[amsat-bb] ARR mast mount preamps

[Edward R Cole]

I purchased the 144-MHz Minikits which has RF-sensed TR and powers up 
the coax line from my radio (FT-736R).  It sells for $50 US which is 
way lower than the ARR switched preamp $195 (which may be  NLA).  It 
can handle up to 100w with RF-sensing.  Rated for 400w with sequencer 
control of relays.  For satellite use that is unimportant but if you 
use your antennas for other use, it might be.

The 144-MHz preamp has a 150-MHz Chebychev low pass filter to reduce 
harmonic outputs.

I purchased  a Hammond-1590S enclosure from Mouser and will use two 
N-female panel-mount connectors so it will be wx-proof mounted on my 
satellite tower.  Kit comes without enclosure but Minkits does offer 
a wx-tight enclosure.  Have not built the Minikits preamp, yet.

The preamp is offered for many VHF/UHF bands.

Device used is PGA103+ with 0.5 dB NF cited (0.7 dBNF with TR relays) 
which should work fine for satellite applications.

ARR unit was advertised at 0.55 dB NF (mgf-1302).  I have one mounted 
for use with two 11-element yagis for local SSB/FM use and key it 
with my eme sequencer.  I run 150w there.  For satellite the FT-736R 
runs 0-25w.

-------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 May 2020 05:15:36 -0700
From: Bob Hammond <propgrinder at gmail.com>
To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ARR mast mount preamps


https://www.minikits.com.au/electronic-kits/rf-amplifiers/rf-preamplifiers

I'm building a 70cm and 23cm kit right now.  Very nicely put together.  You
can also buy them assembled.

Bob W7OTJ


73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubususa at gmail.com