Amateur Radio Satellite Elk Antenna Assembly and Working SO-50
I've been using the Elk, along with my Baofeng, to communicate through Saudisat SO-50. Great fun, but you have to be quick as I soon found out.
Elk 2M/440L5 Handheld Antenna
From what I see there are basically three choices in handheld antennas, the Elk, Arrow and homebrew. I went with the Elk because it is a flat antenna and I can store it easily. The Arrow, although a very good antenna, looks a little more cumbersome to me.
The elements on the Elk are color coded and it's very easy to put together.
I would do a homebrew, but I remember years ago making one for SAT communications and it didn't work, so I didn't want to take the chance this time around.
There are some easy homebrew designs, one is called a tape measure antenna and I have seen it work.
Baofeng HT
I bought my Baofeng in 2017. My first one died, but they are cheap.
This newer one is a BF-F9V2+. I like it and I get 2 day shipping on Amazon. It's the tri-power version.
Programming the Baofeng for SO-50
Saudisat SO-50 is recommended when using the Baofeng. It's an FM satellite with the uplink on VHF and downlink on UHF. Do be intimidated, it's easy.
Chirp is pretty easy to use with the Baofeng. It's the only way to go on these handhelds and I'll have a video coming up on it soon. Programming by hand is too hard in my opinion.
More on Chirp and the Baofeng soon. Signup to the mailing list and you'll be notified when that comes out.
For now, please see Getting Started with FM Satellites.
Here's How it Works
It's so easy to put together and it is very nice construction. Look at this video.
Note: When attaching the coax cable to the antenna, dress the cable to extend straight away from the connector for at least eight inches.
Up Next/Comments
Coming up next I'll have a video on JS8, JS8Call and how I am using it.
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Stay in touch and best 73,
Rich, K0PIR
Links:
SMA FEMALE to PL-259 for Baofeng HT
I hear the Baofeng UV-5R will work and it's less expensive.
Getting Started with FM Satellites
Son in law KF5LOQ uses the elk and I the arrow.
He has better reception at low angle. I have a smidgen better st high angle.
Both are good.
73
George
WA5KBH
Hi George,
Nice to hear from you and thanks for commenting. That is interesting. I was wondering if it was my location or the antenna. I don’t hear SO-50 until the elevation gets to 20 degrees or higher.
I have yet to try it out in an open area with a good view of the horizon. I think that may help me.
Thanks again and best 73,
Rich, K0PIR
Operating satellites for under $200. Amazing and cool.
Brad,
That’s what I was thinking! When I explain it to non-Hams, they just stare LOL
Non-hams look at us kind of strangely. With the internet, who needs a satellite and a Chinese radio is what they think.
I will soon be back on 80 meters. I blew my SteppIR 80 meter motorized coil but just received the repaired unit. Got a little to happy with the power. So I should be back for the breakfast club.
Hi Bill,
Nice to hear from you. Yeah, when I explain about working the satellites people just stare LOL. But, when they see it a few ties they kinda understand.
Fun stuff. Looking forward to hearing you on.
Take care!
Rich, K0PIR
Thanks for linking to my YouTube video. That tape measure yagi was a fun project! I did end up getting an Arrow to do Amsat work. 73s!
Hi Steve,
Nice to hear from you and thank you for coming by and commenting.
That looked like a fun project and just in case people missed it: Tape Measure Antenna – Hombrew DIY Cheap – KM6JUR
Best 73,
Rich, K0PIR