Re: [amsat-bb] AO-40 FD Newbies

[Bruce Nolte N3LSY <brucenol@xxxxxxx>]

Jim Jerzycke wrote:

> As another AO-40 'rookie' who will first (I HOPE!) be active on Field 
> Day, I'm also looking forward to some guidance from the more sage 
> operators.
> Look for K6AA DM03 6A LAX.
> 73, Jim
>
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>
A hard lesson learned while trying to work AO-10 and FO-20/29 a couple 
years ago: KISS, that is Keep it Simple Son.  I went out there with a 
 full set of  antennas, polarity switchers, amplifiers, my untested 
G5400 B rotor I got used, etc. A massive amount of wiring to set up, 
even preplanning things. First year, I found the rotor bearings in the 
Az section were rusty, an emergency "rebuild" with axle grease and WD40 
saved the day but ruined a good shirt. Next year, same equipment, more 
planning, but again connector hell and crosstalk, etc.

This year, I have a short 435 yagi with short feedlines into my 736, no 
amplifiers. I plan to use the "Armstrong" method of antenna rotation. I 
don't even plan to use the satellite tracking programs in the field. I 
have preprinted the listing of satellite positions at 15 minute 
intervals for the pass Sunday morning. Amount of hookup needed: Power 
supply to outlet, power supply to radio, power injector at back of 2 
meter jack ( Actually I might use the Preamp feature and see if it 
works), and 2 antenna cables. The antenna rig should fit flat in the 
back of my truck, with minimal assembly.


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