Re: [amsat-bb] Echo totally unuesable on an Arrow

["Edward R. Cole" <al7eb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Keith,

I'm afraid you are correct in your assessment for the near-term with the
extreme attention on Echo.  However, I have had the opportunity to test
during the "quiet times" when the foot print is over NON-populated areas
and have found that 5w and an Arrow will fully quiet Echo at least in the
higher elevation portions of a pass (>5 degrees).

The problem is really the contesting "bigger is badder" mentality used on
Leos.  I hope you read my analysis of the operating procedure issue using
the 67-Hz access tone...that is why there is so much "dead-air" happening.
I just reduces down to a need for more discipline and good manners when
operating Echo.

So don't sell that Arrow, yet...maybe you will find the experimental days a
little more satisfying (?).

73's Ed - AL7EB
Yes, I find I must use 50w currently to effect a QSO...I do so sparingly.

At 01:12 PM 8/1/2004 -0400, you wrote:
>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
>----
>Sent via amsat-bb@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
>Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
>To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to Majordomo@amsat.org
----
Sent via amsat-bb@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to Majordomo@amsat.org