I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D
While it's nice to have an HT with full duplex, I don't think any new full duplex model HTs are currently in production. The Icom IC-W32A is a very popular older HT that does full duplex. Many are using them with great success. I've been using a Kenwood TH-F6A with very good results. It does not do full duplex and by programming in extra frequency pairs the Doppler shift issue can be handled just fine. Full duplex is nice to have, but not really necessary. You can do fine without it.
Jim Bob Buckeye AKA **** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999
There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon Bousman" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
Unfortunately there are no full duplex HTs left in production. If used is OK, I can recommend the Kenwood D7, Yaesu FT-530 and 470, and Icom W32A. The 530 is my favorite for FM voice due to the subtune feature for the receiver.
As other have said it's not absolutely required to have full duplex, but it is more conducive to being a polite operator, and making more contacts. Consider getting something like the Kenwood F6A to use as the receiver and all around non-satellite use, and then pick up a beater 2m HT for the uplink. You could probably pay for the 2m rig with the money you'll save on a Arrow diplexer!
73, Drew KO4MA
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon Bousman" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
Gordon,
No current-production HT radios from any manufacturer offer full duplex. Kenwood has discontinued the TH7-D, and Icom hasn't produced the IC-W32A for some time. I bought one of the Icoms used last sumer at the Huntsville, Ala., hamfest, and it does well. That being said, I continue to prefer the HT I started out with, which is a Yaesu VX-7R. Off list, I'll send you a PDF about working the satellites with an HT that you may find helpful.
Also, unless you have already bought an Arrow or intend to homebrew a dual-band yagi, you ought to check out the Elk 2m/440L5 log periodic. I prefer it over the Arrow I started out with, although others disagree with my preference (including K9CXM, who I see also has responded to your post).
I hope you come to enjoy working satellites with a handheld station as much as I. It's the most fun I've ever had in ham radio.
73,
Tim - N3TL Athens, Ga. - EM84ha
-------------- Original message from Gordon Bousman [email protected]: --------------
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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've done satellite ops both ways, full duplex and "half duplex". For both types of operations, I use the Yaesu FT-60R and it does the job flawlessly. Depending on how crowded the pass is, I'll use one or both of them with my arrow antenna.
Aside from being great for satellites, the FT-60R has survived nearly 4 years of (non-intentional) abuse from me. I've taken it backpacking with Boy Scouts, used it a lot with PSE's and despite everything that it's been though, it functions as if it just came off the production line. It's a very solid radio.
You can get one new for around $185.
73 de KE5GDB
On Sat, Jan 31, 2009 at 10:37 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner < [email protected]> wrote:
Unfortunately there are no full duplex HTs left in production. If used is OK, I can recommend the Kenwood D7, Yaesu FT-530 and 470, and Icom W32A. The 530 is my favorite for FM voice due to the subtune feature for the receiver.
As other have said it's not absolutely required to have full duplex, but it is more conducive to being a polite operator, and making more contacts. Consider getting something like the Kenwood F6A to use as the receiver and all around non-satellite use, and then pick up a beater 2m HT for the uplink. You could probably pay for the 2m rig with the money you'll save on a Arrow diplexer!
73, Drew KO4MA
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon Bousman" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 think the new Yaesu VX8r is full duplex. I recently purchased one, but haven't had a chance to get on the FM voice sats with it yet, to see how well it works. It does run APRS well with it's add-on GPS, I did get it to digi via ISS. I can't wait for it to get warm, so I can do some more stuff outside!
73 Jeff kb2m
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D
Jeff and all,
I wish the VX-8R was full-duplex-capable, but it is not - that information coming directly from Yaesu. It appears to me very similar to my VX-7R with the following major advantages (at least, to me they are advantages):
1 - Higher transmit power on 220. The VX-7R maximum output on 220 is 300 mW.
2 - The ability to provide GPS. This is a great feature for those of us who enjoy making griDXpeditions.
3 - The earphone jack. I wish the VX-7R had a separate earphone jack.
What I REALLY wish is that Yaesu and all the other manufacturers would return at least one model to market - per brand - that was full-duplex-capable.
73 to all,
Tim - N3TL Athens, Ga. -EM84ha -------------- Original message from "jeff kb2m" [email protected]: --------------
I think the new Yaesu VX8r is full duplex. I recently purchased one, but haven't had a chance to get on the FM voice sats with it yet, to see how well it works. It does run APRS well with it's add-on GPS, I did get it to digi via ISS. I can't wait for it to get warm, so I can do some more stuff outside!
73 Jeff kb2m
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D
Sent via [email protected]. 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 think the new Yaesu VX8r is full duplex. I recently purchased one, but haven't had a chance to get on the FM voice sats with it yet, to see how well it works. It does run APRS well with it's add-on GPS, I did get it to digi via ISS. I can't wait for it to get warm, so I can do some more stuff outside!
Unfortunately, the VX-8R is not cross-band full-duplex capable. I tried that in the HRO store when it finally showed up. You'll have to deal with memory channels or the two VFOs in half-duplex mode to work the FM satellites with it. The APRS capability, with or without the GPS, is a nice addition to the VX-8R. Having more TNC functionality like the TH-D7 would have been nice, but that looks like a nice radio with what's in it and the options. It could be really nice to have something for APRS on some of my road trips, with the radio (including GPS) and an antenna on my vehicle. Less gear to deal with - and power - when on the road.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
I have been successful with the VX6, no need for Doppler or full deuplex, just program in the channels for every 5 khz on the receive, in the range of +/- 1- kHz, and tune manually during the pass. Manual solution, works well without the need for detailed Doppler. Besides, on the FM repeater birds there is some FM "capture effect" which is to your advantage...no need to be spot on for the receive freq
Mark Lunday WD4ELG [email protected] http://wd4elg.net -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of jeff kb2m Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 1:09 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
I think the new Yaesu VX8r is full duplex. I recently purchased one, but haven't had a chance to get on the FM voice sats with it yet, to see how well it works. It does run APRS well with it's add-on GPS, I did get it to digi via ISS. I can't wait for it to get warm, so I can do some more stuff outside!
73 Jeff kb2m
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
Unfortunately there are no full duplex HTs left in production. If used is OK, I can recommend the Kenwood D7, Yaesu FT-530 and 470, and Icom W32A. The 530 is my favorite for FM voice due to the subtune feature for the
receiver.
FWIW the FT-51R has memory tune as well as full duplex, although unlike the FT-530/470 access to squelch and volume functions are through buttons rather than knobs, making rapid twiddling of such controls difficult.
Over here, the D7 seems to have become my de facto standard, mainly due to the value add of APRS/TNC functions.
73, Howard G6LVB
Gordon,
I had the fortune to own a Kenwood TH7-D for awhile and would have kept it if the original owner had not twisted my arm into selling it back to him (It was for a charitable cause that he was donating the radio). It was full cross-band duplex with built in TNC and APRS.
Although not an HT, the FT-817 is pretty portable with its carry strap and works well for working Leos sats. The FT-817 is not duplex, however, so I would say it is better suited to someone with some experience working satellites. Being able to hear your own signal with a cross-band duplex radio helps ensure that you are operating properly.
And, beginners should remember the first rule in good satellite operation: "Be able to hear the downlink well, before transmitting!" A lot of beginners key up their transmitter and cause interference while they still figuring out how to receive well.
PS: My favorite satellite radio remains my FT-847 (in the shack)...now ten years old! 73, Ed - KL7UW
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon Bousman" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D
All,
It is tragic that there are no new full-duplex HTs out there.
I have been using an Alinco DJ-580T for my portable satellite ops. It is a very good full-duplex HT, but seems to be a little less sensitive on 70cm than the ICOM W32A. Allen N5AFV has made over 10,000 satellite contacts with the W32A and the AL-800 long whip antenna. I recently purchased another very nice DJ-580T on eBay and have modified some of my battery packs for LiPo cells. I did some repair work on a DJ-582T a few months ago, and find that to be another good full-duplex antique for satellite work. The 11.1V, 1600 mAh LiPo pack that I recently put together is very light. See p. 11 of the January/February 2007 AMSAT Journal for info on hamsat fun while cruising. My first portable satellite ops with the DJ-580T were via OSCAR-21 in 1992.
Listen for W5ACM/MM between February 8 and February 14 via AO-51. I hope to put some new grids on the air while we are out on the water between Galveston, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roi Tan. I will have both DJ-580Ts, a number of LiPo battery packs, etc. along for the ride.
I never got comfortable with my Kenwood TH-D7 via satellite, but it is a rather amazing HT for all kinds of things. If I wasn't so familiar with the simple controls on the DJ-580T, I would be using the TH-D7.
73 de Andy W5ACM http://www.w5acm.net
----- Original Message ----- From: "Edward Cole" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 7:01 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
Gordon,
I had the fortune to own a Kenwood TH7-D for awhile and would have kept it if the original owner had not twisted my arm into selling it back to him (It was for a charitable cause that he was donating the radio). It was full cross-band duplex with built in TNC and APRS.
Although not an HT, the FT-817 is pretty portable with its carry strap and works well for working Leos sats. The FT-817 is not duplex, however, so I would say it is better suited to someone with some experience working satellites. Being able to hear your own signal with a cross-band duplex radio helps ensure that you are operating properly.
And, beginners should remember the first rule in good satellite operation: "Be able to hear the downlink well, before transmitting!" A lot of beginners key up their transmitter and cause interference while they still figuring out how to receive well.
PS: My favorite satellite radio remains my FT-847 (in the shack)...now ten years old! 73, Ed - KL7UW
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon Bousman" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Optimum HT for FM satellite use?
I'm getting started in satellite work and interested in purchasing a suitable HT for portable satellite use using an Arrow antenna. Wondering what is considered to be an optimum HT especially considering ease of managing the Doppler shift during a pass. I understand that the HT must be full duplex capable and thus rules out some models.
Thanks, Gordon, NW7D
Sent via [email protected]. 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 31 Jan 2009 at 11:37, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
Unfortunately there are no full duplex HTs left in production. If used is OK, I can recommend the Kenwood D7, Yaesu FT-530 and 470, and Icom W32A. The 530 is my favorite for FM voice due to the subtune feature for the receiver.
The Alinco DJ-580T is if you can get one used one check on E-BAY they come an go fast. "-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
participants (12)
-
Andrew Glasbrenner -
Andrew Koenig -
Andy MacAllister -
Edward Cole -
Gordon Bousman -
Howard Long -
jeff kb2m -
Jim Leder -
Luc Leblanc -
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG -
n3tl＠bellsouth.net -
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)