Have you looked at the sat status page? http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php It shows all the current birds that have VHF/UHF capability in addition to others.
Since you mentioned the FT60, I presume you just want the FM birds. That narrows it down quite a bit. AO-51 and SO-50 are FM voice birds. PCSAT and ANDE are FM Packet birds and ISS is either FM packet or you can talk directly with the crew on rare occasions.
Other satellites use SSB capable radios or operate on different bands.
There are some great articles for first time users at http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/faqs/index.php and I recommend the "Working the Easy Sats" article since you are interested in FM operations.
Kenneth - N5VHO
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dave Bannerman Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 9:49 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Need quick start info please
I am interested in working some satellites and have had success at least tracking and hearing AO-51. I use Orbitron racking software and my Equipment consists of a Yaesu FT60 HT programmed with separate up/down frequencies for the AO-51 bird. My question that I have asked at least 3 other people is WHAT ARE THE OTHER V/U SATELLITES I CAN USE THAT PASS OVER CALIFORNIA, AND WHAT ARE THE SCHEDULES / STATUS'S OF THESE SATS? Everyone I spoke with tells me the same thing, go to amsat website. Well I am confused by all of the old data that is posted there. All most all of the FAQ and WEEKLY STATUS reports are 3-5 years old. Can someone just help me out and list the currently operational V/U sats that I can work? Would also appreciate comments on best tracking software, antennas or whatever you can offer to help me get up to speed. Thank you.
73
KI6GVL
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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