73 on 73 Award Reminder
Just a reminder that the award period for the 73 on 73 Award begins at 0000Z on September 1st, so begin keeping track of the unique callsigns that you work on AO-73. When you reach 73 unique callsigns in your log, email me at n8hm@arrl.net with a list of calls, date, and time worked (in UTC) and your mailing address. I hope to have a website up soon with an example of what the award will look like.
Some tips for working AO-73:
-Keep in mind the frequency drift on the transponder. The offset needed on your transmit frequency is usually from +10 kHz to +16 kHz. This can vary throughout the pass, requiring frequency adjustments if using computer control. Many find manually tuning the uplink to maintain a constant downlink to work better than computer control.
-I usually start a pass by trying to find myself come into the top edge of the passband (145.970 MHz). To do this, I usually start transmitting around 435.135 MHz and tuning up slowly until I can hear myself enter the passband. Then I can move around the transponder easily. Remember to tune your uplink to maintain an constant downlink frequency (the opposite of FO-29).
-Keep power output down. The transponder has a very sensitive receiver and a very active AGC circuit. Excessive uplink power will not make your signal louder - it will only reduce that available for others on the transponder. With a clear view of the horizon, 5 watts to an Arrow or Elk is plenty for horizon to horizon coverage. Very slightly more might be necessary if you are beaming through trees or other obstructions, but try to keep power to 25-40 watts ERP.
Good luck! Who will claim the 73 on 73 Award #1?
73,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC, USA (FM18lv)
Hi!
One of the unique calls you may be able to work on AO-73 is W1AW/7. I plan on being on AO-73 tonight as W1AW/7 at 0359 & 0534 UTC, and at least the 0420 UTC pass on Monday evening (Tuesday morning, on the UTC clock), while I still have the use of that call. After Monday evening, I'll add my own call to the mix that you can work toward the 73 on 73 award.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
On Sun, Aug 31, 2014 at 7:41 PM, Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Just a reminder that the award period for the 73 on 73 Award begins at 0000Z on September 1st, so begin keeping track of the unique callsigns that you work on AO-73.
From the upper left coast it will an interesting challange
73 Bob W7LRD Seattle CN87
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Stoetzer" n8hm@arrl.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 12:41:47 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] 73 on 73 Award Reminder
Just a reminder that the award period for the 73 on 73 Award begins at 0000Z on September 1st, so begin keeping track of the unique callsigns that you work on AO-73. When you reach 73 unique callsigns in your log, email me at n8hm@arrl.net with a list of calls, date, and time worked (in UTC) and your mailing address. I hope to have a website up soon with an example of what the award will look like.
Some tips for working AO-73:
-Keep in mind the frequency drift on the transponder. The offset needed on your transmit frequency is usually from +10 kHz to +16 kHz. This can vary throughout the pass, requiring frequency adjustments if using computer control. Many find manually tuning the uplink to maintain a constant downlink to work better than computer control.
-I usually start a pass by trying to find myself come into the top edge of the passband (145.970 MHz). To do this, I usually start transmitting around 435.135 MHz and tuning up slowly until I can hear myself enter the passband. Then I can move around the transponder easily. Remember to tune your uplink to maintain an constant downlink frequency (the opposite of FO-29).
-Keep power output down. The transponder has a very sensitive receiver and a very active AGC circuit. Excessive uplink power will not make your signal louder - it will only reduce that available for others on the transponder. With a clear view of the horizon, 5 watts to an Arrow or Elk is plenty for horizon to horizon coverage. Very slightly more might be necessary if you are beaming through trees or other obstructions, but try to keep power to 25-40 watts ERP.
Good luck! Who will claim the 73 on 73 Award #1?
73,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC, USA (FM18lv) _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Hi Bob!
I think this will be a challenge for all of us, wherever we are on the continent. With VO-52's recent demise, maybe more will start to try working AO-73. Many (most?) have difficulties when relying on software to run the radios, and end up trying manual control to deal with the uplink. It's not hard, but different. Now we need to get more stations working AO-73, so we have a shot of working 73 different calls.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
On Sun, Aug 31, 2014 at 9:01 PM, Bob- W7LRD w7lrd@comcast.net wrote:
From the upper left coast it will an interesting challange
I was on a pass on Saturday and heard one QSO I moved down about 5k and after finding myself started calling CQ. After 5 minutes or so I worked no one. I was using SatPC32 and was about 10k away from where I was last time I used the bird. Once d/l was found the s/w had no problem with the offset.
73 Jeff kb2m
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 8:58 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 73 on 73 Award Reminder
Hi Bob!
I think this will be a challenge for all of us, wherever we are on the continent. With VO-52's recent demise, maybe more will start to try working AO-73. Many (most?) have difficulties when relying on software to run the radios, and end up trying manual control to deal with the uplink. It's not hard, but different. Now we need to get more stations working AO-73, so we have a shot of working 73 different calls.
73!
My first AO-73 pass eligible for the 73on73 Award was exciting. It reminded me of my "first time" (working sats, that is.)
It was my first time to work the bird with a single Yaesu FT-817 and an Arrow antenna. No fancy computer, no fancy apps. Just steering the antenna with one hand and a microphone in the other.
73 Clayton W5PFG On Aug 31, 2014 2:41 PM, "Paul Stoetzer" n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Just a reminder that the award period for the 73 on 73 Award begins at 0000Z on September 1st, so begin keeping track of the unique callsigns that you work on AO-73. When you reach 73 unique callsigns in your log, email me at n8hm@arrl.net with a list of calls, date, and time worked (in UTC) and your mailing address. I hope to have a website up soon with an example of what the award will look like.
Some tips for working AO-73:
-Keep in mind the frequency drift on the transponder. The offset needed on your transmit frequency is usually from +10 kHz to +16 kHz. This can vary throughout the pass, requiring frequency adjustments if using computer control. Many find manually tuning the uplink to maintain a constant downlink to work better than computer control.
-I usually start a pass by trying to find myself come into the top edge of the passband (145.970 MHz). To do this, I usually start transmitting around 435.135 MHz and tuning up slowly until I can hear myself enter the passband. Then I can move around the transponder easily. Remember to tune your uplink to maintain an constant downlink frequency (the opposite of FO-29).
-Keep power output down. The transponder has a very sensitive receiver and a very active AGC circuit. Excessive uplink power will not make your signal louder - it will only reduce that available for others on the transponder. With a clear view of the horizon, 5 watts to an Arrow or Elk is plenty for horizon to horizon coverage. Very slightly more might be necessary if you are beaming through trees or other obstructions, but try to keep power to 25-40 watts ERP.
Good luck! Who will claim the 73 on 73 Award #1?
73,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC, USA (FM18lv) _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Great to work you on that pass, Clayton.
At least six stations were heard on the 0357Z pass. It was wonderful to hear all the activity!
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 12:21 AM, Clayton Coleman kayakfishtx@gmail.com wrote:
My first AO-73 pass eligible for the 73on73 Award was exciting. It reminded me of my "first time" (working sats, that is.)
It was my first time to work the bird with a single Yaesu FT-817 and an Arrow antenna. No fancy computer, no fancy apps. Just steering the antenna with one hand and a microphone in the other.
73 Clayton W5PFG On Aug 31, 2014 2:41 PM, "Paul Stoetzer" n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Just a reminder that the award period for the 73 on 73 Award begins at 0000Z on September 1st, so begin keeping track of the unique callsigns
that
you work on AO-73. When you reach 73 unique callsigns in your log, email
me
at n8hm@arrl.net with a list of calls, date, and time worked (in UTC)
and
your mailing address. I hope to have a website up soon with an example of what the award will look like.
Some tips for working AO-73:
-Keep in mind the frequency drift on the transponder. The offset needed
on
your transmit frequency is usually from +10 kHz to +16 kHz. This can vary throughout the pass, requiring frequency adjustments if using computer control. Many find manually tuning the uplink to maintain a constant downlink to work better than computer control.
-I usually start a pass by trying to find myself come into the top edge of the passband (145.970 MHz). To do this, I usually start transmitting around 435.135 MHz and tuning up slowly until I can hear myself enter the passband. Then I can move around the transponder easily. Remember to tune your uplink to maintain an constant downlink frequency (the opposite of FO-29).
-Keep power output down. The transponder has a very sensitive receiver and a very active AGC circuit. Excessive uplink power will not make your signal louder - it will only reduce that available for others on the transponder. With a clear view of the horizon, 5 watts to an Arrow or Elk is plenty for horizon to horizon coverage. Very slightly more might be necessary if you are beaming through trees or other obstructions, but try to keep power to 25-40 watts ERP.
Good luck! Who will claim the 73 on 73 Award #1?
73,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC, USA (FM18lv) _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
Opinions
expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Paul and Clayton,
Not only was it nice to hear all the activity, everyone was being careful with how much power was being used. I never heard any FMing or other telltale signs that the transponder was being overloaded. W1AW/7 was able to log 3 stations during that pass - AA9LC, AC0RA, AA5PK.
For the night owls on the west coast, or anywhere else in AO-73's footprint, W1AW/7 will be on the next pass starting around 0534 UTC.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 4:24 AM, Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Great to work you on that pass, Clayton.
At least six stations were heard on the 0357Z pass. It was wonderful to hear all the activity!
participants (5)
-
Bob- W7LRD -
Clayton Coleman -
Jeff Griffin -
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) -
Paul Stoetzer