SG Labs 3400MHz Txvtr

[VK3APW]

Hi All,
just received a SG Labs 3400MHz txvtr. From the factory, it will work 3398, with a 430MHz IF.
It seems possible to reprogram the LO, to work with a 435MHz, which I will attempt in the next few days.
Published Specs, are pretty much as per the 2400 txvtr; from my limited testing so far, on the bench, it appears to exceed expectations. Power out, ( on my unit ) with 2W of IF drive, gives slightly over 4W @ 3398, and dead on 4W @ 3400MHz.
Rx, out of the box, conversion gain was set at 8dB ( is adjustable ) and the difference in performance between 3398 & 3400 is too close to call.
The lead time at the moment for these, is about 6 weeks, so if you order one, be patient, it will arrive
Should be good for a portable or home station.

Regards

Peter vk3apw

[VK7HH]

Excellent Peter.
I only just saw this on here. I hope that this encourages more to get on 3.4 GHz.

What was the cost for this unit?

Hayden

[VK7HH]

Hristiyan reports that the 9cm transverter is 240 Euro +10 Euro for shipping to VK.

As of 04/09/19 the lead time is 4-5 weeks

[VK1JA]

240 euro (~$390aud) is a bit of a jump compared to the 23/13cm versions.

I'm guessing things get more complex and part cost more as wavelength gets smaller!

They do look like a nice unit, perfect for field day ops.

[VK7HH]

They are a good alternative if you don't want to mess with the panels or source an alternative 9cm unit.

I suppose MiniKits transverter is also a possibility. The 23cm transverter was 198 euro I think last time I checked, 13cm a bit more than that.

A constant complaint I've heard is "oh but we're losing the 9cm band so why bother". Well we haven't lost it yet, it's good for a little while and the more activity we get on it the better I say!

[VK3ALB]

A constant complaint I've heard is "oh but we're losing the 9cm band so why bother". Well we haven't lost it yet, it's good for a little while and the more activity we get on it the better I say!

All the more reason for those holding panels in their shack to pull their fingers out and get modifying. A small financial outlay and several hours of personal time expended to get on the air on 3398MHz. Once that's done you just need to ask and people will oblige for a contact.

[VK7HH]

Well said Lou!

We've heard that there is a small hoard of panels in VK5.... we need to get these modified ASAP.

Hayden

[VK2AZ]

If any of the "hoard" have a spare 1 or 6 they are not going to use, let me know.

The Western Sydney Microwave User Group would be very interested.

Hilary

[VK3ALB]

Hayden,

I wasn't pointing at anyone in particular. Based on what I know of activity around the country, I'd say there's many out there that have not been converted.

Even if the band should be taken away, for the cost of a few hours labor many hams could get a taste of 3.4GHz right now. There is no time like the present.

[VK7HH]

I wasn't pointing at anyone in particular.

Apologies Lou,
I actually was because it was told to us at Gippstech! I believe somewhere in VK5 there are quite a stockpile of panels, maybe 5ZT or 5ZD can confirm?

I'd be happy to get hold of a few and start some conversions.

[VK2XAX]

Hi all,

I bought a 3.4GHz SG labs transverter for Christmas

I've taken some pictures of the transverter and put them in my photo share. Scroll to the end of the page to see them.

You can find them here...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YZscxrT5ZRtYHUKAA

I've also made a couple of quick videos testing the transmit and receive abilities of the unit.

You can find those here...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYCZzT ... 7oe9hovRvA

cheers

Tim

[VK2XAX]

Hi all,

I've just uploaded a video on how to program the SGlabs transverter to a different IF.

https://youtu.be/onsv-g3drx8



cheers

Tim

[VK7HH]

Excellent video Tim.
Simple clear and easy to follow. I’ll be reprogramming the IF of my transverter in the next few days.

Regards
Hayden

[VK2XAX]

Hi all,

I've just uploaded a video where I test the PCB yagi that comes with the transverter, unfortunately the result is not good!

https://youtu.be/Etmd-Ye8TrQ



regards

Tim

[VK7HH]

I did similar sweeps of the 1296/2.4 version of the PCB yagis. They weren't that good.

The transverter works exceptionally well though, and giving 4W out, it's a nice little compact option for those wanting to get on the 3.4 GHz band. Use it or lose it!

[VK2AZ]

Hristiyan sent me an email proposing changes to the Australian market for the LO frequencies.

"We decided to made a new frequency plan especially for VK. The new LO
frequencies are: 2968 , 2966, 2963 , 2960 MHz.
It is possible to switch between standard frequency plan and Australian
plan by a simple initialization procedure.
All tests are OK"

He is asking me to make any comments on this change.
They equate to: 3398 ==
430 MHz
432 MHz
435 MHz
438 MHz

Anyone have any comments?

Hilary
VK2AZ

[VK2XAX]

Hi all,

The problem with the measurement of the 3.4GHz yagi was me.

I had negated to calibrate out the N to SMA adapter I was using on the yagi!

Rerunning the test shows a return loss of about -28dB @ ~3398 MHz.

I'll redo my little video

cheers

Tim

[VK7HH]

That's a little bit better result Tim!

[VK2XAX]

Hi all,

My transverter is all boxed up and ready to go. Switchable 2w/20w.

I just have to put an antenna on the tower and its QSO time

cheers

Tim

[VK2BLS]

Hi all,

My SGLabs 3.4Ghz Tvrtr boxed up with Stealth amp, switchable 2/20W also ready to go.

73 Darrell vk2bls