[VHFcontesting] New to Transverters-Yaesu FT-817ND (Part 2)

[Jim Worsham]

Yes, I can see you are well ahead of schedule now.  Interfacing a
transverter to an IF rig is the next stage of the disease.  Sorry, but I am
not familiar with the DEMI microwave stuff.  If you need help with the 222
transverter just let me know.  I have one of those.  I know a couple of guys
that use the 817 as an IF for microwave tranverters, especially when
mountain topping (small and lightweight).  They seem to be happy with using
it.  Let us know when you are ready to build your rover, find some property
and put up towers, install mast mounted preamps and/or get power amplifiers.
These are all part of the advanced stages.

73
Jim, W4KXY

-----Original Message-----
From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Les Rayburn
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:44 PM
To: VHF Contesting Reflector; vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu
Subject: [VHFcontesting] New to Transverters-Yaesu FT-817ND (Part 2)

I've decided to use the Yaesu FT-817ND has my transverter IF rig. The
reasons being low maximum RF output (5 watts) so less risk
to the transverters, good receiver, and small size. I'd welcome any comments
about the use of this rig has an IF rig. Pros or cons. 

Like many rigs, the Yaesu uses one of those infernal DIN plugs on the rear.
So I'll be wiring up a cable. The 222 transverter is very straightforward
with simple phono plugs for PTT. However, the DEMI 2304 transverter is
another matter. 

I'll try to describe it as best I can: 

FRONT PANEL: 

1 Power Switch
2 LED's. One marked "ON", the other "TX" 
Legend: Down East Microwave, Inc. 
Model 2304-144
S/N 212
Frenchtown, NJ

REAR PANEL (LEFT TO RIGHT) 

Common IF Jack (BNC) 
PTT (No jack at all. Rubber hole protector) 

No Marking
(Jack, small SMA type? Not sure) 

On the bottom of the board there are two RCA Phono Jacks:

One is labeled +VTX, and the other PTT

The PTT jack is connected to a small black relay. The relay has three
connections: 

Left side=TXRF 
Middle=Short Type "N" pigtail
Right=RXRF

(This is the T/R relay, right? Allowing the transverter to be connected to
the IF rig and use a single feedline) 

Just below the T/R relay is another RCA Jack labeled "13.8vdc" 

According to the owner, the transverter can handle up to 10 watts of drive. 

My plan is to mount the transverter directly at the antenna (it only puts
out 1 watt) and feed the 144mhz IF directly to it via hardline. Since the
antenna is in the attic, weatherproofing is not an issue) 

So what connections do I need to make to the FT-817ND? And can I use the ACC
jack to control more than one transverter at a time? My plan would be to
simply turn off the 2.3ghz transverter when it isn't in use. I doubt that
I'll make more than 2-3 contacts regardless. 

All help gratefully appreciated, as always.

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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