[amsat-bb] A satellite transponder is a shared resource

[Clayton Coleman]

There is a finite amount of shared satellite downlink power available
for users of a linear transponder. When someone is operating CW and
fails to adjust their power appropriately, everyone suffers.

I made this recording today:

https://soundcloud.com/w5pfg/fo-29-20161210-1805z-aa5pk-dl98-qro-cw

Glenn, AA5PK was operating portable from the USA/Mexico border in grid
square DL98. Using an Icom IC-910 and Arrow antenna, you could tell he
was perfectly readable yet in his voice you could detect very strong
CW elsewhere on the satellite passband.

Often there are portable stations running 5 watts with their Arrow
antennas. Please, please reduce your CW power. If you are operating CW
to overcome hearing deficiencies at your station,please consider
making station improvements rather than taking more of the
transponder's limited power for yourself.

73
Clayton
W5PFG