Clayton,
An ICOM-910H is a HT .... Really (ha ha)? I suppose a few of you know that is a 100w desktop/mobile radio and hardly "portable". But it is a pretty good satellite radio for multi-mode use. A nearby friend uses one (actually has two) with az-el mounted yagis and full auto-track.
A few months ago I was looking at adding a dual-band FM mobile to my hamshack and kinda groaning at the the $350+ cost for a new mobile, I decided spending just a little more would get me a nice used multi-mode VHF/UHF satellite desktop/mobile radio. Used prices on the Icom-910H and the FT-847 both ran $900-1200 which I could not justify. Then Looked for used FT-736R and bought one for $550 (including ctcss encoder board option) with basic 2m/70cm (no 220 or 1.2G options).
I'm quite pleased with the "old" radio and a bit surprised in its Rx sensitivity without preamps, running 144 and 432 SSB with a vertical for contacts out to 70-miles. I have not yet restored use of my satellite antennas as yet (probably be next summer as I want to move the short sat tower which requires new concrete base). You can look on my website for some info: http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm
Two Baefong with appropriate filters should make an inexpensive portable sat setup with full duplex (not computer controlled). A single Baefong plus a Funcube Rx would also work pretty good though you would need a notepad or equivalent. I did some simplex FM-sat ops with a FT-817 in early 2000's with an Arrow but missed having duplex. I also had a 1998 FT-847 but sold both in 2012. Now have K3 and KX3, a Baefong UV5-RA, plus the venerable FT-736R.
73, Ed - KL7UW
Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:15:31 -0600 From: Clayton Coleman [email protected] To: AMSAT-BB [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Best HT for satellite operation? Message-ID: CAPovOwfU3hBafuauUyykDMmh49xdeTS1VjV_DK5iwf1yBED16Q@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I've seen a lot of great recommendations for satellite HT's. I really prefer the Icom IC-910h. Since it is a little heavy for neck straps, and the belt clip is made of 3/8" steel plate, I'd probably recommend the BABYBJ?RN carrier approach. You can buy a 15 year old one at a bargain price of $1000-1500 at most hamfests.
TGIF
Clayton W5PFG
73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: [email protected]