Hi Jerry,
There is a very good groups.io group for the 9700 that I can recommend joining. It can be searched for topics and threads that may help. I've learned a lot from that group. Search for preamp and you'll get a lot of hits, I'm sure.
Some quick thoughts from memory, so I hope I'm accurate ;)
The 9700 radio has built-in preamps for each band. They can be independently turned on or off, per band. I keep them ON (even with external preamps).
The radio can supply 12V on the coax to power external preamps. These can also be independently configured to be off or on, per band.
There are far too many menu options and button sequences to rattle that off. But knowing it can be done should help! Also, there is an "Advanced" manual for the radio, which often has important information that isn't in the Basic manual.
Ok--I got curious, and did a "control-F" for 'preamp' in the Basic manual. Look at page 4-2 (assuming same manual version, hi hi). It shows how to turn on/off both the internal preamps and the powering of the externals. Hope that helps!
73,
Mark N8MH
On 5/15/2020 7:48 PM, John Brier via AMSAT-BB wrote:
Just came across this video recently. It might help. By a guy (AI4Y) not far from my QTH too!
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, May 15, 2020, 19:45 BeetleJerald Oliver via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:
I am under the assumption that the radio has internal preamps for all 3 bands that are engaged by the button on front panel. I know how to turn on my mast mounted preamps, but not sure if you have to use the preamp button on radio to engage them or not, or if that is only for the internal preamps..... There is nothing in the manual that addresses this.....that I could find. The filters in my SSB preamps at the antenna should help with desense….. Jerry KJ4EU _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb