Hi Jerry!
I had written about using certain Chinese-made dual-band HTs to work AO-85 full-duplex a few months ago on this list, and an article based on those posts appeared in a recent AMSAT Journal. But that is not the only way, or even the cheapest way, to get on AO-85 (or other U/V FM satellites) full-duplex. I, like many others reading this list, have worked stations using two Baofeng HTs and a homebrew 2m/70cm Yagi like the WA5VJB design. Two Baofengs should be in the $60 to $70 range, and a homebrew Yagi a few dollars more in parts. Basically, for less than $100, a ham can have a station capable of full-duplex operation for FM satellites. If someone already has an HT, then the costs for a second radio and parts for a 2m/70cm homebrew Yagi become more like $40 or $50.
As I mentioned in other recent posts on here, I worked an FM satellite pass during Field Day half-duplex, on LilacSat-2 (like SO-50, using a 2m uplink and 70cm downlink). It can be done, but many of us hear the complaints from those who have tried the half-duplex approach unsuccessfully. If anything, the advice about working FM satellite full-duplex is an attempt to set expectations for success on these satellites. Yes, half-duplex can work, but full-duplex works better.
As for the linear transponders, that will take different equipment where there really isn't the same inexpensive option as we have with the Chinese-made HTs for FM satellites. There are options to hold down the costs for equipping your station to work these satellites. Using a pair of all-mode HF/VHF/UHF transceivers, or one of those transceivers with a software-defined receiver, are a couple of examples of this. But it can be done.
Good luck, and 73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK
On Tue, Jun 28, 2016 at 3:32 PM, Jerry Conner via AMSAT-BB < [email protected]> wrote:
That is what I have done, built a cheap antenna. I have a Chinese radio and I have made contacts on SO-50, half duplex. I DO NOT get on the linear birds because primary I do not have the means to run 2M/70CM SSB. I can also understand that it would near impossible to effectively make a contact But newbies can/should be given guidance in the form of Elmers. Not being told they are not welcome if they don't have the equipment others have. By the way check the prices an arrow antenna that will give someone the best chance to get into AO-85 with a Cheap Chinese radio is about $150.00. I love VHF/UHF but I can't do much more than be a spectator at this point due to the equipment required. I will get there eventually.
I am just trying to point out that not everyone has the ability and may never have the ability work the satellites with the gear that others have. I would love to have a way to do so but for now it is not in the cards in my household. I am OK with that.
So when the arrows start flying try not to hit the people that you should be trying to bring in the fold to help, in any way they can, put more satellites in orbit for us all to enjoy. Just my viewpoint from down here. 73 Jerry W4JWC