[amsat-bb] Re: IC-910H Vs. FunCube Dongle Pro

[Burns Fisher]

Hi Les,

I have an FCD (not Pro) that I use pretty often for satellites and a TS2000
for the main rig  Given that the T and R bands are always different, and
given that the TS2000 has separate inputs for U and V bands, I use a coax
switch on each antenna (type N for UHF).  One output of each coax switch
goes to the matching antenna of the TS2000.  The other goes to a U/V
diplexer (again with N-type connectors).  Then this goes into the FCD.

Of course there is some loss, but I have RF-switched preamps out on the
antennas so that is less critical.

73,

Burns W2BFJ


Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:26:39 -0500

> From: Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com>
> To: AMSAT Mailing List <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
> Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-910H Vs. FunCube Dongle Pro
> Message-ID: <51B8851F.3060000 at highnoonfilm.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> I just received my FunCube Dongle Pro in the mails, and am interested in
> incorporating it into my station for both weak-signal VHF/UHF reception
> and satellite work. I'd be
> interested in hearing from others who have already used this nifty device.
>
> My questions are as follows:
>
> 1.) What would be the best method for T/R switching with the device and
> the IC-910H that I'd be using for transmission? Loss with switches and
> connectors needs to be avoided, but I really don't
> want to run separate feedlines, etc.
>
> 2.) How does the performance of the Dongle Pro compare to that of the
> IC-910H receiver, especially for satellite work?
>
> 3.) Any other caveats that I'm not considering?
>
> I currently use a Flexradio 1500 as my primary IF rig for transverters
> on 222, 902, and 1296, so I'm familiar with SDR technology. Have also
> owned an SDR-IQ for several years now. But this will be my
> first attempt with using an SDR for direct reception of signals above 30
> MHz.
>
>
> --
> --
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
> EM63nf
>