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| Reviews Summary for W3NQN RF Bandpass Filters |
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Reviews: 5
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Average rating: 4.6/5
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MSRP: $85.00
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Description: The filter Benchmark, triple resonant filter design, 200 Watt rating, and superlative 2nd harmonic rejection
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.arraysolutions.com
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QRPNEW
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Rating: 3/5
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Feb 18, 2011 21:08
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Not Perfect
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought a set of these filters from A/S. They all they 200 watt versions. While they do work they are not as good as the original W3NQN filters.
We had had 2 sets of the W3NQN filter. The first set were homebrewed by a very talented RF engineer as per the W3NQN articles in QST. The second set were the Array Solution W3NQN filters. We only bought the AS filters because obtaining the components was becoming very difficult.
On the several of the low bands we noticed "more interference" than the Array Solutions filters. Our 20 meter stations were breaking through just enough to cause concern. This was also occurring on 40 meters and 80 meters. We could not notice this interference with the homebrew W3NQN filter set.
We discussed the issue during the field day and our RF EE said he would examine the filters at work. Well he did, and it confirmed why they were not working as well as the homebrew filters.
All the Array Solutions W3NQN filters did not meet the specifications on the low side of the filter curve. Where we were expecting 60db or greater attenuation we were only getting 30 to 40 db of out of band attenuation. Its not that we were expecting better performance we just wanted equivalent performance to the original W3NQN specifications published in the article and also in the Low Band DX handbook. They all state better than 60db attenuation on both the low and high side within the ham bands.
Anyway there it is, the AS W3NQN filters obviously dont follow the original articles construction and also does not follow the strict component regime. If you want the best performance you would be wise to buy these filters on the proviso that they are swept on a VNA. We could not not return the filters because we had already drilled and mounted them into our filter switch box in their original enclosures.
The construction of the AS W3NQN is not better than you can do homebrewing these filters. The construction is very basic and the filter parts are just sitting on a bed of silicon rubber. It looks like someone has emptied a silicon gun in the filter box!
For the price we were expecting the best possible performance that goes with the W3NQN name. We expected the filters to meet all its claimed specifications. SO in this regard the AS W3NQN filters are not perfect.
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N7MG
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 1, 2010 03:18
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Great design!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've decided to go the slightly more difficult route and actually build these filters from scratch. I've spoke with W3NQN (Ed) on occasion and he's provided me with information to help me as well as provided references of other individuals who could help. The guy has produced a top notch design and its actually quite fun to see them tune up after you put in the time to bring one to life!
So far I have only built the 40 meter filter. I plan on making the 20 meter filter next and won't stop until I have a full set. So far the 40 meter filter I built provides over 84dB of attenuation on 20 meters and 42dB of attenuation on 80 meters.
Thanks Ed!
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KC4PX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 8, 2004 12:00
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Outstanding - A must for any multi-op contest or DXpedition
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The K4T DXpedition team (Dry Tortugas) was fortunate to use DCI VHF Bandpass Filters on 2 meters and 6 meters and Array Solutions W3NQN filters on HF. We had two stations running in the same tent, one on HF, the other on 6 and 2 meters. The DCI filters were the 4 pole type capable of handling 200 watts as was the Array Solutions NQN filters for HF. Our first impression was how massive these filters were and very well made. As for operation, we never had a problem. Each station operated without any interference throughout the 4 days on the island. On the HF station, we utilized NQN Bandpass Filters for 20, 40 & 80 meters. When considering a multi-op DXpedition or contest operation, having Bandpass filters on each band is a must, otherwise significant interference and operator annoyance would limit the efficiency and tolerance of each operator. I highly recommend these Bandpass Filters to anyone serious on weak signal and contest operation.
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K8ND
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 2, 2004 20:42
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Absolutely Unbeatable!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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We use these filters at the Signal Point station on Curacao (PJ2T), where we have four full-power stations installed all the time, and can set up six. While doing Multi-2 or Multi-Multi contesting, these filters allow each station to operate without interference with all the antennas on our three towers. That is what you want bandpass filters to do!
Combined with the Array Solutions FM-6 matrix switch device and band decoder, we automatically switch these filters into line as the transceiver selects each band. They are available for the six "contest bands", WARC bands, and MARS frequencies.
When one of the 200W W3NQN filters was inadvertently place at the output of an amplifier, it was "crispy-crittered". We sent it back to Ed Wetherhold W3NQN for repair and recalibration, which cost us the princely sum of $10 (including shipping!). The second time you abuse and fry the filter, he'll charge you $20!
These filters cannot be beat!
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N7MB
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 8, 2001 21:24
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Outstanding filters for Multi Transmitter Environment
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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During our visit to the Spratly Islands as 9M0M we had three full time stations set up with Alpha amps.
Even with 3 stations running at the same time in the same room there was NO intrastation interference heard when using the W3NQN RF bandpass filters. We did not use any extra coaxial stubbs on the output of the amps.
Highly recommended! de N7MB
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