[amsat-bb] N8HM Field Day Report - 1B MDC

[Peter Laws]

On Mon, Jun 27, 2016 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm at arrl.net> wrote:
> Operating satellites isn't difficult, but it does take some
> practice and experience to understand the characteristics of each
> satellite. Trying to figure it out at 1800Z on Field Day Saturday is
> not the recipe for success.

Not counting obsolete SAREX/MIR/AO-13 experience, I managed to make a
few QSOs before I got the idea to try to get the bonus for the FD
group I was with (W5YM, my alma mater, celebrating their centennial).
Even though I stuck to FM 'phone and mostly SO-50 at that, it was
still enough of a zoo (for the reasons you mentioned) to keep me from
snagging the bonus.

Next summer, I think it would behoove AMSAT to try to get the word
out, probably via an ARRL bulletin, for folks NOT to try to figure it
out at 1800Z on Field Day Saturday!  Word it nicely, of course, "hey,
try the easy sats this weekend".  Heck, you could even bill it as a
pre-FD tune-up exercise ...

*Might* lessen the chaos on FD itself.  *Might*.  Certainly a low-cost
effort with a good potential payoff ...

In my case, I think enough folks were impressed just at how loud the
signals are that we may see some new stations show up on the sats.



-- 
Peter Laws | N5UWY | plaws plaws net | Travel by Train!