[Elecraft] XV432 deaf

[Rajiv Dewan]

Dear all,



   I have a XV432 that seems deaf compared to my ICOM IC-7000.  When I 
tune to a local beacon on 432.300 MHz, I can copy it clearly on the IC 
but nothing is heard on the XV432/K3 with KXV3B.  I checked transverter 
set up by feeding it a signal from a signal gen.  It has a conversion 
gain of about 16 to 17dB.  The specs say 20dB.  This does seem to be too 
bad.



   I checked the front end RF circuit out by feeding in a -80dBm signal 
from HP8657B signal generator set to 432.300MHz.  The ATF34143 seems to 
have a net gain of 11dB.  The next MMIC MAV11 seems to have a gain of 
10.5dB.  Are these within spec?



If I can fix it without altering the circuit, that would be ideal.



Else, I am considering two mods:

Replace the MAV11 (10 to 12db gain in specs) with MAR8 (27dB gain) with 
appropriate change in the bias resistor (120 1W to 270 ohms 1/4W)Insert 
a W6PQL LNA (uses PGA103+) between K10 and the ATF on board.


Thoughts/ideas are very welcome,



Raj

--

Raj Dewan, N2RD