Re: [amsat-bb] Does one 847 equal two 817's?
I suppose you *could*, but why would you *want* to?
Portable (Minimal equipment -- no PC for doppler) 847 tracking is not trivial to set-up without a PC (which band goes in which VFO? sidebands set right? inverting? which VFO should TX? etc) Minimal set-up and complexity. Use the satellite "one true rule".
Why didn't the dual-817 guys buy an 847?
Bill W1PA
Hi Bill!
Why didn't the dual-817 guys buy an 847?
My reasons for the dual-817 setup.
1. They had been discontinued at the time I decided to try SSB satellites in 2008, and I didn't want to pay the relatively high price to get a used 847 at that time.
2. I already had one FT-817ND since this version came on the market in 2004 (replacing an non-ND 817 I bought in 2001), and tried other receivers for a portable full-duplex all-mode satellite station. After several months and minimal success, I bought a second FT-817ND. The larger - and smooth-spinning - VFO knob, compared to the other receivers I tried, was a big selling point for adding the second 817 over using other radios. This is what I still use today, although on some occasions the receive 817 will be replaced by other radios (Kenwood TH-F6A, laptop with FUNcube Dongle Pro+, and previously an Icom IC-R20).
3. The 817s can be a self-contained setup, running on their own internal battery packs. Not being able to have a home station, something self-contained (or powered from an external 12V source) was necessary.
4. Should I decide to go with computer control, the 817s have Yaesu CAT ports.
I really like being able to pack my portable station (except for the Elk log periodic antenna, and anything that isn't OK in a carry-on bag for air travel) in an old laptop bag. I had this with me in Hartford for the ARRL Centennial Convention in July when I met you, although I don't remember if you saw any of my demonstrations. This station has gone with me for all of my trips I've taken - by ground, or air - since going to Dayton in 2010. Even to Australia in 2011.
If I can rig it up this weekend, I will set up a camera to record a pass where I use the two 817s, with a closeup of the radios. Maybe this will help show how I've been working SSB satellites for the past few years.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
You don't need a PC to use an FT-847 on the satellites. AC0RA has directions for working the SSB satellites with an FT-847 on his website: https://sites.google.com/site/radiostationac0ra/how-to-satellites/working-th...
I didn't get an FT-847 because it'd be tough to operate like this with an FT-847: https://twitter.com/PRStoetzer/status/525740859778924544
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Thu, Nov 20, 2014 at 5:32 PM, Bill ACITO, W1PA [email protected] wrote:
I suppose you *could*, but why would you *want* to?
Portable (Minimal equipment -- no PC for doppler) 847 tracking is not trivial to set-up without a PC (which band goes in which VFO? sidebands set right? inverting? which VFO should TX? etc) Minimal set-up and complexity. Use the satellite "one true rule".
Why didn't the dual-817 guys buy an 847?
Bill W1PA
Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
My original reply was meant to be interpreted as why would anyone want to operate their FT-947 in that mode.
It makes sense if you've got two '817's slung around your neck, but to "cripple" the operation of an FT-847 by using that mode makes no sense to 'me.
As already pointed out, you don't need a PC to operate the '947 on satellites.
Jim KQ6EA
On 11/21/2014 02:10 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote:
You don't need a PC to use an FT-847 on the satellites. AC0RA has directions for working the SSB satellites with an FT-847 on his website: https://sites.google.com/site/radiostationac0ra/how-to-satellites/working-th...
I didn't get an FT-847 because it'd be tough to operate like this with an FT-847: https://twitter.com/PRStoetzer/status/525740859778924544
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Thu, Nov 20, 2014 at 5:32 PM, Bill ACITO, W1PA [email protected] wrote:
I suppose you *could*, but why would you *want* to?
Portable (Minimal equipment -- no PC for doppler) 847 tracking is not trivial to set-up without a PC (which band goes in which VFO? sidebands set right? inverting? which VFO should TX? etc) Minimal set-up and complexity. Use the satellite "one true rule".
Why didn't the dual-817 guys buy an 847?
Bill W1PA
Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
On 11/20/2014 8:10 PM, it was written
You don't need a PC to use an FT-847 on the satellites. AC0RA has
This is very true but it sure makes it a lot easier. I myself would rather have the computer control.
John, W0JAB
participants (5)
-
Bill ACITO, W1PA -
Jim Jerzycke -
John Becker -
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) -
Paul Stoetzer