Has anyone tried working AO 40 with a Ten Tec 2510 transverter and an MMDS
down converter? I am not an expert in this area, although; I have had some
OSCAR experience over the years, mostly mode B.
My understanding that AO 40 can be worked 435.300 - 435.800 MHz up and
2400.225 to 2401.475 MHz coming down.
The 2510 can transmit 435 to 435.5 Up and with the extension board will go up
to 437 MHz. So that part of the problem is solved with a 50-watt brick and
antenna with some antenna gain, the 200-watt ERP input power requirement can
be met.
The receive converter of the 2510 will take 145.5 to 146.0 MHz and output
that to 29.5 to 29.599; plus or minus a bit. One limitation is the output
range of the 2510 is only 500 KHz but this is plenty enough to have lots of
fun with.
My understanding is that there are plenty of surplus MMDS down converters
that can be had CHEAP, under $50.00. These will take 2400 MHz signal down to
the 145 MHz range. With adjustment of the MMDS Local oscillator you should be
able to move the output frequency to accommodate the input range of the 2510.
This is just one of many sites where information about using cheap MMDS down
converters to listen to A0 40. http://www.g6lvb.com/AO40HowToRx.htm
Here is a website where you can get information to build an expensive AZ-EL
controller that will use cheap TV rotators to steer the antennas. The project
is built around a Stamp II processor and includes the program to run the
unit. Then you can use any number of the Satellite programs to feed the
controller which will turn the antennas.
http://biology.campbell.edu/~hammond/ham/SAEBRTrack/
Beyond that a few PVC special antennas for 13 cm and 440 MHz should be the
bulk of what is required to play with AO 40.
I would be curious if others have looked at this application. It would be
neat to use Ten Tec equipment to work this new SAT. My guess is that most of
the satellites are operated by Japanese made transceivers or in some cases
nice transverters. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Glenn WA4AOS
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