I'm not sure why a rotor or PC is needed. I have made many contacts in the past two years with an Arrow antenna (hand driven) and an IC-910 (manual Doppler correction.) With a little practice, it's really not difficult. The trick is to practice, practice, practice. Y
Over the weekend I made contacts on all the active satellites with no PC, no rotor, and no big arrays. Sure, Field Day will be a little more difficult. Be prepared. Pick your passes wisely. If you're on the East Coast don't pick a pass centered over North America. Choose one out over the Atlantic so that less stations will be in the footprint.
Last year, I snuck onto SO-50 in the middle of the night with nothing but an Arrow and ten watts. I'm not sure it'll be so easy this year considering that the recently published QST article will draw some fresh blood.
I'm glad this is getting discussed now. Maybe more stations will decide to dust off the gear and try contacts now rather than "wing it" for their 100 bonus points.
I am a firm believer in the KISS principle and also "Train for how you will operate; operate how you train."
73 Clayton W5PFG
On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA) w1pa@hotmail.com wrote:
Let me ask this another way...
Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a single rotor well enough for QSO’s? (single rotor control in one hand, VFO/Doppler on my other) _______________________________________________ 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