Amateur Microwave It's easier than you think 2024

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  • čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
  • This is the 2024 update of "Amateur Microwave It's easier than you think"
    Since the first edition of this video, Icom has released the IC-905 SHF transceiver. This has added a level of simplicity for those keen to get on the higher bands. It's now included in this video along with new portable operations.
    Microwaves are the highest frequency radio bands in Amature Radio. It's the final frontier for many amateur radio operators offering unique challenges with big rewards. This video was made to inspire and encourage the use of these bands. The demands on the spectrum around the world from commercial users have never been so great. If we want to keep these bands, we have to use them.
    Learn more at bit.ly/3UHXDFh
    00:00 | Introduction
    01:19 | Icom's IC-905
    03:25 | Electromagnetic Energy
    04:02 | Microwave Spectrum
    04:26 | Foundation Licence
    05:39 | Standard Licence
    06:10 | Advanced Licence - 10GHz over 150km example
    08:03 | Microwave Spectrum in Australia
    08:38 | Resources - Websites, Social Media and Magazines
    09:02 | Dubus
    10:40 | Radio Clubs and Contests - EMDRC / Brisbane VHF Group
    10:37 | MADs
    11:10 | Equipment needed and where to get it.
    12:32 | IF Radios - FT-818 / IC-705
    14:05 | Transverters - SG Laboratory / Kuhne
    15:10 | Antennas including PCB test
    17:09 | 23cm equipment
    18:04 | 13cm equipment
    19:04 | 9cm equipment
    20:48 | 6cm equipment
    21:57 | 3cm equipment
    24:13 | mmWave
    25:15 | Where and how to buy a 13cm transverter
  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 40

  • @ralphparkhurst
    @ralphparkhurst Před 5 měsíci +4

    Wow, what an incredible CZcams video showcasing the Australian amateur radio microwave scene! The production values are truly outstanding, capturing the essence and excitement of this niche community with stunning clarity and professionalism.
    From the crisp visuals to the immersive sound, every aspect of this video speaks volumes about the dedication and passion of both Andrew VK3FS and participants showcased in the Australian amateur radio microwave scene. The attention to detail and the commitment to excellence shine through in every frame, making it a truly captivating experience.
    Kudos to you, Andrew, for your outstanding work in bringing this captivating story to life. This is the kind of content that not only entertains but also educates, inspires (and recruits!), leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of microwave radio.
    Truly exceptional!

    • @nikpresservk3ba779
      @nikpresservk3ba779 Před 5 měsíci +1

      All he needs now is a Roving Ralph... 🙂

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks Ralph. Cheques in the mail 😆

  • @ManuelPinner
    @ManuelPinner Před 2 měsíci +1

    I have a ICOM ID52A, Going to get a IC 905, Waiting for the Third Batch of Units to come out,

  • @jim671671
    @jim671671 Před 5 měsíci

    I still don't even have my F call yet, but mate you've got me keen as mustard! Great video, cheers from QF32

  • @nikpresservk3ba779
    @nikpresservk3ba779 Před 6 měsíci +3

    Gold Gold Gold !!!! 🙂 Well done Andrew!

  • @nikpresservk3ba779
    @nikpresservk3ba779 Před 6 měsíci +3

    If this doesn't get your juices going, nothing will 🙂

  • @christophef1jky112
    @christophef1jky112 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Nice presentation.

  • @vk3xe
    @vk3xe Před 5 měsíci +1

    What a well produced video and well aimed at someone who is comfy on HF but had little idea about microwave

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks Alan, see you on the higher bands 😉

  • @markstephan636
    @markstephan636 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Fantastic presentation.

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Many thanks!

  • @VK2AAK
    @VK2AAK Před 5 měsíci +2

    This is an excellent production. Many thanks! :)
    I will be sending this out to all our club members.

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Thanks Andy. 😊 I hope you can get the locals fired up.

    • @VK2AAK
      @VK2AAK Před 5 měsíci

      @VK3FS I have gear for 23cm, 13cm and 3cm. I'm on the NSW mid north coast and I've canvassed the clubs to my north with zero response. I'm now trying the clubs to my south. I'm happy to drive somewhere and set up the gear to have a QSO ... but so far I can't find a playmate! :)

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Hi Andy, If you haven't already, join VK-Microwave on groups.io. With 194 members there must surely be someone near you. I'm sure I've see activity in your area on this email group in the past.

    • @VK2AAK
      @VK2AAK Před 5 měsíci

      @@VK3FS I was in Australia Amateur Radio Microwave Group but have now joined (or applied for) VK Microwave Users Group.
      Cheers :)

  • @KevinW8BRY
    @KevinW8BRY Před 5 měsíci +1

    Amazing video, Andrew. I owe my microwave journey to your videos. I'm on 1.2, 2.4, and 10ghz because of these videos. Thanks for the great overview and encouragement to others.

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks Kevin. My work here is done. 😉 I'm chuffed that I've helped you made the move to the higher bands. If you don't mind I'd love to see some pics of your journey and what you've made. Maybe I can use them in a future video? Connect with me through my website and we can chat on email.

    • @KevinW8BRY
      @KevinW8BRY Před 5 měsíci

      @@VK3FS will do. Thank you!

  • @christurner68
    @christurner68 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Fantastic video, definitely inspiring and informative. Even though I’m foundation this video has encouraged me to me to go to the next level. 👍

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Do it Chris, once you've upgraded - it's done. The spectrum is your oyster. Sing out if you need a hand. If you're local, come and experience this aspect of the hobby with us locals first hand.

    • @christurner68
      @christurner68 Před 5 měsíci

      @@VK3FS I’m NSW, Vic and QLD seem to be on top of all this, my local radio club does not do much at all except to have coffees and committee meetings on a Saturday morning. I have a IC-705 and interested in getting the SG lab gear to start. Again, thank you for your video, very informative. And willing to come down to vic when you guys are having a field day or just and about do your normal ops.👍

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Hi Chris, yes you've described quite a few radio clubs. I'm part of the NERG which fortunately has a heathy microwave community. Is there another amateur you know keen to get active in these bands? It really makes a difference when you have others to work with. It may pay to sign up to VK-Microwave on groups.io You can always put out a message to see if there's anyone active in your area. It currently has 194 members.

  • @2321brendan
    @2321brendan Před 2 měsíci

    Nice vid Bloke. Ive been an inactive F call for 13 years. This may give me the kick up the backside to upgrade at least to standard. Minikits seems to make some good gear . I have my sights on an ic705 soon. Then the upgrade will happen . Just need to find a local test location. Brendan VK2QRM

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 2 měsíci

      Hi Brendan, Great to hear you may have found he bug again. Good Luck with the upgrade. -A.

  • @ernietech-101
    @ernietech-101 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Excellent video!👍

  • @VK8DNTOutbakRadio-tw5io
    @VK8DNTOutbakRadio-tw5io Před 5 měsíci

    Great Video Andrew

  • @vermontcreekbed
    @vermontcreekbed Před 5 měsíci +1

    👍👍👍 Another great video Andrew,

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks Jack. Must get some ER FD footage next time!

  • @jano3681
    @jano3681 Před 3 měsíci

    I think we need more satellites which allow microwaves. Here in Poland I have access to QO100 -2.4GHz uplink, 10GHz downlink. I've build complete staff by mysleve and I'm really happy of that. I get also Khune 10GHz transverter but hard to find other crazy ppl around me to do 3cm band QSO... Again, satellites will bring more microwave users...

  • @vk4uh96
    @vk4uh96 Před 5 měsíci +1

    True excellence Andrew, a very inspiring production VK4UH

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks Kevin 😊

  • @JosephVE3GKT
    @JosephVE3GKT Před 5 měsíci

    I would like to say that as a ham under 30, I'd love to get on microwaves *if* I can get gear that's good value for money - I.e. something that covers a bunch of bands, even for a performance compromise. There's not much on the entry-level end of the price spectrum. Several hundred dollars to get on one band, plus the absolute headache of making a multiband system, isn't approachable to any except the most technically adept of us. But you can get on every HF band for about $1000 with some very good tech - the FT-891 for instance - or for a lot less with used gear. You can get on repeaters with a Baofeng for $20. How can microwave possibly compete?
    My $0.02: microwave needs its Baofeng. No, not the harmonics of a UV-5r 😂, but the functional equivalent for the microwave bands - a cheap entry.
    You can cover all the bands up to 5.7 GHz using a Langstone Project transceiver (I happen to have everything except the actual SDR), but there's no easy way to filter the output.
    If someone made a $100-$200 add-on board for the Langstone, with multiband input and output filtering, some nominal power output of at least, say, 50 or 100 mW on every band, with a common output for a log periodic to start, and individual band outputs for amps down the road, I am sure it would be very popular, and it would serve as that "Baofeng of Microwave".
    Another problem to consider is how we as a community might use the massive bandwidth we have available on microwave bands. Narrow bandwidth modes are great, but the approachability of wide bandwidth gear is important too.
    Just my $0.02 CAD!
    73 VE3GKT

    • @VK3FS
      @VK3FS  Před 5 měsíci +2

      You make some valid points Joseph. HF and SHF are a little different. Not much in common except an IF frequency. A transverter and an IF radio can be done for under $1K but that's just one band.

    • @MidlifeRenaissanceMan
      @MidlifeRenaissanceMan Před 5 měsíci +1

      I’ve been thinking around this low cost microwave challenge for some time now.
      The microwave in a box IC905 will set you back a small used car or between 14 to 18 AU falcons. And while it packs an incredible amount of technology value into its bits, it’s a significant outlay for those who can’t afford a fleet of AU Falcons (still, one can always dream)
      There is a plethora of 2.4Ghz and 5GHz wifi technology out there and some half watt hardware for not a lot of money. It’s an area where someone / some group of smart people manage to put something together that just works well enough for a hundo or two outlay that the B callsign countrymen will make knock offs of and sell them on Ali Express for AUD$38.64 (less with coins) without any credit to the original geniii who came up with the setup in the first place.
      A Pixie, with a couple of tweaks will get you a QSO in a neighbouring state for under $10. Is there a 2.4GHz equivalent??
      Peter Parker found some 2.4GHz walkie talkies for not a lot of money. They use some sort of digital encoding.
      I have a couple of wireless guitar adapters from Ali Express. I spent $18ish ( plus coins) for one pair and $38 for a different style in a nicer box. Both are crap as a wireless guitar unit, but they work well enough for noodling around the kitchen while I cook.
      We are not that far off the Beofeng UV5R for microwave, with or without the spurious emissions.
      A plug in transverter to a firmware flashed Quangshang might be a place to look. Dudes have got those picking up 30cm sigs. Output is in the mW for out of band operation.
      We live in the new golden age of ham home brewing
      And there is always the spark gap equivalent of Microwave oven Moon Bounce for those who want to live dangerously. _has anyone done that ?? CW keyed a magnatron pointed at a good size dish pointed at the moon ???_

    • @MidlifeRenaissanceMan
      @MidlifeRenaissanceMan Před 5 měsíci +1

      Wow. If you mention _B callsign countrymen_ as a word beginning with C, YT nukes your comment