Often, there has been chaos and mayhem occurring on passes of the
FM SATs due to poor operating procedures. Those performing training
presentations may want to consider including the following suggestions
and/or emphasizing them if they are already included.
1 - Remind new & seasoned users that the FM SATS are virtually the same
as the terrestrial FM Repeaters that many are used to using. And, that
only one signal can be properly processed at a time. It is only ONE
Channel and must be shared.
2 - Transmissions need to be short since there is only a minimal time that
the SATs are visible during a pass and many folks desire to use them.
3 - Always allow a QSO in progress to be completed before transmitting.
4 - Due to fading and noise and distortion, signals often are not copied
clearly. It's best to use phonetics since several letters sound similar and
multiple repeats can take up valuable time during passes.
5 - Use Standard Phonetics and individual numbers to avoid confusion. As
an example: "EN Sixty One" sounds very much like "EM Fifty One".
Instead, say "Echo November Six One" since it sounds nothing like
"Echo Mike Five One".
GL/73, Bob K8BL (AMSAT #6593, since 1979)