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Spectrum Communication Transverter?

trader174
trader174 Member ✭✭
edited November 2023 in Peripherals & Station Integration
I have a 2m transverter from Spectrum Communications. I need to imput about 5w to get it to work. However, researching why it would not TX it looks like I am putting a tiny amount of power into it.

Is this the case that I just cannot use this transverter via the transverter port on the Flex 6600?
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Best Answer

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    Answer ✓

    The 6000 series radios put out a max of 10 dBm (10 mW) at the transverter port. You can either use a 2 meter amplifier to get from 10 mW to 5 W or you can use ANT 1 or 2 with max RF out set to 5 W. If you use an ANT port, you need to be very careful not to put too much power through the transverter.

    I don't recommend using the ANT ports for this purpose, but it is possible.

Answers

  • trader174
    trader174 Member ✭✭
    Thanks Len. I do have a 2m amp but I don't think it would react at that low power.

    Are there any transverters that are low cost that anyone could recommend?
  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I would try the amp, you might be surprised. Be sure to measure the output power before connecting it to your transverter.

    I am using a Ukrainian transverter from the Transverters-Store. Very inexpensive, but now unobtainable due to the Russian invasion.

    One of the best transverters is available from Q5 Signal, but is more expensive.

  • Geoff AB6BT
    Geoff AB6BT Member ✭✭✭

    The Spectrum Communications shows this for their transverter:

    The transverter main board contains an attenuator in the transmit path and can be configured for 1-500mW or 0.5-5W drive levels

    Perhaps yours has the attenuator internally?

  • Neil D Friedman N3DF
    Neil D Friedman N3DF Member ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2023

    I highly recommend Q5 transverters. The two-meter 25 watt version (there are higher power models) is $500. Yes, that’s a lot. They can be configured to mate directly with Flex radios. They are well-designed and very well-built. They work like a charm. Customer service is fast and friendly. They will last you a decade or (probably) more. Resale value is good. I feel they are a great investment in one’s station.

  • trader174
    trader174 Member ✭✭
    https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/comment/20607371#Comment_20607371

    Hi Geoff

    It does look like I can modify it for a low drive levels. I am researching this now as it is definitely something I would need guidance on doing! But there is hope!

    Otherwise I will look to some of the alteratives suggested by others.

    Thanks to all

  • trader174
    trader174 Member ✭✭

    If anyone else happens to be looking for this solution I had to add a 1nf capacitor to C1, remove/disconnect R3 and also change a 22uf cap near the relay to a 1uf cap. This was on guidance from the designer/manufacturer.

    This now allows me to get 20w from 10dbm drive. Happy days!

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