FD> Surely though a tuned whip antenna would be OK if 
 FD> the satelite is overhead.
 
Greetings! A whip would work under ideal circumstances. Unfortunately, with 
satellites ideals don't last long. 
 
To do it on the cheap, get a discone antenna (radxio shack, etc.)
they have a good omni-directional pattern that will allow you good reception 
from horizon to horizon.
  
 FD> I would like to learn. Also I have asked a number 
 FD> of times about Keplar
 FD> tables as I do not have a clue what they are, but I 
 FD> have never received an
 FD> answer. Perhaps you can help...
the 'keps' are a set of numbers that provide the variables to a tracking 
program (sta-track, sts orbit, and there are several others) to allow the 
program to plot the time and path of your target satellite.
 
Due to the small changes in the earths orbit and the satellites path changes, 
the satellite will rarely appear in the sky at the same spot all the time. 
(this does not include geostationary satellites which is an entirely 
different study)..
the kep data 'updates' the tracking program to keep it accurate as to when 
and where the satellite will appear in the sky.
 
A real good book is the ARRL Satellite experimenters handbook or Weather
satellite handbook. (I am not an agent of or for the ARRL, just enjoy thier 
books)
 
hope this helps!
 
73 de W0TLO
John
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