Satellites workable from VK? Antennas?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:13 pm
Hi all
Developing an interest in working satellites here with an IC-9700 in the shack.
Whilst I've read about casually working sats simply with an FM 2/70 hand-held, I'm aiming for a higher level.
Realistically, what satellites are workable from VK that offer the biggest footprints?
(ie; to maximise potential number of contacts)
AO7 still working?
VO-52?
Others???
There are tit bits of information found on the interwebs, but a lot of it is quite dated now.
How many stations are active within these footprints?
Trying to gauge whether it's worth spending minimum $2k on this endeavor.
What antennas are typically required?
Was considering a 2MCP14 and 436CP30, both from M2.
I'll have more chance of actually getting on air if I don't have to fool around making antennas.
Andrews claim the Yaesu G-5500 AZ/EL rotator is obsolete and no longer available.
Strictly Ham still lists it as being in stock.
Alternatives?
I would also consider a more robust AZ/EL system that would ultimately cope with a 3m mesh dish for 23cm EME use, once the satellite novelty has worn off. Suggestions?
Developing an interest in working satellites here with an IC-9700 in the shack.
Whilst I've read about casually working sats simply with an FM 2/70 hand-held, I'm aiming for a higher level.
Realistically, what satellites are workable from VK that offer the biggest footprints?
(ie; to maximise potential number of contacts)
AO7 still working?
VO-52?
Others???
There are tit bits of information found on the interwebs, but a lot of it is quite dated now.
How many stations are active within these footprints?
Trying to gauge whether it's worth spending minimum $2k on this endeavor.
What antennas are typically required?
Was considering a 2MCP14 and 436CP30, both from M2.
I'll have more chance of actually getting on air if I don't have to fool around making antennas.
Andrews claim the Yaesu G-5500 AZ/EL rotator is obsolete and no longer available.
Strictly Ham still lists it as being in stock.
Alternatives?
I would also consider a more robust AZ/EL system that would ultimately cope with a 3m mesh dish for 23cm EME use, once the satellite novelty has worn off. Suggestions?