It's got a weaker downlink. I don't think the receiver is any less sensitive than the other birds, but since it's only running 250 mW, it's harder to hear.

The other issue is that SO-50 doesn't transmit a constant carrier like AO-27 did (did AO-51? I never operated through it), so it doesn't sound as "smooth" during a pass.

In case you missed it, the control operators are working on recovering AO-27, so lets hope they are successful. I listened to the packet tones as they commanded it during a pass this afternoon and the transmitter sounded good. Nice strong signal.

I too prefer the linear birds, but since there are lots of grids where hams only have FM equipment, it'd be nice to get AO-27 back to tide us over until Fox-1 launches next year.

73,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC

On Sat, Nov 9, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Bernie and Cheryl hamdan@ix.netcom.comwrote:

Dear Folks:

Is it just me or is SO-50 not quite as easy a bird to work as AO-27 or AO-51 were? I actually prefer working the SSB/CW birds, so I don't have as much experience on the FM sats. That's why I'm asking. Even though I'm able to make a few contacts on SO-50 every pass I am on, it seems like everyone has a harder time getting in. It seems there are few times that people seem to get into the bird full quieting, even without other stations competing for access.

Just curious.

Thanks and 73 de Bernie, KF0QS

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