Hey everyone,

I'll be making a quick trip to North Dakota tomorrow (Sunday, March 14), and have the possibility of operating portable from DN96.

However, the only satellite pass that I know with certainty that I can work is the 0345-ish UTC Monday (Sunday evening in North America) pass of HO-68, which has a maximum elevation of almost 70 degrees to my location in DN96.

Alan Kung has asked that the orbit in question be reserved for packet in his latest schedule - and this is where I'm writing to seek input from the operators who will be in the footprint during this orbit.

First and most importantly - does anyone need North Dakota and/or DN96?

Second - if there IS interest in FM voice contacts during that particular orbit, will any packet operators reading this please respond with your thoughts about having roughly 10 minutes of voice contacts - maximum - during that orbit?

I am not checking luggage, so will be carrying only my HT and a whip antenna. Given HO-68's outstanding performance and the path of this pass, I believe I should be able to work the satellite consistently on that handheld station from roughly 0345 UTC to 0355 UTC.

I will be happy to activate North Dakota and DN96 if there is interest, and if the packet operators who plan to use HO-68 are OK with this 10-minute window of FM voice operation on Sunday evening.

I'll also be happy to avoid the pass if there are major concerns.

There is one AO-51 pass, during the 1300 UTC hour on Monday morning, that I may be able to work - but I'm not confident that will be the case. I expect to be in meetings by then, which makes the HO-68 pass in question the only one I am certain I'll be able to work.

Please post any input to the BB so that everyone can see any feedback I get.

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.

73 to all,

Tim - N3TL Athens, Ga. - EM84ha