Introduction to 10 GHz X-band microwave rig building - Bay-Net

Building an X‐Band
Transverter
10 GHz Amateur Radio
David P. Vieira
January 23, 2016
© D. P. Vieira 2016
KI6CLA
• David Vieira
– born and raised in Northern California
– UC Davis, BSEE
• Electrical Engineer (semiconductors) since 1995
– Over 17 years of Analog, Mixed Signal IC design experience.
• 4 years of RFID Experience (UHF, 902‐928 ISM band)
• Wireline and PLL work in the Multi‐GHz ranges. – Consultant / Self‐Employed
• FCC
– Licensed amateur since 2006. Extra since 2012.
• 10 years (Yes, I just renewed!)
• Emergency Operations
• Technology Experimentation and Advancement
– Member 50MHz+ group since 2013. http://www.50mhzandup.org
– General Radio Operator Lic (GROL) since 2014
• Radar Endorsement
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Abstract
Today, off the shelf radios are ubiquitous among amateur operators. While highly integrated appliance radios get a HAM on‐the‐air, their use does not impart a deep understanding of radio architecture and technology. Microwave bands are common place in our lives: Wi‐Fi, cell phone towers, and automotive radar to name a few applications. Yet there are no practical or affordable microwave radios for amateur use. The experimental RF community has an opportunity to utilize the enabling microwave technologies available today. This talk describes the re‐engineering of 10 GHz microwave components from a surplus cell tower, satellite dish, and other sources to form a transverter. Combined with an intermediate frequency (IF) radio, a 10 GHz transverter allows operation on the microwave X‐band. With familiar interface of a VHF rig, working on a higher spectrum opens the door for new operating challenges ‐‐ voice communication (SSB, FM) including contests. These techniques can be extended to (high capacity) digital modes; or applied to other bands.
© D. P. Vieira 2016
How to take an off‐the‐shelf
VHF 144 MHz radio, and use it at 10 GHz microwave bands ?
Or how to take a 2 meter wavelength
and transmit a 3 cm wavelength ?
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Why? – Relevant:
Mimosa Networks 10 GHz
Ref: https://mimosa.co/
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Experimental Opportunities
in Amateur Radio
•
•
Off‐the‐Shelf Microwave Equipment is NOT available.
Industrial versions are not affordable to hobbyists. •
Architect your Radio!
– Parameters: [noise(s), Bandwidth, Robustness, etc.] versus Cost. – Challenge your assumptions & understanding of HF/VHF/UHF equipment.
• Q: Why are most HT’s build as FM only? (Hint: What is expensive on AM ?)
• Q: Why are BNC cables not used for microwaves?
Design and Build your Radio: Component Integration; or from Transistors / IC’s and up.
Learn about Propagation issues at higher frequencies.
Use (Justify) Amateur bands allocated by FCC.
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Microwave “GHz” Bands
supplier recognition:
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Audience recommended to read Roadmap to 10 and 24 GHz, from 2013
for Signal Path (and other) good information
Ref: K6ML and N9JIM http://www.50mhzandup.org/
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Paths to a
Transverter
components out of a surplus
Harris Farinon RF/Cellular Base Station Box
€ 573 Euro @ KUHNE
http://shop.kuhne‐electronic.de/kuhne/en/shop/amateur‐radio/converter‐
transverte/transverter/MKU+10+G3++3cm+Transverter/?card=527
http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/product‐p/10368‐144lp.htm
© D. P. Vieira 2016
10 GHz Transverter
X-Band: 8-12 GHz (IEEE)
λ = 2.89 cm
David Vieira
speaker
MIC
13.8 Volt Battery
ICOM
IC‐7000
144 MHz
VHF
+33 dBm
f1 ± f2
10,224 + 144
RX,1
Relay
Control
RF
MIXER
S1
TX,2
board
LNA
RX
IF
Relay
C
BW > 35 MHz
S21: -2dB
LO:
0 dBm FS
BPF
10.368
+12 dBm
Splitter
----
YL2117
-18 dBm
(16-20)
C
Power Amp
Relay
S4
TX
250-300 mW
Est: +45 dB
MTI 240
‐5
0 dBm
+9 dBm
10 MHz XTAL
oven
‐9
-3 dBm
+6 dBm
2.566
GHz
Reactance
Labs
Synthesizer
‐9
+17 dBm
4X PLL
10.224
10 GHz
~ Flat ~
Panel
PN @1 kHz:
-70 dBc/Hz
MT-9010
Reactance
Labs
2.4 Watts
© D. P. Vieira 2016
© D. Vieira, Last Update: January 15, 2015
Gain 25 dB
AZ/EL: 8 deg BW
Linear, 1.6 kg
λ = 2.89 cm
Pick your IF rig *
(IF = Intermediate Frequency)
• Typically, IF is 144 MHz VHF
– want SSB, FM, CW.
– HT’s are insufficient (FM only, lack control signals)
• Identify output Signals on rear panel.
– Push‐To‐Talk, PTT – Logical signal available?
– Transmit Inhibit Input (IF you’re Rig has it.) *desirable.
– Read The Full Manual (RTFM)
• IF Power Control
– Set IF output power to Lowest Setting. (How much overshoot ?!)
– 0.25 Watts, if you have it. (ICOM 7000 has 2W low end.)
• Certainly << 10 W on the TC control board load rating. Heat sink!! (more later…)
• Measure PTT to RF Output delay.
– Critical to Sequence (TX – RX ) Switching
– May need a delay (more on this later…)
© D. P. Vieira 2016
* HINT: Yaesu FT‐817
‐ TX inhibit signal
‐ Low Power
10 GHz components for TX/RX split:
Relay, Mechanical for TX/RX control
Ducommun, 12V, 26 GHz (upgrade for 24GHz dual band) Common to: 1 or 2 output. Some are Latching. ~ 100 mA
$10 E‐Bay http://stores.ebay.com/ivtelectroniccomponents/
Waveguide Circulator
Power Divider Splitter 1:2 (‐3 dB)
available in Harris Farinon
SMA Cables – High Frequency:
 RF out
 TX & RX paths
•
•
•
Rigid (hard to fit shape)
Semi Rigid (from Harris Box, flea mkt.)
RG402 Low LOSS Cable (blue) < $5/ foot
© D. P. Vieira 2016
http://stores.ebay.com/adapterconnectorpigtailcable/
RG402 attenuation: 45 dB per 100 feet (spec)
0.7 dB per 12” measured.
Ref: K6ML – May 2013 © D. P. Vieira 2016
http://www.w6pql.com/
http://www.w6pql.com/relay_sequencer.htm
$20‐$30 (Un or Assembled)
Relay Sequencer Board: – Keep your TX from toasting your RX.
TX Relay switched  Delay PTT  Transmit PA
Simple R/C and Comparator on a 12V supply.
potentiometer
to tune for YOUR 144 rig.
© D. P. Vieira 2016
TC = Transverter Control (uses PTT or equivalent)
DownEast Microwave: ($45 - mostly assembled)
• Used as SW1.
• Translates IF (144 MHz) VHF to split TX & RX
• Drives mechanical relays. (12 or 24V)
• 12 V supply friendly.
• Takes PTT (or TX inhibit)
•
•
•
•
http://fwfvq.tehfm.servertrust.com/product-p/tc.htm
50 ohm load for TX of IF Rig – Heatsink.
Stuffing option for RX path IF gain – not needed.
I added two LED’s to indicated TX vs RX.
Likely need Delay between RX/TX sequencer.
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Transverter control IF switch.
10W input max. w/ adjustable attenuator, 9V regulated supply, w/ 24V relay driver.
Transverter Control, TC: 1) PTT‐L (bottom) controls relays.
(From PQL sequencer Board – modified pull up)
Apply 13.8V
2) SMA/BNC for IF (on top), on “TRANS” label. Note 50 ohm MP930 needs Heatsink!
Apply Ground 3) SMA for RX input (on Right Side), capacitively coupled by C6, C7 and 120pF
4) SMA for TX output on Left side near C1. (Note, R2 potentiometer sets gain.)
5) Wire (Green) for Relay Control TX: “+13RX” Near C8/R9
6) Wire (Yellow) for Relay Control RX: “+13TX” Near R12
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Pre‐Amp (Harris):
•
•
•
•
•
Simple. MUST use with isolators to properly load and terminate !
12V supply friendly. Low power ~ 60 mA
Noise Figure: approx. 2‐4 dB according to group folklore.
May want to replace old bypass Capacitor (if leaky).
Alternatives Pre‐Amps:
• Kuhne ($$$ or € € €)
• Down East Micro (NF)
Harris (X‐Band)
50 ohm isolators 2/3 of a Circulator
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Pre‐Amp by N6JV
LNB (Low Noise Block) down converter from Satellite TV
http://home.comcast.net/~nwilson343/lna2.html
•
•
•
•
NF ~ 0.7 to 1.0 dB
12 V supply, few mA. BNC WR75 Transition for ANT
SMA output
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Mixer – Heart of the Transverter operation:
Trig: sin(A) * sin(B) = 1/2 [cos(A - B) - cos(A + B)]
Mixer notes
 don’t over drive
 don’t let TX Power Amp into it.
Ref 1: Marki Microwave, Mixer Basics Primer
Ref 2: http://www.radio‐electronics.com/info/rf‐technology‐design/mixers/rf‐mixers‐mixing‐basics‐tutorial.php
Harris / Magnum Microwave 10 GHz mixer values (approximate):
IF: ‐1 dBm
LO: 12 dBm ( ~ 2dB [about 10 dB less] in a Radio that needs linearity for Complex modulation.)
RF: ‐4 dB (DSB) or ‐7 dB (SSB)
Alternatives: HMC412
approx. $25
http://www.analog.com/en/products/rf‐microwave/mixers/single‐double‐triple‐balanced‐mixers/hmc412b.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Develop‐PCB‐Hittite‐Mixer‐Rogers‐RO4350‐Material‐/160647584748?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2567579bec
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hittite‐HMC412MS8G‐9‐15GHz‐Double‐Balanced‐Mixer‐MSOP8G‐/161001660786?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257c726172
© D. P. Vieira 2016
10 GHz Band Pass Filter:
Ham Band: 10.000 to 10.500 GHz
Calling Frequency: 10,368,100
Approximate Values:
‐2 dB Insertion Loss
Band Pass:
‐ 1 dB @ 10 MHz
‐ 3 dB @ 35 MHz
‐20 dB @ 60 MHz
minor passband ripple Am Satellite: 10,450,000 
Space Telecommand
Analog & Digital
Analog & Digital
10,368,000 +/‐ 17 10,350,000 to 10,385,000
Wideband
GunnPlexers
‐3 dB, ~ 35 MHz wide:
Experimental
Re‐tune 4 screws to 10.368
High‐Speed Broadband
Data Communications > 1MHz (TV, 802.11)
Waveguide, 4 cavity
Calling Freq: 10,368,100 
Mt. Allison: 10,369,192 
Filter:
10.000 – 10.1000 – 10.200 – 10.300 – 10.400 – 10.500
SSB, CW, digital Weak‐Signal, NBFM
http://www.arrl.org/band‐plan
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Power Amplifier (or Pre‐Driver)
Harris, ~ 250 mW, 12V supply
RF monitor port: (Optional)
VDET port:
o add LCD Voltmeter
Range: 0 to ‐0.5 V
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Harris PA: 2 to 3.5 Watt
Surplus: $100‐200 range
Mitsubishi MFX35V0510
Spec: 10.5‐11.0 GHz
Needs Heat Sink 10V @ 3.6A*
(3 stages @ 1.2A/stage)
*set bias: –Vgate: ‐5V to ‐2V
Needs a ~ 250 mW
pre‐driver (Harris LPA)
Target RFIN 22 dBm +/‐
Needs a 2 Supply Board with additional Sequencing. W6BY 
http://wayne‐yoshida‐kh6wz.com/2013/07/06/harris‐farinon‐10ghz‐amplifier‐for‐amateur‐radio‐use/
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Alcatel MDR‐8000 PA
approximately 10 Watts
Power varies by model # and match.
Needs a 250mW driver.
Needs a Heat Sink.
Needs 3 Supplies • additional Sequencing
• 10.5V @ > 6 Amps © D. P. Vieira 2016
RL better than ‐10 dB Measured by W6BY.
MTI Flat Panel Antenna: 10 GHz, > 25 dBi, 8°, 6 Watt
Measured gain 28.8 dBi
Remove internal
Polarization screen
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Rotate 45°

Horizontal Polarization
Dish:
18”or larger. > 30 dB
Feedhorn: Tripod: Misc:
Dual 10/24 GHz, group project (shown)
Sturdy. Quickset, for example
Astrolab, Compass, GPS, etc.
Ref: Paul Wade, W1GHz.org
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Local Oscillator
Frequency Accuracy
Note: Choose: 144,000,000.
+ 10,224,000,000.
= 10,368,000,000 Hz
1 PPM ~ 10k Hz
1 PPB ~ 10 Hz
Notes:
1152 * 9 = 10,368
1135 * 9 = 10,224
How to arrive at 10,224 ?
https://www.jitterlabs.com/support/calculators/ppm/
Field Realities:
1. Your Rig’s Frequency will be off.
2. Your contact’s Frequency will be off.
3. Both sides will have Drift (temperature).
4. Your contact’s voice will be distorted.
Q1: How far off Frequency do you want to be?
~ time to contact
Q2: How much warm up time to you want to take?
~ hassle to keep powered up.
~ time to contact (slow Roving.)
Note: GPS is slow….
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Strategies for a Precision Reference Oscillator :
Typically 10 MHz
 OCXO (single oven)
 Accurate
 Faster settling time than double; vs Accuracy
 OCXO (double oven)
 Accurate
 Larger, higher power than single.
 Rubidium/Cesium
 http://freqelec.com/rb_osc_fe5680a.html
 GPS
 Accurate
 Time to accuracy
 (longer than time to lock). Not good for field roving.
© D. P. Vieira 2016
OCXO
MTI
Single Oven
• 10 MHz
•
•
•
•
‐135 dBc/Hz @ 100 Hz
‐145 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz
12V supply
$30 to 45 on E‐Bay •
Alternatives:
– GPS lock (slow)
– Rubidium (expensive)
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Double Oven
•
Best Price/Performance is probably a Double Ovenized Oscillator – 10 MHz
•
o E‐Bay Surplus/Salvage units from China.
Oscilloquartz.com Swiss made. 8863, SC cut 3rd overtone crystal Comparison:
Single AT: Double SC:
•
•
•
PN @ 100 Hz:
Stability over Temp:
Stability per Day:
‐135
2E‐07
1E‐09
‐140
1E‐09
2E‐10
dBc
•
•
Warm up Power:
Continuous Power
6
1.8
9
2.5
Watts
Watts
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Local Oscillator, L.O. Strategies:
• Brick, un‐locked: M/A COM magnum
–
–
–
Need new XTAL frequency. Need ‐20V. Use ‐24V switcher, then linear regulator.
DRO (Dielectric Resonator) type will not tune down to the ham bands.
• *Brick, Locked:
–
–
–
Brick has a 106.5 MHz brick crystal, locked to a 10 MHz OCXO.
The final LO system is a chain of phase locked oscillators.
http://www.ham‐radio.com/wa6cgr/mwpll.html
• *Modified Brick:
–
–
–
–
* Better Performance
PCB by Paul Wade W1GHz to phase‐lock a 96 MHz VCXO to a 10 MHz reference. Bring in an external reference signal (96 MHz) is documented on‐line. • Disabling the Macom brick internal crystal oscillator; http://www.ko4bb.com/ has material provided by Rex, KK6MK.
http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/index.php?dir=02_GPS_Timing/Time_Nuts_Papers
• *PLL (VCO + *PLL): 10 MHz  1278 MHz  8X Multiplier to 10,224 MHz
–
–
TI’s 14 GHz PLL demo board. LMX2492
E‐Bay: Microwave VCO + PLL X band 10.368GHz RTL SDR 10GHz for Ham Radio up‐converter
• *Board Kits:
– * Reactance Labs: 10M  2566 M  10,224 MHz. http://reactancelabs.com/
–
•
N5AC / ApolLO: (watch for noise) http://www.n5ac.com/blog/products‐page/
Not Recommended: 10 Ghz P‐Com brick
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Synthesizer (1)
10 MHz Input, 2.556 GHz output
Fractional‐N
Low Phase Noise
PLL: Mini‐Circuits
PCB: Reactance Labs
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Synthesizer (2)
Inter‐Block Attenuators
‐ Need various sizes (3‐12 dB) 2.556 GHz In, 10.224 GHz output
Times 4 Multiplier
Low Phase Noise
© D. P. Vieira 2016
http://reactancelabs.com/
Needs Heat Sink!
LO Phase Noise
Characterization on Rhode & Schwarz Spectrum Analyzer
at MUD ‐ San Diego CA ‐ Oct. 2015, © D. P. Vieira 2016
‐70 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz
Spurs at ~ 240 Hz, 50 k, 100 k Hz.
10 GHz Transverter
X-Band: 8-12 GHz (IEEE)
λ = 2.89 cm
KI6CLA
MIC
DLY #4
MIC
ICOM
PTT, pin4
IC‐7000
RIG
144 MHz
Key:
RX,1: Green wire
TX, 2: Yellow/Gold
Common: VSS
VHF
+33 dBm
Control
IF
Relay
‐8
-4 dBm DSB
-7 dBm SSB
-1 dBm
LO:
12” cable
-0.7dB
TX,2
0 dBm FS
+12 dBm
‐9
-3 dBm
+6 dBm
2.566
GHz
Reactance
Labs
‐9
LNA
C
BW > 35 MHz
S21: -2dB
Harris Farinon
PN @1 kHz:
-70 dBc/Hz
+17 dBm
4X PLL
10.224
Reactance
Labs
2.4 Watts
Synthesizer
© D. Vieira, Last Update: March 27, 2014
~2.3 Amp
10 GHz
~ Flat ~
Panel
1
2
RX
Splitter
----
250-300 mW
Est: +45 dB
YL2117
-18 dBm
(16-20)
C
LPA
TX
Relay
S4
3W
PA
23 dBm
Vr=0.73V
‐5
0 dBm
Total:
Gain 25 dB
AZ/EL: 8 deg BW
Linear, 1.6 kg
-12 dBm
BPF
10.368
S1
board
+9 dBm
oven
DLY #1
RF
MIXER
MTI 240
XTAL
DLY #2
1000 mA
200 Relay
200
650
60
< 100
< 100
MT-9010
LNA by N6JV
Est. NF 0.7dB 1
Gain: 25.6 dB
10,224 + 144
RX,1
Relay
DLY #3
f1 ± f2
2
1
PTT-L
Open Drain
Current Loads:
Synth:
Relay S1
S4
Power Amp
LNA
TC
Sequencer
∆T(#4 - #1) > 30 mSec
1
2
10 MHz Sequencer & Delay Timer
W6PQL
Power List:
A: LNA, PA
B: Sequencer
C: TC board
D: Synthesizer
12” cable
-0.7dB
speaker
Match
!= 50 Ω + 0 Z
13.8 Volt Car Battery
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Beacons: (Leeson Site on Mt. Thayer. Allison near Fremont.)
Leeson 143.990 @ 37 10.034,-121 55.500 CM97ae FM/mW
Allison
145.192 @ 37 29.905,-121 52.206 CM97bl CW/~1W (rx145.198)
Mt Vaca 144.325 @ 38 24.510,-122 06.500 CM88wj (rx 144.322.3)
Mt Frazier 144.310 @ 33 45.300,-118 22.300 DM04ms
AD6FP Rptr 145.150 @ 37 10.034,-121 55.500 Fremont (Allison)
Palos Verdes 144.330 @ 33 46.150,-118 22.300 DM03ts 1.6W
Bay-Net:
Black Mtn: 145.390, 443.225, & 927.8625
East Bay Hills:
443.975
Bay-net6: 444.425, PL 127.3 + 5MHz offset. (System Fusion)
Cactus-SF: (members only):
443.550 +100 Crystal (South Bay)
444.350 +100 Black Mtn (Backup)
440.325 +100 Mount Diablo (DOWN)
443.400 +141.3 San Benito
N6AMG:
440.3000 Concord
440.3750 Fresno
440.5000 Daly City
Sites: GPS: Maidenhead, GPS:
Alviso: CM97AK?, TBD …….
Canada: CM87UK, TBD ……..
Pete:
CM98LR, Roseville
Norm:
10 GHz station by Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ
Transverter Unit
RF PowerMeters
Synthesized LO
10MHz Reference
Receive LNA
T/R Waveguide
Relay
SSPA
DC-DC
Converter
© D. P. Vieira 2016
KO4BB: http://www.ko4bb.com/ham_radio/10GHz_transverters/
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Acknowledgements:
• 50 MHz and Up, technical microwave ham group.
http://www.50mhzandup.org/
• Mike, K6ML
• Jim, N9JIM
• Brian, W6BY
For more Info: dpv@ieee.org
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Microwave References:
Groups:
•
50 MHz and Up (Nor Cal):
•
San Bernardino (So Cal): •
North Texas: •
St. Louis
•
NE Weak Signal
•
Mid America:
•
Florida
•
Northern Lights: •
Aussies:
http://www.50mhzandup.org/
http://ham‐radio.com/sbms/
http://www.ntms.org/
http://slams‐stlouis.blogspot.com/
http://www.newsvhf.com/
http://www.w4dex.com/mams/
http://flwss.net/
http://www.nlrs.org/
http://vkfaq.ampr.org/infclubs.php
Suppliers:
•
http://reactancelabs.com/
•
http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/
•
http://www.kuhne‐electronic.de/en/home.html
•
http://www.ac6v.com/kits.htm
•
http://w6trw.com/
(TRW swap meet)
•
http://www.electronicsfleamarket.com/
(De Anza swap meet)
•
All Phone Co (Concord, CA). Ask for Ellie.
Other:
•
Conference:
•
Paul Wade
•
MBA
•
Tech Reference:
http://ham‐radio.com/sbms/mud2015/mud_index.html
http://www.w1ghz.org/10g/10g_home.htm
http://www.wa1mba.org/interest.htm
http://www.microwaves101.com/encyclopedias/microwave‐amateur‐radio
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Backup Slides
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Mt. Vaca
•
•
•
•
Pleasant Valley Road
Alamo Drive – foothills
Mix Canyon Left on Blue Ridge
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Slotted Waveguide ‐ typical Beacon omni‐directional Antenna
(Gain ~ 10 dB. Impractical low gain for a Rig.)
Field work
Get familiar with – Liaison repeaters
•
Need a 902‐928 MHz HT or Rig
 DJ‐G29T
 ar902mhz@yahoogroups.com
 Northern CA has NC9RS
• Need a strong HT on 144 MHz
 South Bay has Bay‐Net
 Southern (& parts of Nor) CA has Cactus Intertie Private Network, Members ONLY ! – Guest privileges during contests.
•
For HT’s, consider
– a high gain or directional antenna
© D. P. Vieira 2016
Maidenhead Grid Squares CM97AK shown
http://www.dxmaps.com/callbook/gmap.php
There is an APP for that  Maidenhead Grid Locator © D. P. Vieira 2016
Power
• Field Power Source?
– 13.8V car battery (typical)
• Also a Weight for Tripod and dish ( wind ).
– Is it going to be power during transit ? (Oscillator warm up time)
– Gas Generator  AC  DC converter ?
– Solar charger ?
• Inter‐Operability
–
–
–
–
Anderson Power Poles are a pseudo‐Standard
http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson‐powerpoles/
15, 30, 45 Amp are interchangeable ‐ Size appropriately!
Invest in a crimper ?
• Fuses
– I blew several during initial builds.
– Protect your investment in equipment. © D. P. Vieira 2016