On 1/26/2011 4:00 PM, Ted wrote:
Zach, there are a lot of VUCC's out there that use exactly what you have...
Most here will argue that you HAVE to be duplex....a lot get by without it
No, just that it is a more productive and considerate way of operating. A lot of the congestion you hear on AO-51 is due to stations either not knowing, or not caring, that they are in competition for the uplink. Full duplex takes care of half of that. Things are also MUCH different when AO-51 is over the west coast with it's considerably lower density of hams.
To answer your question Zach, it's all about your personal budget and needs. Adding a 2nd HT is probably the cheapest route, but adds more complication than a single full duplex HT. Maybe you could try borrowing an HT to try it with two? If you want to go with a single full duplex HT, there are lots of older ones out there in good condition used. I saw an FT-530 the other day with a ton of accessories going for less than a new single band. That is one of the finest full duplex radios ever made for satellites.
Another trick is to take the Arrow off the tripod and hold it by hand where you can rapidly twist it to peak the signal due to polarity differences. With full duplex you can even do this while transmitting to clear up a ratty uplink. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTqjQ9xIQQE for an example of how much polarity plays in signal strength on AO-51 with an Arrow (or Elk, or any linear antenna).
73, and good luck on the air, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations