If you’ve been reading my blog, you’ll recall that I’ve added a 222 MHz Rover Yagi to the stack of rover antennas. This past week the DEMI 222 MHz 25 watt transverter arrived from Q5 Signal. Now I feel that I’m gaining real VHF experience — finding one more band for still more white noise.
I’m delighted with the transverter’s build quality and the instructions. With a few cables I’ve been able to get it set up in the shack and conduct a bit of testing. I’ve adjusted the transmit IF to reach 25 watts when the input is 10 watts from the IC-9100 on 28 MHz. I’ve also adjusted the receive IF to place the noise level right at zero S units on the IC-1900.
I did not fully realize that the transverter contains a sequencer for activating a power amp and receiving preamp. I’ll put those to use when I’m able to add a power amplifier.
I also tested the receiving capabilities with a nearby beacon. Rather than cart my rover Yagi up to the shack, I built a three-element cheap Yagi for testing. The signal is weak but I can readily hear the CW.
So, it looks like I’m ready to take it on the road for testing. That will bring my limited rover up to the four band limit for the category. We’ll see what happens in the January VHF contest.
Glad you’re on 222. I’ll look for you in the contest. Also join the 222 activity night Tuesdays at 8p on 222.100. KK6RUM / EM10
Hi Jenner,
I’ll watch for you during the contest. I’ve been testing my 222 transverter on Tuesday evening activity night on FT8. I haven’t looked at 222.100. I’ll give that a try. I will note that from home I’m only using a 3-element cheap yagi balanced on my office chair on the second floor! Should do much better in the contest.
73, Jim, K5ND
[…] plan was to activate the IC-9700 on 144/432 and the IC-9100 on 50/222 with a six meter amp and 222 transverter. Then an IC-7300 arrived just a couple days before the contest. That’s sweet. But at that […]
OK, this is a super late comment on this blog. I’ve actually thought about running this exact setup vs. my current solo op June setup that is a K3 with XV222 and XV432 plus amps. In the end, I settled on the Elecraft stuff only because it uses one mic, key, digi interface, etc. When running stations from 6 to 432, swapping radios can be tough. Many stations here in the NE can be run on the lower 4 in literally 1 minute. Swapping headphones and keys takes time and after 20 hours of contest it is also confusing!
The XV222 and 432 transverters are just OK, but the operation benefit it worth while. Maybe someone will make a modern FT-736Rk?
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