[amsat-bb] Re: SO-50

[Paul Stoetzer]

It's got a weaker downlink. I don't think the receiver is any less
sensitive than the other birds, but since it's only running 250 mW, it's
harder to hear.

The other issue is that SO-50 doesn't transmit a constant carrier like
AO-27 did (did AO-51? I never operated through it), so it doesn't sound as
"smooth" during a pass.

In case you missed it, the control operators are working on recovering
AO-27, so lets hope they are successful. I listened to the packet tones as
they commanded it during a pass this afternoon and the transmitter sounded
good. Nice strong signal.

I too prefer the linear birds, but since there are lots of grids where hams
only have FM equipment, it'd be nice to get AO-27 back to tide us over
until Fox-1 launches next year.

73,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Washington, DC




On Sat, Nov 9, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Bernie and Cheryl <hamdan at ix.netcom.com>wrote:

> Dear Folks:
>
> Is it just me or is SO-50 not quite as easy a bird to work as AO-27 or
> AO-51 were?  I actually prefer working the SSB/CW birds, so I don't have as
> much experience on the FM sats.  That's why I'm asking.  Even though I'm
> able to make a few contacts on SO-50 every pass I am on, it seems like
> everyone has a harder time getting in.  It seems there are few times that
> people seem to get into the bird full quieting, even without other stations
> competing for access.
>
> Just curious.
>
> Thanks and 73 de Bernie, KF0QS
>
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