I had a week in Bermuda recently. I only operated on AO-51 with a HT and an Arrow. It was the week with both channels on V/U, one channel was QRP. (I missed all the SSTV from the ISS.)

I did work Dave ZLB and several others, but activity is just as rife, but with perhaps just a little bit more order. I am happy to say that my (limited) satellite activity experience through AO-51 from Bermuda to the U.S. was very much better than from the U.K.

I did note also, that most USA ops did not give signal reports and only the first 4 digits of their IARU locator. Fine by me, if two ops have repeated call signs and know who is talking to who, then fair enough.

It could be an idea to adopt that this side of the pond too. Just note the received satellite signal at the time of the QSO. ( Does it matter that much?)

(NOTE U.S. Ops: Please slow down when saying your 4 digit locator. It will save you being asked to say it again)

The problem over this side is lack of attention. Its been said many times before. If you cant hear the satellite, don't call through it, sort your receiver out.

Agreed that SSB satellites are more orderly, but that depends on your downlink frequency. Listen across the downlink of 52 and 29 (even FO-20 when it was alive) it can be just as noisy with spurious transmissions from those searching for themselves on the downlink.

For those on this list older & wiser than I, and have been working satellites since year dot, you have seen and heard it all before, I'm sure.

I felt the need to make comment, even though this, and my previous comment, will probably not be read by those at fault.

David. G1OCN. AMSAT UK 5766