Hi Ed,
Very good question and an important one!
With the more and more frequent use of “alternate” radios for satellite work, software support is important. In general, and others please correct me, the primary satellite programs like SatPC32, Orbitron, MacDoppler etc have provide support for the classical satellite radios like FT-847, TS-2000, IC-910 and respective older models, but not for any SDR based radios unless they support an existing command (CAT) format like the Flexradios work with the TS-2000 command set.
Now, having said that, programs like HamRadioDeluxe have a satellite function (doppler control) and support a much larger set of radios. Also, the version 2 SDR software from Simon Brown supports satellites. It is important to investigate the radio models they support and/or emulate to see if your specific set-up is covered. I assume the more SDR radios and specifically VHF/UHF radios like the BladeRF and Etus Research become popular and software supported, the more the current satellite program developers (if interested) will add functionality. The future looks bright for future SDR full duplex VHF/UHF radios. We are just not there yet J and I would guess they are not coming from the big three (Icom. Yaesu or Kenwood).
Hope this helps a little.
73, Stefan VE4NSA
On Sun, Dec 1, 2013 at 3:55 PM, Edward R Cole [email protected] wrote:
I very rarely post anything to this reflector, but I have a question that maybe someone has already has done and has answers.
Shortly Elecraft will be offering a 2m module for its popular new SDR radio, the KX3. This will provide 2m multi-mode operation using this nice little HF/6m radio.
Some years ago I sold my old satellite radios (FT-847 & FT-817) so am looking into a two radio configuration for cross-band duplex satellite operation. I have a K3 with 435-437 transmit capability using a Down East Microwave transverter and would be able to receive on 145 using the new KX3-2M combo. (I also still have my s-band downconverter and L-band up converter for if/when these bands are activated).
What is unknown is if there is any sw support of the Elecraft radios on any satellite tracking sw? I am primarily interested in SSB thru transponders so frequency tracking under sw control would be "nice". I have both NOVA and SatPC32. I have a tracking interface to control antenna tracking using a B5400 Yaesu az-el rotator. Both these radios have computer control ports.
73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com [email protected] "Kits made by KL7UW" _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb