 231-0025 Japan- 43 -