[amsat-bb] Best HT for satellite operation?

[Ken M]

Hello all, The suggestions in this thread omitted some current Yaesu 
models, specifically th VX-8DR, FT-1XDR and FT-2DR. Are these not viable 
in-production options, in addition to the Kenwood TH-D72? Or were they 
omitted from the earlier suggestions because perhaps they don't offer 
built-in TNC capability? They claim to offer dual-band 
simultaneous-receive capability at least.

73 - Ken - VA7KBM


On 2017-03-10 2:39 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> Clayton,
>
> An ICOM-910H is a HT .... Really (ha ha)?  I suppose a few of you know 
> that is a 100w desktop/mobile radio and hardly "portable". But it is a 
> pretty good satellite radio for multi-mode use.  A nearby friend uses 
> one (actually has two) with az-el mounted yagis and full auto-track.
>
> A few months ago I was looking at adding a dual-band FM mobile to my 
> hamshack and kinda groaning at the the $350+ cost for a new mobile, I 
> decided spending just a little more would get me a nice used 
> multi-mode VHF/UHF satellite desktop/mobile radio.  Used prices on the 
> Icom-910H and the FT-847 both ran $900-1200 which I could not 
> justify.  Then Looked for used FT-736R and bought one for $550 
> (including ctcss encoder board option) with basic 2m/70cm (no 220 or 
> 1.2G options).
>
> I'm quite pleased with the "old" radio and a bit surprised in its Rx 
> sensitivity without preamps, running 144 and 432 SSB with a vertical 
> for contacts out to 70-miles.  I have not yet restored use of my 
> satellite antennas as yet (probably be next summer as I want to move 
> the short sat tower which requires new concrete base).  You can look 
> on my website for some info: http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm
>
> Two Baefong with appropriate filters should make an inexpensive 
> portable sat setup with full duplex (not computer controlled).  A 
> single Baefong plus a Funcube Rx would also work pretty good though 
> you would need a notepad or equivalent.  I did some simplex FM-sat ops 
> with a FT-817 in early 2000's with an Arrow but missed having duplex.  
> I also had a 1998 FT-847 but sold both in 2012. Now have K3 and KX3, a 
> Baefong UV5-RA, plus the venerable FT-736R.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>
> Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:15:31 -0600
> From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx at gmail.com>
> To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Best HT for satellite operation?
> Message-ID:
> <CAPovOwfU3hBafuauUyykDMmh49xdeTS1VjV_DK5iwf1yBED16Q at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> I've seen a lot of great recommendations for satellite HT's.  I really
> prefer the Icom IC-910h. Since it is a little heavy for neck straps,
> and the belt clip is made of 3/8" steel plate, I'd probably recommend
> the BABYBJ?RN carrier approach. You can buy a 15 year old one at a
> bargain price of $1000-1500 at most hamfests.
>
> TGIF
>
> Clayton
> W5PFG
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>   http://www.kl7uw.com
> Dubus-NA Business mail:
>   dubususa at gmail.com
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