Same here as N3TL, I dont change the uplink frequency and just leave it on 145.85 with PL, and like he, only step down freq in the 5khz steps for the downlink. One thing though that I have found with both SO-50 and AO-27 is that they have some polarity shift, which I have to correct with the polarity switcher on the KLM's. Before I had the crossed yagi's, I used a handheld homebrew yagi and would have to turn the boom to match the polarity shift of the satellite as it passed. The SO-50 is a good bird for me, here on the west coast, and wish it was used more. Now that AO-51 is in the V/S mode for a week or so, I am sure more will be on.

John W6ZKH DM06

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Tim Lilley" n3tl@bellsouth.net To: "PE0SAT" pe0sat@vgnet.nl, amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 10:29:07 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best working freq SO-50

Here, I do not change the transmit frequency from 145.850, with the 67.0 Hz PL tone (or 74.4 Hz to arm the timer). I do not use computer controlled Doppler tuning for SO-50 or the other two FM satellites. My experience is that computer controlled Doppler is not necessary on the FM satellites, which is why so many operators introduce themselves to satellite operation on these FM satellites with a handheld station.

I begin with my RX fruquency at 436.805and tune down from there through the pass in 5 kHz increments, ending at 436.785 by LOS.

SO-50 is difficult to work for two reasons, in my opinion:

1 - Its power level is a nominal 250 milliwatts (.25 watt).

2 - It is transmitting that quarter-watt into a 0-gain quarter-wave vertical mounted on one corner of the satellite.

This truly is the QRPp space-radio station! There is a very good chance that you are doing nothing wrong. I encourage you, however, to try working a pass without Doppler control. Let your ears guide you for the Doppler tuning, based on the relative noise level as the pass unfolds, and park your uplink at 145.850.

The very best of luck. Please let us know how you progress.

73,

Tim - N3Tl Athens, Ga. - EM84ha

________________________________ From: PE0SAT pe0sat@vgnet.nl To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 12:48:34 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Best working freq SO-50

Hi,

Thanks for reading, what is the best working freq. for SO-50.

I tryed 145.850 - 436.795, 145.855 - 436.800 but it is not working for me. I use HRD Satellite tracking together with a Yaesu FT-847 and this is the only bird that experience as difficult to work.

And Yes, I am transmitting the CTCSS tone 67hz and use the 74.4 to arm the timer.

Anybody that can help me?

73's PE0SAT

_______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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