Hi!
Heres another vote for the Yaesu HT rigs; I use a Yaesu VX-7R and I appreciate being able to program a single odd band split, memory channel (that require no pl), then I use the memory tune (MT) function on the radio and turn one dial back and forth to adjust for Doppler and the 2 meter transmit is ready to go anytime I squeeze the PTT. This set up works much better for me then 5 separate memory channels for every bird. The Kenwood HT's wont let you program that odd band split into a single memory channel, (dont know about others) however sadly, Yaseu made it so you cannot pass pl tones in the odd band split memory channels but of course you can pass pl tones in the other memory or VFO modes.
Actually, you can program PL tones in the odd-split memories on a Yaesu radio. You just have to program the tones with both of the frequencies - even if you only need a PL on the transmit frequency. Make sure the "T" is lit up for a transmitted PL when you are putting the first (receive) frequency into the odd-split memory.
I have never tried the Memory Tune function on Yaesu HTs. I have a VX-8R at home, but previously had a VX-2R and VX-3R that worked OK for satellites. I may give that a try. Still not a full-duplex setup, but an interesting way to deal with tuning the receiver for the FM birds. Another item on the "to-do" list...
<snip>
Sure wish we had a good full duplex, dual or tri-band, HT that had an excellent receiver, (worked USB on both TX and RX) and had the modest other functions we need to work the satellites but the compromised HT's are still a bunch of fun, with a portable Yagi in the trunk, a spare 19 minutes (including set up) and a pass prediction schedule, can bring a big smile to my face when I am out and about, in the car.
That would be nice. Until that ever materializes, I've settled on a pair of FT-817NDs for my all-mode full-duplex portable satellite setup. Not as small as an HT, but that pair of radios is certainly adequate for what I do. Having higher-capacity internal rechargeable packs lets me run 5W without worrying about an external power source, or I can plug either (or both) 817s into a 12V jumpstart battery for extended operating time.
After setting up the 817s many times at hamfests or in the field, I don't need much more time with the two 817s compared to using an HT or a 2m/70cm FM mobile radio. Hamfest demos using the two 817s on VO-52 or AO-7 have drawn much more interest in recent times, and they will be with me at the next hamfest I attend on Saturday (13th). :-)
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/