Again, thanks to all who are so supportive on this BB.
I am trying out one of the ARR mast-mounted pre-amps on 432. I just listened to the SO50 and AO51 passes. I swear I cannot hear any difference, ok maybe just a bit. But not much, not enough to make a difference. SO50 was not audible except for a brief portion of the pass here (my antennas are oriented horizontal at 30 degrees elevation, so that explains part of it).
Maybe the pre-amps really do their stuff on the passband birds? If I am wasting my time, I won't be embarrassed if somebody tells me so. Please, I am open to suggestions.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan WA4SCA
Thanks, Alan.
I double-checked the coax connections and those are good.
Will double-check power and the pins. I was wondering if it was just my hearing that was going.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:47 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan WA4SCA
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Mark,
I saw an increase in signal strength on mine from S2 to S9
Now the signal to noise did not change that much, ever so slightly.
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG To: APBIDDLE@mailaps.org ; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:55 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Thanks, Alan.
I double-checked the coax connections and those are good.
Will double-check power and the pins. I was wondering if it was just my hearing that was going.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:47 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan WA4SCA
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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OK, everything double-checks out OK. Connections, voltage, etc.
Just listened to the Western US pass of AO51 and could not hear any difference in the signal strength with it on or off. I presume that even on FM I should be able to tell a big difference. The squelch is wide open, so I am not sure what is going on.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
From: Andrew Rich [mailto:vk4tec@tech-software.net] Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:02 PM To: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG; APBIDDLE@mailaps.org; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
I saw an increase in signal strength on mine from S2 to S9
Now the signal to noise did not change that much, ever so slightly.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG mailto:mlunday@nc.rr.com
To: APBIDDLE@mailaps.org ; amsat-bb@amsat.org
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Thanks, Alan.
I double-checked the coax connections and those are good.
Will double-check power and the pins. I was wondering if it was just my hearing that was going.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:47 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan WA4SCA
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1859 - Release Date: 12/20/2008 2:34 PM
Mark,
The only thing which comes to mind is to check the current draw. It should be about 170 ma in receive mode. If it is much different from that, the unit may have some issues. BTW, please verify which type of feed you are using.
Alan WA4SCA
fm you should see a difference of around 2-3 S points but, if the signal is already fully quieting, you're unlikely to hear the difference.
on Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
OK, everything double-checks out OK. Connections, voltage, etc.
Just listened to the Western US pass of AO51 and could not hear any difference in the signal strength with it on or off. I presume that even on FM I should be able to tell a big difference. The squelch is wide open, so I am not sure what is going on.
A bad power supply! 12V coming out, but no current out. I swapped out the power supply and BAM! What a difference. Now I am cooking with gas!
THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED WITH HELP AND GUIDANCE!
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
Mark,
Great news! I think mamy of us were guessing there was a dc power problem and you found it. An old mentor of mine in my professional life made a fatefull observation about troubleshooting. Don't get sidetracked with complicated possibilities. Most problems are simple! It has been a mantra to ease my 40-years of troubleshooting electronics, and I have found that it's very true.
Glad you have got it solved. And now you have a little experience that you can file away for future reference.
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 08:19 PM 12/20/2008, Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
A bad power supply! 12V coming out, but no current out. I swapped out the power supply and BAM! What a difference. Now I am cooking with gas!
THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED WITH HELP AND GUIDANCE!
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Ed,
As a tech type with a lot of years invested, I've found the simple is usually the culprit. Always go back to the basic. Mark did an excellent follow through.
Tim T. K4SHF
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Edward Cole Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 1:28 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SOLVED! RE: Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
Great news! I think mamy of us were guessing there was a dc power problem and you found it. An old mentor of mine in my professional life made a fatefull observation about troubleshooting. Don't get sidetracked with complicated possibilities. Most problems are simple! It has been a mantra to ease my 40-years of troubleshooting electronics, and I have found that it's very true.
Glad you have got it solved. And now you have a little experience that you can file away for future reference.
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 08:19 PM 12/20/2008, Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
A bad power supply! 12V coming out, but no current out. I swapped out the power supply and BAM! What a difference. Now I am cooking with gas!
THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED WITH HELP AND GUIDANCE!
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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Tim, Ed
In my case, I am not as practiced with hardware as I should be. I do a lot more wire antenna work where it does not require delicacy...I am clumsy with huge hands and bad near-vision (in the Far Side cartoons, they call it "mechanically DE-clined."). I should be more comfortable, as part of the Radio Amateur's creed and as an Amateur Extra since 1990, but focus on work with travel 46 weeks a year has deteriorated my hardware skills. That added to my impatience is a sort of handicap of sorts. Although it sure was thrilling to get that preamp working late last nigh!
For sure, I have found that some sort of operator error or simple explanation is the culprit...both with the radios and at work with computer programming.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
Great job following it through!
Tim T. K4SHF 35580
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 12:20 AM To: APBIDDLE@mailaps.org; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] SOLVED! RE: Re: Another newbie question
A bad power supply! 12V coming out, but no current out. I swapped out the power supply and BAM! What a difference. Now I am cooking with gas!
THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED WITH HELP AND GUIDANCE!
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
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At 03:15 PM 12/20/2008, Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
I am trying out one of the ARR mast-mounted pre-amps on 432. I just listened to the SO50 and AO51 passes. I swear I cannot hear any difference, ok maybe just a bit. But not much, not enough to make a difference.
With the receiver in SSB mode, antenna pointed at nothing, you should hear a substantial increase in background noise when the preamp is turned on. S-meter should jump. If not, the preamp ain't workin'.
Definitely NOT happening, Antonio. No change in background at all on SSB.
Logical conclusion is that the preamp is not getting any power (or it is defective, but I won't assume that as starting point here).
I checked the supply, the connector (direct DC to the unit via 12V supply), and the coax in.
So maybe I am putting the wrong power to the wrong pins, but I quintuple checked that for this unit (A for +12V, B for ground, C is relay switch if not using RF sensing to bypass during transmit, which I have nothing connected to it).
I rechecked the fitting for power, it is snug.
Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message----- From: Franklin Antonio [mailto:antonio@qualcomm.com] Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 8:07 PM To: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Another newbie question
At 03:15 PM 12/20/2008, Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
I am trying out one of the ARR mast-mounted pre-amps on 432. I just listened to the SO50 and AO51 passes. I swear I cannot hear any
difference,
ok maybe just a bit. But not much, not enough to make a difference.
With the receiver in SSB mode, antenna pointed at nothing, you should hear a substantial increase in background noise when the preamp is turned on. S-meter should jump. If not, the preamp ain't workin'.
participants (7)
-
Alan P. Biddle -
Andrew Rich -
Edward Cole -
Franklin Antonio -
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG -
Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF -
Tim Tapio