[amsat-bb] AO-85

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Steve,

The FUNcube Dongle Pro+ is probably the best option if you are
wanting to copy telemetry from AO-85 or AO-73. AMSAT's FoxTelem
software for AO-85, along with the FUNcube Dashboard for AO-73,
are designed to directly control that dongle. The FUNcube Dongle
Pro+ is also a good receiver for working other satellites.

Another good option would be the SDRplay receiver. This performs
well for satellite work, but you would need to use another program
to control the SDRplay, along with a virtual audio cable to tie
that program to either FoxTelem or the FUNcube Dashboard. The
SDRplay can't be controlled directly by FoxTelem or the FUNcube
Dashboard.

The inexpensive "RTL-SDR" dongles could also be used, but these
lack the front-end filtering of the FUNcube Dongle Pro+ and the
SDRplay. For receive-only situations, the "RTL-SDR" dongles
might be an option. You would have to use a program like HDSDR or
SDR Sharp to control the dongle, then a virtual audio cable to
tie that program to FoxTelem or the FUNcube Dashboard. But if you
have any intentions of using an SDR receiver/dongle as part of
a station where you will transmit to satellites, you would probably
want to avoid these dongles.

The FUNcube Dongle Pro+ is sold by its UK-based manufacturer,
through its http://www.funcubedongle.com/ web site. With shipping
to the USA via FedEx, these cost around US$ 190 to US$ 200 depending
on exchange rates. The SDRplay receivers cost US$ 149 from HRO stores,
or they can also be purchased directly from SDRplay in the UK for
the same price plus an additional shipping charge.

Good luck, and 73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Twitter: @WD9EWK



On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 2:17 PM, <skristof at etczone.com> wrote:

>
>
> I've been considering getting one of those. That might just be the
> excuse that I need. Thank you, Paul!
>
> Can you recommend a couple or list a couple to avoid? I tend to be cheap
> (and regretting it a significant amount of the time).
>
>
>