CERN Amateur Radio Club – CARC

Satellite monitoring

Exploring the Skies: Satellite Monitoring and Ham Radio for Enthusiasts

Ever stared up at the stars and wondered what’s orbiting overhead—and what signals are silently flying through the air? For thousands of hobbyists around the world, satellite monitoring and ham radio offer a thrilling way to engage with the invisible world of radio waves, tracking everything from orbiting satellites to distant voices bouncing off the ionosphere. Whether you’re decoding real-time weather imagery or making a two-way contact with someone thousands of miles away, these hobbies blend science, engineering, and a deep sense of wonder.

Satellite Monitoring: Eavesdropping on the Sky

Satellite monitoring is a form of radio listening where hobbyists tune in to signals transmitted from satellites in Earth orbit. These might include:

  • NOAA weather satellites, which transmit automatic picture transmissions (APT) of Earth’s cloud cover and weather patterns.
  • Amateur radio satellites (like AO-91 or SO-50), which carry repeaters for ham operators.
  • Meteorological satellites like METEOR-M2, which transmit high-resolution weather images.
  • Signals from the International Space Station (ISS), which sometimes includes slow-scan TV (SSTV) broadcasts and amateur radio relays.

To get started with satellite monitoring, you don’t need a massive budget. A very popular setup includes:

  • A RTL-SDR USB dongle (~$30) – a low-cost software-defined radio receiver that plugs into your computer.
  • Free software like SDR#, Orbitron, and WXtoImg for signal decoding and satellite tracking.
  • A home-built turnstile or QFH (quadrifilar helix) antenna, which can be made from basic PVC pipe, copper wire, and a bit of soldering work.

There are excellent guides online, such as RTL-SDR.com’s satellite tracking guide and communities like the r/RTLSDR and r/amateurradio subreddits, where people regularly post their reception results and custom setups.

Ham Radio: Communicating Across the World (and Beyond)

Ham radio, or amateur radio, takes things a step further—it’s all about two-way communication. Licensed ham operators can transmit their own signals and talk to other hams locally or globally. Using a combination of VHF, UHF, and HF frequencies, you can:

  • Chat with operators in other countries via shortwave propagation.
  • Relay messages through amateur satellites (often called “birds”).
  • Use packet radio, digital modes like FT8, and even bounce signals off the Moon (EME communication).

A typical beginner ham radio setup might include:

  • A handheld transceiver like the Baofeng UV-5R (~$25–$40).
  • A DIY yagi antenna made from a tape measure and PVC (great for satellite passes).
  • Software like CHIRP to program your radio, and SatNOGS to check satellite pass times.

Many operators build their own gear or modify commercial radios to fit their needs. There’s a strong DIY ethos in the ham community, and many clubs offer Elmering (mentorship) to help new operators get started. Check out:

Where the Hobbies Meet: Satellites + Ham = Awesome

One of the most exciting overlaps between these hobbies is using amateur satellites to communicate. These satellites orbit the Earth in low Earth orbit (LEO), and when they pass overhead, ham operators can “work the birds” to make contact with others using handheld radios and directional antennas. It’s a rush to hear your own voice coming back from orbit—or to exchange call signs with someone hundreds of miles away, via a piece of equipment floating in space.

Getting into this is easier than ever. With apps like Heavens Above or SatSat, you can track satellite passes in real-time. Combine that with a good yagi antenna (commercial or homemade) and a basic HT radio, and you’re ready to experiment with space-based comms.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into quietly listening to the skies or jumping into two-way communication, satellite monitoring and ham radio open up a world of hands-on discovery. These hobbies encourage you to learn electronics, physics, software, and communication theory—all while making real-world connections across the globe (or above it).

Plus, the community is incredibly supportive. From forums like QRZ.com and Reddit to Discord groups and local ham clubs, there’s no shortage of people willing to help you troubleshoot or celebrate your first satellite contact.

If you’re looking for an activity that’s fun, educational, and a little bit magical—this might be the one. At the CERN Radio Amateur club you will find other people interested in the subject, and maybe willing to build the ultimate satellite monitoring device and operate it together.