Hi Ted,
I had the same problem, so never worked AO-27 and SO-50 years ago. Then I took your approach, hooked up my IC-706MkIIG as the receiver, problem solved. So then installed an antenna switch to move the 440 antenna between the Kenwood and Icom. I programmed 145.850 in a memory for transmit and move the Icom vfo manually to track the downlink. I never change the transmit frequency and use the computer program for antenna position only.
Your mobile rig should work just fine on the downlink if you don't have a real long coax run. I might add, I do have a preamp at my antenna also, like Damon. I use the TS-2000 "solo" for all other satellites.
73,
Rick WA4NVM
Looking for some advice, please
Tried real hard to work AO27 on an 80 degree + pass this afternoon, using the TS 2000 in Sat Mode. No good results because of the 'birdies' inherent in the radio. (tried the narrow FM deal - no luck). As I look at Page 103 of the TS2000 manual I see that while using the main VFO at 436.799 that there is no rx possible. Since AO27's down link is at 436.795, it seems that the 'birdie issue' is on the 440 side of the TS-2000.
So, what I thought I would try on those 80+degree passes over me, is to use a 2m/440 mobile rig on RX (with a dual band vertical realizing that the vertical is not optimum)l) and use the TS-2000 for Doppler TX. I can program the mobile like the Clint HT step Doppler deal. This is all temporary but I'm so sick of AO51, I would like to try for some new grids. Need about 30 for VUCC.
Any TS2000 wizards out there would be appreciated
73, Ted K7TRK _______________________________________________ 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