Mark,
Just a couple of comments after doing a fair amount of QRP portable
contesting. You really want to use either 2M or 432 as a laison frequency
when working the microwave bands. The trick is to size the 2M setup so that
it works out to at least the limits of the microwave gear. You definitely
want to be able to switch bands very easily during contests, because often
you contact a station and run all the bands with them, rapidly. Another
thing is that you need to have something that tells you what transverter is
currently active. More than once I have been calling on one band while the
distant end is on another, becuase I was a victim of my switchology.
Keeping things simple really helps with those late night contacts.
Good luck in the contest,
Erich KA6AMD DM15
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark S. Adams, P.E." <msadams@acsu.buffalo.edu>
To: <RVHFG_general@yahoogroups.com>; "TenTec List" <tentec@contesting.com>;
"vhf" <vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu>; "vhfcont" <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2003 5:41 AM
Subject: TT526: VHF/p Upgrade Modification - Has Anyone Tried This?
> Hi Gang,
>
> I am agonizing over how to improve my VHF+ QRP portable contest setup. One
> obvious choice of rigs is to use the 526 for 6m, 2m AND as as transverter
> for 1296 and 10GHz, the next two bands that I plan on adding. The theory
> here is to be able to hook up 6, 2 AND a transverter or box that would
> switch in/out numerous transverters on the fly.
>
> Out of the box, the 526 will accept EITHER a 2m antenna, or a transverter.
> I think one could modify the rig by adding a switch and relay that would
> allow BOTH 2M and transverter operation at a flip of that switch. Without
> this switching, one would have to manually switch antennas and might put
> 10W into a transverter RX out port. It also solves the problem of having
to
> reach to the back of the rig to switch between 2m and XVTR.
>
> This option would make the 526 a neat rig. The switch could be included in
> the aforementioned transverter switch box or a connector could be added to
> the back of the 526 so that a little box and switch with a pigtail could be
> attached when needed (out in the field).
>
> Now I know what you're thinking.
>
> 1. The 526 is not much of a rig.
> 2. Both 2M and 10GHz would be in the same box making it hard to liason for
> sucessful uW contacts.
>
> Well, #1 is only an issue if you are operating in a big signal environment,
> which I am not. And as for #2, I could use my FT817 for liason, albeit with
> 5W instead of 20W. I do have a nice big antenna for 2M though.
>
> My goal is to make things VERY portable and easy to interface while using
> gear that is easy on my batteries.
>
> Any thoughts??
>
> 73 and Happy New Year,
> Mark K2QO
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