[amsat-bb] Re: "FO-29 performs well. Its a shame I often find myself the only one on during the pass "

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi Mike!

> So what is the state of affairs really with SSB sats in the US? It seems that
> they're more active in Europe.

There are fewer operators working SSB than FM via satellite, but there are
some.  FO-29 may not be the best example of SSB satellite activity - or lack
thereof - due to its pass times.  During the week, it passes by way too early
in the morning and during the workday in the afternoon for me to get on.  I
will try to work FO-29 passes on some weekend afternoons, and whenever
I am operating away from home.

If you are looking for more activity, don't forget to try AO-7 and VO-52.  When
it isn't blazing hot here in the desert, I'll work them on weeknights.
 Most of my
satellite time, FM or SSB, is confined to the weekends.  I have not tried mode
A on AO-7 due to not having an adequate portable 10m antenna, but have
had lots of fun with mode B.  VO-52 is where many start out on SSB satellite
operating, with its strong downlink.  I operate a portable all-mode satellite
station in the absence of a home station, and have fun using all the FM and
SSB satellites.  I plan on being somewhere in Arizona this weekend for Field
Day working satellites.  Maybe even some HF and 6m, depending on time,
and all at 5W (I have worked Field Days as a 1B/1-op/battery station since
2001, and on the satellites since 2006).

As for W9KE's comment about a Yahoogroup (or, as others mentioned, a
web-based forum) instead of this e-mail list, I know there are advantages for
both.  For me, I can use an e-mail client on a computer or mobile phone, or
free e-mail services like Gmail, to track AMSAT-BB messages by discussion
thread and post to the list.  A browser isn't mandatory to participate on this
list, which is helpful when away from home and my mobile phone may be my
only Internet access.  Google does a great job of searching AMSAT-BB
messages, since the message archives are publicly available - a great way
to combine the "old school" e-mail list with the modern ability to quickly
search for messages posted to the list.

73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/