I didn't have a base satellite station when AO-40 was launched, and still don't have one now (really no need). However, it was amazing to copy AO-40's 2 meter telemetry when it was at apogee with just a simple 2 meter all mode rig, a 7 element beam pointed at the right diorection (no elevation control), no pre-amp and 45 feet of lossy RG-58 coax. At times it was a true S-4 on the meter. Since my antenna was linearly polarized, vertical, I could watch the signal dip a little as the bird was spinning.
73,
Jeff WB3JFS
----- Original Message ----- From: "Edward R. Cole" kl7uw@acsalaska.net To: kc5qbc@swbell.net Cc: "AMSAT-BB" amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 3:51 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts
I was on AO-40 from its launch, initially running mode US, then mode LS (I bought one of the few DEMI 1268/144 Tx converters that were made). I made several contacts after I got my s-band downlink working. Initially, I was using too small an antenna and did not have a decent preamp. Once I graduated to the 85cm (33-inch) offsst feed dish and added a MKU-232 preamp, I was able to hear anyone. I spent a long time collecting telemetry and could do so out to a squint angle of 49-degrees.
It really is a shame that there was no workaround for the battery issue or even run on solar panels like AO7. But this was before AO7 reawakened to provide that insight. I lived and waited long years for AO-40 and unfortunately wasted time I could have operated on AO-13.
Now I have all the stuff needed to work a Heo and hardly anywhere to use it (I bought one of the early FT-847 just for AO-40). I would say a lot of the operators of the Heo years have gone away from satellite activity (some remain lurking on Amsat-bb wishing upon a star ...or a hope and a prayer).
I will return, if Murphy will leave me alone long enough! But I mainly operate Oscar-Zero now days.
73, ED - KL7UW
At 11:04 AM 2/3/2011, Floyd Rodgers wrote:
Did anyone manage to bag any contacts off A040 before it's sad event? _______________________________________________ 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
73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa@hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service _______________________________________________ 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