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Who Sells A Good RF Gain Preamp?
- Thread starter Eastside
- Start date
Maybe a better antenna - or more height to it perhaps?
What antenna are you using now?
Preamps aren't all they are cracked up to be - IMO . . .
What antenna are you using now?
Preamps aren't all they are cracked up to be - IMO . . .
As Robb says preamps amplify noise equally as well as signals, therefore there is no improvement to the signal/noise ratio, a better/higher antenna or even better a combo of both is the way to go.
I am still using the i-max....the feed point is at 20ft.
Yeah.....everyone around here is too busy to help me put up my tower and Hy-gain P-500.
That will work. Bet that when you do finally put up the tower/Hygain, you will have forgotten about the thought of using a preamp.
Time will tell . . .
In the mean time; can you get the Imax up another 10 ft?
RatsoW8
Supporting Member, W9WDX ARC Member - WD8T
Remember that pre-amps amplify everything including noise. Why not look for an used ourboard speaker with some filtering, dsp, etc. Might be a cheaper alternative to a new antenna or tower.
Yeah....but its more than a one man job......I bought a pretty neat bracket the other day.
I have another new 10ft section of aluminum mast pipe that I could stick on the 2 sections I have going up the side of my house now...but there is only 1 bracket on there now.....it might be pretty wiggly going up 14 above the roof?
I got a antenna tower already and a new hy-gain penetrator 500......just need help putting it up.
I've used effective preamps that did the job. Yes noise is increased but some units are better than others and can make quite a good difference. The difference between pulling a station out or not.
I'm not familiar with any new units on the market today. You see lots of used older units on eBay. CPI made a very good one that I would recommend to anyone.
Called: CPI Range Boost
I'm not familiar with any new units on the market today. You see lots of used older units on eBay. CPI made a very good one that I would recommend to anyone.
Called: CPI Range Boost
Use some guy rope if it will be wobbly @ 30 ft.I have another new 10ft section of aluminum mast pipe that I could stick on the 2 sections I have going up the side of my house now...but there is only 1 bracket on there now.....it might be pretty wiggly going up 14 above the roof?
But 20 ft is just a bit too low for best results, especially without a ground plane kit on it.
At 30 ft or more - with a GPK - you would have met the normal expectations for an optimal Imax installation.
Maco used to make a Pre Amp that was decent, I do not know if they make them any more.
The one I had used a variable so you could control the amount of gain or even reduce the gain...it did not run wide open all the time, and it had a knob for SSB delay, it was years ago. Do Not it behind a AMP it would only handle about 40 or 50 watts if I remember right, has to go behind the radio before any amp.
Might try E-Bay.
73
Jeff
The one I had used a variable so you could control the amount of gain or even reduce the gain...it did not run wide open all the time, and it had a knob for SSB delay, it was years ago. Do Not it behind a AMP it would only handle about 40 or 50 watts if I remember right, has to go behind the radio before any amp.
Might try E-Bay.
73
Jeff
I just searched E Bay
Look at this
MACO Model 150 Receive Amplifier for CB or Ham Radio | eBay
This one is a bit different that the one I had, it used a two position knob for the delay.....they must have went to switches at some point.
Edit:
(read the Ad, 25 watts AM/50 watts SSB)
73
Jeff
Look at this
MACO Model 150 Receive Amplifier for CB or Ham Radio | eBay
This one is a bit different that the one I had, it used a two position knob for the delay.....they must have went to switches at some point.
Edit:
(read the Ad, 25 watts AM/50 watts SSB)
73
Jeff
Last edited:
Thanks for the info....I really am really wanting to get rid of the fishing pole and put up the P-500...hopefully I can gitter done before Autumn.:mellow:
Put a choke coil on your antenna before raising. Coils do a good job of reducing noise.
Just a suggestion.
Sent from my phone.
Just a suggestion.
Sent from my phone.