FT 991 Satellite Tracking using MacDoppler 2.26

A look at using the MacDoppler Satellite Tracking Program (actually v2.26) on a Mac computer to control Doppler shift tuning on my FT-991. The link to the FT-991 uses the USB port on the transceiver.
Satellites observed are FO-29 (JAS 2) with its linear translator and beacon and AO-91 (Fox 1B) launched late in 2017 with a cross band FM repeater.

[@RichardGenthnerMoose]

I would love to see a video of how you setup all this. My daughter has gotten me interested in doing amsat work, as they had someone come into talk about ham and the international space station.

[@WH6FQE]

I just had my new Elk 5 Element Log Periodic antenna delivered today. I am going to try to hunt some birds very soon myself.

[@ca1umh]

Thank, CA2UMH from Chile.

[@midnightcaller200]

I have the FT-991A and I just dowloaded MAC DOPPER question for you 1.how do I put in my QTH Mac Dopper 2.how do I update the kerplin(SP) data,and were is the box that I can check for auto update 3. what is the current version?

[@jimeagle1]

Click on Preferences under MacDoppler to find the setup menus for Radio, Rotator, Site, Modes, Gateway, 2D Map, 3D Map settings. You need Site which lets you put in Call Sign, Registration Number, Location, Latitude, Longitude (negative for the west coast -121.----), GMT Offset, Altitude, etc. Auto Update is one of the check boxes on the same page as is UTC time display.

[@vivhodge6217]

Hi James, what a fascinating video. I am a Ham in UK and can't seem to find a link to download this app for my Mac. Could you please come baack with one? Many thanks and season's greetings - Viv - M7OWD

[@Qstick333]

Are you able to monitor yourself with a satellite mode? I have the older FT847 which allows that

[@jimeagle1]

No. The FT991 cannot do full duplex.

[@lowellyates6685]

Where did you find the rotating globe graphic? This will serve my purposes to a T

[@jimeagle1]

Top of map click 3D or 2D to get from world view to flat view.

[@JayN4GO]

Have you thought about a 30 degree tilt on your beams?

[@jimeagle1]

I use 2m & 70cm 9 element beams at the horizon for distant passes ( my usual terrestrial antennas). I use 30 degree up tilt with a Cushcraft 5 element dual band beam for close in passes.

[@JayN4GO]

@@jimeagle1 rr yeah I use 13 el and 14 el for low H passes now. I use quads on a small pole in the yard for overhead passes. WAS amsat and 529 grids so far.

[@KN4YEM]

Why do you have a internet cable connected?

[@jimeagle1]

The RJ45 "cable" on the front of the radio is actually an adapter to a standard 3 pin XLR Mike connector for my professional microphone. I don't use the original Yaesu mike.

[@KN4YEM]

@@jimeagle1 oh ok

[@hl9gykorea679]

What antenna?

[@jimeagle1]

9 element 2m and 70cm beam aimed at the horizon or a 5 el 2m and 70cm beam aim up 30 degrees works for me. Automatic Az/El would be better, of course, but isn't required.

[@RichardLawn]

I heard that the radio will not allow itself to be controlled by SatPC32 during transmit. Is that true. How do you find yourself on the downlink when working the linear satellites like XW2A or FO-29?

[@jimeagle1]

I don't know about use with digital modes. The software tracks doppler regardless of mode as far as I know. For SSB on linear birds success depends on the station you are trying to work moving to your frequency since the 991 is not full duplex. I usually call a station and if I get a response I unlock the VFO's and touch up the RX frequency then relock the VFO's. Tracks well enough after that if the other station is also using computer Doppler control.

[@jimeagle1]

As far as SatPC32, I know nothing about it. That sfwr may not support the 991.