Jerry:
WD9EWK's info is probably the best overall (he has looked into this a lot). That said; the best recent-manufacture full-duplex dual band HT is the Kenwood DH72. I personally prefer 2 separate HTs (it eliminates any challenges with hitting the wrong buttons). I've used 2 Yaesu HTs I've had on-hand, a VX5 and a VX8. The biggest challenge has been rigging a wiring harness to allow me to use a headset with 2 separate radios (many HT-oriented headsets mold the RX audio into the same connector; the Heil BM17 series is much better in that regards) and put an audio recorder in-line or in parallel with RX audio (while it would be nice to hear my TX audio at a proper volume, if I make it through the satellite, the d/l us good enough for logging the QSO afterwards). To make it easier to manage them, I modified a small clipboard to hold the 2 radios and an old Android phone running tracking software from a camera strap; this makes it a lot easier to manage the antenna, radios, etc without running out of hands!
I'd say any recent manufacture Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu HT will work well. The Baofengs, etc. seem to be mostly prone to RX desense, especially on mode VU Birds (SO50, AO27, LilacSat2 (when operating)). Less of an issue on AO91, 92, PO101.
Another option: Older smaller dual-band mobile rigs that are full duplex. Kenwood TM700 and older 710s (before GPS was integrated into the radio). Ability to go to 5 or 25w handy on rough passes. With radios like the 700 and 710 that have detachable front panels, you could stuff a battery and the main unit in a shoulder bag or backpack and mount the control head on a chest harness or strap. Or run the whole thing from a table mount, up to you. You do give up portability vs HTs.
If you already have an HT, use it and get another for the 2nd band. Clint's had good success with older Yaesus, per his work-sat web pages.
If you use a single full-duplex radio, you will need a diplexer to split the VHF and UHF sides for antennas like an Arrow (unless you buy the version with a built in diplexer and keep power under 10W!). Or use a single-input dual band antenna like the Elk. If home brewing, simplest is a pair of 2M and 70cm yagis, Arrow style. The WA5VJB "Cheap Yagi's" are very easy to make, trick is making them light enough if you want to hand hold them. If you use a tripod, ability to quickly adjust polarization to match the satellite is essential - I can null out a downlink by twisting my Arrow the "wrong" way.
Hope this helps, there are several experienced operators responding to your email.
73 Steve KS1G
On Sat, Jan 2, 2021 at 11:44 AM Gerald Payton gp_ab5r@outlook.com wrote:
Such a simple question but I am a loss finding an answer. I've searched many of the AMSAT Journals and only found photos of people using HT's. I looked at "Getting Started" which did list some HT's, but I suspect that booklet may be dated.
So, which HT's are being commonly used by members NOW??
If you wish, to avoid clogging the BB, you may answer directly.
73 & Happy New Year Jerry AB5R
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