This is the "front end" I used to use on Band 1. I found that it was useful to be able to vary the input amplifier gain. Sometimes, I'd use a double-tuned filter on the input, with a split capacitor as the antenna feed point - it avoided tapping the coil.
Link RX Front End.jpg
Back in the 80s, I mostly used the "Ambit" IF boards - they were cheap and gave great results, and were a bit of a time-saver. I'd build 20 of them at a time, so that I always had stock. I'd usually add an RSSI-driven relay, so that carrier presence could be used to switch the main rig. Also often I'd add a pair of NE567 tone detectors and a bit of logic, so that the main rig was started up with a tone-burst, then sustained by the RSSI. Dropping the link carrier would then shut down the main rig at the end of a broadcast. This prevented numpties from "borrowing" my rigs when they were not in use!
One thing I've missed off the scribble - there would usually be a pair of switching diodes connected between the first FET input gate and ground, to provide a measure of static protection.
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