Yesterday morning, when it was in Mode B, I heard my downlink for the first time in several days. The signal was weak and it sounded scratchy, much like what I noticed the previous time I heard it.

I think it helped that the satellite was nearly directly overhead at the time. Also, I set up my station in a park across the street from the apartment complex I live in so I didn't have any RFI from my neighbours.

73s

Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

On 8/13/12, K4FEG K4FEG@k4feg.com wrote:

Just a note: AO7-a over the USA this morning had a very nice signal, there was no one but myself on the pass I was on, but the downlink was strong with minor QSB, I tested with variable power levels and as expected high power levels would bring on some distortion on CW signals and minor "FM'ing" on SSB signals.

Running minimal power levels seemed to produce clear downlinks on both SSB and CW. I am not sure how the "bird" would react with multiple stations on simultaneously but it was quite clear with just myself on the satellite this morning.

I think we just need to be gentle with the "Grand Lady of satellites" she seems to working, for now!

I wish I had an answer for what is ailing the bird, but I don't. These are just my observations of the satellite!

73 All! Frank; K4FEG _______________________________________________ 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