At 01:35 PM 10/26/2006, James Duffey wrote:
Key the PTT line of your UHF FM transmitter for a CW uplink. Turn the mic gain down or remove the mike all together.
It will chirp a bit, but it can be copied.
True, the question is how much of the response I'll be able to copy! :-) I have to keep CW slooooow.. :(
20 to 30 years ago, when 2M multimode rigs were not common, Lots of guys made their first Mode A contacts that way.
Most satellite SSB ops will come back to a CW signal.
If the other end can copy, might be worth a shot, either slow CW or cross mode... I will have to wire the key across the PTT though, the PTT is awful for CW - I'd barely manage QLF! :-D
It is not voice communication, but it will get you on the linear birds, which, in my opinion, opens up a whole new level of satellite ops. And arguably better with more opportunties.
I'm yet to be convinced, in the case of LEOs, because we NEED the popularity of FM to actually get a contact down here! I used to try RS-12/13 when it was active, and the only QSOs (both SSB and CW) I ever had on it were pre-arranged with locals on FM before the pass. I have even been known to have UO-14, SO-50 and AO-51 to myself for an entire pass!
Now when it comes to HEOs, that's a different ball game, because HEOs allow us to actually get outside our back yard. And I plan on having at least V/U SSB ready for P3E and Eagle... Should have put enough away for a decent station by then. :-)
73 de VK3JED http://vkradio.com