[amsat-bb] Re: EM90-91-92-93 Operation

[n3tl@bellsouth.net]

Hey John,

Thanks for posting this.


I remain convinced that the major reason for the "performance" differences between AO-27 and SO-50 is the difference in output power between the two.


SO-50 transmits a quarter-watt (250 mW) into a 0-gain quarter wave vertical mounted on one corner of the satellite. AO-27 has a similar antenna setup, based on what I've read, but it transmits a half-watt (500 mW) into its quarter-wave vertical. That power level is consistent with the nominal power we get on AO-51. Drew and/or Gould will correct that last statement if I'm wrong, but I believe AO-51 routinely transmits around 500 mW when it's in V/U mode using the 145.920/435.300 pair. 


Anyone who wants to try AO-27 also should visit the AO-27 site (www.ao27.org) and bookmark the page you get to from there that shows the activation schedule for the satellite. We get a 7-minute window here in North America on each pass, and the AO-27 TOPR page shows the times of activation. 


73 to all,

Tim - N3TL -------------- Original message from John Papay <john at papays.com>: --------------


> Greetings:
> 
> I was able to operate mobile and then portable from a few grids on 
> the way back to Ohio from Florida on April 1st.  If you worked me on 
> AO-51 in EM92 or EM93, you should receive a card in the mail 
> shortly.  No return card is necessary. I used the Arrow antenna with 
> my Kenwood mobile strapped around my neck and a small UPS battery for power.
> 
> The EM92 operation took place at the MM47 Rest Area on I-95 
> northbound in South Carolina.  We had one person ask my XYL about the 
> antenna etc.; they thought I might be tracking animals!  At some 
> point I was sending my grid as EM82 but I was really operating from 
> EM92.  Sorry for the confusion.  I logged 12 stations including 
> HI8LAM, WP4CNU and YV6BFE.
> 
> The EM93 operation took place at the MM123 Rest Area on I-26 
> westbound just south of Columbia, South Carolina.  There were a lot 
> of trees in the way at this stop and it was getting dark.  I worked 
> 11 stations from here.
> 
> The operations from EM90 and EM91 were made on AO27 while driving on 
> I-95 in north Florida and in East Georgia respectively.  I was just 
> using my Larsen dual band antenna on the trunk lid but at a certain 
> time during the pass, stations were loud and clear.  I worked 6 
> stations in each of those grids. If you worked me in EM92 or EM93 you 
> also got cards for these grids.  If you only worked me in EM90 or 91 
> and need the card, please email me and I'll put one in the mail to 
> you.  No return cards are necessary.
> 
> As many of you know, I operated from Florida from January through 
> March using a portable setup (Kenwood V7A, UPS battery and Arrow 
> antenna) in EL96 and EL98.   I also made a few contacts at the Stuart 
> Florida Hamfest (EL97) on March 21st, demonstrating satellites for a 
> few interested hams.  In addition I operated through my home station 
> in EN91 using a remote control setup over the internet. If you need 
> cards for any Florida contacts, just email me and I'll send them to 
> you.  If you need cards for EN91, please send an SAE or SASE to my 
> qrz.com address.
> 
> Working grids on the satellites can be both challenging and 
> rewarding.  The ARRL VUCC award is the most prestigious VHF/UHF award 
> on the planet.  It's the DXCC of the VHF/UHF world.  It requires 
> paper QSL cards at the moment, however, the ARRL is working toward 
> making LOTW compatible with VUCC/Grids.  You can chase new grids from 
> your home station and then work from a grid away from home and give 
> others that new one they have been seeking.  When you travel, think 
> about taking your rig and a portable antenna.  If you get the 
> opportunity to operate from a rare grid, you will find it very 
> rewarding.  If you hear someone operating from a rare grid, work them 
> and then give them the frequency; they might be there for only one 
> pass and have made a big effort to operate from a remote 
> location.  There will be plenty of time to work the regulars when the 
> satellite is not busy.
> 
> We have a two week period coming up where AO51 will not be in a V/U 
> FM mode.  Why not try SO50 (use a PL tone of 67.0 Hz), and AO27 
> during this time.  You never know when a new grid might show up 
> there.  SO50 can be a little difficult since it is subject to deep 
> fading, but it is very workable during most portions of the 
> pass.  AO27 has a very strong signal and is generally on when over 
> the US.  Check the schedule for AO27 on their webpage 
> http://www.ao27.org/AO27/listing.shtml
> 
> If you are reading the amsat-bb and happen to live in a rare grid, 
> please try to get on now and then.  Many of us will be very happy to 
> work you.  Hint: Delaware has not been heard from in a very long time!
> 
> 73,
> John K8YSE EN91
> k8yse at amsat.org
> 
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