I'm currently working LEO linear birds with separate TX/RX radios (IC-9700 for RX, FT-991A for TX). The software must simultaneously decrease the uplink frequency while increasing the downlink frequency as the satellite approaches, and I'm getting tired of manual Doppler corrections. Looking at the IC-9700's full duplex capabilities or possibly the newer Yaesu FT-736R for dedicated satellite work.

For those using full duplex setups on AO-73 (eclipse passes and weekends) and FO-29, is the convenience worth the expense? My current setup works but tracking gets tedious during busy passes.

Particularly interested in how well CAT control handles the reversed Doppler correction required for inverting linear transponders.

Absolutely worth it! I upgraded to an IC-9700 last year and it's a game-changer for linear work. Software communicates with the transceiver via CAT control, allowing for automated frequency adjustments. Ham Radio Deluxe handles the inverting transponder math perfectly.

I'm using a borrowed IC-9700 and the difference is night and day compared to my old dual-rig setup. No more chasing the bird across the passband - the radio does all the work while you focus on making contacts.

Consider the FT-991A with SatPC32 if budget is tight. The IC-9700 is superior but the 991A can do full duplex satellite work quite well. Just make sure your tracking software supports the rig's CAT commands for linear transponders.