2016-11-24
After the successful ME4-T transverter project we decided to build the -PRO
version of this transverter.
The ME4T-PRO is a new generation high performance transverter with modern 3rd
generation components, has low noise,
very good dinamic range on receiving section and clear and very stable
transmitting signal.
The built in low phase noise TCXO provides easy work also on FSK
modes.( Optional AXTAL 0.5ppm TCXO is available!)
The transverter can work between 69.9-72MHz with low RX NF and high IIP3
and OIP3.
The Mitsubishi RF module provides good IMD signal and 30W output power.
Special thanks for HA8ET for the RF simulations and the most RF design.
You can find the block diagram of the mixer unit
here.
Before first operation check the transverter
setup. description.
Local Oscillator
The high stability
TC23-5T
type PDI TCXO ( <1ppm btn 0-50degr. C )with
low phase noise gives 3dBm signal on
42.000MHz. The TCXO frequency
can be adjusted with inner trimmer capacitor(+-2ppm) but it's not necessary because
the stability is better than +-1ppm/ Year.
AXTAL 0.5ppm TCXO is also available for request.
The output signal of the LO is about +17dBm, it produced by ASB
ASL550
3rd generation MMIC. The
built in 2x 5th order filter provides clear output signal,lear, the 2nd harmonics is lower than -70dB. We
using two stage LO amplifier on case high lever RF mixers( +22dBm)
The simulated caracteristics of the 5th LPF filter: The measured 42.000MHz TCXO phase noise:
We can check the +20dBm output signal on M3 measureing pin.This signal is attenuated
by -10 and -3dB attenuators to the TX and RX balance mixers.
We using
SRA1-H type +17dBm RX mixer.Optional +23 mixer is
available.
In case the optional +23dBm RX mixer (SBY-2S)
we built in 2nd ASL550 amplifier.
We can check the real RX and TX signals on M2 and M1 points with DC voltmeter.
RX
The 69.9-72MHz input signal passes through the input filter to the input of PGA-103+ LNA. The gain is approx. 20 dB,
the noise figure is 0.8dB
the OIP3 is >26dBm! PGA-103+ has an exceptional performance of low noise
figure, high gain, high OIP3, and low bias current. The stability
factor is always kept more then unity over the application band in order system
environment.
Impedance of the MMIC is 50 Ohm both I/O - it provides easy connect on the output
3rd order BPF.
PGA-103+
low noise and high dinamic
range version is available from January 2013.
The simulated caracteristics of the 3rd BPF: Measured 3rd order BPF:
The 69.9-72MHz
signal goes through the band pass filter providing a suitable selectivity. The balanced mixer MX1 mixes the
input signal down to 27.9-30
MHz loosing approx. 4 dB in the process. The IF signal is amplified approx. 10 dB in a low noise
high current
J-FET's (2x J310). The final PI filter
increases the selectivity considerably. The output signal is can set to optimal
value with the RX gain potentiometer.
Chracteristics of diplexer unit:
Caracteristics of 28MHz LPF filter:
TX
The transmit mixer, MX2 only needs approx. -10dBm 28 MHz IF signal from the
transceiver. A suitable level can be achieved by adjusting
P2(TX) in the attenuator. Lot of transceivers has lower or much higher IF
output level. To solve this problem we built in
an additional jumperable and variable 5W/-20dB attenuator. You can switch
on/off easy the attenuator with different jumpers.
The fine level setting possible with the potentiometer P1 on the attenuator unit
across the slots of the top cover.
We solved the very low level IF output problem of most ICOM radios. We built in
+15dB
jumperable IF amp.
So, ME4T-PRO is usable with -20dBm IF input level radios.
The 70 MHz TX signal behind the MX2 mixer is filtered through a
two-stage band-pass filter before being amplified in a BF996.
Simulated characteristics of the 2nd order BPF:
The measured characteristics:
The G2 of the BF996 connects to the ALC circuit on the control unit and to the
rear panel PWR potentiometer. We can reduce the final output power to about
5-6Watts.
The controlled gain BF996 amplifier continues the final ASL550 amplifier to a level exceeding more then
100 mW. Through the final pi-filter we can
reduce the harmonics of the TX signal.
Simulated 70MHz LPF : Measured 70MHz LPF:
CONTROL UNIT
In order to monitor output power, we use an LM3419 based LED bargraph,
implemented on the DP6 control unit. You can find the high
current DC relay too on this PCB, together with the ALC circuit and the circuit
of the external fan speed regulator. The external (optional) fan's speed is
reduced by 50% during RX state.
In case of long TX periods, when the final PA module's heatsink temperature
exceeds normal, then the circuit increases the speed of the DC fan. . The speed
depends
on the heatsink temperature. We can calibrate the normal fan speed with the P2 ,
the ALC level with the P3 potentiometer.
The LEG-12 relay is switching the Vpp voltage to the PA unit. The calibration
of the output power is possible with P1 pwr potmeter on the DP6 controller unit.
Switch/attenuator panel
People use different IF level transceivers from home or / portable operation.
The jumper selectable attenuator solves the problem; let it be either high or
low level IF signal transceiver.
You can either set ON or OFF the 5W attenuator, what is more, and you can also
easily choose single or dual cable IF operation with these built in jumpers.
The unit contains switching circuit associated to the external PA's (red colour
RCA, SND output, (capable to switch max +50V,1A)
The PTT circuit uses two MJD127 devices on the tranverter unit for the RX/TX
switching.TX when the PTT is grounded.
The PA circuit includes a sequencer, providing suitable delay in the TX key signal
when activating first the relays of the external PA relay, then the antenna
relay and first stage of RF module of the transverter. This means that the TX output is delayed approx. 50
ms after the antenna relay is activated.
The antenna relay of the ME4T-PRO and the external PA switches without any TX
signal present.
Position of built in attenuator jumpers
Low PWR IF input (-20..+27dBm) |
Low PWR IF input (-20..+27dBm) |
|
J1 | ON |
ON |
J2 | OFF | ON |
J3 | OFF | OFF |
J4 | OFF | ON |
J5 | ON | OFF(ON-2nd RX) |
High PWR IF input (27..+37dBm) |
High PWR IF input (27..+37dBm) |
|
J1 | OFF |
OFF |
J2 | ON | ON |
J3 | ON | ON |
J4 | OFF | ON |
J5 | ON | OFF(ON -2nd RX) |
If you use single IF cable between your radio and the transverter, you connect
it to transverter IFin BNC.
In this case the IF-out connector is not in use. If you want to use a 2nd (e.g.
SDR) RX, then switch J5 into ON state. (Only in case of single IF cable mode!)
Don't forget to connect the PTT cable between radio SND
connector and ME4T-PRO PTT input! Otherwise
the IF power (5W) kills
the transverter IF output part.( in case single IF cable high IF level mode) The
RX output is protected by antiparallel diodes
but it does not help in case high IF power!
Never apply more than 5W IF level to the attenuator!
In order to protect the RX of those who forget to connect the PTT
line, we built in an IF RF VOX circuit in the new version. (issued following
Sept. 2012).
The RF VOX interacts at an IF level exceeding +27dBm, but only in
case single IF cable mode.
Construction
The base transverter is built on a 1,5 mm double sided glass-fibre epoxy PCB; it
is fitted into a standard metal sheet box measuring 148 x 74 x 30mm.
PA unit is fitted into 148 x 55 x 30mm standard box. Both are manufactured with
SMD technics.
The external box of the transverter is constructed from 1mm painted iron plate.
The heatsink is 150x55mm ALU heatsink material.
If you use the ME4T-PRO continuously on FSK mode you can order optional
fan module (2pcs
50x50mm DC fans on holder plate).
No overheating problem occours in case normal room temperature while operating
on CW, or SSB and contest mode.
You can find on the front panel the ON/OFF switch, the LED bargraph power meter,
the PWR potentiometer. The latter reduces the output power to a desired level,
max. down to to 5-6 Watts to drive for example an external FET PA's.
Any comments, suggestions welcome!
Mechanics & Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. 2016.