So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312