[VHFcontesting] Dumb question about Mirage amp

[John Geiger]

Yes, the Mirage will do RF sensed keying, so there is
no reason you have to hard key the amp using this
jack.

73s John AA5JG

--- k4gun at comcast.net wrote:

> Thanks to all for the responses.  Between the
> replies that made it to the list and the private
> replies, I've been given some great information.  I
> should probably explain why I went with the amp. 
> I'm aware that the difference between 50 and 100
> watts isn't dramatic.  The antenna I am using is
> claiming a 6.8 dBd gain and I'll have it at roughly
> 19' above the ground.  Allowing for loss and
> optimism, I had figured on 6 being closer to real
> world gain.  That means ERP of 200 versus 400 watts.
>  Given the choice, I'd prefer 400.
> 
> That wasn't the only reason though.  During my
> practice runs, I noticed that some stations would
> boom into my radio but others were barely audible,
> even with the volume at maximum.  Even though the
> preamp in the Mirage isn't optimal, its better than
> nothing and could mean the difference in copying and
> not.  
> 
> It came down to a realization that I would get a
> modest improvement in TX and a modest improvement in
> RX and would only cost $100.  I can always sell it
> and upgrade later but this seemed like a good place
> to start.  I'll also be upgrading the antennas for
> the next one as well.
> 
> One private reply was from a guy who owns this exact
> combination of amp and radio.  From what he said, I
> shouldn't have to use the remote at all.  The rf
> output of the radio will key the amp.  I'll give
> this a shot and see how things function. 
> Apparently, I shouldn't blow anything up this way as
> long as I have the rf out to minimum on the radio.
> 
> As usual, this list has been quite helpful and I
> appreciate all of it.
> 
> Steve
> K4GUN
> 
> -------------- Original message -------------- 
> From: "Ellen Rugowski"
> <ellenjoanne2003 at sbcglobal.net> 
> 
> > Honestly, I doubt it's worth it to even add the
> amp. Remember an S-unit of 
> > difference is about 6 dB of gain. So, to get an
> addtional S-unit of 
> > performance gain in the case of your IC-7000,
> you'd have to boost power 4 
> > times - to 200W. You;ld be better off just going
> to a higher gain antenna. 
> > 
> > 73, 
> > Ellen - AF9J 
> > 
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Rogers, Ron" 
> > To: ; "VHF contesting list" 
> > 
> > Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 10:20 AM 
> > Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Dumb question about
> Mirage amp 
> > 
> > 
> > > The IC-7000 is already capable of 50 watts
> output on 144 MHz. 
> > > 
> > > The Mirage is capable of 100 watts 
> > > 
> > > Are you sure you want to go through the effort
> of adding this amplifier 
> > and keying hardware, etc. for only 3db gain. 
> > > 
> > > Ron 
> > > WW8RR 
> > > ________________________________ 
> > > 
> > > From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com on
> behalf of k4gun at comcast.net 
> > > Sent: Sat 1/5/2008 9:57 AM 
> > > To: VHF contesting list 
> > > Subject: [VHFcontesting] Dumb question about
> Mirage amp 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > I am aware that this is a dumb question. I'm
> asking it here because this 
> > crowd seems to be a lot easier on new guys than
> some of the boards and you 
> > guys are a lot more likely to actually know the
> answer. My question is 
> > about hooking up a Mirage amp to my IC7000. I
> found a model B-310G for $100 
> > shipped and figured for that price, I couldn't
> miss. 
> > > 
> > > So here is my problem. There are three
> connections on this unit. The 
> > SO239 connectors are clearly marked for the radio
> and antenna. The third 
> > input is marked "Remote Keyer" and it appears to
> be a 3.5mm jack. Not 
> > wanting to mess anything up, I went to the Mirage
> web site to see what I was 
> > supposed to do with this. I downloaded the manual
> and discovered its a 
> > remote keyer port. I'm serious. That's all the
> manual says. There are no 
> > instructions on when this should be used. 
> > > 
> > > So the question is, do I need this? If I do,
> which port do I insert it 
> > into in the back of the IC7000? I have a keyer
> port and a "remote" port 
> > back there, both with 3.5mm jacks. Finally, will
> just a standard audio 
> > cable with two 3.5mm plugs work or do I need
> something else? 
> > > 
> > > I feel retarded for having to ask this. Its my
> first amp and I really 
> > don't want to mess anything up. I wish the manual
> gave a better description 
> > of how to hook up and use the unit. 
> > > 
> > > Steve 
> > 
> > _______________________________________________ 
> > VHFcontesting mailing list 
> > VHFcontesting at contesting.com 
> >
>
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> 
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