Prevent TVI & RFI with the PB-LPF1500-54 Low Pass Filter – Unboxing & VSWR Testing (video)

Unboxing & VSWR Testing Video of the LOW BAND SYSTEMS PB-LPF1500-54 HF + 6 Meter Low Pass Filter.

Afraid of causing TVI / BCI / RFI / EMI?

Well, you can prevent against this, by installing a high-quality Low Pass Filter such as the PB-LPF1500-54 HF + 6 Meter LPF from LOW BAND SYSTEMS.

LOW PASS FILTER "PERFO BOX-1500" 54 MHZ by Low Band Systems
LOW PASS FILTER “PERFO BOX-1500” 54 MHZ by Low Band Systems

A little background story…

I needed to find a heavy-duty & high power QRO Low Pass Filter which included 6 Meters in the pass-band, in order to replace my old faithful Kenwood LF-30A LPF which is HF only (up-to 30MHz).

I was left without a Low Pass Filter for the season potentially causing TVI & RFI

The Kenwood LF-30A has served me well over the years, eliminating many TVI & RFI issues I’ve encountered in the past. However, each year, when the 6 meter “magic band” season opens, I would have to take it out of line (its cutoff is at ~34MHz) and I was left without a Low Pass Filter for the season potentially causing TVI & RFI.

Kenwood LF-30A 30MHz Low Pass Filter
Kenwood LF-30A 30MHz Low Pass Filter
Frequency Response of the Kenwood LF-30A
Frequency Response of the Kenwood LF-30A – Filter Cutoff is at 34MHz – Image courtesy of http://www.amateurtele.com/
Inside Kenwood LF-30A Low Pass Filter
Inside the Kenwood LF-30A – Example of typical design and construction of a high power Low Pass Filter – Image courtesy of http://www.amateurtele.com/

To my rescue comes the PB-LPF1500-54 from Low Band Systems.

After surveying the market, the only two LPF filters I found commercially available are one from Comet which is rated at 500W CW, and the PB-LPF1500-54 from Low Band Systems.

I selected the model from Low Band Systems, because it seemed heavy-duty and was rated for very high power (QRO ++), so it should loaf along with my conservative 500 watts.

Low Band Systems is a well-known brand, based in Russia, and they ship globally. In the US, DX-Engineering distributes many of their products. They build quality high-end products specifically designed for high-performance contest stations and DXpeditions, so I was sure that my money was well spent.

So, I ordered the unit after a couple of technical questions that I had were promptly answered by Andrey, RA6LBS, owner of LBS (thank you Andrey!). Then, Anna, and the LBS team, swiftly handled my order and it’s peculiarities (apologies for the hassle Anna) and immediately shipped it over. It arrived in only 10 days after ordering.

Indeed after unboxing it and doing initial testing, it seems superior in quality, construction and workmanship, and its performance specifications are the best by far, while pricing is similar to the model from Comet. Additionally, it has excellent ventilation so it remains cool even in the most demanding conditions (high load VSWR, QRO etc).

The Low Band Systems PB-LPF1500-54 HF+6M Low Pass Filter with Data-Sheet and Unit Test Report
The Low Band Systems PB-LPF1500-54 HF+6M Low Pass Filter with Data-Sheet and Unit Test Report

To my rescue comes the PB-LPF1500-54 from Low Band Systems

So far so good! The product is beautiful with its unique aesthetics (model, labelling etc is reverse-cut into the chassis) and its performance has been spot on! I’m an official fan!

Excellent Packing of the PB-LPF1500-54 Low Pass Filter by Low Band Systems
Excellent Packing of the PB-LPF1500-54 Low Pass Filter by Low Band Systems – They’ve minimized risk of shipping damage
Size comparison of the LBS PB-LPF1500-54 vs the Kenwood LF-30A
Size comparison of the LBS PB-LPF1500-54 vs the Kenwood LF-30A
PB-LPF1500-54 Serial Number Label - Included Spec Sheet Test Report is for this serial number
PB-LPF1500-54 Serial Number Label – Included Spec Sheet Test Report is for this particular unit serial number
SO239 Protector cap on the PB-LPF1500-54
SO239 Protector cap on the PB-LPF1500-54
The PB-LPF1500-54 uses high-power Gold Coated SO-239 Connectors
The PB-LPF1500-54 uses high-power Gold Coated SO-239 Connectors
Comet CF-50MR HF+6M Low Pass Filter
The CF-50MR HF+6M Low Pass Filter from Comet, the other option for a 54MHz LPF

Low Band Systems PB-LPF1500-54 1.8-54MHz Low Pass Filter Specifications:

https://lowbandsystems.com/product/low-pass-filter-perfo-box-1500-50-mhz

  • Power ratings: 1500 W Continuous, 3000W ICAS, ~5KW PEP
  • Insertion Loss below cutoff : ≤0,15 dB
  • VSWR: ≤1: 1.1
  • Rejection on 70 MHz: ≥ 75 dB
  • Rejection on 145 MHz: ≥ 55 dB
  • Rejection on 432 MHz: ≥ 95 dB

Low Band Systems Website:
https://lowbandsystems.com/

LBS Products at DX Engineering:
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/brand/low-band-systems

PB-LPF1500-54 Datasheet and Technical Specifications
PB-LPF1500-54 Datasheet and Technical Specifications (Click to enlarge)

I hope you enjoy the video, and apologies for all the shaking (filmed by hand since I haven’t bought a tripod yet).

Happy DXing & Contesting all! Hopefully without RFI & TVI!

73 de Andy – SV1DKD

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