[Elecraft] 432 transverter with 2m transverter and satellites

[Simon Brown]

There are quite a few considerations when working with satellites, here's my 
opinion which is a bit terse as my back hurts and I want to get on with some 
new code.

Ideally you will have two K2's or a K2 and a good second receiver. Myself I 
have the IC-7800 and IC-703 and will never own the K2 as I have too many 
toys as it is (I will buy the KX1 as soon as I get home on Friday). I have 
been waiting for transverters from Elecraft as I want Elecraft's design 
quailty - the best thought-out hardware there is.

The downside to having one K2 is that you can't accurately align your 
transmit signal to be on the same frequency as the receive, hence the need 
for second receiver (or transceiver). You may be perfect but the satellite 
may not :-)

Regarding software: solutions exist, the big thing to check with the K2 is 
whether you can change the frequency using the FA; and FB; commands while 
transmitting - this is essential. Not all radios allow changing frequency 
via computer control while you are transmitting. If you can change transmit 
frequency while transmitting then you are in business with the provisos 
above.

For the future I am waiting for P3E (a high earth orbit satellite) to be 
launched in spring of 2006, then I will sort out a 23cms and 13cms solution, 
at the moment I have ideas for this (sadly not Elecraft-based). Then there's 
the 47 GHz solution to be sorted out (and financed).

What I have to do is sort out how I will do the transverter switching 
betweem IC-7800/IC-703 and the two transverters with cables and things and 
stuff but to be honest this really just requires a free evening with a few 
beers.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV
---
www.hb9drv.ch, www.laax.ch

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Tilton" <n4wyk at charter.net>


>
> I guess this question is too early but will there be any type of
> software or hardware interface to put between two K2's or between a 432
> and 2m transverter with ONE K2 so that you maybe able to perform
> inverting and non inverting on the satellites to allow proper tracking
> of two frequencies?  Also will there be software to allow Nova to
> interface to allow tracking for Doppler.  Can this be done with one or
> two K2's?  I guess a little early but something to thing about.  I've
> always dreamed of the possibility of this possibility!
>