[amsat-bb] AO-51 status update

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

I just wanted to give a little status update on AO-51. We are currently 
running just the normal V/U repeater, with PL enabled, and the power 
management software running. The power management routine adjusts the 
power output in three stages based on illumination state and battery 
voltage. Tonight we increased the high setting to 1.57 watts. The mid 
setting is at 290 mw, and the low setting is off. During passes over the 
eastern US, especially in the morning, we have been collecting telemetry 
on the 435.150 transmitter, so users may hear the power levels toggle on 
435.300. The rest of the time outside of eclipse it should be pretty 
steadily at the high setting. Soon after entering eclipse, if in use, 
the transmitter will shut off.

Eclipses continue to lengthen until about July 1, then drop back to zero 
by the third week of August. This last period of continuous illumination 
will last until January 2011. AO-51 will likely only be operational 
while illuminated after this date.

I want to thank Mark Hammond N8MH, Kevin Schuchmann WA6FWF, and Jim 
White WD0E for their help with the satellite during this period of 
rearranging our operational plan, and learning new tricks to keep AO-51 
available as much as possible. We are approaching 6 years in orbit!

73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations