73/all.
Many (maybe not that many) years ago I became interested in LEO sats, it was about the time of AO40. I didn't have much VHF and no UHF equipment since I was mostly an HF guy. I purchased an FT-290 from a friend and a small (150w) amp and stared working RS-12/13 and RS-15 in Mode A. It was fast paced and almost like a contest on every pass. Well, as we know these guys are long gone so we are "left" with mostly FM and UHF/VHF splits. I found an FT-790 on line and purchased it rather than buying an entire new HF/VHF/UHF rig. I couldn't justify that since I had just picked up an FT-950.
I guess my question is, other than antennas, what do I need to work most of the LEO sats these days? I can work AO-7 occasionally but it seems a bit frail and I rarely hear anyone on it anyway. If I use more than a few watts it FMs severely. I guess that's because it's running completely on solar power.
I'd love any input.
Thanks and 73/s
Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE Eagle Creek Observatory http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org I'm not weird, I'm Limited Edition.