[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] FM amplifiers

[Joe Porcelli]

Howdy,

The BTECH digital amplifiers do work well for DMR. I have been using them
for DMR on both VHF and UHF.  I also use them extensively for high speed
packet modes such as New Packet Radio.   They can handle a heavier duty
cycle than their non-digital counterparts.  The amplifiers have a VOX mode
(carrier detect) as well as a keying mode, where the microphone is plugged
into the amplifier and the amplifier is plugged into the radio.  If you do
get one, be careful not to overdrive the amplifiers.

Cheers,
Joe, KT3I

On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 2:30 PM Ian <iann8ik at gmail.com> wrote:

> With the departure of MFJ from the ham market, Mirage amplifiers may no
> longer be an option.  Howie WA9HS found this 220 MHz amp for a good price:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-AMP-220-Amplifier-220-225MHz-Compatible/dp/B07B35QVP4/
> .
> Nice way to boost a Kenwood D74/D75 or other 220-capable handheld.
> Notice on that page that BTECH offers a 'digital' version for VHF or UHF
> for more dollars.  Not sure what the 'digital' gets you because a Mirage FM
> amp passes DSTAR and C4FM signals just fine - been there, done that.  But
> it's safe to assume that 'digital' does NOT mean DMR-compatible.  Outboard
> amplifiers do not work with DMR radios because of the 30ms time slotting
> inherent in DMR.  The PIN diodes in the amp would not last long trying to
> keep up with DMR.
>
> 73, Ian N8IK
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