G0MRF 2.4GHz Signal Source
A kitset was purchased from AMSAT-UK to build this signal source, to be used mainly for quick and comparative checks of antenna and downconverter systems for AO-40. The package consisted of one sheet of A4 paper with the construction notes and a small plastic bag with all the components and PCB.
Construction of the kit proved a bit of a challenge as my experience with surface mount components was limited and the construction notes provided were missing some vital information. A quick check on the G0MRF web page provided the information that was missing (Placement and orientation of the active components). The result was the kit was completed in about an hour.
To make the kit easily portable required a box , a couple of 9V batteries and an antenna. The voltage is regulated down to 12V and this keeps the output stable from battery voltage. Current consumption is only 33mA
For final testing I enlisted the help of a nice person with a spectrum analyzer and was quite happy with the results. Output at 2.4Ghz was measured at -35dbm and the frequency was easily tuned to the middle of the AO-40 passband. The real test came with the "live on air" test. A good strong stable signal was received on my 2.4Ghz system and showed everything was performing as expected.
Value for money. Well that is debatable. The cost of the kit , postage and the English pound converted to the NZ dollar the numbers are starting to mount up. The whole project came in just under the NZD $100 mark.
Jeff