[amsat-bb] 8 Notes for HT user success

[Emily Clarke <w0eec@xxxxxxxxx>]

It occurred to me after my last post that I probably have some techniques 
worth passing along to other HT users.  I don't remember who told them to 
me (KK5DO perhaps) but they are worth noting.

1) THE ONE TRUE RULE for HT success (even for FM base station users) - keep 
your SQUELCH OFF.  This is weak signal material, so don't expect the 
satellite to be anywhere as strong as your local repeater.  I know it's 
noisy, but that's part of the game. Additionally, when the frequency starts 
to exhibit QUIETING that's a sure sign that you are hearing the satellite, 
and you should get ready.

2) Don't hold your antenna upright.  Vertical antennas are not good, and a 
HT held upright isn't either.  The satellite isn't on the ground (which is 
what HT's and vertical antennas were designed for). TILT IT about the same 
amount as the satellites ELEVATION.  This means that if you are FACING the 
satellite, tilt it down towards the ground from HORIZONTAL an equal 
amount.  If the satellite is to your back, tilt it up an equal amount away 
from the satellites position off the vertical.  You will be surprised at 
the difference.

3) Make sure you know where the satellite is.  ven if you don't have a palm 
sized computer running a tracking program such as PocketSat or PetitTrack. 
If you know the AOS azimuth and the satellite pass time, you can just 
estimate how much to move until you find the satellite. On ASCENDING (South 
to North) with the satellite EAST of you or DECENDING passes (North to 
South) and WEST of you, move your body anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise 
for people in the US).  If the satellite is ASCENDING WEST or DECENDING 
EAST,  move clockwise.

4) When you identify yourself, always say your CALLSIGN followed by 
"HANDHELD" - I've found most operators will give way to HT users if they 
identify themselves that way.  "Portable" is also good.

5) Headphones are important.  You are much better off listening with two 
ears than one.  If you have a full duplex HT like a Icom IC-W32A you can 
listen to your own downlink (a good thing).  Also, your brain is far better 
at discriminating signals than most expensive DSPs.

6) Map out a strategy.  This isn't rocket science, but close.  So 
preparation and planning is important.  Not every pass is workable with an 
HT, so don't go after the 10 degree passes. Pick your battles, and fight 
the ones you know will give you the best chance. It's not a war out there, 
but it's not a walk in the park either.

7) If you don't plan to write down your contacts, try to figure out a way 
to hook a MP3 or Cassette recorder into your receive side to record your 
contacts so you can review it later. On many HTs you can just use a simple 
"Y" cable available from Radio Shack.  Even if you don't make contacts, it 
helps to accustom yourself to the callsigns, voices and personalities of 
the other operators.  When I first started out, I found it more valuable to 
know which contacts I missed rather than the ones I made.

8) Know your gridsquare.  The ARRL and Icom have some dandy gridsquare 
maps, the latter of which are free at most amateur radio stores.  You can 
download both from the respective websites.

73 and good luck!

Emily

---------------------------------
W0EEC - CM87tm
AMSAT Area Coordinator - San Francisco Bay Area
http://www.projectoscar.net    http://www.PlanetEmily.com 
http://www.emilyshouse.com/experthams/ao7/

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