Thales 26GHZ - MUCH MORE ENCOURAGING!

[VK2GG]

Hi Guys,
SUCCES AT LAST! I have finally boxed up my Thales and re-tested it after seeing the good results from Dave VK2TDN and Matt VK2DAG. I am much encouraged. I found significant RF losses in the Rx leg of my 5EME controller!
So I am in the process of re-building it. When directly coupled to 23cm IF, the Rx is quite sensitive (hot even), and even works, (but not as hotly!) on 70cm. Stay tuned for trans-Lake tests!!
I should be ready for the Saturday microwave outing in a couple of weeks.
cheers,
Dan

[vk1da]

The RF path through the minikits sequencer is probably not 50 ohms and not too good a match on 432 or any higher. The relay may not be well rated for the higher frequency either. The original design freq was 144 MHz ie. FT290 or IC202.

[VK2GG]

Thanks Andrew and Matt,
yes, I replaced the controller, the other one was second hand, and I seem to be getting much better results - but not quite as good as direct coupling of IF, but certainly usable, especially on 23cm. I get full scale sigs from 100metres away on bare waveguide to bare waveguide. On 70cm I get S6. Probably the optimum would be a coax relay to switch IF. I am happy enough to test it as at the moment, as it transmits 27dBm. Thanks to Steve for the waveguide switch, and thanks Matt for the radio.
Can't wait for the rain to ease to try across the Lake. Matt, can you Email me your Mobile no??
Dan

[VK2GG]

7km across the Lake Macquarie LOS resulted in full scale Rx at each end. My Thales received an S9 sig with waveguide to waveguide. (IF was 23cm). 70cm Rx was nil!!
Not very scientific Rx statistics, but you can't beat full scale, can you?
Now to further decrease my Rx losses by utilising a Minikits coax relay to switch IF. Also a longer path test.
Dan

[VK2GOM]

Congrats on your article in A/R which arrived here today Dan. An entertaining read and lots of good info!

73 - Rob VK2GOM / G0MOH