Peter King - M0LNB

Playing with Radio, Satellites and the Moon

RF, Microwave, Analog Design Consultancy

Satellite Communications

This page shows how I set up for FT4 over linear LEO satellites and understand how it works. It is based on experiences with my satellite station at M0LNB, so is just one example of how to do it. Hams also enjoy playing with the GEO satellite QO100 and you can also receive images from weather satellites or listen to AERO data on Inmarsat. Please note I'm always eager to learn more and there could be something incorrect here, but will try to make it as informative as possible.

Sat: Antenna Mk1
Sat: Antenna Mk2
Sat: Link Budget
Sat: Cubesat Repeater Payload
Sat: Screen Setup
Sat: Example QSOs
Sat: Radio - ic9700
Sat: Software - WSJT-x
Sat: Software - SatPC32
Sat: FT4 Modulation and Coding
Sat: The Propagation Channel

Sat: Antenna Mk1

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Previously, before I got into EME, my rotor was used for LEO and GEO satellites, with the following setup. In our garden though, elevations above about 30 degrees was required due to the trees and houses. So I simplified the satellite antenna and used this rotor position for EME.

Sat: Antenna Mk2

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Here is my current satellite antenna: using the m2 leo pack with antennas pointing to zenith, it is possible to work leo satellites as low as 30-40 degrees elevation, since the yagi beamwidth is around -3dB at +/-45 deg and -6dB at +/-60 deg. Note that I reduced the 8+8 element 70cm antenna to 4+4 to achieve similar beamwidth to the 2m antenna, whilst only losing 3dB in antenna gain.

Fig: FT4 satellite setup on screen

Sat: Example QSOs

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Here are a few QSO made using FT4 over satellite

Callsign	Country	Satellite
ON8NT	Belgium	RS-44
F6HRO	France	RS-44
PD0HCV	Netherlands	RS-44
LA2XNA	Norway	RS-44
EA3GCV	Spain	RS-44

Sat: Radio - ic9700

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This is how I configure the Icom ic-9700 to work with WSJTx for FT4 over satellite.

Sat: Software - WSJT-x

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Sat: Software - SatPC32

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After testing a variety of satellite prediction software, I selected SatPC32 for my own station as it offers flexibility of setup and all the features I need.

Sat: FT4 Modulation and Coding

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Sat: The Propagation Channel

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