[amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 help

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

>
> I use the translation table provided by AMSAT and the books..
> Have those programmed into the radio as splits..
>
> LSB 432.XXX up and USB 145.XXX down .
> ( mode B like this morning )
> I can hear PLENTY of QSO's.
> I cannot make contact with anyone ..
>
>   

Those splits are only right when Doppler is zero. Other wise, you have 
around +/-7 khz shift to deal with. It's really tough to work AO-7 
half-duplex with no Doppler tuning. REALLY tough. If you have a PC 
nearby, I'd recommend trying to use SatPC32 to control the Doppler shift 
during the pass. CAT cables are pretty cheap on Ebay, and really easy to 
set up with the 897.

Also, since you are using gain antennas AND are half duplex, you should 
make sure you keep the power output low, like 5 watts or so, since you 
can't hear if you our overdriving the uplink and making the satellite FM 
for everyone.

73, Drew KO4MA