[amsat-bb] AO-51 Mode Change (NEW MODE V/US)

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

This morning, January 25th, AO-51 was switched to a new mode. Currently both 
the S band downlink of 2401.200 and the 435.300 downlink are on and tied 
together to the 145.920 receiver. This creates a single repeater that can be 
heard on either downlink. In the past the satellite power budget would not 
allow simultaneous S and U downlinks for more than a few moments, but the 
current no eclipse season allows us try try this new combination. The L/U 
BBS and U band telemetry will be off during this period, except for brief 
periods when command stations will be collecting telemetry. During these 
passes, the S band downlink may be shut off temporarily.

Give this new mode a try this weekend. If you like using S-band AND working 
lots of stations, this mode is for you. Currently we plan to run this mode 
through the end of the month.

73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Ops