SO-50 (SaudiSat-1C)

SO-50 is one of the most popular amateur radio FM satellites. It acts as a cross-band repeater, receiving on 2 meters and transmitting on 70 centimeters. Despite being launched in 2002, it remains one of the easiest satellites for beginners to work with just a handheld radio.

Transmit on 145.850 MHz with a 67.0 Hz CTCSS tone on your uplink. Listen on 436.795 MHz for the downlink. A dual-band handheld with a whip antenna can work SO-50 on high-elevation passes. For lower passes, use a handheld Yagi or Arrow antenna. Keep transmissions brief — the satellite window is only 10-12 minutes.

Tips

• - Always use 67.0 Hz CTCSS tone on your uplink
• - Compensate for Doppler on the 70cm downlink (start +10 kHz high, end -10 kHz low)
• - Keep transmissions short — say your callsign, grid square, and go
• - Works well with just a dual-band HT and Arrow antenna
• - Best passes are above 30° elevation