10 GHz FAQ

1. Why is 10 GHz becoming so popular and what FCC license is required?
• Top 10 Reasons Link
• Challenge: It used to be 10 Meters and then 1296 MHz and now 10 GHz has become the "must have" band for weak signal operators looking for a new challenge. Requiring only a technician license, you can work other "gigaheads" from a local hilltop, your tower or beside a road with moderately priced and/or surplus equipment that's become available.
• Momentum: The ARRL and many local organizations have events that focus on 10 GHz activities which then attract an increasing number of participants.
• Camaraderie: 10 GHz attracts a great bunch of guys and gals who will go out of their way to give you a hand!
2. Will a 10 GHz DSS dish antenna meet there FCC CC&R antenna exclusions?
• The availability of the DSS offset dish (used and often free from Directv, Dish, etc) has been a major stimulus and provides up to 30 dB gain on 10 GHz. This facilitates long range communications with relatively low power levels.
• Often a modified DSS dish appears similar to a satellite TV dish and may be acceptable in antenna restricted areas.
3.  Can I mount a 10 GHz antenna onto my existing tower and aim it correctly?
• Yes but you'll need to deal with the relatively high transmission line losses at 10 GHz by co-locating your transverter and/or amplifiers near/on the dish feed point. 
• You'll need to "plum" (relatively vertical) your mast (side or top mounted) with rotational accuracy of +/- a degree or two for proper dish aiming.
• Elevation control is optional for local some rain-scatter opportunities.
4. Will 10 GHz signals propagate beyond the visual "line-of-sight"?
• Yes, you'll be surprised at the range that you'll be able to operate.
• Building reflection/refraction -
• Topo -
• Ducting -
• Rain/show/sleet scatter -
• EME -
5. How much RF power is required for the various 10 GHz propagation modes?
• Barefoot transverters (without external power amplifiers) with up to 200 mW output on 10 GHz can propagate your weak signals 100's of Kms.
• Combined transverter/amplifiers with up to 2-3 watts output on 10 GHz can be successful on 1000's of Kms.
6. What is a 10 GHz transverter and will it work with my existing transceiver?
• A transverter converts 10 GHz transmit and receive RF signals to/from an Intermediate Frequency such as 144 MHz transmit and receive RF signals.
• Many popular multi-band, multi-mode transceivers already have 2 meter CW/SSB capability and will drive a 10 GHz transverter as long as you reduce the 2 meter power output to match the transverter drive requirement.
7. What modulation modes are used for 10 GHz communication? 
• SSB is most popular with FM used when signals are relatively strong and CW used when signals are relatively weak.
8. What protocol is used to make 10 GHz contacts? 
• Most contacts are scheduled in advance or coordinated on a lower frequency band. During contests contacts are possible by tail-ending other QSOs, as long as antennas are pointed in the right direction. 
9. How do 10 GHz contests differ from the other VHF/UHF contests?
• There are many operating events during which 10 GHz is popular: ARRL Jan., June & Sept.;  10 GHz & Up, SBMS 2 GHz & Up, Spring & Fall Sprints, MAD (Microwave Activity Days) and anytime when EME conditions are favorable.
• During ARRL VHF/UHF contests you can transport multiple 10 GHz stations within a single vehicle. 
• On the "10 GHz and up" event you can coordinate via any communications (cell, Internet, etc.)
10. How can I get started on 10 GHz and what will it cost?
• The best way is to contact your local weak signal organization and ask to use a loaner station for the next scheduled 10 GHz event! 
• The biggest initial cost is a 10 GHz transverter. Used and kits range from $300 on up, depending on the model, power output and vintage. A DSS dish antenna can usually be found free of charge with minimal modifications required.
• Once you determine your level of interest and what kind of station works best for you, you'll want to upgrade your equipment, over time.

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