[amsat-bb] Re: SO-50 eludes me

[Gordon JC Pearce MM3YEQ]

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
> I have worked every bird several times: AO7, AO16, AO27, AO51, FO29, VO52.
> 
> But I have never worked SO50.  Tonight I had a pass DIRECTLY overhead.  I
> tried the standard initiation call with 74.4 CTCSS, and then calling with 67
> Hz.  Never heard a thing.  In fact, I don't think I have ever heard SO50.
> 
> I triple-checked the Doppler, turned down the squelch, turned up the RF
> gain.  Not a peep.  Even with only my Arrow yagi fixed at 30 degrees EL, I
> should have heard something.  All I heard was the rush of static.  I know
> this bird is lower orbit and smaller power out, but I should hear something,
> right?
>

It's not used very much, and I think they two-PL-tone thing puts people 
off.  I've been able to get in and work it, confirmed by my gf at the 
far end of the garden with another aerial and receiver, but found that 
there's just no-one else coming out to play.

Gordon