[amsat-bb] CQ SATELLITE! CQ SATELLITE!

[A. Kevin Arber]

Split the output from the headphone jack with a Belkin speaker and
headphone splitter.  That way one can listen and record at the same time.
After all is said and done, FM repeater satellites are still CHAOS.
Kevin/W3DAD

On Sun, Feb 15, 2015 at 1:01 PM, Clint Bradford <clintbradford at mac.com>
wrote:

> This post does NOT apply to about 99.4% of the members here ... So if you
> are a seasoned FM bird operator, just skip reading. BUT if you are new to
> the FM satellites ...
>
> I have heard a couple hams trying to work SO-50 the past week. They have
> their sat prediction software all set up properly ... have improved their
> antennas ... and have the proper set of frequencies programmed ...
>
> But they are not working full duplex (where you can monitor the downlink
> as you key your mic) and are stepping on other transmissions. AND they are
> simply declaring, "CQ satellite ... " over and over and over.
>
> That is not how we should be working the FM birds.
>
> Ideally, we should be working the FM voice satellites in full duplex mode,
> where we can simultaneously listen to the downlink as we are transmitting.
> This might mean a second radio with an earpiece (to avoid feedback) to make
> sure you are "making it" and are not stepping on others' contacts.
> Carefully monitor the downlink, and wait for a break in the conversations
> to announce yourself. You might find it helpful to record your sessions for
> later review. Even if you don’t make a contact during a pass, a recording
> can help you recognize the callsigns and voices of other operators. Pocket
> recorders or smartphone apps are great for this.
>
> Knowing your grid square - and having a grid square map - is a quick way
> of identifying locations of what you will hear. There are also fellow
> satellite operators who are working towards awards based on the number of
> unique grid squares they contact: that is why you should know yours as you
> work the birds. The ARRL and Icom have grid square maps: Icom’s is free and
> available at better ham radio stores.
>
> When you clearly hear others, listen for a break in the action, and use
> the ITU-approved phonetics to announce your callsign, grid square, and
> operating mode. I am K6LCS in grid square DM-13, so it becomes ...
>
> "KILO-SIX-LIMA-CHARLIE-SIERRA, DELTA-MIKE - ONE-THREE, handheld."
>
> There's a little "debate" on the necessity of the "operating mode"
> declaration. If you state, "handheld," it used to tell seasoned satellite
> operators to let you in and get your contact made - knowing you were
> working low power. Some might use "demo" as their op mode - as they operate
> in front of a club or hamfest. It is not "improper" to include an op mode -
> many do not.
>
> SO ... simply keying up and declaring "CQ satellite" over and over again
> is simply not the proper protocol to be using. It does not identify neither
> you nor your location.
>
> More information on working the "easy birds" always at ...
> http://www.work-sat.com
>
> Clint Bradford K6LCS
> 909-241-7666 - cell, Pacific coast time
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