Hot on the heels of the updated ISS & CSS Amateur Radio Quick Reference v1.2, I’ve released the next card in the KN4OLA Field Reference Series — a comprehensive, color-coded guide for today’s most active amateur satellites.
This laminated field card is designed for portable satellite operators, educators, and Radio Scouting teams who need accurate frequency and mode data at a glance — no scrolling, no searching, no wondering which bird is live.
What’s Inside
- Eight active satellites (SO-50, AO-73, RS-44, AO-7, JO-97, HADES-ICM/SO-125, SONATE-2, and more) cross-referenced with AMSAT, N2YO, and SatNOGS data.
- Color-coded quick cues
🔵 Blue — FM Voice / Repeater
🟡 Gold — SSB / CW Linear Transponder
🟢 Green — Beacon / Telemetry Only - Integrated QR codes linking directly to N2YO Live Pass pages for each satellite, plus an AMSAT Status QR for real-time ops updates.
- Beacon information inline — perfect for Scouts and new operators who love hearing telemetry from orbit.
- Unified visual style matching the ISS & CSS guide (gradient accents, field-ready fonts, landscape layout).
Why It Matters
Every line is verified against current operational data from AMSAT, N2YO, and SatNOGS, so you’re working real, live birds. Color cues make it obvious what’s workable (Blue/Gold) and what’s listen-only (Green). The QR codes make it effortless to pull up pass predictions on a phone while you track manually with a tripod or handheld Yagi.
For Radio Scouting events like JOTA/JOTI or STEM nights, the beacon entries turn a simple listening exercise into an orbital demo — proof your radio really talks to space.
Download
Amateur Satellite Quick Reference (PDF)
(Optimized for 8.5×11″ landscape printing and lamination.)
Companion card: ISS & CSS Amateur Radio Quick Reference v1.2