[amsat-bb] FM vs Linear Transponders

[Zach Metzinger]

On 05/08/20 14:11, Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) wrote:
> Not sure what you think needs doing, there's already a pisdr image
> available setup for most common SDRs on the market and most of the
> common software tools see https://pisdr.luigifreitas.me
> 
> Think only improvements the image needs perhaps is the Fox decoder
> added but its pretty much ready to use.

Peter,

I didn't know about this project, but that's great. After a quick 
perusal of the web pages, here are a few thoughts:

- This isn't a "out of the box" experience setup. The Usage section of 
Getting Started talks about SSH or VNC access to log. This begs the 
question: What if someone had a TFT daughterboard with touchscreen (or 
keyboard) and wanted to have it boot right into the SDR, ready to go?

- The FCDP+ is not supported, but probably could be. This is a dongle 
that many in our hobby might already possess.

Now, how would a prospective new AMSAT member know about this path? 
Probably not via this -bb, and the AMSAT website makes no mention of 
this path on any of these pages:

https://www.amsat.org/introduction-to-working-amateur-satellites/

https://www.amsat.org/station-and-operating-hints/

The main amsat.org page doesn't have anything like "Getting Started" or 
"How Do I Work An Amateur Satellite?", and that's where something like 
this could go.

I really like AMSAT-UK's website (https://amsat-uk.edu/) with the tab 
"Beginners" and all sorts of useful information under it about how to 
get started. However, they also do not mention the SDR path under either 
"How to work <mode> satellites" page.

I'll stop there, because now I'm armchair quarterbacking. Please, if 
anyone can volunteer to get something like this popularized, volunteer 
for AMSAT and do it! We need more active operators, regardless of the 
method that they utilize to get on the bird.

--- Zach
N0ZGO