Steve Kristoff AI9IN, I think most of us using satellites had similar experiences as you with our first contact. I know that I was totally amazed how well things worked. For years I used the excuse that working satellites was much too difficult. I now usually use a little Olympus recorder when operating. I just lay it by the speaker, nothing fancy here. This recorder was extremely helpful when working AO-51 mobile. If you really want to have some fun, try a linear satellite like FO-29. You will need to operate SSB or CW which is not possible with your portables. The linear satellites have plenty of bandwidth making many contacts easily possible.

Welcome and have fun!

73, -james W5AOO