I need something for 3 receivers

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prcguy

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bearcatrp

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Question about the mini Circuit. Will this help only around the FM band frequencies or for the entire radio? Think I have 4 FM stations within 20 miles of me. Will order this after I get a response. thanks
 

bearcatrp

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Was on the website and get a notice that the connectors are N. Tried to see if any other options but there web site sucks. They have 2 in stock. Are the N connectors the only option?
 

prcguy

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If you have or will have problems with strong FM broadcast stations then the MiniCircuits filter should fix it. If you don't have any strong FM signals in your area then you probably won't benefit from one.

I think N connectors are the only option. That is the best option if there is only one as adapters to any other connector will not have any loss to worry about.

Was on the website and get a notice that the connectors are N. Tried to see if any other options but there web site sucks. They have 2 in stock. Are the N connectors the only option?
 

bearcatrp

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Thanks. I did a test with my VX 7R late last year and hooked it up to my discone. Its older technology but it was over loaded by what I presume the FM stations pretty much on every frequency. Never hooked it up again. My current radios probably don't show it as much being newer technology but will get the mini circuits to see how it goes. Thanks prcguy.
 

k7ng

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bearcatrp, if in fact it's FM broadcast overload causing your headaches, you won't be disappointed with the Minicircuits FM filter.

I connect mine to the scanner with a short BNC to N cable because I don't like hanging things with any weight off bulkhead connectors. 12" of RG58 or similar isn't going to affect your system sensitivity and it does the between-type adaptation as well.
 

bearcatrp

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Placed the order this morning. Just have to order some connectors, BNC to N for both ends. Are both ends male N connectors on the mini circuits? Can't rotate the picture on the web site.
 

AM909

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Placed the order this morning. Just have to order some connectors, BNC to N for both ends. Are both ends male N connectors on the mini circuits? Can't rotate the picture on the web site.
That seemed odd, so I looked. This shows N-male input and N-female output.
 

k7ng

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FYI, I swept the Minicircuits FM filter both directions and it doesn't matter which way you put it into the setup. If that's a connector concern.
 

bearcatrp

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Amazon shipped me the wrong connector. I'll keep it for future use so I don't have to go through the return BS. My correct one will be here monday from a different company.
 

bearcatrp

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Got it hooked up finally. I dialed up the local airport on 119.375 (automated message) and did a comparison. Didn't notice any change. Is there a test I could do to verify its working as advertised? Am new to using filters like this so still learning.
 

Ubbe

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FYI, I swept the Minicircuits FM filter both directions and it doesn't matter which way you put it into the setup. If that's a connector concern.
If a filter measures differently in either direction then it's either a bad design or bad aligment at the factory or it's a second hand one and has been tuned at a site that had some SWR at one end, and then the filter isn't 50 ohm any more.

/Ubbe
 

Ubbe

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Got it hooked up finally. I dialed up the local airport on 119.375 (automated message) and did a comparison. Didn't notice any change. Is there a test I could do to verify its working as advertised? Am new to using filters like this so still learning.
That's a good way to do it, but it's AM and the AGC will adjust the signal level so it will be difficult to hear the difference by ear. Maybe if you enable the attenuator in the scanner and open squelch and receive a weak signal you might hear a difference. Or connect that VX7 and it will immediately be obvious if the filter helped.

/Ubbe
 

bearcatrp

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Thanks. Currently using the R8500. Forgot about the VX7 to try since that radio was wiped out on every frequency. Thanks again.
 
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