I am sure that over the years many people have used the Icom IC-910H for satellite communications.
I am new to the world of satellites and have recently acquired a used IC-910H (no 23cm module) and I wondered whether anyone has made up a ‘cheat sheet’ which would help me get it all set-up for operating.
If I could find a sheet for FM, one for SSB and perhaps one even for data then it would save me trying to re-invent the wheel! If anyone knows of any other good resources that i could consult then that would be great!
Thanks in advance and 73,
David
===================== David Bondy G4NRT The City of Rochester, Kent Locator: JO01fj
On 8/15/16, David Bondy G4NRT david@g4nrt.com wrote:
I am sure that over the years many people have used the Icom IC-910H for satellite communications.
I am new to the world of satellites and have recently acquired a used IC-910H (no 23cm module) and I wondered whether anyone has made up a ‘cheat sheet’ which would help me get it all set-up for operating.
If I could find a sheet for FM, one for SSB and perhaps one even for data then it would save me trying to re-invent the wheel! If anyone knows of any other good resources that i could consult then that would be great!
<snip>
I'm not aware of such a guide, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when setting up a station using a '910.
If you're using computer control, you might not be able use the radio's satellite mode. I use Gpredict running on Linux to operate my rig and it requires that both the uplink and downlink VFOs be independent. (Hamlib runs in the background and actually controls the radio. Gpredict is the user interface.)
Setting up the radio is quite easy. Each side can be set to the applicable mode by pressing a few buttons as shown in the manual. You'll find them right above the main VFO knob. Once I set up my software and engage the control function, the frequencies are set by the computer.
Since I live in an apartment, I have to set up my station outside. I use an Arrow yagi, so I have only one hand free by which to operate my mike and adjust my computer. For that, I use a boom mike headset and a hand-held PTT switch. The switch is built such that I have a finger free while I'm transmitting so that I can adjust the frequencies through my computer to find my downlink or move elsewhere in the band.
When I go on the air, I like to find a part of the band where there's no traffic so that when I'm looking for my downlink, I don't interrupt any on-going QSOs. I start by first setting my software to the nominal frequencies, moving away a bit if there's already some activity at or near mid-band, and then, if I don't already know what the offset is, I slowly change the downlink until I hear my signal.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
David, I have an iC910H driving it with SatPC32. I knew nothing when I started. All I did is press the "satellite" button and SatPC32 does the rest. No special setup on the radio side. Am using the USB cable to the radio, model number RPC-117-UF.
Michael Vivona Sent from my iPad
On Aug 15, 2016, at 5:16 PM, B J va6bmj@gmail.com wrote:
On 8/15/16, David Bondy G4NRT david@g4nrt.com wrote: I am sure that over the years many people have used the Icom IC-910H for satellite communications.
I am new to the world of satellites and have recently acquired a used IC-910H (no 23cm module) and I wondered whether anyone has made up a ‘cheat sheet’ which would help me get it all set-up for operating.
If I could find a sheet for FM, one for SSB and perhaps one even for data then it would save me trying to re-invent the wheel! If anyone knows of any other good resources that i could consult then that would be great!
<snip>
I'm not aware of such a guide, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when setting up a station using a '910.
If you're using computer control, you might not be able use the radio's satellite mode. I use Gpredict running on Linux to operate my rig and it requires that both the uplink and downlink VFOs be independent. (Hamlib runs in the background and actually controls the radio. Gpredict is the user interface.)
Setting up the radio is quite easy. Each side can be set to the applicable mode by pressing a few buttons as shown in the manual. You'll find them right above the main VFO knob. Once I set up my software and engage the control function, the frequencies are set by the computer.
Since I live in an apartment, I have to set up my station outside. I use an Arrow yagi, so I have only one hand free by which to operate my mike and adjust my computer. For that, I use a boom mike headset and a hand-held PTT switch. The switch is built such that I have a finger free while I'm transmitting so that I can adjust the frequencies through my computer to find my downlink or move elsewhere in the band.
When I go on the air, I like to find a part of the band where there's no traffic so that when I'm looking for my downlink, I don't interrupt any on-going QSOs. I start by first setting my software to the nominal frequencies, moving away a bit if there's already some activity at or near mid-band, and then, if I don't already know what the offset is, I slowly change the downlink until I hear my signal.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL _______________________________________________ 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
I also use an IC-910 with Satpc32. I do not bother with the satellite mode button on the rig, as SatPC32 does that for you. I also like the fact that when I am done with Satpc32, I can turn off the satellite mode and the rig will go back to the frequencies I was monitoring prior to bringing Satpc32 up for satellite passes.
One other hint, in FM while running Satpc32, also turn on the AFC on the rig for the downlink. It will track the satellite Doppler and Satpc32 follows along.
Reid, W4UPD
On 8/15/2016 7:13 PM, Mvivona via AMSAT-BB wrote:
David, I have an iC910H driving it with SatPC32. I knew nothing when I started. All I did is press the "satellite" button and SatPC32 does the rest. No special setup on the radio side. Am using the USB cable to the radio, model number RPC-117-UF.
Michael Vivona Sent from my iPad
On Aug 15, 2016, at 5:16 PM, B J va6bmj@gmail.com wrote:
On 8/15/16, David Bondy G4NRT david@g4nrt.com wrote: I am sure that over the years many people have used the Icom IC-910H for satellite communications.
I am new to the world of satellites and have recently acquired a used IC-910H (no 23cm module) and I wondered whether anyone has made up a ‘cheat sheet’ which would help me get it all set-up for operating.
If I could find a sheet for FM, one for SSB and perhaps one even for data then it would save me trying to re-invent the wheel! If anyone knows of any other good resources that i could consult then that would be great!
<snip>
I'm not aware of such a guide, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when setting up a station using a '910.
If you're using computer control, you might not be able use the radio's satellite mode. I use Gpredict running on Linux to operate my rig and it requires that both the uplink and downlink VFOs be independent. (Hamlib runs in the background and actually controls the radio. Gpredict is the user interface.)
Setting up the radio is quite easy. Each side can be set to the applicable mode by pressing a few buttons as shown in the manual. You'll find them right above the main VFO knob. Once I set up my software and engage the control function, the frequencies are set by the computer.
Since I live in an apartment, I have to set up my station outside. I use an Arrow yagi, so I have only one hand free by which to operate my mike and adjust my computer. For that, I use a boom mike headset and a hand-held PTT switch. The switch is built such that I have a finger free while I'm transmitting so that I can adjust the frequencies through my computer to find my downlink or move elsewhere in the band.
When I go on the air, I like to find a part of the band where there's no traffic so that when I'm looking for my downlink, I don't interrupt any on-going QSOs. I start by first setting my software to the nominal frequencies, moving away a bit if there's already some activity at or near mid-band, and then, if I don't already know what the offset is, I slowly change the downlink until I hear my signal.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL _______________________________________________ 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
How do you adjust on the linear birds with SatPC32?
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of w4upd Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 8:33 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Icom IC-910H
I also use an IC-910 with Satpc32. I do not bother with the satellite mode button on the rig, as SatPC32 does that for you. I also like the fact that when I am done with Satpc32, I can turn off the satellite mode and the rig will go back to the frequencies I was monitoring prior to bringing Satpc32 up for satellite passes.
One other hint, in FM while running Satpc32, also turn on the AFC on the rig for the downlink. It will track the satellite Doppler and Satpc32 follows along.
Reid, W4UPD
Open the CAT window to ensure you're selecting the right up/down/mode for your chosen satellite.
To tune the downlink in the passband, Spin the Dial on the radio.
......SatPC will then adjust the uplink frequency appropriately. If you aren't hearing yourself come out of the satellite on frequency:
"The uplink calibration can be set in steps of 10, 100 or 1000 Hz with the corresponding up/down controls in the 'CAT' menu."
I usually use the 100hz adjustments...Once I tweak the uplink, I can then spin the knob on the radio then SatPC32 will tune the uplink just right.
Here's the whole section out of the manual: http://www.dk1tb.de/manual_e.htm#cat
On Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 8:56 PM, Mark Lunday mlunday@nc.rr.com wrote:
How do you adjust on the linear birds with SatPC32?
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of w4upd Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 8:33 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Icom IC-910H
I also use an IC-910 with Satpc32. I do not bother with the satellite mode button on the rig, as SatPC32 does that for you. I also like the fact that when I am done with Satpc32, I can turn off the satellite mode and the rig will go back to the frequencies I was monitoring prior to bringing Satpc32 up for satellite passes.
One other hint, in FM while running Satpc32, also turn on the AFC on the rig for the downlink. It will track the satellite Doppler and Satpc32 follows along.
Reid, W4UPD
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
In the interest of being a bit more complete, there is a file needed that has the radio tuning details for the satellites.
Erich covers the details here if you need to add satellites to your doppler.sqf file which contains the tuning information for each satellite, and in some cases, you'll have multiple lines for different scenarios on a given satellite:
The information on what the doppler.sqf file is, where it is located, and how to update:
http://www.dk1tb.de/manual_e.htm#auxfiles
If the data needed for the satellite(s) you're interested in working is not in your copy of SatPC32, the data is probably here:
https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/satpc32-doppler-sqf-file/
To edit the file, select the ? pulldown, then click auxiliary files and you'll see the doppler.sqf - click that in the menu to review the guidance and add your satellite of interest.
If you're setting up for an FM Satellite...the exercise for the student is to look at the subtones.sqf under the ? --> Auxiliary Files menu and review the PL Tones in the file if you like working the FM Sats...thats where you configure the tones.
Hopefully this points to more answers than questions.
73 Mike W4UOO
On Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 9:25 PM, Mike Sprenger mikesprenger@gmail.com wrote:
Open the CAT window to ensure you're selecting the right up/down/mode for your chosen satellite.
To tune the downlink in the passband, Spin the Dial on the radio.
......SatPC will then adjust the uplink frequency appropriately. If you aren't hearing yourself come out of the satellite on frequency:
"The uplink calibration can be set in steps of 10, 100 or 1000 Hz with the corresponding up/down controls in the 'CAT' menu."
I usually use the 100hz adjustments...Once I tweak the uplink, I can then spin the knob on the radio then SatPC32 will tune the uplink just right.
Here's the whole section out of the manual: http://www.dk1tb.de/manual_e.htm#cat
On Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 8:56 PM, Mark Lunday mlunday@nc.rr.com wrote:
How do you adjust on the linear birds with SatPC32?
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4elg@arrl.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of w4upd Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 8:33 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Icom IC-910H
I also use an IC-910 with Satpc32. I do not bother with the satellite mode button on the rig, as SatPC32 does that for you. I also like the fact that when I am done with Satpc32, I can turn off the satellite mode and the rig will go back to the frequencies I was monitoring prior to bringing Satpc32 up for satellite passes.
One other hint, in FM while running Satpc32, also turn on the AFC on the rig for the downlink. It will track the satellite Doppler and Satpc32 follows along.
Reid, W4UPD
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
-- Thanks, Mike Sprenger (37.9167N 81.1244W is the Summit)
participants (6)
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B J -
David Bondy G4NRT -
Mark Lunday -
Mike Sprenger -
Mvivona -
w4upd