Welcome to the group, Jonny!
You should take a look at the AMSAT website (www.amsat.org) and click on the "New to Satellites?" link on the left-hand side of the page. This will bring you to an area of the website that has documents for folks new to the amateur satellites.
It appears you have all you need to start working some of the LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. I'd try for AO-51 and see how that works for you. You could probably use an omni-directional antenna but don't expect it to work 100%. Directional antennas are definitely the best and will be necessary for the HEO (High Earth Orbit) satellites that are coming up.
Frequencies for each of the satellites are located on the AMSAT website as well. If you have any questions feel free to ask on the BB!
73s, Eric W4OTN (ex KF4OTN) AMSAT Member 35360 AMSAT Area Coordinator
Please donate to the Eagle project! http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php?donate=eagle
Jonny 290 wrote:
Hi, KC4YLV here and it's been a dream of mine ever since I was a young kid to get on the amateur satellites. Well, close to two decades later and I can finally start dabbling with it.
Can anybody give me a primer as to what the hottest satellites are right now? It unfortunately seems as though a lot of the info on the amateur satellites is outdated or at least 2, more often 5 years ore older. Given the lifespan-limited nature of our precious birds, it's really tough for me to figure out just what's still operating and what's gone. The mailing list seems dynamic and gives me hope - I know Amateur Radio is declining somewhat and wanted to be reassured that the birds are still being used and experimented with.
I have 40 watts of all-mode 2m TX, 55 watts of 2m/70cm FM TX, and extra receivers (unfortunately I do not have 435 SSB capability but am working on that angle presently). I'm also set up for packet via MixW and can build whatever interfaces I'd need for that angle - I am quite interested in playing with digital modes.
I've found plans for 'eggbeaters' and 'texas potato mashers' and feel that I would like to get started with omni antennas before I worry about gain antennas and tracking. Am I going to have enough ERP to have fun, or will I just be disappointed?
Also, can anybody clue me in to the status of any high orbit or molniya satellite projects? the phase 3e pages seem to be dormant, have conflicting, or sometimes incorrect info.
73, Matt KC4YLV em26 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb