++++++++++++++++++++ From: Tim ORourke To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 07:51:04 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Why Transverters? From: "Mike McCoy" At the risk of appearing naive and/or dumb, I just don't 'get it' when it comes to transverters.>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mike Like you I wounder this same thing until I became part of AA4ZZ super VHF contesting crew. By using an HF rig as an IF you get a very sensitive and quite IF with what ever bells and whistles the HF incorporates. You also gain with the xverter a very high performance front end dedicated to that particular band, higher sensitivity, better rejection of out of band signals, lower noise, broader dynanic signal handling range both high and low power. Most VHF/UHF rigs have compromised filtering and preamps because they are trying to handle such a broad range of frequencies. In comparing my 847 to my K2 with xverters there is a noticeable difference. 847 has a higher noise floor, weaker rf preamp and less selectivity. TenTec xverters are fine for chasing grids and working casual DX on 6 with a 4 element beam but if you ever have chance to try a high performance xverter such as a DEM or SSB you will know what i am talking abt. Feed a 128 element 2 meter array into the T-Tec or most any multiband vhf rig and see what happens to the front end! I like the TenTec's and have built several and they are fine xverters, but the DEM and SSB are like comparing your K2 to an entry level HF rig of any brand. Maybe it is time for K-Line xverters hint! Tim O'Rourke W4YN ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Mike McCoy" To: , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transverters Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 08:37:23 -0500 > ---------- > Youi said, "as cheap as VHF rigs are...". This should tell you > something. Today's cheap VHF/UHF radios are designed for the ragchewer, > and are usually FM-only. They are not for the ham who is into something > unusual like moonbounce, meteor scatter, aurora, etc. > ========== Ah... Well, that explains it. I suppose having no personal interest in 6mtr operation, VHF (any mode), moonbounce, meteor scatter, aurora, or any other weak signal operation has kept me in the dark regarding the value of transverters. Thanks for the education. 73 Mike - AD5IU ++++++++++++++