[ICOM] IC-910H Satellite Work

[Dave Edwards]

Hi John... Say, perhaps you could answer some easy questions that I have on 
the same subject?
I have an Icom 970H that I planned on using for terrestrial VHF/UHF 
work....but so far have not been too enthused about climbing up the tower 
again.
I used to operate the birds, back in the AO10,13, and RS days Are there 
still SSB/CW UHF/VHF birds up there?   I just find no interest in sending 
packets, or repeater like FM activity on them
You answered another question of mine. I understand I can get a Yaesu AZ/EL 
rotor for about $600....but the interface is another 600!!!   Your email 
states that there are non-Yaesu versions of the interface, the W0LMD item. 
That got my wheels spinning.... I could get a small VHF/UHF array, put it on 
a tripod....even in the back yard or deck...purchase perhaps a used G5400B 
AZ EL rotor and the interface...and get back on the birds for about 500 
bucks!!!    I may pursue this, If my thinking is on track
Thanks for any info!
....Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Germanos" <wb9pnu at swbell.net>
To: "ICOM Reflector" <icom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 6:36 PM
Subject: Re: [ICOM] IC-910H Satellite Work


> Joe,
> I use the Icom 910H for satellite communications. What you are doing is 
> the best that you can expect from the radio.
> The use of external preamps (like the Icom preamps) are very helpful, but 
> not necessary.
>
> It is difficult to keep up with Doppler when working the LEO satellites. I 
> finally bought SatPC32 from Amsat. With this program, a serial port (comm 
> port), an Icom CT-17 or equivalent aftermarket interface, working the 
> birds has become as easy as working your local repeaters.
>
> If you have an AZ-EL rotor such as the yaesu 5400 or 5500 and an interface 
> for connection to a second com port, (I use the W0LMD Sat. Junior 
> Interface) this program will also steer the antennas.
> If you don't, that's OK as well. I know many satellite uses who operate 
> very successfully without AZ-EL capable antenna systems. My friend uses 
> egg-beaters and preamps as does a great job.
>
> Rule of thumb, with radio in sat. mode (full duplex) with separate 
> antennas for 2 and 70cm, If you here yourself, then most others will here 
> you.
>
> Good luck, the 910H is overall a great radio for sat. operations.
>
> 73 John WB9PNU
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Joe - KC2TN" <kc2tn at comcast.net>
> To: <icom at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 11:31 AM
> Subject: [ICOM] IC-910H Satellite Work
>
>
>> Anyone on this reflector use the 910H for satellite?
>>
>> I've looked on other sites (i.e. AMSAT and such) but can't seem to find 
>> any
>> other info on this rig.
>>
>> I find myself using the satellite mode to store the memories of the 
>> various
>> satellites only.
>>
>> When a pass is forthcoming I select the memory for that satellite and 
>> then
>> transfer the frequencies to the VFO's, lock in the transmit and then 
>> adjust
>> for Doppler with the other VFO.
>>
>> The reverse/normal mode seems useless other than to get me close to a
>> transmit frequency.
>>
>> Any help would be appreciated either here or offline.
>>
>> Joe - KC2TN
>> "If you're sure of everything,
>>        and it still doesn't work,
>>           one of the things you're sure of is wrong!"
>>
>>
>> ----
>> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
>> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
>> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
>> Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.11/26 - Release Date: 6/22/2005
>>
>>
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/