I have been traveling for almost all of 2007 and just have not had time to catch up on the backlog of magazines and many other publications received.
Last night I was able to kick back with a cup of coffee and the latest AMSAT Journal (Jan/Feb 2007) and just couldn't put it down until I had consumed every word. The topics covered seemed a good mix of technical and anecdotal account; the writing and editing work is excellent.
As AMSAT-NA members, we are fortunate to have such talented people creating a publication that links us all together with the information required to take full advantage of those assets on orbit or under construction.
AMSAT-BB can be an interesting place if you are willing to sift through the noise to find a little signal. On the other hand, the Journal is a clear source of concise information and for anyone who is either active or has an interest in satellite operation, it alone is worth the price of membership. How many messages do we see here every month asking the same questions over and over? Those questions are answered, and in detail in the Journal.
One example, "Why Can't I Hear AO-51?" by Mark Spencer, WA8SME is a short but definitive treatise on the subject and it really gets to the heart of that same old question asked here many times and in many ways. You want opinions, toss your question out on the -BB and you'll get plenty. You want answers. join AMSAT and get the Journal.
"Bravo" and "Kudos" to Ed Long, Bill Hook and all those whose hard work on the Journal is so obviously visible in the end product.
Thanks, 73