[VHFcontesting] 222 Activity Night RADIOS

[N1BUG]

Hi Mike,

For me the solution involved thinking slightly outside the traditional 
box. Nothing new there. I've been outside the box since I first got on 
the air 40 years ago!

I can only afford one HF radio. If I'm lucky. I use my FT-2000 for 
everything from 160m to 432. 144/222/432 were recently upgraded from old 
Microwave Modules stuff to new Q5 Signal transverters. I went to the 
trouble of designing and building my own IF switching, attenuation and 
multiband sequencing system so all this works pretty smoothly. My 
solution is software-centric for control so I cannot run without a 
computer. Well, I could if I added a simple manual band selection 
switch, which is actually on my to-do list. I use DXLab, so I have 
custom VHF band controls defined in Commander. Clicking on 222 switches 
the FT-2000 ANT 1 from my HF amp over to a drive attenuator, routes it 
from there to the 222 transverter, switches the FT-2000 RX ANT IN from 
my low band Beverage control and selection system to the 222 
transverter, enables the 222 driver and final amp T/R switching, 
activates the 222 sequencer, and sends several CAT commands to the 
FT-2000 to configure it for 10W RF output, use the separate RX ANT IN, 
and set some other parameters like optimum front end gain (IPO), etc.

I have space problems too. The trnsverters are on a couple of shelves in 
  a rack, above my HF and 6 meter amps, antenna switching and noise 
nulling panel, and rack mounted computer. I have pretty much used all 
the vertical space, floor to ceiling.

My 222 amp is one of the Harris channel 11 decks that I picked up cheap 
back when the guy was selling them. Mine got beat up pretty bad in 
shipping and seems to be not too healthy. It won't make 1 kW+ like some 
others from the same batch I know of. Mine maxxes out at ~850W on a good 
day. I have the 25W version of the transverter so I do require an 
intermediate amp to get full power. I'm using a small unit with a BLF278 
which I got from N1DPM. You know me: never satisfied with anything less 
than legal limit. I probably should have held out for a high power 
Larcan or built something with a GS35b (which is still on my to-do list 
when I can afford it).

73,
Paul N1BUG




On 12/22/21 9:45 AM, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote:
> I asked this question probably close to a year ago but didn't get much of a
> reply..or at least to my recollection not a whole lot I could use.
> 
>   
> 
> What are you guys using for radios + amps on 222?
> 
>   
> 
> Antenna is no problem. I can build (or even buy) a small 222 yagi.
> 
>   
> 
> Rig is a little tougher.  I'd rather not go to a qrp transverter for a
> couple reasons:
> 
> Messy. Ties up a lot of desk space.  Still would need an amp. Where do I put
> it?
> 
>   
> 
> Ties up an HF radio and my shack is REALLY small...I already have 2 radios +
> 2 amps for HF (SO2R) and a separate
> 
> backup radio for same, which performs double duty on 2m (IC-746). Also an
> amp for 6m.  See my qrz.com profile
> 
> and know that I really don't have much real estate.
> 
>   
> 
> Does anyone make a 50w-100w 222 radio? (Ideally this is what I need)..better
> still a 144/222/432/1.2 gig 100w Rig.
> 
>   
> 
> Probably what I need does not exist !
> 
>   
> 
> I do like reading all these 222 msg's though.
> 
>   
> 
> Keep up the good work fellas.
> 
>   
> 
> 270miles NE of FN43.."at the edge of the VHF/UHF universe, even compared to
> Dave/Paul/Bill in Maine"
> 
>   
> 
> Cheers
> 
>   
> 
> Mike VE9AA FN66na ~660'ASL
> 
>   
> 
>   
> 
> Mike, Coreen & Corey
> 
> Keswick Ridge, NB
> 
>   
> 
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