[amsat-bb] 73 on 73 Award Reminder

[Clayton Coleman]

My first AO-73 pass eligible for the 73on73 Award was exciting.  It
reminded me of my "first time" (working sats, that is.)

It was my first time to work the bird with a single Yaesu FT-817 and an
Arrow antenna. No fancy computer, no fancy apps. Just steering the antenna
with one hand and a microphone in the other.

73
Clayton
W5PFG
On Aug 31, 2014 2:41 PM, "Paul Stoetzer" <n8hm at arrl.net> wrote:

> Just a reminder that the award period for the 73 on 73 Award begins at
> 0000Z on September 1st, so begin keeping track of the unique callsigns that
> you work on AO-73. When you reach 73 unique callsigns in your log, email me
> at n8hm at arrl.net with a list of calls, date, and time worked (in UTC) and
> your mailing address. I hope to have a website up soon with an example of
> what the award will look like.
>
> Some tips for working AO-73:
>
> -Keep in mind the frequency drift on the transponder. The offset needed on
> your transmit frequency is usually from +10 kHz to +16 kHz. This can vary
> throughout the pass, requiring frequency adjustments if using computer
> control. Many find manually tuning the uplink to maintain a constant
> downlink to work better than computer control.
>
> -I usually start a pass by trying to find myself come into the top
> edge of the passband (145.970 MHz). To do this, I usually start
> transmitting around 435.135 MHz and tuning up slowly until I can hear
> myself enter the passband. Then I can move around the transponder
> easily. Remember to tune your uplink to maintain an constant downlink
> frequency (the opposite of FO-29).
>
> -Keep power output down. The transponder has a very sensitive receiver
> and a very active AGC circuit. Excessive uplink power will not make
> your signal louder - it will only reduce that available for others on
> the transponder. With a clear view of the horizon, 5 watts to an Arrow
> or Elk is plenty for horizon to horizon coverage. Very slightly more
> might be necessary if you are beaming through trees or other
> obstructions, but try to keep power to 25-40 watts ERP.
>
> Good luck! Who will claim the 73 on 73 Award #1?
>
> 73,
>
> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
> Washington, DC, USA (FM18lv)
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>