UK Microwave Group Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Chip bank

2025-04-06T09:58:41Z

G6jyb:

The UK Microwave Group runs a chip bank to provide low quantities of those hard to get SMD components. It is a free benefit to UKuG members in the UK/EU - the UK Microwave Group picks up the cost of packaging and postage etc.

* UKuG: [https://www.microwavers.org/?chipbank.htm Chipbank]

Main Page

2025-04-05T14:01:56Z

G6jyb: /* The UK Microwave Group Information and services */

[[file:ukuglogo.jpg|left|80px|middle]]

<big><big><big>'''Welcome to the''' '''''[http://www.microwavers.org UK Microwave Group]''''' '''Wiki'''</big></big></big>

The place to find information on equipment and projects for Amateur Microwave operation on bands above 1 GHz.
 

 

 

This wiki is designed to be a reference library, developed by the UK Microwave Group for use by the worldwide microwave community. Any information which you feel is of use to others can be put on the Wiki, but please observe any copyright restrictions on your material you use. However, before you can add or edit content you will need to [[Registering|register for an account]].

== Contents ==
* [[Registering]] on the UK Microwave Wiki
=== New to Microwave operation? ===
* Get the basics in our collection of [[Getting Started|Getting Started guides]]
* Glossary and index of terms and TLAs used in Amateur Microwave operation [[Glossary of terms|Glossary of terms]]

=== The UK Microwave Group Information and services===
* [[Joining UK Microwave Group]]
* [[Beaconspot]]
* [[Contest Calendar]]
* [[UK Microwave Group on Twitter]]
* [[UK Microwave Group Youtube Channel]]
* [[Chip bank|The UK Microwave Chip Bank]]
* Loan Equipment

=== Scatterpoint Magazine ===
* Full details inc archive at: [http://scatterpoint.org/ scatterpoint.org]

=== Microwave Roundtables ===
* [[Presentations]] from Roundtables and other events.
* Recordings from Roundtables can be found on the UK Microwave Group Youtube channel.

===Microwave SDR projects===
* [[Hayling project]] The UK Microwave Group SDR transceiver
* [[Langstone Project]] The prototype microwave SDR project
* [[Langstone V2]] Latest version with additional support for the Lime SDR and Lime RFE

=== Getting on the Microwave Bands ===
The Low Bands:
* [[1.3 GHz]]
* [[2.3 GHz]]
* [[3.4 GHz]]

The middle bands:
* [[5.7 GHz]]
* [[10 GHz]]

The High bands
* [[24 GHz]]
* [[47 GHz]]
* [[76 GHz]]

The Millimetre Bands
* [[122 GHz]]
* [[134 GHz]]
* [[241 GHz]]

Terahertz
* [[275+ GHz]]

=== Operating ===
* [[Awards and Trophies]]
* [[Digital modes using WSJT]]
* [[Digital modes using Opera]]
* [[Talkback for microwave operation including ON4KST]]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1VeLnRRbLwloDTL2i9-HE2sxqL0c&ll=52.95536632179757%2C-0.49709419999999227&z=7 Google map] showing possible portable operating sites
* [[Mapping tools]] - including finding the IARU LOCATOR of a site, UK postcode to Lat and Long conversion and a topographic overlay for Google maps
* [[Propagation tools]]
* [[EMF]] - guidance on EM Field exposure

===Microwave EME===

*[[Microwave_EME]]
* Flight Refuelling ARS 10 GHz EME Project History - G4RFR: [[:File:FRARS EME Project.pdf]]

=== Measurement techniques ===
* [[Measuring sun noise]]
* [[Realtime signal power plot]] Software from G4JNT

=== Construction projects ===
* [[PE4302]] - PE4302 variable attenuator project
* [[ADF435x PIC]] - PIC controllers for Chinese ADF4350/4351 boards
* [[F6BVA 3cm transverter]] - F6BVA 3cm to UHF transverter project

=== G4BAO's Bodger's Guides ===

* Modifying AFL 900MHz Hybrids for 23cms: [[:File:900MHz Hybrids.doc]]
* Modifying Mini Circuits ZAPD1 splitters for wideband: [[:File:Wideband splitter.doc]]
* 13cm PA using a G4BAO 23cm board and an MRF19085: [[:File:MRF19085.doc]]
* Bodging 1900MHz QRO amps for 13cm: [[:File:1900AMPS.doc]]
* Using a Lucent ILam QRO SSPA on 13cm: [[:File:ILAM_Mods1.doc]]
* Using a ceramic MRF9045 in the G4BAO PA PCB: [[:File:ceramic.doc]]
* A control board for a GaAsFET PA: [[:File:GaAs PA control.doc]]
* A 70cm converter: [[:File:70cm converter.doc]]
* Dishal's method for tuning up filters: [[:File:Dishal.doc]]
* Simple PIC controller to use as a beacon with the G4JNT synthesiser board: [[:File:Beacon_PIC.doc]]
* A small, high current Stepdown PSU after a design by G3WDG: [[:File:stepdown_PSU.pdf]]

=== Useful Circuits and notes ===
* [[ADF series of synthesizers]]
* [[Filters]] - Collection of links and designs for that most critical but over looked component!
* [[Pre-amps]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of preamplifiers
* [[Power amplifiers]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of power amplifiers
* [[LeoBodnar GPS Settings]]
* [[Waveguide]] - An introduction to Waveguides
* [[G3WDG Microwave Designs]] - Construction Notes for the G3WDG Series of Kits
* [[Microwave signal source]] - How to generate low power test signals on all bands up to 122GHz
* [[Waveguide Slot Array calculator]] - Updated design sheet with standard w/g sizes and single-side array support
* [[Hybrid Networks|Hybrid Networks and their Uses]] - A description what hybrids do and how they can be used
* [["Franco" SU-02 10GHz PCB]] The very useful 10GHz amplifier PCB from RF Microwave in Italy

=== Miscellaneous Equipment manuals and schematics ===
* [[Mutek]] Circuits and documentation for the Mutek range of equipment
* [[Microwave modules]] Circuits and documentation for the Microwave modules range of equipment
* [[Cellflex]] Data sheets for Cellflex cables
* Spec and technical drawings of standard, anti-cocking and precision [https://flann.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Waveguide-and-Flange-Information.pdf Flann flanges]
* [[Kuhne]] Electronic Microwave Components

=== Test equipment manuals ===
For HP and Agilent equipment see the UKMicrowaves Group files at
[https://groups.io/g/UKMicrowaves/files/Test%20Equipment%20-%20Manuals]
and [https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment groups.io] which has replaced the old
[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hp_agilent_equipment/info Yahoo group]

UKuG thanks BATC for hosting this facility

Chip bank

2025-04-05T13:57:30Z

G6jyb: added link

The UK Microwave Group runs a chip bank to provide low quantities of those hard to get SMD components. It is a free benefit to UKuG members in the UK/EU - the UK Microwave Group picks up the cost of packaging and postage etc.

UKuG: [https://www.microwavers.org/?chipbank.htm Chipbank]

1.3 GHz

2023-06-22T05:35:58Z

G6jyb: /* ATV */ FMATV declining vs DATV

The UK 1.3 GHz or 23cms allocation runs from 1240 to 1325 MHz with the centre of the narrow band operating segment at 1296.100 MHz. The 1300-1325 MHz section is unique to the UK and used by a number of ATV repeater outputs.

===Band Plan===

See the [https://thersgb.org/services/bandplans/html/rsgb_band_plan_2017.htm RSGB 1.3GHz band plan] for full details.

===Beacons===
There are a number of narrow band beacons in the 1.3 GHz band - see [http://www.microwavers.org/indexb.htm this page for an up to date list]. There are also a number of licensed voice repeaters in the band which provide useful off air narrowband ID signals

===Voice/Data===
The UK has a series of FM Voice repeaters and as well as some 23cm D-Star DV/DD systems. ETCC
* Current List: [https://ukrepeater.net/repeaterlist.html?filter=23CM 23cm UK Voice Repeaters]

===ATV===
The 23cm band accommodates significant ATV activity. FM-ATV was popular, but increasingly
DATV is in use (based on DVB-S QPSK). See the [http://www.batc.org.uk/ BATC website] and [https://wiki.batc.org.uk/23cms_ATV Wiki] for further info.
* Current List: [https://ukrepeater.net/tvrepeaterlist.html?filter3=23cm UK 23cm TV Repeaters]

===Step up to 1296! - Making the move from VHF===
Are you one of those people working the "same old, same old" stations on 144MHz, especially in the UKAC contests? Well how about taking the step up to the lowest of the GHz bands, 1296MHz (23cm)? 

'''What's involved?''' How will it differ from 144MHz? What's it going to cost me, are all questions that you will be asking yourself before taking the step. This short feature tries to answer such questions and encourage you to have a go.
The UK 23cm band covers 1240 to 1325MHz and we are there as guests or secondary users. We share the band with a number of L band radars that are close in frequency in the band 1215MHz – 1400MHz including Civil and Air defence en route Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR). A map of civil radar sites can be found at (1) The band is subject to major replanning, but this feature reflects the situation today. Contact the Microwave Manager (2) for further information on this replanning.
The narrowband section covers the 2MHz from 1296 to 1298MHz and contains the bulk of the activity on CW/SSB, digital modes and repeaters. Satellite operation takes place between 1260 and 1270MHz, but in order to prevent interference to Primary Users, caution must be exercised prior to using 1250-1290MHz in the UK. TV repeater outputs are between 1300 and 1325MHz, with inputs between 1242 and 1249 MHz. 

'''Equipment''' 

A basic beginners setup for 23cms is just about identical to 144MHz as far as equipment is concerned. It consists of a transceiver with a 1296MHz module, or a transceiver plus transverter, some low loss coax, and a Yagi antenna. (Fig 1).
Due to the losses involved in coax (RG213 loss at 1296 is typically 9dB per 100m compared to 3dB at 144MHz) it makes sense to have a remote receive preamp at the masthead and switch it out of circuit on transmit. I covered the effect of masthead preamps on system performance in the GHz column in August last year (3). Fig 2 shows two ways of implementing a masthead preamp. The first with a single coax feed and two masthead relays (or a transfer relay) and the second using two coaxes and a single masthead relay. If your transverter or rig has separate TX and RX inputs, this is my preferred way of doing things for two reasons. The first is that only one relay is needed at the masthead, giving more reliability and you can split the receive feed in the shack to an SDR panadapter such as an RTL or Funcube dongle. The receive coax van be lossy thin cable such as RG58, as the masthead preamp gain will compensate. 

1296MHz equipment is not expensive these days; a basic fully assembled transverter such as those at (4) and (5) will cost you well under £200, and a Yagi in the order of £90. If you are comfortable with Surface mount construction, a 45Watt PA kit can be had for under £100 (6) and a preamp for around £50 (7) Such a setup will be very competitive indeed, and will enable you to make use of all the propagation modes available for the band. You'll even be able to work some of the "Mega stations" such as PI9CAM and HB9Q on JT modes EME (Moonbounce). 

'''Antennas'''
With the tripling in frequency, antennas become smaller by a factor of three, or to put it another way , for a given boom length, you can get three times the performance of 144MHz. The visual impact of a high gain 1296MHz Yagi is much less than one for 144MHz, it being smaller than a typical TV antenna. Photo 1 shows a dual band array with 44elements on 23cm and 44 elements on 13cms with a domestic chimney for comparison. A single Yagi It can be put up on a light rotator without worrying about what the neighbours are going to think! 

'''Propagation''' 1296MHz really come in to it's own when you consider propagation. It retains much of the DX characteristics of 144MHz, with line of sight, hilltop to hilltop performance and weather–dependent tropospheric enhancement. When this tropo becomes extreme and ducting takes place, 1296 can often be better than 144MHz and enhanced ranges up to 2500km are possible. The UK terrestrial records at August 2008 stands at 2617km. Due to the high ERPs possible with relatively small antennas, tropospheric scatter becomes an important mode when the band is otherwise "flat, with over the horizon ranges up to 500km quite possible. Add Aircraft Scatter enhancement up to 800km and you have a band that's always got some interesting DX possibilities.
 
Give it a go
So how about stepping up and giving 1296 a go? I've only covered the basics of getting on for narrowband and DX working, but there's Digital and Analogue ATV, to consider, FM and repeaters and Data modes as well. Once you've experienced 1296, you'll be thinking about going higher in frequency, or doing EME seriously... or both! 
 

You'll find up to date information on activity in the monthly GHz Bands column in RadCom, on the UK Microwave group's site (8) and in their monthly Scatterpoint magazine (9). The best value for £6 a year in the world! The UK Microwave group has a twitter feed @UKGHz and the hashtag #GHz_bands is used. See you on the GHz bands!

===Websearch===
1. L band radar map - http://www.microwavers.org/?maps/radars3.htm 
2. RSGB Microwave Manager - http://bit.ly/1jM1I5K 
3. RadCom August 2015 vol91no8 - http://bit.ly/1OfQQFF 
4. F1OPA transverter - http://bit.ly/1kagE6Z 
5. SG Lab Transverter - http://www.sg-lab.com/TR1300/tr1300.html 
6. 45Watt PA kit - http://www.g4bao.com 
7. 23cm preamp kit - http://www.g4ddk.com 
8. UK Microwave Group - http://www.microwavers.org/ 
9. Scatterpoint - http://www.scatterpoint.org/ 

Photo and Figure captions
Figure 1 Basic 1296MHz setup
Figure 2 Two ways of implementing a masthead preamp
Photo 1 23cm and 13cm antennas aren't that big!
Photo credits
Photo 1 G4BAO

==1.3 GHz Equipment==

23cms is a great band to get an introduction to microwaves and several equipment manufacturers make transverters for 1.3GHz:

Have a look at:- 
* '''SG Lab''' http://www.sg-lab.com/TR1300/tr1300.html 
* '''Kuhne Electronic''' https://shop.kuhne-electronic.de/kuhne/en/shop/converter-transverte/transverter/ 
* '''Down East Microwave''' https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/ 
* '''Minikits''' http://www.minikits.com.au/23cm-Transverter 

There are a number of "build yourself" articles on the Web such as 
From the ARRL archive try, http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/microwave/23cmxv.pdf 
The excellent W1GHZ website has some simple to build designs. http://www.w1ghz.org/MBT/multiband.htm

===1.3 GHz Rx LNAs===

===1.3 GHz Power Amplifiers===
Henning DF9IC's presentation on his 2 x MRFE6S9160 250W SSPA for 23cm (Weinheim 2015 in German) [http://www.df9ic.de/doc/2015/weinheim_2015/weinheim_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf Weinheim_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf] and slides in English [http://www.df9ic.de/doc/2015/mmrt_2015/mmrt_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf MMRT_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf]

[[file:DF9IC PCB and FETs.jpg|300px]]

W6PQL sells boards and parts for a [https://www.w6pql.com/1296/images/13750amp/kitassembly.htm 600W 23cm] PA using an MRF13750

[[file:W6PQL-MRF13750-1.jpg|300px]] [[file:W6PQL-MRF13750-2.jpg|300px]]

===1.3 GHz Antennas===

[[G3JVL Wideband Quad-Loop Yagi]]

1.3 GHz

2023-04-15T12:12:23Z

G6jyb: /* ATV */

The UK 1.3 GHz or 23cms allocation runs from 1240 to 1325 MHz with the centre of the narrow band operating segment at 1296.100 MHz. The 1300-1325 MHz section is unique to the UK and used by a number of ATV repeater outputs.

===Band Plan===

See the [https://thersgb.org/services/bandplans/html/rsgb_band_plan_2017.htm RSGB 1.3GHz band plan] for full details.

===Beacons===
There are a number of narrow band beacons in the 1.3 GHz band - see [http://www.microwavers.org/indexb.htm this page for an up to date list]. There are also a number of licensed voice repeaters in the band which provide useful off air narrowband ID signals

===Voice/Data===
The UK has a series of FM Voice repeaters and as well as some 23cm D-Star DV/DD systems. ETCC
* Current List: [https://ukrepeater.net/repeaterlist.html?filter=23CM 23cm UK Voice Repeaters]

===ATV===
The 23cm band accommodates significant ATV activity. FM-ATV is still popular but increasingly
DATV is in use (based on DVB-S QPSK). See the [http://www.batc.org.uk/ BATC website] and [https://wiki.batc.org.uk/23cms_ATV Wiki] for further info.
* Current List: [https://ukrepeater.net/tvrepeaterlist.html?filter3=23cm UK 23cm TV Repeaters]

===Step up to 1296! - Making the move from VHF===
Are you one of those people working the "same old, same old" stations on 144MHz, especially in the UKAC contests? Well how about taking the step up to the lowest of the GHz bands, 1296MHz (23cm)? 

'''What's involved?''' How will it differ from 144MHz? What's it going to cost me, are all questions that you will be asking yourself before taking the step. This short feature tries to answer such questions and encourage you to have a go.
The UK 23cm band covers 1240 to 1325MHz and we are there as guests or secondary users. We share the band with a number of L band radars that are close in frequency in the band 1215MHz – 1400MHz including Civil and Air defence en route Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR). A map of civil radar sites can be found at (1) The band is subject to major replanning, but this feature reflects the situation today. Contact the Microwave Manager (2) for further information on this replanning.
The narrowband section covers the 2MHz from 1296 to 1298MHz and contains the bulk of the activity on CW/SSB, digital modes and repeaters. Satellite operation takes place between 1260 and 1270MHz, but in order to prevent interference to Primary Users, caution must be exercised prior to using 1250-1290MHz in the UK. TV repeater outputs are between 1300 and 1325MHz, with inputs between 1242 and 1249 MHz. 

'''Equipment''' 

A basic beginners setup for 23cms is just about identical to 144MHz as far as equipment is concerned. It consists of a transceiver with a 1296MHz module, or a transceiver plus transverter, some low loss coax, and a Yagi antenna. (Fig 1).
Due to the losses involved in coax (RG213 loss at 1296 is typically 9dB per 100m compared to 3dB at 144MHz) it makes sense to have a remote receive preamp at the masthead and switch it out of circuit on transmit. I covered the effect of masthead preamps on system performance in the GHz column in August last year (3). Fig 2 shows two ways of implementing a masthead preamp. The first with a single coax feed and two masthead relays (or a transfer relay) and the second using two coaxes and a single masthead relay. If your transverter or rig has separate TX and RX inputs, this is my preferred way of doing things for two reasons. The first is that only one relay is needed at the masthead, giving more reliability and you can split the receive feed in the shack to an SDR panadapter such as an RTL or Funcube dongle. The receive coax van be lossy thin cable such as RG58, as the masthead preamp gain will compensate. 

1296MHz equipment is not expensive these days; a basic fully assembled transverter such as those at (4) and (5) will cost you well under £200, and a Yagi in the order of £90. If you are comfortable with Surface mount construction, a 45Watt PA kit can be had for under £100 (6) and a preamp for around £50 (7) Such a setup will be very competitive indeed, and will enable you to make use of all the propagation modes available for the band. You'll even be able to work some of the "Mega stations" such as PI9CAM and HB9Q on JT modes EME (Moonbounce). 

'''Antennas'''
With the tripling in frequency, antennas become smaller by a factor of three, or to put it another way , for a given boom length, you can get three times the performance of 144MHz. The visual impact of a high gain 1296MHz Yagi is much less than one for 144MHz, it being smaller than a typical TV antenna. Photo 1 shows a dual band array with 44elements on 23cm and 44 elements on 13cms with a domestic chimney for comparison. A single Yagi It can be put up on a light rotator without worrying about what the neighbours are going to think! 

'''Propagation''' 1296MHz really come in to it's own when you consider propagation. It retains much of the DX characteristics of 144MHz, with line of sight, hilltop to hilltop performance and weather–dependent tropospheric enhancement. When this tropo becomes extreme and ducting takes place, 1296 can often be better than 144MHz and enhanced ranges up to 2500km are possible. The UK terrestrial records at August 2008 stands at 2617km. Due to the high ERPs possible with relatively small antennas, tropospheric scatter becomes an important mode when the band is otherwise "flat, with over the horizon ranges up to 500km quite possible. Add Aircraft Scatter enhancement up to 800km and you have a band that's always got some interesting DX possibilities.
 
Give it a go
So how about stepping up and giving 1296 a go? I've only covered the basics of getting on for narrowband and DX working, but there's Digital and Analogue ATV, to consider, FM and repeaters and Data modes as well. Once you've experienced 1296, you'll be thinking about going higher in frequency, or doing EME seriously... or both! 
 

You'll find up to date information on activity in the monthly GHz Bands column in RadCom, on the UK Microwave group's site (8) and in their monthly Scatterpoint magazine (9). The best value for £6 a year in the world! The UK Microwave group has a twitter feed @UKGHz and the hashtag #GHz_bands is used. See you on the GHz bands!

===Websearch===
1. L band radar map - http://www.microwavers.org/?maps/radars3.htm 
2. RSGB Microwave Manager - http://bit.ly/1jM1I5K 
3. RadCom August 2015 vol91no8 - http://bit.ly/1OfQQFF 
4. F1OPA transverter - http://bit.ly/1kagE6Z 
5. SG Lab Transverter - http://www.sg-lab.com/TR1300/tr1300.html 
6. 45Watt PA kit - http://www.g4bao.com 
7. 23cm preamp kit - http://www.g4ddk.com 
8. UK Microwave Group - http://www.microwavers.org/ 
9. Scatterpoint - http://www.scatterpoint.org/ 

Photo and Figure captions
Figure 1 Basic 1296MHz setup
Figure 2 Two ways of implementing a masthead preamp
Photo 1 23cm and 13cm antennas aren't that big!
Photo credits
Photo 1 G4BAO

==1.3 GHz Equipment==

23cms is a great band to get an introduction to microwaves and several equipment manufacturers make transverters for 1.3GHz:

Have a look at:- 
* '''SG Lab''' http://www.sg-lab.com/TR1300/tr1300.html 
* '''Kuhne Electronic''' https://shop.kuhne-electronic.de/kuhne/en/shop/converter-transverte/transverter/ 
* '''Down East Microwave''' https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/ 
* '''Minikits''' http://www.minikits.com.au/23cm-Transverter 

There are a number of "build yourself" articles on the Web such as 
From the ARRL archive try, http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/microwave/23cmxv.pdf 
The excellent W1GHZ website has some simple to build designs. http://www.w1ghz.org/MBT/multiband.htm

===1.3 GHz Rx LNAs===

===1.3 GHz Power Amplifiers===
Henning DF9IC's presentation on his 2 x MRFE6S9160 250W SSPA for 23cm (Weinheim 2015 in German) [http://www.df9ic.de/doc/2015/weinheim_2015/weinheim_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf Weinheim_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf] and slides in English [http://www.df9ic.de/doc/2015/mmrt_2015/mmrt_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf MMRT_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf]

[[file:DF9IC PCB and FETs.jpg|300px]]

W6PQL sells boards and parts for a [https://www.w6pql.com/1296/images/13750amp/kitassembly.htm 600W 23cm] PA using an MRF13750

[[file:W6PQL-MRF13750-1.jpg|300px]] [[file:W6PQL-MRF13750-2.jpg|300px]]

===1.3 GHz Antennas===

[[G3JVL Wideband Quad-Loop Yagi]]

1.3 GHz

2023-04-15T12:11:29Z

G6jyb: /* Voice/Data */

The UK 1.3 GHz or 23cms allocation runs from 1240 to 1325 MHz with the centre of the narrow band operating segment at 1296.100 MHz. The 1300-1325 MHz section is unique to the UK and used by a number of ATV repeater outputs.

===Band Plan===

See the [https://thersgb.org/services/bandplans/html/rsgb_band_plan_2017.htm RSGB 1.3GHz band plan] for full details.

===Beacons===
There are a number of narrow band beacons in the 1.3 GHz band - see [http://www.microwavers.org/indexb.htm this page for an up to date list]. There are also a number of licensed voice repeaters in the band which provide useful off air narrowband ID signals

===Voice/Data===
The UK has a series of FM Voice repeaters and as well as some 23cm D-Star DV/DD systems. ETCC
* Current List: [https://ukrepeater.net/repeaterlist.html?filter=23CM 23cm UK Voice Repeaters]

===ATV===
The 23cm band accommodates significant ATV activity. FM-ATV is still popular but increasingly
DATV is in use (based on DVB-S QPSK). See the [http://www.batc.org.uk/ BATC website] and [https://wiki.batc.org.uk/23cms_ATV Wiki] for further info.
* Current List: [https://www.ukrepeater.net/tvrepeaterlist.htm?filter3=23cm UK 23cm TV Repeaters]

===Step up to 1296! - Making the move from VHF===
Are you one of those people working the "same old, same old" stations on 144MHz, especially in the UKAC contests? Well how about taking the step up to the lowest of the GHz bands, 1296MHz (23cm)? 

'''What's involved?''' How will it differ from 144MHz? What's it going to cost me, are all questions that you will be asking yourself before taking the step. This short feature tries to answer such questions and encourage you to have a go.
The UK 23cm band covers 1240 to 1325MHz and we are there as guests or secondary users. We share the band with a number of L band radars that are close in frequency in the band 1215MHz – 1400MHz including Civil and Air defence en route Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR). A map of civil radar sites can be found at (1) The band is subject to major replanning, but this feature reflects the situation today. Contact the Microwave Manager (2) for further information on this replanning.
The narrowband section covers the 2MHz from 1296 to 1298MHz and contains the bulk of the activity on CW/SSB, digital modes and repeaters. Satellite operation takes place between 1260 and 1270MHz, but in order to prevent interference to Primary Users, caution must be exercised prior to using 1250-1290MHz in the UK. TV repeater outputs are between 1300 and 1325MHz, with inputs between 1242 and 1249 MHz. 

'''Equipment''' 

A basic beginners setup for 23cms is just about identical to 144MHz as far as equipment is concerned. It consists of a transceiver with a 1296MHz module, or a transceiver plus transverter, some low loss coax, and a Yagi antenna. (Fig 1).
Due to the losses involved in coax (RG213 loss at 1296 is typically 9dB per 100m compared to 3dB at 144MHz) it makes sense to have a remote receive preamp at the masthead and switch it out of circuit on transmit. I covered the effect of masthead preamps on system performance in the GHz column in August last year (3). Fig 2 shows two ways of implementing a masthead preamp. The first with a single coax feed and two masthead relays (or a transfer relay) and the second using two coaxes and a single masthead relay. If your transverter or rig has separate TX and RX inputs, this is my preferred way of doing things for two reasons. The first is that only one relay is needed at the masthead, giving more reliability and you can split the receive feed in the shack to an SDR panadapter such as an RTL or Funcube dongle. The receive coax van be lossy thin cable such as RG58, as the masthead preamp gain will compensate. 

1296MHz equipment is not expensive these days; a basic fully assembled transverter such as those at (4) and (5) will cost you well under £200, and a Yagi in the order of £90. If you are comfortable with Surface mount construction, a 45Watt PA kit can be had for under £100 (6) and a preamp for around £50 (7) Such a setup will be very competitive indeed, and will enable you to make use of all the propagation modes available for the band. You'll even be able to work some of the "Mega stations" such as PI9CAM and HB9Q on JT modes EME (Moonbounce). 

'''Antennas'''
With the tripling in frequency, antennas become smaller by a factor of three, or to put it another way , for a given boom length, you can get three times the performance of 144MHz. The visual impact of a high gain 1296MHz Yagi is much less than one for 144MHz, it being smaller than a typical TV antenna. Photo 1 shows a dual band array with 44elements on 23cm and 44 elements on 13cms with a domestic chimney for comparison. A single Yagi It can be put up on a light rotator without worrying about what the neighbours are going to think! 

'''Propagation''' 1296MHz really come in to it's own when you consider propagation. It retains much of the DX characteristics of 144MHz, with line of sight, hilltop to hilltop performance and weather–dependent tropospheric enhancement. When this tropo becomes extreme and ducting takes place, 1296 can often be better than 144MHz and enhanced ranges up to 2500km are possible. The UK terrestrial records at August 2008 stands at 2617km. Due to the high ERPs possible with relatively small antennas, tropospheric scatter becomes an important mode when the band is otherwise "flat, with over the horizon ranges up to 500km quite possible. Add Aircraft Scatter enhancement up to 800km and you have a band that's always got some interesting DX possibilities.
 
Give it a go
So how about stepping up and giving 1296 a go? I've only covered the basics of getting on for narrowband and DX working, but there's Digital and Analogue ATV, to consider, FM and repeaters and Data modes as well. Once you've experienced 1296, you'll be thinking about going higher in frequency, or doing EME seriously... or both! 
 

You'll find up to date information on activity in the monthly GHz Bands column in RadCom, on the UK Microwave group's site (8) and in their monthly Scatterpoint magazine (9). The best value for £6 a year in the world! The UK Microwave group has a twitter feed @UKGHz and the hashtag #GHz_bands is used. See you on the GHz bands!

===Websearch===
1. L band radar map - http://www.microwavers.org/?maps/radars3.htm 
2. RSGB Microwave Manager - http://bit.ly/1jM1I5K 
3. RadCom August 2015 vol91no8 - http://bit.ly/1OfQQFF 
4. F1OPA transverter - http://bit.ly/1kagE6Z 
5. SG Lab Transverter - http://www.sg-lab.com/TR1300/tr1300.html 
6. 45Watt PA kit - http://www.g4bao.com 
7. 23cm preamp kit - http://www.g4ddk.com 
8. UK Microwave Group - http://www.microwavers.org/ 
9. Scatterpoint - http://www.scatterpoint.org/ 

Photo and Figure captions
Figure 1 Basic 1296MHz setup
Figure 2 Two ways of implementing a masthead preamp
Photo 1 23cm and 13cm antennas aren't that big!
Photo credits
Photo 1 G4BAO

==1.3 GHz Equipment==

23cms is a great band to get an introduction to microwaves and several equipment manufacturers make transverters for 1.3GHz:

Have a look at:- 
* '''SG Lab''' http://www.sg-lab.com/TR1300/tr1300.html 
* '''Kuhne Electronic''' https://shop.kuhne-electronic.de/kuhne/en/shop/converter-transverte/transverter/ 
* '''Down East Microwave''' https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/ 
* '''Minikits''' http://www.minikits.com.au/23cm-Transverter 

There are a number of "build yourself" articles on the Web such as 
From the ARRL archive try, http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/microwave/23cmxv.pdf 
The excellent W1GHZ website has some simple to build designs. http://www.w1ghz.org/MBT/multiband.htm

===1.3 GHz Rx LNAs===

===1.3 GHz Power Amplifiers===
Henning DF9IC's presentation on his 2 x MRFE6S9160 250W SSPA for 23cm (Weinheim 2015 in German) [http://www.df9ic.de/doc/2015/weinheim_2015/weinheim_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf Weinheim_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf] and slides in English [http://www.df9ic.de/doc/2015/mmrt_2015/mmrt_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf MMRT_2015_1296MHz_PAs.pdf]

[[file:DF9IC PCB and FETs.jpg|300px]]

W6PQL sells boards and parts for a [https://www.w6pql.com/1296/images/13750amp/kitassembly.htm 600W 23cm] PA using an MRF13750

[[file:W6PQL-MRF13750-1.jpg|300px]] [[file:W6PQL-MRF13750-2.jpg|300px]]

===1.3 GHz Antennas===

[[G3JVL Wideband Quad-Loop Yagi]]

76 GHz

2023-04-15T12:10:01Z

G6jyb: /* Beacons */ Update as GB3CCX is now QRT

The UK 76 GHz allocation runs from 75.5-81 GHz and has a mix of Primary and Secondary segments. UK narrowband activity is centred at 75.976 - just below the automotive radars that use 76-77 GHz. Activity is largely portable narrowband stations though some Amateur TV is also used

===Band Plan===
See the [https://rsgb.org/main/operating/band-plans/ RSGB band plan] for full details. 

The UK segment at 75.875-76.0 GHz is a UK Primary and coincides with a Fixed Links guard band. It is part of the CEPT ECA35 footnote allocation for 75.5-76 GHz. Operation at ~75.9 is preferred compared to 76032 that is often used in Europe or 77.5 in the USA

In the UK, 75976.2 MHz is often used as the narrowband calling channel.

===Beacons===
There used to be a GB3xxx licensed narrow band beacon in the band - new proposals are welcome. Several individuals will run personal beacons as required

==76 GHz Equipment==
It is common to use high performance lower frequency synthesisers (eg at ~11-13GHz) and multiply/mix up/down.

===76 GHz Power amplifiers===
 

===76 GHz Antennas===
Modest size Parabolic dishes or Horns give plenty of gain and directivity at these frequencies. Consequently the narrow beam angles make precise antenna pointing/alignment a key consideration.

134 GHz

2023-04-15T12:07:49Z

G6jyb: /* Beacons */ Update as GB3CCX is QRT

The UK 134 GHz Primary amateur and amateur-satellite allocation runs from 134.0 to 136.0 GHz with the centre of the narrow band operating segment at 134.928 GHz.

===Band Plan===

See the [https://rsgb.org/main/operating/band-plans/ RSGB band plan] for full details.

===Beacons===
There used to be a licensed GB3xxx narrow band beacon in the band - new proposals are welcome. Several individuals will run personal beacons as required

==134 GHz Equipment==
A number of amateurs have equipment. See the [http://www.microwavers.org/?134ghz.htm 134GHz UKuG page]. Distances of >30km can be achieved with low powers.

===134 GHz Power amplifiers===

===134 GHz Antennas===

Many small horns and dishes are readily usable. The very high gains create beamwidths of less than a degree which necessitates careful alignment and pointing. Thus it is not unusual to see some equipment having co-mounted rifle-sights to assist setting up for QSOs.

Simple conical horn antennas can be made from cake-icing nozzles and the PME range of stainless steel ones (readily available from eBay or local kitchenware shops) will give a gain of about 23dB at 134GHz. All the nozzles in the range have an aperture of 16mm and only differ in the diameter of the throat (corresponding to the diameter of the icing thread produced). The PME 1.5 nozzle is a good choice for 134GHz.

2.3 GHz

2023-02-20T01:07:43Z

G6jyb: /* 2.3 GHz Equipment */

The UK 2.3GHz or 13cms allocation is divided in to three sections:

* 2300 > 2302 MHz ([https://rsgb.org/main/operating/licensing-novs-visitors/online-nov-application/2300-2302mhz-nov/ via NoV])
* 2310 > 2350 MHz with the centre of the narrow band operating segment at 2320.100 MHz.
* 2390 > 2450 MHz including the amateur satellite service at 2400 > 2450 MHz

Note: The section 2350-2390 MHz was removed in 2015 for auction for 4G/LTE-TDD

===Band Plan===

See the [https://thersgb.org/services/bandplans/html/rsgb_band_plan_2017.htm RSGB 2.3 GHz band plan] for full details.

===Beacons===
There are a number of narrow band beacons in the 2.3 GHz band - see [http://www.beacons.org.uk this page for an up to date list/map] and
[http://www.beaconspot.uk BeaconSpot] for current reports.

===Satellites===
Systems in the band include HamTV downlink from the ISS and Geostationary system QO-100. The latter provides wide coverage across Region-1 with downlinks in 10.4GHz from uplinks in 2.4GHz

== 2.3 GHz Equipment ==

=== 2.3 GHz Transverters ===

13cms is a great band to get an introduction to microwaves and the availability of the Oscar 100 geostationary satellite has spawned a number of transmit upconverters for the 2400 MHz part of the band. Several equipment manufacturers make transverters for 2.3GHz:

In Europe there are 3 at least alternative sources of '''Transverters and kits'''.

A very nice low cost, all band coverage transverter can be bought from '''SG Lab in Bulgaria''' 
http://www.sg-lab.com/TR2300/tr2300.html 
Read G4BAO's review in RadCom, January-2017-vol-93-no-1

'''Kuhne (DB6NT)''' make complete units
https://shop.kuhne-electronic.de/kuhne/en/shop/converter-transverte/transverter/ 
Read G4DDK's review in September 2016 RadCom 

Some of their kits are sold via '''Eisch-Kafka''' 
http://www.eisch-electronic.com/katalog/download.html?path=Catalogue_english 
who also hold a wide range of GHz components 

If your Spanish is up to it, here is another source
http://www.ea1uro.com/transverters/transverters.html

A reliable source of PCB kits and designs is '''Paul Wade W1GHZ''' 
http://www.w1ghz.org/MBT/multiband.htm

'''Minikits''' of Australia sell a nice transverter kit 
http://www.minikits.com.au/electronic-kits/transverters/eme227-13cm
www.minikits.com.au/eme227-13cm

'''Down East Microwave''' (DEMI)in the USA make kits and complete transverters. 

https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/category-s/1839.htm

=== 2.3 GHz Power Amplifiers ===
TBA
=== 2.3 GHz Preamplifiers ===
TBA

=== SDR options ===
TBA
===2.3 GHz Antennas===
High gain Yagi antennas or small dishes are usually used for this band 

Commercial antennas can be bought from
*'''Wimo''', http://www.wimo.com/yagi-antennas-shf-wimo_e.html 
*'''Tonna''', https://www.f9ft.com/indexe.html 
*'''Directive Systems in the US''', http://directivesystems.com/2304-mhz-above/13-cm-antennas/ 
Excellent single and multi band dishes and feeds can be obtained from '''RF Ham design''' 
http://www.rfhamdesign.com/products/parabolicdishkit/ 

'''A note of warning''' 
Be very wary of some WiFi antennas found on eBay and the like. While they may look good and are cheap, many are not well designed, even for their intended use in the 2400MHz band. For short range usage, they may just suffice, but for serious DX work a decent dish or Yagi should be used. "Caveat Emptor" 

=== Some system configuration ideas ===
TBA

Waveguide

2023-02-20T01:03:55Z

G6jyb: /* Ridged */

[[File:waveguides.png|250px|right|border|alt=Waveguide shapes|Waveguide shapes]]
Waveguide is a precision tubular form of transmission line used at microwave and millimetre wave frequencies. The most common form is rectangular cross-section but there are others as illustrated and described below.

The waveguide wall contains and guides propagating fields once the operating frequency is above the cutoff point.
All waveguides are dispersive and have varying impedance and group delay vs frequency.

=== Rectangular ===
[[File:waveguide-field.png|250px |right|border|alt=Waveguide E-field|TE10 Electric Field]]Standard rectangular waveguide is typically twice as broad as high, although the ratio can vary slightly for historic reasons. It cuts on when the width, a, is half of the free-space wavelength.

* '''Width:''' The internal width determines the cut-on wavelength of the dominant TE10 mode as well as the TE20 overmode frequency.
* '''Height:''' The height influences its impedance. For either matching purposes or to save weight there are occasions where reduced or half-height waveguide is used

The recommended range is typically from 1.25 to 1.95 of the cut-on frequency unless measures are taken to prevent TE20 overmoding.

*UKuG Website: [https://www.microwavers.org/?waveguide.htm Table of Rectangular Waveguide Sizes]

=== Circular ===
Circular waveguide is often used in antenna feeds, but can also be used in low loss feeders and rotary joints
Its symmetry can support dual or circular polarisation, but also can result in indeterminate mode purity/alignment in longer lengths. The fundamental mode in circular waveguide is TE11 (akin to TE10 in rectangular guide).
Circularly symmetric modes are:

* '''TM01:''' The electric field is orthogonal at all points to the wall and is a key mode for rotary joints to give stable performance vs rotation
* '''TE01:''' This uniquely has no electric field at the wall edge and in theory has zero attenuation. Whilst its creation and sustainment takes care, it can be used for very low losses over many metres

*'''TE11o:''' This is a spinning circularly polarised version of TE11. This is achieved by careful use of dual feeds or phasing vanes

=== Elliptic ===
Elliptic waveguide is used in either rigid or flexible forms to provide a more stable mode environment than circular. The most common application is in long feeds to dishes.

=== Ridged ===
A capacitive metal ridge in the middle of a rectangular waveguide lowers its cutoff frequency (and impedance) whilst having only a modest effect on TE20. The result gives TE10 operation over an octave bandwidth (making it popular for EW applications). The format can be either single ridge from one broad wall, or a more symmetric double ridge from both. Examples:-

* WRD500D36 - Double Ridge 5.0-18 GHz (3.6:1 bandwidth ratio)
* WRD750D24 - Double Ridge 7.5-18 GHz (2.4:1 bandwidth ratio)
* WRD180C24 - Double Ridge 18-40 GHz (2.4:1 bandwidth ratio)

Waveguide

2023-02-20T00:59:23Z

G6jyb: /* Elliptic */

[[File:waveguides.png|250px|right|border|alt=Waveguide shapes|Waveguide shapes]]
Waveguide is a precision tubular form of transmission line used at microwave and millimetre wave frequencies. The most common form is rectangular cross-section but there are others as illustrated and described below.

The waveguide wall contains and guides propagating fields once the operating frequency is above the cutoff point.
All waveguides are dispersive and have varying impedance and group delay vs frequency.

=== Rectangular ===
[[File:waveguide-field.png|250px |right|border|alt=Waveguide E-field|TE10 Electric Field]]Standard rectangular waveguide is typically twice as broad as high, although the ratio can vary slightly for historic reasons. It cuts on when the width, a, is half of the free-space wavelength.

* '''Width:''' The internal width determines the cut-on wavelength of the dominant TE10 mode as well as the TE20 overmode frequency.
* '''Height:''' The height influences its impedance. For either matching purposes or to save weight there are occasions where reduced or half-height waveguide is used

The recommended range is typically from 1.25 to 1.95 of the cut-on frequency unless measures are taken to prevent TE20 overmoding.

*UKuG Website: [https://www.microwavers.org/?waveguide.htm Table of Rectangular Waveguide Sizes]

=== Circular ===
Circular waveguide is often used in antenna feeds, but can also be used in low loss feeders and rotary joints
Its symmetry can support dual or circular polarisation, but also can result in indeterminate mode purity/alignment in longer lengths. The fundamental mode in circular waveguide is TE11 (akin to TE10 in rectangular guide).
Circularly symmetric modes are:

* '''TM01:''' The electric field is orthogonal at all points to the wall and is a key mode for rotary joints to give stable performance vs rotation
* '''TE01:''' This uniquely has no electric field at the wall edge and in theory has zero attenuation. Whilst its creation and sustainment takes care, it can be used for very low losses over many metres

*'''TE11o:''' This is a spinning circularly polarised version of TE11. This is achieved by careful use of dual feeds or phasing vanes

=== Elliptic ===
Elliptic waveguide is used in either rigid or flexible forms to provide a more stable mode environment than circular. The most common application is in long feeds to dishes.

=== Ridged ===
A capacitive metal ridge in the middle of a rectangular waveguide lowers its cutoff frequency (and impedance) whilst having only a modest effect on TE20. The result gives TE10 operation over an octave bandwidth (making it popular for EW applications). The format can be either single ridge from one broad wall, or a more symmetric double ridge from both. Examples:-

* WRD750D24 - Double Ridge 7.5-18 GHz (2.4:1 bandwidth ratio)
* WRD500D36 - Double Ridge 5.0-18 GHz (3.6:1 bandwidth ratio)

Awards and Trophies

2022-04-10T12:24:20Z

G6jyb: /* Further Info */

[[File:Microwave-trophies.jpg|300px|right]] There is a wide variety of awards and trophies for amateur microwaves, giving plenty of opportunities for recognition.

In the UK, both RSGB and UKuG have complementary offerings covering operating and technical achievements

Below is a summary of UK offerings:-

==Beginners==
*UKuG: G3JVL - annual trophy for newcomers

==Technical & Innovation==
*RSGB: Fraser Shepherd - for research into microwave applications to radio communication
*UKuG: G3BNL - for innovation or technical development of microwave equipment or techniques
*UKuG: G3EEZ - for contributions to microwave communications
*UKuG: G3VVB - for the best home-constructed microwave equipment

==Operating==
*RSGB: Distance certificates
*UKuG: Microwave Squares certificates
*RSGB & UKuG: trophies for various microwave band contests
*UKuG & SOTA: Microwave SOTA

UKuG also maintain records for distances and firsts

==Further Info==
*UKuG [https://www.microwavers.org/?trophies.htm Trophies page/photos]
*G3VVB [https://www.microwavers.org/?g3vvb.htm Project Competiton Rules]

Awards and Trophies

2022-04-10T10:16:33Z

G6jyb: UKuG Trophy and G3VVB links

[[File:Microwave-trophies.jpg|300px|right]] There is a wide variety of awards and trophies for amateur microwaves, giving plenty of opportunities for recognition.

In the UK, both RSGB and UKuG have complementary offerings covering operating and technical achievements

Below is a summary of UK offerings:-

==Beginners==
*UKuG: G3JVL - annual trophy for newcomers

==Technical & Innovation==
*RSGB: Fraser Shepherd - for research into microwave applications to radio communication
*UKuG: G3BNL - for innovation or technical development of microwave equipment or techniques
*UKuG: G3EEZ - for contributions to microwave communications
*UKuG: G3VVB - for the best home-constructed microwave equipment

==Operating==
*RSGB: Distance certificates
*UKuG: Microwave Squares certificates
*RSGB & UKuG: trophies for various microwave band contests
*UKuG & SOTA: Microwave SOTA

UKuG also maintain records for distances and firsts

==Further Info==
*UKuG [https://www.microwavers.org/trophies.htm Trophies page/photos]
*G3VVB [https://www.microwavers.org/?g3vvb.htm Project Competiton Rules]

Mapping tools

2022-01-23T13:07:41Z

G6jyb: /* OS NGR to Lat and Long */ Added SiteData utility reference

===Radio link and path software===
Operation on the higher bands often requires that the bearing be calculated between the two sites so that dishes can be accurately pointed. There are now a number of packages that can do this. The location of each site is entered, the software converts the entry into Lat/Long for each end of the path and calculates the distance and bearing using spherical trigonometry.

In conjunction with a terrain database containing a map of ground height covering the path between the two stations, the path profile can be seen, and whether the path is blocked, line of sight or open to diffraction etc.

Various distance / bearing and height mapping and terrain plotting packages (for Windows only) can be found here
[ http://g4jnt.com/SiteDatabase.htm ]

Path profile and microwave path loss estimation software by Mike Willis, G0MJW [ http://www.mike-willis.com/software.html ]
or here [[:File:PathProfile.zip]]

For optical and Line of sight paths see http://www.heywhatsthat.com/

===LOCATOR and bearing software===

G4EML has written a utility for use on Smartphones and other devices here [ https://gb3gf.co.uk/locate ]

http://k7fry.com/grid/ New site for finding locators to 10 character accuracy by clicking on a map.

=== Topographic Google map ===

So exactly where are the highest sites near me? Use this Google map based site overlaid with height / topographic data to find out: http://en-gb.topographic-map.com/

===Overlay OS maps===

http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm

===Portable sites===

[[Directory of portable sites]] Wiki pages describing some sites suitable for ATV and microwave operation

A Google map listing known portable sites [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z8N5Iqirz744.kVguZyvh02SU&usp - please add yours!]

=== Lat and Long conversion ===

UK postcode to Lat and Long: https://www.freemaptools.com/convert-uk-postcode-to-lat-lng.htm

Google map based site to find Lat and Long, OS grid reference and address including post code: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/

=== OS NGR to Lat and Long ===

[[File:sitedata.png|200px|thumb|right| SiteData Conversion Utility]]
Mike Willis has a self-contained and accurate Windows utility, SiteData, for a variety of NGR, Locator, LatLng conversions near the bottom of his software page - http://www.mike-willis.com/software.html

Online - Convert an OS map 10 digit reference such as TG51401317 to Lat and Long here: http://www.movable-type.co.uk/scripts/latlong-gridref.html

File:Sitedata.png

2022-01-23T13:05:18Z

G6jyb: Screenshot of the Mike Willis SiteData location conversion utility

Screenshot of the Mike Willis SiteData location conversion utility

EMF

2021-11-27T08:36:50Z

G6jyb: /* References */

[[File:Icnirp-logo.png|150px|right]] Licence conditions require that due care is required with regard to public exposure to Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF). The guidelines for this are ultimately set by ICNIRP.

For UK Amateurs, Schedule-3 of Ofcoms licence conditions require you to carefully assess anything that is on average >10W EIRP - a threshold that can easily be incurred by high gain microwave antennas. However don't panic - help is at hand...

==Guidance==
Work is in progress by the RSGB EMF Team, including an Ofcom-approved calculator and examples of Pre-Assessed Equipment Configurations (PAEC). Work on the latter is the basis of the following by UKuG and BATC volunteers:-
*Interim [https://wiki.microwavers.org.uk/images/0/0e/PreliminaryInfov20211122.pdf EMF Guidance]

==References==

Useful links:
*Ofcom: [http://www.ofcom.org.uk/emf www.ofcom.org.uk/emf]
*RSGB: [http://www.rsgb.org/emf www.rsgb.org/emf]
*ICNIRP: [http://www.icnirp.org www.icnirp.org]
*BATC: [https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=7697 EMF Forum]

2021-04-11T23:04:11Z

G6jyb:

Glossary of terms

2021-04-11T15:29:00Z

G6jyb:

Below is a list of Acroynyms and TLAs - Three Letter Acronyms:-

<Pre>
BPF Band Pass Filter
EME Earth Moon Earth (Moonbounce)
FFT Fast Fourier Transform
GaN Gallium Nitride
LFSR Linear Feedback Shift Register (as used in a PN generator)
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
LPF Low Pass Filter
PN Pseudo Noise
PRBS Pseudo Random Bit Sequence
RDDS Reverse Direct Digital Synthesis
SDR Software Defined Radio
TWTA Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier

</pre>

Glossary of terms

2021-04-11T15:28:14Z

G6jyb: extra entries

Below is a list of TLAs - Three Letter Acronyms:-

<Pre>
BPF Band Pass Filter
EME Earth Moon Earth (Moonbounce)
FFT Fast Fourier Transform
GaN Gallium Nitride
LFSR Linear Feedback Shift Register (as used in a PN generator)
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
LPF Low Pass Filter
PN Pseudo Noise
PRBS Pseudo Random Bit Sequence
RDDS Reverse Direct Digital Synthesis
SDR Software Defined Radio
TWTA Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier

</pre>

122 GHz

2021-04-11T13:47:40Z

G6jyb: /* Propagation */ latest DX record

The UK 122 GHz allocation runs from 122,250-123,000 MHz. The band is a secondary allocation for the amateur service (no satellite allocation) and suffers from significant atmospheric loss. However as it is also designated for licence-exempt short range devices, an increasing amount of commercial equipment is becoming available for re-use by amateurs.

===Band Plan===

There is no formal RSGB band plan but current activity seems to be using 122.4GHz on transmit and IF frequencies in the 2m or 70cm bands.

Some additional information along with some 134 & 248 GHz information does feature on the
[http://rsgb.org/main/operating/band-plans/microwaves/122-134-and-248-ghz/ RSGB mmWave Page]

===Propagation===

The 122 GHz band suffers from significant Oxygen losses as it is a harmonic of the more well known 60GHz oxygen resonances. This coupled with humidity can lead to high overall atmospheric losses compared to the 47 and 134 GHz bands. Despite this, amateurs have had contacts on 122 GHz ranging from at least 20km in the UK, to over 100km in Australia.
The current UK DX record is almost 36km, set on 7-April-2021.

===Beacons===
There are a few personal beacons but currently no GB3xxx class systems

==122 GHz Equipment==

Equipment for 122GHz traditionally uses conversion to/from lower bands. However the latest advances in silicon technology have also been harnessed by amateurs inc 122 GHz radar sensor chips proving to be very popular as the basis for CW/SSB kits/modules.

===122 GHz Kits===

* Groups.io: [https://groups.io/g/The122GProject The 122GProject]- User group for the VK3CV 122GHz transverter project kit
* Video: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwl0hGyB6XhZOYs54dDxFiD45H0bwQV9p 122GHz on UKuG Youtube]
Here is one implementation of the VK3CV project courtesy G1EHF, mounted behind a surplus 50GHz link dish:

[[File:122GHz_B.jpg|400px]] [[File:122GHz_A.jpg|400px]] [[File:122GHz_C.jpg|400px]]

===122 GHz Antennas===
Many small horns and dishes are readily usable. The very high gains create beamwidths of less than a degree which necessitates careful alignment and pointing. Thus it is not unusual to see some equipment having co-mounted rifle-sights to assist setting up for QSOs.

Simple conical horn antennas can be made from cake-icing nozzles and the PME range of stainless steel ones (readily available from eBay or local kitchenware shops) will give a gain of about 21dB at 122GHz. All the nozzles in the range have an aperture of 16mm and only differ in the diameter of the throat (corresponding to the diameter of the icing thread produced). The PME 1.5 nozzle is a good starting choice for 122GHz.

Main Page

2021-04-11T12:54:21Z

G6jyb: /* Microwave EME */

[[file:ukuglogo.jpg|left|80px|middle]]

<big><big><big>'''Welcome to the''' '''''[http://www.microwavers.org UK Microwave Group]''''' '''Wiki'''</big></big></big>

The place to find information on equipment and projects for Amateur Microwave operation on bands above 1 GHz.
 

 

 

This wiki is designed to be a reference library, developed by the UK Microwave Group for use by the worldwide microwave community. Any information which you feel is of use to others can be put on the Wiki, but please observe any copyright restrictions on your material you use. However, before you can add or edit content you will need to [[Registering|register for an account]].

== Contents ==
* [[Registering]] on the UK Microwave Wiki
=== New to Microwave operation? ===
* Get the basics in our collection of [[Getting Started|Getting Started guides]]
* Glossary and index of terms and TLAs used in Amateur Microwave operation [[Glossary of terms|Glossary of terms]]

=== The UK Microwave Group Information and services===
* [[Joining UK Microwave Group]]
* [[Beaconspot]]
* [[Contest Calendar]]
* [[UK Microwave Group on Twitter]]
* [[UK Microwave Group Youtube Channel]]
* [[Chip bank|The UK Microwave Chip Bank]]

=== Scatterpoint Magazine ===
* Full details inc archive at: [http://scatterpoint.org/ scatterpoint.org]

=== Microwave Roundtables ===
* [[Presentations]] Presentations from Roundtables.
* Recordings from Roundtables can be found on the UK Microwave Group Youtube channel.

===Microwave SDR projects===
* [[Hayling project]] The UK Microwave Group SDR transceiver
* [[Langstone Project]] The prototype microwave SDR project

=== Getting on the Microwave Bands ===
The Low Bands:
* [[1.3 GHz]]
* [[2.3 GHz]]
* [[3.4 GHz]]

The middle bands:
* [[5.7 GHz]]
* [[10 GHz]]

The High bands
* [[24 GHz]]
* [[47 GHz]]
* [[76 GHz]]

The Millimetre Bands
* [[122 GHz]]
* [[134 GHz]]
* [[241 GHz]]

Terahertz
* [[275+ GHz]]

=== Operating ===
* [[Awards and Trophies]]
* [[Digital modes using WSJT]]
* [[Talkback for microwave operation including ON4KST]]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1VeLnRRbLwloDTL2i9-HE2sxqL0c&ll=52.95536632179757%2C-0.49709419999999227&z=7 Google map] showing possible portable operating sites
* [[Mapping tools]] including finding the IARU LOCATOR of a site, UK postcode to Lat and Long conversion and a topographic overlay for Google maps
* [[Propagation tools]]

===Microwave EME===

*[[Microwave_EME]]

=== Measurement techniques ===
* [[Measuring sun noise]]
* [[Realtime signal power plot]] Software from G4JNT

=== Construction projects ===
* [[PE4302]] - PE4302 variable attenuator project
* [[ADF435x PIC]] - PIC controllers for Chinese ADF4350/4351 boards
* [[F6BVA 3cm transverter]] - F6BVA 3cm to UHF transverter project

=== G4BAO's Bodger's Guides ===

* Modifying AFL 900MHz Hybrids for 23cms: [[:File:900MHz Hybrids.doc]]
* Modifying Mini Circuits ZAPD1 splitters for wideband: [[:File:Wideband splitter.doc]]
* 13cm PA using a G4BAO 23cm board and an MRF19085: [[:File:MRF19085.doc]]
* Bodging 1900MHz QRO amps for 13cm: [[:File:1900AMPS.doc]]
* Using a Lucent ILam QRO SSPA on 13cm: [[:File:ILAM_Mods1.doc]]
* Using a ceramic MRF9045 in the G4BAO PA PCB: [[:File:ceramic.doc]]
* A control board for a GaAsFET PA: [[:File:GaAs PA control.doc]]
* A 70cm converter: [[:File:70cm converter.doc]]
* Dishal's method for tuning up filters: [[:File:Dishal.doc]]
* Simple PIC controller to use as a beacon with the G4JNT synthesiser board: [[:File:Beacon_PIC.doc]]
* A small, high current Stepdown PSU after a design by G3WDG: [[:File:stepdown_PSU.pdf]]

=== Useful Circuits and notes ===
* [[ADF series of synthesizers]]
* [[Filters]] - Collection of links and designs for that most critical but over looked component!
* [[Pre-amps]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of preamplifiers
* [[Power amplifiers]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of power amplifiers
* [[LeoBodnar GPS Settings]]
* [[Waveguide]] - An introduction to Waveguides
* [[G3WDG Microwave Designs]] - Construction Notes for the G3WDG Series of Kits
* [[Microwave signal source]] - How to generate low power test signals on all bands up to 122GHz
* [[Waveguide Slot Array calculator]] - Updated design sheet with standard w/g sizes and single-side array support
* [[Hybrid Networks|Hybrid Networks and their Uses]] - A description what hybrids do and how they can be used
=== Miscellaneous Equipment manuals and schematics ===
* [[Mutek]] Circuits and documentation for the Mutek range of equipment
* [[Microwave modules]] Circuits and documentation for the Microwave modules range of equipment
* [[Cellflex]] Data sheets for Cellflex cables
* Spec and technical drawings of standard, anti-cocking and precision [https://flann.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Waveguide-and-Flange-Information.pdf Flann flanges]

=== Test equipment manuals ===
For HP and Agilent equipment see the UKMicrowaves Group files at
[https://groups.io/g/UKMicrowaves/files/Test%20Equipment%20-%20Manuals]
and [https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment groups.io] which has replaced the old
[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hp_agilent_equipment/info Yahoo group]

UKuG thanks BATC for hosting this facility

Main Page

2021-04-11T12:54:03Z

G6jyb: /* Microwave EME */

[[file:ukuglogo.jpg|left|80px|middle]]

<big><big><big>'''Welcome to the''' '''''[http://www.microwavers.org UK Microwave Group]''''' '''Wiki'''</big></big></big>

The place to find information on equipment and projects for Amateur Microwave operation on bands above 1 GHz.
 

 

 

This wiki is designed to be a reference library, developed by the UK Microwave Group for use by the worldwide microwave community. Any information which you feel is of use to others can be put on the Wiki, but please observe any copyright restrictions on your material you use. However, before you can add or edit content you will need to [[Registering|register for an account]].

== Contents ==
* [[Registering]] on the UK Microwave Wiki
=== New to Microwave operation? ===
* Get the basics in our collection of [[Getting Started|Getting Started guides]]
* Glossary and index of terms and TLAs used in Amateur Microwave operation [[Glossary of terms|Glossary of terms]]

=== The UK Microwave Group Information and services===
* [[Joining UK Microwave Group]]
* [[Beaconspot]]
* [[Contest Calendar]]
* [[UK Microwave Group on Twitter]]
* [[UK Microwave Group Youtube Channel]]
* [[Chip bank|The UK Microwave Chip Bank]]

=== Scatterpoint Magazine ===
* Full details inc archive at: [http://scatterpoint.org/ scatterpoint.org]

=== Microwave Roundtables ===
* [[Presentations]] Presentations from Roundtables.
* Recordings from Roundtables can be found on the UK Microwave Group Youtube channel.

===Microwave SDR projects===
* [[Hayling project]] The UK Microwave Group SDR transceiver
* [[Langstone Project]] The prototype microwave SDR project

=== Getting on the Microwave Bands ===
The Low Bands:
* [[1.3 GHz]]
* [[2.3 GHz]]
* [[3.4 GHz]]

The middle bands:
* [[5.7 GHz]]
* [[10 GHz]]

The High bands
* [[24 GHz]]
* [[47 GHz]]
* [[76 GHz]]

The Millimetre Bands
* [[122 GHz]]
* [[134 GHz]]
* [[241 GHz]]

Terahertz
* [[275+ GHz]]

=== Operating ===
* [[Awards and Trophies]]
* [[Digital modes using WSJT]]
* [[Talkback for microwave operation including ON4KST]]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1VeLnRRbLwloDTL2i9-HE2sxqL0c&ll=52.95536632179757%2C-0.49709419999999227&z=7 Google map] showing possible portable operating sites
* [[Mapping tools]] including finding the IARU LOCATOR of a site, UK postcode to Lat and Long conversion and a topographic overlay for Google maps
* [[Propagation tools]]

===Microwave EME===

[[Microwave_EME]]

=== Measurement techniques ===
* [[Measuring sun noise]]
* [[Realtime signal power plot]] Software from G4JNT

=== Construction projects ===
* [[PE4302]] - PE4302 variable attenuator project
* [[ADF435x PIC]] - PIC controllers for Chinese ADF4350/4351 boards
* [[F6BVA 3cm transverter]] - F6BVA 3cm to UHF transverter project

=== G4BAO's Bodger's Guides ===

* Modifying AFL 900MHz Hybrids for 23cms: [[:File:900MHz Hybrids.doc]]
* Modifying Mini Circuits ZAPD1 splitters for wideband: [[:File:Wideband splitter.doc]]
* 13cm PA using a G4BAO 23cm board and an MRF19085: [[:File:MRF19085.doc]]
* Bodging 1900MHz QRO amps for 13cm: [[:File:1900AMPS.doc]]
* Using a Lucent ILam QRO SSPA on 13cm: [[:File:ILAM_Mods1.doc]]
* Using a ceramic MRF9045 in the G4BAO PA PCB: [[:File:ceramic.doc]]
* A control board for a GaAsFET PA: [[:File:GaAs PA control.doc]]
* A 70cm converter: [[:File:70cm converter.doc]]
* Dishal's method for tuning up filters: [[:File:Dishal.doc]]
* Simple PIC controller to use as a beacon with the G4JNT synthesiser board: [[:File:Beacon_PIC.doc]]
* A small, high current Stepdown PSU after a design by G3WDG: [[:File:stepdown_PSU.pdf]]

=== Useful Circuits and notes ===
* [[ADF series of synthesizers]]
* [[Filters]] - Collection of links and designs for that most critical but over looked component!
* [[Pre-amps]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of preamplifiers
* [[Power amplifiers]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of power amplifiers
* [[LeoBodnar GPS Settings]]
* [[Waveguide]] - An introduction to Waveguides
* [[G3WDG Microwave Designs]] - Construction Notes for the G3WDG Series of Kits
* [[Microwave signal source]] - How to generate low power test signals on all bands up to 122GHz
* [[Waveguide Slot Array calculator]] - Updated design sheet with standard w/g sizes and single-side array support
* [[Hybrid Networks|Hybrid Networks and their Uses]] - A description what hybrids do and how they can be used
=== Miscellaneous Equipment manuals and schematics ===
* [[Mutek]] Circuits and documentation for the Mutek range of equipment
* [[Microwave modules]] Circuits and documentation for the Microwave modules range of equipment
* [[Cellflex]] Data sheets for Cellflex cables
* Spec and technical drawings of standard, anti-cocking and precision [https://flann.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Waveguide-and-Flange-Information.pdf Flann flanges]

=== Test equipment manuals ===
For HP and Agilent equipment see the UKMicrowaves Group files at
[https://groups.io/g/UKMicrowaves/files/Test%20Equipment%20-%20Manuals]
and [https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment groups.io] which has replaced the old
[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hp_agilent_equipment/info Yahoo group]

UKuG thanks BATC for hosting this facility

Awards and Trophies

2021-04-11T12:52:21Z

47GHz SSB Audio - by G8ACE

47 GHz

2021-04-03T18:07:23Z

G6jyb: /* Some useful links */

The UK 47GHz primary amateur allocation runs from 47,000 - 47,200 MHz. Most of the band is all-modes with the centre for narrowband operating at 47,088.2 MHz.

* 47GHz Brief: A useful overview is available at http://rsgb.org/main/files/2016/10/RSGB_47GHz-brief_160824.pdf

===Band Plan===

See the [https://rsgb.org/main/operating/band-plans/] for full details.

===Beacons===
There are a number of narrow band beacons licensed in the 47 GHz band - see [http://www.beacons.org.uk this page for an up to date list].
The latest one is GB3CCX

== 47 GHz Equipment==

At the moment the only commercial option is the range of DB6NT equipment, but this is mind-numbingly expensive for the average amateur.
It is possible to make short range QSOs on the band using simple mixer transverters and multipliers but range will be limited.
An example of such equipment can be found at
http://www.rfdesign.co.uk/microwave/Content/Simple%2047GHz%20Transverter2.pdf

=== 47 GHz Power amplifiers===
These are really specialised and expensive at the moment. There are few surplus options that can be modified without expensive test equipment

=== 47 GHz Antennas===
Small high accuracy horns or dishes are used on this band. The latter can be constructed from items such as lamp reflectors.

=== Some useful links===
http://rsgb.org/main/files/2016/10/RSGB_47GHz-brief_160824.pdf 
http://www.microwavers.org/?47ghz.htm 
http://www.pa0ehg.com/47ghz_equipment.htm 
YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwl0hGyB6XhZvUW4pWPF9EWelGqCB6OBj 47GHz Videos]