Getting Started
in Amateur Microwave Bands



In 1993 I managed to acquire two MR301 Tellurometers from a disposal outlet. These units operate in the 3cm band and were originally used as a survey instrument for accurate measurement of distance. As well as their measuring capability, they were able to operate wide band FM voice


In the photo, VK3ZQB is looking at the controls of the MR301.

The MR301 was a great introduction to the microwave bands as it allowed me to experiment on 3cm, without the burden of having to construct transceivers first. Some modifications were tried to improve the range of the units, and shown here is a modified MR301 with a added 2ft dish.
In December 1993 The MR301's were used to establish a 3cm digital modes record of 102.1 km, between VK5NC and VK3ZQB. This record remains unchallenged today.

Pictured is VK3ZQB's station set up at Bridgewater Lakes near Portland Victoria. A lap top computer was used to establish a digital record for VK3, VK5 which still stands today.

To the right is a MR301 with a exteded feed to a 2ft dish..
















From Wide Band to Narrow Band


 In 1994 A group including VK5NC, VK5MC and VK3ZQB decided to progress toward constructing narrow band 3cm equipment. VK5NC and VK5MC constructed three DB6NT transverters and these were later used to establish a number of VK5 - VK3 and National distance records. Later on VK3XPD joined us on 3cm with a similar transverter.

The completed Qualcom 3cm transverter with a homebrew 1296 - 144 Mhz SSB transceiver used as a IF for the transverter.

Later similar DB6NT transverters were constructed for 3.4 GHz and 5.7 GHz by VK3ZQB and VK3XPD. These transverters were used by VK5NC, VK5MC, VK3XPD and VK3ZQB.
Allan VK3XPD was able to aquire some surplus Qualcom satellite systems. These were modified to operate as 3cm transverters offering some advantages over the DB6NT design. Pictured is my Qualcom 3cm transverter with a home brew dual band 144 MHz, 1296 MHz transceiver that I use as a IF for the transverter.
In 1997 a expedition to VK1, 2, 4 and 8 to set new state records on 3, 5 10 and 24 GHz, was attended by VK5NC, VK5DK, VK5KK, VK3XPD, VK3ZQB and VK1BUC. The expedition was very successful with 12 new state records being set and the extension of 7 more.


Allan VK3XPD sets up his 2 GHz transverter at a Coolangatta site While below,
Colin VK5DK and Trevor VK5NC are set up on a hill west of Perigian Beach near Noosa Heads QLD.





During the 1994 expedition to VK4 we established records 0n the 24 GHz band using two wide band gunplexer transceivers. Pictured here are Allan VK3XPD and myself on a hill near Mt Mee near Brisbane. The dish to the left of the photo is a 3cm transverter used as a sighter for the 24 GHz equipment to the right.







Above Allan is adjusting the 10 watt TWT amplifier on the 3cm rig at the Coolangatta site.







The wide band 24 GHz equipment was also used to create distance records in VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4 and VK8 as well as VK4. Pictured here is VK3ZQB working VK3XPD from Mt Warrnambool in Victoria setting a state record of 48.4 km which was later broken by Alan VK3XPD and David VK5KK using the same equipment..