Hi Patrick and others,
Take a look at the SatPC manual and the ReadMe ICOM/Yaesu/Kenwood files that gives a description on how to do it. The files are located in the "?" menu.
You will need to work with another station who has SatPC Doppler file properly set-up and working to fine tune your radio with SatPC to each linear satellite that you plan on using. Once that is done, every time you fire up the radio you just fine tune using the PC - or + sign ( other option is the the CAT menu setting) to fine tune your receive. Only use the VFO knob to move in teh bandpass. Fine tuning is done by the PC keyboard, not the VFO. This is where many new ops get into trouble.
SatPC will periodically toggle VFO A and VFO B to update for Doppler. At low elevations the tuning happens less often compared to the middle of a high pass when the Doppler tuning happens often and rapidly. So when starting with Half Duplex tuning I recommend initially lower elevation passes until you get the hang of it. It is critical to get the transmission brief so SatPC can do the tuning after unkeying, not more than a few seconds for each transmission.
Start reading there to get the initial hang of it.
I have had numerous folks asking me the same question based on my Cayman Island DXpedition article. It can be done but it does take some time to fine tune. I recommend trying HO68 first as the Doppler file is very close to frequency before trying other satellites.
I encourage others who are wanting to try this for Field day to either start now to make sure that you have it working correctly or to wait until after FD. FD is not the time to experiment with this method of Doppler tuning!!!!!
If you want some time I can provide you with assistance offline, but due to my limited time this week due to work commitments, my responses will be delayed until after FD.
Again please start with the SatPC manual and radio files first. Hope this will encourage you to get on the linear satellites. Please note the higher third section of the downlink bandpass is by convention where SSB transmissions should take place. CW is at the opposite end and the middle third of the bandpass is for mixed mode use.
I will be on during FD from the K9MOT site.
Hope this helps
73, Adrian AA5UK
________________________________ From: Patrick Farcon [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Sun, June 20, 2010 11:00:19 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] IC706MKIIG and SatPC32
I am relatively new to satellite work and want to venture into the linear satellites. I hope that is the correct term for it. I was reading in the AMSAT journal about half duplex operation however I am having a difficult time imagining how that would work. Are there any recommended references I could look up to get more familiar with that and how it works. Would I be able to work the linear satellites with my Icom706MKIIG and SatPC32? I realize it would take practice and finesse as opposed to using a full duplex rig but I would be willing to give it a try. Any suggestions or help would be great. I could be contacted here or off list as well.
Thanks and 73,
Pat N2VYT _______________________________________________ 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