[NLRS] Taking the plunge

Sat, 20 Mar 2004 17:39:54 -0600

I've decided to take the plunge and invest in a 10 GHz tranverter 
system.  I checked out the latest offering from Down East Microwave, and 
it appears that they have a new model of their 10 GHz system that is all 
in one box with 2 watts of output and an improved NF of < 1.5 dB, and 
that is the model I've decided to get.

http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/PDF/PDF10368.pdf

I will need at least a little help in getting it all on the air.  I 
already have an 18x20" Dish Network offset feed dish.  Does anyone know 
right offhand if this dish is well-matched to the feedhorn that is sold 
by Down East?

http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/graphics/10GFEED-L.jpg

If it is, I will probably just buy one of those when I'm buying the 
transverter.  If not, then I guess more fabrication is in order.

Take me off the "probable" list for the Lake Superior expedition and put 
me on the "yes" list.  Being a fat old guy, I would probably do better 
on the Michigan side of the lake, but it looks like we have a lot more 
people voting for that side than the North shore, and the best score is 
to be had if we get a proper balance between the two sets of operators. 
  So I will volunteer for the North shore as long as I can hang out with 
someone with some real experience.

On a related topic, I think I'm going to wait a while before trying to 
tackle 24 GHz.  But some of you are already there, and I saw an item 
that might possibly be of interest to you folks:

http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/Surplus2003.HTM

A very short way down the page, near the end of the Amplifiers section:

mm-Tech Inc.  24 GHz power amplifier.  0.5 Watt and >45 dB gain.  DEMI 
surplus, "many" available at $75 each.

Pictures:
   http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/graphics/a023a.JPG
   http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/graphics/a023.JPG

For more info:
   Contact W2PED directly @ [email protected]

 From what I have seen on the SSBUSA web site, 500 mW is a "lot" of 
power on 24 GHz.  Their DB6NT power amplifiers come in sizes of 50, 80, 
300, 500, and 1000 mW, at prices ranging from $295 to $1199.

73 de W0JT