[amsat-bb] AO-73 Lack of transponder activity

[J. Boyd (JR2TTS)]

On Thu, 10 Dec 2015 16:13:56 -0600, Clayton W5PFG <w5pfg at amsat.org> wrote:

> There is no "secret decoder ring" necessary. Simply pick a frequency in 
> the transponder's passband and tune your uplink to stay on that 
> frequency. (Tune uplink because it is the higher of the two 
> frequencies.) You will drift slightly across the transponder but this 
> has never been a problem even during a busy weekend such as Field Day.
> 
> Full computer control works but only if you tweak it during the pass. 
> This is easily done with SatPC32 and the +/- buttons on your keyboard. 
> I strongly recommend tuning manually.
> 
> AO-73 is a great satellite.  It's easy to hear and workable with modest 
> antennas at very low power.

Currently building a portable station and am interested in trying to
work this bird in the near future. Is the transponder always on or does
it follow a schedule (i.e., only on during the weekends or when in
daylight, etc)?


-- 
J. Boyd, JR2TTS/NI3B
the2belo at msd.biglobe.ne.jp
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the2belo/
http://www.qrz.com/db/JR2TTS
Twitter: @Minus2_C