Recently on the net I had found plans for a 5 element Yagi cut for
263.000 MHz (roughly the center of the UHF Military Satellite range).
Today I went to HomeDepot and bought about $30.00 worth of materials.
About 1 hour later I had myself about a 10 dBi Gain antenna.

I then programmed into my BC 250D scanner all the Military Satellite
frequencies I could find (of course NOT the famous BandPlan D freqs) and
started scanning. First I tried some known datafreqs which usually
broadcast all the time. First got a good digital signal on 250.3500 MHz
so I aimed the antenna for best signal. Next I scanned up and down the
bands finding many digital signals. Then I hit some voice. On
255.5500 MHz FM found a Spanish conversation, weak but readable signal.
Then 263.6750 MHz FM got nearly a full scale deflection on the Signal
Meter (ok, on the BC250D it’s a bar graph). Don’t think it was Spanish
however maybe Portuguese.

It was nice to try something different and have it work. As luck would
have it when I finished work on the antenna we had a line of
thunderstorms move though the area. So I couldn’t safely go outside to
put the antenna to the test. The above results were from INDOORS! So
if you’re looking for something different to try give MilSat Scanning a try.

There is a Yahoo Group involved in this aspect of the scanning hobby.
You can join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SCPC-FDM/. The file
section has a couple interesting files, one is directions on how to
build the same antenna as I just had good results with. Also you’ll
find a file in there with Satellite freqs.

Have fun,
George – Daytona Beach, FL
http://www.MilAirComms.com