[amsat-bb] AO-7 Mode B Questions (difficulty getting in)

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

Do you see the other strong signals while you are transmitting as well?

73, Drew KO4MA

> On Aug 24, 2019, at 12:23 PM, Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all.
> 
> I'm hoping for some suggestions to help me "get in" to AO-7 mode B.
> 
> So far, my experience is as follows (on any pass, regardless of elevation):
> No matter what my output setting is on my IC-706MKIIG, I can only just
> barely get into the transponder.   Even on a good day, when I am seeing
> multiple strong CW and SSB QSO's happening on the waterfall, my uplink can
> only just barely be seen, let alone heard.   The 706MKIIG ouputs 20W on
> UHF, and checking with a wattmeter - it seems to be spot on (using FM -
> could SSB be performing differently?).   I've hooked up my M2 UHF cross
> yagi to an SWR meter, and it comes in at less than 1.5.   I can get into
> all the other linears with relative ease.
> 
> My UHF crossed dipole is supposed to be RHCP (if I connected everything
> correctly), and I believe that the 70cm Rx antenna on AO-7 is also CP,
> correct?   But is it RH or LH?    And does anybody know of a RHCP UHF
> downlink on a satellite that I can use to to positively confirm my UHF
> cross yagi polarization?
> 
> Any other suggestions welcome.
> 
> FYI - I am using an RTL-SDR.com V3 dongle on receive, with GQRX controlled
> by Gpredict - this setup actually works pretty well for me on all the other
> linears, believe it or not!   I am positive that this is NOT an Rx issue on
> my end because I can see other strong QSOs in the waterfall - just not my
> own.   So I believe this is an issue with my Tx.
> 
> --Roy
> K3RLD
> _______________________________________________
> 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb