History

After the launch of Amsat-OSCAR 6 in October 1972, it was apparent that many UK Radio Amateurs attempting to utilise the satellites were meeting problems due to shortage of orbital information, correct power to use, and the demanding requirements of basic reception techniques. This is still true of newcomers today, despite the publications we produce.

To give some assistance to newcomers, we produced Oscar News . This was a free periodical to those sending an SAE. It contained updated information on recommended equipment, active stations on Oscar, Hints & Kinks, and listed orbits with reference and general advice.

Within six months, demand had outstripped the supply of free paper, and printing costs had increased. Donations were sought to permit the larger editions required. Most enthusiasts were in the UK - but an increasing number were overseas. Oscar News received the support of Amsat-USA and republished many articles from the Amsat Journal.

In 1975, with the backing of Amsat-USA (now amsat-NA), Amsat-UK was formed and Oscar News took the form of a bimonthly bulletin for members, plus membership of Amsat-USA at no extra cost. At that time the minimum donation for all services including Oscar News was £4.00 per annum.

With the increasing cost of paper, postage rates, the US Dollar upward trend, Amsat-UK was soon faced with a net loss of £1.60 per member. In July 1975, rather than increase donations, it was decided to set the minimum donation at £3.00 per year, with a separate requirement for Amsat-USA membership. This is the current requirement except that the very minimum donation is £15 per calendar year (or part of) for single membership. See the applications forms or European and Overseas membership.

Today, apart from providing valuable assistance to the Amateur satellite programme, Amsat-UK has an information service second to none, a first class magazine in Oscar News (free to members at least every two months), and provides technical data and advice on all aspects of amateur satellite communications. Orbital data and general assistance to all radio amateurs wishing to enter this specialised part of the hobby is still available at minimal cost.

Amsat-UK supports the design and building of apparatus for future Oscar launches and user equipment. Amsat-UK is affiliated to RSGB and liaises with IARU, the vital link between Oscar users and the ITU administration in Geneva.

For beginners to this part of amateur radio, we recommend you buy The Guide to Amateur Satellite Operation by G3RWL of the Amsat-UK Committee; details are on our Shop web page.

AMSAT-UK exists by DONATIONS. Most donations go towards the building and design of Amateur Satellites, and the Command Stations worldwide. Please remember this when you send your yearly donation. We currently have satellites being built in Germany, USA, Japan and the UK. Most construction of Amateur Radio satellites is carried out by fellow radio amateurs who all give their services freely.

Membership of AMSAT-UK will help you to keep up with the ever-changing trends in the Amateur Satellite world. Please give generously to this modern branch of our hobby. The current minimum donation is £15 (the maximum is as much as you can afford); click here for our membership form . Part of all donations goes towards building, launch, and support funds for amateur satellites.

A regular radio net on 3.780 MHz meets on most Sundays at 10.15am and on Wednesdays at 7.00pm (local time). Members are encouraged to listen to these nets for up-to-date information; the net held on the last Sunday of each month contains a roundup of the month's news. AMSAT-UK holds the callsign G0AUK.

VHF NETS

Midlands Area: M1ASE, 7.00pm (GMT) Thursday 144.280 MHz SSB

Membership runs from January 1st to December 31st in any year. Members joining part way though a year will receive all of that year's copies of Oscar News. This membership year discourages people from joining later in the year; to offset this we will usually have a deal whereby you pay for the forthcoming year plus a reduced amount for the year which is finishing. Contact our secretary for details.

All work on your behalf is carried out by fellow radio amateurs in their spare time.