On Thu, 10 Dec 2015 16:13:56 -0600, Clayton W5PFG w5pfg@amsat.org wrote:
There is no "secret decoder ring" necessary. Simply pick a frequency in the transponder's passband and tune your uplink to stay on that frequency. (Tune uplink because it is the higher of the two frequencies.) You will drift slightly across the transponder but this has never been a problem even during a busy weekend such as Field Day.
Full computer control works but only if you tweak it during the pass. This is easily done with SatPC32 and the +/- buttons on your keyboard. I strongly recommend tuning manually.
AO-73 is a great satellite. It's easy to hear and workable with modest antennas at very low power.
Currently building a portable station and am interested in trying to work this bird in the near future. Is the transponder always on or does it follow a schedule (i.e., only on during the weekends or when in daylight, etc)?