Hi Ron,
I too am relatively new to this (and not enough time to pursue it). So far I have just done some FM satellite work with an FT-60R and an 817 (two radios for full-duplex) along with an Arrow antenna. I'm thinking about saving my pennies for an 818 to go with my 817 for two-radio linear satellite operation - or I may just use an SDR for my downlink radio - we'll see. Like you I've thought about an 857 as a second radio - not so much for satellite use but for higher power HF field use - again, we'll see.
As to rotators, this Australian school group has some interesting rotator projects for the DIY'er. I have not tried to build one yet but the projects look approachable. They have other interesting radio projects as well. http://www.sarcnet.org/projects.html
I have also become interested in omni-directional satellite antennas like lindenblad, turnstile, or helical and I may try building one of these (which I suspect are much better at receiving than transmitting, especially at low power). There are lots of plans on the Internet.
73 Ken VA7KBM
On 2018-10-29 3:02 PM, ronald mosher wrote:
A very sincere thank you to all who replied to my post (below). The many thoughtful responses have caused me to stop searching for a nonexistent radio and to concentrate on realistic options. I am now focused on evaluating the FT818 and FT857. The 818 looks like a good choice, but the 857 provides a power boost that is useful on HF in current band conditions. Offsetting, the 857 draws a huge current and I'm not relishing the battery weight that entails. I'm heading over to HRO soon to operate both radios side-by-side just to see how I like the relative feel.
I also appreciate the advice to keep things simple, especially for portable operation. I will take that to heart.
I'm learning a lot just reading the posts on this reflector. Your help is very much appreciated. Ron K0PGE
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org On Behalf Of ronald mosher Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 9:59 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
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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