[NLRS] MKU10G2 kit

[Marc Holdwick]

Jon,

Sorry about the delay but I was on vacation last week.

I did build the MKU10G2 kit about a year and a half ago.

The ups are that it is probably the best transverter out there on 10 GHz.
It is relatively stable, has a great NF (1.0dB) and 200mW output.

200mW is a good power level to get started with.  It is 13dB over 10mW,
while only 7dB under the one watt units.  The Qualcomm PA could always be
added later.

I haven't built the DEMI unit, but I did read their detailed assembly
instructions (on their web site).  They suggest that one buy their unit
assembled as the pipe-cap filters are kind of an adventure to solder on.

The DB6NT is probably easier to build than the DEMI.  The DB6NT kit uses 2
filters.  But their filters are machined and silver plated and weren't too
bad at all to solder.

If you have experience building up surface mount kits (like a DEMI
transverter), you should be successful in building this kit.  If you don't
have surface mount experience, I would suggest building a simpler kit first.

My main reason for suggesting having a bit of experience first, is that at
10 GHz, one quarter wavelength is only one quarter of an inch!  On the 10
GHz portion of the transverter, one should have good clean solder joints,
without excess to not disturb the circuit performance.  A 903, 1296 or 2304
transverter isn't critical and would be a better place to learn.

If you have built a transverter before, by all means build the kit version.
It saved a bundle off the "built" price and was fun.

Check out the ARRL site and or QST about a year ago.  Zack Lau reviewed the
same kit in the product review section.

I have had my kit on the air for almost exactly a year ago.  My first
contact was last summer up in EN74 with Bob, K2YAZ.  I was vacationing up
his way and gave him some contacts for the UHF contest.

My setup is the MKU10G2 kit, a Yaesu FT-817 as an IF and a 18dB horn
antenna.  With this setup, I made an overland contact of 90 miles with Bob.
Not bad for something that just about fits in your hand!

That is the one other advantage of the DB6NT unit.  It is very small and
compact.  It is only about 2x7x1 inches.  It would be very easy to mount to
the feedarm of a DSS dish for minimal feedline losses.  This is my next plan
when I get some time.  In the meantime I'm still using the horn.

Oh, you had asked about tuning.  The unit is very easy to tune.  One only
needs a VOM to tune the kit up.  Really!  DB6NT is pretty clever and
includes a diode detector power out indicator built into the design.

To tune the kit, you first tune the LO.  You do this by minimizing the
voltage at a few stages in the LO.  This is where an old analog VOM would be
better.  It is easier to peak or null voltages with a needle.

You then tune the first cavity filter by listening on your 2m IF rig for
maximum noise.  Then put the unit in TX and peak the 2nd cavity filter my
measuring the RF output power with your VOM.  After you peak the 2nd filter,
go back and re-peak the 1st filter in TX for max power out.

When you are done, a nice touch would be to add an analog meter movement to
your transverter setup to measure the relative RF power out.  This will
allow you in the field to make sure the TX power out is working properly.

Hope this helps.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email or
call me.

73,

Marc - N8KWX

 


>

> Jon;
> 
> I believe that Marc Holdwick,  N8KWX (csvhfs VP ) built one a couple of
> years ago. He had it Aurora last year.
> 
> If you are thinking of building, you might consider The Qualcom kit from
> Chuck Houghton, WB6IGP. I ordered one and intend to build it this winter.
> Cost is about $165 with 1 watt amp. See included note from Chuck with
> prices.
> 
> As for test equipment needed, I am sure that I or someone else in NLRS could
> assist in the tune up and provide needed test equipment.
> 
> If there is interest in the Qualcom kit,  I would be willing to bring the
> parts and instructions to the breakfest on Saturday.
> 
> 73's
> Jon, K0FQA
> 
> Chucks note follows.
> 
> Jon: I should put together a fact sheet vs. type one out all the time. Jon
> we
> have a 10 Ghz transverter called the lamb chop board includes synth and all
> if, rf, boards in single package puts out about 10 Mw to drive a 1 watt amp.
> requires a IF board and 10 Mhz tcxo for external material to power up unit.
> Cost of transverter is $100 with If board. Tcxo is 10 Mhz and high accuracy
> cost with kit is $10. 1 watt amp is $55 and comes with heat sink cut out of
> much larger unit.  Do have sepp synths and multipliers for 10224 Mhz Lo cost
> of synth is $35, TCXO $15, and Mult board $20 (package deal $70 Postpaid).
> Material is all plus postage of $5 aprox for pack and post, or slightly less
> depending on what weight material ordered is. Do have material for 1296 mhz
> in
> Synths and TCXO plus 1 watt amps and 5 to near 10 W amps for $20 each. Most
> all material is posted on web site http://www.ham-radio.com/sbms/sd/ and
> look
> under tech papers from the SDMG for photos and conversion data and
> write-ups.
> Have more data but unsure what approach your are considering to build need
> synths parts or complete package. Look on web site for best answers for your
> use than get back to me for any questions.  Chuck WB6IGP
> 
> Jevon (Jon) Libber wrote:
> 
>> Chuck;
>> 
>> Thinking of  building up a second 10Ghz station and would like ot use some
>> of the Qualcomm parts. Could you send me  a list of what is available with
>> prices and ordering instructions. Thanks.
>> 
>> 73's
>> 
>> Jon, K0FQA
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jon Platt" <jon.platt@gte.net>
> To: <nlrs@mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 5:08 PM
> Subject: [NLRS] MKU10G2 kit
> 
> 
>> Has anyone put together one of the DB6NT kits, specifically the 10 GHz
>> MKU10G2 kit ?   If so, what test equipment is required and what were the
> ups
>> & downs ?
>> 
>> Also, anyone in NLRS land considering tower mounting some 10 GHz equipment
>> .... ya trees suck, but perhaps when they drop their leaves ..... for
> those
>> of us in the greater Twin Cities area, perhaps we can work each other thru
>> the folage.
>> 
>> 73, Jon
>> W0ZQ
>> 
>> 
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