Chapter 1. Overview

Talking to Machines

  • “A workman is only as good as their tools.” [anon]

  • “Only a poor workman blames his tools.” [anon]

  • “A bad worker quarrels with his tools.” [anon]

  • “Give me a lever and a place to stand, and I will move the world.” [Archimedes]

This is a book on how to talk to satellites. Most communications books of this type will welcome you to the exciting world of radio. And I agree. Nearly every ham radio person or AMSAT member or communications enthusiast loves what they do. They revel in the details, and they get great pleasure from pulling off magnificent acts of technical competence to span this world—and others—using simple electronics.

I only want to talk to machines. I just want it to work. I want my ...

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