[amsat-bb] Re: Bill Ress - N6GHz - Board Candidate - OperatingSurvey

[Alan P. Biddle]

At Dayton this year, as last, I asked about a replacement for the FT-847.
Both times, I was told that some preliminary work had been done, but that it
was on hold pending the launch of a HEO (or other) satellite which would
generate sufficient demand for an updated rig.  While the FT-847 was selling
steadily, once the parts dried up it was judged not economic to put a new
one on the market at the current demand.  That answer is not inconsistent
with the statement that there are no plans to bring one out now.  I have
found that with these sorts of questions, the answer depends on who you ask,
how you ask, and whether you follow up.

Of course you can still buy a TS-2000 or an IC-910 new.  And Flex Systems is
closing in on bringing out their own integrated 2 m and 70 cm transverters
which will make the Flex-5000 out of the box a full duplex satellite rig,
with great flexibility for adding microwave bands.  The TS-2000 has so much
appeal outside the satellite community that it or something similar is safe
for now.  There are some rumblings of an updated IC-910 as well.  So there
are options still.

Alan
WA4SCA