Re: [amsat-bb] Intolerance-MISINFORMATION!

[Bob Bruninga <bruninga@xxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004, Cliff Buttschardt wrote:

> ... When a newbee creates a station capable ONLY of LEO operation ...
> to be considered a long term solution is totally false.  Publishing such
> information is a disservice indeed.  To expend funds in a azimuth only
> rotator and a radio capable of only FM... is an end into itself.  That
> newbee has no long term goal to expand and no ability to enjoy EAGLE or
> any microwave capability.

LEO's are a stepping stone and teach a lot about orbits and space.  The
simple TV rotator and an FM rig I suggest are intended to get the Newbee
involved (with things he already has on hand or that only cost $64).
Four years ago, it would bring in 12 satelites!  Now, only 7.  But ECHO
will make 8.

But even if he doesnt have it on hand, I think that suggesting that a
new-bee just wanting to see what satellites are about, go out and invest
$1000 on an AZ/EL rotator system, $300 on Antennas and preamps and
converters before he can hear his first signal is too high a hill to climb
for the typical introductory user.

OSCAR class stations are good goals as newbee's progress into the hobby
and want to go better and deeper.  No question about it.  And no problem
if they want to go there first.  But we should not proclaim that they are
the only way to enjoy the hobby.

> Bob and I... continue to differ in "how much and where, long term vs
> short term, how much technical ability is enough."  Your duty is to help
> decide which is the better solution clearly indicating your goal.

True, but we must also avoid the idea that there is only "one way" to
enjoy this hobby.  We must accomodate both ends of the spectrum because
clearly interest at both the high end and the low end exist and it is
fruitless to try to force all users into one end or the other.

different strokes for different folks..
de WB4APR, Bob


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