[Lowfer] 600MRG> WD2XSH/10 WSPR

[Edward Cole]

At 06:14 AM 1/9/2010, Dexter McIntyre W4DEX wrote:
>I must admit I wasn't very enthusiastic about trying WSPR. But now I 
>see why Crazy Dave is so hyped up about the mode :)
>
>Yesterday I downloaded the WSPR software and was testing reception 
>of my own signal on a separate receiver and computer.  I had the 
>output of a lashed up 500 KHz transverter connected to the 
>antenna.  The transverter power is 10 milliwatt which is the normal 
>drive level for the McKay amp.
>
>I figured I best familiarize myself with the WSPR procedures before 
>transmitting any power.  While investigating the mode on 
>http://wsprnet.org I stumbled across a report for 
>WD2XSH/10.  Knowing I did not have my radio computer connected to 
>the internet and not being a registered user I was puzzled why my 
>call was listed.  Then I discovered my QRPP signal had been received 
>by Dave, WD2XSH/17!
>
>Below is a link to a picture of the crude transverter:
>
>http://www.w4dex.com/500khz/wspr/wspr_10mw_xvtr_09jan10.jpg
>
>A FT-817 with dead finals is the IF on 10.5 MHz.  This signal is 
>injected into a SRA-3 mixer along with a 10 MHz LO signal from a 
>surplus TCXO, the green box. The RF port of the mixer is connected 
>to a 730 kHz low pass filter removed form some type of telcom 
>equipment.  Output of the filter is connected to a .5 - 22 MHz amp 
>also removed from a telcom board.  The power supply in the top left 
>provides -24 volt to the amp.  Maximum output of the amp in this 
>arrangement is about +11 dBm but is set to +10 dBm to drive the amp.
>
>Another surprise was when I turned on the monitor for the radio 
>computer this morning.  I found WD2XSH/17 and /37 had been received 
>overnight.  With no transverter T/R switching those signal are being 
>received backwards through the .5 - 22 MHz amp!
>
>Maybe this will convince me to try other modes by K1JT.  I've talked 
>with Joe at several microwave conferences.  Each time he has tried 
>to convince me try his modes on V/UHF/MW.  So maybe it's time to do that :)
>
>Dex
>
>BTW....WSPR appears to be a good mode for the Lowfer band and maybe 
>even Medfers.  Wish I had a Lowfer antenna.
>
>
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I suppose I should begin looking into making a xvtr.  I have a FT-817 
that I can reduce output to 0.5w and 20-dB 10w coax attenuator will 
take this to 5mw which ought to work for mixer input.  Not having any 
of the surplus stuff available, I need a source for mixer 
(Mini-circuits?) and linear amps to 100mw (to drive a CCI AN779 
kit).  I would prefer to stay solid-state stuff; any suggestions 
(please include part numbers and sources)?


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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