[amsat-bb] A refresher needed...

[Mark Lunday]

1.	Based upon the AMSAT page, I conclude the following birds are
active: ISS (FM), LILACSAT-2, AO-73, AO-85, SO-50, NO-44, NO-84, FO-29,
XW-2F, AO-07.
2.	At the top of the AMSAT satellite status page, there is a blank line
for satellite status, with reports.  Is this a new satellite that is not yet
turned over to operations?
3.	Which of the following satellites will work when NOT illuminated?  I
remember AO-7 and NO-44 won't, and AO-73 will, but not sure about SO-50,
FO-29, NO-84, AO-85, XW-2F.
4.	What is the best way to tell if a satellite is illuminated?  Could
be before sunrise at my QTH if the bird is east, or after my sunset if the
bird is west.  How can I tell?
5.	I need more info on APRS.  I set it up to relay my position from my
car on 144.39 many years ago, but Bob Bruninga has often said APRS capable
of so much more.  
a.	Is satellite APRS helpful just for isolated locations, for relaying
information?  
b.	How long does the satellite transmit the information packet (what is
the lifetime of the packet?)  
c.	What if the amount of packets to be transmitted by the satellite
takes longer than the visibility of the satellite at my QTH?  I won't hear
certain data, right?  
d.	What is everyone else using satellite APRS for?

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4elg at arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com