Spectrian 30 watt snow flake mod ?

[G4IUG]

My one with "all" the correct voltages applied, produces 26Woutput at 2,400Mhz for 10mW input. And that's out-of-the-box as received.

Dave

[G4WIM]

I did the snow flake mod and noticed that for -7dBm of drive I got 28 watts output with a current draw of just under 9A. Supply voltage set to 12V

Compared to before about 3dB more gain and an extra 6 watts output - flat gain across the es'Hail NB and WB input frequencies.

However I did find that after removing the PA cover (it was very stiff to remove) I had to bend all the little tabs back in to get an equally tight re-fit.

Initially the lid was snug but nor tight and it was leaking significant signal as I could see the PA current vary by about 0.5A depending on what was in close proximity to the PA cover.

Bending the tabs to ensure a really tight fitting cover solved the problem.

Here's a picture of my completed RF amp ready to mount behind the dish,

[tonyaxn]

Hi Tim

Did you by any chance take a photo of the PA section board after you had added the snowflake ?

73
Tony G4AXN

[G4IUG]

Hi Tim

Did you by any chance take a photo of the PA section board after you had added the snowflake ?

73 Tony G4AXN

Like the one I posted on the previous page ?

Dave

[tonyaxn]

Hi Dave

Yes that is correct, like the one on the previous page.

I am going to snowflake mine on Saturday and I am interested to see how much the positioning and size varies between amps.

Best wishes
Tony.

[G4WIM]

I did it exactly as in the photo - expecting to have to trim it, but as the results were acceptable on the first attempt I decided not to push my luck so left it alone.

The copper tape was actually 'slug tape' from B&Q cut down to size.

[Nick]

I have just tested my amplifier "as supplied" for the first time and get 20W out at 2405MHz.

Must try this mod to see if I can get a bit more out of it.


Nick - G4NKV