[amsat-bb] Optimal QTH? (Re: WAS-SAT 38 Years Later!

[Clayton W5PFG]

Alternatively one can install Great Circle Maps for Windows (gcmwin) by 
SM3GSJ: http://www.qsl.net/sm3gsj/gcm.htm

Once you enter your position, it will let you create range circles.  I 
would set the maximum one to 8250km.  Assuming you have an outstanding 
location with a view to the horizon and low RF noise you could possibly 
hit that distance with one of our current satellites but it's more than 
likely your maximum contacts are going to be in the 7500-7800km range. 
Your mileage may vary.

Peter, you can achieve WAS from EM15 but you will likely need FO-29 or 
AO-7 to make it for AK and HI.  AK is in range on SO-50 but your windows 
will be short and if the other station has any obstructions (aka 
mountains) nearby, you're out of luck.

I have operated from all of the gridsquares in and around Oklahoma. 
Feel free to email direct.

73
Clayton
W5PFG

On 6/7/2016 18:49, Adrian Engele via AMSAT-BB wrote:
> Hi Peter,
> Get your lat/long first: http://no.nonsense.ee/qth/map.html
>
> Then go to the bottom of the AMSAT page look for your satellites of choice. The satellite range will be mostly accurate but change slightly over a period of time depending on when a satellite is at apogee at certain times.
>
> http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=4751
>
> Enter your lat/Long and the satellite range. Then create a sheet for each satellite based on your home or portable location. This will tell you what you should be able to work.
>
> http://ns6t.net/azimuth/azimuth.html
> Good luck!
> 73, Adrian AA5UK - ZF2AE (in a few weeks)
>
>       From: Peter Laws <plaws0 at gmail.com>
>  To: Amsat Bb <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
>  Sent: Tuesday, June 7, 2016 3:57 PM
>  Subject: [amsat-bb] Optimal QTH? (Re: WAS-SAT 38 Years Later!
>
> On Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 10:02 AM, R.T.Liddy <k8bl at ameritech.net> wrote:
>> SAT Operators,
>> I just received my WAS-Satellite Award #341 which ended upcovering 38 years of casual operating!
>
> Congrats!
>
> I am currently awaiting an Arrow from Arrow HQ and hope to start
> making contacts.  Not sure I can wait 38 years, however.  :-)
>
> I am in EM15, so shouldn't have much trouble even with LEOs, but has
> anyone calculated the "optimal" area for WAS QSOs?  I would expect
> it's pretty close to where I am but footprint is a factor, too.
> Anyone figured it out?
>
>
>
>