[amsat-bb] Kenwood D72 on SO-50

Sun Jul 5 02:57:51 UTC 2015

Philip,

I always use the DUP function for satellite work.  And, I always use a headset (ear-bud and mic).  The Kenwood HT headset (I have the discontinued HMC-3; the KHS-22 is the current model) has served me well for many years.  

From the Packet Section of the D72A Manual:
"Note:

* When the operating band is Band A, you cannot change to Full Duplex mode.

* When in single band mode, and Band A/B is set to VHF/VHF or UHF/UHF, you cannot change to Full Duplex mode.

* When using the Full Duplex function, connect an earphone to the SP jack. Using an earphone will prevent feedback that can cause the transceiver to emit a howling sound.”

73, Frank K5HS

> On Jul 4, 2015, at 21:49, Philip Jenkins <n4hf.philip at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> So, none of you has said a word about turning on the "duplex" feature at
> all.....do I just need to forget about setting it, and just deal with the
> dual VFOs?
> 
> Thanks for the great suggestions I've gotten so far. :-)
> 
> Philip N4HF
> 
> On Sat, Jul 4, 2015 at 8:55 PM, Frank Krizan <frank.krizan at verizon.net>
> wrote:
> 
>> For Philip and the group,
>> 
>> Here’s the suggestion that’s been floating around since 2011.  It stemmed
>> from a discussion with Keith Pugh, W5IU:
>> 
>>  I spent quite a bit of time with Keith Pugh, W5IU, of AMSAT, who also
>> owns a D72A.  We commiserated over the fact that the new radio doesn't
>> allow for separate PTT and Tune of the A and B bands.
>> 
>>                    We'd like to suggest that a future firmware update
>> offer a RADIO MENU Option for PTT which would toggle through:  NORMAL,
>> A=PTT/B=TUNE, A=TUNE/B=PTT.  The Band selected for TUNE would be flagged
>> with the standard solid "arrowhead" and the Band selected for PTT would be
>> flagged with a "flashing" "arrowhead".
>> 
>>                    This would allow for easier use of the radio for LEO
>> satellite work, especially when the download needs to be tuned.  Right now,
>> the operator needs to remember what Band is selected and ensure the correct
>> Band is chosen before changing the frequency, either via VFO or Memory
>> Channel.
>> 
>>                    It's very easy to get confused and change the uplink
>> frequency and, then, transmit on the downlink.  Having separate PTT/TUNE
>> would make this radio a lot more fun for satellite use.
>> 
>> Maybe someone’s listening out there who could help.
>> 
>> 73, Frank K5HS (ex KR1ZAN)
>> 
>> 
>>> On Jul 4, 2015, at 20:42, Frank Krizan <frank.krizan at verizon.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Philip,
>>> 
>>> I’ve just gotten used to pressing the A/B switch to toggle the PTT/Tune
>> to the frequency I want to change.  It’s a pain. I usually program in
>> memories for AOS, AOS+, MID, MID+, and LOS.  And, once in a while, I change
>> the wrong channel or transmit on the wrong frequency.   I’ve suggested a
>> firmware change to everyone who will listen to offer a PTT selection and
>> TUNE selection so the operator doesn’t have to toggle the A/B; but, so far,
>> no success.
>>> 
>>> If the D72A could also have smaller frequency steps and the ability to
>> select which radio (A or B) was designated for PTT and for TUNE, the D72A
>> would be a great HT for portable use.
>>> 
>>> From what I’ve been able to determine, you cannot ‘link’ VHF and UHF
>> memories together to achieve the split function you described.  This would
>> be another firmware option that could offer some convenience.
>>> 
>>> I love the D72A, and, it’s a shame that to work the [flame off] Easy
>> Sats, it’s easier to buy a $39 radio than to use a very full featured radio.
>>> 
>>> Maybe if more folks agreed with the suggestion, Kenwood would listen.
>>> 
>>> I would also like to see a new HT with a Bluetooth interface to allow
>> for iOS or Android Apps which could remotely change the frequencies or
>> channels during a pass.  This could also allow for audio interfaces for
>> PSK-31, APRS, Packet, and more.
>>> 
>>> 73, Frank K5HS
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 4, 2015, at 20:15, Philip Jenkins <n4hf.philip at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I bought a D72A a little over a year ago because it had APRS built-in;
>> this
>>>> made it very handy for the balloon-chasing I used to do.
>>>> 
>>>> Now I'm trying to set it up for SO-50. I'm successfully putting it into
>>>> full-duplex mode - with the 144 Mhz freq (pl 67.0) on the B-band, and
>> the
>>>> 435 Mhz frequency on A-band. (Duplex cannot be engaged while the radio
>> is
>>>> on the A-band.) I'm running into two problems though.
>>>> 
>>>> 1 ) Whenever I want to change the receive (downlink) frequency because
>> of
>>>> Doppler, turning the knob changes the B-band side, the transmit, which
>> is
>>>> what I don't want. As it is, since I can't get the 435Mhz to change,
>> this
>>>> setting is only going to allow me to hear the satellite mid-pass
>>>> 
>>>> 2) I had the idea of putting this/these VFO settings - including duplex
>> -
>>>> into memories, one memory for each 5 Khz step on receive. When I follow
>> the
>>>> manual directions for entering odd splits in memory, whenever I check to
>>>> see what's in the memory by transmitting, (it  appears)  I'm just
>>>> transmitting simplex on the 435Mhz frequency; the radio's display
>> doesn't
>>>> change (other than the s-meter showing that power is being transmitted).
>>>> 
>>>> I'm wondering how others are making their D72s work successfully on
>> SO-50.
>>>> Is/are there (a) certain step(s) that I'm missing in order to change the
>>>> receive frequency AND enter full-duplex VFO settings into memory
>>>> successfully?
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks for the help...either replying to the BB or to me personally is
>> ok. (
>>>> N4HF at AMSAT.ORG)
>>>> 
>>>> Philip N4HF EM85
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>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
>>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
>> Opinions expressed
>>> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
>> AMSAT-NA.
>>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
>> program!
>>> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>> 
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb