Satgen 577 Satellite FM Talkies  by GM4IHJ  (BID SGEN577) 2000-04-15

Love them or hate them. Single channel FM LEO satellites are becoming
increasingly numerous. They provide simple access via dual band
2m/70cm hand talkies, and, while this may be an anathema to purists
reared on AO7and AO8, it has to be accepted that they get plenty of
use. There are far more FM walkie talkies in circulation in amateur
radio , than there are expensive ", everything but the kitchen sink "
multimodes. But most important of all . The person who bought a hand
talkie to talk to the neighbours, can easily be persuaded to try the
satellites . Then who knows , we may get more, dedicated, amateur
satellite users.

However , there is a distinct possibility at this time, that the
beginners initial euphoria will rapidly evaporate after the first qso.
When subsequent qsos are destroyed, as poor operating procedure and the
bad manners of others, blocks access to beginners and old timers
alike.

A serious problem here is the high power user. FM capture dictates
that the loudest signal at any time , will be the only signal to get
through. So users of powerful multimodes and afterburners, should keep
off, or, keep their power right down. Noting that failure to do so
will simply deny access to just those low power walkie talkie users we
need to encourage to join us.

An equaly serious problem is being caused by poor operating
procedure. Some of it coming from operators with long pedigrees.
Typical examples are :-
1.  Repeating the other mans callsign several times. Why ? He already
knows it and is expecting a reply and he can recognise his own handle
in a Thunderstorm 5 feet underwater.
2.  Garbling ones own callsign. When will folks learn that " GM4IHJ
GM4IHJ GM4IHJ this is Bloop Bloop Bleep" is not going to get you
anywhere. The fact that you know your own call matters not one jot. It
is the other man who has to get it clean and clear , hopefully first
time. He does not know who you are . He may be able to guess the
country of origin, but the remaining part of your call is a complete
mystery to him. Until you give it slowly and clearly , perhaps several
times.
3. Do remember to chase the doppler shift. The 2m up link does not
shift more than a kHz or two , but the 70cms signal is going to shift
nearly 20 kHz in an overhead pass , and worse still the shift is
fastest when near overhead, just when you are likely to get best
chance of a contact. Tuning steps of 5 kHz are probaly the best
solution . But this may differ from operator to operator and , it may
not be possible on all equipment.
4. Do please make your qsos short and sweet, if the band is
crowded. Hogging the band with long calls, endears you to no one.
5. Persuade the high powered alligators to mend their ways, by
refusing to answer them . They may (eventually ) get the point.
6. Most important of all . Listen to a few passes first before you
venture further. You may find it easier to get qsos in certain parts
of the satellites passes , or, certain passes, because you get less
qrm there.