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

[Angelo Glorioso]

 With other birds like AO-27 and SO-50 already in V/U FM mode and FO-29 
VO-52 and possible AO-07 in SSB mode, I vote for L/U or V/S. The reason is 
during FD, we end up with stations/operators that have NEVER worked 
satellites before and end up adding to the already unusable uplink.  It will 
also add flavor to the mix for FD.

 I feel that AO-51 during FD ends up being a contest of WHO HAS THE MOST 
POWER! WHO CAN FIND THE BIG AMP. Those are the few stations that
end up making the contacts.





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Benonis" <mailinglists at benonis.net>
To: "BB" <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 10:50 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Field Day AO-51 configuration - another option


>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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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