I was reading the pre-announcement for this month’s QST, which apparently includes a product review for a new tri-band Alinco HT: The Alinco DJ-G7T. It is intriguing because it includes two features which are uncommon. First, in addition to 2m and 70cm, it includes operation on 1.2Ghz. But more importantly from my perspective, it is full duplex.

You see, I like to work the FM satellites using only an HT and a small handheld yagi antenna. If you have full duplex, it is considerably easier: you can hear your own signal coming back down from the satellite, and can monitor signal quality and whether anyone is doubling with you. It is for this reason that I continue to use my TH-D7A, despite the fact that on the whole, it’s kind of a clunky and outdated (and is now discontinued) HT. If this HT checks out, it could be a reasonable replacement for my Kenwood.

Anybody have any experience with this one yet?

Addendum: Since you can apparently operate full duplex between any two modes, in theory you should be able to work mode L/U on AO-51 using this HT, although the Doppler correction might be pretty fast.