There's some CW operation, I've been hearing more lately it seems like. I've even heard you a few times, tried to call cross mode since I didn't have a key with me.
Like Mike said, you don't have to spend $1000 to get started on linears. There are plenty of used rigs to be had for cheap, like the ft-290, older model 817s, etc. No, you probably can't go buy a brand new in the box linear sat station for the same cost as a baofeng and arrow. But with a little bit of hamfest and eBay hunting you can get on the air for much less than $1000.
I'm not sure about cw being simpler to operate on sats, I find it kind of difficult while operating portable at least. Too many things to do with not enough hands! As long as people keep their power down though, it seems to work fine as far as the transponder is concerned. I've heard just as many QRO guys in SSB causing problems as I have on CW.
Your idea for a rig is interesting Mac, and might be worth exploring. I just don't want anyone to think they have to go out and buy a brand new pair of 817s or a 9100 to operate linears! If you've got an 817, 857, IC7000, or similar all-in-wonder rig then you've already got what you need. Else, check around for some older, used v/u rigs. You'd be surprised at the amount of people who are on linears every day using setups just like I've described.
73,
- Matthew nj4y
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 10, 2017, at 23:02, MICHAEL WILLIAMS [email protected] wrote:
I would like to add some comments to Mac's interesting email. As both a CW and SSB op on FO-29, AO7, and the XW birds, I can attest that CW operation is now almost non existent. If I was to guess CW a percentage of total satellite use, it would be less than 2%. At 2%, the CW problems you mention are not a problem. From time to time, there are clearly some issues on the linear satellites. A good example is stations using full Doppler correction colliding with stations under manual control. But in general things roll along pretty well and good satellite operators know how to deal with it. FO-29 is my favorite satellite. It has an excellent receiver and a large footprint. I've QSOed with a station using 50 mW of up link power. With some resourcefulness, I think you could beat the $1000 figure way down. I'd spend $20.00 on a SDR SHARP and see just how well you can hear the linear sats. That would be a good start, and they a fun to play with. All the best in your future satellite opera tions, Mike K9QHO _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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