Hi Walter, K1CMF,
You wrote:
[ Are there any low cost options to get onto the bands above 1296? I.e.,
cheaper than a DEMI transverter. . . . I'm guessing that it wouldn't take
much of a rig to work 6 or more stations in June and Sept on each band. The
minimum usable would be something that would allow me to work 65 miles line
of sight. CW only would probably be OK. ]
I have been exploring exactly the same question as you. So far, I think
that the best solution is to build the W1GHF "Simple and Cheap"
transverters. See the write-up here:
http://www.w1ghz.org/MBT/multiband.htm
If a guy has some ability to solder SMT parts and some access to test
equipment, then these do look like the cheapest entre into the higher bands.
I am hoping to gather parts and start building at least 902 and 1296 LO and
transverter boards early in 2010. If you and/or anybody else here is
interested in putting together a group-buy of parts, I would be willing to
act as the "hub" for that. We can discuss details between now and, say, Jan
2010 and then place an order. Given the quantity discounts available, the
cost of these should be cut by at least a third by pooling our resources and
ordering parts for multiple units. Please e-mail if you have interest in
building one or more of Paul's boards.
Thanks and 73,
David W9HQ
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