[Elecraft] Xverters

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

The FT736R is not known for having much dynamic range. I own one. :-) 
Its a great overall rig for VHF/UHF use with multiple bands in one box, 
but as a result there are many compromises. Most multi-band VHF rigs 
compromise their dynamic range, phase noise etc.

In general a high performance transverter, like our XV family, paired 
with a high dynamic range rig like our K3 and K2, will outperform most 
multi band VHF/UHF rigs for receive performance.

The Elecraft XVs are designed to match the wide dynamic range of the K2 
and K3. Plus their front end pre-amps are very quiet. While they will 
work with most HF rigs, they tightly integrate with the K3 and K2. The 
K3 supports up to 9 transverter bands (6 on the K2) with correct VHF/UHF 
frequency display and individual transverter offsets programmable on 
each band. Each of our XVs will power up and drop on/off line as they 
are selected by the K3 or K2. Also, we support using an XV, like the 
XV144, as an intermediate IF for microwave use.

73, Eric   WA6HHQ



cptpatmcd wrote:
> Tom,
>
> My background is physics, not rf theory. But you're saying that the xv144
> gives you better performance than a rig that was designed for that?  I guess
> thats not too hard to believe, but still counterintuitive from my
> standpoint.  Do you think I would get acceptable results from adding a texas
> microwave (or any brand) on top of the xv144 for 1.2 (or is it 1.4) ghz
> operation? My main interest in this area are the amsats but I've only
> managed a few sketchy qso's with a handheld before. Using transverters is
> uncharted waters for me.  The only reason I'm considering one now is that 1.
> elecraft makes them and 2. a lot of folks seem to use them... so they cant
> be that bad right? I'm just skeptical of the added noise you introduce into
> the system with using them.  Again though, I have no practical experience. 
>