FYI--in case you missed the ANS announcement!
V/U/Wx receive Amplifier available through AMSAT store
AMSAT-NA is pleased to announce an inexpensive, broadband VHF/UHF/WX satellite receive-only preamplifier.
Key features:
Ready to operate--not a kit! Fully assembled, tested, and installed in a metal enclosure with female BNC connectors on input and output.
It is based on the MAR 7 device, and covers 100 MHz to 500 MHz. This includes the137 MHz WX, 2M, and 70cm satellite bands.
Operates from +9-15V DC (a fresh 9V battery works great!). Perfect for portable operations using dual band hand-held Yagis like the ARROW, Cheap Yagi, etc. Just put it inline on the correct receive band for operations in either mode U/V or V/U. You won't believe what you've been missing!
Includes low power (about 5W) protection diode on the input for accidental transmissions into the input. (This preamp is not RF switched. It must be protected from inadvertent repeated or high power transmission RF using a relay or diplexer.)
Full details and schematic can be found in the November/December 2012 AMSAT Journal article by Mark Spencer, WA8SME, or downloaded from the item in the Hardware section of the AMSAT Store:
http://store.amsat.org/catalog/http://store.amsat.org/catalog/
The assembled and tested kit is priced at $50 USD plus shipping.
Proceeds from the sale of this item will help fund the AMSAT Fox Family of satellites!
This equipment was developed as part of the ARRL Education and Technology Program.
Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]