[amsat-bb] Re: FO-29 and VO-52

[n3tl@bellsouth.net]

Jean-Francois,

You are not asking too much. I have operated on ALL of the CW/SSB satellites using two FT-817NDs and SatPC 32. However, I also use a directional -albeit small - antenna. Specifically, I use the Elk 2M/440L5 dual-band log periodic. 

But, I do not have the antenna mounted outside. My shack, such as it is, is on the second floor of my home. I routinely operate on all of the CW/SSB satellites by hand-holding the Elk inside my home and manually tracking the satellites.

In your case, with the eggbeaters, I will suggest that you should expect consistent operations using two FT-817NDs only at higher (my rough guess is 20 degrees elevation or higher) of the two satellites. You likely will be more effecitve on VO-52 because it performs so well. One evening here, when I was troubleshooting an issue with my station, I was able to hear myself on the VO-52 downlink with a strong and clear signal - and I had mounted to Yaesu "duck" antenna to my FT-817ND transmit radio! VO-52 will prove to be fun for you, I believe.

FO-29 also will be fun, but your station may not prove quite so effective on it. My best suggestion is to try! I believe you will be very pleasantly surprised.

FYI - when it is in Mode B, you also should be able to work Grand Old AO-7. My experience with my handheld Elk antenna, operating totally indoors, is that I need roughly 20 degree of elevation with 5 watts out to hear myself on the AO-7 downlink. You may need slightly higher elevation.

I hope this is helpful, and I hope to hear you on these satellite very soon!

73,

Tim - N3TL
Athens, Ga., USA - EM84ha
-------------- Original message from Jean-François Ménard <jf.va2ss at gmail.com>: -------------- 


> Hi, 
> 
> I would like to know if I'm dreaming, but will it be possible for me 
> to use these two satellites with my pair of FT-817 running on 
> SatPC32?? 
> 
> Am I asking too much for my 5W only radios ?? I'm using 2 Eggbeater 
> antenna from M²... EB-144 and EB432 with AR² preamps on both antennas 
> feed with heliax. 
> 
> 73 
> 
> -- 
> Jean-François Ménard 
> VA2SS 
> 
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