I am having a blast working satellites with a Yaesu VX-8R and the Arrow dual-band satellite antenna with duplexer.
I've worked about eight passes total for the AO-51 and SO-50 satellites, and am mapping my contacts on this Google map: QSLs - Google Maps
The Arrow antenna is mounted to a camera tripod and I track the satellites manually, using the quieting of the downlink to help me zero in. The landscape/portrait hinged plate on the tripod makes it easy to change polarization of the UHF elements.
Working the satellites is contest-style with very quick contacts made and confirmed. I notice this especially on the weekends, but on weekdays, traffic is a bit lighter and some folks actually have brief conversations.
My first batch of QSL cards is at the printer, and I already have cards from several of my first contacts. I am having great fun, and am learning a great deal about the features of this radio!
Tom/W3ROK
I've worked about eight passes total for the AO-51 and SO-50 satellites, and am mapping my contacts on this Google map: QSLs - Google Maps
The Arrow antenna is mounted to a camera tripod and I track the satellites manually, using the quieting of the downlink to help me zero in. The landscape/portrait hinged plate on the tripod makes it easy to change polarization of the UHF elements.
Working the satellites is contest-style with very quick contacts made and confirmed. I notice this especially on the weekends, but on weekdays, traffic is a bit lighter and some folks actually have brief conversations.
My first batch of QSL cards is at the printer, and I already have cards from several of my first contacts. I am having great fun, and am learning a great deal about the features of this radio!
Tom/W3ROK