[amsat-bb] AO-7 Mode A difficulties

I've made several attempts efforts to work AO-7 on Mode A, but I just don't seem to be able to manage it. I can hear CW signal, and if I whistle into the mike, but I just can't hear my voice well enough to even attempt a QSO.

I'm using an 80 watt Mirage brick into an RHCP moxon pair pointed straight up. I don't have any problems getting into the FM sats with this setup. Is it because I'm only getting about 40 watts EIRP from this and that's simply not enough for AO-7 Mode A?

Bob - AE6RV