Re: [amsat-bb] TH-D7A(G) vs W32-A for Easy Sats?

[Emily Clarke <w0eec@xxxxxxxxx>]

I would like to echo what A.J. Farmer wrote.  The two radios are 
equally capable for voice satellites and both have similar power 
output under the same battery conditions. Both have cross-band 
capability and dual in-band capability, but (I believe - not sure on 
this point) you can only use the W32A as a portable cross-band 
repeater (I use it as a satellite simulator when I do presentations.)

There are a few differences that AJ touched on that I'll add my own 
opinion about:

1) The W32A has two independent tuning knobs for the main and sub 
bands, which makes it far easier to manipulate the sub (receiving) 
band when tuning for Doppler shift.  On the D7A you have to fumble to 
switch focus from the main to the sub band, change it, and switch 
focus back before transmitting.  I find this stressful on short LEO passes.

2) The D7A has a built in 1200/9600 baud TNC and APRS 
processor.  This is very handy for APRS both terrestrial and 
satellite.  You can easily hook up a GPS and have it track you when 
mobile, something I like very much.  The TNC doesn't have the 
complete instruction set that my 9612+ does, but there isn't much I 
haven't been able to do with it.  As a portable packet system it's 
great - the key word being portable.

3) The W32A can transmit on it's factory supplied AC adapter, but the 
D7A cannot - it's only a recharger.  Even though your battery may be 
fully charged it won't power from it.  This is a bit of a pain 
because you can't run a home APRS beacon and leave it plugged 
in.  Both can transmit on the 12V car adapter.

When faced with the decision of which radio to buy I initially went 
with the W32A.  I was and remain very pleased with it.  After about a 
year, which included fumbling around with home made data, audio and 
power cables for a TinyTrak III, I decided to also buy a D7A.  After 
having it for 9 months I can say I wouldn't be without either 
radio.  Both are excellent at their individual jobs.

So if only one radio is in your budget I think the question you 
should ask yourself is what you will use it for most.  If you are 
working voice satellites, the W32A is the best (IMHO).  For working 
digital, the all in one nature of the D7A is superior.

One other note - I have been looking around for the SSTV module for 
the D7A and everywhere seems to indicate that it is 
discontinued.  This is (IMHO) very unfortunate if it's true.  Perhaps 
they are just replacing it with a newer module and the new one hasn't 
been announced yet.

73,

Emily



At 03:32 PM 12/7/2005, Hal Pressman wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>
>I am considering trading in my Icom W32-A on a Kenwood TH-D7A as I 
>am also interested in APRS. The W32-A  has been excellent for 
>working the easy birds like AO-51, AO-27 and the other FM 
>satellitesl. I have been told that the TH-D7A should do as good  a 
>job but I would like to hear from any of you who have used both for 
>working FM birds. I believe the W32-A can cross band repeat and is 
>full duplex. I know the TH-D7A is full duplex but I don't know if it 
>can cross band repeat. If it doesn't will that make a difference in 
>working the birds?
>
>Look forward to hearing from you.
>
>Tnx and 73s
>
>Hal
----
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