AMSAT-SM - Official Website of AMSAT-SM SwedenWebmaster and member of the AMSAT-SM steering group.
Over the Youtube channel Ham Radio Crash Course Josh Nass gives a demo with the latest firmware and app for handheld (HT) radio VGC N76 (aka Btech UV-Pro and as a mobile version N7600).
It is important to note that these are not full duplex radios. The general rule is that you must here yourself on the downlink of the satellite in order not to cause interference. But the implementation of doppler control via an Android or IPhone app is kind of unique for amateur radio HTs.
Update 2026-02-23:
AnyTone has release the D890UV HT full duplex radio that is reported to work fine with U/V V/U satellites.
Update 2025-11-08:
Unfortunately the manufacture I had a discussion with will not produce a full duplex HT with better filters.
Update 2025-08-30:
Three (3) out of 12 manufactures sent me an answer. One of these I will continue to work with. I can not give any more information at the moment, but stay tuned for updates.
Many of us in the AMSAT community is waiting for a new handheld radio with full duplex FM capability. AMSAT-SM group in Sweden has sent an open letter (e-mail) to the following amateur radio manufacturers:
And the letter/e-mail:
Open Letter from the AMSAT-SM Group in Sweden to Amateur Radio Manufacturers Regarding the Development of a Full Duplex Handheld Amateur Radio
Dear Sir or Madam,
In recent years, we have seen the release of many new handheld amateur radios from both established manufacturers such as Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu, as well as from newer, smaller manufacturers, often based in China. These radios frequently include advanced features such as VHF/UHF FM operation, APRS, TNC, USB-C charging, GPS, Bluetooth, and more.
However, one key capability is consistently missing: true full duplex operation – the ability to transmit on one band while simultaneously receiving on another, without desense. For example, transmitting on VHF while receiving on UHF, or vice versa.
We at AMSAT-SM believe there is a significant and growing market for such a radio among amateur radio operators worldwide. A particularly important group consists of operators who use amateur radio satellites, for whom full duplex operation greatly enhances communication and usability. These operators are also prepared to pay a premium for a handheld with this functionality. At present, no current handheld model offers full duplex capability. Instead, many satellite operators rely on discontinued radios such as the Kenwood TH-D72.
We therefore respectfully request the development of a new handheld amateur radio with true full duplex capability between VHF and UHF (e.g., transmit on 145 MHz and receive on 435 MHz without desense, and vice versa).
Additional features to support satellite operation would also be very welcome. For example, the AnyTone AT-D878UVII includes satellite tracking functions, but unfortunately lacks full duplex capability.
We strongly believe that a handheld radio with these capabilities would be highly valued by the amateur radio community and represent a unique opportunity for any manufacturer willing to take the lead.
Sincerely,
AMSAT-SM Group in Sweden
via Lars Thunberg, SM0TGU
www.amsat.se
https://x.com/amsat_sm
If a company respond, these are the requirements that I will give them:
Most prioritized specifications – needed to make the radio possible to use:
Also wanted features – nice to have but not first priority:
What I know of today is that at least one manufacturer has implemented an app that can adjust frequency for Doppler correction, the VR-N76. Please see this link:
https://www.verotelecom.com/VR-N76-Dual-Band-Handheld-Radio-p2511333.html?parent_user_id=18403738&utm_source=sns_share&utm_medium=share_url
But this requires a lot of software development from you as manufacturer. A much better solution is to implement the CAT protocol so the user can choose software of their own.
The FM transponder on AO-123 has been activated on periodic basis since its launch in late 2024. Beginning this weekend (Aug 2025), it is expected to enter continuous service if no issues are observed.
AO-123 (ASTRU-1) is a 12U Cubesat mission designed by Russian and Chinese university students for education and amateur radio. The amateur radio station provides telecommand uplink and telemetry / digital image downlink.
A new SDR based transceiver was developed for ASRTU-1 to provide communication and experiment resources to radio amateurs, including a V/U FM transponder, a UHF telemetry downlink and a 10.5G image downlink.
The uplink is 145.850 MHz with a 67 Hz CTCSS tone and the downlink is 435.400 MHz.
[ANS thanks the AO-123 team for the above information]
Update 2025-08-04:
Some reception reports from BATC:
https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=9197&p=38091&sid=d4f483525bb440846eee3e53e3c50d3a#p38091
Re-post from ANS-208:
The long-anticipated reinstallation of HamTV is scheduled to take place on the ISS on Tuesday, July 29. Work on the system will occur between 3:55 AM EDT and 5:55 AM EDT (07:55 UTC to 09:55 UTC), and successful completion could lead to test transmissions beginning the same day. HamTV is a digital amateur television system developed for educational outreach, allowing students to see live video from space during school contacts with the ISS.
The system transmits MPEG-2 video using the DVB-S protocol, with a downlink frequency of 2395 MHz (2.395 GHz), and relies on modest ground station equipment for reception. Originally launched in 2014, HamTV is housed in the Columbus module but has been offline since 2018 pending equipment refurbishment and crew time for reinstallation.
More information is available on the BATC Wiki at wiki.batc.org.uk/HAMTV_from_the_ISS and in the ARISS discussion channel on Discord at discord.gg/JrmXw58U8T.
(ANS thanks ARISS for the above information)
Re-post from ANS:
The public comment period has officially closed for FCC Space Bureau Docket 25-201, which reviewed a request by AST & Science, LLC (AST SpaceMobile) to use the 430–440 MHz band for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) operations. This spectrum includes 435–438 MHz, a critical allocation for the amateur satellite service. The filing window ended at midnight Eastern Time on July 21.
AMSAT submitted formal comments opposing the proposal, citing the extensive non-commercial use of 435–438 MHz by amateur satellites, including OSCAR-class spacecraft, educational CubeSats, and the ARISS station aboard the International Space Station. AMSAT also highlighted ongoing interference caused by AST’s BlueWalker-3 satellite on 437.500 MHz, which has disrupted InspireSAT-1. The filing urges the Commission to deny AST’s request and preserve the integrity of the amateur satellite service.
The international amateur satellite community also responded forcefully. AMSAT-DL (Germany) provided direct evidence of BlueWalker-3 interference received at the Bochum Observatory. AMSAT-SM (Sweden) filed in opposition as well, and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) pointed out that AST’s use of 430–440 MHz under ITU Radio Regulation Article 4.4 lacks required sharing studies and would pose significant interference risks to amateur operations worldwide.
As of the close of the comment period, the FCC docket recorded 2,283 total filings, a remarkable outpouring of concern from the amateur community. While not all filings were express comments in opposition, the overwhelming majority appear to be from individual amateur radio operators urging the FCC to reject AST’s request. The ARRL encouraged its members to participate. The result is one of the most heavily commented amateur-spectrum proceedings in recent FCC history.
AMSAT’s submitted comments to the FCC on Docket 25-201 regarding 430–440 MHz spectrum use. (Click image to view the full filing)
AST has maintained that its use of the band would be limited to early-orbit phases and emergencies, but commenters—including AMSAT—argue that such “limited use” does not mitigate the real potential for interference. AMSAT emphasized that many amateur satellites rely on IARU-coordinated use of 435–438 MHz, and that commercial systems should operate in bands explicitly allocated for space operations—not shared amateur satellite spectrum.
The FCC’s reply comment window remains open through August 5, 2025. During this period, individuals and organizations may respond directly to previously filed comments, clarify technical concerns, and reinforce the case for preserving amateur access to 435–438 MHz. AMSAT encourages reply commenters to cite interference data, highlight educational and non-commercial uses, and support the formal filings made by AMSAT and IARU.
After the reply deadline, the FCC Space Bureau will review the entire docket record. This process may take weeks or months and may culminate in a proposed order or public notice. While there is no petition-to-deny window in this particular docket, stakeholders may still file additional comments or seek reconsideration if the Commission issues a preliminary decision.
AMSAT will continue to monitor the proceeding and work in coordination with the IARU and international partners to protect amateur satellite spectrum. The 435–438 MHz allocation remains a cornerstone of AMSAT’s mission to promote education, experimentation, and global collaboration in space communications. AMSAT thanks all who filed comments and urges continued engagement as the proceeding advances.
[ANS thanks AMSAT and the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) for the above information]
The FCC is currently considering an application by AST & Science, LLC for authorization to operate a total of 248 satellites in low-earth orbit. As part of this application, AST seeks to utilize the 430-440 MHz band for telemetry, tracking, and telecommand (TT&C) operations.
As part of the consideration process, the FCC is accepting public comment through July 21st. Over 600 individuals, many of them amateur radio operators, have already filed comments opposing AST’s request, as has AMSAT-DL. AMSAT is also preparing comments to be filed in this proceeding. Anyone may file or review comments through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/results?q=(proceedings.name:(%2225-201%22)). The proceeding number is 25-201.
AMSAT-SM via Lars Thunberg SM0TGU has comment this application on 21 July:
Dear Sirs,
The AMSAT-SM amateur radio satellite group in Sweden is reaching out to share our concerns about the AST proposal to utilize the 430–440 MHz frequency band for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) operations. This portion of the spectrum is already designated as a primary allocation in Region 1 and is actively utilized by a range of users, including amateur radio operators and amateur satellite services.Amateur radio plays a key role in emergency communications and technical experimentation, while amateur satellites contribute significantly to educational and scientific pursuits. Approving AST’s application could interfere with these established uses and jeopardize their valuable contributions.
We respectfully urge the Commission to carefully evaluate the potential consequences of this proposal and to prioritize the protection of existing services. We also recommend considering alternative frequency bands better suited to AST’s operational needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration
Lars Thunberg – AMSAT-SM Sweden
Direct link to FCC:
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/10721288814550