Hearing Signals on QRP Satellite SO-121 (HADES-D)


Today morning, at around 11 am (UTC+5.30), there was a high elevation Eastern pass of SO-121 (HADES-D), which is a QRP satellite and has been tough to get for us with limited LEO satellite setup. Maximum elevation was around 78 degrees and I pointed my Moxon Yagi in the direction of the maximum elevation, though the upward tilt of my antenna was only about 20 degrees as it has been fixed on the mast. I made Doppler correction in my IC 2730 radio as usual, according to the live display on Argentinian Amsat Pass prediction page. Near about the time of closest appraoch in my region, I could hear weak audio signals of some conversation for a brief time. It was not strong enough for me to recognize the callsign. After a few seconds, there was one more episode of squelch closure suggesting acquisition of satellite signals.

Here is the short audio clip.

Though I was happy that the satellite is working for us, I need to improve my antenna setup and possibly add tracking, before I can use SO-121 for contacting others with the FM repeater on board the satellite. I am waiting to try again during another high elevation pass on a holiday so that I can have someone else also trying at the same time, preferrably someone with a better setup.