Thanks to Alan and Roy for the info!
Steve AI9IN
On 2019-02-04 07:32, Alan wrote:
Steve,
AO-85 is protecting what is left of the batteries when they get down to 3.6 volts by turning off the transponder and only broadcasting telemetry packets every 2 minutes in Safe Mode. So it is safe to transmit, but nothing will happen. :)
We are just finishing this period of full illumination today, so if you can work it, go ahead. The next such period will be in early June.
73,
Alan WA4SCA
<-----Original Message----- <From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of <skristof@etczone.com <Sent: Monday, February 04, 2019 06:13 AM <To: amsat-bb@amsat.org <Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-85 status? < <I was hoping to do early morning QSO on AO-85 just now. I didn't hear <any other QSOs, but I did hear the Fox voice say "Safe mode" a couple of <times. I'm aware that the bird has been having battery issues lately. I <did not attempt a call. < <Just what is "Safe Mode"? Is it OK to make a call when the bird is in <safe mode? < <There is another pass this afternoon when AO-85 will be in full sun. <Will it be in transponder mode then? < <I know these are basic questions, but I appreciate the help. < <Steve AI9IN <_______________________________________________ <Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available <to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions <expressed <are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT- <NA. <Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite <program! <Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb