Hi!
Does anyone on the reflector have any experience with? the Yaesu FT8800 for satellite operation?? Any information will be appreciated.
It is a good radio for FM satellite work. You get separate knobs for volume and tuning on each VFO, so you don't have to switch between the VFOs when it is time to adjust your receiver. My 8800 is one of 3 radios I have that are capable of cross-band full-duplex operation (the others are an IC-2820H dual-band mobile, and the new TH-D72A HT). The 8800's receiver is not as sensitive as the receivers in the other two radios, but it is adequate for satellite work.
One huge advantage for the FT-8800 over the IC-2820H is price. I think the 2820 is almost $200 more than the 8800, and you don't get anything extra with the 2820 like D-Star (it is *capable* of D-Star operation, but you must buy the optional board for that - almost $200 more). The knobs on the 8800's control head will not resist much banging around, so be careful if you plan to pack the 8800 in a box or bag and travel with it (or if you mount it somewhere). They can break off easily, something I have seen with mine. :-(
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/