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[VHFcontesting] Transverters for Dummies

To: "VHF Contesting Reflector" <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>, <vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu>
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Transverters for Dummies
From: "Les Rayburn" <les@highnoonfilm.com>
Reply-to: Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 12:13:04 -0500
List-post: <vhfcontesting@contesting.com">mailto:vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Ok, I confess. Just prior to the VHF June Contest, local guru Jimmy Long, W4ZRZ 
loaned me a very nice Down East Microwave 2304-144 transverter. It's equipped 
with an SMA relay and already adapted for "N" connectors. He also supplied me 
with a nice long loop yagi for the 2.3ghz band. It was a wonderful gesture on 
his part. I stumbled through a "Thank you", but didn't have the guts to tell 
him that I didn't have a clue has to how to hook it up and make it work! 

I didn't have time to tackle the installation prior to the contest, but think I 
may find time this weekend. I've also since ordered a DEMI 222-28 transverter 
for use on the 222mhz band. 

My "plan" was to use both of these with an Icom 746Pro that is currently not 
being used for anything else. I'm going to mount the 2304-144 in the attic only 
about four feet from the antenna, hopefully allowing for most of it's 1 watt of 
power to make it into the air. The 222 transverter will be in the shack, 
feeding a Mirage 120 watt amp. 

I've downloaded the manuals for each from DEMI, and printed out their 
"Interfacing DEMI Transverters" section too. But truthfully it hasn't helped 
much....

I know that I need to make a connection to the PTT line on the radio, most 
likely from the ACC port on the back, and feed them an RF drive signal. DEMI 
mentions that they make a "DEM Interface" that attenuates the 25 watt and 
separates transmit and receive lines for simple hook up. 

My definition of simple and theirs may vary. 

So, with hat firmly in hand, and red cheeks, I turn to you the collective 
exerts on all this. What the heck do I need to do in order make all this work 
without smoke testing anything! Is there a "transverters for dummies" guide on 
the web somewhere? Anyone else using a IC-746 as their transverter rig? 

Any and all help appreciated. Next time I promise to just confess immediately. 
Jimmy Long can be a pretty intimidating guy, in my defense! 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF







Les Rayburn, director
High Noon Film
100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
Birmingham, AL 35216-3748 
205.824.8930
205.824.8960 fax
205.253.4867 cell
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