[amsat-bb] Re: DO-64

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi Mark!

> My attempts to upliink to DO64 with approx 200W eirp using SSB
> have not worked.    I have made numerous VO52 contacts so I am
> fairly sure my gear is working okay.

I've also made contacts on VO-52, to confirm my portable setup (two
FT-817NDs, TX radio at 5W, Arrow Antennas handheld 2m/70cm Yagi)
works OK for U/V operation.  For DO-64, I can hear its CW beacon on
most visible passes when it is operational.  As for the transponder, it
is much weaker than VO-52.  I can hear my own CW through it on
most passes, but for SSB I need to wait until the satellite is above 40
degrees elevation to hear my own voice.

So far, no QSOs on DO-64 yet.  Until I get a 2m preamp, I won't have
as many opportunities to make QSOs on DO-64 compared to VO-52.

> I'm going to wait untill I hear an actual VO52 QSO before I spend
> much more time on the TX side of things.

Probably a good thing.  I did the same thing initially, and then started
working on tuning my radios so I could keep hearing myself on the
downlink.  After that, I worked on keeping up with other stations so I
could make some QSOs and have nice conversations.  Computer
control is right now not a high priority when operating portable, but
eventually I will make that happen.

Good luck working on your station.  I hope to work you soon on VO-52
or some other satellite - maybe even DO-64.

73!



Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Phoenix AZ
http://www.wd9ewk.net/