----- Original Message ----- From: "John M. Belstner" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2011 10:32 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Working FO-29
FO-29 performs well. Its a shame I often find myself the only one on during the pass. Just me and my downlink.
As stated by others in the past, here are a few hints.
USB always on the downlink (that means LSB on the uplink for inverting transponders).
Use CW to find yourself quickly on the downlink.
When using computer control, unlock your TX and RX VFO's momentarily, listen to your downlink while adjusting your uplink. Match the pitch of the CW downlink to the pitch of your local sidetone (or adjust your uplink to where your own voice sounds natural in SSB). Lock your VFO's again and your ready to make QSO's.
John Belstner W9EN Valley Center, CA DM13le
Hi John, W9EN
You are alone on FO-29 because for many years the most part of satellite users were using hand-held FM equipments and arrow antennas to say only call letter and locator on FM single channel LEO satellites to collect grids.
Now the FM satellite situation is critical and probably the satellite community will get up and will remember the existence of linear transponders on VO-52, FO-29, and OSCAR-7 with plenty of bandwidth for many QSO's all at the same time and for long chat.
Here in Europe the most popular satellite is VO-52 but OSCAR-7 and FO-29 are plenty of users.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico