Youth Satellite Ground Station helps HAM amateur-radio operators, satellite observers and educators plan passes, check radio data and coordinate compatible antennas and radios.
Observation and preparation
• SGP4 orbit calculations; map, sky, ground and camera-overlay views
• Azimuth, elevation, rise, culmination and set times; search, favorites and pass filters
• Satellite AI Assistant: names and NORAD IDs, upcoming passes, IARU notices and sources, introductory guides
• One-click Satellite preparation page brings together the satellite, equipment and pass task; optional calendar subscriptions and reminders
Public radio records do not guarantee that a satellite is currently transmitting.
Pro rotator control (additional purchase)
Basic tracking tested: RC2500 over BLE; legacy DTrac Rotor over TCP with external sensor.
Compatibility options*: RC-3040S, GS-232B controllers, Yaesu G-5500 with GS-232B, and compatible dual-axis EasyComm II controllers.
Hamlib rotctld*: use the actual server backend, such as GS-232, EasyComm, SPID Rot2Prog, EA4TX ARS or AMSAT LVB Tracker.
Pro radio control (additional purchase)
Connection and frequency control tested on iOS: Icom IC-705 and ID-52A/E, using CI-V over compatible BLE.
CI-V options*: ID-52 PLUS, IC-9700, IC-9100, IC-7100, IC-910H, IC-7300 and IC-7610.
Yaesu CAT options*: FT-817/817ND, FT-818/818ND, FT-857/857D, FT-897/897D, FT-891, FT-991/991A and FTX-1. Previous FT-817ND frequency-reading tests used Android SPP, not iOS.
DTrac Radio options*: Lianchang HG-UV88, Quansheng UV-K6 V3 and UV-K1; matching DTrac firmware and BLE hardware required.
Benshi AP-2*: new experimental BLE control with compatible firmware; not physically validated.
Hamlib rigctld*: an external server connects its supported radio backend, for example Icom, Yaesu or Kenwood TS-2000/TS-790.
* These iOS device/connection combinations remain untested. Shared interfaces or protocols do not guarantee command compatibility. iOS does not support classic Bluetooth SPP or direct USB serial here. CAT/CI-V requires a matching BLE adapter or network bridge; Hamlib requires your own server. HF/50 MHz models such as IC-7300, IC-7610 and FT-891 do not cover typical VHF/UHF satellite bands.
Frequency readback, Doppler, uplink/downlink and tone synchronization depend on the model. Rotator tracking, calibration and end-of-pass actions depend on the controller. Purchasing does not add hardware compatibility. External radios handle voice transmission; the app never automatically activates PTT. Follow local radio regulations.
Audio-source and pass-recording planning controls are included. Actual audio capture, recording, export and built-in SSTV decoding are not enabled in this version.
Chinese/English, light/dark themes and Beijing/UTC time; designed for iPhone and iPad.
Purchases
The free ad-supported tier includes satellite search, observation, pass prediction, public radio data and the AI Assistant. Ad-free Base is a one-time US$0.99 purchase. Base owners can purchase Pro for an additional US$9.90 to unlock compatible rotator/radio control: US$10.89 normal total in the US. These are separate non-consumables, not subscriptions. Promotions and regional prices are shown by Apple at purchase.
Eligible V1.04 and earlier users retain their original device-control and ad-free rights. Existing Pro purchases remain valid. Restore with the original Apple Account; rights apply to that account's iOS/iPadOS version.
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