[amsat-bb] Re: Field Day AO-51 configuration - another option

[Mike Benonis]

I would vote for switching from L/U to V/U.  I would love an opportunity to work a satellite on L band, if only for the technical challenge of it.  Mode S would be harder to do, as I'd have to build a downconverter to hear it (though such a project would not be totally out of the question).

My feeling is this--with 7(?) other birds up there, variety is a good thing.

73 de Mike KI4RIX

On 05 May 2010, at 07:19, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:

> No one is trying to limit the the usefulness. Exactly the opposite, the 
> idea is to pick the mode that is the MOST useful. It's a quantity versus 
> quality problem. On a typical V/U FM Field Day pass, very few contacts 
> actually get made, and most of the pass (at least on the east coast) is 
> nothing but a fragmented dogpile of pieces of calls, whistles, blowing 
> in the mike, etc. Some people enjoy that, others walk away in disgust, 
> and think "why would I want to be part of that mess".
> 
> It's my contention that we pick a mode on AO-51 that provides a more 
> challenging goal for the technically inclined portion of the hobby, 
> encourages clubs to actively seek help from their local AMSAT types, and 
> provides a more civilized environment on just one of the eight LEOs 
> likely to be active that weekend. Think of it as showcasing what amateur 
> satellites can be like on days other than Field Day. By limiting the 
> accessibility, we improve the quality of the experience for those 
> actively participating, and just listening. Again, AO-51 is one of many 
> satellites. If it were just AO-51, we wouldn't even be having this 
> conversation.
> 
> One option that hasn't been floated is trying a mode switch on the early 
> AM Sunday pass. We could go from L/U to V/U very easily. If we do this, 
> I'd like to work with Bruce and actually count the number of QSOs 
> reported per mode.
> 
> 73, Drew KO4MA
> 
> 73, Drew KO4MA
> 
> 
> 
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Best regards,

Mike Benonis
mike at benonis.net
KI4RIX