Just to echo Bill's advice and relate my own experience.
I don't have any experience with the 817 as I use a 5 watts Chinese HT.
I programmed 5 channels on my radio with 435.160 as AOS through 435.180 LOS and 435.170 for mid pass.
Since I operate half duplex (I don't encourage this due to all the obvious reasons), I divide the arc on my tracking app in 5 segments to find the correct uplink frequency.
The antenna I use is an Arrow II. You will tune for clear signal then twist 90° to transmit. Twist again to receive. I understand Elk users don't have a problem with this since both bands use the same polarity.
Following this pass pattern, I've gotten into the satellite down to 6 degrees elevations. Also, I am only able to work the satellite on ascending passes (south to north) after it crosses the satellite apex.
It's is hard but doable!
73
Fernando, NP4JV On Jan 10, 2016 8:48 PM, "B J" va6bmj@gmail.com wrote:
I've made several attempts to work this bird with my '817, since it's winter where I live and setting up my IC-910 on my balcony would be impractical.
I programmed my radio with the nominal uplink and downlink at 435.180 and 145.980, respectively. I haven't made any contacts so far, so I'm wondering if I should adjust the uplink closer to 435.172. (I'm assuming, of course, that I haven't been blacklisted or some such thing, hi.)
Please advise. Thank you.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL _______________________________________________ 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