In SatPC32, go to the tracking tab, then preview. Enter the QSO time, and look at the range entry across the bottom. Do the same for the other stations QTH, and add them together for the round trip distance.

73, Drew KO4MA

-----Original Message-----

From: Clint Bradford clintbrad4d@earthlink.net Sent: Jun 30, 2008 2:47 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org, amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Estimating Distance

...

From this morning's email...any ideas?

Hey Clint,

VE4WMK/handheld called ME last night during a 32-degree pass! I was flabbergasted. We made the contact, and the QSL is on its way to Winnipeg. I am soooo hooked!!!!!\

Do you know of a formula I can use to get a "ballpark" estimate of the distance my signal travelled to AO-51? When we made the contact, the satellite was no more than 20 degrees, at a heading of about 320 degrees. I was simply amazed to make that contact, given those numbers, from handheld to handheld. I know my coordinates, and I'm sure I can find AO-51's orbital data from the AMSAT site. I'm just wondering if there is a way to get some kind of estimate on that line-of-sight distance.

Any thoughts?

73,

Tim

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Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb