Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users

[Peter Scheller]

Hello All,
Somehow I did not receive all your messages, but the last posting from Rick
contained all the missing pieces. I thank everybody for your input. A lot of
information to digest, and I will get back to some of you for further guidance.
Sorry for all my questions, but if you don't ask, you get no answers
73,
Peter, NH6VB
 
> Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 12:47:19 -0400
> From: rjl...@gmail.com
> To: telli...@itsco.com
> CC: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
> 
> You're right and makes sense to me. The fewer moving parts the better I
> always say.
> Rick
> W2JAZ
> 
> On Tue, Aug 3, 2010 at 4:41 PM, Tim Ellison  wrote:
> 
> > And it does a good job of it too. I don’t think W6IHG is improving it
> > anymore, but it really works well on my 910H, which I plan to retire after I
> > get the V/U in service.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -Tim
> >
> >
> >
> > *From:* kq...@verizon.net [mailto:kq...@verizon.net]
> > *Sent:* Tuesday, August 03, 2010 4:34 PM
> >
> > *To:* Tim Ellison
> > *Cc:* rjl...@gmail.com; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> > *Subject:* Re: RE: Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
> >
> >
> >
> > OK, so the Radio Tuner program completes what Nova was always lacking.
> > Thanks for the clarification.
> > Jim
> >
> >
> > Aug 3, 2010 01:31:15 PM, telli...@itsco.com wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="
> > http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml";
> > >xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40";>
> > >
> >
> > They
> > >are two separate programs that accomplish the same thing. Except
> > RadioTuner uses
> > >Nova for Doppler control.
> >
> > -Tim
> >
> > *From:* kq...@verizon.net [mailto:kq...@verizon.net ]
> > > *Sent:* Tuesday, August 03, 2010 4:09 PM
> > > *To:* Tim Ellison
> > > *Cc:* rjl...@gmail.com; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> > > *Subject:* Re: Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
> >
> > Tim, do you mean SatPC32 AND/OR Radio Tuner?
> > > Since SatPC32 does Doppler correction and rotor pointing, I'd rather just
> > use it
> > >than have another application to worry about.
> > > 73, Jim KQ6EA
> > >
> > >
> > > Aug 3, 2010 11:28:51 AM, telli...@itsco.com wrote:
> >
> > >There has been some testing with SatPC32 and RadioTuner by
> > >W6IHG with the V/U module.
> > > > Both look like they will work fine.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >-Tim
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >-Original Message-
> > > >From: flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz [
> > mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz ]
> > On Behalf Of Richard Lawn
> > > >Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 2:12 PM
> > > >To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> > > >Subject: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
> > > >
> > > >I'd like to hear from anyone using the 5000A on the satellites. I'm
> > > >interested in the software you are using, rotor control, and of course
> > >any
> > > >quirks or issues you've encountered. I'm thinking of clearing out my
> > > >shack
> > > >including the FT-847 and trying the 5000A with VHF/UHF module.
> > > >TNX
> > > >Rick
> > > >W2JAZ
> > > >___
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> >
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Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users

[Peter Scheller]

Tim,
 
I was rather thinking of connecting the output of the (my) SCS modem
to the Flex and have the best of both worlds. Also in maritime mobile
application, it sure would enhance e-mail access, given the superior attributes
of the Flex system.
 
Just thinking out loud.
 
73,
Peter NH6VB
 
 
> Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 22:19:28 -0500
> From: tim.n9...@gmail.com
> To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
> 
> Peter et al,
> 
> Winmor is not intended to be a Pactor III replacement. It is designed to 
> have as high a data rate as possible given the legal limitations of HF 
> while being very robust. It is also limited by being a sound card mode.
> 
> Pactor III is a proprietary mode. The only way to legally use them 
> whether you use external hardware or not is to license the technology 
> from SCS. It is my understanding that to date no one has licenses P III 
> from them.
> 
> I have no idea what a Pactor III OEM license would cost but I imagine it 
> would not be cheap. It would probably entail a great deal of expense for 
> Flex to add a feature a small number of users would care about.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Tim McDonough, N9PUZ
> IL ARES Assistant SEC - Digital Operations
> Sangamon County, Springfield, IL
> 
> On 8/3/2010 8:48 PM, Peter Scheller wrote:
> 
> > As an added item, and that has nothing to do with satellite operation, I am 
> > also
> > an AF MARS member, running a WL2K PACTOR III station. A PACTOR III modem
> > is external hardware, and cannot be duplicated by soundcard as tried 
> > (Winmore).
> >
> > My question here is, if there is a way of incorporating an external SCS 
> > modem
> > into a Flex radio system to have "Radio e-mail". If that would be possible, 
> > that would
> > be wonderful and worth the purchase of a Flex 300 by itself. Food for 
> > thought.
> 
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Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users

[Peter Scheller]

Well here, it is not my intention ti incite WW III.
 
So just for basics, Flex Radio is admit tingly a superior radio. No doubt.
Price, depends on options. With all bells, accessories and whistles a price tag
of $7000.00+ is foreseeable.
 
Icom only proprietary system, not likely. My pre amps are SSB, the best 
available.
So why run separate power cables, if there is no need for them?
 
My complaint about the shortcomings of a Flex radio are strictly the 
requirements for
external power cables to antenna mounted pre amps for satellite operation. 
Nothing else.
 
As an added item, and that has nothing to do with satellite operation, I am also
an AF MARS member, running a WL2K PACTOR III station. A PACTOR III modem 
is external hardware, and cannot be duplicated by soundcard as tried (Winmore).
 
My question here is, if there is a way of incorporating an external SCS modem
into a Flex radio system to have "Radio e-mail". If that would be possible, 
that would
be wonderful and worth the purchase of a Flex 300 by itself. Food for thought.
 
In summary, it is not, and was not my intend to "knock" Flex radios, but point 
out
the shortcomings for my intended use.
 
73,
Peter, NH6VB


Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 20:07:49 -0400
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
From: brian-wb6...@lloyd.com
To: nh...@msn.com
CC: flexradio@flex-radio.biz

On Tue, Aug 3, 2010 at 7:30 PM, Peter Scheller  wrote:



Brian,
 
On my current satellite radio (IC-910) there is no need to run separate power
cables to the antenna mounted pre amps. They are switched in and out by 
software.



But the software has to do something to communicate with the preamps and 
possibly power amps up there. Also, if you place a tower mounted power amp up 
there you aren't going to be able to power it effectively through the coax.
 

Separate power cables to the pre amps, and manual switching are, at least to me,
NOT ACCEPTABLE. Particular on a (very good) $7000.00+ radio. Would you like to 
put a model "T" type engine hand crank on a corvette?



Well, I certainly wouldn't consider this manual switching. You hit the PTT on 
your mic and a lot of very nice, automatic sequencing happens. That is uses 
separate wires may seem archaic to you but to me it spells a LOT of flexibility 
to accomplish any sort of power and sequencing I might have in mind. It also 
allows me to integrate products from different vendors to achieve maximum 
performance and flexibility. 


Perhaps I am wrong but it sounds like what you are using with your IC-9100 is a 
closed, proprietary system from Icom. Now I am not knocking Icom but I would 
bet that their control system does not allow you to easily integrate products 
from other vendors. I am also willing to bet that the Icom preamps are not the 
best available. I am sure they are good, but probably not the best. I tend to 
be oriented to performance and am willing to do some integration in order to 
achieve it. You seem to be oriented toward convenience and are willing to 
accept some performance compromises to achieve that. I fully understand. Life 
is about choices. 


The satellite systems I am most familiar with are VSATs pushing data through 
various geostationary satellites. I expect to have to run separate power and 
control to things like dish-mounted 200W C-band and Ku-band transmitting 
converters and LNBs. It is just the nature of the beast and it has perhaps set 
my expectations differently from yours. 


But I understand where you are coming from. It is nice to run the coax up the 
tower, attach the preamp, and have everything be automatic from the get-go. I 
don't think you are going to get that from Flex as Flex doesn't make matching 
mast-mounted preamps. I saw that Tim suggested that you run power up the coax 
using a bias-injection 'T' which should work for powering and switching the 
preamps. It probably wouldn't take much, just a relay, to control that from the 
Flex to switch off the power to the preamp and put the preamp into bypass 
before TX PTT is asserted in the radio. It would be very close to what you have 
working with the Icom preamps but it would require a bit of work on your part. 
You just have to decide whether or not it is worth it. 


Me? I like the Flex radios. They have the best receivers I have used. Period. 
To me it would be worth an hour or two with a soldering iron and some 
hand-tools. I think their built-in sequencer is quite nice and quite advanced. 
Usually you have to buy an outboard box to get that. To me that *is* the 
"Corvette" approach. 


And besides, even a brand new Corvette needs new springs, shocks, wheels, 
tires, anti-sway bars, bushings (I prefer Delrin myself), seat, and roll-bar 
before it is *REALLY* ready to drive. It is all a matter of perspective. ;-) 


(I drive a tricked-out Miata on the track myself but the 'vette is a close 
second for best-raw-material-for-a-track-car. And I

Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users

[Peter Scheller]

Brian,
 
On my current satellite radio (IC-910) there is no need to run separate power
cables to the antenna mounted pre amps. They are switched in and out by 
software.
Separate power cables to the pre amps, and manual switching are, at least to me,
NOT ACCEPTABLE. Particular on a (very good) $7000.00+ radio. Would you like to 
put a model "T" type engine hand crank on a corvette?
 
73,
Peter NH6VB
 


Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 18:36:45 -0400
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Satellite Users
From: brian-wb6...@lloyd.com
To: nh...@msn.com
CC: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz



From: Peter Scheller [mailto:nh...@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 3:29 PM
To: Tim Ellison
Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Satellite Users

The problem I see with the Flex as a satellite user is,
that you cannot (at least yet) supply the 12VDC needed
for switching in and out antenna mounted pre-amps.
This is a serious deficiency that keeps me from becoming
a proud Flex owner. Just my 2c  worth.
Peter, NH6VB AMSAT #30992



Deficiency? Huh. One of the nice things about the F5K is that it has a PTT 
sequencer built-in. There are three PTT outputs and PSDR allows you to set the 
delay between them. Since someone doing serious microwave work would probably 
want to sequence the RX amp, the TX amp, and then the transverter, I can't see 
how you could escape running separate PTT wiring up the tower so running 
separate power wiring up also seems reasonable.

-- 
Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL
3191 Western Dr.
Cameron Park, CA 95682
br...@lloyd.com
+1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)
+1.931.492.6776 (USA)
(+1.931.4.WB6RQN)

  
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Re: [Flexradio] [FlexEdge] V/U module at Dayton?

[Peter Scheller]

Tim et al,

Is the Flex 5K with V/U modules installed capable of supplying 12VDC

to antenna mounted pre amps? If not, is this a future objective?

 

73,

Peter, NH6VB
 
> From: telli...@itsco.com
> To: n...@charter.net
> Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 15:41:54 -0400
> CC: flexe...@flex-radio.biz; FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] [FlexEdge] V/U module at Dayton?
> 
> It was on display but not turned on.
> 
> -Tim
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On May 16, 2010, at 3:04 PM, "Alan NV8A"  wrote:
> 
> > "A little bird told me" that V/U modules for the 5K would be displayed
> > at Dayton. Did it happen? Was there a 5K with the V/U module installed
> > and operational? -- including a V/U-enabled version of PowerSDR?
> >
> > If so, what were people's impressions?
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Alan NV8A
> >
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> > is used for posting topics related to SDR software development and 
> > experimentalist who are using alpha and beta versions of the software.
> 
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