Here we have a cubesat which operates in VHF/UHF. Communication with it (from a ground station perspective) is done with an Icom Radio. Would it be possible to replace it with a cheaper BAOFENG?
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$\begingroup$ Do you have the Baofeng at hand? Why not just try it out? $\endgroup$ – sessyargc.jp Mar 23 '15 at 4:56
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1$\begingroup$ Since we don't know anything about your cubesat, it's rather difficult to answer this question. Obviously the UV-5R is cheaper and implements a subset of the functionality provided by the IC-910. Is that sufficient? Only someone with access to the specifications of your cubesat can know. $\endgroup$ – Phil Frost - W8II Mar 23 '15 at 20:52
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$\begingroup$ Why was information removed from this question? $\endgroup$ – Kevin Reid AG6YO♦ Apr 20 '15 at 16:52
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The usability of the Baofeng (or any radio with > 1Hz frequency step) will depend on the frequency and mode that you are using. If you use a 12.5KHz frequency step size you will never be able to tune to 435.345MHz (FM mode) frequency, for example. You have to change your frequency step size to 5KHz or 2.5KHz to tune it.
Notice though that the Baofeng has a tunable step size as documented in the specification you linked (Page 11). 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz frequency step sizes are sufficient for FM mode communications with a sattelite.
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You should also take into consideration the mode. If the spacing, as the other answer suggests to consider, is not an issue, will the Baofeng actually use a mode compatible with the CubeSat? I don't know anything about your CubeSat, but keep in mind that a Baofeng will only work on FM, not LSB or USB. It also lacks the host of other features the IC910 offers, specifically for satellite use.
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$\begingroup$ Just edited the question, including some cubesat specs. Given that information, is it possible to say the Baofeng could do the job? $\endgroup$ – oqrxke Apr 4 '15 at 22:48
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