Getting started on 1296MHz

I have been interested in 1296MHz or 23cm for the last year or so and I am finally getting into it. I picked up an SG-Labs 1296MHz transverter with a 25watt PA, along with a triband Alinco DJ-G7T triband HT that covers 144MHz, 432MHz, and 1296MHz. I plan on putting out how to videos and reviews for getting started on 1296MHz and how to get everything setup. If you have questions or requests for topics for me to cover feel free to post them in the comments. Thanks for watching! Ben

[@hamradioonthego]

I have the Icom T81A with 1.2 ghz. One local repeater in area. I was lucky to have a QSO. Posted it on my channel to promote the band like you did. Joining your band of merry 1.2 guys 😄👍

[@ManuelPinner]

I have a Adalm Pluto SDR for DATV Reception with SDR Angel!

[@jeffmachul9562]

I have the T-81 and Alinco triband wth 1.2. both the icon 9700. There is like two other hams with 1.2

[@Hero1395]

I always wondered what the range would be on 1296

[@hamradioonthego]

I try to give an example in my video and you can see the opposite side of the same QSO on another channels video.

[@Bob814u]

I have had mine for nearly a year and there is NO content I can find on KZbin. I have the SG Labs transverter also. A manual? Nope! No elmers around where I live either. I think it is going to be a learn on my own.

[@k8ktoamateurradio671]

Yea same here. I have tested it with my Alinco DJG7 and it works. I will probably do some more testing with it since one of my local friends now has a 1.2ghz radio and we are both getting small beams to use with them.

[@storskegg]

Heyo. Now that you've got about a year in with the transverter bits, and your homebuilt yagi, how're things going?

[@k8ktoamateurradio671]

Hey the Yagi was trash so I scrapped it. Really close tolerances with these antennas and I got something off. One of my local friends got a 1.2ghz radio so we are currently testing out the radios and antennas we have been able to get ahold of. We are currently researching different antennas so either build or purchase. These antennas are alot less forgiving than the vhf antennas I have built in the past. Sorry for the delay on commenting back. 73s Ben

[@DaveSheeks]

Hello from Findlay.

[@k8ktoamateurradio671]

Hey thanks for watching and being the first comment! Most local hams recognize where I filmed this right away. 73! Ben

[@UtahBlender]

I watched this video 10 times in a row. Nope, I'm still not convinced. By the way, did you actually wire it up and get it going?

[@FireRescue884]

Nothing against you, very informative video thanks for posting it. But there is a difference in how companies treat KZbinrs who want to review their products and the average buyers. Ordering from Bulgaria from a website with no prices 🫣. Nor do I speak 1 of the languages they do, so I can just imagine how support would be.

[@k8ktoamateurradio671]

So, I thought the same thing before I got my transverter. I always prefer to see listed prices, but it is what it is. The owner communicated well in English and I had no issues at all. He seemed very friendly and willing to answer questions and provided instructions and information on the transverters. It really seems the prebuilt transverters are produced by European manufacturers anyways and his prices were by far the lowest that I found at the time.

[@brianknox7527]

Just wondering how your build went. de KK4BK

[@k8ktoamateurradio671]

I ended up scrapping it. It didnt tune up well. My friend has recently gotten into 1.2ghz and we are working on some antennas or if all else fails picking out premade ones to buy. So far we have used PCB antennas and talked FM simplex with 1w about 2 miles from each other.