[amsat-bb] Re: FO-29 and Field Day?

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi Chris!

> For the past several years I have used FO-29 for field day.  Is this sat
> usable?  The sat status appears that it is in a questionable state.  I have

It looks like we won't be able to use FO-29.  Since it started having
problems, the Japanese have been turning it on for just passes near
Japan.

> never used a FM mode J sat for field day, and would assume that  it would
> turn into what CBer's call a key down contest, were the biggest amp wins due
> to the capture effect.  It seems that mode J-FM birds are already crowded
> during a regular day.  I could only imagine that it would be very difficult

Yes, the FM birds are crowded during Field Day.  With the 100-point
satellite QSO bonus under the ARRL Field Day rules, there are many
stations set up just to make the contact for those points.  Low-power
or QRP stations *can* make the contacts during Field Day, but it is
much harder than on a normal weekend.  Difficult, but not impossible.

> to work during FD.  I had listen to VO-52 during FD and noticed that there
> was not any FD traffic on the bird.  Could we use this sat if FO-29 is not
> functional?  If so, that is the satellite I plan on trying to work for FD.
> I miss RS-12/13  Good bird for FD.

Any satellite is available for use during Field Day, including VO-52.  If
you plan on entering your log for either ARRL's or AMSAT's Field Day
competition (or both), make sure to read through both sets of rules.
There are some differences between them.

I now have a new setup for the SSB birds, a pair of FT-817NDs,
since I have not been successful using an AOR handheld receiver
for the downlink.  The receiver is more than sensitive enough, but
could not tune in steps small enough to clearly hear the voices in
SSB.  I saw the two 817s work with VO-52 during a demo at
Dayton in 2006, so I am confident I will make my first non-FM
satellite QSO this weekend.  Then, on to Field Day...

Good luck and 73!



Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/

(planning on a 1B/1-operator/battery QRP effort, on HF and satellites,
from somewhere in Arizona for Field Day)