[amsat-bb] PCsat Endangered

[Bob Bruninga <bruninga@xxxxxxxx>]

All PCsat Operators:

Please minimize your packets this weekend.  (I'm not saying go QRT, but
just minimize).  As always, though, we don't want any packets when PCsat
is in the dark anyway.

PCsat has a stuck relay that has the XMTRS crossconnected and is thus
consuming TWICE the normal transmit power on EVERY packet.  The command
stations around the world are trying to get this fixed, but until we do,
the added current could cause us to run the battery down to a RESET
condition, and then we LOSE PCsat again until the next full Sun period in
May.  So please minimize any redundant use of PCsat for the next few days.

You can see this condition on pcsat.aprs.org by observing packet telemetry
from PCSAT-1 AND PCSAT-11 coming into the system often from the SAME
SatGates.  This means both systems are keying both transmitters and hence
DOUBLE the normal TX current draw (and Half the audio)...

 de WB4APR@amsat.org, Bob

PCsat WEB  page     http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/pcsat.html

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