Working the Amateur Voice Satellites

Here is my setup for working the amateur voice satellites, specifically SO-50, and the ISS digipeater

 

 Kenwood TH-D72A - A dual band HT with an integrated APRS TNC. Note that this is the only radio on the market that will do full duplex audio. This is key for allowing you to hear yourself on the satellite downlink to make sure you're getting in. Even this radio's big brother, the TH-D74 does not do full duplex audio.
   Arrow Handheld Satellite Antenna - A Yagi antenna for increased gain to help focus on the satellite while rejecting any other nearby signals. This specific antenna has a duplexer to allow for one connection to the radio while still separating the transmit and receive signals. It's important to make sure to buy the antenna with the duplexer. Arrow also makes the same antenna without one.

 

You're also going to need adapters to make adapt the BNC connection on the Arrow to the SMA connection on the radio.

West Georgia Amateur Radio Society Field Day 2017

Don't forget amateur radio Field Day on June 24th and 25th. Field Day is the big event sponsored by the American Radio Relay League where clubs and individuals all over North America set up, usually outside or in situations using emergency or "off the grid" power and try to make as many contacts on the radio as possible. We show off all the different ways we can use the radio including voice, Morse code, digital modes, satellites, and the International Space Station. Most importantly, we show off amateur radio's science, skill, and service to the community.

The West Georgia Amateur Radio Society will be operating from the Carroll County EMA's Mobile Communications Unit. Stop by and check out a really cool vehicle, and also see what amateur radio is all about. We can even help you get on the air and try it yourself. You don't need a license with us there helping you!