Plans have been moving along, albeit at a slower pace than we would have preferred, with the Microwave Data Project.

Pursuant both to this project and other goals within the Tech Bench Elmers ARS, we are proceeding with the financial matters and considerations that were discussed at the most recent Microwave Data Project meeting.

The moneys that were discussed at this meeting need to be deposited in the Tech Bench Elmers ARS bank account. If you have not already done so, please present a check in the amount of $20.00 Dollars to the, Tech Bench Elmers Amateur Radio Society. This is the initial startup seed money to initiate the venture.

Mail your check to:

The Tech Bench Elmers A.R.S.
P.O. Box 1112
Sierra Madre, CA. 91025

Include with this check a notation of your name, callsign, accurate mailing address, telephone number (including area code) , and if appropriate your e-mail address. While it is assumed that most of this information will be on your check, please include a note with the remainder of this information! Be sure to write Microwave Data Project in the check memo area!

* The More of the Story!

Following posting of the above announcement in early October (!), I was asked to elaborate upon this project. Let me give some of the project history, including how and why it got started, and what new comers should do to become involved. Also, what the old comers MUST do if they want this project to proceed!

Several months ago we gained access to a quantity of 10 GHz. Gunnplexers. In the original use, these devices were utilized as a component part of security systems. They were of particular interest in that they were both well designed and provided a "flange connection" for a wave-guide or transmission line coupling. To put these to use for Ham communication, an Intermediate Frequency, or I.F. system is required for the receiver, and a Modulator is required for the Gunnplexers transmitter.

These can be easily constructed, and the free cost of the Gunnplexer made the expense of putting together such an I.F. and Modulator quite attractive.

We intend to proceed by providing kits including a printed circuit board or PCB, and the parts to build both the I.F. and the Modulator. The finished 10 GigaHertz transceiver will operate from a 12 volt power source and, with the right sort of even a small antenna, will be capable of communications over hundreds of miles. When modulated simply via any variety of analog inputs, the transceiver is capable of such modes as FM voice or television. With the addition of a high speed digital modem that is also under design, the Gunnplexer can provide "Internet like data speeds" wirelessly.

We began this project soliciting the interest of other Hams. Initially this was about a dozen people. In the interim we have distributed about a half dozen Gunplexers, and obtained 15 more. Those who purchase a kit, and complete it are eligible to receive a Gunnplexer as they become available. These Gunnplexers are typically in the 10 to 20 milliwatt output range, and dish antennas appear on the surplus markets or at swap meets more and more frequently. 30 Decibel gain and more can be achieved from relatively small dishes.

The initial projected cost for the kit was estimated at $200.00 Dollars. This figure represents the appraised cost that will be incurred by our club upon implementing a small order, assuming about 20 to 30 units. Our costs go down as the quantity increases, and these cost expenditures will be available for review. Our club doesn't intend to make any profit on this project. If the PCB and parts cost us $200.00 Dollars per unit, that is the cost we pass along. If the quantity increases, the unit cost will shrink proportionately, and the price of the kit will go down commensurately. We have no projected total number of units at this time. Seed money collected is applied toward the total expenditure.

We encourage you to follow the progress of this project. This can be done at scheduled and announced "Data Project meetings", which are done on our web page and during weekly Sunday evening nets. This information is also available on our web page under the hypertext link "microwave data project". Don't discuss money matters on the radio!

Please try to keep appraised and cognizant of this project as it progresses. We can best serve and fulfill the desires and aspirations of those who are active in this effort and stay informed! Previously committed participants need to get us their seed money!

By the way, one of the checks we received earlier bounced! This puts a cost or debt on our club that we cannot bear! We will seek at least the return cost of any such bad checks that can't clear the bank, even if the contributor decides they do not wish to proceed with the project. For such occasions where such a contributors check finally does clear the bank, and they continue with the project, any of these bank costs will be added to that persons cost! Please make sure your check will clear the bank, the first time it is deposited!

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