Hello,

I too am new to the birds. I've been a ham for about 2 1/2 years, and have tried making contacts over the past year or so. Until recently, I was having no luck, although I could receive the satellites (mainly AO-51 and occasionally ISS) easily enough. However, thanks to an early Christmas present from my wife - an Arrow antenna - I've been happily successful over the past few weeks, making an average of 2 contacts on the passes I've tried.

Tonight's 01:30 UTC pass was really fun, as there were only a few operators on it at the time of the pass. This was the first time I also tried using the Arrow mounted on a tripod - I was able to better maintain the signals than I have been while using it handheld. The tripod allows me to concentrate on working the HT and recorder, without losing aim.

It's wonderful how the satellites have opened up a new avenue for me, at least until I learn code and upgrade from a Technician license. Until then, I'm going to try having as much fun as possible using the birds with my simple setup - an Alinco HT (5 watts) and the Arrow antenna.

73, Dave KC9GHA