Hi Ray!
I wasn't calling CQ on the last pass at 1509-1517 UTC. As I expected, I could not hear myself through the transponder on this lower pass (maximum elevation 15 degrees). I copied more CW telemetry at 145.920, one CW signal near the center of the transponder, and listened a bit to the 145.950 FM/SSTV downlink. I got the secret word and a couple of SSTV images that I will feed into my laptop at home later. Signals were good, especially when I twisted my Elk log periodic s-l-o-w-l-y to compensate for the fading, which didn't seem as pronounced as on the earlier pass. My radios on both passes were my two FT-817NDs that I normally use for SSB/CW satellite work, both connected to the same antenna via a 2m/70cm diplexer.
Even without the 70cm antenna, this seems to be a fun satellite. If I get a shot at a pass with higher elevation, I'm sure I can make QSOs with my 5W station. I will also try copying 145.950 at home tonight, with a radio and antenna in my apartment. Thanks to all who worked to get this in orbit and on the air!
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
On 8/6/11, Rsoifer@aol.com Rsoifer@aol.com wrote:
Patrick,
It must have been you that I heard calling CQ on CW.
73 Ray W2RS _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb