[HATS] HATS ATV Transmitter Survey

[Ed Manuel (N5EM)]

OK, y'all are right.  What good is a survey if you don't have a clue how 
much it might cost :-)

Firm numbers are not yet in because we are finalizing the design and the board.

But, for planning purposes, figure that the 2 watt version on 1.2 ghz. or 
the 50 milliwatt version on 2.4 ghz. will be in the range of $250 +/- 
15%.  This is in line with the cost of the TR-2 that was made a couple of 
years ago.

The 50 milliwatt versions on 23/33 cm might be somewhat less expensive 
since they don't need the fairly expensive power output modules.

Again, specs and price are not firm until we finish the boards and the 
survey was to get info to help us make the final decisions there.

A brief feature list follows:
Frequency Control:  PLL/VCO with programming down to at least 250 khz. 
(33/23cm) and 500 khz. (13cm) - two pre-programmed channels - front panel 
switch selectable.  Lock indicator output.

Subcarriers:  PLL/VCO progammable from 4 to 7.7 mhz.  Each subcarrier has 
an individual input level control and injection level (you can turn the 
level down until the subcarrier is "off".  Individual channel lock 
indicator output.  (Per request of the good folks in Dallas :-)

Power:  Ok, here is a change.  We will supply a 50 milliwatt version on 33, 
23 and 13 cm.  We are planning to supply a 2 watt version on 33 and 23 
cm.  We would love to find a small, 1 or 2 watt module for the 2.4 ghz. 
band that would run from 12 volts and be available!  If anyone has a 
suggestion, please provide it and we'll consider a high power version of 
the 13 cm.  We are not going to supply the low power version (10 
milliwatts).  There will be room for a pad if you need to attenuate the 50 
milliwatts to some lower power level to drive an external amplifier.

As usual, the transmitter will come with a nice case that also provides 
heat sinking for the power module.  If you want more power, you can 
probably get it.  The internal pad can be removed or reduced to increase 
drive to the output modules.  The 900 mhz. module will probably supply 6 
watts if driven properly.  The 1.2 ghz. module can make 5 without trying 
too hard.  Lots of heat to dissipate, though.  You are on your own to make 
sure you don't smoke the system.  Most of us have amplifiers that only need 
a watt or two anyway.  Most of the folks in Houston did just fine out to 20 
miles with the 2 watt transmitter.  We are trying to make a conservative 
transmitter that will last forever and provide years of service.

I think that should give you enough information until we can really put the 
final stuff on the web with pictures and actual prices and delivery 
times.  Anyone in the biz of building electronic stuff today (especially RF 
stuff) knows that the real limitation is getting the parts.  It certainly 
is a challenge - but a heck of a lot of fun.

Ed, N5EM
n5em@amsat.org





---
Send e-mail to 'listar@stevens.com' with subject:

  'unsubscribe hats'  to unsubscribe from this list
  'subscribe hats'    to subscribe from this list
  'help'              for more information