[amsat-bb] AO-40 - RX help please...

[AA2AE <aa2ae@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Group

I'm looking for suggestions on which downconverter / antenna I should
purchase for AO-40. If I'm going to invest in mode "S", I'd like to get the
most "bang" for the buck and thought it would be best to ask those of you
who are already operating on this bird.

>From what I've seen via the internet, the SSB Electronics UEK3000
downconverter looks like the best of the bunch - it offers 30db gain with a
.7 noise figure. The Downeast-Microwave unit is cheaper, but offers less
gain with a greater NF. I havn't researched antennas yet, but I certainly
don't want to skimp in this department.

I intend to use my existing 70cm / 40 element KLM on the uplink and wondered
if the ERP with 40w will do the trick? I've heard some say that it's
possible to work AO-40 at QRPp power levels (CW) even when the bird is at
apogee! I would assume this is done with above average RX antennas?

It's been some time since I worked a reliable DX bird ( AO-13 before it
burned-up ) so I'm looking forward to working AO-40. Any suggestions would
be greatly appreciated.

73, Tony - AA2AE

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