Beginner's Guide to Amateur Radio Satellites

Published February 22, 2026 by Dave Burniston, VE3AKK

Working amateur radio satellites is one of the most exciting aspects of our hobby. There's something magical about bouncing your signal off a spacecraft traveling at 17,000 mph, making contacts hundreds or even thousands of miles away with just a handheld radio.

But if you're new to satellite operations, it can seem intimidating. Don't worry—it's actually much easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your first satellite contact.

What You'll Need

The good news: you probably already have most of what you need!

Minimum Equipment

Dual-band VHF/UHF handheld transceiver - Any modern HT that can transmit on 2 meters and receive on 70 cm
Basic antenna - Even the rubber duck will work for strong passes, but...
Better antenna (recommended) - Arrow antenna or similar handheld yagi dramatically improves your success rate
Fresh batteries - Satellite passes don't wait for you!

Helpful Tools

Ham Sat Tracker (you're already here!) - For predicting passes and getting Doppler-corrected frequencies
Watch or phone with accurate time - Timing is critical in satellite ops
Compass - Helps you know where to point your antenna initially

Understanding the Basics

How Amateur Radio Satellites Work

Most ham satellites are essentially repeaters in orbit. You transmit on one frequency (uplink), and the satellite retransmits your signal on another frequency (downlink).

The key differences from terrestrial repeaters:

The satellite is moving - It's only overhead for 5-15 minutes at a time
Doppler shift - The frequencies change as the satellite approaches and recedes
Line of sight required - No signal if the satellite is below your horizon
Limited power - Most satellites run on solar panels and batteries

Key Terms You Should Know

AOS (Acquisition of Signal) - When the satellite rises above your horizon

LOS (Loss of Signal) - When the satellite sets below your horizon

TCA (Time of Closest Approach) - When the satellite reaches maximum elevation (highest point in its pass)

Elevation - How high above the horizon the satellite appears (in degrees). Higher is better!

Azimuth - Compass direction to the satellite (0° = North, 90° = East, etc.)

Footprint - The area on Earth where the satellite's signal can be received

Choosing Your First Satellite

I recommend starting with one of these three satellites:

SO-50 (NORAD 27607)

Mode: FM voice repeater
Uplink: 145.850 MHz (67 Hz PL tone required)
Downlink: 436.795 MHz
Why it's good for beginners: Strong signal, FM mode (familiar), predictable schedule

AO-91 (NORAD 43017)

Mode: FM voice repeater
Uplink: 145.960 MHz (67 Hz PL tone required)
Downlink: 435.250 MHz
Why it's good for beginners: Excellent signal, only operates in sunlight (easier to predict)
Note: Weekday schedule - telemetry only on weekends

ISS (International Space Station - NORAD 25544)

Mode: FM voice repeater
Uplink: 145.990 MHz (67 Hz PL tone required)
Downlink: 437.800 MHz
Why it's good for beginners: Strong signal, often has astronauts available for contacts
Note: Not always active - check ARISS schedule

Planning Your First Pass

Step 1: Find a Good Pass

Use Ham Sat Tracker to find upcoming passes:

Enter your location (grid square or coordinates)
Set minimum elevation to at least 20° (higher is easier)
Look for passes with maximum elevation above 40° for your first attempt

Pro tip: Higher elevation passes are easier because:

Signal is stronger
Less interference from buildings and trees
The satellite moves more slowly overhead

Step 2: Check the Frequencies

Ham Sat Tracker shows you the exact frequencies with Doppler corrections. Note the frequencies at:

AOS - Initial acquisition
TCA - Easiest point to make contact (minimum Doppler)
LOS - Final opportunity

Step 3: Find a Good Location

For your first attempt, find a spot with:

Clear view of the sky (no tall buildings or trees)
Away from RF interference (power lines, WiFi, etc.)
Safe and legal to operate from

Parks, hilltops, and open fields work great!

Making Contact: Step by Step

10 Minutes Before AOS

Arrive at your operating location
Set up your antenna
Program your radio with the uplink and downlink frequencies
Set your PL tone (usually 67 Hz)
Check your watch - synchronize with accurate time

At AOS

Point your antenna toward the AOS azimuth
Start listening on the downlink frequency
You should hear the satellite's signal appear
Listen for other stations making contacts

Making Your Call

When there's a break in activity:

Keep it short! - "VE3AKK from FN25"
Listen for someone to respond
If they call back: "Thanks for the contact! 73!"
Move on - let others use the satellite

Important: Satellite contacts are FAST. 10-15 seconds maximum. No long ragchews!

Antenna Pointing

As the satellite moves:

Follow it with your antenna
Point toward the current azimuth
Angle up higher as it rises, lower as it sets
Circular polarization (if your antenna has it) helps compensate for rotation

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Forgetting the PL Tone

Most FM satellites require a 67 Hz PL tone on uplink. Without it, the satellite won't hear you!

2. Talking Too Long

Remember: 10-15 seconds maximum. Grid square exchange, signal report, 73. That's it!

3. Wrong Doppler Direction

A common mistake is correcting Doppler in the wrong direction. Use Ham Sat Tracker's calculated frequencies - they account for this automatically.

4. Transmitting on the Downlink

Double-check you're transmitting on the uplink frequency and receiving on the downlink. Getting these backwards is more common than you'd think!

5. Choosing Low Elevation Passes

A 5° pass sounds tempting because it's coming up soon, but you'll likely be frustrated by weak signals and obstacles. Wait for a good high pass!

After Your First Contact

Logging

Log your contact like any other QSO:

Date and time (UTC)
Callsign
Grid square (if exchanged)
Satellite name
Mode (FM, SSB, etc.)

QSL Cards

Satellite contacts can be confirmed via:

Traditional QSL cards (via bureau or direct)
eQSL
Logbook of the World (LoTW)

Many operators collect satellite QSLs - they're often quite special!

Upgrading Your Station

Once you've made a few contacts with basic equipment, you might want to upgrade:

Better Antennas

Arrow Antenna - The gold standard for portable satellite work
Elk Antennas - Excellent fixed station options
M2 Antennas - For serious operators

Full-Duplex Radio

Being able to hear yourself through the satellite (hearing the downlink while transmitting) makes operations much easier. Consider radios like:

Kenwood TH-D74
Yaesu VX-8DR
Or use two separate radios

Rotor System

For fixed station operation, az/el rotors let you track satellites automatically:

Yaesu G-5500
SPID rotors
Homebrew solutions

Beyond FM Satellites

Once you're comfortable with FM birds, explore:

Linear transponder satellites - SSB/CW for longer QSOs
Digital modes - APRS, packet, SSTV
CW satellites - QRP satellite DXing
EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) - The ultimate challenge!

Resources and Community

Websites

AMSAT - amsat.org - The satellite amateur radio organization
ARISS - ariss.org - ISS amateur radio
Ham Sat Tracker - hamsattracker.com - For pass predictions (you're already here!)

Facebook Groups & Forums

AMSAT Facebook groups
Reddit r/amateurradio
QRZ.com forums

Email Lists

AMSAT-BB (AMSAT bulletin board)
ARISS email list

Final Thoughts

Your first satellite contact will be memorable. There's a unique thrill in working a repeater that's traveling at orbital velocity!

Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't result in contacts. Satellite operating has a learning curve, but it's not steep. With a little practice, you'll be working birds regularly.

The satellite community is friendly and welcoming. Don't hesitate to ask questions on forums or email lists - we all started as beginners!

73 and see you on the satellites!
Dave Burniston, VE3AKK

Have questions about getting started with satellites? Contact me or leave a comment below!