At 03:34 PM 5/18/2011, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote:
Or look for the all-mode HF/VHF/UHF radios at swapmeets and online, and get a pair for your satellite station. There are radios out there that won't break the bank. Yes, more than a dual-band FM HT or mobile radio, but not a whole lot more. Even going back 15 years to a radio like an IC-706Mk2, you would have the option of computer control using software like SatPC32 or possibly HRD (among others).
The old single band radios have now come down to reasonable prices. Another alternative is something like a FT-736 off eBay for a base station, which can be computer controlled. Software selection is limited, though there is an interface to make the FT-736 look like an FT-847 to software such as HRD. I have beta tested this interface myself and it works extremely well, and opens the 736 to a lot more radio control software. I haven't heard if/when it's going to be made available, but I hope it can be sold to 736 owners.
I'm using a portable all-mode satellite station - normally two FT-817NDs, sometimes one FT-817ND with a Kenwood TH-F6A (TH-F7 outside the Americas - this HT has an all-mode receiver from HF up to 70cm), always with an Elk 2m/70cm log periodic. Other than the antenna and some accessories deemed unsafe for carry-on luggage on aircraft, my station fits in an old laptop bag and goes where I go. The 817s could be controlled by software, but I spin the "big knob" on each radio as I work stations instead of also setting up a computer to run the radios. You don't need a lot of power to work SSB, just as many work FM satellites with HTs.
I have been using the FT-736 and an IC-7000 in tandem for the SSB birds. Unfortunately, in the shack, my antennas let me down (receive being the biggest issue), so I haven't been able to do any more than simply test. I'd need a setup like yours to go portable, which would be an interesting exercise without computer control (tuning and aiming an antenna at the same time :) ).
Unfortunately, while I was tempted, I had to stop short of buying an FT-817ND, it's still on the wish list for portable work.
73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com