[amsat-bb] AO-7's Command Op

[Mike73@xxxxxxx]

Rich Dailey, KA8OKH wrote:

> So I'm observing exactly 1 minute of fast cw on 10m before a mode change
> occurs. Can anyone else verify this?
>
> I've only observed the 3 minute period once, but this makes twice that
> I've timed the 1 minute of fast cw on 10m before a beacon transition,
> both observations being separated by 8 orbits.

> Maybe it's all just coincidence.

Hi Rich,

I guess it's time for me to step forward out of the shadows. The behavior
you're observing is being caused by me. I'm the so called "Covert AO-7
Command Operator".

Before everyone gets all crazy, please let me try and explain a few things.

First, I asked to remain "covert" for a period of time because I did
not want to have to deal with the inevitable flood of email that will
result from my identity being known. At the time, I was in a critical
phase of trying to command the bird and needed to concentrate on that
task. There were a number of technical hurdles to overcome, not the
least of which is dealing with 30 year old stuff.

I know I'm going to get a lot of email, so I've put together the following
FAQ. Please read through it. Hopefully it will answer some of your
questions and avoid you sending them to me. <grin>

=====
AO-7 FAQ

Q: Tell me how the commands work.
A: Sorry, I _will not_ discuss any of the command details. Don't even ask.

Q: Tell me how the hardware works.
A: Sorry, I _will not_ discuss any of the command details. Don't even ask.

Q: What are the plans for AO-7.
A: I haven't foggiest! My job is to investigate what commands work and
what commands don't after 21 years. It's really exciting, but tedious work.
Imagine the thrill of seeing this antique accept your first command after
all these years! For me, this is similar to the experience I had not long
ago hearing the AO-40 24 GHz K Band beacon the first time. I've gone from
techno to retro in a short period of time.

Q: I'm doing a satellite demo next Monday night. Can you make sure AO-7
is in Mode B?
A: Sorry, as I stated above, my only job is to test various commands.

Q: When it comes to AO-7. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it
anymore! Just leave it alone!
A: OK, take one of your little yellow pills and then send off a note to
your favorite AMSAT official. Honestly, if you have concerns, voice them
to Robin, VE3FRH or one of the Board of Directors. Everyone here is trying
to do the right thing.

Q: How can I help?
A: Of most interest to me is how AO-7 "wakes up" as it enters sunlight.
Also, any observations of simultaneous multiple modes would be most
valuable. Yoshi Imaishi, JF6BCC is compiling an excellent list of
observations. Please send him whatever you have. jf6bcc@jarl.com
You can view the list at:
http://plaza16.mbn.or.jp/~palau/temp/AO7-mode-report.xls

Q: Can you tell us _anything_ about this satellite?
A: I can tell you that command attempts are successful. I've only tested
a very limited number of functions, but it's very encouraging. I hope
to be able to do a write up on all the fun I've been having. Maybe it
will be in the AMSAT Journal or perhaps a presentation at the
AMSAT Symposium later this year. (get your tickets now <grin>)
=====

I still have a ton of work to do. So please try and keep the email to
a minimum. I'll try and answer what I can.

73,
Mike, N1JEZ
AMSAT #29649
Local Area Coordinator
"A closed mouth gathers no feet."
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