Hi Robert,

Great question!!

We can get VERY little telemetry out of AO-16 given its current health condition. We get a bit of MBL telemetry, and it looks fine--but it doesn't say a whole lot.

During the multiple attempts of loading the housekeeping code to AO-16, the bird ran JUST long enough to spit out ONE "regular" telemetry frame--and I recorded the pass, so I caught the packet :) The voltages on the batteries look good, based on one telemetry frame.

We don't know how the batteries will hold up during various eclipse periods. But you can be sure we'll do our best to manage what we have the ability to manage with the bird.

We are able to set the power output of AO-16, so that is an obvious way to help manage its power budget. Also, we can shut the transmitter OFF, should it be necessary.

User observations and feedback will be very helpful when we resume esclipes in the new "best pipe mode"!

73,

Mark N8MH

-----Forwarded Message-----

From: Robert Turlington rob_g8ate@hotmail.com Sent: Jan 25, 2008 11:02 AM To: Amsat Buleitin Board amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] the state of AO16 batteries

Hi All does anyone know the condition of AO16 batteries (bearing in mind its age) at the moment the Sat is in full sunlight all of the time but after the 27th March it starts its eclipse season,so it will be interesting to see how things go on! PS. I will be looking for contacts with NA on late afternoon/early evening mid atlantic passes over the next few days.Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Who's friends with who and co-starred in what? http://www.searchgamesbox.com/celebrityseparation.shtml _______________________________________________ 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