Ham Radio Deluxe® Satellite Communications for Amateur Radio Operators

Ham Radio Deluxe Software® Makes Satellite Communications Easy

The Ham Radio Deluxe® Satellite Tracking module takes the guesswork out of satellite operations. Using the latest orbital mechanics equations and up-to-the-minute Kepler element information downloaded from a variety of trusted sources, you can predict satellite passes with confidence and plan your operating sessions around optimal windows.

Customized visualization keeps you apprised of the satellite's footprint, projected path, and predicted elevation for given passes. A real-time link to Google Earth allows you to see what the satellite "sees" as it flies overhead — great for presentations and educational demonstrations at your local ham radio club.

Real-time tracking feeds azimuth and elevation information directly to HRD Rotor Control for fully automated positioning of satellite antenna systems. You no longer need to manually crank your beam — HRD handles the antenna pointing throughout the entire pass. At the same time, Satellite Tracking automatically calculates Doppler shift for the satellite's transponders and sends tuning data to HRD Rig Control, keeping your radio locked in the transponder's passband from AOS to LOS.

The Ham Radio Deluxe® Satellite Tracking application can track communications satellites through the full cycles of their earth orbit. Whether you're working other hams through the transponders on SO-50, RS-44, or chasing a contact via the International Space Station's packet system, HRD gives you the tools to make it happen reliably.

Key Features

• Real-time satellite tracking with live position display
• Interface with HRD Rotor Control for automatic Az/El positioning of antennas
• Automatic Doppler shift tuning via HRD Rig Control
• Download Keplerian elements for active satellites from web sources
• Next pass prediction with elevation and timing data
• Google Earth integration for real-time footprint visualization

Fully Integrated with Your Entire HRD Station

What sets HRD Satellite Tracking apart from standalone satellite tracking tools is its deep integration with the rest of the Ham Radio Deluxe suite. Rig Control, Rotor Control, and Satellite Tracking all share a common data layer — meaning frequency corrections, antenna positioning, and pass predictions are all coordinated automatically without any manual intervention between applications.

For operators running linear transponder satellites, this integration is particularly valuable. As the satellite moves across the sky, its transponder frequency shifts continuously due to Doppler. HRD calculates and applies those corrections in real time, so your uplink and downlink frequencies stay accurate throughout the pass. Combined with automated rotor control, you can focus entirely on making the contact rather than managing your equipment.

Getting Started with Ham Radio Satellites

If you're new to satellite operating, Ham Radio Deluxe makes the learning curve manageable. Start by downloading current Keplerian elements — HRD connects directly to trusted online sources to keep your satellite database current. From there, the next pass prediction tool shows you exactly when your target satellite will be above your horizon, how high it will get, and how long the pass will last.

A general rule of thumb: passes above 20 degrees elevation give you the best shot at completing contacts. HRD's pass prediction display makes it easy to identify these higher passes and plan your operating time accordingly. Combined with the automated Doppler and rotor features, even operators new to satellite work can be making contacts within their first few sessions.

All of these features are included in your Ham Radio Deluxe license at no additional charge. Download the free 30-day trial and explore satellite operating with HRD today.

Ham Radio Deluxe® Satellite Tracking Screen