Transverters!

[2RT307]

Hi all, I understand how a transverter works, and it seems like you used to see them all the time. Now that most new rigs have all band capability (for a price), you don't see them as often. I'd like to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of using one with an HF rig. Specifically, for 2 meters. I know you can just go out and buy a 2 meter or dual band rig fairly cheap, but then you normally only have FM capabilities. So in that case, an all mode HF rig would have the advantage. But then come PL tones, repeater offsets, etc. Is the HF rig/transverter only good for simplex? Experts, please expound on this!

73,
Brett

 

[KC9Q]

Usually, (not always), transverters work by up converting the 10 meters band to the desired VHF/UHF band. Thus, if you have all modes and repeater splits available on 10 meters, then you will have them available on the transverted radio. Since the majority of 6M, 2M, 222/UHF rigs operate FM only, the transverter method is a way to also get AM/SSB/CW as well. Older HF rigs do not have FM or splits, so that is something to take into account. In any case, using a transverter is a convenient way to get operation on the 6, 2, 222, or UHF bands, and have the convenient functions of the HF radio (i.e., filters, etc.). Most transverters provide 10 watts of power, which is enough to drive an external amplifier. Personally, I have the FT-101E with the matching FTV-650 and FTV-250 transverters for 6Mn (45 Watts PEP) and 2M (10 Watts PEP), which gave me satisfactory operation on 6 and 2 with all the functionality of the FT-101E. You just have to get use to the fact that the 28/29 MHz readings are actually 50 to 53 MHz, or 144 to 147 MHz readings now.

Mike

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

A good transverter will usually have a lower noise floor and better sensitivity allowing it to work great with a decent HF radio.Microwave Modules sells some nice transverters but they are pricy. Elecraft is selling a line that matches their K3 however they can be used on almost any HF radio with the proper cables.Most serious DXers on VHF and UHF and beyond prefer transverters rather than an all band/mode radio like the FT-857D or the like. Some HF radios like the FT-857D allow you to configure the frequency display to show the actual operating frequency of the transverter and not just the HF IF frequency being converted.

 

[2RT307]

Thanks for the info guys. I was hoping Ten Tec was still selling theirs, but it looks like they are no longer in production.

73,
Brett

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Thanks for the info guys. I was hoping Ten Tec was still selling theirs, but it looks like they are no longer in production.

73,
Brett

You and me both. I bought a Ten=Tec 1208 6m transverter many years ago. It converted 20m to 6m. It worked great however for some strange reason the bias went screwy and took out the driver and finals. I bought another kit and it worked, and still works flawlessly today. I use the transverter with the blown finals as a RX converter with my Kenwood R-1000 receiver as a second receiver for 6m.