Greg,
After rechecking the exact LO frequency of my TX converter and adjusting the DOPPLER.SQF file, I found I was pretty much on frequency last night. I am still doing some empirical testing, by slowly turning down the power, and tweaking the TX frequency in 1 KHz increments while talking. That has greatly reduced the dropout times compared with some other stations. Right now, it looks as if being slightly higher than the nominal uplink, 2-3 KHz, works better for me. Of course, that depends on how well everything in your station is calibrated.
Initially, try jumps of 5 KHz, up and down. If you are nearly centered, it won't make much difference. However, if you are significantly off frequency but still in the passband, one of those jumps will take you out entirely, and the other will make a great improvement. That is what I found. Once you find the right direction to go, try another 5 KHz. If it deteriorates, go back, and fiddle with smaller steps.
Also, as VE3NPC commented, the downlink may be slightly higher. I receive 435.300 with the discriminator centered, but I find this downlink looks better at 435.1515. No question you have to hit the bird a bit harder for a full quieting signal. Lots of fun, though.
Alan WA4SCA
Good passes last night and this morning with good up and downlink sigs except for neighbours tree in NW!!!
I am using SatPC32 to control my FT-736R uplink and downlink. Have uplink set at 1268700 but downlink 2 kc high at 435152.
We have an SSB net here and we have often discussed dial readout of various rigs as we net on the controller. It seems that the absolute accuracy of rigs, even brand new ones is not all that accurate.
Clare VE3NPC
Also, as VE3NPC commented, the downlink may be slightly higher. I receive 435.300 with the discriminator centered, but I find this downlink looks better at 435.1515. No question you have to hit the bird a bit harder for a full quieting signal. Lots of fun, though.
Alan WA4SCA
participants (2)
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Alan P. Biddle -
Clare Fowler