[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement

[Gus]

On 09/04/2013 03:06 PM, John Becker wrote:
> On 9/4/2013 12:43 PM, Gus wrote:
>> Truly.
>>
>> However, to include operators with modest shacks, you need to allow 
>> operation on modes A, B and/or J.  A satellite operating on 24.0 GHz 
>> won't be of interest to the average ham.  Not until the average ham 
>> has 24.0 GHz capable antennas, feedlines, amplifiers, transceivers, 
>> etc, in his shack.
> Are you trying to say that if one can not stand in their yard with a 
> HT they will not use it?

I hope that is not the case.  I do think that the average ham station 
has an HF rig and a VHF/UHF rig in it.  With feedlines and antennas to 
suit.  Using an FM rig in CW mode, the average ham could operate A, B 
and J on CW with the equipment in hand.  With antennas, feedlines, etc 
already in place, SSB capability comes at the cost of only a VHF/UHF 
all-mode rig, or perhaps only a transverter.

Once the bug has bit, they might begin to acquire gear for mode L, S, 
and the rest of the alphabet!  But for the initial dipping of the toes 
into the satellite waters, it helps if the operator has all (or most of) 
the gear already to hand!

> If your saying it's a money thing. You have got to pay to play.
> Everyone should know it's not or ever has been a poor man's hobby.

Starting with no gear, it's going to cost money, no matter what mode you 
try to operate.  But to persuade the average op to give satellites a 
try, it can only help to tell him that it will cost him (little or) nothing.
>
> You cant get a toy-auto to go 120 but my mustang will.

1964 BMC Mini, A-Series 850cc, big-valve head, sodium-filled exhaust 
valves, pocketed & line-bored block for road-race cam, twin SU's, 3-2-1 
extractor, Cooper S ignition, duplex timing chain, co2 welded aluminum 
tappets, high-capacity oil pump & oil cooler... Back then my balls were 
bigger but my brain was smaller.

-- 
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.