Doesn't PCSAT enter a brief no eclipse phase in early April?
Yes, but unless we get a good wobble that puts enough sun at the right angle on the best +Z panel, then we only have power on the side panels which are not as good. Only in the winter when the sun is more in the southern hemisphere do we get this condition...
We will try, but do not hold much hope. There are full sun periods in the summer to, but we have never been successful with them.
Thanks Bob
From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org on behalf of Bob Bruninga Sent: Sun 3/23/2008 7:24 AM To: Jeffrey Koehler; AMSAT-BB Org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: NO-44 Question
How long does NO-44 need to be in sun before it begins to operate normally?
About 15 to 20 minutes, AND, all of that sun must fall on the +Z pannel. Any other situation, and it is unuseable. SO the only time it has a chance of getting that sun on that panel is above a latitude of about 40 degrees and in the winter and during a pass overhead about noon.
So dont expect much from NO-44 until next fall has been our experience. Often you can hear it trying to get out a packet, but it dies on heach one.
Bob, WB4APR _______________________________________________ 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: