[amsat-bb] Re: where all the users

[Anthony Monteiro]

At 08:46 PM 7/17/2008, Auke de Jong wrote:

>I can only offer my own reason for being absent from VO-52 and AO-7:
>I find keeping-up with the doppler-tuning of these LEO-orbits to be
>frustrating.  It doesn't help that my rig is awkward in this mode, and my
>PC-control option has a problem I've yet to solve.  Add, to this, my manual
>rotator-controller, and it adds-up to several uncompleted contacts.  VO-52
>is, of course, harder than ao-7 because of it's height/speed.
>
>Considering just this reason by itself, HEO is much more inviting, because
>the doppler-effect is so greatly reduced.  I think this reason might be
>shared by several other HAM's on the BB,  even if they don't mention it.  I
>even feel a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been able to cope with
>the different rates of doppler-shift for uplink and downlink.
>I might have to put my old transciever (FT-726R) back on the air, just
>because it was a lot easier to control both VFO's mid-QSO to keep centered.
>I don't even think I've completed one, since I've gotten my relatively
>modern "satellite rig" FT-847, despite several attempts to do-so.

Dear Auke,

It is very easy to get automatic doppler tuning working and I highly recommend
it. Load up InstantTrack on any PC, even a DOS '386! and download InstantTune
for free from the AMSAT web site here:

http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/software/PC/radio-control/itune110.zip

Follow the instructions in the readme.txt file. It is very straightforward.

---

There is no reason to work linear satellites without automatic doppler
tuning. You need the PC anyway to track the satellite - just hookup 
the COM cable
it makes satellite QSOs simple.

VO-52 is very easy to work and is actually much easier than AO-07 since the
downlink is so strong. You do not need to track the antennas - you can
easily work it with omni-directional antennas. I have worked it with just an
FT-817 running 5 watts into nothing more than a full wave loop a few feet
above ground and another full wave loop for receiving. With an FT-847, it
is a breeze.

I do not know why you are having trouble with your FT-847 auto-tuning but
if you need help, send me an email.

73 (and don't give up on VO-52!)
Tony AA2TX









>I think that the FM birds are more populated due to their twofold
>advantage... very few tuning-steps to stay locked on RX and in some cases,
>no uplink tuning at all;  and FM gear is smaller and cheaper than anything
>available to work linear, especially portable/mobile.
>
>This would make an excellent poll, if we were on a messageboard-forum such
>as the one on www.narc.net, or maybe as a mail-back card sent to all
>members.
>
>I've been skipping/deleting all the other chatter regarding complaints for
>lack of a functioning HEO, etc etc.  I feel so much better for not having
>been infected by the negativity of others. I hope the storm dies-sown soon
>so that we can get back to what we do best... whatever it is!
>73's
>Auke
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "John Price" <n4qwf1 at gmail.com>
>To: <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
>Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:16 PM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] where all the users
>
>
> >I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons
> > we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the
> > HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe
> > K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and
> > I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users
> > are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we
> > are not going to use what we have what is the point.
> >
> > 73's << John
> >
> > --
> > N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
> > AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
> > Internet N4QWF at AMSAT.ORG
> > Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
> > Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ
> > Amsat Member #27845
> > DXCC #33,478
> > VUCC SAT #135
> > WAS SAT #296
> > 51 on AO-51 #13
> > LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
> >>From the Foothills of the Blueridge
> >
> > *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
> > arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
> > skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
> > proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
> > _______________________________________________
> > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
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>_______________________________________________
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