RE: [amsat-bb] Pro FM birds!

[Tony Langdon <tlangdon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> You shouldn't feel you have to defend your usage of the "FM" 
> birds on here.
> A lot of those who don't enjoy the single channel satellites also use
> simplex instead of the repeater when talking locally. I 
> guess, for some,
> there just isn't enough of a challenge with either the 
> terrestial or the
> satellite repeaters. It obviously works for a few or they 
> wouldn't keep
> wasting money building them. I'm pretty sure there is room 
> for both out
> there in the ether...

Good point...

As for "Down Under", FM is the easiest way to get a QSO.  I've put out lots
of calls on RS-12/13, and gotten nothing (unless I've prearranged the
contact).  On UO-14, there's usually a couple of people on the bird.

There's really 2 classes of satellite that are useful at lower population
densities:

1.  FM LEOs for regional contacts (multiple channels could be useful to
allow a couple of ragchews).
2.  High orbiting birds for DX coverage (i.e. AO-10, AO-40 style).

As for the lack of challenge, well, that's one reason I jumped on the tram
(streetcar for the US ppl) to work SO-35 - it seemed like an interesting
challenge at the time.  Maybe I should do the same for UO-14, which is that
much harder to work than SO-35 was.  However, I have been able to hear UO-14
from a train, so this one is feasible. :-)

I also like the FM birds for travelling, and that's where I'm most active.
What other mode (OK, we have IRLP nowadays, but that's not going to reach my
next destination on the edge of the Outback) allows one to make regional
contacts with equipment that can be easily stowed away?  I find myself on
the FM birds when I'm away from home, because it's easy to carry a suitable
station literally anywhere.

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