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Multi band Transverter (2m-23cm)
Bruce Draper <bruceaa5b@...>
Yep, looks good. But this plug-and-play appliance operator would still like a single box that covers those bands and has good output power. Probably not gonna happen.
Bruce AA5B/3 in FM28
On Nov 15, 2019, at 10:18 AM, Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:
Interesting new product from Downeast Microwave. With the addition of a few medium power amplifier bricks and a IF radio capable of 6M, this would make a really nice, compact Rover setup._._,_._,_
Keith Morehouse
Probably not at an output power that would be usable, stand-alone. Most broadband high power gain blocks are limited to maybe a few watts. The higher power modules DEMI and Q5 Signal use in the current crop of transverters are relatively narrow band. Even the power amps in the "all-band" transceivers available today won't work very well above about 500 MHz. 100W class SSPA's are pretty cheap and could be cheaper if you add your own T/R switching, which, of course, increases the complexity.
I'm pretty sure this device would blow away any current "all band" radio in RX performance and they are targeting a $500 price point ! $500 for good performance on FIVE bands above 50 MHz, plus automatic band-switching (with the proper IF radio), referenced locked stability and built-in sequencer to run those outboard PA's. All in one relatively little box.
I know what the inside of MY rover-mobile looks like with all those bands running through individual boxes ! This would go a long way to cleaning it up.
-W9RM
Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 9:00 AM Bruce Draper <bruceaa5b@...> wrote:
Yep, looks good. But this plug-and-play appliance operator would still like a single box that covers those bands and has good output power. Probably not gonna happen.Bruce AA5B/3 in FM28Interesting new product from Downeast Microwave. With the addition of a few medium power amplifier bricks and a IF radio capable of 6M, this would make a really nice, compact Rover setup.
James Duffey
This is a very nice product. Steve has given hints of this in talks over the last couple of years. It is nice to see it come to fruition.
But, I think anyone who is expecting this to be available in the first quarter of 2020 has never ordered anything from DEMI. His delivery schedules are nearly always optimistic.
It appears that it will be a real bargain at $100 per band.
With that out of the way, it is a product that has a lot of potential to a lot of different applications, not only rovers. If it is available for $500, that will be a cheap way for those guys who have one of those DC to daylight rigs covering 6M, 2M, and 432 to add 222, 902, and 1296. The FT817/818 SOTA crowd should like this, especially for Single Operator QRP portable operations. Those guys often have 222/902/1296 handle talkies to cover additional bands and this box o’verters should give them those bands at the same or lower cost, with 15 to 20 dB improvement in SNR.
More power, 5W to 10W would be nice, as would an option for a 2M IF. But this should get more guys on the higher bands, and perhaps stem the exodus to 6M in VHF contests driven by the use of FT8/FT4 by more and more ops.
Already thinking of the possibilities of pairing this with my KX3. - Duffey
James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM
On Nov 15, 2019, at 08:54, Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:
Interesting new product from Downeast Microwave. With the addition of a few medium power amplifier bricks and a IF radio capable of 6M, this would make a really nice, compact Rover setup.
James Duffey
I think the one Watt would be useful under many circumstances. During the January contest in AZ, I work a lot of SOTA guys who use 222, 902, and/or 1296 handie talkies at FM power levels of a Watt or so, out to distances of 75 to 100 miles or so. SSB/CW should be a big improvement SNR wise to those guys as well as increasing scores. Also, the one Watt should be good for communications between the Moriarty convergence and Albuquerque or Santa Fe as an example, and also between your QTH And Grand Mesa. If the three band stations I work in Albuquerque and Santa Fe had one Watt capability on those bands my score would increase significantly.
Granted 5 or 10Watts on those bands would be better, but just having the capability is a major step forward and useful in and of itself.
I will refrain from commenting on how useful this would be for rovers who grid circle. -Duffey
James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM
On Nov 15, 2019, at 10:32, Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:
Probably not at an output power that would be usable, stand-alone. Most broadband high power gain blocks are limited to maybe a few watts. The higher power modules DEMI and Q5 Signal use in the current crop of transverters are relatively narrow band. Even the power amps in the "all-band" transceivers available today won't work very well above about 500 MHz. 100W class SSPA's are pretty cheap and could be cheaper if you add your own T/R switching, which, of course, increases the complexity.I'm pretty sure this device would blow away any current "all band" radio in RX performance and they are targeting a $500 price point ! $500 for good performance on FIVE bands above 50 MHz, plus automatic band-switching (with the proper IF radio), referenced locked stability and built-in sequencer to run those outboard PA's. All in one relatively little box.I know what the inside of MY rover-mobile looks like with all those bands running through individual boxes ! This would go a long way to cleaning it up.-W9RMKeith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, COOn Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 9:00 AM Bruce Draper <bruceaa5b@...> wrote:Yep, looks good. But this plug-and-play appliance operator would still like a single box that covers those bands and has good output power. Probably not gonna happen.Bruce AA5B/3 in FM28Interesting new product from Downeast Microwave. With the addition of a few medium power amplifier bricks and a IF radio capable of 6M, this would make a really nice, compact Rover setup.
Bill
Keith,
Yes! Could be a great tool for rovers, portable stations or anyone with limited space or a penchant for V/UHF QRP. One could use an Elecraft KX3, K3(s) or K2 (no FM or 50 MHz) as an IF to make a compact station. Steve's been working on this for a little over a year and had a prototype on display at Central States 2019. Looks like DEM is moving quickly to launching this product.
Bill W7QQ
On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 8:19 AM Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:
Interesting new product from Downeast Microwave. With the addition of a few medium power amplifier bricks and a IF radio capable of 6M, this would make a really nice, compact Rover setup.