[VHFcontesting] 1296 station improvement

[Radioman]

Ed,
I use just about the same equipment, a IC-910 and 45 element looper and
about 45 feet of LMR-400, but I do use a mast mounted pre-amp, (the ICOM
version) I could not have worked all the stations I do without it. It’s a
must, but if you're worried about more power on 1.2 I wouldn't, the thing to
worry about is the local tree line, when I was below the tree line for lack
a better terms it sucked, but now I got above the tree line, or close to it
I worked more, or at least more stations can hear me.

I'd start by stepping up that 20 something looper to a 45 plus, and get it
in the clear, unless you have a clear shot to the horizon a 23 or 25 element
is waste of money, I used to have a 35 element M2 for years and a 45
directive out did it, now I'm thinking about the 55 element, that I should
have done in the first place..

Tony
NN1D

Computer Services Administrator
Dartmouth Police Department
Phone: 508-910-1753
Fax:   508-910-1714

-----Original Message-----
From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of maded
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 8:44 AM
To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
Subject: [VHFcontesting] 1296 station improvement

I recently joined an area 1.2GHz group that I am really enjoying, but my
10W station is limiting.
 
I am new to 1296 and would like to upgrade my station. As many of you
have years of experience with weak signals, I would appreciate your
input.
 
I am using the following on 1296:
 Radio: Icom IC-910H with 1296 module (10W)
 Cable: approximately 47 feet of 1/2" hardline with 10 feet of LMR 400
around the rotator
 Antenna: Directive Systems 2325LY (25 el loop yagi) 17dBi mounted 10
feet above a 2 1/2 story house
 
I am considering a mast mounted preamp installed where the hardline
joins the LMR400 and also a sequencer (with an amp to follow at a later
date). 
 
Any recommendations?
Would I be better off with SSB Electronics or Downeast Microwave (or
maybe another brand)?
 
Thanks.
 
Ed (W2SN)
 
 
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