Pete,
The three FM satellites that you should start with are SO-50, AO-85 (Fox-1A), and LilacSat-2 (intermittent schedule).
You can see nearly real-time reports of which satellites are being heard at www.amsat.org/status .
The 2015 edition of Getting Started With Amateur Satellites by Gould Smith is available from the AMSAT Store at www.amsat.org . The 2016 edition will be released at the Dayton Hamvention in May.
There is lots of additional information on the AMSAT website, including a operator’s guide for Fox-1A.
73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, [email protected]
On 4/5/16, 7:58 AM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Pete Moscatt via AMSAT-BB" <[email protected] on behalf of [email protected]> wrote:
Hi To All, Ok, I am just getting myself into the world of Satellites and need a little guidance. Up until now I have been reading through Getting Started on the Amateur Radio Satellites by Keith Baker. He makes reference to AO-51 as the satellite to cut ones teeth on. From what I understand, this bird no longer exists, so, what is now considered as being a beginners satellite? Pete. VK4CCV