[amsat-bb] FM sat chaos

[John Brier]

Great recommendations Tom. I hadn't thought about west coast passes
being easier for central US stations, but that makes sense.

I added a link to your post on a web page I have with similar suggestions:

https://spacecomms.wordpress.com/your-first-satellite-contact-tips/

73, John Brier KG4AKV

On Sat, Jul 6, 2019 at 1:56 PM Tom Schuessler, N5HYP via AMSAT-BB
<amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
>
> So many newcomers to the FM Sats are put off by the chaos they here,
> especially on the weekends.  Our success has led to this, which is at the
> same time a bad thing and a good thing.
>
> For those interested in making a first contact, or getting more comfortable
> with the process, here is what I recommend to folks I talk to.
>
>  1) Listen a lot first.  Get familiar with the process.  (Getting Started
> with Amateur Satellites from the AMSAT Store is also great for this stage).
>  2). Weekday passes, especially not in Summer are active but somewhat less
> competitive.
>  3). Overnight passes, especially of AO-91 as they generally are in the wee
> hours of the morning when most of us are tucked away in our beds.
>  4). For those on the east coast, Passes out over the Atlantic, as the
> footprint will have fewer other operators available, thus lower competition.
>  5). Central US operators should take advantage of west coast passes.
> Except for California, way fewer operators per square mile which means more
> room, sometimes.
>  6). West coast operators should aim for passes well over the pacific to
> again have fewer operators.
>  7). Full duplex operation.  You may have to put a duplexer on each radio,
> even using an Arrow with two feeds, to help separate V and U signals to
> avoid de-sense.
>  8). Low popularity passes help you learn the quirks of each satellite as
> well as what procedures work best for you to hear yourself (Full duplex).
>  9) Use proper phonetics to get your call/grid across plainly.
> 10) Enjoy the challenge.  Don't give up.
>
> Finally, no one reading this email needs this last piece of advice.
> Subscribe to this mail list.  It is a great learning tool.
>
> 73
>
> Tom Schuessler, N5HYP
> EM12ms
>
>
>
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