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SDR Switching and RF Sensing Linear Amp Question

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2025 11:44 pm
by 2E0JFS
I have a small linear for working base station.

My portable setup is now modular, based around a G90 and an RSPDxR2 SDR and Console 3.4 it works amazingly well all held together with Omnirig.

/P I'm out and about running from 1W to 10w in the countryside with various home brew Antennas

But at home an SDR Switch stops the linear from destroying the SDR which is does really well as in a recommended setup the amp sits on the Antenna switching output

However the PTT based Xeigu amp isn't that great .

I do have an RM broadband amp and low pass filter, but I am anxious that the amp will stay in TX after the PTT switch has opened the RX. ...as this amp is RF Sensing

Does anyone have an experience of this please or any suggestions? ....

Re: SDR Switching and RF Sensing Linear Amp Question

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2025 1:17 am
by KA1GJU
I use a Receiver Front End Protector, my SDR’s are on separate antennas from the TXR antenna. No relays clacking, just silence!

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dx ... zAYBIg6EtP

Array Solutions used to have one also, but it’s discontinued. Lots of cheap ones on Amazon/Ebay but at what level of protection?

Some of my antennas are only 8’ apart from the TX antenna.

Re: SDR Switching and RF Sensing Linear Amp Question

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 4:01 pm
by 2E0JFS
Yes, absolutely, I hadn't thought of that. I've used one once before at a field day didn't occur to me - Thank you for the suggestion.
This also looks to have the right idea - I have asked how much they cost - however - one does feel that if you have to ask how much something cost then it might cost a lot! :)

Thanks and 73 -

Re: SDR Switching and RF Sensing Linear Amp Question

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 11:22 pm
by KA1GJU
If you got room and a nearby wooded area, don’t overlook installing a RX antenna deep in the woods. RG6 (75 ohm) is cheap, RG11. (75 ohm also) can be found reasonably priced too. At our lake condo, I ran 350’ of RG11 away from all the condo units to an EFW, 9:1 Unun, and ~175’ of coated wire. My pneumatic tennis ball launcher allowed me to shoot a line up and over the tree tops and the antenna just rests atop the branches. Very quiet location and awesome S/N ratios.

7

Re: SDR Switching and RF Sensing Linear Amp Question

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 8:44 pm
by 2E0JFS
Oh Kriss,

I wish. I can get deep into the woods ....but I'm there with a camping table and a folding chair and lots of batteries.

Suburbia and adventure portable only for me I'm afraid.