[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
How about IF tap (10.7MHz) and high speed packet ready (up to say, 76k or faster)? (Maybe I missed it, but I don't think I saw those 2 features...) 73, Mark N8MH On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 1:44 PM, MM wrote: > My Ideal Competition Grade VHF/UHF Radio Wish list. > > It seems we are long over do for a Competition grade high performance VHF/UHF > transceiver, which can also be used for Satellite operations. There are > several competition grade HF transceivers on the market, however there are no > high end competition grade VHF/UHF/Satellite systems on the marker. > > Most of the rigs I have seen which support VHF/UHF are either HF rigs that > have had VHF/UHF slapped on, or low end VHF/UHF rigs, with HF slapped on. > > If we want the Amateur Radio manufactures to build us a "GREAT" > VHF/UHF/Satellite system, then we need to tell them what we need. > > Here are some suggestions. Constructive comments welcome. > > This radio does not exist. > If the manufactures are interested in providing a new state of the art > VHF/UHF radio to the Amateur Radio community, here is one opinion of what > should be in next Competition Grade VHF/UHF Transceiver and what should not > be in the radio. > > I am going to give this fictional radio a name HR-956-Pro. > > > What do we need: > > • We need a competition grade VHF/UHF transceiver that will support > Terrestrial-DX, Satellite and EME operations (Voice, CW and Digital-JT65). > • The HR-956-Pro, needs to be able to interface with modern computers > (HTML Browser, USB and or CAT-5). > • The HR-956-Pro, needs to able to interface with modern Externally > mounted Pre-amplifier (both power feeds and transmitter sequencing). > • The HR-956-Pro, need to be able to interface with modern Solid State > Amplifiers and Tube based amplifiers. The RF output per band needs to be > standardized with the Amplifier manufactures to prevent transceiver and > amplifier failures due to sequencing problems and RF mismatching. > • TX/RX Sequencer built-in, to control external Preamps, Amplifies and > other accessories (programmable). > > Receiver: > Of course we need a "Great" receiver, not another mediocre receiver. > Each receiver for each band needs to be a "Great" performer. > > No Birdies: > On a HF rig, a few Birdies do not usually cause serious issues, since the HF > users are often listening to signals "Above" the noise floor. On a Satellite > Radio, we are often listening to signals 10-30 dB, "Below" the Noise floor. > Internally generated birdies are a serious problem for weak signal VHF/UHF > operations. > > Filters: > Each mode will need its own selection of DSP filters. The filters would also > affect one of the Line-level outputs to the external PC. There are times > when want to send Filtered or unfiltered audio to your external PC for > Digital signal processing. One of the line-level outputs should be taped > before the HR-956-Pro Filters, the other line-level output should be taped > after the HR-956-Pro filters. The TX and RX filters should be independently > selectable. > The Filters need to be tested to verify they will support Satellite Mode-J > (TX on 2-meters while listening on 435-438) > > Example: > FM-5k, Filters 15k, 10k and 8k filters. > AM Filters 10k, 6k, 3k, etc. > SSB Filters 4.0k, 3.0k, 2.5k, 2.0k, etc. > > Other Modes: > CW, FM-2.5k, Data > > Audio Quality: > Life is too short for QRP or Poor Audio. > It's not the number of contacts that’s important, it’s the quality of the > contact. > On the audio side, the HR-956-Pro needs to be able to support a wider range > of audio through most of the stages. Of course the radio needs to meet FCC > and other requirements, however we can still design the radio to deliver a > wider bandwidth of good sounding audio. > Let's shoot for 100-4000 Hz, on both TX and RX audio circuits. This will > also mean, that a better stock microphone design will be required. > > > VHF / UHF Bands built-in, with competition grade TX/RX: > 6-meters 50-54 > 2-meters 144-148 > 70-cm 420 - 450 > 23-cm 1280 - 1300 > (All frequencies localized for each country) > > Transmitter outputs: > A high power transceiver is less desirable than a low power transceiver. > > Let me explain: > For serious Terrestrial DX and EME you need to run more than 100 watts. A > VHF/UHF transceiver designed for high power ( 100 watt range) transmitting, > would not be compatible with third-party amplifiers or pre-amplifiers. > > Most VHF/UHF amps are designed for 25 or 50 watts maximum input. > > The manufactures of Transceivers and Amplifies need to agree upon a set of > standard power level so the third-party amplifier manufactures can design > properly matched Amplifiers and pre-amplifiers. This will also help reduce > the number of transceiver and amplifier failures caused by mismatched RF > settings. > > Suggested standards for
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
> How about IF tap (10.7MHz) and high speed packet ready (up to say, 76k > or faster)? > > (Maybe I missed it, but I don't think I saw those 2 features...) > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > I dearly wish my 910 had an IF tap! That would mostly take care of the high speed part too for me. >> The manufactures of Transceivers and Amplifies need to agree upon a set of >> standard power level so the third-party amplifier manufactures can design >> properly matched Amplifiers and pre-amplifiers. This will also help reduce >> the number of transceiver and amplifier failures caused by mismatched RF >> settings. >> I'd prefer a menu settable power output for each band, like all of the current Yaesu DC to Daylight rigs have. >> The IC-910 has a blinking light to tell you your FM satellite receiver >> frequency has drifted. Unfortunately, the blinking light is useless in >> telling you if your frequency is high or low. >> >> Yes, but if you press the AFC button on the 910, it will tune it for you! >> No access to frequencies below 50 megacycles. >> Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to tell when the banding is close to opening. 73, Drew KO4MA (Who'd settle for a full duplex FT-817) ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
I would opt for higher power on the bands, with separate RF setting for each band through a menu. Something like 100 watts on 6m 2m, 220 and 432 to start with. It would be good for roving to have high enough power levels to not have to take amps with you. And if you want to run an amp at home, you can set the drive level in the menus and leave it there. 73s John AA5JG --- On Mon, 3/1/10, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > From: Mark L. Hammond > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > To: "MM" > Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 12:55 PM > How about IF tap (10.7MHz) and high > speed packet ready (up to say, 76k > or faster)? > > (Maybe I missed it, but I don't think I saw those 2 > features...) > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 1:44 PM, MM > wrote: > > My Ideal Competition Grade VHF/UHF Radio Wish list. > > > > It seems we are long over do for a Competition grade > high performance VHF/UHF transceiver, which can also be used > for Satellite operations. There are several competition > grade HF transceivers on the market, however there are no > high end competition grade VHF/UHF/Satellite systems on the > marker. > > > > Most of the rigs I have seen which support VHF/UHF > are either HF rigs that have had VHF/UHF slapped on, or low > end VHF/UHF rigs, with HF slapped on. > > > > If we want the Amateur Radio manufactures to build us > a "GREAT" VHF/UHF/Satellite system, then we need to tell > them what we need. > > > > Here are some suggestions. Constructive comments > welcome. > > > > This radio does not exist. > > If the manufactures are interested in providing a new > state of the art VHF/UHF radio to the Amateur Radio > community, here is one opinion of what should be in next > Competition Grade VHF/UHF Transceiver and what should not be > in the radio. > > > > I am going to give this fictional radio a name > HR-956-Pro. > > > > > > What do we need: > > > > • We need a competition grade VHF/UHF > transceiver that will support Terrestrial-DX, Satellite and > EME operations (Voice, CW and Digital-JT65). > > • The HR-956-Pro, needs to be able to > interface with modern computers (HTML Browser, USB and or > CAT-5). > > • The HR-956-Pro, needs to able to > interface with modern Externally mounted Pre-amplifier (both > power feeds and transmitter sequencing). > > • The HR-956-Pro, need to be able to > interface with modern Solid State Amplifiers and Tube based > amplifiers. The RF output per band needs to be > standardized with the Amplifier manufactures to prevent > transceiver and amplifier failures due to sequencing > problems and RF mismatching. > > • TX/RX Sequencer built-in, to control > external Preamps, Amplifies and other accessories > (programmable). > > > > Receiver: > > Of course we need a "Great" receiver, not another > mediocre receiver. > > Each receiver for each band needs to be a "Great" > performer. > > > > No Birdies: > > On a HF rig, a few Birdies do not usually cause > serious issues, since the HF users are often listening to > signals "Above" the noise floor. On a Satellite Radio, we > are often listening to signals 10-30 dB, "Below" the Noise > floor. Internally generated birdies are a serious problem > for weak signal VHF/UHF operations. > > > > Filters: > > Each mode will need its own selection of DSP filters. > The filters would also affect one of the Line-level > outputs to the external PC. There are times when want to > send Filtered or unfiltered audio to your external PC for > Digital signal processing. One of the line-level outputs > should be taped before the HR-956-Pro Filters, the other > line-level output should be taped after the HR-956-Pro > filters. The TX and RX filters should be independently > selectable. > > The Filters need to be tested to verify they will > support Satellite Mode-J (TX on 2-meters while listening on > 435-438) > > > > Example: > > FM-5k, Filters 15k, 10k and 8k filters. > > AM Filters 10k, 6k, 3k, etc. > > SSB Filters 4.0k, 3.0k, 2.5k, 2.0k, > etc. > > > > Other Modes: > > CW, FM-2.5k, Data > > > > Audio Quality: > > Life is too short for QRP or Poor Audio. > > It's not the number of contacts that’s important, > it’s the quality of the contact. > > On the audio side, the HR-956-Pro needs to be able to > support a wider range of audio through most of the stages. > Of cour
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
--- On Mon, 3/1/10, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > >> No access to frequencies below 50 megacycles. > >> > Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to tell > when the > banding is close to opening. You also need 10m for Mode A. I'm still hoping that RS12/13 pops back to life like AO7 and will have its Mode T going again. That was alot of fun. 73s John AA5JG ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
I'm not normally one to throw cold water on creative ideas, but I will put myself in the position of the potential manufacturer. What any manufacturer would need to even contemplate this project is good answers to a few basic questions: 1. Can I come up with a design to these specifications that I can sell in the realistic price range of the typical amateur operator? 2. Is there a large enough market out there that I can make a profit on this exercise? My guess is the manufacturers wouldn't touch this one with 3.048-meter pole without at least one functioning high altitude satellite on orbit. I realize these are frustrating times, but I think you'll need to come up with more than just a wish list. Perhaps a group could get together and prototype portions to make a plausible case that this can be built economically. Can it be done? Probably... But those who really want it will probably need to invest a lot of sweat equity to prove it. 73, Ken N2WWD -Original Message- >From: "Mark L. Hammond" >Sent: Mar 1, 2010 1:55 PM >To: MM >Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > >How about IF tap (10.7MHz) and high speed packet ready (up to say, 76k >or faster)? > >(Maybe I missed it, but I don't think I saw those 2 features...) > >73, > >Mark N8MH > >On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 1:44 PM, MM wrote: >> My Ideal Competition Grade VHF/UHF Radio Wish list. >> >> It seems we are long over do for a Competition grade high performance >> VHF/UHF transceiver, which can also be used for Satellite operations. >> There are several competition grade HF transceivers on the market, however >> there are no high end competition grade VHF/UHF/Satellite systems on the >> marker. >> >> Most of the rigs I have seen which support VHF/UHF are either HF rigs that >> have had VHF/UHF slapped on, or low end VHF/UHF rigs, with HF slapped on. >> >> If we want the Amateur Radio manufactures to build us a "GREAT" >> VHF/UHF/Satellite system, then we need to tell them what we need. >> >> Here are some suggestions. Constructive comments welcome. >> >> This radio does not exist. >> If the manufactures are interested in providing a new state of the art >> VHF/UHF radio to the Amateur Radio community, here is one opinion of what >> should be in next Competition Grade VHF/UHF Transceiver and what should not >> be in the radio. >> >> I am going to give this fictional radio a name HR-956-Pro. >> >> >> What do we need: >> >> • We need a competition grade VHF/UHF transceiver that will support >> Terrestrial-DX, Satellite and EME operations (Voice, CW and Digital-JT65). >> • The HR-956-Pro, needs to be able to interface with modern computers >> (HTML Browser, USB and or CAT-5). >> • The HR-956-Pro, needs to able to interface with modern Externally >> mounted Pre-amplifier (both power feeds and transmitter sequencing). >> • The HR-956-Pro, need to be able to interface with modern Solid State >> Amplifiers and Tube based amplifiers. The RF output per band needs to be >> standardized with the Amplifier manufactures to prevent transceiver and >> amplifier failures due to sequencing problems and RF mismatching. >> • TX/RX Sequencer built-in, to control external Preamps, Amplifies and >> other accessories (programmable). >> >> Receiver: >> Of course we need a "Great" receiver, not another mediocre receiver. >> Each receiver for each band needs to be a "Great" performer. >> >> No Birdies: >> On a HF rig, a few Birdies do not usually cause serious issues, since the HF >> users are often listening to signals "Above" the noise floor. On a >> Satellite Radio, we are often listening to signals 10-30 dB, "Below" the >> Noise floor. Internally generated birdies are a serious problem for weak >> signal VHF/UHF operations. >> >> Filters: >> Each mode will need its own selection of DSP filters. The filters would >> also affect one of the Line-level outputs to the external PC. There are >> times when want to send Filtered or unfiltered audio to your external PC for >> Digital signal processing. One of the line-level outputs should be taped >> before the HR-956-Pro Filters, the other line-level output should be taped >> after the HR-956-Pro filters. The TX and RX filters should be independently >> selectable. >> The Filters need to be tested to verify they will support Satellite Mode-J >> (TX on 2-meters while listening on 435-438) >> >> E
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
At 10:47 AM 3/1/2010, Ken Ernandes wrote: >I'm not normally one to throw cold water on creative ideas, but I >will put myself in the position of the potential manufacturer. What >any manufacturer would need to even contemplate this project is good >answers to a few basic questions: 1. Can I come up with a design to >these specifications that I can sell in the realistic price range of >the typical amateur operator? 2. Is there a large enough market out >there that I can make a profit on this exercise? My guess is the >manufacturers wouldn't touch this one with 3.048-meter pole without >at least one functioning high altitude satellite on orbit. I >realize these are frustrating times, but I think you'll need to come >up with more than just a wish list. Perhaps a group could get >together and prototype portions to make a plausible case that this >can be built economically. Can it be done? Probably... But those >who really want it will probably need to invest a lot of sweat >equity to prove it. 73, Ken N2WWD Ken echoes what I thought when I saw this thread. Note: the FT-847 has not been replaced by Yaesu/Vertex. I really think this should be reset to be a SDR radio. Then most of those "niceties" would be handled by software. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com 500-KHz/CW, 144-MHz EME, 1296-MHz EME DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
It would need to be marketed, in addition to being a satellite rig, as a high performance, contest quality, VHF/UHF rig aimed at the highest level VHF ops. The casual weak signal op is going to stick with the FT897D and Icom 7000. 73s John AA5JG --- On Mon, 3/1/10, Ken Ernandes wrote: > From: Ken Ernandes > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > To: "Mark L. Hammond" , "MM" > Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 1:47 PM > I'm not normally one to throw cold > water on creative ideas, but I will put myself in the > position of the potential manufacturer. What any > manufacturer would need to even contemplate this project is > good answers to a few basic questions: > > 1. Can I come up with a design to these > specifications that I can sell in the realistic price range > of the typical amateur operator? > 2. Is there a large enough market out there that I > can make a profit on this exercise? > > My guess is the manufacturers wouldn't touch this one with > 3.048-meter pole without at least one functioning high > altitude satellite on orbit. I realize these are > frustrating times, but I think you'll need to come up with > more than just a wish list. Perhaps a group could get > together and prototype portions to make a plausible case > that this can be built economically. > > Can it be done? Probably... But those who > really want it will probably need to invest a lot of sweat > equity to prove it. > > 73, Ken N2WWD > > > > -----Original Message----- > >From: "Mark L. Hammond" > >Sent: Mar 1, 2010 1:55 PM > >To: MM > >Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF > Sat Rig > > > >How about IF tap (10.7MHz) and high speed packet ready > (up to say, 76k > >or faster)? > > > >(Maybe I missed it, but I don't think I saw those 2 > features...) > > > >73, > > > >Mark N8MH > > > >On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 1:44 PM, MM > wrote: > >> My Ideal Competition Grade VHF/UHF Radio Wish > list. > >> > >> It seems we are long over do for a Competition > grade high performance VHF/UHF transceiver, which can also > be used for Satellite operations. There are several > competition grade HF transceivers on the market, however > there are no high end competition grade VHF/UHF/Satellite > systems on the marker. > >> > >> Most of the rigs I have seen which support > VHF/UHF are either HF rigs that have had VHF/UHF slapped on, > or low end VHF/UHF rigs, with HF slapped on. > >> > >> If we want the Amateur Radio manufactures to build > us a "GREAT" VHF/UHF/Satellite system, then we need to tell > them what we need. > >> > >> Here are some suggestions. Constructive comments > welcome. > >> > >> This radio does not exist. > >> If the manufactures are interested in providing a > new state of the art VHF/UHF radio to the Amateur Radio > community, here is one opinion of what should be in next > Competition Grade VHF/UHF Transceiver and what should not be > in the radio. > >> > >> I am going to give this fictional radio a name > HR-956-Pro. > >> > >> > >> What do we need: > >> > >> • We need a competition grade VHF/UHF > transceiver that will support Terrestrial-DX, Satellite and > EME operations (Voice, CW and Digital-JT65). > >> • The HR-956-Pro, needs to be able to > interface with modern computers (HTML Browser, USB and or > CAT-5). > >> • The HR-956-Pro, needs to able to > interface with modern Externally mounted Pre-amplifier (both > power feeds and transmitter sequencing). > >> • The HR-956-Pro, need to be able to > interface with modern Solid State Amplifiers and Tube based > amplifiers. The RF output per band needs to be > standardized with the Amplifier manufactures to prevent > transceiver and amplifier failures due to sequencing > problems and RF mismatching. > >> • TX/RX Sequencer built-in, to control > external Preamps, Amplifies and other accessories > (programmable). > >> > >> Receiver: > >> Of course we need a "Great" receiver, not another > mediocre receiver. > >> Each receiver for each band needs to be a "Great" > performer. > >> > >> No Birdies: > >> On a HF rig, a few Birdies do not usually cause > serious issues, since the HF users are often listening to > signals "Above" the noise floor. On a Satellite Radio, we > are often list
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
Hi John, My concern with adding 10 meters to a competition class VHF/UHF high end satellite rig, is that the rig will turn into another mediocre HF rig with VHF/UHF added on. If we do start building Mode-A satellites in the future, then we can always use Two radios, a dedicated HF and a High performance Sat rig. The primary goal is to have the engineers put all the money into a kick but 6/2/440 transceiver. Thank you very much for your comments. WF1F --- On Mon, 3/1/10, John Geiger wrote: > From: John Geiger > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > To: "Mark L. Hammond" , "Andrew Glasbrenner" > > Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 2:32 PM > > > --- On Mon, 3/1/10, Andrew Glasbrenner > wrote: > > > >> No access to frequencies below 50 > megacycles. > > >> > > Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to > tell > > when the > > banding is close to opening. > > > You also need 10m for Mode A. I'm still hoping that > RS12/13 pops back to life like AO7 and will have its Mode T > going again. That was alot of fun. > > 73s John AA5JG > > > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
Dear friends, I agree with the 100W power requirement I completely agree with WF1F about not including the 28Mhz. I was wondering what about an SDR approach. Until now I just saw hf SDR radios but if it would be possible to use SDR technology most of the requirements would be satisfied and, quite sure, with lower costs and giving us the chance to customize much more easily such features. An SDR approach would also give to not major hamradio companies a chance to be more competitive on the market = more chances to get from them what we want Regards Fabio IZ1EGT / F5VKV On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 9:12 PM, MM wrote: > Hi John, > > My concern with adding 10 meters to a competition class VHF/UHF high end > satellite rig, is that the rig will turn into another mediocre HF rig with > VHF/UHF added on. > > If we do start building Mode-A satellites in the future, then we can > always use Two radios, a dedicated HF and a High performance Sat rig. > > The primary goal is to have the engineers put all the money into a kick but > 6/2/440 transceiver. > > Thank you very much for your comments. > > WF1F > > > --- On Mon, 3/1/10, John Geiger wrote: > > > From: John Geiger > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > > To: "Mark L. Hammond" , "Andrew Glasbrenner" < > glasbren...@mindspring.com> > > Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org > > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 2:32 PM > > > > > > --- On Mon, 3/1/10, Andrew Glasbrenner > > wrote: > > > > > >> No access to frequencies below 50 > > megacycles. > > > >> > > > Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to > > tell > > > when the > > > banding is close to opening. > > > > > > You also need 10m for Mode A. I'm still hoping that > > RS12/13 pops back to life like AO7 and will have its Mode T > > going again. That was alot of fun. > > > > 73s John AA5JG > > > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > > satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
Hello, beeing an engineer (RF/telecom) and V/UHF (and sat) addicted, I'm always thinkin about this very same issue, but I think that the best RTX would come from a bunch of engineers with an "open source" like project, not from one of the current manufacturers. Why? First because one such rig would cost too much in engineering research and project (if it really need to be state of the art and no compromise); secondly because no one would buy the next rig if such a great RTX would really exists. As for the features, comments are in line On 3/1/10, MM wrote: > My Ideal Competition Grade VHF/UHF Radio Wish list. > > It seems we are long over do for a Competition grade high performance > VHF/UHF transceiver, which can also be used for Satellite operations. There > are several competition grade HF transceivers on the market, however there > are no high end competition grade VHF/UHF/Satellite systems on the marker. > > Most of the rigs I have seen which support VHF/UHF are either HF rigs that > have had VHF/UHF slapped on, or low end VHF/UHF rigs, with HF slapped on. > > If we want the Amateur Radio manufactures to build us a "GREAT" > VHF/UHF/Satellite system, then we need to tell them what we need. > > Here are some suggestions. Constructive comments welcome. > > This radio does not exist. > If the manufactures are interested in providing a new state of the art > VHF/UHF radio to the Amateur Radio community, here is one opinion of what > should be in next Competition Grade VHF/UHF Transceiver and what should not > be in the radio. > > I am going to give this fictional radio a name HR-956-Pro. > > > What do we need: > > • We need a competition grade VHF/UHF transceiver that will support > Terrestrial-DX, Satellite and EME operations (Voice, CW and Digital-JT65). > • The HR-956-Pro, needs to be able to interface with modern computers > (HTML Browser, USB and or CAT-5). Ok for USB, maybe ethernet, but I'd put the controlling software on the PC/computer end, CPU in my opinion needs to do only the essential non the inside of the RTX, we don't really need heavy digital noise/birdies and no necessary power consumption. You need to have a computer anyway. Yes, digital noise and birdies can be confined, but if it's the least possible from start, I'd vote for it. > • The HR-956-Pro, needs to able to interface with modern Externally > mounted Pre-amplifier (both power feeds and transmitter sequencing). agreed. > • The HR-956-Pro, need to be able to interface with modern Solid State > Amplifiers and Tube based amplifiers. The RF output per band needs to be > standardized with the Amplifier manufactures to prevent transceiver and > amplifier failures due to sequencing problems and RF mismatching. it's good to have power level set by software settings in case of amplifier presence. However many solid state amplifiers have poor IMD performance when operated at a lower setting. This needs to be addressed from the project stage. > • TX/RX Sequencer built-in, to control external Preamps, Amplifies and > other accessories (programmable). agreed. > > Receiver: > Of course we need a "Great" receiver, not another mediocre receiver. > Each receiver for each band needs to be a "Great" performer. separate receivers and transmitter chains, in my dreams the RTX can host one module per band and one module per IF, yes, two separate IF chains are a must for satellite work or just to monitor two bands at time. One could also chose analog or fully digital IF module too. Let's say 4 bays for band modules and two bays for IF modules. Of course all IF stages are accessible both pre-filtered and post-filtered. > > No Birdies: > On a HF rig, a few Birdies do not usually cause serious issues, since the HF > users are often listening to signals "Above" the noise floor. On a Satellite > Radio, we are often listening to signals 10-30 dB, "Below" the Noise floor. > Internally generated birdies are a serious problem for weak signal VHF/UHF > operations. agreed. I'd add, the lowest possible phase noise on conversion oscillators, I'd have no more than two total conversions per band. All oscillators locked to internal or external 10 MHz reference. > > Filters: > Each mode will need its own selection of DSP filters. The filters would > also affect one of the Line-level outputs to the external PC. There are > times when want to send Filtered or unfiltered audio to your external PC for > Digital signal processing. One of the line-level outputs should be taped > before the HR-956-Pro Filters, the other line-level output should be taped > after the HR-956-Pro filters. The TX and RX filters should be independently > selectable. > The Filters need to be tested to verify they will support Satellite Mode-J > (TX on 2-meters while listening on 435-438) > > Example: > FM-5k, Filters 15k, 10k and 8k filters. > AM Filters 10k, 6k, 3k, etc. > SSB
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
Hello This "ideal" rig might be good for all people (ham shack in a box). However-not all of us use or want all things. When we do, we improvise and "make" whatever we want to work. That has been a ham tradition since the beginning. I would wager as soon as the "HR-956 pro" came on the market as described there would be some complaining, "well why the heck didn't they do blank blank". We will never satisfy the entire ham population, which is why I thoroughly enjoy making what I have, do what I want it to do. Not always easy, but very rewarding. Besides it would probably cost a gazillion dollars. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle - Original Message - From: "MM" To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, March 1, 2010 10:44:00 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig My Ideal Competition Grade VHF/UHF Radio Wish list. It seems we are long over do for a Competition grade high performance VHF/UHF transceiver, which can also be used for Satellite operations. There are several competition grade HF transceivers on the market, however there are no high end competition grade VHF/UHF/Satellite systems on the marker. Most of the rigs I have seen which support VHF/UHF are either HF rigs that have had VHF/UHF slapped on, or low end VHF/UHF rigs, with HF slapped on. If we want the Amateur Radio manufactures to build us a "GREAT" VHF/UHF/Satellite system, then we need to tell them what we need. Here are some suggestions. Constructive comments welcome. This radio does not exist. If the manufactures are interested in providing a new state of the art VHF/UHF radio to the Amateur Radio community, here is one opinion of what should be in next Competition Grade VHF/UHF Transceiver and what should not be in the radio. I am going to give this fictional radio a name HR-956-Pro. What do we need: •We need a competition grade VHF/UHF transceiver that will support Terrestrial-DX, Satellite and EME operations (Voice, CW and Digital-JT65). •The HR-956-Pro, needs to be able to interface with modern computers (HTML Browser, USB and or CAT-5). •The HR-956-Pro, needs to able to interface with modern Externally mounted Pre-amplifier (both power feeds and transmitter sequencing). •The HR-956-Pro, need to be able to interface with modern Solid State Amplifiers and Tube based amplifiers. The RF output per band needs to be standardized with the Amplifier manufactures to prevent transceiver and amplifier failures due to sequencing problems and RF mismatching. •TX/RX Sequencer built-in, to control external Preamps, Amplifies and other accessories (programmable). Receiver: Of course we need a "Great" receiver, not another mediocre receiver. Each receiver for each band needs to be a "Great" performer. No Birdies: On a HF rig, a few Birdies do not usually cause serious issues, since the HF users are often listening to signals "Above" the noise floor. On a Satellite Radio, we are often listening to signals 10-30 dB, "Below" the Noise floor. Internally generated birdies are a serious problem for weak signal VHF/UHF operations. Filters: Each mode will need its own selection of DSP filters. The filters would also affect one of the Line-level outputs to the external PC. There are times when want to send Filtered or unfiltered audio to your external PC for Digital signal processing. One of the line-level outputs should be taped before the HR-956-Pro Filters, the other line-level output should be taped after the HR-956-Pro filters. The TX and RX filters should be independently selectable. The Filters need to be tested to verify they will support Satellite Mode-J (TX on 2-meters while listening on 435-438) Example: FM-5k, Filters 15k, 10k and 8k filters. AMFilters 10k, 6k, 3k, etc. SSBFilters4.0k, 3.0k, 2.5k, 2.0k, etc. Other Modes: CW, FM-2.5k, Data Audio Quality: Life is too short for QRP or Poor Audio. It's not the number of contacts that’s important, it’s the quality of the contact. On the audio side, the HR-956-Pro needs to be able to support a wider range of audio through most of the stages. Of course the radio needs to meet FCC and other requirements, however we can still design the radio to deliver a wider bandwidth of good sounding audio. Let's shoot for 100-4000 Hz, on both TX and RX audio circuits. This will also mean, that a better stock microphone design will be required. VHF / UHF Bands built-in, with competition grade TX/RX: 6-meters50-54 2-meters144-148 70-cm420 - 450 23-cm1280 - 1300 (All frequencies localized for each country) Transmitter outputs: A high power transceiver is less desirable than a low power transceiver. Let me explain: For serious Terrestrial DX and EME you need to run more than 100 watts. A VHF/UHF
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
I'm been thinking about this type of radio also. My wish list (being a Kenwood guy) would be, take the case of the 480 HX load it with 2M ,440, and maybe 1.2G all mode. I'm no radio builder but I would think that using the case and head wouldn't be that hard. I'd really like to see something other than the ts-2000 that would run the sats. N0FJP -- From: "Fabio Roccatagliata" Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 02:30 PM To: Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > Dear friends, > > I agree with the 100W power requirement I completely agree with WF1F about > not including the 28Mhz. > > I was wondering what about an SDR approach. Until now I just saw hf SDR > radios but if it would be possible to use SDR technology most of the > requirements would be satisfied and, quite sure, with lower costs and > giving > us the chance to customize much more easily such features. > > An SDR approach would also give to not major hamradio companies a chance > to > be more competitive on the market = more chances to get from them what we > want > > Regards > Fabio > IZ1EGT / F5VKV > > On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 9:12 PM, MM wrote: > >> Hi John, >> >> My concern with adding 10 meters to a competition class VHF/UHF high end >> satellite rig, is that the rig will turn into another mediocre HF rig >> with >> VHF/UHF added on. >> >> If we do start building Mode-A satellites in the future, then we can >> always use Two radios, a dedicated HF and a High performance Sat rig. >> >> The primary goal is to have the engineers put all the money into a kick >> but >> 6/2/440 transceiver. >> >> Thank you very much for your comments. >> >> WF1F >> >> >> --- On Mon, 3/1/10, John Geiger wrote: >> >> > From: John Geiger >> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig >> > To: "Mark L. Hammond" , "Andrew Glasbrenner" < >> glasbren...@mindspring.com> >> > Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org >> > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 2:32 PM >> > >> > >> > --- On Mon, 3/1/10, Andrew Glasbrenner >> > wrote: >> > >> > > >> No access to frequencies below 50 >> > megacycles. >> > > >> >> > > Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to >> > tell >> > > when the >> > > banding is close to opening. >> > >> > >> > You also need 10m for Mode A. I'm still hoping that >> > RS12/13 pops back to life like AO7 and will have its Mode T >> > going again. That was alot of fun. >> > >> > 73s John AA5JG >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > ___ >> > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. >> > Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur >> > satellite program! >> > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> ___ >> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
Ken Ernandes expunged (n2...@mindspring.com): > 1. Can I come up with a design to these specifications that I can sell in > the realistic price range of the typical amateur operator? > 2. Is there a large enough market out there that I can make a profit on this > exercise? I generally agree with these questions, but how do you explain the Icom IC-7800? That's a $10,000 rig! I personally am planning on skipping the "all-in-one" box (even if it actually existed) and will be building an SDR/Transverter based system eventually. I think you have much better control of your environment with the SDR/Xverter combo. -Steve N1JFU - http://n1jfu.blogspot.com - sme...@twitter ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
It's predominantly sold to the commercial/government market. On 01-Mar-10 21:04, Steve Meuse wrote: > > I generally agree with these questions, but how do you explain the Icom > IC-7800? That's a $10,000 rig! > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
On Mon, 2010-03-01 at 21:30 +0100, francesco messineo wrote: > Hello, > > beeing an engineer (RF/telecom) and V/UHF (and sat) addicted, I'm > always thinkin about this very same issue, but I think that the best > RTX would come from a bunch of engineers with an "open source" like > project, not from one of the current manufacturers. How I wish Motorola would open-source their firmware for their commercial radios. I spent a whole day working around *stupid* bugs in Mototrbo radios, that I'm pretty certain I could have fixed properly in the same amount of time given access to the appropriate developer toolchain and source. I'm still stuck with a crash bug triggered by trying to clear an Emergency button activation - so when you hit your "emergency" button the dispatcher radio resets itself. Ooooh-kay, I'll just file a bug... oh no I won't, because I can't and Motorola do not welcome any comments about software or hardware defects. Great job, guys. Gordon MM0YEQ ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
There is one US made radio on the market today that will meet >>>ALL<<< the desires & requirements discussed in this thread -- and it is made by an AMSAT member (K5SDR)! It was on view at last fall's AMSAT Symposium. I say "ALL" contingent on the release of one module RSN (Real! Soon! Now!). I'm talking about the software-defined Flex 5000 (see http://www.flex-radio.com/). When the new V/U module is released (by Dayton), the F5K can be used at the 100W level on 160-6M, and 60W on V=2M & U=70cm. It will operate Full-Duplex in any combination of V/U (+10 meters). Greg, K5GJ described the new V/U module fully at the AMSAT Symposium. Flex has offered significant door prizes (like half of a base 5K) at all the recent AMSAT & TAPR meetings (I won a prize that I converted to a V/U upgrade for my personal F5K; I eagerly expect it in the next month or so). For some more info, this is clipped from the Flex advertising describing the new V/U module: > The FLEX-5000 V/U module is a fully integrated all-mode, all-band > (144-148/430-450 MHz) full-duplex VHF/UHF module that adds both 2m and > 70 cm capabilities to the already outstanding FLEX-5000 family of > software defined radios. All of the FLEX-5000 V/U module's > oscillators are locked to the 500 MHz master oscillator in the > FLEX-5000, which in turn is locked to the internal 0.5ppm reference or > it may be connected to an external 10 MHz reference for even greater > frequency stability. If want additional HF capability, you can add a second receiver and/or automatic antenna tuner. You can tie the entire radio to a GPS or Rubidium frequency reference for accuracy/stability at levels better than a part per billion. For any of the microwave bands (23 cm and up), either the V or U channel can serve as the IF for a transverter. For the wider bandwidth modes discussed for the "HR-956-Pro", the F5K is capable of supporting anything up to a few hundred kHz. For these SDRs, new software support shows up daily, contributed (free) by a significant cadre of amateurs. If a modem for some different mode, is needed, IOS (It's Only Software! ). And the price for a fully decked out is less than half of that forecast for the "fictional HR-956-Pro" (even including a suitable PC). SUPPORT THE US MANUFACTURERS! THEY ARE A RARE BREED! 73, Tom ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
I ordered a cheap 6 meter SDR (about $20) to dedicate with a netbook to monitor the beacon portion of 6 meters. 73 de W4AS (who wants to daisy chain a Flex 1500 with a couple of DEMI transverters) > Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to tell when the > banding is close to opening. > > 73, Drew KO4MA (Who'd settle for a full duplex FT-817) ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
On 01 Mar 2010, at 13:44, MM wrote: > > VHF / UHF Optional bands or Transverter: > The Amateur radio community is constantly experimenting with new bands. It > would be nice to have a Transverter module or expansion module for future > bands. In the USA these bands are becoming popular, 220mc, 900 mc, etc Expansion modules would be very nice--drop it in and it works. 900, 2.3/2.4 GHz, maybe even higher bands. > > No obsolete Serial ports: > No RS-232 or TTL. > These devices are so last century. RS232 is still extremely important for interfacing with older computers, accessories, or homebrew gadgets. I can't think of a simpler way to do it. Maybe put it on something other than a DE-9 connector though. Mike KI4RIX Best regards, Mike Benonis m...@benonis.net KI4RIX ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
That's right, Tom--the same thought occurred to me as the list was growing: "Hey, that sounds like the Flex-5000 with uhf/vhf modules!" By my early calculations (but poor memory!) it's approaching $4000-5000, depending on the options added. It's a signficant radio, and it has a signficant price tag to match. Most of us (me in that group) wish it was more like $2-3k...but it's understandable why it's not in that range. It may stay on my dream list for a while... 73, Mark N8MH On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 4:55 PM, Tom Clark, K3IO wrote: > There is one US made radio on the market today that will meet >>>ALL<<< > the desires & requirements discussed in this thread -- and it is made by > an AMSAT member (K5SDR)! It was on view at last fall's AMSAT Symposium. > I say "ALL" contingent on the release of one module RSN (Real! Soon! Now!). > > I'm talking about the software-defined Flex 5000 (see > http://www.flex-radio.com/). When the new V/U module is released (by > Dayton), the F5K can be used at the 100W level on 160-6M, and 60W on > V=2M & U=70cm. It will operate Full-Duplex in any combination of V/U > (+10 meters). Greg, K5GJ described the new V/U module fully at the AMSAT > Symposium. Flex has offered significant door prizes (like half of a base > 5K) at all the recent AMSAT & TAPR meetings (I won a prize that I > converted to a V/U upgrade for my personal F5K; I eagerly expect it in > the next month or so). > > For some more info, this is clipped from the Flex advertising describing > the new V/U module: >> The FLEX-5000 V/U module is a fully integrated all-mode, all-band >> (144-148/430-450 MHz) full-duplex VHF/UHF module that adds both 2m and >> 70 cm capabilities to the already outstanding FLEX-5000 family of >> software defined radios. All of the FLEX-5000 V/U module's >> oscillators are locked to the 500 MHz master oscillator in the >> FLEX-5000, which in turn is locked to the internal 0.5ppm reference or >> it may be connected to an external 10 MHz reference for even greater >> frequency stability. > If want additional HF capability, you can add a second receiver and/or > automatic antenna tuner. You can tie the entire radio to a GPS or > Rubidium frequency reference for accuracy/stability at levels better > than a part per billion. > > For any of the microwave bands (23 cm and up), either the V or U channel > can serve as the IF for a transverter. For the wider bandwidth modes > discussed for the "HR-956-Pro", the F5K is capable of supporting > anything up to a few hundred kHz. For these SDRs, new software support > shows up daily, contributed (free) by a significant cadre of amateurs. > If a modem for some different mode, is needed, IOS (It's Only Software! ). > > And the price for a fully decked out is less than half of that forecast > for the "fictional HR-956-Pro" (even including a suitable PC). > > SUPPORT THE US MANUFACTURERS! THEY ARE A RARE BREED! > > 73, Tom > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
When I retired 4 years ago, I had a long list of things to do, get, or build on my ham radio To Do list. After looking at the Flex 5K, I realized that well over half of them would be rendered moot by it. Since virtually none of my operating is on HF, I have been waiting (and waiting, and waiting,) for the V/U module to be ready. While waiting, I have gathered a few tools to go with it, including a GPS disciplined reference oscillator, so I will never need to wonder about what frequency I am really on. It looks as if that time is almost here, and I will be able to retire my venerable FT-847. Who knows, I may even start working HF again. And it will feel good to buy American again. The last purely US Rig I had was from Hallicrafters. Alan WA4SCA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
When Clint wins the lottery ... I am going to have 10,000 or so handhelds (sorry, guys) made that are truly useable by the visually-impaired - and give 'em away to that community. Voice prompts and voice when any key is touched. An intelligently-laid-out keypad that gets spec'd to me by HandiHams. Something TRULY appreciated by that community. I have seen visually-impaired hams work with the old ADI AT-600 - which was well-received. But there's so much more than can be put into an HT. I mean, hams liked the AT-600 (and Kenwood TH-F6a) because it "beeped" at certain points when programming (like when you scrolled CTCSS and hit 100.0hz). But we need to build voice into every step of programming. The technology is there. OK. Enough for Clint's off-topic rant. But if you ever see me on CNN as a lottery winner - expect a GREAT handheld radio for the visually-impaired about six months thereafter. Clint, K6LCS ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
At 01:39 PM 3/1/2010, Alan P. Biddle wrote: >When I retired 4 years ago, I had a long list of things to do, get, or build >on my ham radio To Do list. After looking at the Flex 5K, I realized that >well over half of them would be rendered moot by it. Since virtually none >of my operating is on HF, I have been waiting (and waiting, and waiting,) >for the V/U module to be ready. While waiting, I have gathered a few tools >to go with it, including a GPS disciplined reference oscillator, so I will >never need to wonder about what frequency I am really on. It looks as if >that time is almost here, and I will be able to retire my venerable FT-847. >Who knows, I may even start working HF again. And it will feel good to buy >American again. The last purely US Rig I had was from Hallicrafters. > >Alan >WA4SCA >__ >Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb Nice if you can afford it. My advice is do not wait until retirement to buy that dream radio. Living on social security and medicare does not provide for new toys! I am stuck with having to convince my wife to let me spend $3K of my 401K for ham radio...haven't worked up the courage, yet. We decided to withdraw $8K to payoff her new Toyota Sienna van so we are not having to come up with $600 car payments each month for another couple years. I have figured out that interest on my 401K will just be enough to pay my income tax on my social security...wow! What is my dream radio? Elecraft-K3 (dual-Rx) with new DEMI 2m & 70cm xvtrs. I can't even think about a F5K (dual-Rx). I do have an SDR-IQ, FT-847, and FT817. Figured that selling the FT-847 would (maybe) pay for the new xvtrs. Reality...I probably will have to quit ham radio when the FT-847 dies :-( 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com 500-KHz/CW, 144-MHz EME, 1296-MHz EME DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
You forgot to include 222 MHz. With 222 MHz, you would sell a lot to weak signal VHF guys. It is even more lacking in commercial gear than satellite capable rigs. I loved Mode A, so I second including 28 MHz. Plus if you don't include 222 MHz, people who have transverters can use 28 MHz as an IF. I assume that you are talking about two radios in a single box, or if not you should be. One of the radios at least should have a separate receive input to facilitate separate feedline runs to a mast mounted preamp. That simplifies switching at the antenna a lot, particualrly with a built in sequencer (by band). Two antenna inputs per band. This would allow a high gain antenna and an omnidirectional antenna to be used without antenna switching external to the radio. The ability to share a single antenna input between band or bands would be nice. I rove a lot and would like the rig for that. For roving, 100W per band, perhaps 30W-50W on 902 and 1296 is the minimum acceptable for portable use. If the power is adjustable per band, I do not see the problem with this power level. Also, there is a lot to be gained in tropo work in going from 25W to 100W, lots and lots. Good front end filtering is essential. With a SDR, why not build in a computer with tracking, logging, digital modes available. Just plug in a keyboard and mike and go. IF output is very useful for lots of things. A pair of K2s, equipped with the XV50 to XV432 series transverters come close to meeting your requirements, as does a K3 equipped with the subreceiver and XV144 to XV432 transverters. In particular, the Elecraft implementation of transverter interface and switching is very nice. - Duffey -- KK6MC James Duffey Cedar Crest NM ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
Actually I would like to see something like the FT817 does, where you have 6 or so antenna jacks on the back and you can menu select the jack for each band, so you could put 6m and 2m on one jack if you have a dualband antenna, or put 2m/70cm on one, etc. 73s JOhn AA5JG --- On Mon, 3/1/10, James Duffey wrote: > From: James Duffey > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > To: "MM" > Cc: "James Duffey" , amsat-bb@amsat.org > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 7:15 PM > You forgot to include 222 MHz. With > 222 MHz, you would sell a lot to weak signal VHF guys. It is > even more lacking in commercial gear than satellite capable > rigs. > > I loved Mode A, so I second including 28 MHz. Plus if you > don't include 222 MHz, people who have transverters can use > 28 MHz as an IF. > > I assume that you are talking about two radios in a single > box, or if not you should be. One of the radios at least > should have a separate receive input to facilitate separate > feedline runs to a mast mounted preamp. That simplifies > switching at the antenna a lot, particualrly with a built in > sequencer (by band). > > Two antenna inputs per band. This would allow a high gain > antenna and an omnidirectional antenna to be used without > antenna switching external to the radio. The ability to > share a single antenna input between band or bands would be > nice. > > I rove a lot and would like the rig for that. For roving, > 100W per band, perhaps 30W-50W on 902 and 1296 is the > minimum acceptable for portable use. If the power is > adjustable per band, I do not see the problem with this > power level. Also, there is a lot to be gained in tropo work > in going from 25W to 100W, lots and lots. > > Good front end filtering is essential. > > With a SDR, why not build in a computer with tracking, > logging, digital modes available. Just plug in a keyboard > and mike and go. > > IF output is very useful for lots of things. > > A pair of K2s, equipped with the XV50 to XV432 series > transverters come close to meeting your requirements, as > does a K3 equipped with the subreceiver and XV144 to XV432 > transverters. In particular, the Elecraft implementation of > transverter interface and switching is very nice. - Duffey > > > -- > KK6MC > James Duffey > Cedar Crest NM > > > > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig (flex 5000)
Dear Tom: Thank you very much for reminding us of the Flex product line. They have progressed a long way since the last time I looked into SDR. I will review the specifications of the Flex-5000 very closely. It does appear to be clearly the next generation of competition grade/satellite transceiver WF1F Miles --- On Mon, 3/1/10, Tom Clark, K3IO wrote: > From: Tom Clark, K3IO > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig > To: "AMSAT BB" > Date: Monday, March 1, 2010, 4:55 PM > There is one US made radio on the > market today that will meet >>>ALL<<< > the desires & requirements discussed in this thread -- > and it is made by > an AMSAT member (K5SDR)! It was on view at last fall's > AMSAT Symposium. > I say "ALL" contingent on the release of one module RSN > (Real! Soon! Now!). > > I'm talking about the software-defined Flex 5000 (see > http://www.flex-radio.com/). When the new V/U module is > released (by > Dayton), the F5K can be used at the 100W level on 160-6M, > and 60W on > V=2M & U=70cm. It will operate Full-Duplex in any > combination of V/U > (+10 meters). Greg, K5GJ described the new V/U module fully > at the AMSAT > Symposium. Flex has offered significant door prizes (like > half of a base > 5K) at all the recent AMSAT & TAPR meetings (I won a > prize that I > converted to a V/U upgrade for my personal F5K; I eagerly > expect it in > the next month or so). > > For some more info, this is clipped from the Flex > advertising describing > the new V/U module: > > The FLEX-5000 V/U module is a fully integrated > all-mode, all-band > > (144-148/430-450 MHz) full-duplex VHF/UHF module that > adds both 2m and > > 70 cm capabilities to the already outstanding > FLEX-5000 family of > > software defined radios. All of the FLEX-5000 > V/U module's > > oscillators are locked to the 500 MHz master > oscillator in the > > FLEX-5000, which in turn is locked to the internal > 0.5ppm reference or > > it may be connected to an external 10 MHz reference > for even greater > > frequency stability. > If want additional HF capability, you can add a second > receiver and/or > automatic antenna tuner. You can tie the entire radio to a > GPS or > Rubidium frequency reference for accuracy/stability at > levels better > than a part per billion. > > For any of the microwave bands (23 cm and up), either the V > or U channel > can serve as the IF for a transverter. For the wider > bandwidth modes > discussed for the "HR-956-Pro", the F5K is capable of > supporting > anything up to a few hundred kHz. For these SDRs, new > software support > shows up daily, contributed (free) by a significant cadre > of amateurs. > If a modem for some different mode, is needed, IOS (It's > Only Software! ). > > And the price for a fully decked out is less than half of > that forecast > for the "fictional HR-956-Pro" (even including a > suitable PC). > > SUPPORT THE US MANUFACTURERS! THEY ARE A RARE BREED! > > 73, Tom > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
