In order to be able to properly assess the correct functioning of the various subsystems I needed some instrumentation that I did not have.
First one is a noise generator. This is required to compare the homebrewed LNAs with the commercial one I bought.
Second is an attenuator. Since I cannot rely on proper calibration of S-meter, a simple methodology is to insert a variable attenuator in front of the receiver, and always make the measurement in order to get the same S level.
Additionally I need a RF probe for general measurement and to feed the sequencer that switch the PA between transmit and receive.