[amsat-bb] Echo totally unuesable on an Arrow

["Keith Baker, KB1SF / VA3KSF" <kb1sf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings All!

I've had two days of total frustration trying to even HEAR my own complete
callsign on the downlink through AO-51 over multiple passes.  Yes, I'm using
the correct uplink frequency and yes, I'm also using the proper tone.  On one
pass, I did manage to hear just a snippet of my own uplink coming back on the
downlink, so I know I'm at least using the correct uplink parameters.

But, I have now put my trusty Arrow Antenna back in the bag, where it is going
to stay until:

a.) The "alligators" either shut up (or find something else to do) and let the
lower power/portable stations have a chance to operate through the bird. Maybe
it's me, but it seems the same callsigns are now being heard over and over
(and over again) through the satellite over multiple passes.

b.)  The satellite settles down in its orbit to the point where the receive
antenna is pointing correctly to receive low power stations and/or....

c.)  The controllers (who have been doing absolutely yeoman service up to now)
decide to open up the uplink receiver sensitivity to allow lower-level uplink
signals to be heard.

I sense a combination of all of the above will be needed to allow those of us
who don't have access to high ERP stations to at least be HEARD through the
new bird.  But, right now, it appears to be totally useable for those of us
who are limited to using hand-held radios and Arrow-type antennas.

Most of the passes over the USA I listened to on Friday, Saturday and again
today (Sunday) consisted of a strong downlink signal which contained only bits
and pieces of callsigns, followed by lots of "dead air" interspersed with
calls from the same (apparently high-power) stations being heard over and over
again.

My sincere hope is that AMSAT hasn't (again) labored long and hard only to
bring forth yet another "white elephant"!

73,


Keith Baker
KB1SF / VA3KSF
Immediate Past President
AMSAT-NA
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