TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR 144MHz PERFORMANCE
BY MIKE BOSCH ZS2FM
Now is the time to improve your existing 144MHz equipment to enjoy the super Tropo openings during the forthcoming summer months.
1. If you are still playing around with a little vertical antenna, then build a small beam eg a five element yagi, and mount it horizontally. If you already have one then stack another one underneath, or build or buy a high gain multi-element beam. If possible stack two of them, or even four if finances permit.
2. If your transciever is not equipped with a low noise GaAsFET amplifier (LNA) then fit one. See page 20 of August 1998 issue of Radio ZS for the design of a simple 144Mhz low noise preamplifier that almost anyone could build using readily available components.
3. If you are not yet equipped with a linear power amplifier, then build or buy one of your choice.
All of the above will make a vast difference to your 144MHz signals and the range covered.Every little effort you put into it will be well rewarded when you make those real long distance contacts.