I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com
Other than the TS2000, the only other satellite radio currently on the market is the Icom 9100. Looks like a great radio, though.
73s John AA5JG
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim White" jim@coloradosatellite.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 9:48 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] satellite radios
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
Doesnt anyone do it the old fashioned way with 2 antennas and two radios? :)
Also whats the scoop on the ISS 437.550 packet now?
Kevin KF7MYK
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:48:20 -0700 From: jim@coloradosatellite.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] satellite radios
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
Jim,
As someone else replied, there is the IC-9100. Pretty much everything but the kitchen sink is available for it. In the same range is the Flex VU-5K. It is still a work in progress, and there are some rough edged on the TS-2000 emulation which you use for CAT control. Still, it is impressive to be able to watch the entire passband of an analog satellite. Both are almost certainly overkill if you are looking at CubeSat telemetry and control.
For a basic VU rig, I would try and find a good used FT-847. They are also out of production, but they come up on eBay from time to time. Mine, from 1998, is still going strong, though it is being moved to backup status. Later ones preferred, as Yaesu made several incremental improvements over the production run.
Finally, software such as SATPC32 will allow you to take two rigs, such as FT-817s, and operate them as if it were one, full duplex rig.
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Jim White Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 3:48 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] satellite radios
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
On 11/28/11 16:48, Jim White wrote:
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com
Why limit yourself to current radios? The Icom 910 isn't made now but there are a lot of them around. The much older IC-275/IC-475 are cheaper still but give great performance. Harder to get, but I'll bet with a little luck you could get a pair of them for about the same price as a 910H.
Another thing to think of is an Elecraft with their 2m/70cm transverters.
The Flex 5000 with their 2m/70cm board would make a fantastic rig, albeit at a price (3500 ish?) but is in the neighborhood of the 9100.
The IC-290/IC-490 are older ssb rigs, but they'd work pretty well, too.
A few thoughts...
--STeve Andre' wb8wsf en72
Hi Jim, Haven't seen your smiling face on here for a long time, a pleasant surprise!
I use the 910 and Icom does make a successor to it...I've not used it, but talked to people that have used both and nothing but praise for the new one...As you know there isn't anything the 910 can't do...
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1@san.rr.com
Disagree: I learn....
Pulling for P3E...
All,
I would put my hand up for the Yaesu FT 847. Its designed for, and has all the features a full duplex sat radio needs (4 antenna connectors, 12 V over coax out for mast-mount pre-amps, normal and inv. doppler correction, plenty of memory spaces etc.) It works flawlessly on U/V and is a pretty decent HF + 6 m rig, too. Connect that to a laptop with SatPC32 and you are all set. I work all currently usable satellites with a modest antenna setup with no problems whatsoever (unlike the TS2000 which apparently has a birdie on the Oscar 29 downlink frequency).
As it has been said, they pop up on ebay / vkclassifieds every once in a while. You should be able to get a good used one for about 800 US + 150 shipping from the states.
Andreas
________________________________ From: Dave Guimont dguimon1@san.rr.com To: jim@coloradosatellite.com Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, 29 November 2011 11:53 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite radios
Hi Jim, Haven't seen your smiling face on here for a long time, a pleasant surprise!
I use the 910 and Icom does make a successor to it...I've not used it, but talked to people that have used both and nothing but praise for the new one...As you know there isn't anything the 910 can't do...
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1@san.rr.com
Disagree: I learn....
Pulling for P3E... _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
I got to 2nd that statement.
So much that I got a 2nd 847.
At 09:16 PM 11/28/2011, you wrote:
All,
I would put my hand up for the Yaesu FT 847. Its designed for, and has all the features a full duplex sat radio needs (4 antenna connectors, 12 V over coax out for mast-mount pre-amps, normal and inv. doppler correction, plenty of memory spaces etc.) It works flawlessly on U/V and is a pretty decent HF + 6 m rig, too. Connect that to a laptop with SatPC32 and you are all set. I work all currently usable satellites with a modest antenna setup with no problems whatsoever (unlike the TS2000 which apparently has a birdie on the Oscar 29 downlink frequency).
As it has been said, they pop up on ebay / vkclassifieds every once in a while. You should be able to get a good used one for about 800 US + 150 shipping from the states.
Andreas
From: Dave Guimont dguimon1@san.rr.com To: jim@coloradosatellite.com Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, 29 November 2011 11:53 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite radios
Hi Jim, Haven't seen your smiling face on here for a long time, a pleasant surprise!
I use the 910 and Icom does make a successor to it...I've not used it, but talked to people that have used both and nothing but praise for the new one...As you know there isn't anything the 910 can't do...
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1@san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E... _______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
I own 2 IC-910's - Only because I do not need another HF radio. One I use at my house ops and one is for demo's at hamfests etc. There is also the older IC-820 and IC-821H that are around. I used one of those for a long time. It developed a switch problem and sold it so someone else could get it repaired. The 847 and 200 are nice radios too. The new IC-9100 seems like a great radio, however, it is a bit pricey. Whatever radio you choose, just be sure to know all its operating characteristics. There are so many whistles and bells that it can be confusing to an unsure operator. The older "twin" radios of ICOM and Yaseu radios are still a good way to operate satellites. 73, Dee, NB2F
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of John Becker Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 10:54 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite radios
I got to 2nd that statement.
So much that I got a 2nd 847.
At 09:16 PM 11/28/2011, you wrote:
All,
I would put my hand up for the Yaesu FT 847. Its designed for, and has
all the features a full duplex sat radio needs (4 antenna connectors, 12 V over coax out for mast-mount pre-amps, normal and inv. doppler correction, plenty of memory spaces etc.) It works flawlessly on U/V and is a pretty decent HF + 6 m rig, too. Connect that to a laptop with SatPC32 and you are all set. I work all currently usable satellites with a modest antenna setup with no problems whatsoever (unlike the TS2000 which apparently has a birdie on the Oscar 29 downlink frequency).
As it has been said, they pop up on ebay / vkclassifieds every once in
a while. You should be able to get a good used one for about 800 US + 150 shipping from the states.
Andreas
From: Dave Guimont dguimon1@san.rr.com To: jim@coloradosatellite.com Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, 29 November 2011 11:53 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite radios
Hi Jim, Haven't seen your smiling face on here for a long time, a pleasant
surprise!
I use the 910 and Icom does make a successor to it...I've not used it,
but talked to people that have used both and nothing but praise for the new one...As you know there isn't anything the 910 can't do...
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite
radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1@san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
Yes,
FT-847 especially higher serial number is still one of the best satellite rigs.
I have used the IC-910, the TS-2000 and the FT-847 and I have stories on all of them. I still have the FT-847!
Stefan, VE4NSA
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 3:48 PM, Jim White jim@coloradosatellite.com wrote:
I would appreciate info on what the currently available satellite radios are. We have used the IC-910 and FT-736R for some time and now need to recommend a radio to a couple of groups building cubesats. The 736 is of course long gone but it appears the 910 is also no longer made. We recently helped a group who had bought a TS-2000 and I was not particularly impressed with it as a satellite radio.
So what's current and what works well on V and U?
Jim jim@coloradosatellite.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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 (10)
-
Alan P. Biddle -
Andy Kellner -
Dave Guimont -
Dee -
Jim White -
John Becker -
John Geiger -
Kevin Deane -
Stefan Wagener -
STeve Andre'