Satellite demo leads to successful first QSOs

Since March, Patrick, WD9EWK / VA7EWK has been conducting a series of satellite operating demonstrations at the Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club, W7TBC in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.

At the club's June meeting, kits for a WA5VJB "Cheap Yagi" for the FM satellites were distributed consisting of 2 elements on 2m, 5 elements on 70cm, plus the 2m/70cm "duplexer" or band splitter. Other Thunderbird club members were ready to try FM satellite operation via AO-51 with the telescoping whip on their HT.

Two Thunderbird club members made their first satellite contacts under Patrick's mentoring. He reported, "Jeff W0NWA worked Bernardo 6I2HWB in southern Baja California (DL44), and Bob K7UNL worked me followed by Jeff, K7WIN in southeastern Arizona." Patrick made a total of 8 contacts on that pass. Other club members were able to hear AO-51 for the first time.

Patrick summarized, "The weather was still 105F/41C outside with a bit of humidity. We had a great time, and for a couple of the club members they now have satellite contacts for their logs. We may do another of these hands-on demonstrations in a few months, when it is not so hot outside."

Thank you to Patrick, and congratulations are in order for the
Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club!