Tim N3TL said: "I also don't share your view of?satellite operation using a handheld or otherwise portable station, which is less than positive. Again, I mean no disrespect - but I find very little challenge and even less satisfaction in making a satellite contact running 50-100 watts into?a pair of long, multi-element yagis being controlled for az/el by computers - and using a radio being computer controlled for Doppler.? Of course, many more satellite operators share views closer to yours than mine - or, at least, it seems that way." Point taken, but there are two ways to enter the satellite section of this hobby. 1. The linear satellite way (FO-29, AO7 and VO-52). This was the way I selected. My early goal was to operate AO-40, and the station was constructed for this AMSAT project. 2. The second way is via the FM satellites. Both ways are valid. It all depends which way a person came to make that first satellite contact. It's still a thrill either way. Respectively Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589