New FIX for PCSAT-1 to manage the load.
Yes, we noticed that 2/3rds of all PCSAT-1 users are in Europe in a SMALL footprint. While in the USA, there are only half as many users but spread out over a much larger area. SO the congestion must be maybe 4 times worse over there in Europe..
Its a shame as this will shorten the live of PCSAT for us all if sometime is not done...
Its very difficult to get in at weekends... lots of stations beaconing far to often IMHO.
We will configure PCSAT-1 to operate like the terrestrial network under the New-N paradigm. This will help prevent uesrs that are using a rate that is too high. We will turn OFF all RELAY, WIDE, ARISS and APRSAT digipeating. We will turn on ONLY WIDEn-N digipeating because it has a built-in dupe elimination filter.
Users will only be allowed to send the same packet once a minute.
Althought this will help protect PCSAT-1 from overload, it will make throughput less since those same people who transmit too much and too often will react by trying to send more often. This will further jam the uplink.
But maybe they will eventually learn and give PCSAT-1 and other small users some free air time.
Bob, WB4APR