Don, I too am saddened by the outcome of AMSAT-France. This latest discussion about Phonetics had me cringing too. If a standard is put together to make it clearer to understand each other, than so be it. I remember (yes I am an old cranky Fart, I guess) before Satcom, phonetics had to be used to make sure of the calls of the stations you were communicating with. Like my Name- If I didn't use Delta Echo Echo I might be called BEE(?) (HA!) Maybe the BOD is listening to the powers to be about why our group is shrinking and maybe not. Just back from another Hamfest, the people that I try to persuade about joining or "rejoining" have the same old fart attitude..What happened to HEO thinking? While I enjoy LEO's as well, we have to reach another road or the AMSAT France syndrome will take effect(Notice how I merged that in there...) I have read many technical discussions here on the BB and have even answered many questions as well. There are those that will assist if requested. Let us all take the "higher" road and show those that use the satellites need to support our group so we can move up the ladder to newer projects with a sense of backing from the "Membership!" MEMBERSHIP means getting your checkbooks out and renew as required. Dayton is around the corner. Come to the booth and meet all the heavy hitters that spend so much of their free time volunteering to keep all enthralled in this end of the hobby. Discuss what you feel the direction of this organization should be. If you are in the NJ area, meet me at a local hamfest. Your views are important - so is your renewal of partnership in our group. Phonetically speaking and drinking from my foam cup... November Bravo (two) Foxtrot, Delta Echo Echo - Old Foxtrot Alpha Romeo Tango (Tung in cheek guys)

-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of don Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 4:23 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT-France NEWS

On 11/04/2011 5:06 PM, n4csitwo@bellsouth.net wrote:

I just saw a tweet from Joe N6CL that AMSAT- France by a vote of 11 to 10

has voted itself out of existence.

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Perhaps they had the misfortune to be readers of this bb and just couldn't stand any more "discussions" on lotw or diplexors or phonetics or cranky old farts bemoaning the lack of HEO's or useless, pointless, grid chasing. Has the Amateur Satellite service degenerated to the level of general ham radio.....no technical expertise, no interest in the "how",and "why" or the friendly help for for folk with an interest in the TECHNICAL side of ham radio.....surely the folk who can manage to get a contact on a very high repeater must be satisfied, and move on to a more challenging pursuit such as collecting foam cups or something. My thanks to Domenico and Erich and the others who present satisfying technical input to the board...to the others, please go back to another BB to discuss phonetics,lotw, etc. Surely there must be another BB to arrange(!!!!) and discuss contacts on the AO51 repeater?

Cranky Old Fart, Flame suit ON, Don ZL1THO

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