On Mon, Jun 27, 2016 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Operating satellites isn't difficult, but it does take some practice and experience to understand the characteristics of each satellite. Trying to figure it out at 1800Z on Field Day Saturday is not the recipe for success.
Not counting obsolete SAREX/MIR/AO-13 experience, I managed to make a few QSOs before I got the idea to try to get the bonus for the FD group I was with (W5YM, my alma mater, celebrating their centennial). Even though I stuck to FM 'phone and mostly SO-50 at that, it was still enough of a zoo (for the reasons you mentioned) to keep me from snagging the bonus.
Next summer, I think it would behoove AMSAT to try to get the word out, probably via an ARRL bulletin, for folks NOT to try to figure it out at 1800Z on Field Day Saturday! Word it nicely, of course, "hey, try the easy sats this weekend". Heck, you could even bill it as a pre-FD tune-up exercise ...
*Might* lessen the chaos on FD itself. *Might*. Certainly a low-cost effort with a good potential payoff ...
In my case, I think enough folks were impressed just at how loud the signals are that we may see some new stations show up on the sats.