Re: [amsat-bb] Beginner's Questions

[Stan <stan@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Phil,

My comments are added:

Phil - KB9CRY wrote:
> 
> Well hello to everyone.  Here is Phil, KB9CRY, and I'm starting to put
> together my first Satellite station.
> I've been procuring equipment and such and have a few basic type
> questions.  So please pardon my bandwidth.
> First let me describe the equipment I have so far and then my first set
> of questions (and I'm sure not the last set!).
> Rig:    FT-736R    Ants:    2 old KLM crossed 2m and 70 cm beams (need
> refurbishing but I believe still good)
> Rotator:    Yaesu G-5400    Coax:    LMR400    Software:    Nova &
> Instant Track
> 
> 1.    I plan to mount the antennas on a 10 ft. tripod.  I can mount it
> about 50 ft. away on the ground in the clear or 50 ft away also
> up on top of the house roof (1 story ranch house).  Which would be a
> better installation?  Obviously the roof mount
> would be a little more difficult and not as accessible.

10' tripod on the ground (my third choice) is OK as long as the
antennas can see the
satellite from horizon to horizon. Roof mounts would be a second
choice because your
climbing up on the roof will accelerate failure of the roof.

My #1 choice would be on a tower, high enough to allow you to copy any
satellite from AOS horizon to LOS horizon. My satellite stuff is on
40' of ROHN 25,
guyed once.


> 2.    My plans are to work any mode I can.  I also have a full
> complement of HF antennas to bring to bear.  What about amps?
> What are suggested for 2m and 70 cm?  The 736 puts out about 35 watts.

Right now I am using a Yaesu FT-847 without amplifiers for AO27 and
UO14
and no amplifiers on the AO40 uplink on UHF or L band.

> 3.    What preamps are suggested (mast mounted of course).

I use the LANDWEHR brand of mast mounted preamplifiers, once
sold by henry radio in CA. LANDWEHR is probably still in business in
Germany,
But I do not know who actively distributes their stuff in the US.
The SSB Electronics stuff would satisfy the requirements.


Stan, WA1ECF



> 4.    Dumb question =    I have a KAM TNC.  Can I use this for the
> packet modes?  If not what do I need?
> I'd like to eventually modify the rig to do 9600 baud.
> 5.    Yaesu made an add-on to operate the 736 from a computer.  Is this
> useful?  What software would I use?
> 
> I think this is enough for now.  Please reply direct so to not use up
> e-mail buffers.  I can post a compendium of suggestions
> for others if they want.  Tnx in advance.  Phil  KB9CRY
> 
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