Jeff: In my permanent microwave station setup, I wish to run a sequencer. Doing that with rig preamp power up the coax is do-able with some rigs, but problematic. I prefer the flexibility of dedicated powe or control for everything mounted at altitude. Given distributed transverters, power amps, downconverters, and preamps, it seems to me the safest and most flexible way to do it.
In particular, ICOM is very blunt in their manual: Don't put anything (like an external power amp) between the rig and preamp if you're using the rig to provide preamp power. Not hard to figure out ways to make it acceptable, but also not hard to figure out how it can go sour, resulting in a cooked preamp. (been there, done that.)
In my ultimate satellite station, I'll have at least some power amps, and possibly upconverters at altitude. I want more control than the rig-powered preamp offers.
Don't get me wrong -- I am NOT bashing Icom or Yaesu for their implementations of power up the coax. For a simple (not minimal) station, it's more than adequate. It's just not adequate for my (hopefully) "bleeding edge" final station configuration. If I had to parachute into a disaster area with some batteries, my 910 , coax, and preamps, I'd use power up the coax in a microsecond -- with confidence.
Hope the clarifies the question!
Thanks, 73, and good luck! Jim wb4gcs@amsat.org
Jeff Griffin wrote:
I'm curious Jim, why wouldn't you supply power to the pre-amp through the coax in a permanent setup?
73 Jeff kb2m
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Sanford" wb4gcs@amsat.org While I'd never use power up the coax for a final installation, it sure is nice for Field Day.
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