[amsat-bb] 73 on 73 Award Reminder

[Paul Stoetzer]

Great to work you on that pass, Clayton.

At least six stations were heard on the 0357Z pass. It was wonderful to
hear all the activity!

73,

Paul, N8HM


On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 12:21 AM, Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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)
> > _______________________________________________
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> > expressed
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> _______________________________________________
> 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
>