Roger
Your conclusion about my prior comment (N3TL's post) is proper. It is the League in whom I was disappointed . . . . . lack of publicity. . . . . mainly.
Your comment that the League is not interested in satellite operations is, in my opinion, also proper. I posted a few weeks ago here on the AMSAT BB my "first impressions" . I had operated satellites in 1974-1976. Upon my return in August 2008 I was shocked that I actually operated through 7 different satellites. There are some that I have not yet tried too. From my reading of QST I had the inaccurate impression that there was one FM repeater type and maybe a digital bird too. I am not the sharpest pencil in the box but I am not alone in my inaccurate perception. I walked past AMSAT'S booth at the Dayton Hamvention the past few years. It was not until I was outside the convention building this year and saw a live demo that my interest was again raised. I have invested in a couple of M Squared yagis, an elevation rotor and a Ham M for my satellite operation. Then I upgraded to an Icom 910H with almost every option but the 1296 mhz module. That is a nice amount of change to throw into the satellite game. It works fairly well and has provided me a great amount of enjoyment in my recent retirement.
I was disappointed that AMSAT and ARRL have not accurately publicized what is available. I remember a column in QST some years ago. Nothing now days.
I might add that I normally look up those I work (so far 500 QSOs in 135 grids) on QRZ.COM. I see that more than one-third are old timers. I worked one Old Timer who is well into his late nineties and several who are in there nineties. The satellites need more publicity. I have found almost everyone on the birds to be outgoing, friendly and courteous. I am enjoying the birds. Thank you AMSAT and ARRL for their contributions. A better job can be done to encourage satellite usage. I see there are those who are attempting that. I hope I can make a contribution. I gathered a small group of satellite users here in Cincinnati for lunch a week ago. We are helping each other with issues (software, antennas etc). Ham Radio is a wonderful hobby.
73 Jim W9VNE
----- Original Message ----- From: "Roger Kolakowski" rogerkola@aol.com To: "Jim Danehy" jdanehy@cinci.rr.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 8:31 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ARRL VUCC
Jim noted:
"...I was disappointed by N3TL's email posting on the AMSAT BB today concerning ARRL's VUCC program as it applies to satellite operating..."
As I read it...you were disappointed with the ARRL and not N3TL's questioning. I too worked through Gus Browning and Don Miller...
If the league has a legitimate question...as in the intersections are in a "lake" "ocean" or side of a "shear cliff" they should request documentation from the "DXpeditioner" for some sort of proof...
GPS would be the ultimate, but 360 degrees of pictures from a camera could be the standard. (Next they would want recordings to make sure there aren't any "Ghost" contacts.)
ARRL is not capable of overseeing Satellite contacts and awards...they really don't care about satellites...
VUCC satellite should be an AMSAT function so that those who understand the hobby can judge the hobby!
Roger WA1KAT
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Danehy" jdanehy@cinci.rr.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 11:58 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] ARRL VUCC
I was disappointed by N3TL's email posting on the AMSAT BB today
concerning ARRL's VUCC program as it applies to satellite operating.
I have been an ARRL member for 55 years. I have VUCC on both 6 meters and
2 meters. I also am on the ARRL DXCC Honor Roll and I have the ARRL #1 Honor Roll plaque for having worked all the DXCC countries. I have been around for awhile. I remember very well the Gus Browning , W4BPD QSLs from places that he never operated from or had permission to operate from. I also remember problems that the league had with Don Miller, W9WNV for the same reason in their DXCC program.
I recently got back on the satellites (was on in 1974 through 1976). In
about 6 weeks I have worked over 130 Grid Squares. My goal is a VUCC on the satellites. Some of those have been Grid Expeditions. Not so certain now that I want to continue to expand my efforts and money (SASE and outgoing postage) only to have the league question the legitimacy of those operations.
Does the ARRL question the "Rovers" that take part in the ARRL VHF
contests ? I am unaware of any of those operations from rare grids being challenged or disallowed. Someone please correct me if I am in error on that opinion.
I had been planning to do some grid expeditions myself. There should be
some communication and understanding by the league that is missing at this time. It is a shame that there is inconsistency and selective application of documentation and confirmation standards of where you were operating from.
Disappointed but not surprised by the ARRL's AD HOC rule enforcement.
Jim W9VNE EM79tb Cincinnati, Ohio _______________________________________________ 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