[amsat-bb] SO-50 & frequency stability as of late

[Clayton Coleman]

I have been noticing some irregular shifts in SO-50's downlink
frequency the past several days.  I noticed it in the past but it's
been a while since this occurred.  Several others are reporting it as
well.

At my AOS today (15:12 UTC, orbit # 62976), SatPC32 had predicted the
downlink to be near 436.801 MHz, when in fact I was receiving the bird
at 436.793.  It proceeded to jump up to 436.795 at my TCA before
making it's way down to 436.780 near my LOS.

This seems to be posing some issues for people using full computer
control and also those who stick to pre-programmed memory channels to
make frequency adjustments during a pass.

Considering this recent frequency instability, I would recommend you
manually tune for the strongest downlink frequency.  This would help
eliminate some issues with stepping on stations engaged in existing
QSO's.  An alternative would be to try using RIT if you insist on
computer control.

The old rule applies -- if you can't hear, don't transmit.

73
Clayton
W5PFG