Randy, I've stated it in emails to you and I'll reiterate it here. Thank you for talking the time to voluntarilly make these videos. For those of use who are new to sats, you really make it a lot easier.
Thanks for posting all of your vids Randy. This was a great intro for me to learn about ham radio in general. I remember the day I finally worked AO-51 and received a QSL card in the mail. There are so many facets to the hobby, the more I learn, the more I understand how much more learning I have to do... 73
Randy and all: This is a great series of videos, full of great information. After 35 years of ham radio, nobody ever showed me or even talked about "how-to" for satellite QSO's. I thought it was too difficult. Randy made it easy to understand and I'm having a blast. I got on the air and made several contacts this weekend on A0-51 and A0-27. Thanks Randy. You are a true "Elmer" to thousands of hams. Hope we can have a QSO someday. Craig WB0GFZ
Thanks so much for this vid! I'm a new ham, and have just made my first AO-27 contacts with an FT-60 and RH77 antenna. This video helped me with the theory greatly. Thanks much for all your videos, they're very helpful!
Thanks Randy: I transcoded this to IPod and watched it with several friends yesterday. Needless to say, it was just the thing to pry me back to HamTestOnline and getting the Gen and Extra done! Thank you for your enthusiasm. Eric -N9DXV
Randy, I've been subscribing to your videos for a few months. Always so informative. I made one contact through AO-51 two summers ago with my Arrow Antenna and a Kenwood TH-D7. Didn't record it. Next time I will. Easy to see from your video how the tripod for the antenna makes things easier. 73, Ned N8OIF
Just passed my General and am holding my CSCE!!! Thanks for the vids, they were the catalyst pushing me over the edge. Rig shopping shortly, hope to catch you on the airwaves. 73 Jayson
The radios that I was using probably only has a few miles of range taking to someone direct. We are using the satellite to repeat our signals to talk to someone 100s or 1000s of miles away. Since the satellite can hear many many stations, the contacts are very short to try and allow many people to share the resource. Randy
We are using radio repeater in the satellite to extend the range of our handheld radios. Using the satellite, we can work stations up to 2,500 miles away.
Hi, Thank you very much for your video, It has inspired me to give the satellites a go again. 20 years ago I worked RS10/11 many times and had a heap of fun. Up on 2M down on 10M. Running 10watts SSB on 2m and using a 2 element X Yargi, and a Delta loop on 10m for the down link, all home brewed. I remember also working a mobile station as well. Thanks heaps. You are an inspiration to hams world wide. 73 de Alan ZL4FM
Randy, Great Video! Very Informative from Start to Finish. AO-51 is always so crowded on those Western Passes so getting two contacts is excellent. Been on the birds about three years myself and they are challenging,ESPECIALLY hearing them! 73,Andy K8AND
Just tried working AO-51 myself this past weekend and I look forward to trying again when the weather gets a bit better. My radio is water proof, but I doubt the arrow antenna can handle the rain.
Nice work! I've heard of people cracking Ham Sats on handhelds, but I thought it was a myth! I am impressed with what you have done, very nice! 73 from Jamie, VK2TIM in Sydney Australia.
Correct, duplex operation of the radio is not required. But, some guys operated with full duplex to hear themselves coming back. If the radio has duplex, you can probably disable that feature. You will need the duplexer in the antenna to work both bands from one coax. Randy
Motorized V/UHF antennas will help, usually with longer antennas. KU feed is on the wrong frequency. AO-51 usually does not lend itself to long conversations, since it is shared be everyone within the coverage of the satellite. Randy
Hi randy, nice to see your video. At least this explains how to make QSO's on this bird just with a handy and the explanation of each detail. Wonderful great job. 73's de 5B4AAI (Nicholas)
Try and listen with the eggbeater. Its pattern may be fairly low to the horizon. Listen and see what happens. Select the PASSES tab on the AMSAT home page, there is a pass Prediction calculator. You need to enter your location. Yes, I was running 5 watts, no PL. Randy
Hi Randy. Good job showing how easy LEO satellites can be using only an HT and an inexpensive antenna. I've made a couple of contacts using my Yaesu FT-60 and an Elk 2M/440 L5 (5 element 2 meter/ 440 mHz Log Periodic). You've got a nice setup with the tripod and the boom extension. Keep the good videos coming! 73 de KI6BEO
Probably not, since BNC connectors are used. This antenna is mainly for portable operation, as it disassembles easily. For a permanent installation you would be better off with another antenna. Randy
After years of watching several videos on youtube and reading up on working sats I finally worked AO-51 yeaterday at 23:30 UTC with a FT 817 and a rubber duck antenna. Worked K8YSE in Ohio with 2.5 watts on battery power. Maybe I'll order the arrow when money permits. 73 and thanks for all your fine work W6CSA EM50
Nicely done video. It is a good primer for those who have no one around to elmer them with the LEO satellites. One thing I might add to novice satellite operators -- you need to do a lot of listening. Write down or record the calls coming throughout the pass. Select a good sounding station, then give them a call when the opportunity arises. Don't sit there and throw your call out endlessly. Chances are, no one can hear you and you are interfering with people who are into it clearly.
Incredible. Thats why hight.. or officially 'distance away from the earth' itself is such an incredible thing with radio waves to just in reality travel on forever, cheers and thanx!
Looking at the status on the AMSAT page, there are a couple reports of hearing AO-51. But, it does not look like it is operational at all. The reports may have been errors. I think it is dead, unless what you are reading is based on better status.
Hi, almost all dual band radios will work. Some allow you to listed on one band while transmitting on the other band. This would allow you to hear the satellite while transmitting. If you operate this way you may need a headset so that you do get feedbacks. I usually have the duplex mode shut off. Randy
@K7AGE Thanks for the video..im not yet into satellite tracking but im very interested. By the way..did they use any ctss to access the frequencies? 73 d e VK2JMV/ DV1MV
I enjoyed this. I'd like more "instruction" about the how to do it portion. I see what you've done, I need measurements and tools and wires instruction. For example, I didn't hear what band or what kind of HT, etc....supposing your working low watts into 440-2m dual bander but uncertain as to how to set it all up. Is there another video you've done all this with? Tnx, 73, Donn, KA0SOH
Great video. I have been trying for a few weeks now to connect with ANY satellite with no luck. I've watched videos and read on AMSAT about Doppler, frequencies etc. Now it would seem that this one isn't even working, correct? Any information on working satellites that I can attempt to connect with? I would really like to get more into this but am struggling with connection and hearing anything, wondering if the ones I am trying to connect to are even operating. Using HT with same antenna.73
I am assuming right after your callsign you are giving your grid location right? I am just starting to get into satellite work and hope to be on the air soon. I am already successfully hitting the ISS with APRS data from an omni directional antenna on 20 watts.
This is soo cool! Question though is the signal bouncing off the satellite? Or is it being recived and then transmitted by it? If soo its just there for anyone to use. On more thing I dont have a ham yet but I have a scanner that picks up 10,6,2 meter and 70cm HAM, if I made a dicone for it and aimed it at the sky I should be able to hear stuff right?
Yesterday around 7:40 both AO51 and SO50 were over kansas city. Heard people from Ontario to Florida U. An hour later they were both near you. Do they always fly together like that?
I'm not sure VO-52 is possible with the small antenna. I have never tried VO-52. I really don't know anything about it. Something else to research. Randy
You will need a dual band as you need 146 & 435 at the same time. Some of the HTs allow you to receive on one band while transmitting on the other band. This can help or confuse you with hearing your signal while talking. But you can probably set the radio not to do that. Randy
So I'm 15 and ive recently gotten interested in ham radio operating. Do you have any tips or links on getting started? Which kind of radio would be better to use? Would i be able to get a radio at a local radio shack store or something? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm a newbie at this. Thanks -Scott
Hi Randy. I watched some videos from you on yuotube and wanna say - you're good teacher for all of us :) Good work on HT with AO-51. We use it also from RK3DXB Club, and it's much noise when sattelite come through the Russian territory, that's thrue. Thanks again for video. 73! De Tony.
Great video. I have been trying to work so-50 with my baofeng’s and my th-d74. I am struggling . I got the arrow II and that made a huge difference. But trying to do so many things at once is Challenge. also that low angle and the results you got was amazing . I seem to need 60 degrees max elev to get that clarity here in Florida . Maybe I should pick a different sat. Thank you 🙏
Nice video. I managed to get into AO-51 with the two-meter vertical on the roof, but not too well. I need to get an Arrow. Your videos gave me the idea of making a video on how to receive images from the NOAA satellites.
Nice Videos Randy, by the way have you tried ISS? Im using the same tracking software with updated TLE. I wanted to work with AO-51 but i dont have an arrow antenna like yours with Duplexer.I keep monitoring ISS FM Voice Frequencies including packet.Anyways good luck best 73s and Mabuhay!DW9HGF
I haven't bought a new dual band HT in many years. If possible get to a store to see the radios. Eham reviews may help you narrow the selection. For the satellites you need a dual band. Some radios allow you to transmit on one band while receiving on the second band. This may help for satellites. Or, it can confuse you hearing yourself coming back. Randy
Hello K7AGE, awesome video!! I´m trying the same here in Lisbon, Portugal. Would you like to try a satellite communication next Tuesday March 14th? Thanks!!
Hi, thanks for this video, could you tell me more about your rotating systems ? What do you use for azimut, elevation and also to move your antenna from vertical to horizontal position ? 73 from Cedric - F5PSR
@WA5CVI I know that there are Mac satellite tracking programs, but I don't know the names. Google for satellite tracking software for the Mac. Also look over at AMSAT.ORG, they list software available.
"Turning it changes the polarization... Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't." That's sums up a LOT about fiddling with antennas. :D You just gotta keep fiddling with them until you find something that works.
@phoshizzo Google ARRL and Gorden West for licensing material. Google HRO and AES for radios. Radio shack (cellphone shack) doesn't carry ham gear anymore. Google AMSAT for information on satellite operating. Randy
HI again Randy. I should have wrote that I track the AO-51 and the ISS and I only try (for now) contacts when the satellites are pretty much directly above me. I did order an arrow beam though. Thanks again!!
This is the video that inspired me to finally get my license. Great to see all the activity on your channel, I really enjoy it.
Randy, I've stated it in emails to you and I'll reiterate it here. Thank you for talking the time to voluntarilly make these videos. For those of use who are new to sats, you really make it a lot easier.
Thanks for posting all of your vids Randy. This was a great intro for me to learn about ham radio in general. I remember the day I finally worked AO-51 and received a QSL card in the mail. There are so many facets to the hobby, the more I learn, the more I understand how much more learning I have to do... 73
Randy and all: This is a great series of videos, full of great information. After 35 years of ham radio, nobody ever showed me or even talked about "how-to" for satellite QSO's. I thought it was too difficult. Randy made it easy to understand and I'm having a blast. I got on the air and made several contacts this weekend on A0-51 and A0-27. Thanks Randy. You are a true "Elmer" to thousands of hams. Hope we can have a QSO someday. Craig WB0GFZ
Thanks so much for this vid! I'm a new ham, and have just made my first AO-27 contacts with an FT-60 and RH77 antenna. This video helped me with the theory greatly. Thanks much for all your videos, they're very helpful!
Thanks Randy: I transcoded this to IPod and watched it with several friends yesterday. Needless to say, it was just the thing to pry me back to HamTestOnline and getting the Gen and Extra done! Thank you for your enthusiasm.
Eric -N9DXV
Randy, I've been subscribing to your videos for a few months. Always so informative. I made one contact through AO-51 two summers ago with my Arrow Antenna and a Kenwood TH-D7. Didn't record it. Next time I will. Easy to see from your video how the tripod for the antenna makes things easier. 73, Ned N8OIF
Just passed my General and am holding my CSCE!!! Thanks for the vids, they were the catalyst pushing me over the edge. Rig shopping shortly, hope to catch you on the airwaves.
73
Jayson
The radios that I was using probably only has a few miles of range taking to someone direct. We are using the satellite to repeat our signals to talk to someone 100s or 1000s of miles away. Since the satellite can hear many many stations, the contacts are very short to try and allow many people to share the resource.
Randy
Looking forward to trying this out in 2020!!! Cheers!
We are using radio repeater in the satellite to extend the range of our handheld radios. Using the satellite, we can work stations up to 2,500 miles away.
Hi,
Thank you very much for your video, It has inspired me to give the satellites a go again.
20 years ago I worked RS10/11 many times and had a heap of fun. Up on 2M down on 10M. Running 10watts SSB on 2m and using a 2 element X Yargi, and a Delta loop on 10m for the down link, all home brewed. I remember also working a mobile station as well.
Thanks heaps. You are an inspiration to hams world wide.
73 de Alan
ZL4FM
Randy, Nice video. I finally am able to see how it's done. I have an 817 and a tripod. All I need to get is an Arrow antenna. Great job!73
Randy,
Great Video! Very Informative from Start to Finish. AO-51 is always so crowded on those Western Passes so getting two contacts is excellent. Been on the birds about three years myself and they are challenging,ESPECIALLY hearing them! 73,Andy K8AND
Thanks for the video Randy, it's fantastic!
Greetings from Spain
Huberto
Great Video... Good job on the pass and setup.
Great Video series also
73's
Mike
York, PA
Just tried working AO-51 myself this past weekend and I look forward to trying again when the weather gets a bit better. My radio is water proof, but I doubt the arrow antenna can handle the rain.
Nice work! I've heard of people cracking Ham Sats on handhelds, but I thought it was a myth!
I am impressed with what you have done, very nice!
73 from Jamie, VK2TIM in Sydney Australia.
Correct, duplex operation of the radio is not required. But, some guys operated with full duplex to hear themselves coming back. If the radio has duplex, you can probably disable that feature. You will need the duplexer in the antenna to work both bands from one coax. Randy
Thanks for the note. Yes, there are may aspects to the hobby. Lots of new things to try and learn.
Motorized V/UHF antennas will help, usually with longer antennas. KU feed is on the wrong frequency. AO-51 usually does not lend itself to long conversations, since it is shared be everyone within the coverage of the satellite. Randy
Wow! Been thinking of getting the Tech lic, now I want it!
thanks for the demo, looking forward to more.
I have had a couple of guys ask about this. I'll try and do a short video this weekend. Stayed tuned! Randy
Hi randy, nice to see your video. At least this explains how to make QSO's on this bird just with a handy and the explanation of each detail. Wonderful great job.
73's de 5B4AAI (Nicholas)
Nice video. Interesting that this is possible with such a small setup
Try and listen with the eggbeater. Its pattern may be fairly low to the horizon. Listen and see what happens. Select the PASSES tab on the AMSAT home page, there is a pass Prediction calculator. You need to enter your location. Yes, I was running 5 watts, no PL. Randy
Great video. Thanks for sharing. Pretty impressive actually
73's
the orbitron page also has an excellent colored contour map; helps a bit to see topography.
Very good video and presentation. Interesting part of the ham hobby.
Great result Randy, nice and simple set up working great its good to see what can be done without too much expense. 73 Simon
Randy thanks for the great video
@K7AGE LOL!!!!!!! "No Cellphone Shack" You got THAT right!! No longer a parts supplier, but a toystore.
Love your videos BTW
73
Hi Randy. Good job showing how easy LEO satellites can be using only an HT and an inexpensive antenna. I've made a couple of contacts using my Yaesu FT-60 and an Elk 2M/440 L5 (5 element 2 meter/ 440 mHz Log Periodic). You've got a nice setup with the tripod and the boom extension.
Keep the good videos coming!
73 de KI6BEO
Probably not, since BNC connectors are used. This antenna is mainly for portable operation, as it disassembles easily. For a permanent installation you would be better off with another antenna. Randy
Thanks Randy, that worked. Getting my tech license Sep15 and will be picking up a TH-F6 HT in about 3 weeks.
After years of watching several videos on youtube and reading up on working sats I finally worked AO-51 yeaterday at 23:30 UTC with a FT 817 and a rubber duck antenna. Worked K8YSE in Ohio with 2.5 watts on battery power. Maybe I'll order the arrow when money permits.
73 and thanks for all your fine work
W6CSA
EM50
Nicely done video. It is a good primer for those who have no one around to elmer them with the LEO satellites. One thing I might add to novice satellite operators -- you need to do a lot of listening. Write down or record the calls coming throughout the pass. Select a good sounding station, then give them a call when the opportunity arises. Don't sit there and throw your call out endlessly. Chances are, no one can hear you and you are interfering with people who are into it clearly.
Incredible. Thats why hight.. or officially 'distance away from the earth' itself is such an incredible thing with radio waves to just in reality travel on forever, cheers and thanx!
Looking at the status on the AMSAT page, there are a couple reports of hearing AO-51. But, it does not look like it is operational at all. The reports may have been errors. I think it is dead, unless what you are reading is based on better status.
Hi, almost all dual band radios will work. Some allow you to listed on one band while transmitting on the other band. This would allow you to hear the satellite while transmitting. If you operate this way you may need a headset so that you do get feedbacks. I usually have the duplex mode shut off. Randy
Craig, thanks and glad to hear that you have be able to get on the satellite from watching the videos. My PSK31 series is also very popular.
Randy
@K7AGE Thanks for the video..im not yet into satellite tracking but im very interested. By the way..did they use any ctss to access the frequencies? 73 d e VK2JMV/ DV1MV
@K7AGE Thank you Randy. Can a scanner antenna work for a ham radio?
I enjoyed this. I'd like more "instruction" about the how to do it portion. I see what you've done, I need measurements and tools and wires instruction. For example, I didn't hear what band or what kind of HT, etc....supposing your working low watts into 440-2m dual bander but uncertain as to how to set it all up. Is there another video you've done all this with? Tnx, 73, Donn, KA0SOH
Great video. I have been trying for a few weeks now to connect with ANY satellite with no luck. I've watched videos and read on AMSAT about Doppler, frequencies etc. Now it would seem that this one isn't even working, correct? Any information on working satellites that I can attempt to connect with? I would really like to get more into this but am struggling with connection and hearing anything, wondering if the ones I am trying to connect to are even operating. Using HT with same antenna.73
@K7AGE Pretty nice :) So, with this, everyone can talk to other, of i understand right? And it works with all satellites? Thank you
@Qstick333 Not really, I just cut it to fit. Randy
I am assuming right after your callsign you are giving your grid location right? I am just starting to get into satellite work and hope to be on the air soon. I am already successfully hitting the ISS with APRS data from an omni directional antenna on 20 watts.
Randy,
do you have any photos of how you attached the antenna to the tripod? I admire your idea of attaching the ht to the end there
HI, Yes the antenna is 144/440 dual band with a duplexer with one feed line to the radio. Randy
Hi, What are the satellite uplink and downlink frequencies?
This is soo cool! Question though is the signal bouncing off the satellite? Or is it being recived and then transmitted by it? If soo its just there for anyone to use. On more thing I dont have a ham yet but I have a scanner that picks up 10,6,2 meter and 70cm HAM, if I made a dicone for it and aimed it at the sky I should be able to hear stuff right?
@DW1PJM Not PL for this satellite, so do require PL. See AMSAT.org for details.
hi randy great video, has inspired me to experiment with sat communications great fun.
Thanks all the best from Gibraltar.
73
On the right side of the screen you will see a LOAD TLE button. Select the Amateur file and you should then be able to select AO-51. Randy
Curious if you have any pictures or instructions on the extension you added to the antenna?
Yesterday around 7:40 both AO51 and SO50 were over kansas city. Heard people from Ontario to Florida U.
An hour later they were both near you. Do they always fly together like that?
I'm not sure VO-52 is possible with the small antenna. I have never tried VO-52. I really don't know anything about it. Something else to research. Randy
@mondays89 Yup, around 17,000 MPH. We use Grid Squares as locations. Guys collect Grid Squares to be used towards awards.
You will need a dual band as you need 146 & 435 at the same time. Some of the HTs allow you to receive on one band while transmitting on the other band. This can help or confuse you with hearing your signal while talking. But you can probably set the radio not to do that. Randy
Excellent 💪
@popmomcorn It is really amazing that gear that you can hold in your hand can work through a satellite. Good luck on your test.
Satellite is overhead for 10-15 minutes, but it is pretty busy. QSOs are short. Randy
any video or info about how you connected the camera tripod? TIA.
that was awesome! thank you for sharing
So I'm 15 and ive recently gotten interested in ham radio operating. Do you have any tips or links on getting started? Which kind of radio would be better to use? Would i be able to get a radio at a local radio shack store or something? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm a newbie at this. Thanks -Scott
Hi Randy.
I watched some videos from you on yuotube and wanna say - you're good teacher for all of us :)
Good work on HT with AO-51. We use it also from RK3DXB Club, and it's much noise when sattelite come through the Russian territory, that's thrue.
Thanks again for video.
73! De Tony.
@mikilofo90 Yes. Some of the other satellites would require other types of radios and antennas.
Hi,
KC9MAV, I was wondering what ht, that is currently being sold right now would be good for sats?
thanks... one morequestion> how would you know if ur ht radio can do two band at the same time?
Great video. I have been trying to work so-50 with my baofeng’s and my th-d74. I am struggling . I got the arrow II and that made a huge difference. But trying to do so many things at once is Challenge. also that low angle and the results you got was amazing . I seem to need 60 degrees max elev to get that clarity here in Florida . Maybe I should pick a different sat. Thank you 🙏
Nice video. I managed to get into AO-51 with the two-meter vertical on the roof, but not too well. I need to get an Arrow. Your videos gave me the idea of making a video on how to receive images from the NOAA satellites.
Thanks, watch my other AO-51 video and you will see that it doesn't always work! Randy
Nice Videos Randy, by the way have you tried ISS? Im using the same tracking software with updated TLE. I wanted to work with AO-51 but i dont have an arrow antenna like yours with Duplexer.I keep monitoring ISS FM Voice Frequencies including packet.Anyways good luck best 73s and Mabuhay!DW9HGF
I haven't bought a new dual band HT in many years. If possible get to a store to see the radios. Eham reviews may help you narrow the selection. For the satellites you need a dual band. Some radios allow you to transmit on one band while receiving on the second band. This may help for satellites. Or, it can confuse you hearing yourself coming back. Randy
Good Videos Man!!! Your videos and some others is what inspired me to get my Call.....
Thanks and 73s
"Spedz"
congrats randy. Great Video. -Curtis
Hello K7AGE,
awesome video!! I´m trying the same here in Lisbon, Portugal. Would you like to try a satellite communication next Tuesday March 14th?
Thanks!!
Congratulations randy!
Awesome video (!)
Great video! Thanks for the post 73
Hi, thanks for this video, could you tell me more about your rotating systems ? What do you use for azimut, elevation and also to move your antenna from vertical to horizontal position ? 73 from Cedric - F5PSR
hey randy, i was wondering what would happen if i transmit or receive on bands other than 2m and 70cm with the arrow?
I just wanted to leave a note remarking on one of the links. The orbitron software page is currently down. Otherwise, very informative video
Randy, do you have to own a lisence to have a ham Radio? I have a th f6a Kenwood.
Yes, there have some news in some of the magazines. Randy
@WA5CVI I know that there are Mac satellite tracking programs, but I don't know the names. Google for satellite tracking software for the Mac. Also look over at AMSAT.ORG, they list software available.
@lukesloan95
So why listening to old LP when you can use mp3?
"Turning it changes the polarization... Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't." That's sums up a LOT about fiddling with antennas. :D You just gotta keep fiddling with them until you find something that works.
Randy, excellent video. I can hear satellites with my copper tube j-pole. I do need a beam to actually talk to them, correct?
THANKS
KD0DOE
@brandon5578 Around $140, available at arrowantennas, AES and HRO. Sorry no cellphone shack.
Yes, the satellite is a cross band repeater.
@phoshizzo Google ARRL and Gorden West for licensing material. Google HRO and AES for radios. Radio shack (cellphone shack) doesn't carry ham gear anymore. Google AMSAT for information on satellite operating. Randy
73 Randy, thx for the vid!
Great video learned something new from your video, I will try that sat track program qso from VA3FNI Canada
great! what was your output? can be only a few watts!?! 73 de DB1SOL
nice work .. im planing EME communication and need to set up the rig
de 9k2mb
Great vid! Thank you
Very interesting.
Congratulations Randy
Hi
Great vid.
Im making a short film about ham radio for my friends.
I wonder if i could use a couple of seconds of your vid to my little project?
That is so cool! I already grew up with internet but this definitely is alot more impressing :)
HI again Randy.
I should have wrote that I track the AO-51 and the ISS and I only try (for now) contacts when the satellites are pretty much directly above me. I did order an arrow beam though.
Thanks again!!