[amsat-bb] RF power required for linear satellites?

[Bryan KL7CN]

Five watts is definitely sufficient for the common linear satellites.

There are circumstances when it is nice to have a little more -- maybe 10 watts -- such as on a very low pass from a high location.

But, there are so many who use the 5-watt FT-817ND that you will soon hear a chorus. :)

-- bag

Bryan KL7CN/W6
Location: CM98, usually
E-Mail: bryan at KL7CN.net
Telephone/SMS: 408-836-7279

> On Jun 20, 2018, at 00:18, Ken M <va7kbm at outlook.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello AMSATers,
> 
> I’m wondering if 5 watts is generally sufficient RF output to work the common linear satellites using a handheld satellite antenna (Arrow or Elk)? 
> 
> For example, would an FT-817ND (or the new FT-818) suffice for the uplink radio, or would you need an amplifier with those 5 (6) watt radios, or just a more powerful radio such as the FT-857D?
> 
> Thanks & 73,
> Ken  VA7KBM
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