4 Feb
2019
4 Feb
'19
1:24 p.m.
Just what is "Safe Mode"? Is it OK to make a call when the bird is in safe mode?
Safe mode is the beacon/TLM only, every couple of minutes. No point in attempting QSO's, as the transponder will not be on.
The spacecraft can be placed in Safe Mode by a control operator, or it can switch in automatically depending on the status of onboard systems.
If you hear "Hi, this is Amateur Radio Satellite Fox-1" (or something like that), then the transponder is on. If you hear "safe mode", then obviously the transponder will not be on.
--Roy K3RLD