[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 status on AMSAT.org page

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

On 2/1/2011 7:54 PM, Scott Armstrong wrote:
> Question for the group.
>
> The AO-51 status on the AMSAT.org status page shows AO-51 to have a HF component that is operational.
>
> Reading about the satellite and some of the related links I found mentioned something about a 10m uplink budget but no additional information.  All other references to the satellite make no mention of any HF component.
>
> Does AO51 have a HF uplink or downlink?
>
> Scott AA5AM 		 	   		
The wideband SQRX receiver will operate on HF, but early tests indicated 
really poor performance. This is largely in part to a late change in the 
onboard equipment just before launch, but also due to using an 18 inch 
whip for receive on the satellite.

So, it's there but it's not normally in use. We could try it again if 
there is interest enough.

73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations