[amsat-bb] Best Practices on FM birds

[skristof at etczone.com]

On the most recent pass of AO-92 a few minutes ago (over EM79), I heard
some stations replying to calls by saying only "QSL, 73". I would like
to respectfully remind folks that that kind of reply isn't very helpful.
Who are you replying to? What is your call sign? What grid are you in? 

Could be that these folks are new to satellites and were a tad nervous.
We've all been there. 

Please, when you are replying to someone calling you, reply with the
other station's callsign, your callsign, and your gridsquare. This is
the full exchange that completes a QSO. 

Here is a cut and paste from the "Fox Operating Guide 2019": 

* Listen for others
* Listen for yourself using full-duplex operating
technique "W4ABC" (make sure you have
your 67.0 Hz CTCSS switched on!)
* You hear "K9XYZ"
* You say "K9XYZ W4ABC EM74"
* You hear "W4ABC K9XYZ QSL EN52"
* You say "K9XYZ W4ABC QSL 73"
* Please do not call "CQ Satellite" on the FM
birds 

Here are links to helpful publications:
https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FoxOperatingGuide_2019_Lo.pdf


https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FM-Satellites-Best-Practices.pdf


I very much welcome all to the wonderful world of ham radio satellites.
But, you can make sure that your QSOs count for you and your contact by
following the best practices. 

Steve AI9IN 

Oldenburg IN 

EM79