Step 04 — Passes
When and where to point
Enter your location to see upcoming passes for all tracked amateur satellites. Each pass card shows AOS and LOS times, azimuth, a sky-arc diagram, and the frequency plan you'll need.
Reading a pass card
AOS — Acquisition of Signal. The satellite rises above your minimum elevation. Start listening now.
MAX — Maximum elevation. Best signal. Transmit now if you haven't already.
LOS — Loss of Signal. The satellite drops below your minimum elevation. Sign off gracefully.
Pass quality
Overhead (60°+) — Excellent. Long contact window, strong signal.
Good (30–59°) — Solid contact, reasonable duration.
Low (15–29°) — Workable but brief. Obstructions matter more.
Marginal (<15°) — Difficult. Good for monitoring, not first contacts.
Arc diagram
The sky arc shows the pass path projected overhead. The outer ring is your horizon (0°), inner rings are 30° and 60° elevation. Green dot = AOS, red dot = LOS.
Your Location
Location required for pass predictions.
Before the pass checklist
Check AMSAT's satellite status page. Birds can enter safe mode or change transponder frequencies without notice.
Enter both frequencies in your radio as a memory pair. Use separate VFOs for full-duplex monitoring.
SO-50 requires a 74.4 Hz burst first, then 67.0 Hz continuous. AO-91/92 need 67.0 Hz. ISS needs none.
Look at the arc diagram above. Have your antenna pre-aimed at the AOS compass bearing 60 seconds before the pass starts.
5W into a Yagi is usually more than enough. Start low and increase only if you can't hear yourself on the downlink.
"CQ satellite, this is [callsign] portable [grid square]" is the standard opening. Grid squares help other operators confirm the contact.
Save your setup
Your location and filter settings are saved in the URL and as a cookie — bookmark the page or use the Copy link button to share a pre-configured view. Pair this with the frequency reference on your phone before heading outside.