Kevin, > ARRISat > > Its too bad this is a SSB sat. I suppose it will be great for > those who > have SSB capability, less traffic and all. I guess I have to spend more > money.....
But it won't take a lot of money, at least to get started with SSB via satellite. I'm working SSB with two FT-817NDs, or occasionally substituting a TH-F6A in place of the second FT-817ND. That HT has an all-mode receiver that is OK for SSB satellite work. Yes, additional money - but not huge sums. Both the FT-817 (all variants) and the TH-F6A (TH-F7, outside the Americas) have been on the market for around 10 years, and can be found on the used market as well as the radio stores. And I've not even started to mention older satellite- ready transceivers or other all-mode transceivers that could be pressed into service like the IC-706 series, FT-857, etc. If you have a setup like those mentioned above, you can always use that on the FM birds as well. I've worked those satellites with two radios - and no computer control - for over 2 years now. Not as many QSOs in SSB as on the FM satellites, but just as fun. I've posted some videos of working SSB satellites (VO-52, FO-29, AO-7) at: http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk if you'd like to see my setup. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
