Sounds like you're ready to transmit. Two things to add. First, And I presume you've already done this, but make sure you a 67.0hz PL tone programmed on the uplink frequencies and on with a 74.4hz tone, so you can turn it on if needed. Next, I set the Audio balance (menu 120) to A band, mute the Tx band.

A headset is a good idea for the reason you state. You can use a set of ear buds and still use the Mic. I use a Heil traveler head set with boom mike. I like it since it has interchangeable interfaces for different radios. I've got the adaptors for all my radios. Unfortunately Heil realized they can sell more headsets by discontinuing this model rather than just selling $10.00 adapters. I fashioned a Y cord for mine so i can plug a digital recorder into the downlink side of the headset. Fits between the headset and the radio.

Enjoy yourself, trust me, the only thing better than the first time you hear your signal on the downlink. is making your first QSO. Still remember mine like it was yesterday.

Rick Tejera (K7TEJ) Saguaro Astronomy Club www.saguaroastro.org Thunderbird Radio Club www.w7tbc.org 623-572-0713 623-203-4121 (cell) SaguaroAstro@cox.net

-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Jim Walls Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2016 7:19 AM To: kevino z; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Squelch setting on TH-D72a for FM birds - newbie question

Short answer is yes.

Jim - K6CCC

---------------------------------------- From: "kevino z" z_kevino@hotmail.com Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2016 4:17 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Squelch setting on TH-D72a for FM birds - newbie question Pretty excited I heard my first satellite tonight, but not without beginner's mistakes. I was not trying to hit the satellite with TX tonight, just listening to learn the proper exchange.

I think I did my homework and have programmed SO-50 frequencies in my TH-D72a correctly. I put the radio TX in the VFO "B" position, and all of the RX in the "A" and turned on full duplex. I left the squelch one up from open. I hooked my arrow antenna up, and held the antenna right at the satellite. Nothing. Then I switched to VFO A (RX) and held the monitor (squelch open) and heard some folks. While still in VFO A, I switched memory locations while holding the monitor on, to make sure I was on frequency (these RX memories account for doppler). When I heard a QSO, I let go of the monitor and the signal did not break squelch.

So my question: Must I leave squelch all the way wide open when working FM satellites?

If so, I guess that I need to buy some headphones so I do not introduce feedback into the TX side while in full duplex.

Could some of you seasoned satellite folks help a new guy out?

thank you Kevin (KK4YEL)

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_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb