11 Feb
2015
11 Feb
'15
4:09 p.m.
Paul,
As I see it, at least three things would help the next satellite DXpedition
1. As you said, the DX operator should get familiar with satellite operating before going on the big DXpedition.
2. The DXpedition needs a strong signal to be heard clearly. 5W to an Arrow produces maybe 25 W peak EIRP on 145 MHz, and if SSB then no more than 5-10 W average. That's not enough for an analog sat, especially if there are a lot of callers.
3. The practice of DX stations operating "split" is well established on HF but is virtually nonexistent at VHF/UHF, where simplex operation is the norm. Many satellite ops have little or no HF DXing experience. They need to learn.
Hope this helps.
73 Ray W2RS