Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
I’m unaware of a QRP HF rig that can do full duplex satellite as well. However, since yaesu doesn’t make an official FT-1634 you can make one with 2 FT-817’s, one for the uplink and the other for down. If you’re buying new it would be two FT-818’s so I guess that would make it an FT-1636.
There are some rigs that do HF and satellite like the TS-2000 and IC-9100 but they’re not QRP rigs.
73, Mike Diehl W8LID/VE6LID
On Oct 24, 2018, at 12:59, ronald mosher rfmosher@cox.net wrote:
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
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
Ron,
I have an ICOM IC-820 All-Mode rig that I have been using as a portable/rover for over 6 years. My antenna, like yours, is an Arrow on a camera tripod. The rig is powered from whatever vehicle I'm using at the time. All the Satellite info I need is from my Phone using the AmsatDroidFree App and I control the Rig and Antenna completely manually. Logging is done with a Digital Recorder with the Mic placed in one of the earpieces of my headphones to record both sides of the QSOs. I transcribe the info later for uploading to LoTW.
To date, I've roved in 115 Grids in 3 Countries and made thousands of Satellite QSOs. This is a very minimal straightforward setup that works very well. I've never felt the need for having any kind of automated control of a rig or antenna while out in the hinterlands. It just creates more things to set up and take down and have go wrong when you're plugging/unplugging a bunch of things over and over again. My theory is the "KISS" principle for portable operating.
GL/73, Bob K8BL
________________________________ From: Mike Diehl diehl.mike.a@gmail.com To: ronald mosher rfmosher@cox.net Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 3:00 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
I’m unaware of a QRP HF rig that can do full duplex satellite as well. However, since yaesu doesn’t make an official FT-1634 you can make one with 2 FT-817’s, one for the uplink and the other for down. If you’re buying new it would be two FT-818’s so I guess that would make it an FT-1636.
There are some rigs that do HF and satellite like the TS-2000 and IC-9100 but they’re not QRP rigs.
73, Mike Diehl W8LID/VE6LID
On Oct 24, 2018, at 12:59, ronald mosher rfmosher@cox.net wrote:
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
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
_______________________________________________ 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
Hello,
There is no portable radio that I am aware of that can do it all. You will need some combo of radios to get full duplex, HF, and portability: -- The Kenwood TH-D72A will do full duplex 2m/70cm for FM sat work and APRS, but has no HF. It's also just a darn nice HT. I have one and it is my everyday radio. -- The Yaesu FT-817/FT-818 will do half duplex HF/VHF/UHF FM + SSB, low power and portable.The 817/818 will give one advantage that you won't get with the D72A, if you're also lugging a computer around -- they can be computer controlled and the D72A cannot. I don't have these yet, but I do eventually to get at least one for sat TX (I haven't decided if I will use another one or SDR for sate RX) and portable HF.
The Arrow is a great antenna for the VHF/UHF side. I have an Elk dual-band which is comparable but both are good!
For an HF antenna, I would suggest looking at the Spiderbeam GoPAK for a decent multi-band, portable HF antenna good for up to 100W. I purchased one back when they were still the National Park Activation Kit and used it as my primary antenna on my Yaesu 857D for most of a year, and was making decent DX contacts with it (Cuba, Argentina, Japan). Lightweight, easy to set up and tear down: http://www.spiderbeam.us/product_info.php?info=p258_GoPAK%20%20(Go%20Portabl...
-- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email: devin@thecabal.org web: Devin on Earth cell: +1 425.239.2575
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org On Behalf Of Mike Diehl Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 12:00 PM To: ronald mosher rfmosher@cox.net Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
I’m unaware of a QRP HF rig that can do full duplex satellite as well. However, since yaesu doesn’t make an official FT-1634 you can make one with 2 FT- 817’s, one for the uplink and the other for down. If you’re buying new it would be two FT-818’s so I guess that would make it an FT-1636.
There are some rigs that do HF and satellite like the TS-2000 and IC-9100 but they’re not QRP rigs.
73, Mike Diehl W8LID/VE6LID
On Oct 24, 2018, at 12:59, ronald mosher rfmosher@cox.net wrote:
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
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
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
Ron,
RE the rotator, check out K3NG's project for an arduino based project. I have built many of these.
If you can find a G5400 or 5500, building the control hardware is not a big reach. Lots of help on our (K3NG) mailing list.
Nice features include remote relay keying (think preamps and other relay things), Adding a gps for sun/moon tracking. This rocks. Makes setup a breeze. Once the gps gets a lock, engage sun or moon track, move tripod so that the antennas are pointed at the celestial body, operate kill switch to return to normal ops. This list of features is not exhaustive.
Downside is that the code only runs on a mega 2560.
Pic of the total homebrew here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/n3ykf/37074076991/in/dateposted/
I've got it torn down to change the el to 180, the motors to 12VDC and swap in 2:1 gearboxes. Will work much more smoothly.
The G5400 based device here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/n3ykf/27426986382/in/dateposted/
Portable radios are IC-7000, Yaesu 875d in a Pelican 1440 and an Ettus B210. Longer term goal is to use the B210 all by itself. One step at a time.
Norm n3ykf On Wed, Oct 24, 2018 at 1:14 PM ronald mosher rfmosher@cox.net wrote:
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
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
A very sincere thank you to all who replied to my post (below). The many thoughtful responses have caused me to stop searching for a nonexistent radio and to concentrate on realistic options. I am now focused on evaluating the FT818 and FT857. The 818 looks like a good choice, but the 857 provides a power boost that is useful on HF in current band conditions. Offsetting, the 857 draws a huge current and I'm not relishing the battery weight that entails. I'm heading over to HRO soon to operate both radios side-by-side just to see how I like the relative feel.
I also appreciate the advice to keep things simple, especially for portable operation. I will take that to heart.
I'm learning a lot just reading the posts on this reflector. Your help is very much appreciated. Ron K0PGE
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org On Behalf Of ronald mosher Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 9:59 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
_______________________________________________ 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
Hi Ron,
I too am relatively new to this (and not enough time to pursue it). So far I have just done some FM satellite work with an FT-60R and an 817 (two radios for full-duplex) along with an Arrow antenna. I'm thinking about saving my pennies for an 818 to go with my 817 for two-radio linear satellite operation - or I may just use an SDR for my downlink radio - we'll see. Like you I've thought about an 857 as a second radio - not so much for satellite use but for higher power HF field use - again, we'll see.
As to rotators, this Australian school group has some interesting rotator projects for the DIY'er. I have not tried to build one yet but the projects look approachable. They have other interesting radio projects as well. http://www.sarcnet.org/projects.html
I have also become interested in omni-directional satellite antennas like lindenblad, turnstile, or helical and I may try building one of these (which I suspect are much better at receiving than transmitting, especially at low power). There are lots of plans on the Internet.
73 Ken VA7KBM
On 2018-10-29 3:02 PM, ronald mosher wrote:
A very sincere thank you to all who replied to my post (below). The many thoughtful responses have caused me to stop searching for a nonexistent radio and to concentrate on realistic options. I am now focused on evaluating the FT818 and FT857. The 818 looks like a good choice, but the 857 provides a power boost that is useful on HF in current band conditions. Offsetting, the 857 draws a huge current and I'm not relishing the battery weight that entails. I'm heading over to HRO soon to operate both radios side-by-side just to see how I like the relative feel.
I also appreciate the advice to keep things simple, especially for portable operation. I will take that to heart.
I'm learning a lot just reading the posts on this reflector. Your help is very much appreciated. Ron K0PGE
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org On Behalf Of ronald mosher Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 9:59 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post. My setup so far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32 software on a Surface Pro. I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF, Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for satellite work. So far, I have not been able to find such a radio. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a portable setup. I am leaning toward building as a less expensive alternative. I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP. Both look to be of about equal construction complexity. Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of this group. Thank you for any suggestions.
73,
Ron K0PGE
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
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
participants (6)
-
Devin L. Ganger -
Ken M -
Mike Diehl -
Norm n3ykf -
R.T.Liddy -
ronald mosher