This is NOT a criticism of AO51. Use it, such as it is, and enjoy it, but try the following:
I was on FO29 with my friend, Leo, W7JPL, in AZ, and we had a nice 10 minute conversation, 100% readability on FO29. Much as we have been doing for over 25 years on FO29, and most of the other LEO'S and HEO'S. I spent the other 10 minutes of a 20 minute pass searching the pass band for other stations. And using minimal antennas....
Most of NW Mexico was visible, western half of the US and Canada, all of Alaska, and the NE portion of Russia, and there was NO ONE ELSE IN THE PASSBAND!!
The downlink of FO29 goes from 435.800 to 435.900, with a corresponding reversed uplink on 2 meters, 146.00 to 145.900. Room for dozens of ssb and or cw contacts.
I've instructed 14-18 year old hams in San Diego, and plus a copy of Marty Davidoff's RADIO AMATEUR'S SATELLITE MANUAL they operated easily....The manual is available from ARRL..
Try the manual, and if you have questions, I will gladly answer them, or tell you where to get the answer..
73, Dave, WB6LLO [email protected]
Disagree: I learn....
Pulling for P3E...