On Monday 26th August I went down to a park and setup my portable Satellite station. This includes, an FT-817, an Arrow antenna, my portable rotator and tripod, an old laptop (running Linux) and my Zoom H5 audio recorder. All this fits snugly into a case.
A contact was made into the Philippines again with better results. I was able to work Taz (Du9JJY) down to about 9 degrees before LOS. The antenna rotator still needs work and I have since also made up a lead so I can take the RX audio directly from the radio (as well as via the H5 microphones).
This is still a work in progress, as I seek to refine the setup. I also have a Pi3 with 7" display that I intend to use instead of carting the laptop around. Working full duplex is also desirable and doable (at least with the FM Sats) as I can use a handheld. Heat and direct sunlight (shining on the screen) are big issues to contend with, and will need creative solutions.
I have discovered that actually setting up a portable station and operating portable is the only way of gaining insight and valuable knowledge, which can't be gained by any other means. Yes there is much to gain in reading books and talking with others, but at the end of the day, doing it yourself is naturally going to provide a learning and refining opportunity. Imagine That, practice makes perfect!
