I don't think that's true in the FT-726R. The RX and TX VFOs in satellite mode are not linked/tracking VFOs. As the other fellow drifts down, you can adjust your RX down to compensate. Your TX stays the same (from the ground). Since the VFOs are not linked, there is no difference between tuning the RX VFO down and tuning RIT down...the only advantage to be had is if for some reason you need to know your "starting point" RX freq. The only way to truly keep from walking is computer control. No dice with the FT-726R.
Now someone is likely to correct me on that last statement...but even radios with tracking VFOs, track at a Hz-per-Hz rate, don't they? My IC-821 does...so if you manually tune, even with the VFOs in track, one link is a little off because they need to track at 3:1 (at least for VU and UV modes).
At 18:54 2007-10-01, Bob Stewart wrote:
--- Scott Townley nx7u@cox.net wrote:
I don't understand why you'd need RIT...just tune the RX VFO? Is there a reason you need to keep track of the original RX freq?
Without an RIT, you just wind up walking down frequency on each transmission, perhaps onto someone else. With an RIT, you're reset back to your original downlink frequency each time you transmit. With any luck, the other guy is doing something of the same sort, such as computer control, and you wind up sitting in the same spot for the entire QSO. To me, this seems like a good thing, since I do not have a computer controlled system.
Another thing is that this should cut down the flipping of the satellite knob back and forth from transmit to receive for each transmission. I'm looking at the Mouser catalog for solid-state relays. Maybe I can get something going.
Bob - AE6RV _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Scott Townley NX7U Gilbert, AZ DM43di mailto:nx7u@arrl.net http://members.cox.net/nx7u