Transmitter/Recivier Amplifier

[jah_jrok]

I was doing some research on increasing the range of my bit and I came across some amplifier IC's. They are quite simple, only 4 pins: vcc, gnd, signal in, signal out. and they require pretty much no support cicuitry (just maybe filter caps) Has anyone experimented with these or similiar IC's. I ordered samples of 3 different possible IC's. The links are (in case anyone wants to try it themselves)

http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/1653
http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/1521
http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/1436

Oh, yeah the samples are FREE!!!!!

These could be used in both the transmitter and car, and if they work would probably make the range ridiculously long. I will be trying them when they get here and will post a full report with pictured.

[hogjowlz]

when i got my first car a few months ago and showed it to my friend who is a professional mad scientist one of the first things he mentioned is adding a linear amp. depending on the wattage you should get a major increase. i would put it in the controller before the car.

[jah_jrok]

Yeah, I was planning on concentrating on the transmitter. But they are quite small and could be used in the car (2.2 x 2.8 mm)
hopefully these amps solve the range issue. If it works I may make a drop in style amp-module for BIT/MS controllers. (for the none electonically inclined persons) this would probably have solder-less style connections so it would bve easy to install. Anyone interested if it works??? (it should work great, the freq. specs are perfect for this application)

[1llusI0n]

Yes!! im very interested if you get it working, i only get 6 feet with my skyline before stuter.
Keep us updated

[Craig]

I don't think the special IC's are really needed. All that needs to be done is add another stage (transistor, cap, inductor) after the last transistor. Basically duplicate the first stage. The output of the first would drive the second increasing the output. In theory you could keep adding stages increasing it's power each time until you reach the limits of the transistor. I've been wanting to do this mod, but haven't had the time to go get the needed inductors. When I do I'll be sure and post my results.

Craig Falknor

[jah_jrok]

Yeah, you could do that but the the IC's are cheap and easy to hook up (four wires) Not to mention that it would eliminate the need to trace the circuit to power stage, then hope the subsiquent components could handle the increased load. The IC method would be hooked up to only the antenna output lead of the circuitboard (o, yeah and the batteries/switch). Not that adding another stage would not work too, it just is more complicated IMO...

I wanted to make a module that anyone could drop into thier controller, hook 4 wires and presto, insta range increase...

[Craig]

I'll look at the IC, but I don't think it's going to be as easy as you think. You'll probably still have to connect it before the matching area of the circuit. It will most likely require either cutting a trace or lifting a leg of one of the componets and connecting your "Module" in line. Definitly not a solderless connection.

Do you know off hand what the min. voltage requirements are for the IC?

Craig

[Nightwing]

What you need is a power out stage. These chips are for IF or front end etc not power. May need a stage to boost enough to drive a final. Not sure what class you can run it. Odds are Class A or maybe Class B.

Ok going to relese a secret here. In a ZZ there is a 100pf coupling cap. Double it should boost power. You did not hear it from me. There is nothing like this really in a Bit per say.

If done correctly would take only three wires in and one out. The problem is the FCC. They do take a dim view on modifying output levels. Now if you are a ham could move a 49 into the 50 area and jack the power way up!