Ed: Please allow me to second your suggestion for a “KXV3Sat”, though a KX2 derivative with FM + VHF + UHF and full duplex would certainly be another option that would be very intriguing. Whether such a design built into a K2/K3 footprint (with or without HF) is feasible from an engineering/cost of production perspective is something else…
Given the rapid growth of the amateur satellite ’fleet,’ there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of such a product for satellite operations. AMSAT-NA’s AO-85 (FM) was placed in service in October, 2015. Between now and January there will be three more FM Cubesats built by AMSAT-NA that will be launched. In addition, AMSAT-NA is building a 30 KHz wide linear transponder satellite (Fox-1E). AMSAT-UK launched FunCube-1 (AO-73) which is also a linear transponder satellite. The Chinese placed a number of sats last fall in orbit on one launcher with a variety of capabilities, including liner transponder. These satellites, coupled with FO-29 and AO-7 are certainly candidates for operating with a low power, SSB/CW capable transceiver operating duplex. As you know, a number of satellite operators are working these satellites in the field using an Arrow or Elk Antenna with the FT-817x class transceivers which to my knowledge is the only backpack size QRP-capable HF-VHF-UHF multimode radio with built-in battery for portable operation in the field currently on the market. The FT-817x is not full duplex, so satellite operators use two of these radios to be able to hear their downlink when working the linear transponder satellites. While the FT-817x does work well for this type of operation, it does have a confusing set of options in the menu and in my opinion is more difficult to learn to operate than what Elecraft offers in their firmware architecture; having to use for FT-817s for full duplex adds to the complexity and cost of such operations. Interest in satellite operations is increasing and such a product would spur further growth. It seems to me that an Elecraft-designed radio capable of FM + UHF + VHF + full duplex in an integrated package with the footprint of a KX2 or the KX3 would be a winner; a HT-size transceiver (KX2) capable of working the linear satellites plus the FM sates would be a game changer for satellite operators. FWIW, Barry Baines, WD4ASW Westborough, MA (Currently in Deshler, OH after ’surviving’ Hamvention) > On May 24, 2016, at 1:11 PM, Edward R Cole <[email protected]> wrote: > > One type of radio that Elecraft has avoided making to date: > multi-band, multi-mode VHF/UHF, cross-band duplex radio. > > I recently bought a (not new) radio that, at its time, was considered one of > the finest radios for this: > Yaesu FT-736R. It is still held in considerable respect. > > I wanted a VHF/UHF multi-mode radio capable of satellite operation and had > considered a cross-band duplex-capable FM mobile radio, but it would have > limited me to FM. For approximately $200 more I obtained a "cherry" FT-736R > with basic 2m/70cm capability. > > The radio is capable of expansion to two more bands via installation of > internal modules for 6m, 220, and 1.2 GHz. Quite a remarkable model of > adaptability for its time. > > I previously owned its successor, the FT-847, which was HF, 6m, 2m, 70cm. > But on used market cost double what I spent on the FT-736R. > > Had Elecraft offered a VHF/UHF cross-band duplex multi-mode radio I would > have considered it. Nothing on the current market equals the Elecraft radio > quality (my opinion). I chose the K3/10 plus transverters for eme, but the > K3 is not capable of duplex operation. > > If a KVX3sat were produced - I think the market is there. Current > competitors: IC-9100 and TS2000X;Yaesu is out of the satellite radio market. > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > http://www.kl7uw.com > "Kits made by KL7UW" > Dubus Mag business: > [email protected] > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
