$75 Ukrainian VHF Transverter with the Flex-6000 SDR and SmartSDR

[@ronaldfoster2954]

Thanks Doug for all your help and information! You’re one of the few HAM’s that understand all this XVTR/transverter environment and willing to share.

[@m1tanker64]

Doug, the quality of your video and audio is outstanding.

[@thuff3207]

Thank you for showing the performance of the transverter. I am thinking of getting the 220Mhz version and use it with my radio.

[@mknight52]

Thanks Doug, Im going to disconnect the antenuator and rewire as you have shown here. Thanks!! Good vid!

[@satexas520skyjacker]

just ordered the transverter trying to get all the parts together before it arrives thanks for this video very helpful

[@JRSGandara]

Great video! One question. SmartSDR provide +- split and CTCSS for repeater operation?

[@doughall1415]

Yes, SmartSDR provides for repeater offsets and CTCSS. I have used this transverter with 2m repeaters.

[@JRSGandara]

Great! I had a Flex 3000 in the past and now I´m considering buying the 6300. Would be great to have 144, 220 and 440 with Flex and add ThumbDV for DSTAR and other digital modes. Do you think in add more transverters? If you do, do have any suggestion how to hook all three in the transverter port and switch automatically?

[@doughall1415]

I haven't thought about adding more transverters, so I don't have any ideas on how to switch automatically between multiple devices. It seems that you would need some relays since there is only a single transverter output from the 6300. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

[@milhenachar3014]

I've got eight of those for different bands connected to my CB radios.

[@mikesherer7267]

I'm a lucky ham. I realized long ago I rather listen to other senders rather than transmit. It makes life so much easier.

[@kenhansen6300]

I just ordered a preassembled one for my Flex 6300 - my concerns are the built-in attenuator (which only requires a diode be snipped to bypass) and that the Flex only allows coverage from 144-145.7 MHz with the Flex 6300 (since the transverter directly maps from 10m -> 2m, and the Flex 6300 won't tune out of band). My main interest is in monitoring weak signal SSB on 2m, if/when I decide to participate I'll likely invest in a powerful amp, but that is in the future.

[@kenhansen6300]

Oh wait, the transverter output goes from 28-32 MHz without issue? that's great, I missed that the first few times watched the video... great to know! If I used the attenuator/transverter I would only get coverage of the lower 1.7 MHz of the 2m band, since the Flex 6300 only puts out RF on 28-29.7 MHz - correct? Thanks for this very helpful video.

[@doughall1415]

As long as you feed the transverter from the XVTR output on the Flex you won't have any issues with band coverage. The XVTR output allows continuous coverage on TX and RX from 28 to 32 MHz which provides 144 to 148 MHz coverage with this transverter.

[@DennisFranssen]

Hi +Doug Hall, I was wondering what the opening tune is you use in this video ? It sounded really nice on my system and would love to hear the full track. Thanks a lot!

[@doughall1415]

+Dennis “The Menace” Franssen Hi Dennis, the track is just some royalty-free music from the video editor I use (Adobe Premiere.) I'll look it up next time I'm editing some video and see what it's called.

[@AE0MT]

It looks like your spectrum analyzer is clipping the peaks of the fundamental pair's when you are running your higher power measurements. Can you replicate the same test with your specan set to a 0dbm reference? I am curious if your measurements are showing compression due to the selected dynamic range of your gear. Thanks for all the info. Very enlightening. It would be interesting to see how this piece of gear compares to a DEMI transverter.

[@doughall1415]

+Mike Thompson It's just a display issue - I had an external attenuator on the input to ensure that the input signal stayed well within the Rigol's limits. I don't know how this board compares with the DEMI equipment - it would be interesting to get access to one to do some tests. The TX IMD figures in the ARRL review weren't stellar as I recall. The gold standard is apparently the stuff from Kuhne, but that's pricey stuff.

[@RichardLawn]

I really enjoyed this video as it been wondering about the Russian transverters. I currently also use a 6300 on satellites with down converters and another radio for the uplink and it works very well. I'm interested in pursuing weak signal EME etc. and am curious about your setup. I gather you are only using about 150 watts. What antenna are you using? Love to hear more from you. Rick, W2JAZ and I'm on QRZ

[@doughall1415]

+Richard Lawn Thanks, Rick. I use an old Cushcraft 13B2 on 2m. I have done some satellite work in years past but never tried EME. I'm told you can work the big guns (like W5UN) on EME with a 100w station but I think a couple of antennas and more power would help a lot. I'm currently looking at buying an amp from a friend of mine, a homebrew setup for 2m with a pair of 4CX250Bs.

[@lblerg]

I'm putting this together now. What was the KT1 spot for on the Transverter? I've emailed him, just came across your video. THey have it as pin 4 on the instructions, but dont define it. Thanks!

[@doughall1415]

He just lists it as an internal control point used to adjust the board. I don't have anything attached to this pin. From the instruction sheet: 4.Control point (we used it to adjust the board)

[@lblerg]

Got it. I had that sheet turned over to the side with the scematics on it, hadnt turned it over!

[@ruhnet]

Good stuff. Thanks especially for the IMD measurements! 73s

[@Munky332]

do transverters allow you to change modulation? i'm assuming not? i don't know much about them other than it allows you to use a frequency (ie like 2m band) with a radio on a different band (ie 10m), but "most" people are FM on 2 meter, and most are SSB/AM/CW on 10m. does a transverter allow the ability to change modulation?

[@doughall1415]

Yes, you can use any mode with this transverter. I mainly use mine on 2M SSB and CW, but I have used it on FM as well.

[@Munky332]

well, i suppose does it just keep the modulation from the transceiver itself? or does it actually convert it (ie from FM to SSB)? reason i'm asking is because I have a quad-band (10m/6m/2m/70cm) FM only radio, but i'd like to do some SSB for 10m/6m/2m. the only way i've found so far would be to get a dedicated radio, which is going to cost me $800+ unless i can manage to find a used yaesu 857D or Icom 706 MK2G. but if a transverter can be used to convert, that might be a better option for me?

[@doughall1415]

No, it doesn't do any conversion. It takes whatever mode your transceiver uses and that's what you get on the 2M side. So you'd need a transceiver capable of 10M SSB operation in order to to 2M SSB with the transverter.

[@RichardAdkins]

I just bought this board and am setting things up. Do I need to disconnect the attenuator? I didn't realize I didn't need it when I placed the order. GREAT video. Thanks a bunch for posting it. Rick K5RHA (FLEX 6500)

[@doughall1415]

Rick, if you are driving the transverter board from the Flex transverter output then you have to disconnect or otherwise disable the attenuator. The attenuator is intended (and only needed) for users whose radios do not have transverter outputs.

[@RichardAdkins]

Thank you, Doug. I'll figure out how to do that asap. I think I saw on your, or someone's video on how to do that. 73 K5RHA

[@mknight52]

I just received a Flex 1500, and i bought a 2 meter Ukraine txv with the antenuator all as one unit. Will this setup apply to the 1500 as well? Thanks, Mike N5LUB

[@doughall1415]

I doubt it. The 1500 has a transverter output, so I don't think you need the attenuator. Also the 1500 uses PowerSDR instead of SmartSDR, so the software configuration will definitely be different.

[@arturogalindo4430]

Hi Doug, thanks for the information. I setup my tranverter as per your video, but for some reason my transverter wont transmit. I have checked settings and cant find the cause, any thoughts on what to check?

[@doughall1415]

Using a scope or voltmeter make sure that the PTT line (shown as pin 3 on the transverter schematic) is being pulled low (0 v) when you key the Flex. If not, check the connection back to the Flex and make sure the TX line on the Flex is connected and configured properly.

[@mknight52]

I just upgraded to a 6300 with SmartSDR. Having ordered this transverter with the antenuator included and assembled, its wired into the transverter. Can it be used in this configuration with the 6300? Or will the antenuator need to be removed? Thanks

[@doughall1415]

I don't think there is any way to use the transverter port with the attenuator in place. It just doesn't put out enough power. With the attenuator board installed you need 10 to 15 watts of drive. I don't know what's involved in bypassing the attenuator but it shouldn't be too difficult.

[@nickcloyes9230]

A very informative video, thanks.

[@M0PKZ]

Hi Doug, what about if you wanna connect 2 transverters? How ypu coild make automatic switching between them?! I had flex-3000 but would be nice to hear options what would be avialble on flex-6300 sdr rig.

[@doughall1415]

Using two or more transverters would require some kind of external switching since the Flex-6300 only has a single transverter port. I only have the 2m transverter so I have not had to deal with interfacing multiple transverters. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[@TubeRadiosRule]

Will this also work with the Flex SDR-1000? I am building an SDRHam transceiver that is basically a clone of the SDR-1000 but all on one board (instead of the Flex radio's four boards), and the DEMI 144-28 that was originally supplied for the FLex is VERY expensive... 73, de KC8MWG

[@doughall1415]

I don't have any experience with the SDR-1000, but if the transverter output is similar to that of the 6300 it should work fine.

[@TubeRadiosRule]

Okay, how do you get PowerSDR to recognize an external transverter? I can't seem to enter it manually in "demo mode", and I can't transmit up to 32MHz as an IF to cover all of 2 meters.

[@doughall1415]

Sorry, I don't have anything here that works with PowerSDR anymore. I sold my Flex-1500 when I got my Flex-6300.

[@frankhunger2476]

Dear Doug, I have a Flex 6300 and would like to use the converter for our near Repeater on 145,625 MHz. And how can I open the repeater ( my handy uses a tone for opening)? And how can I realize the - 0,6 MHz offset? Which cables I need for connection? Which for the PTT? Is a power of 5 W possible? Thank you for help. It's a wonderful video, very helpful. 73 de Frank DM5KK

[@doughall1415]

Hello Frank, Please see the email that I sent to you this morning.

[@johnnorris7815]

May I please have the same e-mail. I have a 6300 as well. Great video! Thanks

[@johnnorris7815]

Hi Doug Thanks for the video. It is very helpful. Its been a couple of years since you posted this. I have a 6300 and want to be able to check in some 2 meter nets remotely from work with the ipad. I am new to ham radio and would like you to recommend what all I need to do this. I only have the 6300 now. Thanks Johnny

[@doughall1415]

Hi Johnny. The first thing to do is to get a transverter and configure it as shown in the video and make sure you can work the local nets using your 6300 and transverter. Then you'll need to configure SmartLink, the remote control feature in SmartSDR 2.0, so that you can operate the Flex remotely. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with the iPad and SmartSDR iOS, but there are some videos explaining that part of the process. Good luck!

[@johnnorris7815]

Thanks Doug. I am operating the 6300 with the ipad remotely. Just wanted to make sure I was not missing anything before I make the investment. I plan on buying the assembled 144 mhz without the attenuator. Hope it will output 5 watts. Your video has helped a lot of people I'm sure.

[@DickieBird888]

Thanks for the video..

[@RobBob555]

Brilliant Video, Thank you very much :)

[@rbraddy2]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@butchalline]

Well done Doug. Looking for more from you. Butch K8KO

[@jonneilsmyth9107]

also where or how did you get your graphics stickers from for the box ??

[@doughall1415]

I just laser printed them on white stick-on poly-label material with white letters on a black background. Since the case is painted black it just looks like white lettering.

[@jonneilsmyth9107]

doug 1 more silly question is there any way i can get a step down transveter 432 down to 144 this is not heard of i guess 7 3 s

[@su4cs]

Witch PA i can use with the Transverter and how to set it up?

[@doughall1415]

I use an old RF Concepts rfc2-217 which can be driven with 2 watts and gives 170 watts output. I run the RF output from the transverter to the RF input on the amp, and the amplifier RF output goes to the antenna. But this is an old amplifier and no longer available. I haven't tried any other amplifiers.

[@jonneilsmyth9107]

looking a 432 down frequencey transverter to 144 mhz not up can anyone help with this ??

[@satexas520skyjacker]

did you use rg142 or rg316 coax

[@doughall1415]

+satexas520skyjacker If I recall correctly I believe it was RG174.

[@barndweller4573]

Thank you for doing this every good video and thank you for posting a like on the Flex forum. Del KA8OCN

[@TedHoldahl]

Have you made any drift measurements?

[@doughall1415]

I have not. The transverter doesn't have a TCXO so I'm sure there would be some thermal drift. In my use it hasn't been a problem.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

I was curious of that, too. Do you believe it would be stable enough to run JT modes? Or would you recommend using a crystal oven?

[@dlambethful]

The drift is really bad on these units, I took mine out of line because everyone was constantly chasing me all over the frequency. It does work, but extremely drifty. K5RWD

[@vr2ng]

Who is the original author? UT5JCW or UR3LMZ?

[@doughall1415]

Serge, UT5JCW is who I corresponded with and is the callsign associated with transverters-store.com

[@joshuaguthrie8067]

Go Pack!

[@newpatrick8838]

Interesting video and just for the record UT5JCW is an Ukrainian, not a Russian callsign ;-) 73's, Patrick - ON4KNP

[@doughall1415]

Yes, Patrick, I was informed of this shortly after I posted the video, and I added a note in the description. I had to go brush up on all the "U" prefixes :-)

[@VE4NSA]

Ouch! Ukrainian product coming from Russia????? 1:19 minutes into the video

[@doughall1415]

Sorry, not Russia. My mistake. Believe me, I'll never refer to the Ukraine as Russia again! :-)

[@serhiimitsay5037]

Ukrainian, not russian.

[@doughall1415]

+Sergey Mitsay My apologies Sergey. I have added a note indicating this in the description.

[@serhiimitsay5037]

+Doug Hall Thanks a lot!