[amsat-bb] Satellites Contacts for Field Day 101

[Stephen E. Belter]

Bryce,

Just a few random thoughts:

1.  Yes, the ARRL gives a station 100 bonus points for making a satellite contact

2.  Don't use an omnidirectional antenna.  Best choice is probably an Arrow or Elk handheld, or a similar homemade antenna.  While a larger antenna array with Az/El rotors should work, the handheld has fewer things to break and gives you better control over the polarity.

3.  FM satellites will be completely clogged and nearly useless.  If you want to attempt an FM contact, pick a pass when the satellite is located over Canada, the Atlantic Ocean, or the Pacific Ocean.  You'll have less competition.  Also, check the AMSAT website status page and the @AMSAT Twitter account to make sure AO-92 isn't in L/V mode when you're trying to operate it.

4.  As KB2M suggested, your best opportunities for contacts will be with the SSB satellites.  Make sure you try the Chinese satellites, XW-2A, XW-2B, XW-2C, XW-2D, XW-2F, CAS-4A, and CAS-4B.  These have sensitive receivers and strong transmitters.  FO-29 is always popular.  AO-7 is likely to be in Mode A because it usually can't handle the high-power stations with its limited power supply, which almost always cause AO-7 to "flip" from Mode B to Mode A.

5.  *Practice* as many passes as you can this week *before* Field Day actually starts.

Good luck!

73, Steve N9IP
--
Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com



On 6/17/18, 11:59 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Bandman444--- via AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org on behalf of amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:

    This will be the first time our club station has our satellite rig up and running and I wanted to learn from the experts about tips field Day satellite contacts. My understanding there is some bonus for a satellite contact, and likely many will be on the birds.
    
    What do you recommend to someone who is fairly familiar with making satellite contacts, but never during field day?
    
    Thanks!
    
    Bryce Chanes
    KR0CKT