[amsat-bb] How busy are the linear transponder satellites?

[Mac A. Cody]

I know that the FM satellites, primarily SO-50 and AO-85, can be quite
congested during a pass.  This is understandable, since each satellite
presents only one channel.  On the other hand, the linear transponder
satellites can support multiple communication channels, due to the
available bandwidth.  This ranges from 20 KHz (XW-2A/B/C/D/F) to 100 KHz
(FO-29, AO-7).  From your experience running SSB, how congested or how
utilized, is the bandwidth of these satellites?  Is there usually plenty
of room to spare, or is it a challenge to find a place within the
available bandwidth to conduct a QSO?

Thanks and 73,

Mac Cody / AE5PH