[amsat-bb] Re: back on the birds after 15-year absence - want tips on antenna system

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

Welcome back! I'll try to answer what I can.
> Questions:
>
> (1)  RHCP for the V and U Yagis?  Any reason to have switchable polarity?
>   
Some LEOs have different circularities for different transmitters. For 
example, AO-51 has both LHCP and RHCP on 70cm. The sense can also change 
during a pass depending on spacecraft orientation and squint. Switchable 
polarity is well worth it in my opinion.
> (3)  Will next gen ham satellites have S-Band downlinks?
>   
Yes, and AO-51 has an S downlink now, usually about 1 week a month. P3E 
and others will have S.

> (4)  Will next gen ham satellites have L-Band uplinks and/or downlinks?
>   
Yes, and AO-51 and CO-65 use L now also. Kiwisat and P3E will have L also.

> (6)  Are these the satellites currently available for 2-way QSOs?  AO-7, AO-27, AO-51, SO-67 & HO-68.  Did I miss any?
>   
Off the top of my head, add ISS, SO-50, VO-52, FO-29 (due to return 
soon), NO-44 sometimes, CO-65 for a real digital challenge. Lots of 
one-way cubesats that can be fun too.

> (7)  Any pattern to when AO-7 is in Mode A and Mode B?
>   
Right now the satellite is in 24/7 illumination, and the onboard timer 
switches modes every 24 hours or thereabouts. Check 
http://oscar.dcarr.org/ as a quick way to figure out which one is on 
right now. When it returns to eclipses, it generally favors B and only 
works while illuminated.

I hope that helps. Joining AMSAT if you're not already a member is a 
good way to support the program, and there is always something 
interesting in the AMSAT Journal. There are several active ops in your 
immediate area, including a BOD member; they may chime in. See ya on the 
air soon.

73, Drew KO4MA