Cascading PAR Filters

[737mech]

I didn't happen to read in these forums any comments about cascading PAR filters. I verified with Dale at PARelectronics this could be done and now I want to share the results with the readers here. I attached the VHFSYM162HT directly to the VHF FM TRAP and then on to my splitter. The antenna is a DPD LP 100-1000 and the feed coax is 9913. My main listening interests are Military Air and VHF/UHF Air. I also monitor some trunked systems in southern Nevada in the 800 band, and federal freqs around 166-170. The NOAA here is very clear, loud and powerful on just about any scanner here in Las Vegas on 162.55. (As if we really need a weatherman in Las Vegas???) Anyway, the FM noise is a problem as well. The end result is very positive results with these filters. The scanners I own are now performing as I hoped they would. The airband comms clear without fuzz, and more hits on many freqs I had programmed that never seemed to hit very often. Especially in the 138-144 VHF military band. (Thunderbirds and Nellis air to air) The trunked systems sound great as well. The last area I was concerned about the federal freqs at 166-170 are clear and strong. The notch at 162.55 took the wx NOAA stuff way down to something that sounds like a very distant signal. It did not effect the 166-170 stuff at all. I hope this info is helpful to anyone with a question about PAR filters and using two or three together. Again, Dale is very helpful and quick to respond as always. Any questions please ask. Another happy customer of PAR Electronics.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by 737mech

I didn't happen to read in these forums any comments about cascading PAR filters. I verified with Dale at PARelectronics this could be done and now I want to share the results with the readers here. I attached the VHFSYM162HT directly to the VHF FM TRAP and then on to my splitter. The antenna is a DPD LP 100-1000 and the feed coax is 9913. My main listening interests are Military Air and VHF/UHF Air. I also monitor some trunked systems in southern Nevada in the 800 band, and federal freqs around 166-170. The NOAA here is very clear, loud and powerful on just about any scanner here in Las Vegas on 162.55. (As if we really need a weatherman in Las Vegas???) Anyway, the FM noise is a problem as well. The end result is very positive results with these filters. The scanners I own are now performing as I hoped they would. The airband comms clear without fuzz, and more hits on many freqs I had programmed that never seemed to hit very often. Especially in the 138-144 VHF military band. (Thunderbirds and Nellis air to air) The trunked systems sound great as well. The last area I was concerned about the federal freqs at 166-170 are clear and strong. The notch at 162.55 took the wx NOAA stuff way down to something that sounds like a very distant signal. It did not effect the 166-170 stuff at all. I hope this info is helpful to anyone with a question about PAR filters and using two or three together. Again, Dale is very helpful and quick to respond as always. Any questions please ask. Another happy customer of PAR Electronics.

Awesome! You can't go wrong with Dale.

I have a FM Broadcast and TV ch 8 and 11 filter (I get hit from above and below ) inline and they work perfect.

[rgchristy]

Done it, too. Works great. Best filters on the market.

Take Care,

Rich C

[mtindor]

I'll take everyone's word as far as cascading filters for different bands. But, keep in mind that there is a proper way to cascade if you are cascading the same filters [for the superstrong signa].

Ex: TV Channel 9. I had originally bought a double notch filter for Ch.9 from Dale. This was before he had the triple notch out there. The double notch did it's job, but the TV station is just so close to me and has such a high profile that it was still affecting my VHF-Hi. I called Dale, and he told me that I could cascade two of the same filters but would have to make sure and sepate each filter [using coax of a very specific length].

As it turned out, before I made the move to buy another double notch, Dale came out with the triple notch. I bought one, and it took care of my Ch.9 problem once and for all and so I didn't have to cascade any filters.

Mike

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by mtindor

I'll take everyone's word as far as cascading filters for different bands. But, keep in mind that there is a proper way to cascade if you are cascading the same filters [for the superstrong signa].

Ex: TV Channel 9. I had originally bought a double notch filter for Ch.9 from Dale. This was before he had the triple notch out there. The double notch did it's job, but the TV station is just so close to me and has such a high profile that it was still affecting my VHF-Hi. I called Dale, and he told me that I could cascade two of the same filters but would have to make sure and sepate each filter [using coax of a very specific length].

As it turned out, before I made the move to buy another double notch, Dale came out with the triple notch. I bought one, and it took care of my Ch.9 problem once and for all and so I didn't have to cascade any filters.

Mike

In my case I'm not cascading for the same frequency (or range), each of my 3 filters is for a different range, so no phasing cable was necessary.

[ridgescan]

Good thread 737. Thanks for sharing.

[RonnieUSA]

I have this same problem, but I didn't know it when I got my notch filter, I thought it was just a local FM station (WMKY) at the University, now I find out the local N.O.A.A. repeater (162.425) is also a big problem.

I looked at the Par Filters, and see no prices, and not for sure what one I would get to take care of this problem.

I would like to have 1 filter for both if possible.

Thank You in advance for any help with this.

[mtindor]

Originally Posted by RonnieUSA

I have this same problem, but I didn't know it when I got my notch filter, I thought it was just a local FM station (WMKY) at the University, now I find out the local N.O.A.A. repeater (162.425) is also a big problem.

I looked at the Par Filters, and see no prices, and not for sure what one I would get to take care of this problem.

I would like to have 1 filter for both if possible.

Thank You in advance for any help with this.

Ronnie,

Your best bet is to give PAR Electronics a call (or email him as his site suggests) for pricing.. More than likely you'll end up talking to Dale Parfitt himself. You can explain to him what type of signals you need notched out, and he'll tell you exactly what you'd need to accomplish that. I don't think PAR makes a single filter that will cover both of those. You'd need to get two separate filters, and they are not cheap. But Dale won't steer you wrong as long he has a clear understanding of what you need done.

This link will help you to know what to expect from a filter: Scanner Filter FAQ | PAR Electronics | Filters for the commercial 2 way market, MATV, FM broadcast, laboratory, marine industry, amateur radio, scanner and short wave listening enthusiasts

The filters aren't cheap in the eyes of many, but IMO they are the best bang for the buck out there and the construction/performance is superb. If you really have problems, and you really want to limit how much you are down on each side of the notch freq, these filters are great. Dale can make some even tougher filters, but of course the cost increases.

Mike

[RonnieUSA]

Thank You very much for the info, I'll give them a call.

[k3td]

Have used Dale's filters as well as his Omniangle horizontal omni antennas on 10, 6 and 2 meters for many years. Great products with excellent service.

[k3cfc]

Originally Posted by RonnieUSA

Thank You very much for the info, I'll give them a call.

I bought a par filter for 152 mhz hospital paging system. it was just creaming my scanner i was about 12 blocks from the hosp. put the filter on and no more problems. it takes all of 152 mhz and some of 153. about $78 .00 if memory serves me well worth the price.


K3CFC