[amsat-bb] AO-85 update

[Jeff Johns]

I’ve really enjoyed this quirky bird over the years. My fingers are crossed that she will recover from her illness. 

Jeff WE4B

> On Dec 19, 2018, at 7:12 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner at mindspring.com> wrote:
> 
> All,
> 
> 
> 
> As you probably know, AO-85 has had issues recently with the batteries
> dropping precariously low during eclipse. We think it's likely the batteries
> suffered degradation due to heat during previous periods of no eclipses.
> This has made it difficult to keep the satellite available for use without
> endangering the batteries. Today the nominally 3.6v pack was down to 2.8v at
> the end of the eclipse. That is dangerously low.
> 
> 
> 
> In an effort to extend the useable life of the satellite, this evening we
> turned both the IHU and the transmitter off. This ceases all transmissions,
> including the beacons every two minutes in both sunlit and eclipsed parts of
> the orbit. We will periodically turn the satellite back on for an orbit or
> two, in order to gather telemetry. If all goes as planned, we will turn the
> repeater back on during the next period of no eclipses beginning around
> January 24th. In the meantime, it is important to leave AO-85 tracked in
> your FoxTelem setups, in order for us to gather telemetry and keep tabs on
> the situation. If you do happen to hear a Veronica beacon, or either the
> normal repeater or the COR/no telemetry repeater, please let the list know,
> or send me an email or message directly.
> 
> 
> 
> We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we try to make the most
> of the situation. Please consider supporting the AMSAT GOLF project with
> your membership, and one-time or recurring donations at
> https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-membership/ or
> https://www.amsat.org/donate/
> 
> 
> 
> 73, Drew KO4MA
> 
> AMSAT VP Operations
> 
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