[amsat-bb] AO-85 status?

[skristof at etczone.com]

Thanks to Alan and Roy for the info! 

Steve AI9IN

On 2019-02-04 07:32, Alan wrote:

> 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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