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

[B J]

On 6/20/18, 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?

<snip>

The lowest output power of my radio is 5 W and that's more than
adequate for working linear satellites.

For example, I've often been on south-north FO-29 passes to the west
of me.  From my balcony, I've been able to hear my signal, however
faintly, all the way to LOS.  According to my tracking software, the
grid square where that occurs is somewhere on the Arctic Ocean with
the distance to the satellite usually more than 3500 km from my QTH.

73s

Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL