Typical Pluto+ Setup

Two common QO-100 setups are via a Pluto+ (or Adalm Pluto, but if you're buying one specifically you might as well get a the Pluto+) or via up/down converters using a 2/70cm SSB capable radio, e.g. IC-705 together with a SDR reciever.

This diagram has my callsign on it, but it's not my design, I just drew it. Also includes my estimates of the power. In operation I've found I'm at 85% in SDR console, which I think is circa 10-12W out, and I'm similar signal strength to the centre beacon. I've spoken to others with 1.2-1.8m dishes and they use 2-5W.

This is based in UK in 2023. Some optimisation possible. Dish/coax is probably overpriced.

If you run Windows you might as well use SDR Console, particularly for the geobeacon frequency locking. See their docs. However, as you're on opensource.radio then you probably won't be running Windows , so check out alternatives on here.