In our sixth and final installment of Sean Kutzko’s video series on the Basics of Operating Amateur Radio Satellites, he takes his show on the road to demonstrate one of the most enjoyable satellite operating activities—roving.
Roving is simply defined as operating your portable amateur radio gear from a grid square other than the one where you live. Want a lot of on-air activity? Toss your rig(s) and antenna in your vehicle, advertise your adventure, head for some rare grid squares, and get ready to make contact with a load of happy Hams.
The video has plenty of tips and tricks from Sean as well as sound advice from four experienced satellite rovers: Clayton Coleman, W5PFG; Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD0HJ; Ruth Willet, KM4LAO; and Justin Fountain, N5BO. Topics covered include transmitting from two grid squares at once, how to prepare for your first rove (practice, practice, practice!), helpful apps, and what equipment seasoned operators bring along, including Icom’s satellite-friendly IC-9700 VHF/UHF/1.2 GHz Transceiver, which gets a couple of well-deserved mentions during the video.
DX Engineering also carries the EAntenna 2M/70cm DUOSAT Handheld Antenna, perfect for operating satellites; and handheld and mobile transceivers from Alinco, Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu.
To view all of Sean’s videos, enter “Satellite” at OnAllBands.
Editor’s Note: Welcome to OnAllBands’ video series on the fun and challenges of making contacts through Amateur Radio satellites! Your host is Sean Kutzko, KX9X, OnAllBands blogger, former AMSAT Volunteer Coordinator, and experienced satellite operator.
