1296MHz (23cm band) Microwave transverter kit building

Created 3rd February, 2014 - modified 14th August, 2017

Building microwave transverter kits for 1296 MHz and 10 GHz, by Dave VK2JDS
Used for for SSB / Digital weak signal modes, via both Terrestrial and EME DXing.
Microwaves is becoming the new frontier, now that the gear and parts are becoming more accessible, due to
more ex-commercial surplus and more kits available


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1296 MHz (23cm band) Transverter - the original VK5EME Minikits version

here is the 23cm transverter hooked up to a ft817. the transverter is the larger diecast box, the PLL is the smaller one.
the transverter has a sequencer and rf detector in it, so using fm you can get it to do the TR switching by itself, for
SSB best to use a ptt control line . the IF radio is a 2metre rig (144MHz) with the output reduced to 2 watts max
this unit is the old version of the transverter, the MiniKits webpage shows the new version and the associated power amp etc.
(check the VK5EME Minikits website, look under 23cm transverter kits)
there might be a page showing the older one there somewhere



23cm xverter, has the sequencer full kit inside (check the VK5EME Minikits website for Sequencer kits)



these are the dc connections. +12v is the dc input, the next is dc out to run the LNA and antenna relay
then a manual tx switch (for ssb), next is the 12v out to the relay to power up the transmit power amp.the relay can be a
cheap car spotlight relay from supercheap auto or repco etc
the plugs are 2.1mm dc types from jaycar



this is the power amp, its a vk5eme design and runs about 12 to 15 watts on fm. similar on ssb. its on his website, same as
the 23cm transverter kit and LNA kit



next pic is the LNA, its a vk5eme kit, the old version (from VK5EME Minikits website)



it will require several N to N cables to hook all these modules together.
if you are going to use it portable then short jumpers would work. best to keep the cable from the antenna to the TR relay
and LNA as short as possible.
all these boxes can be mast mounted (in a weatherproof case) for home station use.



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PLL Unit

the two incarnations of the VK3XDK PLL board. The first two views are either ends of the same PLL box, 1152MHz for 23cm use





for 23cm use, need 10MHz reference in, and PLL out is 1152MHz for 23cm band


this is the other incarnation of the VK3XDK PLL board, all working again after PLL chip changed due to failure,


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10 MHz Reference source

You need a similar box and drill a few holes etc and mount the atomic reference. You need to wire it up. This is what it looks like



This is the rubidium source mounted in a box.
The rubidium runs off 12v, connected to the PLL unit, for 23cm connect one cable to the transverter,
for 10GHz plug two SMA cables in and fit a jumper on the PLL end sockets



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NOTE: only licensed Amateur Radio operators can operate this modified equipment on assigned Amateur frequencies/bands.

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