Excellent advice Tom. Let me add a few things if you don't mind. If you cannot implement full doppler computer tuning, the next best practice is to tune the higher frequency, in this case the uplink. Use full duplex and the minimum power required. VO-52 is quite sensitive and overloads easily; expect this to be the norm on FD.
Don't forget AO-7. It could be in either Mode U/V (aka Mode B) or Mode V/A (aka Mode A). FO-29 may also be back in time for FD, we just don't know. I expect the majority of points to be made on the transponder satellites; please observe the one QSO per FM repeater rule (1 via AO-27 and SO-50, and 1 each via the L/U and V/U repeaters on AO-51).
For the true diehard satellite operator there is AO-16! The 1200 baud BPSK downlink is easily decoded with MixW soundcard software, and the uplink requires Manchester FSK at 1200 baud. This is the tough part. QSOs can be completed via digipeating through the satellite, but the BBS is non-operative.
GO-32 is a good bet too if the BBS is up and running.
Good Luck on Field Day!
73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas McDaniel tmcdanielsprint@earthlink.net Sent: Jun 3, 2007 8:44 PM To: kc6uqh kc6uqh@cox.net, AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO-52
Hi Art,
I don't know of a site for this satellite with operating information. However, this is what used to be called a Mode B satellite -- 70 CM LSB uplink and 2 Mtrs USB downlink with a reverse transponder. Because the satellite is in a very low orbit I highly recommend a computer controlled transceiver (FT-847, IC-910, TS-2000 or etc.) and SatPC32 (you can get a free download to test with from Eric's web site: http://www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm ). We generally use the "one true rule," that is computer control both up and down link to stay in one spot on the transponder.
For antennas, we will be using RH circular beams and automatic tracking, but I expect you could use an Arrow type antenna with someone manually pointing in the general direction -- turnstiles, egg beaters or other omnis may work ok but I haven't tried them.
Finally, practice before Field Day to "work out the bugs" is highly recommended. :-)
73 Tom n0ntx AMSAT Area Coordinator Colorado Springs, CO
----- Original Message ----- From: "kc6uqh" kc6uqh@cox.net To: "AMSAT-BB" amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2007 12:45 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] VO-52
I am considering using VO-52 for Field Day. Could anyone direct me to a site with operating information, not bragg tapes on this satellite. I found the Indian site but I could not find any real technical information. The AMSAT frequency guide mentions both Indain and Dutch transponders shows only one set of frequencies and no suggestion as to USB tX or RX does indicate U TX and V receive. Uses turnstile antennas, Rh or Lh Circular?
Thanks, Art, KC6UQH _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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