FLEX 6600 and 6M RCV PREAMP

N4BAA

If I want to hook up an Advanced Receiver Research 6M Preamp, how is this connected correctly to a Flex 6600? Very intuitive for a Flex 6700 with the RCV ant In/Out, but not so clear on the 6600. Thank you.
Jose N4BAA

KD0RC

Hi José, there are a couple of different models of preamps made by ARR. Some switch automatically and some not. Which one do you have?

In general, the Flex has way more than enough front-end gain, even on 6 meters. Is there a particular reason that you are looking to use a preamp?

Mike-VA3MW

I agree with Len. Before you add another preamp, you want to make sure you are not 'noise bound' already.

When using a preamp on a 50MHz (6 meters) band in a FlexRadio or any other radio transceiver, it's essential to find the right balance to avoid being noise-bound. Here are some tips to help you determine if you are using too much preamp:

1. Monitor the Noise Floor: Start by monitoring the noise floor when you enable or adjust the preamp. The noise floor is the background noise level on the band. If the noise floor increases significantly when you turn on the preamp or increase its gain, it may be an indication that you're amplifying unwanted noise.

2. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Pay attention to the signal-to-noise ratio. As you increase the preamp gain, the desired signals should become stronger, but so will the noise. If the SNR does not improve or decreases as you increase the preamp gain, it's a sign that you might be overdoing it with the preamp.

3. Visualize the Spectrum: Use the spectrum display on your FlexRadio to visualize the signals and noise. If you notice that the noise floor rises significantly but the desired signals aren't much stronger, you might be adding too much gain.

4. Pay Attention to AGC-T: Most modern transceivers, including FlexRadios, have automatic gain control (AGC-T) systems.

5. Listen to the Audio: Listen to the audio quality of the received signals. If the noise becomes overwhelming and drowns out the actual signals, it's a clear sign that the preamp gain is too high.

6. Experiment with Preamp Settings: Try experimenting with different preamp settings, starting with lower gain levels and gradually increasing it. Continuously assess how the changes impact your ability to receive desired signals versus noise.

7. Consult the Manual: Review your FlexRadio's user manual or documentation for recommendations on preamp usage specific to your model. Manufacturers often provide guidance on setting preamp levels for optimal performance.

In summary, the key is to find a balance between amplifying signals and minimizing noise. You want to maximize your ability to receive weak signals without introducing excessive noise. Experimentation and careful monitoring are essential to finding the right preamp settings for your specific operating conditions.

N4BAA

Gentlemen, thanks. I am NOT looking to add a preamp to the Flex..

My Icom 7600 has a receive only ARR preamp connected so that it is only in the receive path and not the TX path.

It is AMAZING.. and 6M has been fantastic to me here in Indiana… My post was my concern that my Flex 6600 is NOT performing well at all on 6M. I can't hear near as well as I can on my ICOM 7600 or 7610…but I posted based on my 7600 testing.

I am feeding my 10L 6M antenna on 52 foot boom with 1 5/8" LDF7-50 hardline and use this for horizon only EME work VERY VERY easily…. AND using this antenna to test both ICOM 7600 and Flex 6600 results in a very unequal outcome. Icom kicks the FLex in the pants… and I can't figure out what may be contributing to it…

Thoughts?

Jose

N4BAA

Wrong thread… I'll find the one I posted yesterday.

Jose