Ham Radio
Work a satellite from your backyard
Any Technician licensee can make a contact through a satellite in orbit using gear you probably already own. This guide takes you from zero to your first QSO — step by step, or skip straight to what you need.
Guided path
Radios, antennas, and accessories for every license class and budget — from a $30 HT to a full az/el station.
Go →Browse amateur satellites filtered by license class, mode, and experience level. FM voice, SSB, APRS, and more.
Go →Uplink and downlink references, Doppler shift explained, and a live calculator for your target satellite.
Go →Real-time pass predictions for your location — AOS/LOS times, azimuth, elevation arcs, and frequency plans.
Go →License requirements at a glance
Satellites: FM voice satellites (SO-50, AO-91, AO-92), ISS voice and APRS, CW beacons
Pass the 35-question Element 2 exam. No code requirement.
Satellites: Everything above plus HF-linked birds (AO-7 Mode A), linear transponders on HF output segments
Pass Element 3 in addition to Element 2.
Satellites: Full access to all sub-bands and transponder segments on all amateur satellites
Pass Element 4 in addition to Elements 2 and 3.
All amateur satellite operation in the US requires a valid FCC amateur radio license. Get licensed via ARRL ›
First contact tips
Send a position beacon through the ISS APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz. No conversation required — just seeing your callsign relayed is a milestone.
Monitor the downlink for a full pass before you key up. Learn the Doppler drift and understand how others operate the satellite.
A cheap Arrow or Elk dual-band Yagi and a $25 HT can work most FM sats. You do not need a rotor or computer control for your first QSO.
For FM satellites, your radio will capture most of the drift. For SSB/linear, tune your VFO manually across ±10 kHz as the pass progresses.
A pass under 15° max elevation means less time and weaker signal. Target passes above 30° for your first attempt.
Amateur satellites can enter safe mode or change operating modes without notice. Always check AMSAT's status page before a scheduled contact.