Hi Phil,
There is endless discussion on what radio, and has been for years and years. THE answer is never found because it's different based on individual needs.
It sounds like you want both SSB and FM, since you mention the FunCubes. You can do this with separate single band used rigs, or combinations of newer all-mode shack in a box rigs like the Yaesu 817/857/897 series, or a single satellite specific rig.
If you want HF included, look at something like the TS-2000 (although it has a bad birdie on one FM sat downlink), or a late model FT-847, or newer IC-9100 (very expensive but NICE).
If you want the radio to be just for V/U satellite, you could look for an Icom IC-820/821/910. I would not recommend any older satellite rig that doesn't have 2-way CAT control, like the Yaesu 726/736 radios.
To further confuse the situation, many ops now use a single radio that will transmit on VHF and UHF (like the Yaesu 8x7 series) and an SDR receiver paired with a tablet or laptop for receive.
Each of these have benefits, but it usually boils down to what is available to you, your tolerance for used gear, and how thick your wallet is.
I hope that helps some.
73, Drew KO4MA
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Phil Townsend Lontz Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2016 6:53 PM To: F6GLJ Cc: duntryin@hotmail.com; K4FEG@K4FEG.COM; VE1MAM; satdx-bb@star-com.net; pv8dx@arrl.net; amsat-bb@amsat.org; lebelb@nbnet.nb.ca Subject: [amsat-bb] Newbie Alert... Help needed to find a suitable Radio...
I am in the process of putting together a station. I have nailed down the two antennas and the rotators for az and elev… But what I can not come to grips with is the radio… 2m/ 440… What is the best choice… I would like it to be sized like one of the mobil rigs. Some dual bander… But there are soon many to choose from… I have no preference for Yaessu Kenwood or Icom or others for that matter… I want to work the new fun cubes etc. Im at DM75am my call is K5SSR… I’m mostly a cw op but will jump on voice at times…
Guys thank you for the help… I look forward to having QSO with you…
Phil Santa Fe, NM
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