[amsat-bb] AO-85 status?

[Alan]

Steve,

AO-85 is protecting what is left of the batteries when they get down to 3.6
volts by turning off the transponder and only broadcasting telemetry packets
every 2 minutes in Safe Mode. So it is safe to transmit, but nothing will
happen. :) 

We are just finishing this period of full illumination today, so if you can
work it, go ahead. The next such period will be in early June.

73,

Alan
WA4SCA


<-----Original Message-----
<From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of
<skristof at etczone.com
<Sent: Monday, February 04, 2019 06:13 AM
<To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
<Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-85 status?
<
<I was hoping to do early morning QSO on AO-85 just now. I didn't hear
<any other QSOs, but I did hear the Fox voice say "Safe mode" a couple of
<times. I'm aware that the bird has been having battery issues lately. I
<did not attempt a call.
<
<Just what is "Safe Mode"? Is it OK to make a call when the bird is in
<safe mode?
<
<There is another pass this afternoon when AO-85 will be in full sun.
<Will it be in transponder mode then?
<
<I know these are basic questions, but I appreciate the help.
<
<Steve AI9IN
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