[VHFcontesting] Transverter for 446 FM

[Bill Rogers - K2TER]

Mike et al,

We currently have one of our FT-736Rs performing that function (446 FM) dedicated rig. We always keep this 4 band unit in the rover just in case... 

We find that we do flurries of mixed operating SSB/CW and FM at the same time and don't want to take the time to do manual band and mode changes in N1MM+ - or forget to :). This also allows us to operate with our phones/mic on all the time. So it is easier to let the computer control all that - at least for us.  Click a button on the HPSDR UI and you are on 144SSB/CW  or 223.5FM or 223.1SSB/CW or ... and the logging program switches automatically (N1MM+).  One less thing to worry about makes a difference. That's why it's worth it to me to dedicate a transverter per FM band to achieve that.

We run two ANAN-10s one for each operator - one for 6M SSB/CW and uwaves and one for 2M-70cm SSB/CW and 6-446 FM - less the 446 at the moment :).  This seems to be the right formula for us to balance the operating load. 

Aside: One interesting thing about that is with networked SDRs the HPSDR program will grab on to whatever's on the network, even if it's not the one it's configured for.  So we have to power up and be mindful of which rig we are controlling. I'm sure there a solution but haven't spent any brain power on it yet.

I hear inklings that other rovers are also making this transition to SDR IF.  I'd be interested to hear some experiences and realizations.  I've been roving since '98 and have gone through a number of "extreme makeovers", this is almost as fun as operating to me. This seems to be the right approach for operation, integration and ease of use.

I also have an ANAN-200D for my HF operations.  I have parked my Kenwoods and sold my Mark V Field.  Same interface - I just click a band and my antennas, diversity receive antennas, logging program, amps get setup automatically. 

Cheers,
Bill
K2TER 






-----Original Message-----
From: ka5cvh at gmail.com [mailto:ka5cvh at gmail.com] On Behalf Of Mike (KA5CVH) Urich
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2016 8:05 AM
To: Bill Rogers - K2TER <k2ter at rochester.rr.com>
Cc: VHF Contesting <VHFcontesting at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Transverter for 446 FM

On Fri, Dec 23, 2016 at 6:45 AM, Bill Rogers - K2TER

> Does anyone have suggestion/experience on how to get 446.000 from a 70cm transverter?  I do have the option to go 42 MHz on the IF, if the transverter filters would allow.

Mike wrote

While I understand and support the sentiment to reduce the number of rigs would't adding a mono-band or even dual band mobile rig to the mix be a less stressful option?

--
Mike Urich KA5CVH
http://ka5cvh.com
PIO Harris County ARES
STX: (A)PIC Dist 1 & 14

100 watts and a wire.

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Leadership is beyond you"