I purchased the 144-MHz Minikits which has RF-sensed TR and powers up the coax line from my radio (FT-736R). It sells for $50 US which is way lower than the ARR switched preamp $195 (which may be NLA). It can handle up to 100w with RF-sensing. Rated for 400w with sequencer control of relays. For satellite use that is unimportant but if you use your antennas for other use, it might be.

The 144-MHz preamp has a 150-MHz Chebychev low pass filter to reduce harmonic outputs.

I purchased a Hammond-1590S enclosure from Mouser and will use two N-female panel-mount connectors so it will be wx-proof mounted on my satellite tower. Kit comes without enclosure but Minkits does offer a wx-tight enclosure. Have not built the Minikits preamp, yet.

The preamp is offered for many VHF/UHF bands.

Device used is PGA103+ with 0.5 dB NF cited (0.7 dBNF with TR relays) which should work fine for satellite applications.

ARR unit was advertised at 0.55 dB NF (mgf-1302). I have one mounted for use with two 11-element yagis for local SSB/FM use and key it with my eme sequencer. I run 150w there. For satellite the FT-736R runs 0-25w.

------------------------------- Date: Tue, 26 May 2020 05:15:36 -0700 From: Bob Hammond propgrinder@gmail.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ARR mast mount preamps

https://www.minikits.com.au/electronic-kits/rf-amplifiers/rf-preamplifiers

I'm building a 70cm and 23cm kit right now. Very nicely put together. You can also buy them assembled.

Bob W7OTJ

73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubususa@gmail.com