[amsat-bb] Getting on Jan satellites

[Russ Kinner]

I've used what I had on hand, a FT7900 and a dual band mobile Diamond antenna, both items I've had to operate from my car for 10 years.  I have built an eggbeater for both bands and the fading on high passes went away but it just wasn't very efficient and I went back to the mobile antenna.  The 1/2 wave design doesn't need a ground plane, it works about the same with or without radials.
One thing I'm contemplating is a easy to adjust angle mount so I can be close to a right angle on different elevation passes.  Not sure exactly how I'll do that but it may help and I would not need to point a beam.  
A tripod if you use a directional antenna can help.  Even a light weight antenna can get heavy for 15 minutes and if it's windy....
There is a zoom presentation available on this topic, a link is provided in other amsat-bb messages.  
In general, get the frequencies and pl tone set in your rig and listen.  Late night passes are often easier to start operating with less competition.  I've had pass with only 2 other stations and then others where no one hears me at all.  Don't get discouraged, there will be a pass where everyone calls you one after another.  I've had a pass with 6 contacts - once in a while you find several stations that need your grid and you knock them off in short order.

Rusty, WA8ZID