FM Satellite Communications for Beginners: Shoot for the Sky... On a Budget by Brian Schell is a concise and practical guide designed to help amateur radio enthusiasts initiate FM satellite communication without incurring significant expenses. As the seventh installment in the Amateur Radio for Beginners series, this 64-page manual offers a step-by-step approach to making successful satellite contacts using readily available equipment.

Chapter list for FM Satellite Communications for Beginners: Shoot for the Sky... On a Budget by Brian Schell:

1. Introduction

2. Why Do This?

3. Equipment

4. The Process

5. Other Software Tools

6. Using Common FM Satellites

7. Preparation Checklist

8. Tips

9. Next Steps: SSB and Linear Transponders

10. Links and Further Reading

11. About the Author

12. Stay Up To Date!

13. Help Me!

This concise guide provides step-by-step instructions for beginners interested in making amateur radio contacts via FM satellites. It covers essential topics such as equipment selection, satellite tracking, radio programming, and practical tips to get started in satellite communications.

📘 Overview

The book emphasizes a minimalist setup:

• A reliable handheld FM radio

• An affordable Yagi antenna (either purchased or DIY)

• A smartphone equipped with free tracking and radio programming software

Schell provides detailed tutorials on locating and timing passes of accessible AMSAT satellites, programming radios to account for Doppler shift, and effectively utilizing free online tools to track satellites and plan communications. The guide includes numerous screenshots and examples to assist readers in setting up their equipment and making their first satellite contacts.

Beyond FM satellite operations, the book also introduces methods for observing or listening to various non-amateur satellites, thereby broadening the reader's understanding of satellite communications.

Ideal for newcomers to amateur radio or those seeking to expand into satellite operations, this guide offers a straightforward and cost-effective pathway to exploring the realm of FM satellite communication.