[NLRS] Do MAR-4s REALLY suck this bad?

[Scott]

I added a MAR-4 to my to my TX IF (144 MHz) to get the drive up for my 
10 GHz transverter.  I'm getting 5 dB gain at 144 MHz.  Should be 
getting 8 dB or so.  I'm driving it with -7 dBm at 144 MHz. The DC 
supply is 9V through a 75 Ohm resistor giving 5.25V at the output lead 
of the MAR-4 which is right on the money.  I slipped a ferrite bead on 
the resistor lead on the MAR-4 side.  It's kinda big and lays on the 
circuit board trace over the output lead.  Could this be "choking" the 
144 output from the MAR-4?  I could actually build the choke with some 
#20 enameled wire to keep the ferrite away from the trace...

-- 
Scott N0EDV
http://corbenflyer.tripod.com/
Flying Corben Junior Ace - Building RV-4
Gotta Fly or Gonna Die