[VHFcontesting] DEM 2m Transverter (144-28CK) Kit

[David A. Pruett]

Jason,

I put together my 144-28CK a couple of years ago.  It's not all that hard 
but IMHO its not for a beginner.  The trickiest tasks are winding several 
small diameter air-wound coils and getting them soldered onto the board in 
the right shape.  Cutting and tinning the sub-mini coax for the output, and 
soldering it to the PCB requires lots of care.  Finally, in my 1995-vintage 
unit the only SMD (surface mount device) parts were the MMICs, but there 
may be more in recent models.  These have to be soldered with care.

Craftsmanship in your construction is the biggest issue, and that only 
comes with experience.  The DEMI docs are plenty good.  Tune-up is a breeze 
with only normal ham test gear AS LONG AND NOTHING GOES WRONG.

If I had it to do again, I'd spend the extra $100 and get the assembled and 
tested version, but that's just me.  I'm very pleased with the two DEMI 
transverters (144 and 222) which I have.

Dave/K8CC


At 11:07 AM 8/18/04 -0500, you wrote:
>Just curious ifanyone on this list has any experience with putting together
>the 144-28CK kit from DEM?
>
>I've done a couple kits before but have never done any RF kits per se...
>Curious as to the difficulty level and what the minimum amount of test
>equipment that I would need.  I don't have much equipment at home but do
>have access to an electronics lab that I could use from time to time for
>quick testing, etc.
>
>Planning on using this transverter with a TS-850S/AT.  Would appreciate any
>comments or advice.
>
>73 de KB5URQ
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