[amsat-bb] Re: FM satellites

[John Geiger]

In terms of a small compact, SSB satellite station, you can work the SSB
birds with a single FT817. It is more difficult than having full duplex, but
it can be done.  I have done it plenty of times with similar radios.

73s John AA5JG

On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 10:54 AM, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) <
amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net> wrote:

> Hi Ron!
>
> > I have to disagree. Have you tried working one of the FM birds using a 2
> > watt ht and a whip antenna ?
>
> Unfortunately, the comments like "I cannot see any difference in pushing
> a button on an FM bird than operating a cell phone" (from WB6LLO's
> post in this thread) show up from time to time.  If FM satellites were that
> simple to operate, then everyone who attempted to make an FM satellite
> QSO during Field Day should have been able to do so.  People wouldn't
> show up in large numbers for the many demonstrations and presentations
> that AMSAT people put on for radio clubs, hamfests, etc.
>
> > The  FM birds are something I can work while traveling. Have been able
> > to find a SSB setup that is compact enough to carry on a plane.
>
> This almost reads like you were trying to say "Haven't been able to
> find a SSB setup that is compact .... ".
>
> With the advent of smaller radios, you *can* carry an SSB satellite
> setup on a plane that allows all-mode full-duplex satellite operation.
> I travel with two FT-817NDs, and in recent times a TH-F6A (its all-
> mode receiver is a backup to the 817 I use as a receiver) also goes
> along, all in an old laptop bag.  If you want computer control of the
> radios, you can use a netbook with software like SatPC32 - which
> could also fit in the same bag.  Along with these 3 radios, I also
> take a TH-D72A.  It is my APRS radio, and works well as a full-
> duplex FM satellite radio.  That laptop bag also has room for more
> batteries, a GPS receiver, compass, and and other accessories.
>
> Unless you are using a long flexible whip, the antenna (directional
> antenna like a Yagi or log periodic, or a telescoping whip) may have
> to go in a checked bag due to security regulations.  The higher-value
> parts of your station can go with you into the cabin, along with the
> accessories that are not considered dangerous for carry-on luggage.
>
> > Look at this from an emergency perspective. If you only had an ht
> > and couldnt access a repeater, you woul at least have a chance to
> > get help on a satellite pass.
>
> Definitely!  You'd have to be quick with your information, but that would
> be a possibility.  Something I always kept in mind on my road trips around
> northern Arizona and southern Utah in 2009 and 2010, since there were
> many places without mobile-phone coverage up there.  Know when the
> passes come by, and you can plan to show up on those passes to send
> and receive information in that sort of situation.
>
> 73!
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
> http://www.wd9ewk.net/
>
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