Hi Philip-

I use two 817NDs and an Arrow for my portable satellite ops.

1) I use a single external battery. Depending on how long you want to go without recharging, I'd suggest a 7aH Bioenno at minimum. I use a 9aH (not Bioenno)and it fits in my pack nicely with minimal weight.

2) If you truly aren't going to use the rigs for anything other than sats, I see no need to get the SSB/CW filters. I have a CW filter in one of my 817s, but I also use it for backpack QRP CW. 

Hope this helps! Have fun!

Sean

Sean Kutzko Amateur Radio KX9X
Twitter: @seankutzko


On Monday, July 26, 2021, 12:46:29 PM CDT, Philip Jenkins <[email protected]> wrote:


Hi.  I acquired my second FT-817ND this past weekend, and I have a couple of questions for those of you who are using 817/818s for portable satellite work.

1) Are you using the internal battery packs (whether NiCd or alkaline) OR an external battery(ies)? If the latter, do you advise using two separate batteries, or just one for both (using the included DC cable:E-DC-6)? (I've heard good things about Bioenna)

2) I'm probably going to use these rigs just for satellites, so are the SSB/CW filters worth getting? I see one difference between the 817 and 818 is that the latter includes a TCXO; is getting the TCXO unit for the 817(s) worth it? (Probably not going to use digital modes on the birds - except possibly telemetry)

Any suggestions - or pitfalls to work around - for using the 2 rigs like this?

Thanks

Philip N4HF

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