AO7 is in Mode B and is giving every indication, from reports around the globe, to being in the Eclipse Cycle while over Antarctica.
The software being used by those predicting the eclipse periods are Nova and SatPC32, both seem to be very accurate and predicted the start of the eclipse cycle very closely.
If the predictions are correct, we will have daily eclipses while the satellite passes over Antarctica and based on other information that I have received, the satellite will, by default, power up in Mode B after the "Zero Voltage State" occurs during the eclipse.
I plan to continue to monitor the Mode status daily and look for any variables that might happen with the satellite. Last year we seemed to have had distortion issues for a period during the time when we were in the Eclipse Cycle. I have no idea if, or even if it is possible, that the Eclipse Cycle was causing any of the audio distortions that were noticed last year during the Eclipse Cycle.
I hope with closer observation, this year we can follow any changes in the satellite functions and see how they relate to the total loss of power on the satellite as it travels through the eclipse periods.
If anyone has any suggestions for things to watch for, or if there are other things to monitor, that might give us a better understanding of how the satellite is functioning, please feel free to comment. I think we have actually caught the beginning of the Eclipse Cycle this year and I think we will be able to see how long it will last and if it is having any effect on the "health" of the satellite.
73 ALL FRM K4FEG STARCOM BB/STAR-COM.NET QTH: EM55aj84ta