This report presents the design of a ground station for performing satellite
communications using amateur radio satellites. The resulting design integrates
commercially available hardware and software to provide effective communications
using all current amateur satellite analog and digital operating modes. The station is
capable of growth to support message forwarding, gateway, and satellite monitoring
and control functions. The acquisition plan spreads the station's acquisition over
several years to keep costs within an individual's budget, and maintains flexibility to
adapt to changes in satellites and communications modes available over the station's
life. The station's major design drivers are sufficient link budget for reliable
communications, the station's life cycle cost, ensuring radio frequency energy fields are
at safe levels, placement of antennas and supports to comply with local architectural
restrictions, and selection of a 435 MHz transceiver for the station.
This project illustrates the ability of individuals or small groups to economically
acquire effective satellite communications capability by integrating largely off-the-shelf
hardware and software. In conjunction with small, relatively low-cost satellites, this
ability places space communications and related research within reach of groups
otherwise excluded from participating in satellite programs.
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