[amsat-bb] Re: FO-29

[Bruce Robertson <broberts@xxxxxx>]

Quoting Joe Fitzgerald <jfitzgerald@alum.wpi.edu>:

> Bruce Robertson wrote:
> 
>  >I'm intrigued by the ability of these Japanese birds to operate over 
>  >Japan, thereby conserving power ... Is this GIS technology ... >or is
> 
> there a more simple approach at play?
> 
> 
> The usual approach is "don't speak unless spoken to".  A command 
> receiver operates continuously on board the spacecraft, but the 
> transmitter, transponder or other high power payload only turns on in 
> direct response to commands and then turn itself off some short time 
> later.
> 
> -Joe KM1P
> 

In my original question I mistyped GIS for *GPS*; what I wondered was if
these birds 'knew' their position by GPS satellite readings. It seems most
believe that they don't, that a groundstation in Japan gives a wakeup
transmission. 

73, Bruce 
VE9QRP
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