You may have caught the post on my very first satellite QSO. The great thing for me with that QSO was that Clayton, W5PFG, had actually recorded it and sent me the audio file. What an extraordinary memory, including some insight into how this all works.
Since that time I’ve managed to log close to 150 QSOs and almost 100 grids. I’ve done this with my IC-910H and either my cheap yagis or more recently with the Diamond yagis arranged specifically for satellite contacts. So it’s been fun and I’ve been reasonably active on several of the FM satellites and particularly on the linear FO-29 satellite.
One of the things I like about both VHF contesting and satellite QSOs are the contacts for rare grids from rover set ups. For VHF contesting, it’s often some very special gear to maximize the contacts and cover a high number of bands. But for satellites it’s usually both a hand-held rig and antenna. Very lightweight and highly portable.
John Brier, KG4AKV, recently activated a National Parks on the Air site and made a video recording of the whole thing. Here’s his video which I’ve set to begin when he first starts to hear my signal. Just a few minutes later you’ll hear and see that we finally made contact.
How cool is that? A complete hand-held satellite station covered by audio/video and set up after a hike in the woods. This satellite stuff is truly amazing. If you haven’t yet tried it as part of your ham radio adventures, I highly recommend it. I’ll listen for you.
