[amsat-bb] Re: HI4 Operations Suspended

[Bill W1PA]

>>Thank you for trying and providing the opportunity for HI4 and sorry it has
been so unpleasant.

Agree. Unfortunate. But I respect Bob’s choice --  it’s his time, his enjoyment.

I listened to the 25-Jan 1807 pass (the day Bob “suspended”):

http://www.papays.com/sat/AO-27_25Jan2012_180657z.mp3

Outside of some packet bursts and the “taxi drivers”, the only thing I hear is folks not letting grids and calls being exchanged both ways, on what were, I think, “pre-arranged” attempts (Bob was calling them). Because of the rapid-fire exchanges there is a tendency to consider that any “empty” time on a active FM bird is wasted time, so if the exchange is not completed on the first pass and there is a pause waiting for the repeat, folks can’t resist the open channel to call. I am not condoning it, but certainly understand the temptation. Bob also said he wanted to work new folks as well... not sure how many calling had already worked him. I guess only Bob knows for sure. And yes, we must remember that not everyone who works the birds reads this list, and would have known his desire.

When I worked Bob, we did not complete exchanges on the first attempt (he did not confirm my grid), and 30 seconds later when there was a gap I called him again to confirm he had my grid.

IMHO though, compared to passes that capture the full US in the foot print, that pass was actually pretty “organized”. I have heard much, much worse. Listen for yourself and decide.

Then listen to the 16-Jan pass further down: http://www.papays.com/sat/general.html

Bob, if you are reading, I hope you will be back on during the time you have left there. It is appreciated.

Bill W1PA