Satgen 587  P3D Preparation ?  by GM4IHJ  (BID SGEN587)  2000-06-24

While common sense dictates a wait and see policy, in respect of
equipment purchases prior to the hopeful launch and subsequent proven
operational success of P3D. There is no harm in looking at the
equipment one has already got, and assessing its P3D potential.

Just which band pairs will be available, how often and when ? Is
uncertain. But the following reports the first impressions at IHJ.
Noting that this operator agrees completely with movie tycoon Sam
Goldwyn . That, " If you want to send a message you should use
Western Union". An attitude which translates here, as , forget
digital, and hope that P3D provides the long QSOs, with friends half
a world away, that gave so much pleasure with P3B Oscar 10.

Looking at the bands, this stocktaking exercise reveals :-

V Down 145.805 to 145.955 ; V up 145.840 to 145.990 Mhz . So the
faithful old Yaesu FT221R ( circa 1977) should do fine there.

U Down 435.475 to 435.725 ; U up 435.55 to 435.8 MHz. The slightly
younger ICOM 451E will suffice, but a new antenna lead is required.

L Up 1269.25 to 1269.5 and 1268.325 to 1268.575 MHz. Power from the
MM transponder will be just a couple of watts and a new home brew
helix is required.

S Down 2400.225 to 2400.475 is well catered for with both Drake and
UEK13 converters and a proven home brew antenna. But S Up 2400.35 to
2400.6 and 2446.45 to 2446.7 MHz will have to wait . No equipment

C Up 5668.55 to 5668.8 MHz . No equipment at all.

X Down 10451.025 to 10451.275 MHz . Have good dish and LNB. So will
try using the ICOM R8500 Rx as I/F. A combination which has worked
well chasing TV signals and telemetry on slightly lower frequencies.

K down 24048.025 to 24048.275 MHz . No equipment

In practise the satellite will use combinations of these bands Eg V/U
U/V L/V L/U L/S L/X L/K and several others. But will never transmit
and receive simultaneously in the same band.

As is always the case . There will be a hopefully short setting to
work period while the satellite is being tested and is not open for
general user communications. But during this period the beacons on
the various bands may be available. Affording both personal assurance
that all is well, and providing a first check of receive capability.
Perhaps in some cases , very soon after launch.

Beacon frequencies are :- 435.45; 435.85; 2400.2; 2400.6; 10451.0;
10451.4; 24048.0 and 24048.4 MHz. Do not expect to find all of them
switched on. But at least one of them should be the first thing you
hear.