[Fourlanders] Preamplifiers and Feedline Questions from a Newbie

[Jim Worsham]

Wow, those are some very good questions that even the "experts" still argue
about.  I, for one, have stayed away from putting electronics on the tower.
I am not a tower climber and have to depend on others to do my tower work so
I try to make everything on my tower as bullet proof as possible.  I went
the route of investing in low loss feedlines (hardline) plus none of my runs
are much more than 100 feet. That having been said, there are those who have
put preamps and other electronics on their towers and swear that is the way
to go.  We even have one guy, K4TO, who has mounted an entire microwave
station (preamps, amps, transverters, power supplies, etc. for multiple
bands) on his tower.  As far as protection from EMP, static, etc. is
concerned I believe they do that by having an RF relay that
bypasses/disconnects the preamp when it is not used but like I said, I am
not the expert on this.  I will let some of the other guys jump in on this.

73
Jim, W4KXY

-----Original Message-----
From: fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dr M J DiGirolamo
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:39 PM
To: fourlanders at contesting.com
Subject: [Fourlanders] Preamplifiers and Feedline Questions from a Newbie

Dear Colleagues,

  I've been "reading the mail" on this group for some time now.  I am in the
midst of erecting my first tower after being a ham for 39 years.  My heart
favors VHF, UHF and microwaves though I haven't forgotten HF.

   Since my current tower will have antennas from HF to 23cm, at heights to
90'
feet, I have need for preamplifiers and I have several unsettled issues
regarding feedline and preamps.  At the coaxing of Brian, NX9O, I am making
my first post to this reflector.  I'd like to make contact with some
person(s) who have are experienced with mast mounted preamps.  I am
undecided about which ones to purchase (SSB vs DEM) and how to protect them
from EMP resulting from near lightning strikes.  Not sure this is even
possible?

   Anyway, I'm retired and would appreciate making contact with those who
have time to offer advice.  THEN, one day, I hope to work you on the air.

73,

Mike DiGirolamo, W4XN
Charlottesville, VA

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