Wideband Microwaves, March 2000 Meeting Précis

The March Meeting was entitled" Wideband Microwaves."

This was hosted by our own Allan Wyatt G8LSD.

Allan explained that there is a growing trend to go back to the old simple Wide Band FM (WBFM) systems rather than the modern Narrow Band Mode.

Narrow Band is used for DX Microwave and is a fairly complex set up.

Allan demonstrated how a simple surplus Burglar alarm unit (SOLFAN Head) could be utilised to make a very simple Transmitter/Receiver at 10 GHz.

Allan set up the SOLFAN head on top of his "Sainsbury’s " box and connected a battery, a portable FM receiver and an AF 1KHz oscillator to this by means of crocodile leads.

This simple set up was a complete 10GHz transceiver system, which was proved by sending and receiving to/from this using Alan’s trusty PW eXe.

The PW eXe for those not familiar with it is a design dating back to I believe the early 80’s.

Most of the units used in its construction were available from Ambit (remember them?), and this uses a modified SOLFAN unit.

The antenna connection to these units is by means of Waveguide #16, a bolt on flange type system.

In the case of the PW eXe, this is taken out to a dish and something known as a "Penny Feed".

This name is used because an old penny was attached to the end of the waveguide.

Allan is hoping to get some people interested in WBFM to try and raise interest/activity in this area.

It is obviously very cheap to get going so why not have a bash.

Some of the membership have already shown interest, so it looks like the 2^nd Construction project will be a 10GHz system.

For those that missed the talk I have included snaps of Allan in full swing.

My one complaint. Wasn't it awful lighting!! (No fault of Allan's though)