Hi Mark!
My attempts to upliink to DO64 with approx 200W eirp using SSB have not worked. I have made numerous VO52 contacts so I am fairly sure my gear is working okay.
I've also made contacts on VO-52, to confirm my portable setup (two FT-817NDs, TX radio at 5W, Arrow Antennas handheld 2m/70cm Yagi) works OK for U/V operation. For DO-64, I can hear its CW beacon on most visible passes when it is operational. As for the transponder, it is much weaker than VO-52. I can hear my own CW through it on most passes, but for SSB I need to wait until the satellite is above 40 degrees elevation to hear my own voice.
So far, no QSOs on DO-64 yet. Until I get a 2m preamp, I won't have as many opportunities to make QSOs on DO-64 compared to VO-52.
I'm going to wait untill I hear an actual VO52 QSO before I spend much more time on the TX side of things.
Probably a good thing. I did the same thing initially, and then started working on tuning my radios so I could keep hearing myself on the downlink. After that, I worked on keeping up with other stations so I could make some QSOs and have nice conversations. Computer control is right now not a high priority when operating portable, but eventually I will make that happen.
Good luck working on your station. I hope to work you soon on VO-52 or some other satellite - maybe even DO-64.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Phoenix AZ http://www.wd9ewk.net/