Ft7800 for bird use?

[KK4GXP]

Just wanted to hear what other people had to think. I know there's more options but if it'll work, it's one less piece of equipment I would have I spend money on. Any thoughts good or bad appreciated.

KK4GXP

[K0BAM]

Just wanted to hear what other people had to think. I know there's more options but if it'll work, it's one less piece of equipment I would have I spend money on. Any thoughts good or bad appreciated.

KK4GXP

I used one just fine, you won't be able to work full duplex, just remember to turn the power down.

[KK4GXP]

I'm definitely new to the sats, so let's keep that in mind. Is there a way to program the radio where it will transmit on 2m and then switch to 70cm for the recieve? I just haven't had a whole lot of time to study up on this radio.

Thanks for the reply,

KK4GXP
John

[KX0Z]

It appears you can program odd splits , but not sure if you can do that from vhf/uhf or just vhf/vhf or uhf/uhf..


Storing Independent Transmit Frequencies (“Odd Splits”)
1. Store the receiving frequency using the method already described.
2. Turn to the desired transmit frequency, then press and hold in the [V/M(MW)] key for
1/2 second.
3. Within ten seconds of pressing the [V/M(MW)] key, use the DIAL knob or microphone’s
[UP]/[DWN] buttons to select the same memory channel number as used in step 1 above.
4. Press and hold in the PTT switch, then pressing and holding the [V/M(MW)] key for
1/2 second while holding the PTT switch to save the entry and exit to normal operation.
This will not cause transmission; instead, it signals the microprocessor that a separate
transmit frequency is being programmed into that memory register.

[K0BAM]

I'm definitely new to the sats, so let's keep that in mind. Is there a way to program the radio where it will transmit on 2m and then switch to 70cm for the recieve? I just haven't had a whole lot of time to study up on this radio.

Thanks for the reply,

KK4GXP
John

Yes you can program odd splits. Just follow the manual for programming, or get a computer software programmer.

[K0RGR]

Yes, you can do crossband splits - it's one of the nicer features of that radio - very convenient for satellites.

[W5PFG]

Using cross band split will work for both SO-50 and AO-27.

In fact you can even use the same set of memories for both if you chose, leaving the 67hz tone enabled all the time. I don't, but others do.

There may be times on SO-50 when you may have a difficulty hearing a station since the FT-7800 has only 5khz tuning steps. It won't be often and even then it won't be a big deal. Don't worry, though, because this is more a factor with how SO-50 is behaving that day versus how your radio is functioning.

Because the FT-7800 is half-duplex by itself, I would recommend using a separate radio (handheld?) for receiving the down link so that you have full-duplex. This will permit you to hear the satellite while you are transmitting to ensure you are not stepping on someone already making a contact. If you have no other option, then please do not run the radio in high power.