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

[Zach Metzinger]

On 09/07/17 20:50, Mac A. Cody wrote:
> 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?

Hi Mac!

Plenty of room on the linear sats, as far as I've heard on the passes
I've monitored. With a SDR dongle such as FCD or FCD Pro+, you can watch
the entire passband for activity. If you record I/Q, you can then play
back the whole pass to figure out who usually shows up where.

I need to make a strong effort to get my shack put back together. It has
been years since I actually made a contact!

Nice talking to you again. Hope to hear ya on the birds.

73 DE N0ZGO
--- Zach