[amsat-bb] Adding new satellites & Getting back to basics

[Clayton Coleman]

I realize not everyone is a computer expert.  I recognize that we live
in the days of appliance-operator hams, myself included.  It surprises
me the number of individuals who post on this BB without first reading
the fine manuals provided with their applications or looking at
relevant, redundant emails posted within 72 hours.

With the recent flutter of BB email activity over working AO-73, it
surprises me the number of individuals solely dependent on using a
computer to communicate via a satellite.

Gone are the days of the manual transmission -- most individuals now
drive an automatic and have forgotten to use their clutch.

I would encourage people to step back to the basics a little bit.  Try
to work in "Manual" for a while. Brush up on your tracking skills,
both by ear and by signal strength.  Understand that not all of us are
sitting behind a computer with a fully automated station, antennas to
work Neptune, a receiver to hear the moon, and an amplifier to reach
Pluto.

My intent is not to disparage those who have a nice OSCAR-class
station.  By all means, enjoy it.

I hear frequently in the post-HEO era that "Doppler is too difficult
on LEO's."  If you need an elmer there are plenty of active operators
here on the BB who would be willing to lend a helping hand.

Don't forget the acronym KISS and its definition.  Sometimes
simplicity brings with it a little fun.

73,
Clayton
W5PFG