145.95.Mhz, 0557 UTC, 45 degree pass here in western NC (still using the Comet quad-band vertical). Lots of fading, but I did catch that voltage was 31.5. I thought that the vertical would do ok at a 45 degree elevation, BUT I found out differently on the next pass I listened to...
145.95 Mhz, 1400 UTC, 13 degree pass to from NW to SW. (Voltage was 34.0; had just come out of eclipse a few minutes before.) I was using the Arrow antenna into the HT, and was listening to the mobile rig with the quad-band vertical at the same time. I thought the vertical would really shine at such a low-angle pass, and while it was ok, the Arrow blew it away. I knew there would be a big difference, but not a HUGE difference. With the Arrow, I heard the satellite long after I thought it would have faded entirely behind the mountain(s).
Darn it, now I have to do some research on knife-edge diffraction on 2 meters around mountain tops/ridges <grin>
I think I'll try the CW beacon tonight - won't be until approx 0320 UTC before the satellite is back in range, and then it's only a 4 degree pass. (70 degrees on the next one though)
Philip N4HF