OSCAR Satellites AO-51, VO-52 & HO-68

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Since I settled for the 10 element 435MHz and IO 145MHz loop antenna (IO-10EL) I have been getting into the OSCAR Satellites with ease. I have been making lots of QSO's with the home built beam fixed at 30º elevation for the past year or so on FM and SSB.

Earlier this evening I made QSO's on AO-51, HO-68 and VO-52. On AO-51(FM) I worked ON5NY, on HO-68(SSB) I worked IZ7JXJ, DJ8DT and for the second time this evening ON5NY. On VO-52(SSB) I worked IZ5AVK and DK1IE, all were good signals and all Stations could hear me at 5/9. I was running approximately 35Watts from my Yaesu FT-847 and managed to still get in to HO-68 at a total distance of 2500 miles as the the Satellite headed over North America.

I am always amazed how well my homemade antenna performs and I still get the biggest buzz when the "birds" pass over, in fact my hard done by YL - Louise M3TLL thinks I have a problem and calls me a "Satellite Junkie".

Unfortunately for Louise, there doesn't seem to be a cure available on prescription yet!

Comments

Phaze58 said…
I am almost on my way to making the 10 ele IO . will be joining you shortly ( I hope) Issues here with Franca not feeling well and with her daughter moving house I just haven't had time or money to do anything.
Was nice to hear you the other night.
9:44 pm
The Crusty Old Grognard said…
Hi,

Any idea where I can find some drawings so I can make my own 10 element yagi for satellites?

73

Matt de M6FNG
10:18 pm
MØYKS Simon said…
Hi Matt, try these links:


http://www.g6lvb.com/HomebrewArrow.htm

http://eb4dka.laserenadigital.com/Amateur%20Satellite%20Articles/IOio%20antenna.pdf

http://hamradiooperator.blogspot.com/2009/02/home-brew-ioio-mk-6-step-by-step.html
8:56 am
Paul M0PCZ said…
Hi Simon, at least your YL has an M3 call and therefore has some understanding of our radio needs..

73 Paul.
10:09 am
MØYKS Simon said…
Hi Paul,

yes it sure is handy having a her operating skills especially when I need a hand putting up antennas or mobile logging.

We actually met just over 5 years ago at work when I set up a Ham Station at the College where we both work.

All the best from Yorkshire!
10:32 am
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