David KK4MND shows using the SO-50 satellite using a Baofeng UV-5R
It was good to see, earlier in the week via the Southgate Amateur Radio site, a video from David Mercado KK4MND, using his Baofeng UV-5R to operate through the SO-50 sateliite. David is using an after market MFJ antenna for the rig, rather than the stock antenna. Nevertheless, it’s pretty impressive to see the satellite coming through so well – on a simple handheld. This is the sort of thing that everyone with a dual band handheld should try!
I have a UV-5R of course, and I’ve programmed up the frequencies for SO-50. I only have a stock antenna, so I have ordered something which should give a little more gain – at vast expense (£8 including shipping from Hong Kong!) to see if I can do something similar. I think the best passes for something like this will be when the satellite is almost overhead – let’s say 45 degrees elevation and more. When the antenna arrives, I will let you know how it goes!
Well done David, on such a great and inspiring video.
Any ideas as antenna that one could use and purchase in the USA
Bob, you can never go wrong with Arrow Antennas. A little bit expensive but it’s worth it. http://www.arrowantennas.com/arrowii/146-437.html
BTW, it’s so funny to hear your own call sign in a YouTube video! (3:22)