[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 mode L/U

[Greg D.]

Hi Greg,

I've not tried L/U this week, but in the past I have been able to get in with 10 watts from my ICOM 1271A to a homebrew 18 turn helix, with about 60' of hardline and between 5 and 10' of RG-214 or similar at each end, between the rig and the antenna.  I have no idea what power actually reaches the antenna, but, between the cable and all the connectors, I expect it's only a couple of watts at the most.  Trees definitely are a factor (can't shoot through them very well), and I am on an Az/El rotor system so I can aim at the satellite pretty well.

As Drew notes, Doppler shift is really a factor on the upper bands.  You'll be spinning the dial constantly.  I use my satellite tracking program (predict on my Linux system) to tell me what frequency I should be on.  I haven't connected the rig to the computer yet, otherwise it would be automatically controlled.

Good luck,

Greg  KO6TH


> Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:37:35 +0000
> From: almetco at comcast.net
> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
> Subject: [amsat-bb]  AO-51 mode L/U
> 
> 
> 
> I heard a few passes of AO-51 in L/U mode.  Most stations came in strong.  I tried to get into the bird using about 8 watts out into a 23cm horizontal yagi on an elevation rotor.  It was to no avail, though the bird was at 50 degree's and higher.  I am working on a CP antenna for mode L. 
> 
> 
> 
> Can those that worked this mode give me an idea of wattage, EIRP or antenna for Mode L that you are using.  I was sure 7-10 watts would do from the Icom 910.  However, it may have been the yagi and the lack of CP. 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks 
> 
> Greg 
> 
> N3MVF 
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