I have just purchased an icom ic-w32a and I plan to use it to work the satellites with a arrow antenna. I was wondering if anyone else sues this radio to work the birds how they have the channels setup in the radio?
Johnny Miller
millerj - @ - cinci.rr.com
N8RTW
Xbox Live Gamer Tag:wcso845
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Lets cure cancer together visit:
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A few notes on the IC-W32A Handy Talkie for satellite work.
I had to "open up" or extend the frequency range of this HT before I could attempt to work satellites. (If I remember right, it wouldn't transmit below around 438 MHz as it came.) I made several satellite contacts with the IC-W32a using a Tri-Pod mounted homemade version of a dual-band Yagi (3-elements on 2-meters and 5 elements on 70cm). I used my Speaker Mic and plugged Headphones into the bottom jack. It was truly a challenge, although some make it sound so easy! With a laptop outside tracking, I was in "over-drive" making a few successful contacts. I used a number of "pre-programmed" channels to compensate for Doppler Shift, and that seemed to work. Because others are not helpful at times to QRP stations, expect a few failures and be patient. Good luck!!!
Charlie, N5TD Temple, Tx
----- Original Message ----- From: "Johnny Miller" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 1:31 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Icom ic-w32a
I have just purchased an icom ic-w32a and I plan to use it to work the satellites with a arrow antenna. I was wondering if anyone else sues this radio to work the birds how they have the channels setup in the radio?
Johnny Miller
millerj - @ - cinci.rr.com
N8RTW
Xbox Live Gamer Tag:wcso845
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lets cure cancer together visit:
http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sent via [email protected]. 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
A few more pointers:
* Use headphones or an ear-piece, * make sure the radio is in "semi-duplex", * leave the main band as the transmit frequency and adjust the other band for doppler (don't worry about only tuning the higher frequency just tune the receive side), * make sure the volume and/or squelch is OFF on the main band - * work SO-50 before you try AO-51 but don't forget you need a tone on the TX side for SO-50 * Unless you have a non-US version of the W32A, its should work fine without any mods
It really is very easy, SO-50 is accessible on the 0.5w setting on a good pass, keep trying and good luck and post questions if you have any. I am sure we all look forward to working you!
73
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
Charlie Schlieper wrote:
A few notes on the IC-W32A Handy Talkie for satellite work.
I had to "open up" or extend the frequency range of this HT before I could attempt to work satellites. (If I remember right, it wouldn't transmit below around 438 MHz as it came.) I made several satellite contacts with the IC-W32a using a Tri-Pod mounted homemade version of a dual-band Yagi (3-elements on 2-meters and 5 elements on 70cm). I used my Speaker Mic and plugged Headphones into the bottom jack. It was truly a challenge, although some make it sound so easy! With a laptop outside tracking, I was in "over-drive" making a few successful contacts. I used a number of "pre-programmed" channels to compensate for Doppler Shift, and that seemed to work. Because others are not helpful at times to QRP stations, expect a few failures and be patient. Good luck!!!
Charlie, N5TD Temple, Tx
----- Original Message ----- From: "Johnny Miller" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 1:31 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Icom ic-w32a
Sent via [email protected]. 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
Ooops...to clarify (cos' I made a boo-boo!)
* When using headphones or a ear-piece, have the radio in full duplex * Don't operate the satellites without headphones or an earpiece in full duplex as you will get horrible feedback (as will everyone else listening to you)
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB wrote:
A few more pointers:
* Use headphones or an ear-piece, * make sure the radio is in "semi-duplex", * leave the main band as the transmit frequency and adjust the other band for doppler (don't worry about only tuning the higher frequency just tune the receive side), * make sure the volume and/or squelch is OFF on the main band - * work SO-50 before you try AO-51 but don't forget you need a tone on the TX side for SO-50 * Unless you have a non-US version of the W32A, its should work fine without any modsIt really is very easy, SO-50 is accessible on the 0.5w setting on a good pass, keep trying and good luck and post questions if you have any. I am sure we all look forward to working you!
73
David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB www.kg4zlb.com
Charlie Schlieper wrote:
Sent via [email protected]. 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
participants (4)
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Charlie Schlieper -
David - KG4ZLB -
David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB
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Johnny Miller