[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 pass at 22:06 UTC 2011-10-01

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi Clayton!

> Since I am relatively “green” myself to FM satellite rover operation,

I've been reading your recent grid-expedition exploits here on
the -BB.  Hope to catch you on from some of those places in
the near future.

> I will share an observation from a recent grid expedition in West
> Texas.  I’ve observed a behavior that I refer to as “Armageddon grid.”
>  This means the rover operator is activating a grid for the last time
> before the world meets a fiery demise and doesn't know it until he
> gives his call and grid square.
>
> <snip>
>
> If you miss that desired grid today, doesn’t that leave opportunity
> for you to work it on another day?

Most who operate from the rare grids are already aware of the
rareness of the grid(s).  This is why the operators are on from there
much of the time.  Beyond the constant wall of callers who do not
allow a gap for the station in the rare grid(s) to respond, it is entirely
possible that the station won't be on from that grid again.  Whether
it is a shipborne station who will be in another grid after that pass
or someone on a road trip who can't stay in that grid for whatever
reason (travel schedule, weather, etc.), that is why it sometimes
sounds like what you describe.

I can go over the list of 60 grids I have worked from over the past
few years, and there are at least 10 that have not been on the air
since my trip(s) to them.  Add in the new operators who were not
on the air before, and there could be a large crowd trying to work
that rare grid.  It does *not* justify poor operating procedure by
those trying to make that QSO.  Just be ready to deal with it,
with a good station and your good operating procedure.

Now, time to get ready for an upcoming VO-52 pass from the back
yard...   :-)

73!





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