AMSAT Satellite Operations

With a handheld dual bander, running 5 watts you can operate via OSCAR satellites OR the ISS (International Space Station)

You need the following: HT Dual bander OR Mobile unit.  In either case a good antenna like an ARROW or full wave whip

You need to know the following:

When one is within "view" of you radio  http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/predict/ input your location via Lat Long or Grid Number

What the status of the satellites are   http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php

What Frequency is in use by the satellite(s) that you select AO-51 in this example http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/satInfo.php?satID=1&retURL=/satellites/status.php 

See operating instructions for HT users http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/EchoHT.php

Remember to listen listen listen first ... be prepared with Grid Number and a way to record the call signs of contacted stations and their grid number.

Headset is nice due to listen on downlink and transmitting on uplink ... plus background noise on the ground.