RE: [amsat-bb] Proposal for Portable/QRP day on AO-51

["A.J. Farmer" <ajfarmer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Believe it or not, I once made 8 contacts on one pass.  I initiated the
first contact and the next 7 stations called me in turn.

My setup on that pass?

5 watt HT and a handheld Arrow antenna.

I agree, Bob.  Power has nothing to do with it.  It's all operating
technique on the part of EVERYONE on the satellite.

Here's what works, but ONLY if everybody plays by the same rules:

1. If you can't hear the downlink, DON'T TRANSMIT!!
2. No rag chewing - callsigns and gridsquares only - 'nuff said.
3. If you hear people already talking when the satellite rises above your
QTH, don't just blindly throw your callsign out.  Instead, pick somebody
that you hear and call them instead.  It is much more effective because you
are getting someone's attention this way.
4. After you make one contact, be happy and be quiet.  If someone else calls
you (chances are they will), then respond.  

We don't need a QRP day.  We just need everybody to use better technique.

73!

A.J. Farmer, AJ3U
http://www.aj3u.com


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.Org [mailto:owner-AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.Org] On Behalf
Of Robert Bruninga
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 10:23 AM
To: amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org
Cc: advisors@AMSAT.Org; bod@AMSAT.Org; echo-ops@AMSAT.Org;
officers@AMSAT.Org
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Proposal for Portable/QRP day on AO-51


I am fully in support of this proposal, but I caution those
who still dont get it, that 100 5-watt users are not going
to have any difference in success than 100 1 KW stations.
POWER  has *nothing to do with it*.

The only way to make any difference is to change the
paradigm from "me-first" to some other application that
encourages a more orderly use of the uplink.  I proposed
having some organized NET days.  It was soundly 
defeated by the "me-first" crowd.    Good luck... Bob


>>> "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner@mindspring.com> 8/14/04 1:09:47 PM >>>
*NOTE* Since I have no idea who is in the drivers seat, this is cc'ed
widely.

Proposal for Portable/QRP day on AO-51

In order to provide the opportunity for all satellite users to experience
using AO-51, I propose the creation of a portable/QRP day. I believe
Saturdays could be set aside for this purpose, coinciding with most hamfest
demonstrations, youth oriented operations, and portable operations. Users
would be requested to restrict themselves to 5 watts output and no antenna
system larger than the standard Arrow setup. Home stations would be
requested to not operate at any power level. If needed a "pilot" home
station could be tried. Mobiles would also be expected to keep under 5 watts
output. With command station cooperation the analog output could be
increased with the suspension of digital operations, creating easier
reception by all involved.

In order for this to work, a few conditions will need to be met. We must
spread the word as wide and as far as possible. ANS and *bb bulletins,
postings on web sites like QRZ and E-ham, publication in the Journal and
QST, and word of mouth will be required to reach all the end users. Second,
we must be consistent week to week and month to month in the publication and
promotion of "Portable Day". Third, we must be gently but firmly self-
policing in keeping the users honest about their cooperation in refraining
from using too much power or home stations. Fourth, we must encourage users
to make 1-2 contacts only, then to allow others to work the pass.

The "everyday" user group can accommodate this proposal by restricting their
usage to the other satellites this one day of the week. In return they will
be creating goodwill within the satellite community, and enticing new
operators to join AMSAT, thereby enabling us to build more satellites.

The opportunity to really do something good for AMSAT exists here. We have
made similar ideas work previously, and there is no shame in failing, only
in not trying.

I would be glad to help coordinate this or otherwise help however I can.

Sincerely,
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
AMSAT #33438
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