ZL VHF history - Rod ZL3NW

I have attached an early photo of myself (then ZL3TAL) operating on 3.3 GHz near Amberly north Canterbury to Mt pleasant at approximately 50 km. This was on the 8th August 1971. Doug ZL3TCM was at the other end. We made up the units around the CV237 Klystrons which ran about 100 milli-watts. We also made the 3ft dishes from fibreglass over a plaster mould and then foil coated and then painted them. We often used them on field days after this at greater distance.

5.8 GHz transceiver

5.8 GHz transceiver

5.8 GHz transceiver

5.8 GHz transceiver

5.8 GHz transceiver

The six pictures above; I have attached some photos of early 5.8 GHz gear I made and used years ago. The transceivers were made around the VA259a reflex klystrons ex Lenkurt 76A2 equipment. These klystrons delivered about 1 watt of RF.

 I made up the waveguide manifolds, flanges and horns etc all by hand. The terminations and wave guide attenuator to adjust mixer diode current was made out of fibreglass (PCB with no copper) coated with graphite powder. Thanks to Tom ZL1THG at the time who gave me some waveguide. The duplex arrangement used a 30 MHz IF. Wide band FM was used.

 The equipment was used on several Field Days and the greatest distance worked was from Mt pleasant ZL3NW to Waipapa Point north of Kaikoura ZL3TAC (Brent Collins). This contact on the 10th October 1981 at 1720z. Regards Rod ZL3NW (ex ZL3TAL)

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