[NLRS] Preamps

[Bill K0AWU]

   I'm not so sure about late designed radios maybe not 
needing a preamp.

  My IC820H (2m and 432mhz satellite radio) is not 
improved at all by an in-shack preamp either on 2m or 
432. 1/2" Andrew hardline to the antenna on both 
bands.

  My MUCH NEWER IC746Pro is worthless on 2m 
WITHOUT an external preamp. In EME applications the 
difference was night and day. I was never even 
comfortable trying to use the 746Pro on 2m tropo for the 
first yr I had it, it was a "low band radio".

  Now I use a ARR preamp and a transfer relay in the 
shack and I really am very happy. 81 EME initials using 
WSJT on 2m with a 4wl 13elem yagi in the yard. I have 
even worked several single yagi stations off the moon.

  SO .... some late model radios may not require an 
external preamp but some can sure be helped with one, 
has been my observation. 

  I wish you well.

Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed