What equipment do I need to work ham radio satellites?

For FM satellites like SO-50 and AO-91, you need a dual-band handheld radio (2m/70cm), a directional antenna (Arrow or Elk handheld Yagi recommended), and a pass prediction tool. Total cost can be under $200 with a basic HT and antenna.

What are the easiest ham radio satellites for beginners?

SO-50 and AO-91 are the easiest FM satellites for beginners. The ISS APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz is also beginner-friendly. These satellites work with a simple dual-band handheld radio and require no computer interface — just tune, point, and talk.

Do I need a special license to work satellites?

In the US, a Technician class license is sufficient to work all amateur radio satellites. The satellite uplink and downlink frequencies are within Technician privileges on 2 meters and 70 centimeters.

Best Ham Radio Satellites for Beginners

Why Work Satellites?

Amateur radio satellites let you make contacts hundreds or thousands of miles away using just a handheld radio. No HF rig needed, no big antennas, no complex setup. A Technician license is all you need. When a satellite passes overhead, you have a 5-15 minute window to make contacts with anyone in the satellite's footprint — which can cover most of a continent.

Equipment You Need

Minimum Setup (Under $200)

- Dual-band HT (2m/70cm) — Baofeng UV-5R, Yaesu FT-65R, or similar
- Handheld directional antenna — Arrow II 146/437 or Elk 2M/440L
- Pass prediction app — This dashboard, AMSAT app, or Look4Sat

Better Setup

- Full-duplex HT — Kenwood TH-D75A or Icom IC-9700 (hear yourself through the satellite)
- Arrow antenna with duplexer — single feedline for both bands
- Compass app — to aim your antenna at the satellite's azimuth

Best Beginner Satellites

SO-50

Best for Beginners

FM repeater in space. Uplink 145.850 MHz (67 Hz tone), downlink 436.795 MHz.

The most popular FM satellite. Works with any dual-band HT. Long track record, reliable. Higher orbit means longer passes.

AO-91 (RadFxSat)

Daylight Only

FM repeater. Uplink 435.250 MHz (67 Hz tone), downlink 145.960 MHz.

Reverse frequencies from SO-50 (uplink 70cm, downlink 2m). Only active during sunlit passes. Less Doppler on the 2m downlink makes it easy to listen.

ISS (APRS Digipeater)

APRS

APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz.

No voice needed — send APRS packets through the ISS. Requires APRS-capable radio (Kenwood TH-D75, Yaesu FT5D) or a TNC. Your packet gets relayed and appears on aprs.fi and this dashboard.

Your First Satellite Pass — Step by Step

1. Find a pass — Use our Satellite Tracker to find the next SO-50 pass above 20° elevation for your location.
2. Program your radio — Set uplink to 145.850 MHz with 67.0 Hz CTCSS tone. Set downlink to 436.795 MHz.
3. Go outside — You need a clear view of the sky. Buildings and trees block UHF signals.
4. Point your antenna — When the satellite rises, aim your Yagi at the azimuth shown in the pass prediction. Track it across the sky.
5. Listen first — Start listening on the downlink 1-2 minutes before AOS. You'll hear stations as the satellite rises.
6. Adjust for Doppler — Start your downlink +10 kHz high (436.805), tune down as the satellite passes overhead, end -10 kHz low (436.785). Our tracker shows live Doppler correction.
7. Make a contact — When you hear a gap, key up: "This is [your call] grid [your grid square]." Keep it brief. Exchange callsigns and grid squares.

Common Mistakes

- Forgetting the CTCSS tone — SO-50 and AO-91 both require 67.0 Hz. No tone = the satellite ignores you.
- Trying low-elevation passes — Start with passes above 30°. Low passes are weak and short.
- Long transmissions — You're sharing the satellite with everyone in its footprint. Say your call, grid, and done.
- Ignoring Doppler — On 70cm, the Doppler shift is 20+ kHz across a pass. If you're not adjusting, you'll lose the signal.
- Operating indoors — UHF signals don't penetrate buildings well. Go outside.

Open Satellite Tracker SO-50 Details