Hi John,

In a nutshell:

What you need as basic setup for QO-100

1) A Tx/Rx SDR

2) 1 or 2 WiFi cheap WiFi boosters

3) A sat TV LNB

4) 1 or 2 commercial Sat TV dish, generally free as lying on roofs after disconnection from SAT TV service.

5) A PC and free software, SDR Console is the best from Simon.

6) Cables and connectors.

Cost around US$ 600 max. depending on what you can get from surplus or already in the shack.

So I guess that US$ 600 for half of the world 24/7 connection is a good deal compared with any HF rig for limited propagation windows, but more for a newbie trying to get acquainted with the hobby without yet mastering HF propagation.

73

Jean Marc (3B8DU)

On Sep 25, 2024, at 8:46 PM, JOHN GEIGER via AMSAT-BB <[email protected]> wrote:

That is interesting about cost.  In the US, getting a transmitter for 2.4G and receive converter for 10ghz would definitely cost more than an HF rig, and the antennas required would cost much more than just throwing up a dipole for HF.  What do most 3B8 hams use for the uplink and downlink, and if they are using transverters, what is the IF they are using?

73 John AF5CC

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---- On Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:29:03 -0500 Jean Marc Momple via AMSAT-BB <[email protected]> wrote ---

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Dear All,

QO-100 changed our life in 3B8 and we have now probably the highest density of active QO-100 OM’s/HAM population on the bird (approx.50% of active 3B8 OM’s) as being quite isolated. Thanks to QARS and AMSAT-DL.

More its cheaper for newbies to invest in a QO-100 station than in commercial HF rig. Thus enabling them to enjoy day 1 the hobby 24/7 and get acquainted to make QSO which is generally their biggest hurdle, (nervousness) to make it.

So the question I am constantly asking myself and to all now, is how we can have 3-4 GEO to have global coverage?

It is a difficult one but well proven by QO-100 that it is possible, I also know that some of our leaders have been working on it for a long time without success. Why I am asking the question is that may be someone somewhere may have great ideas or insights which may help. Please share if you have any input to be shared.

73


Jean Marc (3B8DU)





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