>I was thinking of using a bunch of Mini circuits ERA amplifiers in
>parallel (with hybrids to combine power) as the output amp

If its radar, why not avalanche impulse generators? Checkout the Zetex app
note "The ZTX415 Avalanche Mode Transistor
An Introduction to Characteristics, Performance and Applications: for
transistorized pulse forming and Marx genererators. You can use type 2n2222
transistors (and some others) in this mode, if you don't wan't to caugh up
$20 for Zetex ones, for non-aerospace apps.

For radars I like the idea of impulse better than CW, matched filters better
than chirps. But I don't speak from experience. Be sure to look up radars on
the patent server and checkout the impulse radio company I posted links to
in the past.

>Finally, some PICs could be used to control steppers or other servos to
>tilt the antenna horizontally/vertically. I was thinking of using
>something around 5GHz, so a relatively small dish (perhaps a 2 to 3 feet
>diameter) could be used.

Come on, be bold. Figure out how to use common ferrites or piezo materials
(perhaps glass or TiO ceramic?) To build a phased array scanner. Plenty of
examples out there!

Scott

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Freedom is pursuing your carrot, not running from a stick.
The mob only rules what its members are allowed to achieve.
Physics - the manifold ways the odds always get even...
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