You could always cut off the internal mic and use the PTT as a crude CW key since an on/off keyed unmodulated FM carrier is theoretically identical to a CW signal. I think some people have done this, or at least have contemplated it.
The TH-F6A works fine for receiving the linear satellites. A few weeks ago, I listened to an FO-29 pass and was able to copy signals horizon-to-horizon with an Arrow. The receiver bandwidth is quite wide, so you can often hear multiple signals at once. This isn't always a bad thing, because you can understand a SSB or CW signal without tuning for Doppler over the wider range.
I have only managed one QSO on the linear birds using the TH-F6A and FT-817 (on VO-52), but I hope to try again soon.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 3:29 PM, WILLIAMS MICHAEL k9qho6762@sbcglobal.net wrote:
My mind is running wild.
I received an email some time back from a ham (I think it was Jarred) who said he copied my CW on FO-29 using the TH-F6A or similar hand held.
My immediate thought was that Kenwood could add a miniature CW jack and turn this rig into a rig that operates on both the linear and FM birds.
Very little engineering cost to implement this.
Just Thinking,
Mike K9QHO
Message: 6 Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:14:11 -0700 From: KERRY LA*DUKE kladuke1144@msn.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] new station cn87 Message-ID: BAY171-DS2543207D63DAFF50DB93B7BC2A0@phx.gbl Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
All, Had a great qso and first contact for WA7GNP this morning on SO-50. Jarred is running a Kenwood TH-F6A and home brew yagi's on a tripod. Jarred has also been listening on the analog birds. 73 WC7V Kerry _______________________________________________ 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