Hello folks,
I have been mostly mode B user on AO- 7 satellite but today I decided to try mode A from my summer QTH. I have two antennas for downlink (vertical and Spiderbeam with four elements for 28MHz) and no problems for receiving signals from the sat. Of course because of the polarsation change switching between these antennas during the pass gives best results. For the uplink I have used FT-817 (5w power) to 9- element yagi, unfortunately SWR is high above 145MHz. On every pass that I tried today I have heard my own signal on downlink (weak but heard). What is the recommended power level for mode A (if there is one)? From my previous visits to my summer QTH I have heard some japanese stations and satations from stateside, so this mode would be worth to try. On mode B from my city location 5-15 watts is well enough. What kind of antennas people are using on mode A?
Mika, OH8MBN