[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld-Which is best
Hi! Heres another vote for the Yaesu HT rigs; I use a Yaesu VX-7R and I appreciate being able to program a single odd band split, memory channel (that require no pl), then I use the memory tune (MT) function on the radio and turn one dial back and forth to adjust for Doppler and the 2 meter transmit is ready to go anytime I squeeze the PTT. This set up works much better for me then 5 separate memory channels for every bird. The Kenwood HT's wont let you program that odd band split into a single memory channel, (dont know about others) however sadly, Yaseu made it so you cannot pass pl tones in the odd band split memory channels but of course you can pass pl tones in the other memory or VFO modes. Actually, you can program PL tones in the odd-split memories on a Yaesu radio. You just have to program the tones with both of the frequencies - even if you only need a PL on the transmit frequency. Make sure the T is lit up for a transmitted PL when you are putting the first (receive) frequency into the odd-split memory. I have never tried the Memory Tune function on Yaesu HTs. I have a VX-8R at home, but previously had a VX-2R and VX-3R that worked OK for satellites. I may give that a try. Still not a full-duplex setup, but an interesting way to deal with tuning the receiver for the FM birds. Another item on the to-do list... snip Sure wish we had a good full duplex, dual or tri-band, HT that had an excellent receiver, (worked USB on both TX and RX) and had the modest other functions we need to work the satellites but the compromised HT's are still a bunch of fun, with a portable Yagi in the trunk, a spare 19 minutes (including set up) and a pass prediction schedule, can bring a big smile to my face when I am out and about, in the car. That would be nice. Until that ever materializes, I've settled on a pair of FT-817NDs for my all-mode full-duplex portable satellite setup. Not as small as an HT, but that pair of radios is certainly adequate for what I do. Having higher-capacity internal rechargeable packs lets me run 5W without worrying about an external power source, or I can plug either (or both) 817s into a 12V jumpstart battery for extended operating time. After setting up the 817s many times at hamfests or in the field, I don't need much more time with the two 817s compared to using an HT or a 2m/70cm FM mobile radio. Hamfest demos using the two 817s on VO-52 or AO-7 have drawn much more interest in recent times, and they will be with me at the next hamfest I attend on Saturday (13th). :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld-Which is best
On Tue, 2010-03-09 at 18:38 -0800, D. Craig Fox wrote: necessary, but it takes away all guess work. These radios also do an excellent job digipeating over ISS (when the D'ptr is turned on), Not that it's likely any time soon. What's that, a month or so now since any real activity? It was on for an hour two weeks ago, but that's been about it. Gordon MM0YEQ ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: current handheld
At the moment there are no new HTs that are full duplex and work well enough for me to personally recommend. I've been pointing folks to going the two radio route, with anything that will receive 435, and anything that transmits on 2m (with PL for SO-50, 67, or 68). For a half duplex radio, I like the F6A as it will receive dc-daylight on FM and SSB/CW. I strongly suggest people use full duplex on the FM birds, but this rig works well as the receive portion. 73, Drew KO4MA -Original Message- From: Bob- W7LRD w7...@comcast.net Sent: Mar 7, 2010 2:09 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] current handheld I have been asked- what is the best current handheld for FM sats? What are we using? I have an old IC-w32a, no longer in production. 73 Bob W7LRD ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: current handheld
Hi Bob, The new Alinco is the only current-production HT that will operate full duplex; but like others, I hear rumblings about a TH-D7 replacement from Kenwood later this year. The D7 was full duplex. Posters here an elsewhere haven't given the Alinco high marks for its abilities to work the FM satellites. I haven't tried it, so I hope those who have some experience with it will respond to you. All of that being said, I would recommend the Kenwood TH-F6A from the group of currently available non-full-duplex radios for one major reason - its general coverage receiver is all mode. I borrowed one from a ham friend several months ago and, over the course of a weekend, use it as my receive radio with a FT-817ND as my transmit radio to make multiple contacts on all of the then-active linear satellites (AO-7 Mode B, FO-29 and VO-52). It performed very well as I worked all passes without a receive preamp for either VHF or UHF. It will work the FM satellites, while providing the bonus of giving newcomers a chance to copy AO-7, FO-29, HO-68 in linear mode and VO-52. I suspect that when they've heard a few passes of the linear satellites, they will be interested in trying to get on them. I hope this is helpful. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL Athens, Ga. - EM84ha -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bob- W7LRD Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 2:10 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] current handheld I have been asked- what is the best current handheld for FM sats? What are we using? I have an old IC-w32a, no longer in production. 73 Bob W7LRD ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
... what is the best current handheld for FM sats?? We do not have a currently-manufactured TRUE DUPLEX HT available. Alinco tried - but the sub-band receive performance on their DJ-G7T is gruesome. I use and like the Yaesu FT-60R - for MANY reasons ... -Receives 108 to a gig -bulletproof case -strongest belt clip of any amateur HT chassis on the market -easy to manually program -1,000+ memories -large, easy-to-read display -and a battery situation that is great. Load up the optional FBA-25 AA alkaline tray with alkalines or NiMH cells, and you have FULL TX POWER available, is needed. Do that on, say, a Kenwood TH-F6a, and you have ONE-HALF WATT TX power. Oh - and the Yaesu FT-60R can be programmed for split freq ops - where is receives on 440 and transmits on 2M. Overall, it is a tremendous value for your money. Under $200 at HRO and AES and other authorized Yaesu dealers. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: current handheld
On Sun, 2010-03-07 at 15:14 -0500, Tim - N3TL wrote: All of that being said, I would recommend the Kenwood TH-F6A from the group of currently available non-full-duplex radios for one major reason - its general coverage receiver is all mode. All of my satellite contacts have been with the TH-F7E which is the European version - no 220MHz, but no cellphone hole either. What's especially handy is you can open it up to work on PMR frequencies too, so I can bung in the channels for a site where I'm working and use it to test commercial gear. Gordon MM0YEQ ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
Clint Bradford wrote: ... what is the best current handheld for FM sats?? We do not have a currently-manufactured TRUE DUPLEX HT available. Alinco tried - but the sub-band receive performance on their DJ-G7T is gruesome. Have you tried the latest firmware? They have adjusted the filters and the RX on UHF on main/sub-band is much better. You can also download the service manual and change these parameters yourselves but this is probably not something that should be done. Comparing it to my TH-D7 it's not that bad. They changed something on the 23cm too but i'm not sure what the issue was there. Kai Gunter LA3QMA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
... DJ-G7T ... adjusted the filters and the RX on UHF on main/sub-band is much better ... What version firmware are you at, Kai? I will need to re-evaluate this unit! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
Clint Bradford wrote: ... DJ-G7T ... adjusted the filters and the RX on UHF on main/sub-band is much better ... What version firmware are you at, Kai? I will need to re-evaluate this unit! E5.000 [Updates of this firmware version] 1: RIT/TXIT functions / added. 2: Reverse function in repeater operation / bettered. 3: Beep sounds at turn-off the power / added. 4: CTCSS tone of Auto-repeater memory / bettered (give priority to the tone in memory, not in VFO while auto-repeater is ON) 5: Welcome-screen setting / bettered. 6: New scan mode added = turns on the LCD light when scan stops. Very convenient operating G7 in the dark. 7: Firmware update operation: accepts the command only when the battery-icon shows full. 8: Minor bugs fixed. Previous firmware: Bettered receiver performance around 320MHz range. I have not tested this on the birds. But the local repeater using the same antenna. Not a very advanced test. Receiving the repeater before upgrade, flashing the firmware and test again from the same spot. Anyhow the original antenna is not good on VHF but i think the UHF/SHF is better. Using the original antenna for the TH-D7 on the radio you gain better signal on the Alinco. So i have replaced the antenna for a SC951 SureCom for V/U and SHF and now it's better on VHF too. On the birds i probably want to use another antenna but the SC951 should work ok and better than the original on V/UHF. For SHF i have nothing to compare them on. I really like the dual-memorybank(splitband) so they are perfect for the birds. But i have not done any QSOs on the birds using this radio. But with the dual VFO control it's probably bnetter than the TH-D7 as you can adjust for dopler on RX on the Alinco. (The TH-D7 can only adjust the band you are TXing on) So then i just have to try AO51 ;o) i just wanted to say that they have done something with the filters and i think they have adjusted more than just the 320MHz range even if they don't say so. They are responding relatively fast on e-mail if you have any questions or suggestions for new functions or to change something into the better. Kai Gunter LA3QMA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
Kai - Are you working with Alinco in the U.S.? Is yours an Alinco DG-G7E or DJ-G7T? Clint, K6LCS ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
No full duplex handheld - here is a simple solution. Use two rigs. Buy a 5w 2m radio for the uplink. Several good ones available available at low cost. If using an Arrow run separate cables for each radio, this avoids the diplexer which some on this list report as a source of extras loss. Works fine for me 73 John G7HIA From: Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, 7 March, 2010 20:23:12 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld ... what is the best current handheld for FM sats?? We do not have a currently-manufactured TRUE DUPLEX HT available. Alinco tried - but the sub-band receive performance on their DJ-G7T is gruesome. I use and like the Yaesu FT-60R - for MANY reasons ... -Receives 108 to a gig -bulletproof case -strongest belt clip of any amateur HT chassis on the market -easy to manually program -1,000+ memories -large, easy-to-read display -and a battery situation that is great. Load up the optional FBA-25 AA alkaline tray with alkalines or NiMH cells, and you have FULL TX POWER available, is needed. Do that on, say, a Kenwood TH-F6a, and you have ONE-HALF WATT TX power. Oh - and the Yaesu FT-60R can be programmed for split freq ops - where is receives on 440 and transmits on 2M. Overall, it is a tremendous value for your money. Under $200 at HRO and AES and other authorized Yaesu dealers. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Current Handheld
Hi Guys, I just ordered the microphone/headphone cable from HRO for my DJ-7G so I will soon be able to try it out on full duplex. I am very pleased, by the way, on how well the sub band receiver hears the satelites. WA7HQD Lee Ernstrom Syracuse, Utah DN31xb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: current handheld
Years ago I did a test of the various handheld radio's available for sat use. I rated the TH-F6A a distant last. Reason is that its front-end is very sensitive to inter-mod. The test was performed in front of HRO in DE. See my HT test report on my webpage. It can be found by navigating to QRZ.com then lookup kb2m. I also remember when I was on a business trip to Houston. While there I meet with Jerry k5oe, Bruce kk5do, and Al n5afv for dinner(I have a picture of the group if anyone is interested). After dinner we went to the parking lot to work an FM bird. As my F6A was deaf from the urban inter-mod I had to borrow someone's HT to finish making a contact. When I got home I sold the Kenwood. It might be good out in the country, but it sucks in the city!... 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Tim - N3TL Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 15:15 PM To: 'Bob- W7LRD'; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: current handheld Hi Bob, The new Alinco is the only current-production HT that will operate full duplex; but like others, I hear rumblings about a TH-D7 replacement from Kenwood later this year. The D7 was full duplex. Posters here an elsewhere haven't given the Alinco high marks for its abilities to work the FM satellites. I haven't tried it, so I hope those who have some experience with it will respond to you. All of that being said, I would recommend the Kenwood TH-F6A from the group of currently available non-full-duplex radios for one major reason - its general coverage receiver is all mode. I borrowed one from a ham friend several months ago and, over the course of a weekend, use it as my receive radio with a FT-817ND as my transmit radio to make multiple contacts on all of the then-active linear satellites (AO-7 Mode B, FO-29 and VO-52). It performed very well as I worked all passes without a receive preamp for either VHF or UHF. It will work the FM satellites, while providing the bonus of giving newcomers a chance to copy AO-7, FO-29, HO-68 in linear mode and VO-52. I suspect that when they've heard a few passes of the linear satellites, they will be interested in trying to get on them. I hope this is helpful. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL Athens, Ga. - EM84ha -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bob- W7LRD Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 2:10 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] current handheld I have been asked- what is the best current handheld for FM sats? What are we using? I have an old IC-w32a, no longer in production. 73 Bob W7LRD ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: current handheld
On Sun, 2010-03-07 at 19:51 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote: Years ago I did a test of the various handheld radio's available for sat use. I rated the TH-F6A a distant last. Reason is that its front-end is very sensitive to inter-mod. The test was performed in front of HRO in DE. See my HT test report on my webpage. It can be found by navigating to QRZ.com then lookup kb2m. I also remember when I was on a business trip to Houston. While there I meet with Jerry k5oe, Bruce kk5do, and Al n5afv for dinner(I have a picture of the group if anyone is interested). After dinner we went to the parking lot to work an FM bird. As my F6A was deaf from the urban inter-mod I had to borrow someone's HT to finish making a contact. When I got home I sold the Kenwood. It might be good out in the country, but it sucks in the city!... I found that my TH-F7E is badly affected by pager rip in certain spots around Glasgow, especially with an external antenna. Oddly enough, some of the high sites on tower blocks I maintain are really bad, and some are practically silent. Using it for satellite it seems that the diplexer in my homebrew crossed yagi knocks enough of the out-of-band crap out to prevent this. It's not nearly so bad for intermod on UHF as it is on VHF, too. This could be because there are fewer UHF high-power paging transmitters here (just a wee bit of mobitex, mostly). Gordon MM0YEQ ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
