Amateur satellite operation

[Matt285]

So has mentioned in my other post about filters,I have a Yaesu FT-818 on it's way. I really just wanted another 817, but they are still selling for over 500.00 on the used market and a new 818 can be had for $569.00. Part of my decision of choosing the 818 is to be able to do portable satellite operation with either an Arrow or Elk yagi. What have your experiences been working satellites whether they were FM or SSB? I having been doing some research on Amsat to see which birds are active and learning to look up pass times based on my grid square. Let me know what you think.

[ThaDood]

I did crossband FM UHF / VHF Sat contesting back in Summer 2006 ARRL Field Day with the Ontario County ARES Group. We used my then Alinco DR-620T to two separate beams, (One for UHF uplink, the other for VHF downlink.), and gained like 10 points that way. I've also done the UHF Mir Space Station Repeater from home. I've heard several STS calls on 145.550MHz FM and 145.800MHz, but couldn't beat the big-guns. I hear ISS on 145.800MHz on the scanner. I've yet to do SSB with crosslink via satellite, albeit I have the perfect rig to do so with a TS-2000X. I hope to try.

[Matt285]

Thanks for the feedback. I ordered the Elk log periodic since it had good reviews and did not need a duplexer. I'm looking forward to trying it out. I have noticed a lot of popular satellites that were operational for many years have met the end of their life in the last year or two. Trying to do some research now to see the best ones to start off with, both FM and SSB,

[ThaDood]

Well, with a little over 100W PEP, +20dB preamp, and a tracking 2M boomer yagi, you can do the ultimate satellite, EME, and bounce yourself on the Moon. We certainly hope that won't end its life cycle too soon.