... I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity
switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist ...
That phenomenon is not evident now - nor has it ever been - for me on AO-51.
I know the engineers say I am supposed to be increasing or decreasing my signal strength by 22 or 23db by merely twisting my Yagi 90 degrees. But I have hundreds of witnesses during dozens of demonstrations who will tell you that when the Yagi is turned 90 degrees, there's no discernible change in the signal.
This is not a scientific approach to the subject, of course. Just what my aging ears can hear.
I have heard fellow AMSAT members describe AO-51's "signal fading due to the satellite tumbling in space," too. I am not using elaborate equipment, but have no idea what they are talking about.
Just my firsthand observations. Guess I could be wrong ... we are a little different - I am told - out hre on the West Coast of the US.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS