[Fourlanders] 2 Meters Update

[Jim Worsham]

Just thought I would update everyone on our plans for 2 meters.  Things have
changed a bit since my last post.  First, Dick K5AND is helping me with 2
meters.  Thanks Dick!  Dick has graciously volunteered to let us use his
Lunar Link amplifier for 2 meters.  This amplifier has two 3CX800 and will
do legal limit easy (probably less on a generator).  The only problem is
that it takes 50 Watts of drive  but Johnny K4TW came to my rescue with the
loan of his FT-847.  Thanks Johnny! So the plan now is an FT-847 driving the
Lunar Link amplifier.  The antenna will still be a pair of the club's
2M5WLs.  A couple of questions for the group.  First, I don't know much
about the FT-847 as far as how overload proof it is or it's sensitivity.  I
was thinking that maybe a preamp might be in order.  Adding a preamp though
will probably also involve the addition of sequencing to keep said preamp
safe.  I never worried about this sort of thing much with the DEMI
transverter so I don't have a preamp or sequencer.  If there is anyone in
the group that has a GOOD 2 meter preamp and sequencer available that they
can loan to the two meter effort I would consider using it.  If not, no big
deal, we will make do with what we have.  The second question has to do with
2 meter FM.  There has been some talk in group of how we need to increase
our 2 meter FM efforts.  Fair enough, if we can get the equipment and folks
to operate it we can do more 2 meter FM.  Here is what I have available.  I
have a 2 meter FM mobile rig (Kenwood TM733A) and a brick amplifier that
would give us around 150 Watts.  I have available to me two 4 element
Cushcraft beams.  I have used one in the past but hope to get time to build
a power divider so I can stack two.  If not I will just use one like I have
done in the past.  If anyone has something better (more power, better
antenna, etc.) I would certainly consider using it.  If anyone has a spare
two meter power divider or can build one that would be of great help also.
That is it for now.  See everyone in Shelby next weekend. Thanks.

73
Jim W4KXY