[amsat-bb] Operating Question

[Don KB2YSI]

I should figure out how to do it too, I am quite terrible at unfamiliar
call signs; or tounge twisters during a busy pass.

On Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 19:05 Ryan Noguchi via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org
wrote:

>  Experienced ops may be able to readily recall and repeat calls, but I
> found it challenging to recall and repeat a call sign without seeing it in
> writing. This was really holding me back from satellite operating until I
> made an effort to free up my hand to log during the pass. Even experience
> with contesting wasn't terribly helpful, since I almost always write or
> type the call as I hear it, and when I transmit am really reading the call
> off the log sheet (or my logging program) rather than recalling it from
> memory. My aural recall is very poor compared to my visual recall, which is
> why this visual memory jog is extremely helpful for me. It won't be as
> helpful for someone with good aural recall.
>
> I also hear on Twitter about once a week about someone needing help
> reconstructing QSOs on a pass because their recorder failed. I had that
> happen to me once too, when I was not hand-logging because I was in the
> dark. Now I use a headlamp when operating at night so I can read and write
> even in the dark.
>
> This was a technique that required very little time and money to implement
> and had huge, immediate results for me, so I try to share this advice with
> newer ops as a potential technique for them to consider if they're
> struggling. I occasionally hear online from some newer ops that have
> trouble remembering the callsign of a station that called them or that they
> want to call, and occasionally on the birds hear some folks struggle
> repeatedly to repeat a full call sign. This is a technique that could help
> some of these folks to operate more effectively and confidently, and better
> utilize the limited resource of pass time, which benefits all users. But I
> certainly don't think everyone needs to do this, especially those who are
> already well experienced at satellite operating without it.
>
> Carry on!
>
> 73, Ryan AI6DO
>
>
>
>     On Thursday, December 13, 2018, 12:31:12 PM PST, John Brier <
> johnbrier at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>  I could see how writing down calls would help you work sats. It forces
> you to really try and hear and understand the callsign of the person
> you're trying to work.
>
> What I do is when I hear a callsign I repeat it exactly as the op said
> it in my head. This usually allows me to say it back when I want to
> call them. Occasionally I get mixed up when people call me and I can't
> repeat their call fully/accurately and I'll just say QSL as I know I
> have it on my recording. I prefer not to do that of course.
>
> Do what works for you!
>
> 73, John Brier KG4AKV
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>