Here’s Randy, K7AGE chasing the AO-51 satellite in his back garden with an arrow antenna and a 5w handie.
This amateur radio satellite is just one of many that licensed amateur radio users can make use of to make short QSO’s with other radio amateurs. You can see the status of all OSCAR satellites here on the AMSAT web site.
SYRG is especially interested in the AO-27 satellite that was used to provide the first D-Star via Satellite contact between Michael, N3UC, FM-18 in Haymarket VA and Robin, AA4RC, EM-73 in Atlanta GA.
The Analogue repeater on-board satellite AO-27 is well suited for D-Star work. The radios were designed to pass 1200-19200 baud GMSK data like D-STAR does too.
This year, Andy - 2E0BLF will be investigating digital communications on D-STAR via satellites and in particular AO-27. If you would like to get involved or can help, please let us know.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at making a satellite listening station from an arrow antenna and K7AGE’s bracket design that accomodates a handheld radio.
Here’s a startling fact — more than 70 Amateur Radio satellites have been launched over four decades.
The number is astonishing as these sophisticated and groundbreaking spacecraft are little known outside the ham radio fraternity.
In fact, private groups of Amateur Radio operators around the globe have built and sent dozens and dozens of Amateur Radio communications and science satellites to orbit since the first, OSCAR-1, was launched on December 12, 1961.
The major group involved in space activity is the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) headquartered at Washington, D.C. It’s membership is composed of volunteer spacecraft designers, builders and operators across America and around the world.
Find out more about the Extraordinary History of Amateur Radio Satellites at
A fantastic read for anyone who is considering learning about communications via Amateur Radio Satellites. It gives you the history you need to know on Amateur Radio Satellites before you start!!
The ABC Television series, “Last Man Standing” is about Mike Baxter (played by Tim Allen), a marketing executive for “Outdoor Man,” a fictitious sporting goods store in Colorado. Mike, is a “man’s man” and involved in all kinds of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating. Likewise, Mike (and Tim) has a love for all the electronics that go with these activities. Among Mike’s interests is Amateur Radio (Ham Radio).
Tim's character (Mike Baxter), is KA0XTT. This is a call sign the show cleared for use on air. "XTT" is a bit of a private joke as Tim's character name on "Home Improvement" was Tim Taylor. So, ex T. T.
In the show’s radio inventory is currently an ICOM IC-9100 HF radio, an IC-92AD dual band, hand-held, a Heil PR-781microphone, a Daiwa CN-801HP SWR/Power meter a Comet CAA-500 antenna analyzer and a Iambic CW Paddle.
The South Yorkshire Repeater Group monthly meeting will be held at the Three Horse Shoes in Brierley on Thursday the 8th of December 2011 at 8pm.
Paid up members nominations for the forthcoming SYRG elections in 2012 are due within the next 21 days.
Oh and we may even sneak in a pre Chris...
Icom is organising a weekend long D-STAR QSO Party that is to be held between 0:00 on the 11th of November to 24:00 on the 13th of November (UTC) 2011.
This event differs from previous D-STAR contests that have taken place over the last few years.
Instead of competing for numbers of contact...
The Great Northern Hamfest in Barnsley has now been running for 20 years.
On the 18th September 2011, it will be somewhat special - as it is the 21st Birthday of the Great Northern Hamfest.
To celebrate our 21st Birthday, we want you to design our limited edition pin button badge.
Thi...
