I'm not following the thread, but are you using the THD74 in SSB receive mode on the linear sats?
Neat Bob, WB4APR
On Sat, Aug 4, 2018 at 7:32 PM, Ryan Noguchi via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:
Seems like most portable ops are using a second FT-817 to receive for operating the linear sats. I started out with a Kenwood TH-F6A, which I found marginal for this purpose. Then one of my Elecraft KX3s got the 2m transverter module and got used for only a month before being replaced by a Kenwood TH-D74A just after Field Day. The TH-D74A has been working out very well for me so far. From a portability perspective, I think the TH-D74A is tough to beat, especially since it's also usable for packet satellite QSOs and has a very convenient integrated audio recorder. I find I get quite a bit of desense on FO-29 with my pedenstrian-portable setup using the Elk antenna, but not with the Arrow II, nor with any of the Mode B birds.
I know some have been using SDRs with tablets or notebook computers, but I think that approach will generally be heavier and less conveniently portable than a single TH-D74A. That may not be important if you don't operate pedestrian-portable, as I do. The SDR approach offers the advantage of providing a panadapter capability, which was one of the two reasons I wanted to use the KX3 (and PX3 panadapter) as a receiver. (The other was to provide a much more sensitive receiver than the TH-F6A it replaced, although the TH-D74A is a close second.) Unfortunately, having the PX3 connected resulted in total desense of the KX3. Also, the KX3 was quite heavy and awkward to mount for pedestrian-portable use, compared to the TH-D74A.
Around the same time, I also replaced the FT-857D with a FT-818ND, which has been also working out well. The only down side has been losing the ability to crank the power up to 11 (watts) to get into AO-85 more reliably.
73, Ryan AI6DO
On Saturday, August 4, 2018, 11:52:48 AM PDT, James Brown <jimki6wj@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Need to get active again on sats. Was last using a single ft-817 for portable ops both fm and ssb.Could use input on the latest trends such as a sdr for receive or back to a second ft-817.Also thinking of trying raspberry Pi over laptop. What would be best portable set up. Jim KI6WJ _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb