|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
| Reviews Summary for Down East Microwave Inc. 144-28 |
|
Reviews: 13
|
Average rating: 3.5/5
|
MSRP: $395 build/ 295 kit
|
|
Description: High Dynamic Range 144 MHz Transverter,linear output 25W, 35W on FM/CW. Noise figure 0.8 dB. IF= 28Mhz Including metal enclosure and heatsink.
|
|
Product is in production.
|
|
More info: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com
|
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this review.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
|
You can
write your own review of the Down East Microwave Inc. 144-28.
|
KM3F
|
Rating: 4/5
|
Dec 12, 2011 15:36
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Second later review
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
....After using this unit a couple years driving a MIRAGE amplifier at about 120 watts, it does a fine job for weak signal work using a 12 element beam for contacts within 350 miles on SSB.
....I installed a small 2" fan in the bottom cover to blow outside air on the crystal and exit out of two rows of holes in the other end of the cover.
....This modification has provided satisfactory frequency stability for normal SSB use even on extended QSO.
....I have a spare unbuilt kit to build as a backup.
....Further experience is at reduced drive input and adjusted to the 7 to 8 watt output level, it can be used on the AM mode for those who want to try that mode. This must be done to prevent overdriving as 4 times 7 watts is 28 watts just below the units max output for peak power, to stay clean.
Great unit.
|
|
WA2ODO
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Oct 17, 2011 06:27
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
I opps'd
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
A few years ago I acted out of anger and badly rated the DEMI 144/28 preamp and company. I have tried on many occasions to modify, change and/or delete this review. So far I have been unsuccessful. I have written to staff an asked for help retracting it or at least the ability to modify it. I have not be answered as of yet ( had some email issues), but I sent it again a few days ago and I hope they will let me delete it.
The real review should be. The unit does drift on newer modes like WSJT but is Fantastic on all others. (This has been corrected Fantastically on the new version). The issues with the company were as much if not more my fault. They are a great bunch of people and do a great job helping the MW community. Again ...sorry about my opps.
|
|
K3ROJ
|
Rating: 2/5
|
Oct 16, 2010 14:01
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Sensitive but not Stable
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
|
Frequency stability suffers even in this unit and I often wonder why they can't add a 10 MHz reference input. Most of us have the GPS 10 MHz references such as the Z3801A. Many hams including myself would be willing to pay for an accurate and stable 116 Mhz PLL oscillator driven by a 10 MHz reference. I also own the Elecraft 144 which performs as well, but then again, unstable frequency.
|
|
K4TAX
|
Rating: 4/5
|
May 31, 2009 20:14
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Very good performer
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I've owned two different ones. I found both to perform quite well and as expected. One took a lightning hit and was totally wiped. I've been able to work several EME stations with the transverter, a 150 watt brick and a single 10 ele yagi using CW mode. The transceiver behind the transverter is a Tentec Omni VII for the 28 MHz IF. Overall, when service or info was needed, I found the folks at DEMI to be good, prompt, and technically very competent and helpful. It is not and item for the appliance operator as it does require one to be able to create and build their own interface if such is desired. They offer a good one for a few dollars. The unknowledgeable user can destroy the unit and not even realize it.
Overall, I would not hesitate to purchase another one or different model if needed. Very good value for the dollars spent.
|
|
W1JHR
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Oct 20, 2007 06:12
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Disparity between reviews
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I find there is substantial inconsistency between the reviews for the DEM 144-28 and the DEM 222-28. Apart from a few component values they are essentially the same product on the same board. I am not running digital modes or doing anything to evaluate or compare oscillator stability beyond using my ears and a frequency counter. I am using 0 dbm as drive at 28 MHz and have not had a problem with the DEM line from 50 MHz to 222 MHz. except the inability to zero the 50 MHz unit which required a replacement crystal. The units work flawlessly at home as well as in the field. I have built all three units and must say that I found them somewhat difficult to build and get working properly. I am no stranger to kits having built DEM’s whole microwave transverter product line from 903 to 10 GHz. I actually find the microwave units easier to build and get working. Perhaps this is because the functions have been split between 3 boards. Things do get easier once you have built a couple of units too. I would recommend factory built units unless you are an experienced builder. I also own the Elecraft XV 50 through 222 transverters.
|
|
N5KDA
|
Rating: 0/5
|
Nov 30, 2006 20:15
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Save your money
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I've owned the high power transverter since 2003. This is the one made to match the transverter output of the IC-756 Pro II. Since I have owned it, I have lost output FOUR times. I just got this back from DEMI in May of 2006 and it has less than 100 hours use on it since then. I know of others that have very bad frequency stability problems. We call them drift masters. A transverter and nice HF rig is a great way to go but run away from DEMI. I now have a Kenwood TS-790A for a primary rig and will keep the DEMI for a backup. Run Forest run...
|
|
N8ERM
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Oct 22, 2006 11:50
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great product
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
This unit was purchased from another ham. He ran it in a rover over ROUGH rodes and beat it up pretty badly. He never had it fail. This unit has a hot reliever and is selective. I put it in a new box and it keeps on ticking. A great product.
|
|
ON6AB
|
Rating: 0/5
|
Aug 19, 2005 13:02
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Dead (again) and forgotten
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
Another review about this piece of junk.
Well, not exactly a review, more an in memoriam.
It's dead again. I'm not interested in what's wrong this time since it's not going to the repair man but to the junkyard. I've had it with this clumsy built, poor quality, awfull, ugly piece of misery built in a cheap DIY aluminum housing! Time to buy something decent!
|
|
PY2RN
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 1, 2004 01:42
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Vy Satisfied
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I'm very satisfied with DEMI transverters, I have 3, 144-28, 430-28 and 1268-144 I'm using them in a very "noisy" region, it beats by far the RX of a TS2000 and FT847 on both 144 and 430MHz. I Higly recommend their transverters, they are not 100% designed for the "appliance operators" you have to know what you're doing. If you are looking for beauty such fancy panels, silk screen, nice meters and lights (usually everything that an appliance op looks for) go to SSB/DB6NT line of products, they are real nice but be prepared for the big, big $$$$$.
|
|
PA5MW
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Feb 13, 2004 08:03
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Still happy after almost 3yrs of use.
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
Have this transverter in use for almost 3 yrs now, see my first review below.
The combination with the Elecraft K2 as HF rig is just fantastic on reception. Have been very succesfull using it at fieldday setups.
Blew the front end GaAs-FET due to a stupid mistake, ordered a new FET by e-mail and got it delivered a.s.a.p.
Defenitely a keeper!
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
