Satellites, here we come!

“The satellite is overcrowded! Too many users! Too many bandwidth wasters! “A box of tissues for our European friends, anyone?

On the other hand, there is nothing more depressing than being the only user on the satellite! Which is exactly what every Australian and Kiwi face on almost every orbit. Having a satellite to yourself is a curse.

And then, between two extremes, there are the times where the stars are perfectly aligned: that perfect orbit when the bird is approaching Hawaii, providing coverage all the way to the West coast. Or, when IO-117 is coming from the north, over Japan, and when logging a dozen or two stations is just smooth enjoyment of satellite communication.

On a satellite pass, every moment is precious. Remaining alerted is essential. You never know when someone will pop up on the screen – just like JA9KRO/MM on a fishing vessel on route from Ogasawara to Papua New Guinea. What a catch!

The screeching 1200 band of 70cm digipeater is music to my ears. At times, the satellite is amazingly loud. Getting to know it is a sign of sophistication: the passes, coverage of certain areas, getting through at various power levels, at certain elevations – and occasionally, even below the horizon! And even when there is no traffic – simply enjoy the telemetry.

Plus the two most obvious reasons to get on satellite: get out of the city noise and enjoy the noise free parks, beaches or mountain peaks. The entire setup could fit into a backpack – and 70cm yagi could be folded and carried by hand.

Or, if you like to invite and introduce the general public to our hobby: set your satellite operating table in plain sight, show the curious onlookers what ham radio is all about. What fun!

The ICOM 9700 is my trustworthy weapon of choice. Not merely a ‘radio’ but the finest piece of RF engineering, a radio like no other.