I hear folks just call : " CQ Oscar" during a pass without establishing a contact. Most FM satellites usually generate a lot of traffic during a pass. I would suggest that if you are new to operating the satellites, that you wait until you hear other stations before transmitting. If you are not hearing anyone during what could be called a peak time pass ( evenings during the week and any time on weekends) then you should refrain from calling CQs which last for ten minutes. You may think there is nobody on frequency. But there are often many stations using the satellite at the time you are CQing. An unanswered CQ just increases the volume of QRM.
If you are operating duplex (hearing the satellite while you transmit) and you can hear your own signal then by all means call someone. Not operating duplex and calling CQ can mean that you are not listening to the downlink on its proper frequency (corrected for the doppler effect).
I have attempted several times to email the operators of such stations and interact with them to correct their problem of not hearing. I am amazed at the answers I get from these operators. Often it becomes obvious why they are not hearing and why they are "alligators" ( all mouth no ears).
I well realize that not everyone is set up to operate duplex. That just means you should first hear other stations before you call CQ for minutes on end. These FM satellites have a lot of traffic and are rarely without stations carrying on QSOs.
Let me suggest that we all attempt to "Elmer" these new operators so that they can enjoy the satellites as we do. Many have emails listed on QRZ. COM. For others, they may find that the operator is a local in the same town or County.
Thanks for reading and I hope we can help newcomers.
73
Jim W9VNE EM79tb