As Radio Amateurs who like to build, anything that we come across could be inspiration for a project or upgrade. I was Elmered into the hobby by  Dave Carter, KA1HDG, during a one week class at Great Lakes Adventist Academy. GLAA is an ARRL “The Big Project” School. With part of their funding they set up a satellite station… the inspiration.

Satellite Station at K4LKL Field Day 2009

Satellite Station at K4LKL Field Day 2009

This is the top of my satellite station. I made a 100 point field day contact with AO51 at 10 degrees over the horizon. My first soldered component of my first kit was inspired by that satellite station at GLAA. Needing computer control of the AZ/EL rotors I purchased the PIC16F688 Satellite Tracker Interface: ST1 from FOX DELTA. I wanted USB control so that required soldering a small FT232R chip.

My first soldered IC chip

My first soldered IC chip

This chip was the first thing I put on a board. I figured that if it didn’t work, why solder the rest.

If I can solder a chip anyone can. Heat up the iron and follow your inspiration. 73

Robin