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Author Topic: A few questions..  (Read 3506 times)

2ST123

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A few questions..
« on: April 07, 2007, 07:03:06 AM »

How hard is it to aim a handheld beam antenna and hit a satellite , are satellites like repeaters? and how many people can use the same one at the same time...I know you have to know what direction it is before you can do it, but do you just point it in the general direction? I heard you can do it with a handheld and a little beam antenna.. It kind of interest me..

                                 Roy & Mary
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KD6FB

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A few questions..
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2007, 07:29:41 AM »

Hello,

This paper written by a college professor should answer all your questions:

http://www.wku.edu/ksgc/sats.pdf

 

Richard
KD6FB

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KB9CRY

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A few questions..
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2007, 02:19:30 PM »

Go to the AMSAT website and search around from there.  Most are like repeaters and only one person at a time.  Yes some are very easy and folks do it all the time with HTs and handheld, usually ARROW, antennas.  Do some homework; they're a lot of fun.
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WD9EWK

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A few questions..
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2007, 05:53:43 PM »

How hard is it, with a handheld radio and handheld beam antenna, to use the satellites?  Initially, it can be tough.  Working on hearing the satellites should be the first goal, before ever thinking of touching the PTT button.  Once you can hear the satellite, listen to some passes to get familiar with the Doppler effect on the downlink frequencies and pointing the antenna.  Then try transmitting.

The FM satellites are cross-band repeaters, except these have really good receivers and weak (250 to 500mW, usually) transmitters.  I've been at it with these satellites for 15 months, and my satellite log has just over 2100 contacts in that time.  Challenging, yes, but still fun.

Good luck!



Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
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Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/ - Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
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