[Elecraft] Using MFJ-1026 Noise Canceller on 6m-eme

[Lyn Norstad]

Interesting setup, Ed.

I've used the MFJ-1026 in the past, but found that satisfactory (i.e.:
meaningful) results were hard to come by when used in the recommended
manner.

Please keep us posted on your tests.

73
Lyn, WØLEN



-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed Cole
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2022 8:32 PM
To: MagicEME at groups.io
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Using MFJ-1026 Noise Canceller on 6m-eme

Diagram of final configuration: http://www.kl7uw.com/6M_NOISE_CANCEL.jpg

This a basic phasing unit to reduce band noise on HF bands.  But first I 
tried it on 6m where no null was achieved.

Next I configured to use the 1st IF output of my dual-Rx Elecraft K3 
running in Diversity mode which phase-locks both Rx to the main VFO.

That involved using an outboard SDR to detect the 8.215 MHz IF signal 
and supply audio to my computer.  Sensitivity was too low on the second 
Rx so required opening/inspecting cables inside the radio.  I found the 
synth coax not seated well to the second Rx.  Re-seating the connector 
fixed that.


But I still had too low an audio level from the 8-MHz SDR to drive 
wsjt-x.  A bit of research found the proper dialog box to adjust mic 
gain.  Apparently the K3 line output is much higher than the SDR audio 
(LP-Pan2).

Original design involved using an external preamp for the 6m noise 
antenna (3-element yagi) but I found I had adequate gain using the MFJ 
internal preamp set to gain=2 (out of 10).

To add additional RF protection to the MFJ, I added a coax relay to 
disconnect the aux input of the MFJ.  It does have a TR control line to 
give protection to the main Rx line, but none to the aux Rx input.  My 
main Rx is fed by a preamp at the tower located behind a TR relay.

I adjusted audio levels for main and aux inputs so wsjt-x read 36 on the 
audio bar meter for each.  With both inputs it read 40.

Placing the K3 into diversity mode I could null about 6-dB (reading 
dropped to 32/34.

No idea if this is enough noise reduction for 6m where I regularly see 
S5 pointing NE toward MR,  Pointing SE local noise often drops to S2/S3. 
  One s-unit is 6-dB.

Next is to test with actual eme signals.

73, Ed - KL7UW
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