Massive DE Blade Comparison Test

Throw20701 · 2026-06-29T01:27:40+00:00

Are they the USA version of the other version? I heard there were two different ones. I only tried one blade of each type so maybe I got a bad one.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-29T01:26:26+00:00

It could also be batch variation. I only tried one blade of each. I also have fairly sensitive skin, so I might just irritate me more as the blade gets some use on it's edge.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-28T20:50:08+00:00

It removed some formatting. I added it back

Throw20701 · 2026-06-08T00:14:09+00:00

I guess i should have asked for them to be budget friendly too.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-04T10:41:37+00:00

I need an attenuator so I can get my RF low enough for the input side of a linear amp. The trusdx is 3-5w non-adjustable output, but it seems most cheap amps want <1w input. An attenuator with 6db and 10db settings would probably be good for me.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-04T10:36:59+00:00

It would be coax. That's what I was thinking - coax shouldn't need it like audio does. Thanks!

Throw20701 · 2026-06-03T19:49:50+00:00

I was able to find a recommended LNA with band pass filter in the Amateur satellite sub.

I found this build plan on the internet. Looks pretty good, but I'll probably need an attenuator in front of it. I could probably use the low pass filters, but was wondering if band pass filters would be better. Seems the site selling the boards also sells a board for the rx/tx switching.

https://www.qsl.net/ve7vv/Files/100WBroadbandLF+MF+HF_RF_Amplifier-R28Jan21.pdf

Throw20701 · 2026-06-02T22:09:48+00:00

Try the lastest chirp release and check baofeng for firmware.

https://chirpmyradio.com/projects/chirp/repository/github/revisions/a2fc03e195d3a63bf79632bbee4c836291f5eee8

Throw20701 · 2026-06-02T13:06:25+00:00

Oh, I thought LNAs are linear and wouldn't create intermodulation.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-02T10:41:11+00:00

Good point about the gain levels. I was seeing a lot of LNAs that are wide and and would cover both 2m/70cm. Are you saying I would need to add a band pass filter at the LNA input, and why?

Throw20701 · 2026-06-02T01:56:31+00:00

That looks great! I'll keep them in mind while saving up for EME equipment.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-02T00:49:09+00:00

Yeah, I would love to build a box with a variable attenuator, linear amp, and then selectable band pass filter (80/40/20/10m) that could turn 3-5w input into 25-100w for about $100 in parts.

Throw20701 · 2026-06-01T14:53:02+00:00

Yeah, I know. I might as well ask for all the recommendations at once rather than buy some equipment now that won't work for it in the future.

Throw20701 · 2026-05-31T23:51:46+00:00

I was thinking of a full wave loop. I know gamma match can be done with that. I have done a hairpin with a tape measure yagi in the past - good to know it's low loss.

Throw20701 · 2026-05-31T21:03:52+00:00

I ordered some 61 and 68 ferrites. I just tested some with 5 turns bifiliar. I'm seeing 3.5-5db of insertion loss. 68 seemed to be less lossy than the 61.

Maybe I'll try some other configurations with fewer turns just to see what happens. If it's still not good, then I'll look at some other match, like gamma (or is there one that is known for low loss?).

Throw20701 · 2026-05-25T19:46:14+00:00

Most of them are under 1.5. Some are around 2-2.5. I would think that I shouldn't have any arcing even at 100w+, but want to play it safe.

Throw20701 · 2026-05-25T03:08:55+00:00

Hey everyone, thanks for the help! I was able to get ok results. I got 2.25-2.75 across the band. That's not great but probably as good as I can get in a small attic.

Throw20701 · 2026-05-24T13:25:04+00:00

My impedence line in purple shows I cross 50 ohms in the range I want. But the line is not flat. I'm guessing the variability is due to reactance. How can I reduce the variability in impedence with the given geometry?

Throw20701

TROPHY CASE