[amsat-bb] Re: How to do 1.2ghz when sat radio is FT-847

[w7lrd@comcast.net]

I forgot to include the link
http://users.innercite.com/kj6ko/
73 W7LRD

--
"if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE at UNITED.NET> 

> Mike, 
> 
> The TS-2000 is a very capable satellite rig, and the 1.2 gig module will get 
> you on mode L. According to the sales sites, you need to have the module 
> installed by a dealer or from the factory. So in one sense, the 
> installation is easy. Let somebody else do it. ;) At about $500-600 plus 
> installation, it is probably comparable in cost to a good external 
> transverter and avoids all the quirks of interfacing and deciding which IF 
> to use. Note that 10 watts out is really marginal, and you need an 
> amplifier in the 50-100 watt range along with a good antenna to make 
> satellite operating more than a chore. 
> 
> The FT-847 works well with a transverter. I regularly operate AO-51 in the 
> various modes using mode L as an uplink, and with a little recabling worked 
> the ISS in mode LV about as well as could be done. There is a brief note in 
> the July/August AMSAT Journal about using TX transverters with 2 meter IFs 
> when you need to be able to RX on 2 meters. 
> 
> One thing to consider whether you are talking about amplifiers or 
> transverters, is that terrestrial communication centers around 1296 MHz, 
> while space communication centers around 1269 MHz. Almost all equipment is 
> designed for the higher and much more common frequency. The amps often need 
> retuning for the lower frequency, and are less efficient. Likewise, 
> transverters will require significantly different crystals to get the IF 
> where you can use it. 
> 
> Going with the TS-2000 and adding a brick amp is the easiest and cleanest 
> way, but if you are a good scrounger, not necessarily the cheapest. 
> 
> Alan 
> WA4SCA 
> 
> 
> 
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