FLEX-6600 video overview of a FDX Satellite Setup with SATpc32

Mike-VA3MW

An overview and operation of the FLEX-6600 for AMSAT satellite work. In this example, we go over the highlights of a 2 transverter setup and use SATpc32 for the software control. The focus is on FlexRadio integration using SmartSDR CAT for radio control.

What is key is that the FLEX-6600 operates like 2 unique radios (VHF and UHF) and SatPC32 is controlling both VHF and UHF independently.

My station is a FLEX-6600, G5400 AZ/EL Rotator, ERC-M rotator controller, 13EL 13B2 on VHF, and Directed Systems 24 EL UHF antenna on a fiberglass boom.

https://youtu.be/fQWFInyWe8Q

Don AI6RE

Very nice description of setting up for Satelite operation.

If you adjust the waterfall rate to show at least 10 minutes you can see the overall shift across the entire satelite pass. Shown below.

BSharp66

Just ordered my Q5 Signal 144 transporter and will be purchasing a 440 in the future. Does HRD integrate with Flex for the doppler shift?

Mike-VA3MW

HRD will easily communicate with the FlexRadio. You can now use SliceMaster to make the connection.

However, I tried to use HRD for satellite tracking and it didn't go so well. I found SatPC32 to actually work better. I might give HRD another shot.

73

AA1SS

What options do you order it with

Available Options

IF Configuration

Common IF

Split IF

RF Configuration

Common RF HP (+$35.00)

Split RF

IF Drive Level

-20dBm to 0dBm

0dBm to +20dBm

1W to 10W

PTT Polarity

Low (GND)

High (>1.7V)

Local Oscillator Stability

Standard

High Stability 0.28ppm (+$45.00)

Custom IF

Standard IF - 28MHz

Custom IF - Please Specify at Checkout (+$35.00)

Additional Options

Sequencer Enabled / AUX Port Installed (+$35.00)

LNA Bias on RF Coax (+$50.00)

PTT-H on IF Coax (+$25.00)

Switch-Selectable LO Freq (+$50.00)

Mike-VA3MW

This is how I ordered mine. The other features are something you will have to decide if you require.

This will give you a Common IF Transverter with PTT by grounding the PTT lead and a 28Mhz IF.

The rest depends on what you may or may not do with preamps, etc. You can discuss this with Cory at Q5. He answers emails pretty quickly.

73

AA1SS

Just wanted something basic and that will work

KM4CQG

Thanks Mike U have me wondering about adding all this.

AA1SS

So if I want to use 2 transverters wit a 6500 would I get split IF or common if transverters and do I get the 25w 75w or 150w output unit.

AA1SS

I got it figured out . . . Gonna order that multiband unit . . . EXPENSIVE . . . MORE ANTENNA'S

Mike-VA3MW

If you want to do Satellite work, you will need 2 transverters since you do run in Full Duplex so you can hear your downlink. You can't do that with the MultiBand one. And, yes, expensive but very well made.

AA1SS

Ok Thanks

ka9ees

@Mike-VA3MW I have used SatPC32 before. With success... I have been using an S.A.T. unit with my 9700 for the last few months. Works VERY well. But I miss the panadapter of the Flex 6600M. I have created the profiles for Mode-B and Mode-J. For the life of me I can't get it to work... Sometimes I get output sometimes I don't. I have watched your video till my eyes bleed. I am not new to this and I thought I could figure it out for myself. I am stumped.

ka9ees

@Mike-VA3MW

Well I got SO-50 to work!

ka9ees

@Mike-VA3MW

Well... Alright... RS-44 works too. Guess I fixed it. Thanks for the help Mike!

Gene S.

Hi Mike,
I just picked up my Flex 6600M last Sun and am getting the Q5 Signal transverters next week. I really appreciate your videos and find them very educational. I would love to see you do one on setting things up for the IO-117 sat. I have done a lot of reading about this setup with a Flex, but I find the videos make things easier to understand.
Gene,
W8VZ

pawantanwar

2 transverters allow simultaneous VHF/UHF operation on FLEX-6600. SATpc32 controls both bands, G-5400 rotator tracks satellites, antennas (13B2 VHF, 24-element UHF) provide coverage.

thanks and regards
pawantanwar
https://www.multispanindia.com