24 Ghz
The idea of exploring 24 GHz frequencies was not a priority in the summer of 2002. After returning from the Central States VHF convention in Madison, Wisconsin, where discussions about this topic took place, personal commitments, including a newborn, occupied much of the time. Initial conversations with peers about the topic were light-hearted, and it was suggested that pursuing this frequency would not occur for several years. As winter approached, family responsibilities settled, allowing for some research time. A phone call to Donn, WA2VOI, provided insights into the 24 GHz landscape, as he shared his experiences and those of Bob, WG AUS, regarding their 24 GHz project. This conversation sparked enthusiasm to delve deeper into research, leading to discussions with Gerry at SSB Electronics, who connected with Walt, WA1HHN, an experienced builder of 24 GHz stations. Email exchanges with Walt provided valuable information. Additionally, contact with Paul Drexler, W2PED, revealed resources for 24 GHz power amplifiers, with ongoing projects for the Pack Rats and Microwave Update members. Initial efforts focused on sourcing WR-42 waveguide components, with limited availability on eBay. Contact with Penn Engineering in California resulted in a sample pack of waveguide parts, which were affordable due to sourcing from scrap. The need for WR-42 to SMA type transitions was identified, with commercial options being prohibitively expensive. An article by Kent Britain, WA5VJB, in the ARRL Microwave Projects manual detailed a DIY approach to creating these transitions, requiring WR-42, a WR-42 flange, and a Teflon-covered SMA probe. Further communication with Kent provided additional guidance, leading to the procurement of SMA probes from The RF Connection. The construction of these units necessitated precise measurements, prompting the purchase of a digital caliper from a local dealer after evaluating costs against commercial transition prices. Despite initial reservations about the purchase, online searches revealed competitive pricing for digital calipers.
The exploration of 24 GHz technology involves several critical components and considerations for successful implementation. The WR-42 waveguide serves as a fundamental element in guiding microwave signals at this frequency. The waveguide must be constructed with precision, ensuring that dimensions adhere strictly to the standard specifications to maintain signal integrity. The transition from WR-42 waveguide to SMA connectors is particularly challenging due to the precise machining required to minimize signal loss and reflections at high frequencies.
The design of the waveguide transition typically includes a WR-42 flange, which facilitates secure mounting and connection to other waveguide components. The SMA probe, being Teflon-covered, is chosen to ensure minimal dielectric losses and to handle the high-frequency signals effectively. The fabrication of these transitions can be achieved using common tools and materials, making it accessible for amateur radio operators and enthusiasts.
When constructing the transition, it is essential to consider the physical dimensions carefully. The wavelength at 24 GHz is approximately 12.5 mm, necessitating precise machining to ensure that the probe's dimensions match the waveguide's internal dimensions. The use of a digital caliper allows for accurate measurement, which is crucial in achieving the desired performance specifications.
In addition to the mechanical aspects, attention must be given to the electrical characteristics of the components being used. The choice of materials and construction methods can significantly impact the performance of the 24 GHz system. For example, the quality of the Teflon insulation and the integrity of the solder joints can affect the overall efficiency and reliability of the setup.
Furthermore, it is advisable to conduct thorough testing of the assembled components using appropriate RF measurement equipment to ensure that the system operates within the desired parameters. This includes checking for return loss, insertion loss, and overall signal integrity across the frequency band of interest.
In summary, entering the realm of 24 GHz communication requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and a commitment to precision engineering. The combination of DIY approaches, collaboration with experienced individuals, and a focus on quality materials and techniques will enhance the likelihood of success in this advanced area of microwave technology.The thought of going to 24 GHz was far from my mind back in the summer of 2002. We had just come back from the Central States VHF convention in Madison Wisconsin where I had done a bit of chatting about it, but nothing serious. With Jenna just being born, I was pretty busy with family stuff. I recall a few guys giving me a hard time about it, and me saying "not for a few years yet". As the winter bore down, things were pretty well getting on line with raising the kids and I did manage to find again some spare time. I recall giving Donn, WA2VOI a call on the phone about 24 GHz and the ins and outs of it. Having no idea what or where to start, Donn gave me lots of good ideas and told me about where he and Bob - WG AUS, were at with their 24 GHz project.
That kind of got me fired up and I began to do a lot of research on the Web as well as do some talking with Gerry at SSB Electronics. Gerry also put me in touch with Walt, WA1HHN. Walt had built a few 24 GHz stations for their contest group and I began emailing with him back and forth.
Walt had lots of info and was happy to share it. I also got in touch with Paul Drexler, W2PED. Paul was resource for 24 GHz power amplifiers I was told. Amplifier projects were being done over there for the Pack Rats and Microwave Update members, and Paul was involved with that effort. Here is a link to that story. I first started out by spending a month looking for WR-42 waveguide pieces and parts. Not a whole lot to be found on ebay. But there were a few waveguide manufacturers that had lots of good info on WR-42. I gave a call out to Penn Engineering in California and spoke with one of their waveguide salesmen. I indicated that I was a "Ham" and was considering getting on 24 GHz. So after we chatted a bit, it was decided that he would send me some parts of pieces of waveguide, flanges, etc.
Kind of a sample pack so to speak. It turned out to not be too expensive as he gave me odds and ends from the scrap bin. One thing for sure, knowing that I would need some WR-42 waveguide to SMA type transitions, I checked on prices of these commercial units. Very expensive, in the $250 to $300 range. So I opted to look for other methods. I came across an interesting article in one the Microwave Projects manuals by the ARRL. Kent Britain, WA5VJB had written a short report on how to home brew 24 GHz waveguide to SMA transitions.
It was republished in the projects manual from its original publication in the one of the "Microwave Update" Proceedings. Anyway, it looked relatively painless on how to home brew a transition, just needed some WR-42, a WR-42 flange and then a SMA Teflon covered probe.
Here is a diagram from the original publication. I also emailed a bit with Kent and got some more specific information. Kent had some good extra info and with that in hand, I picked up some Teflon covered SMA probes from The RF Connection out east. Joel was very helpful and got me the probes in no time. I then began to attempt to build some of these units. Knowing that the measurements were to be fairly precise. What I needed was some kind of caliper. I went to a local tool dealer in Sioux City and they showed me what they had. I then asked if they had a digital one. The guys said sure, but they were more expensive. I looked over the unit they had and it sure seemed to be what I needed. However, at $100, it was more than I wanted to pay. I then looked at the cost of commercial transitions and decided I better get the meter. I quizzed the salesman about the price and asked him if they were cheaper somewhere else, etc. Nope, these were the new thing and actually this was "inexpensive". So I bit the bullet and walked out with the digital caliper. That night I was not feeling too good about how the salesman had dealt with me. I went to ebay and punched in "digital caliper" and got tons of hits back on the search. Well, there was my digital caliper for sale, bran 🔗 External reference
The exploration of 24 GHz technology involves several critical components and considerations for successful implementation. The WR-42 waveguide serves as a fundamental element in guiding microwave signals at this frequency. The waveguide must be constructed with precision, ensuring that dimensions adhere strictly to the standard specifications to maintain signal integrity. The transition from WR-42 waveguide to SMA connectors is particularly challenging due to the precise machining required to minimize signal loss and reflections at high frequencies.
The design of the waveguide transition typically includes a WR-42 flange, which facilitates secure mounting and connection to other waveguide components. The SMA probe, being Teflon-covered, is chosen to ensure minimal dielectric losses and to handle the high-frequency signals effectively. The fabrication of these transitions can be achieved using common tools and materials, making it accessible for amateur radio operators and enthusiasts.
When constructing the transition, it is essential to consider the physical dimensions carefully. The wavelength at 24 GHz is approximately 12.5 mm, necessitating precise machining to ensure that the probe's dimensions match the waveguide's internal dimensions. The use of a digital caliper allows for accurate measurement, which is crucial in achieving the desired performance specifications.
In addition to the mechanical aspects, attention must be given to the electrical characteristics of the components being used. The choice of materials and construction methods can significantly impact the performance of the 24 GHz system. For example, the quality of the Teflon insulation and the integrity of the solder joints can affect the overall efficiency and reliability of the setup.
Furthermore, it is advisable to conduct thorough testing of the assembled components using appropriate RF measurement equipment to ensure that the system operates within the desired parameters. This includes checking for return loss, insertion loss, and overall signal integrity across the frequency band of interest.
In summary, entering the realm of 24 GHz communication requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and a commitment to precision engineering. The combination of DIY approaches, collaboration with experienced individuals, and a focus on quality materials and techniques will enhance the likelihood of success in this advanced area of microwave technology.The thought of going to 24 GHz was far from my mind back in the summer of 2002. We had just come back from the Central States VHF convention in Madison Wisconsin where I had done a bit of chatting about it, but nothing serious. With Jenna just being born, I was pretty busy with family stuff. I recall a few guys giving me a hard time about it, and me saying "not for a few years yet". As the winter bore down, things were pretty well getting on line with raising the kids and I did manage to find again some spare time. I recall giving Donn, WA2VOI a call on the phone about 24 GHz and the ins and outs of it. Having no idea what or where to start, Donn gave me lots of good ideas and told me about where he and Bob - WG AUS, were at with their 24 GHz project.
That kind of got me fired up and I began to do a lot of research on the Web as well as do some talking with Gerry at SSB Electronics. Gerry also put me in touch with Walt, WA1HHN. Walt had built a few 24 GHz stations for their contest group and I began emailing with him back and forth.
Walt had lots of info and was happy to share it. I also got in touch with Paul Drexler, W2PED. Paul was resource for 24 GHz power amplifiers I was told. Amplifier projects were being done over there for the Pack Rats and Microwave Update members, and Paul was involved with that effort. Here is a link to that story. I first started out by spending a month looking for WR-42 waveguide pieces and parts. Not a whole lot to be found on ebay. But there were a few waveguide manufacturers that had lots of good info on WR-42. I gave a call out to Penn Engineering in California and spoke with one of their waveguide salesmen. I indicated that I was a "Ham" and was considering getting on 24 GHz. So after we chatted a bit, it was decided that he would send me some parts of pieces of waveguide, flanges, etc.
Kind of a sample pack so to speak. It turned out to not be too expensive as he gave me odds and ends from the scrap bin. One thing for sure, knowing that I would need some WR-42 waveguide to SMA type transitions, I checked on prices of these commercial units. Very expensive, in the $250 to $300 range. So I opted to look for other methods. I came across an interesting article in one the Microwave Projects manuals by the ARRL. Kent Britain, WA5VJB had written a short report on how to home brew 24 GHz waveguide to SMA transitions.
It was republished in the projects manual from its original publication in the one of the "Microwave Update" Proceedings. Anyway, it looked relatively painless on how to home brew a transition, just needed some WR-42, a WR-42 flange and then a SMA Teflon covered probe.
Here is a diagram from the original publication. I also emailed a bit with Kent and got some more specific information. Kent had some good extra info and with that in hand, I picked up some Teflon covered SMA probes from The RF Connection out east. Joel was very helpful and got me the probes in no time. I then began to attempt to build some of these units. Knowing that the measurements were to be fairly precise. What I needed was some kind of caliper. I went to a local tool dealer in Sioux City and they showed me what they had. I then asked if they had a digital one. The guys said sure, but they were more expensive. I looked over the unit they had and it sure seemed to be what I needed. However, at $100, it was more than I wanted to pay. I then looked at the cost of commercial transitions and decided I better get the meter. I quizzed the salesman about the price and asked him if they were cheaper somewhere else, etc. Nope, these were the new thing and actually this was "inexpensive". So I bit the bullet and walked out with the digital caliper. That night I was not feeling too good about how the salesman had dealt with me. I went to ebay and punched in "digital caliper" and got tons of hits back on the search. Well, there was my digital caliper for sale, bran 🔗 External reference
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