Hi guys,
I would echo Bob's (N5NJ) statement. In all these ideal rig postings, I
see no mention of dynamic range and phase noise considerations. I guess if
you live in the booonies and use a small low antenna, then dynamic range is
not an issue. In other areas it is the most important issue. I am at the
point now of degrading my sensitivity to allow the receiver to not be
crunched by out of band signals on several VHF and low microwave bands. I am
using high dynamic range receivers, and high current GaAsFET frontends etc.
The in band crunching problem was easily solved with crunchproof radios.
Those out of band signals are much stronger and can wreak havoc on a system.
I think that these DC to light radios that do everything will most
assuredly not appeal to many serious operators, since they are not easily
reconfigured to optimize working conditions on each band. Multi op stations
have much more stringent requirements than single op stations. Rover
stations also need bulletproof radios if they are hilltopping near
commercial sites etc. A single "box" radio makes this a much harder job!
I can see how the "Do All" radio will appeal to a certain segment of the
VHF hobby, but it isn't a large group. The downside for a manufacturer is
that many un initiated hams may buy one of these multi kilobuck radios and
have intermod or front end blocking problems then write a review on the
internet and "can" the radio. So the perfect radio is only perfect in one
situation. Change a parameter and the radio system must change to accomodate
those changes. That is a tall order to fill for any manufacturer. Our RF
environment is quite harsh these days!
I have to go back now and work on my 222 setup where CH13, CH 11 and CH8
are all line of sight and running 316KW erp. I need to figure out how to
hear anything on that band without losing 3/4 dB through a big external
filter.
73
Dave K1WHS
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Naumann - N5NJ" <n5nj@gte.net>
To: <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2003 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Ideal contesting rig
> I agree with some of the other comments that a single radio is not the
right
> way to go.
>
> As many of you may be aware, the idea of using more than one radio for HF
> contesting is becoming mandatory to be competitive, and I see no reason
why
> VHF should be any different.
>
> > I'm focused on 6, 2 and 432, and I think that for me, the ultimate
station
> will be comprised of a Yaesu FT-1000MP- Mark V, and the FTV-1000
Transverter
> for 6m, and use the FT-847 on 2 and 432 only.
>
> >From here in Texas, 6m is the 'money' band, and 2 and 432 occasionally
yield
> a few qsos, but it's nothing like what you have in the New York City
region
> on 2 meters for example.
>
> I think you have to look at what your greatest opportunities are for
making
> qsos, and I think in most cases that would involve more than one radio,
more
> than one tower/rotor and also more than one antenna per band for switching
> directions rapidly.
>
> I cannot imagine meeting all of those criteria with one radio.
>
> 73,
> Bob N5NJ
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Geiger" <johngeig@yahoo.com>
> To: <VHFcontesting@contesting.com>; <vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu>;
> <wsvhf@mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 6:30 PM
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] Ideal contesting rig
>
>
> > SO what is the opinion of list members as to the best
> > VHF/UHF radio for contesting? I have used several,
> > with varying results.
> >
> > If it were up to me, here is what the ideal rig would
> > look like. Lets call it the Yaesu FT746 (an upgrade
> > from the 736, as the 847 was a step backwards)
> >
> > 1. 6 meters, 2 meters, 70cm and 23 cm out of the box
> > 2. 100 watts on 6,2, 70cm, and 20 on 23cm
> > 3. Modules for 222, 902, and 2304 (covers both weak
> > signal and satellite portions)
> > 4. Rig can hold all 3 optional modules
> > 5. Built in memory keyer and voice keyer
> > 6. Separate antenna jacks for each band
> > 7. ability to put 12 volts on each antenna jack for
> > preamps
> > 8. Transverter port
> > 9. Ability to set power levels separately for each
> > band and mode-so you could run 100 watts on 2 meter
> > SSB, and 20 on FM
> > 10. Built in soundcard interface for WSJT
> > 11. True dual receive, can be set up for duplex for
> > satellites, or listen on 6 meters while running
> > stations on 2 so you don't miss the quick band opening
> >
> > So, how long do you think it will be before such a
> > radio is produced? And who will be the first one to
> > produce it?
> >
> > 73s John NE0P
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________
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>
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