DOWNCONVERTER OR PREAMPLIFIER 2.395GHz
DOWNCONVERTER OR PREAMPLIFIER 2.395GHz
Hello, what models or brands do you recommend for a preamplifier or downconverter? I'd like to install it directly on my RHCP Helix DISH Feed. I can't find one on the market that mounts directly to the support mast. My goal is to rebuild the receiving ground station to contribute from Spain to the HAMTV image fusion from the ISS.
-
Phil M0DNY
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sat Jun 01, 2013 10:45 am
Re: DOWNCONVERTER OR PREAMPLIFIER 2.395GHz
Hi EA5FUZ,
You won't find many preamplifier modules that mount on the mast as they are usually mounted directly to the back of the feed. I use a Minicircuits ZX60-242GLN-S+ on the back of my feed in a waterproof enclosure, others have had success with several stages of PGA-103+ modules (NB they're only 10dB gain each at 2400MHz.)
Downconverter - some of us run the full chain at 2395MHz (thanks to both the Minitiouner and PlutoSDR receivers covering this frequency), but the Nooelec Ham-It-Down works well if you want to get down to an 895MHz IF for long cable runs. Of course this will also need a waterproof enclosure, and a 20dB+ preamp in front of it.
Weatherproof preamplifier and downconverters do exist, but it's hard to recommend any in particular as they're not widely available at affordable prices - you would have to make a lucky find at a rally or surplus sale.
I have heard of aliexpress 2.4GHz TV LNBs looking suitable on paper - but they would at least require a coax input modification to attach to a feed and I have no experience with them personally so I cannot recommend them. I also imagine that their performance may be highly variable between suppliers, like Ku-band LNBs.
We're looking forward to having you contribute to the HAMTV image merger!
Cheers,
Phil M0DNY
You won't find many preamplifier modules that mount on the mast as they are usually mounted directly to the back of the feed. I use a Minicircuits ZX60-242GLN-S+ on the back of my feed in a waterproof enclosure, others have had success with several stages of PGA-103+ modules (NB they're only 10dB gain each at 2400MHz.)
Downconverter - some of us run the full chain at 2395MHz (thanks to both the Minitiouner and PlutoSDR receivers covering this frequency), but the Nooelec Ham-It-Down works well if you want to get down to an 895MHz IF for long cable runs. Of course this will also need a waterproof enclosure, and a 20dB+ preamp in front of it.
Weatherproof preamplifier and downconverters do exist, but it's hard to recommend any in particular as they're not widely available at affordable prices - you would have to make a lucky find at a rally or surplus sale.
I have heard of aliexpress 2.4GHz TV LNBs looking suitable on paper - but they would at least require a coax input modification to attach to a feed and I have no experience with them personally so I cannot recommend them. I also imagine that their performance may be highly variable between suppliers, like Ku-band LNBs.
We're looking forward to having you contribute to the HAMTV image merger!
Cheers,
Phil M0DNY