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Our Microwave Operations
Our Microwave Operations
Surrey Amateur Radio Communications (SARC) is actively engaged in advanced microwave radio experimentation under the technical leadership of Dino Gueorguiev (VE7NX, pictured). The team focuses on beacon development and long-distance point-to-point operations across the GHz bands, designing, building, and deploying custom equipment that pushes both technical and geographic limits. SARC’s microwave work emphasizes practical innovation, hands-on engineering, and increasing activity in under-utilized spectrum. For more information, contact microwave@ve7sar.net.
The Bulgaria Project
The Bulgaria Project
In an effort to promote activity on the microwave bands, I set out to help my Ham friends in LZ get on the 10 GHz band. I ordered the PCBs and began assembling the W1GHZ transverter—my third build of this design, so the process held no surprises. Once all components were completed, I tested each module individually and then as a full system, carefully aligning everything for maximum efficiency. With the project finished, I packed the entire setup into my checked luggage and flew to Bulgaria. My friends there provided a 2‑foot dish and a sturdy tripod. Together, we built a housing for the equipment and integrated all the systems. The timing was perfect: the AIRU VHF and Up Contest in Europe was scheduled for October 4–5, 2025. Our group of five, operating as LZ9X, set up on a mountain peak at 4,500 ft ASL. We deployed multiple VHF and UHF antennas—and, of course, the new 10 GHz system.
The first day brought heavy rain, so we focused on the lower bands. But on Sunday, October 5, the weather cleared, cold but calm. Around 8 a.m., we mounted the 2‑foot dish on the tripod, connected all the cables, and pointed north toward Romania. Two stations were standing by, waiting for us to attempt the first contacts.The distance between us was 248 km. After a brief round of tuning, we succeeded in completing QSOs with YO7MB and YO7CW—both making their first-ever 10 GHz contacts. The excitement in our group was huge. We were the only Bulgarian station active on 10 GHz during the contest, and the achievement felt significant. With this success behind us, the next step is clear: to build and install a 10 GHz beacon—the first of its kind in the region.
To be continued…
Dino, VE7NX
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