I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we are not going to use what we have what is the point.
73's << John
I can only offer my own reason for being absent from VO-52 and AO-7: I find keeping-up with the doppler-tuning of these LEO-orbits to be frustrating. It doesn't help that my rig is awkward in this mode, and my PC-control option has a problem I've yet to solve. Add, to this, my manual rotator-controller, and it adds-up to several uncompleted contacts. VO-52 is, of course, harder than ao-7 because of it's height/speed.
Considering just this reason by itself, HEO is much more inviting, because the doppler-effect is so greatly reduced. I think this reason might be shared by several other HAM's on the BB, even if they don't mention it. I even feel a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been able to cope with the different rates of doppler-shift for uplink and downlink. I might have to put my old transciever (FT-726R) back on the air, just because it was a lot easier to control both VFO's mid-QSO to keep centered. I don't even think I've completed one, since I've gotten my relatively modern "satellite rig" FT-847, despite several attempts to do-so.
I think that the FM birds are more populated due to their twofold advantage... very few tuning-steps to stay locked on RX and in some cases, no uplink tuning at all; and FM gear is smaller and cheaper than anything available to work linear, especially portable/mobile.
This would make an excellent poll, if we were on a messageboard-forum such as the one on www.narc.net, or maybe as a mail-back card sent to all members.
I've been skipping/deleting all the other chatter regarding complaints for lack of a functioning HEO, etc etc. I feel so much better for not having been infected by the negativity of others. I hope the storm dies-sown soon so that we can get back to what we do best... whatever it is! 73's Auke
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Price" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:16 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] where all the users
I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we are not going to use what we have what is the point.
73's << John
-- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet [email protected] Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
From the Foothills of the Blueridge
*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!" _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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I have been very interested in the response to "were are the operators". I guess everyone has there definition of fun. I guess my thinking is "if you don't have a car ride the mule". I did not operate AO-7 when it was the latest and greatest but I would think there had to be many who considered it wonderful. I suppose if bigger and better had not come along it still would be so. I too was spoiled by the HEO operations on AO-10,13,40. Fact is they are gone. I guess if the wait until position was applied there would be no one on HF during the low sunspot cycle either. Oh well, anyone interested in a short QSO to keep the whiskers out of there Sat rig meet me and Joe on AO-7.
73's << John
On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 8:46 PM, Auke de Jong [email protected] wrote:
I can only offer my own reason for being absent from VO-52 and AO-7: I find keeping-up with the doppler-tuning of these LEO-orbits to be frustrating. It doesn't help that my rig is awkward in this mode, and my PC-control option has a problem I've yet to solve. Add, to this, my manual rotator-controller, and it adds-up to several uncompleted contacts. VO-52 is, of course, harder than ao-7 because of it's height/speed.
Considering just this reason by itself, HEO is much more inviting, because the doppler-effect is so greatly reduced. I think this reason might be shared by several other HAM's on the BB, even if they don't mention it. I even feel a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been able to cope with the different rates of doppler-shift for uplink and downlink. I might have to put my old transciever (FT-726R) back on the air, just because it was a lot easier to control both VFO's mid-QSO to keep centered. I don't even think I've completed one, since I've gotten my relatively modern "satellite rig" FT-847, despite several attempts to do-so.
I think that the FM birds are more populated due to their twofold advantage... very few tuning-steps to stay locked on RX and in some cases, no uplink tuning at all; and FM gear is smaller and cheaper than anything available to work linear, especially portable/mobile.
This would make an excellent poll, if we were on a messageboard-forum such as the one on www.narc.net, or maybe as a mail-back card sent to all members.
I've been skipping/deleting all the other chatter regarding complaints for lack of a functioning HEO, etc etc. I feel so much better for not having been infected by the negativity of others. I hope the storm dies-sown soon so that we can get back to what we do best... whatever it is! 73's Auke
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Price" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:16 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] where all the users
I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we are not going to use what we have what is the point.
73's << John
-- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet [email protected] Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
From the Foothills of the Blueridge
*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!" _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
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Sent via [email protected]. 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
At 08:46 PM 7/17/2008, Auke de Jong wrote:
I can only offer my own reason for being absent from VO-52 and AO-7: I find keeping-up with the doppler-tuning of these LEO-orbits to be frustrating. It doesn't help that my rig is awkward in this mode, and my PC-control option has a problem I've yet to solve. Add, to this, my manual rotator-controller, and it adds-up to several uncompleted contacts. VO-52 is, of course, harder than ao-7 because of it's height/speed.
Considering just this reason by itself, HEO is much more inviting, because the doppler-effect is so greatly reduced. I think this reason might be shared by several other HAM's on the BB, even if they don't mention it. I even feel a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been able to cope with the different rates of doppler-shift for uplink and downlink. I might have to put my old transciever (FT-726R) back on the air, just because it was a lot easier to control both VFO's mid-QSO to keep centered. I don't even think I've completed one, since I've gotten my relatively modern "satellite rig" FT-847, despite several attempts to do-so.
Dear Auke,
It is very easy to get automatic doppler tuning working and I highly recommend it. Load up InstantTrack on any PC, even a DOS '386! and download InstantTune for free from the AMSAT web site here:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/software/PC/radio-control/itune110.zip
Follow the instructions in the readme.txt file. It is very straightforward.
---
There is no reason to work linear satellites without automatic doppler tuning. You need the PC anyway to track the satellite - just hookup the COM cable it makes satellite QSOs simple.
VO-52 is very easy to work and is actually much easier than AO-07 since the downlink is so strong. You do not need to track the antennas - you can easily work it with omni-directional antennas. I have worked it with just an FT-817 running 5 watts into nothing more than a full wave loop a few feet above ground and another full wave loop for receiving. With an FT-847, it is a breeze.
I do not know why you are having trouble with your FT-847 auto-tuning but if you need help, send me an email.
73 (and don't give up on VO-52!) Tony AA2TX
I think that the FM birds are more populated due to their twofold advantage... very few tuning-steps to stay locked on RX and in some cases, no uplink tuning at all; and FM gear is smaller and cheaper than anything available to work linear, especially portable/mobile.
This would make an excellent poll, if we were on a messageboard-forum such as the one on www.narc.net, or maybe as a mail-back card sent to all members.
I've been skipping/deleting all the other chatter regarding complaints for lack of a functioning HEO, etc etc. I feel so much better for not having been infected by the negativity of others. I hope the storm dies-sown soon so that we can get back to what we do best... whatever it is! 73's Auke
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Price" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:16 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] where all the users
I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we are not going to use what we have what is the point.
73's << John
-- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet [email protected] Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
From the Foothills of the Blueridge
*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!" _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.134 / Virus Database: 270.5.0/1558 - Release Date: 7/17/2008 9:56 AM
Sent via [email protected]. 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
C'Mon guys,
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
in the old days we tracked the birds using something called math,
Made little paper things with clear plastic overlays to simulate the birds path across the sky,
Doppler? uhhhh, we tristed the vfo to keep it in tune,
geeech,
Joe WB9SBD
Anthony Monteiro wrote:
At 08:46 PM 7/17/2008, Auke de Jong wrote:
I can only offer my own reason for being absent from VO-52 and AO-7: I find keeping-up with the doppler-tuning of these LEO-orbits to be frustrating. It doesn't help that my rig is awkward in this mode, and my PC-control option has a problem I've yet to solve. Add, to this, my manual rotator-controller, and it adds-up to several uncompleted contacts. VO-52 is, of course, harder than ao-7 because of it's height/speed.
Considering just this reason by itself, HEO is much more inviting, because the doppler-effect is so greatly reduced. I think this reason might be shared by several other HAM's on the BB, even if they don't mention it. I even feel a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been able to cope with the different rates of doppler-shift for uplink and downlink. I might have to put my old transciever (FT-726R) back on the air, just because it was a lot easier to control both VFO's mid-QSO to keep centered. I don't even think I've completed one, since I've gotten my relatively modern "satellite rig" FT-847, despite several attempts to do-so.
Dear Auke,
It is very easy to get automatic doppler tuning working and I highly recommend it. Load up InstantTrack on any PC, even a DOS '386! and download InstantTune for free from the AMSAT web site here:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/software/PC/radio-control/itune110.zip
Follow the instructions in the readme.txt file. It is very straightforward.
There is no reason to work linear satellites without automatic doppler tuning. You need the PC anyway to track the satellite - just hookup the COM cable it makes satellite QSOs simple.
VO-52 is very easy to work and is actually much easier than AO-07 since the downlink is so strong. You do not need to track the antennas - you can easily work it with omni-directional antennas. I have worked it with just an FT-817 running 5 watts into nothing more than a full wave loop a few feet above ground and another full wave loop for receiving. With an FT-847, it is a breeze.
I do not know why you are having trouble with your FT-847 auto-tuning but if you need help, send me an email.
73 (and don't give up on VO-52!) Tony AA2TX
I think that the FM birds are more populated due to their twofold advantage... very few tuning-steps to stay locked on RX and in some cases, no uplink tuning at all; and FM gear is smaller and cheaper than anything available to work linear, especially portable/mobile.
This would make an excellent poll, if we were on a messageboard-forum such as the one on www.narc.net, or maybe as a mail-back card sent to all members.
I've been skipping/deleting all the other chatter regarding complaints for lack of a functioning HEO, etc etc. I feel so much better for not having been infected by the negativity of others. I hope the storm dies-sown soon so that we can get back to what we do best... whatever it is! 73's Auke
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Price" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:16 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] where all the users
I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we are not going to use what we have what is the point.
73's << John
-- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet [email protected] Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
From the Foothills of the Blueridge
*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!" _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.134 / Virus Database: 270.5.0/1558 - Release Date: 7/17/2008 9:56 AM
Sent via [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
in the old days we tracked the birds using something called math,
Made little paper things with clear plastic overlays to simulate the birds path across the sky,
Doppler? uhhhh, we tristed the vfo to keep it in tune,
geeech,
Joe WB9SBD
Joe,
I had exactly the same thoughts, but hesitated to say it for fear the one who made the comment would not understand "twisting a knob"!!!
73, Dave, WB6LLO [email protected]
Disagree: I learn....
Pulling for P3E...
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe" [email protected] To: "Anthony Monteiro" [email protected] Cc: "AMSAT-BB" [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 4:03 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
C'Mon guys,
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
in the old days we tracked the birds using something called math,
Made little paper things with clear plastic overlays to simulate the birds path across the sky,
Doppler? uhhhh, we tristed the vfo to keep it in tune,
geeech,
Joe WB9SBD
Hi Joe, WB9SBD
I agree completely with you and in order to know from the historical point of view what we did since OSCAR-6 and what was necessary but still is really necessary for working satellites without to complicate the life I suggest every one to read the following old ARRL publication dated 1977
"Getting to know OSCAR from the ground up"
CONTENTS :
Space Communication is for Everyone Getting started Finding OSCAR: it's Easy How to use OSCAR-7 Mode-B The Benefits are Yours The OSCARLOCATOR The Newest OSCAR Toward the Ultimate Amateur Satellite What Phase III Will Do You...and AMSAT Phase III OSCAR Goes to Schools Satellites Can Save Lives OSCAR's Vital Statistics The rise and Fall of the OSCARs
It is a reprint of the popular QST Series on Amateur Satellites "Everything You Need to Know for Working OSCAR
My good friend Mak SV1BSX has a 11 MB (2 x 5.5 MB pdf file ) available on request to him at [email protected]
At the end of reading you will realize that Joe WB9SBD statement is correct particularly for those who are interested in OSCAR-7 and VO-52 and why not on P3E
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
Hi Domenico & Amsat's
it is absolutely necessary to correct that, as it was a big misunderstanding. The file is not available from me but from Amsat-DL Web page.
The Link of "Getting to know OSCAR from the ground up" is :
http://www.amsat-dl.org/pic/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=7527
73, Mak SV1BSX
----- Original Message ----- From: "i8cvs" [email protected] To: "Joe" [email protected]; "Anthony Monteiro" [email protected] Cc: "AMSAT-BB" [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 8:21 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe" [email protected] To: "Anthony Monteiro" [email protected] Cc: "AMSAT-BB" [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 4:03 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
C'Mon guys,
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
in the old days we tracked the birds using something called math,
Made little paper things with clear plastic overlays to simulate the birds path across the sky,
Doppler? uhhhh, we tristed the vfo to keep it in tune,
geeech,
Joe WB9SBD
Hi Joe, WB9SBD
I agree completely with you and in order to know from the historical point of view what we did since OSCAR-6 and what was necessary but still is really necessary for working satellites without to complicate the life I suggest every one to read the following old ARRL publication dated 1977
"Getting to know OSCAR from the ground up"
CONTENTS :
Space Communication is for Everyone Getting started Finding OSCAR: it's Easy How to use OSCAR-7 Mode-B The Benefits are Yours The OSCARLOCATOR The Newest OSCAR Toward the Ultimate Amateur Satellite What Phase III Will Do You...and AMSAT Phase III OSCAR Goes to Schools Satellites Can Save Lives OSCAR's Vital Statistics The rise and Fall of the OSCARs
It is a reprint of the popular QST Series on Amateur Satellites "Everything You Need to Know for Working OSCAR
My good friend Mak SV1BSX has a 11 MB (2 x 5.5 MB pdf file ) available on request to him at [email protected]
At the end of reading you will realize that Joe WB9SBD statement is correct particularly for those who are interested in OSCAR-7 and VO-52 and why not on P3E
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
Sent via [email protected]. 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
Hi Mak, SV1BSX
I got the original ARRL publication "Getting to know OSCAR from the ground up" on paper early 1977.
I understand that the pdf file of it is not available from you directly but from the Amsat-DL Web page
http://www.amsat-dl.org/pic/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=7527
By the way I have downloaded the 50 pages of it on my PC just in case I will loose the original one.
Tanks my friend for the above information and 73" de
i8CVS Domenico
----- Original Message ----- From: "SV1BSX" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2008 3:49 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
Hi Domenico & Amsat's
it is absolutely necessary to correct that, as it was a big misunderstanding. The file is not available from me but from Amsat-DL Web page.
The Link of "Getting to know OSCAR from the ground up" is :
http://www.amsat-dl.org/pic/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=7527
73, Mak SV1BSX
----- Original Message ----- From: "i8cvs" [email protected] To: "Joe" [email protected]; "Anthony Monteiro" [email protected] Cc: "AMSAT-BB" [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 8:21 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe" [email protected] To: "Anthony Monteiro" [email protected] Cc: "AMSAT-BB" [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 4:03 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
C'Mon guys,
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
in the old days we tracked the birds using something called math,
Made little paper things with clear plastic overlays to simulate the birds path across the sky,
Doppler? uhhhh, we tristed the vfo to keep it in tune,
geeech,
Joe WB9SBD
Hi Joe, WB9SBD
I agree completely with you and in order to know from the historical
point
of view what we did since OSCAR-6 and what was necessary but still is really necessary for working satellites without to complicate the life I suggest every one to read the following old ARRL publication dated 1977
"Getting to know OSCAR from the ground up"
CONTENTS :
Space Communication is for Everyone Getting started Finding OSCAR: it's Easy How to use OSCAR-7 Mode-B The Benefits are Yours The OSCARLOCATOR The Newest OSCAR Toward the Ultimate Amateur Satellite What Phase III Will Do You...and AMSAT Phase III OSCAR Goes to Schools Satellites Can Save Lives OSCAR's Vital Statistics The rise and Fall of the OSCARs
It is a reprint of the popular QST Series on Amateur Satellites "Everything You Need to Know for Working OSCAR
My good friend Mak SV1BSX has a 11 MB (2 x 5.5 MB pdf file ) available on request to him at [email protected]
At the end of reading you will realize that Joe WB9SBD statement is correct particularly for those who are interested in OSCAR-7 and VO-52 and why
not
on P3E
Yes puters do make it easyier, but not tottally absolutely necessary.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
Sent via [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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
I've never been able to get the doppler tracking quite right using SatPC32. Either that or the stations I'm trying to copy aren't using computer doppler control and that kills some of my advantage in using it. Right now I'm doing some station reconfiguration and I've also had some issues with the 70cm transmit side of my antennas.I hope to work this out and be a regular user of AO-7 and VO-52. 73, Michael,W4HIJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anthony Monteiro" [email protected] To: "Auke de Jong" [email protected]; "AMSAT-BB" [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 7:55 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
At 08:46 PM 7/17/2008, Auke de Jong wrote:
I can only offer my own reason for being absent from VO-52 and AO-7: I find keeping-up with the doppler-tuning of these LEO-orbits to be frustrating. It doesn't help that my rig is awkward in this mode, and my PC-control option has a problem I've yet to solve. Add, to this, my manual rotator-controller, and it adds-up to several uncompleted contacts. VO-52 is, of course, harder than ao-7 because of it's height/speed.
Considering just this reason by itself, HEO is much more inviting, because the doppler-effect is so greatly reduced. I think this reason might be shared by several other HAM's on the BB, even if they don't mention it. I even feel a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been able to cope with the different rates of doppler-shift for uplink and downlink. I might have to put my old transciever (FT-726R) back on the air, just because it was a lot easier to control both VFO's mid-QSO to keep centered. I don't even think I've completed one, since I've gotten my relatively modern "satellite rig" FT-847, despite several attempts to do-so.
Dear Auke,
It is very easy to get automatic doppler tuning working and I highly recommend it. Load up InstantTrack on any PC, even a DOS '386! and download InstantTune for free from the AMSAT web site here:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/software/PC/radio-control/itune110.zip
Follow the instructions in the readme.txt file. It is very straightforward.
There is no reason to work linear satellites without automatic doppler tuning. You need the PC anyway to track the satellite - just hookup the COM cable it makes satellite QSOs simple.
VO-52 is very easy to work and is actually much easier than AO-07 since the downlink is so strong. You do not need to track the antennas - you can easily work it with omni-directional antennas. I have worked it with just an FT-817 running 5 watts into nothing more than a full wave loop a few feet above ground and another full wave loop for receiving. With an FT-847, it is a breeze.
I do not know why you are having trouble with your FT-847 auto-tuning but if you need help, send me an email.
73 (and don't give up on VO-52!) Tony AA2TX
Odds are the other guy isn't using doppler control. You have the option in SatPC32 of full doppler correction (up- and downlink) or just one or the other... don't be afraid to experiment!
73,
George, KA3HSW
----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Tondee" [email protected] To: "AMSAT-BB" [email protected] Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 10:47 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: where all the users
I've never been able to get the doppler tracking quite right using SatPC32. Either that or the stations I'm trying to copy aren't using computer doppler control and that kills some of my advantage in using it. Right now I'm doing some station reconfiguration and I've also had some issues with the 70cm transmit side of my antennas.I hope to work this out and be a regular user of AO-7 and VO-52. 73, Michael,W4HIJ
At 12:16 PM 7/17/2008, John Price wrote:
I have been reading about the need for HEO satellites and the reasons we don't have them. I wonder why the folks that wont the HEO's so bad never show up on AO-07 or VO-52. Most passes it is joe K3SZH and maybe two others at most on AO-07 and I hardly ever hear anyone on VO-52. The birds that have all the users are the FM sats. I would love to see a HEO built but if we are not going to use what we have what is the point.
73's << John
Well, John, you kinda make a point, except:
VO-52 is not an HEO. Granted it is a SSB linear transponder but does not have quite the orbit that AO10/13/40 had. AO-7 is higher but frankly is not really fully there running on only solar cells. Its like a 1970 auto running on two cylinders.
Yes, they are all that is available. Just sort of a taste of what could be! (and should see more use) ...but We'd like a bit more of a full meal.
73 Ed - KL7UW
participants (10)
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Anthony Monteiro -
Auke de Jong -
Dave Guimont -
Edward Cole -
George Henry -
i8cvs -
Joe -
John Price -
Michael Tondee -
SV1BSX