[amsat-bb] First attempt at FO-29

["Dave Barrows" <dbarrows@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I attempted to work FO-29 for the first time today.  I didn't work anyone, but I did hear my signal in the downlink, so there is hope.

I took my FT-726 10 watt rig out to a card table  in my back yard.  I brought out a lawn chair, a telegraph key, microphone, and my arrow antenna.

I could hear other signals through the satelite just fine.  I found my signal by tapping the key and tuning around.  I also found how to change my transmit frequency while listening, but sometimes I got lost.  All this time, the Arrow antenna was held by a piece of 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe.

I decided to try aiming the Arrow antenna with my left hand, tuning with my right hand, and tapping the key with my forearm until I found my signal in the downlink again and then went to sending short CQs with my right hand.

Although I was disappointed that I had not made contact, I was encouraged that I could get through the satelite with my minimally equipped station.

73

Dave W8IJ
Camp Hill, PA


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