VK3NX





Australian Amateur Radio STation



24 GHz



24 GHz presented me with a VERY steep learning curve. Learning to understand W/G concepts and practical implementation of RF techniques at these frequencies was and still is a journey of discovery, experimentation, failure and success. To date I have managed to build 2 transverters and being able to achieve EME QSO's on this band has been reward for the many hours spent developing the systems!


Transverter - 1
Transverter - 2

Transverter -1



Homebrew : Kuhne transverter module, Post filter from RSGB, G8ACE OCXO kit , G4DDK multiplier chain, Minikits 1GHz - 12 GHz multiplier , amplifier chain with extra pipecap filtering to deliver 40mW LO drive to mixer module, Toshiba 1 W amp used on receive and Transmit via a Hubert Krause fabricated 4 port W/G switch with electronic switching via a servo motor., flexible WR42 W/G to 1 ft dish with penny feed, various DC regulators , supply and control voltages.

The pictures show some of these elements. The complete oscillator multiplier is in the diecast box but some of the LO amplifier modules made using MGF1302s are visible.



Transverter -1 Build photos



Transverter -2



I completed my 2nd 24 GHz transverter in December 2010. It is based on a 26 GHz "Thales" module. I built up various kit modules to provide the 1296 Intermediate IF (down converts to 144 MHz IF) as well as the LO multiplier chain.


11736MHz LO Chain... G8ACE OCXO (@ 118.5MHz) & DB6NT 12 GHz multiplier...... provides ~ 10mW @ 11736 MHz to the Thales unit.


1296MHz intermediate IF...... W6PQL OCXO (@ 96 MHz) @ MiniKits LO multiplier..... provides +9.5dBm @ 576 MHz to a Minikits 1296 MHz transverter unit.


Sequencer.... Minikits


DC module was an ATX power supply module from "Jaycar" providing +5 V @ ~ 2A and -12V @ ~ 100mA

Various other DC control and sequencing lines provide outputs to external PA's and LNAs if required



Transverter -2 Build photos



VK3NX