Hi Peter,

Single channel FM transponders work best when there aren't many users. As you've noticed over densely populated areas it can be difficult to make a contact during peak times, but persevere, you'll succeed eventually.

Back in 2005 Pedro EB4DKA had some contacts via SO-50 running just 300 mW from an Alinco DJ-C5 HT with whip antenna and I recall he even achieved a contact running just 50  mW. http://www.southgatearc.org/satellites/eb4dka.htm

73 Trevor M5AKA

On Sunday, 12 January 2014, 18:19, Peter Wilson protest@virginmedia.com wrote:

Hi All,

I am having great fun and a reasonable amount of success on all the SSB satellites, but not a lot of luck on SO-50.

It seems to me that everyone is trying to get in - with little success - leading to very few contacts between anyone  made on each pass.

Is it me, or is this usual on a single channel FM satellite?

I've seen a number of YouTube videos of this satellite over the USA with many contacts made with hand-held rigs?

Peter

G8KEK

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