[amsat-bb] FM Birds

[Bob]

"Really? there is only 3 of them?
I had the impression there were a LOT more than that."

Hi Joe!  There will be a few more soon.  FM satellites are useful because
the ground equipment is fairly minimal (a duplex radio like a TH-D72, or a
pair of HTs).  BUT the big drawback is they support only one user at a
time.  The "linear" birds, of which there are many, support dozens of
simultaneous users.  The drawback is it requires more sophisticated radio
gear because you need to use CW or SSB.

SO-50 is VERY easy to work.  AO-85 (Fox1) is more challenging.  The other
FM bird is rarely turned on.

FM satellites on Field Day are a real challenge -- too many folks trying to
work at one time.

Glad you had such a good time with the young ham.  That's our future, and
your time investment will pay off dividends down the road.

73, Bob, WB4SON