In a message dated 26/08/2006 16:33:29 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
Thanks for the info drew and bob, with at least 18 watts from the solar panels and maybe 6 watts being consumed by the satellite, I believe there must be a way to recoup all that solar power. Thanks to anybody who can eek out more power in the future.
Can amsat afford to consult with the original satellite manufacturer in virginia on the subject?
BTW, I have bothe the original and current ECHO books.
Thanks, pat n2oeq
Hi Pat.
The answer would seem to be: Echo works very well at it's current power setting requiring only modest equipment to use the onboard systems.
To receive the satellite down to the horizon on every pass could be done by increasing the power towards its maximum of 4 Watts.
However, the penalty would be to limit the other functions available to users and increase the depth of discharge of the batteries during each eclipse period. The effect of this would be to shortern the life of the batteries and the satellite.
All of the above gleaned from messages and material referenced in the past few days. We don't need to ask Spacequest anything, we just need to improve our ground stations to cope with the power that is deemed optimum for maximum satellite lifespan.
73
David
G0MIN AMSAT 51 on 51 award No fortysomething.
"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country" -JFK 20th Jan 1961