The FT-51 is a popular AMSAT HT for full duplex satellite work.
But the FT51 (and TH78) can also display DTMF Text Messages, and I am considering updating my APRSdata program that sends real-time satellite-in-view data for display on those radios.
Just set the radio to the DTMF text messaging channel whenever you are mobile, and there on the radio, will appear the satelite name, frequency of downlink and direction and elevation to the satellite. When you see one of these, just QSY and work the bird.
Then return to monitoring the DTMF data channel for the next bird. You wont ever have to do any predictions for casual operations again.
But I don't have an FT51. SO I need someone that is familiiar with their radio, has their manual, and can take the time to figure out the DTMF text messsaging capabilities.
See www.aprs.org/aprs-dtmf-gate.html to see how we are taking local APRS data and displaying it on the FT51 and TH78 radio front panels just like we do for APRS radios. Adding Satellite info is trivial to add.
Also, I need confirmation that the FT11 and FT41 can also do the DTMF TEXT MESSAGING too.
Thanks Bob, WB4APR