At 03:34 PM 5/18/2011, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: >Or look for the all-mode HF/VHF/UHF radios at swapmeets and >online, and get a pair for your satellite station. There are radios >out there that won't break the bank. Yes, more than a dual-band >FM HT or mobile radio, but not a whole lot more. Even going >back 15 years to a radio like an IC-706Mk2, you would have the >option of computer control using software like SatPC32 or >possibly HRD (among others).
The old single band radios have now come down to reasonable prices. Another alternative is something like a FT-736 off eBay for a base station, which can be computer controlled. Software selection is limited, though there is an interface to make the FT-736 look like an FT-847 to software such as HRD. I have beta tested this interface myself and it works extremely well, and opens the 736 to a lot more radio control software. I haven't heard if/when it's going to be made available, but I hope it can be sold to 736 owners. >I'm using a portable all-mode satellite station - normally two >FT-817NDs, sometimes one FT-817ND with a Kenwood TH-F6A >(TH-F7 outside the Americas - this HT has an all-mode receiver >from HF up to 70cm), always with an Elk 2m/70cm log periodic. >Other than the antenna and some accessories deemed unsafe >for carry-on luggage on aircraft, my station fits in an old laptop >bag and goes where I go. The 817s could be controlled by >software, but I spin the "big knob" on each radio as I work >stations instead of also setting up a computer to run the radios. >You don't need a lot of power to work SSB, just as many work >FM satellites with HTs. I have been using the FT-736 and an IC-7000 in tandem for the SSB birds. Unfortunately, in the shack, my antennas let me down (receive being the biggest issue), so I haven't been able to do any more than simply test. I'd need a setup like yours to go portable, which would be an interesting exercise without computer control (tuning and aiming an antenna at the same time :) ). Unfortunately, while I was tempted, I had to stop short of buying an FT-817ND, it's still on the wish list for portable work. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com _______________________________________________ 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
