[amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver

[Ken M]

Hi Ron,

I too am relatively new to this (and not enough time to pursue it). So 
far I have just done some FM satellite work with an FT-60R and an 817 
(two radios for full-duplex) along with an Arrow antenna. I'm thinking 
about saving my pennies for an 818 to go with my 817 for two-radio 
linear satellite operation - or I may just use an SDR for my downlink 
radio - we'll see. Like you I've thought about an 857 as a second radio 
- not so much for satellite use but for higher power HF field use - 
again, we'll see.

As to rotators, this Australian school group has some interesting 
rotator projects for the DIY'er. I have not tried to build one yet but 
the projects look approachable. They have other interesting radio 
projects as well.
http://www.sarcnet.org/projects.html

I have also become interested in omni-directional satellite antennas 
like lindenblad, turnstile, or helical and I may try building one of 
these (which I suspect are much better at receiving than transmitting, 
especially at low power). There are lots of plans on the Internet.

73
Ken VA7KBM

On 2018-10-29 3:02 PM, ronald mosher wrote:
> A very sincere thank you to all who replied to my post (below).  The many
> thoughtful responses have caused me to stop searching for a nonexistent
> radio and to concentrate on realistic options.  I am now focused on
> evaluating the FT818 and FT857.  The 818 looks like a good choice, but the
> 857 provides a power boost that is useful on HF in current band conditions.
> Offsetting, the 857 draws a huge current and I'm not relishing the battery
> weight that entails.  I'm heading over to HRO soon to operate both radios
> side-by-side just to see how I like the relative feel.
>
> I also appreciate the advice to keep things simple, especially for portable
> operation.  I will take that to heart.
>
> I'm learning a lot just reading the posts on this reflector.  Your help is
> very much appreciated.
> Ron  K0PGE
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org> On Behalf Of ronald mosher
> Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 9:59 AM
> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Portable, Full-Duplex Transceiver
>
> I am new to satellite communication and this is my first post.  My setup so
> far includes an Arrow antenna on a camera tripod, an SDR (RSP) and SatPC32
> software on a Surface Pro.  I would like to buy a portable, HF/VHF/UHF,
> Full-Duplex transceiver that I can use for both portable HF QRP and for
> satellite work.  So far, I have not been able to find such a radio.  Any
> recommendations would be much appreciated.
>
>   
>
> Also, I would like to buy or build an AZ-EL rotator that is suitable for a
> portable setup.  I am leaning toward building as a less expensive
> alternative.  I have been studying the WRAPS version by WA8SME and the Mini
> Mk-2 by VK3FOWL and VK3YSP.  Both look to be of about equal construction
> complexity.  Any thoughts on either if these rotators, or any other
> inexpensive rotator would also be very much appreciated.
>
>   
>
> It is exciting to be learning a new phase of ham radio and to be a part of
> this group.  Thank you for any suggestions.
>
> 73,
>
> Ron  K0PGE
>
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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