IIRC, the IF-232 is just a simple TTL-to-RS232 interface. it should be fairly easy to homebrew on with any of the available chips out there, like the Maxxim MAX232. jim KQ6EA
--- On Sun, 4/5/09, Sebastian w4as@bellsouth.net wrote:
From: Sebastian w4as@bellsouth.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Satellite Transceiver To: "AMSAT BB" AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009, 10:41 AM I will agree with you about 90%. The FT-736R has been THE radio the satellite community has talked about for years, and will continue to talk about. However, there are some things that need to be considered.
First, the power supply is a known problem. Certainly not a huge problem, since if it goes out, you can run it with an external power supply.
The other problem is it's age; lack of replacement parts available for them; and eventual break down of the values of components due to it's age.
Additionally, while you can certainly find them used (and your price of $600 is way too low, I would buy a good one at that price - they easily go for about $900 now), the other problem is interfacing them with a computer, which from what I recall, requires an IF-232, and I think those are quite difficult to find today. I don't know if there is an easier or cheaper way to interface them since I haven't owned one for many years, but not being able to use computer control on such an excellent radio would be a shame.
Last, their output power is not very high by today's standards. Sure it's high enough to work the satellites, but it's probably not enough for meteor scatter, without an amp.
I'm not knocking the 736, I agree it's an excellent rig. It's just a shame there is only one true 100% satellite radio currently being manufactured.
73 de W4AS Sebastian
On Apr 5, 2009, at 10:31 AM, MM wrote:
i am running the Yeasu FT-736R. it supports 6/2/440/1200. its the best Sat rig ever made and you can find good
ones for under
$600.
wf1f
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