[amsat-bb] Re: Optimum HT for FM satellite use?

[Edward Cole]

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" <nw7d.ham at gmail.com>
>To: <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
>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