Ham Radio Satellites with the Icom IC-9700

Welcome back!!
Join me from the QTH for satellites SO-50, RS-44, and Tevel 3!
Today I have the brand new Icom IC-9700 up and running and making contacts.
00:00 Intro
00:56 SO-50
07:00 RS-44
20:57 Tevel 3
27:30 RS-44
The video starts with SO-50. WD9EWK was roving in two grids, so I spent most of the time listening. I always give way to the rovers so they can get all the contacts. Because I know how it feels to pack up the gear, go to some usually out of the way spot, find grid lines and then operate outside! It’s tough on FM, especially when the guys sitting at home with stations like mine hog the pass. Great job Patrick!!
Next is a low eastern pass of Russian Linear Satellite RS-44.
Then Tevel, which sounded beautiful once it came in!
And rounded out by the second pass of RS-44.
I did record the pass of SO-121 Hades-D, but I will probably just turn that into a short. That satellite has such a small window of opportunity it doesn’t really warrant more than a short. It is neat because it’s so hard to hear. The thing is only putting out something like .250 watt!!!!
Equipment used
Icom IC-9700
Yaesu G-5500 Rotor
WiMo X-Quad VHF Antenna
WiMo X-Quad UHF Antenna
LMR-400
CSN Technologies S.A.T. Controller
Radio audio recorded using the IC-9700 internal recording unit for uplink and downlink audio.

[@KC0JH_HAMateur_Radio]

Man I'm way behind in videos. I'm getting caught up though! That new rig looks like it's killing it! Awesome video my friend! 73

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Thanks John! It has come a long way for sure. All the great operators make it an amazing experience!! You really need to get an FM portable rig and give it a try. Enjoy the vacation and take lots of great videos buddy! 73, Rob

[@terryadams8012]

Very nice video Rob. I really like all the different screens.

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Thanks Terry! I thought it gives something informative and interesting to look at while listening to the passes. Trying to keep everyone interested ya know😁Thanks for watching! 73

[@NC0Q]

Thank you for confirming my suspicions about SO-50 downlink strength. Also that was the most orderly pass on that bird I’ve ever heard. Nice shot on the low pass of RS-44! Elevated X-Quads for the win!

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Thanks Tim! Yeah I’ve been noticing for several months the output has been dropping. It unfortunately seems to be getting worse all the time. Looks like we might be losing it sooner than later unfortunately.

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

Great video. The new Icom sounds excellent on RS-44. Nice view of your Sat array!

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Thank you Simon! I installed the Mini 70 preamp this weekend and it is an amazing difference on receive. It will definitely help bring the audio up. I noticed you’ve been throwing some footage of your array in lately. You should highlight yours some more also! There’s not too many of us showing the system off.

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

@@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors I try to get it on more ,😁 your new radio sounds great already so I can imagine it's awesome with the new preamp. Keep up the good work. I can't believe how busy it is over your side. Some very fast exchanges and excellent operating. I enjoyed watching 73

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Thank you Sir! It means a lot coming from you! Yeah the FM sats are absolutely nuts on this side of pond. You definitely have to be efficient to get contacts over here. Lots of guys never make a single one on a pass. I wish we could catch a mid Atlantic pass of RS44 so we could work each other. We need to keep an eye out for one where maybe I can hit it around 2 degrees.

[@josephgollattscheck9582]

Great video, I'm in the process of setting up my station.. Where do the videos on the bottom left come from??

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Those are just filler for something to watch. I thought it would make it a little more interesting for a viewer. Eventually I may put a live shot of me operating there. I do a screen capture from open sourced ISS footage for those videos.

[@vincxs2413]

Robert, what software do you use in the video?

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

That is the software from the CSN Technologies S.A.T. Controller. It fully controls the radio and antennas.

[@LCSRacing]

Does anyone have an opinion on the different flavors of the commercially available yagi antenna's sets. Seems if you have good tracking and add in a preamp how much of a difference is there from one to another? Thanks

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the M2 Leo pack except for the assembly. They are an American Company with great reviews and supported by Amsat.

[@LCSRacing]

@@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors appreciate the note. Have a great weekend.. 73

[@nickjh1968]

Any info on your Mini 70 pre-amp would be greatly appreciated.

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

So far results are amazing! So much so that I ordered the Mini 2 to pair with it and will be installing it as soon as it comes in. Last pass of SO50 no preamp it was barely s1, with preamp it was solid S9 and copyable down to 2 degrees. Which SO50 has been getting weaker all the time and has been very limited for me until the preamp.

[@nickjh1968]

Thanks for that! Can you tell me the supplier or more details on the product so I can trace it and order one? Thanks again, 73s!​@@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Absolutely! Here is a link. It was $212 usd including shipping. 73!! www.shf-elektronik.de/index.php/en/products/preamplifiers/preamplifier-70cm/174-mini-70-en.html

[@nickjh1968]

Thankyou Sir, much appreciated 👍​@@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

No problem at all my friend. I hope it does what you need. I will be doing a video on mine soon, the difference is unbelievable at my station. This video was shot without it installed.

[@israelsalas3884]

Hey this a nice Video!, I have a question, Can you guide me to set up a system like yours? and how to install it? Can you send me your email so I can stay in touch?

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Hello and thanks for watching! I can help in any way most likely. Send me a detailed email with your current equipment, future plans for equipment etc. my email is listed on QRZ you can click directly on the link from my page.