Hello all.
Made my very first SSB contacts via a couple satellites last weekend out in my driveway. Took my TS-2000 and put it on the tailgate of my truck, along with a laptop running Ham Radio Deluxe. Used headphones and a hand held PTT switch along with my trusty arrow antenna. It was a lot of work, but a LOT of fun.
When I'm in the satellite, I know it since I can hear myself on the downlink. That makes SURE my antenna is pointed correctly

So when I finally find myself, I notice I have to use the RIT control and tune about 3-4 KHz away. Then when calling CQ, I got a couple of contacts, but seemed to constantly fiddle with the RIT control to keep the other ham tuned in.
From what I've read, HRD is supposed to account for all Doppler shift both uplink and downlink. I was under the impression I would set the frequency, then forget about it. While I left my tuning knob alone (thus my uplink frequency alone), I had to to the RIT dance to keep understanding the other guys. Is this normal? How do you guys work your radios and frequency adjustments when making SSB contacts on the birds?
By the way, for those of you trying to hear the birds using a regular vertical antenna at home or on your vehicle - give it up. Using a beam makes all the difference in the world. Same equipment, beam antenna = success.
-Tim