Re: XW-3 issues and tips for success?
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the noise.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
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Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the noise. I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions. HNY satops! 73, Craig N6RSX DM 13 -----Original Message----- From: John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@amsat.org> Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success? So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try. On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC? What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended? Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely. 73, John Brier KG4AKV https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312 ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org (If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank you.) NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you. ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the noise. I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions. HNY satops! 73, Craig N6RSX DM 13 -----Original Message----- From: John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@amsat.org> Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success? So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try. On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC? What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended? Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely. 73, John Brier KG4AKV https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312 ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org (If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank you.) NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you. ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Here are some more observations: 1) The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like -10 to +20KHz) 2) You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these band edges. 3) Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote: > > Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. > > 73 > > On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims > herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote: > > > > Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given. > > > > Herb > > > > On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote: > > > > John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the noise. > > > > I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV > > > > I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions. > > > > HNY satops! > > > > 73, Craig > > N6RSX DM 13 > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com > > Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM > > To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org > > Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success? > > > > So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try. > > > > On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC? > > > > What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended? > > > > Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely. > > > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > > > https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 > > https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 > > https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312 > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org > > > > > > (If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank you.) > > > > > > NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you. > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org > > > >
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like -10 to
+20KHz) 2) You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these band edges. 3) Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though. 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com>wrote: > > Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. > > 73 > > On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims > herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote: > > > > Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given. > > > > Herb > > > > On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote: > > > > John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the noise. > > > > I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV > > > > I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions. > > > > HNY satops! > > > > 73, Craig > > N6RSX DM 13 > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com > > Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM > > To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org > > Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success? > > > > So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try. > > > > On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC? > > > > What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended? > > > > Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely. > > > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > > > https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 > > https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 > > https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312 > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org > > > > > > (If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank you.) > > > > > > NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you. > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org > > > >
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like -10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the nois
e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
something...something...fool...something...remove all doubt..., comes to mind.
I'm very thankful to CAMSAT that they were able to build and launch XW-3 and so give us a new toy to play with, and most importantly, learn from it, and with it!
Three Q's so far, and hopefully shooting for more soon.
73, --Alex KR1ST
On 2022-01-01 13:29, Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote:
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
I certainly don't expect a perfectly performing satellite that I didn't pay anything for. It's a hobby, not a commercial service.
I'm grateful to all satellite builders, Including Chinese builders. They have sent up more amateur sats in the past few years than any other country AFAICT. Certainly a lot for one country. And the previous ones have been and still are a pleasure to work.
It is a little ridiculous to dismiss them when many amateur sats, including American ones, have issues.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 13:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF nigel@ngunn.net wrote:
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch
the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims <
herb.sims@mchsi.com> wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like
-10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these
band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a
strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com
wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was
looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One
high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did
not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the nois e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it
was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation
suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but
didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR,
not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful
contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes
this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
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of AMSAT-NA.
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----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via
AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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John is quite right. We should all be grateful for satellite builders, regardless of nationality. These remarks have no place on this reflector or in our community.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member
On Jan 1, 2022, at 12:55 PM, John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I certainly don't expect a perfectly performing satellite that I didn't pay anything for. It's a hobby, not a commercial service.
I'm grateful to all satellite builders, Including Chinese builders. They have sent up more amateur sats in the past few years than any other country AFAICT. Certainly a lot for one country. And the previous ones have been and still are a pleasure to work.
It is a little ridiculous to dismiss them when many amateur sats, including American ones, have issues.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 13:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel@ngunn.net mailto:nigel@ngunn.net> wrote: What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker <va3mw@portcredit.net mailto:va3mw@portcredit.net> wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims <herb.sims@mchsi.com mailto:herb.sims@mchsi.com> wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like -10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com> wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims <herb.sims@mchsi.com mailto:herb.sims@mchsi.com> wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" <DCFox@rwglaw.com mailto:DCFox@rwglaw.com> wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the nois
e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@amsat.org mailto:amsat-bb@amsat.org> Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org http://amsat.org/). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org http://amsat.org/. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org http://amsat.org/ Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org https://mailman.amsat.org/
Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net mailto:nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net http://www.ngunn.net/
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org http://amsat.org/. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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So many people said the correct things. Kudos to you for supporting XW-3!!
Space is not the exact science we would like it to be.
And, for those with less than professional results - Gmail has a great 'block sender' feature. I use it often as it keeps my cortisol levels down. LOL
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 4:50 PM Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.com wrote:
John is quite right. We should all be grateful for satellite builders, regardless of nationality. These remarks have no place on this reflector or in our community.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member
On Jan 1, 2022, at 12:55 PM, John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I certainly don't expect a perfectly performing satellite that I didn't pay anything for. It's a hobby, not a commercial service.
I'm grateful to all satellite builders, Including Chinese builders. They have sent up more amateur sats in the past few years than any other country AFAICT. Certainly a lot for one country. And the previous ones have been and still are a pleasure to work.
It is a little ridiculous to dismiss them when many amateur sats, including American ones, have issues.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 13:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF nigel@ngunn.net wrote:
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch
the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims <
herb.sims@mchsi.com> wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like
-10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these
band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a
strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ.
I
also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't
make
contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com
wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was
looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One
high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did
not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the nois e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it
was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation
suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but
didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR,
not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful
contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
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Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
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We're grateful the Chinese and Russians are putting up satellites for us to "play" with. Anyone have Elon's ear? 73 Bob W7LRD
On 01/01/2022 1:55 PM Michael Walker <va3mw@portcredit.net> wrote: So many people said the correct things. Kudos to you for supporting XW-3!! Space is not the exact science we would like it to be. And, for those with less than professional results - Gmail has a great 'block sender' feature. I use it often as it keeps my cortisol levels down. LOL Mike va3mw On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 4:50 PM Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com mailto:les@highnoonfilm.com > wrote: > > John is quite right. We should all be grateful for satellite builders, regardless of nationality. These remarks have no place on this reflector or in our community.73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > On Jan 1, 2022, at 12:55 PM, John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com > wrote:I certainly don't expect a perfectly performing satellite that I didn't pay anything for. It's a hobby, not a commercial service. I'm grateful to all satellite builders, Including Chinese builders. They have sent up more amateur sats in the past few years than any other country AFAICT. Certainly a lot for one country. And the previous ones have been and still are a pleasure to work. It is a little ridiculous to dismiss them when many amateur sats, including American ones, have issues. 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 13:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel@ngunn.net mailto:nigel@ngunn.net > wrote: > > > > What do you expect?Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly. > On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker <va3mw@portcredit.net mailto:va3mw@portcredit.net > wrote: > > > I just watched the pass a few minutes ago. > > Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed. > > The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver. > > I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it. > > Mike va3mw > > > > On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims <herb.sims@mchsi.com mailto:herb.sims@mchsi.com > wrote: > > Here are some more observations: > > 1) The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like -10 to +20KHz) > > 2) You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these band edges. > > 3) Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a strong signal > > > > Herb > > > > On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com > wrote: > > > > I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I > > also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make > > contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ > > watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter > > said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of > > their antenna/feedline, though. > > > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > > > On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com > wrote: > > > > > > Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. > > > > > > 73 > > > > > > On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims > > > <herb.sims@mchsi.com mailto:herb.sims@mchsi.com > wrote: > > > > > > > > Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given. > > > > > > > > Herb > > > > > > > > On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" <DCFox@rwglaw.com mailto:DCFox@rwglaw.com > wrote: > > > > > > > > John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up o
r down to avoid the nois
e. > > > > > > > > I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV > > > > > > > > I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions. > > > > > > > > HNY satops! > > > > > > > > 73, Craig > > > > N6RSX DM 13 > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > From: John Brier <johnbrier@gmail.com mailto:johnbrier@gmail.com > > > > > Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM > > > > To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@amsat.org mailto:amsat-bb@amsat.org > > > > > Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success? > > > > > > > > So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try. > > > > > > > > On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC? > > > > > > > > What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended? > > > > > > > > Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely. > > > > > > > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > > > > > > > https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 > > > > https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 > > > > https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312 > > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org/ ). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org/ ) Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences athttps://mailman.amsat.org/ > > > > > > > > > > > > (If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank you.) > > > > > > > > > > > > NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you. > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org/ ). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > > > > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org/ ) > > > > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences athttps://mailman.amsat.org/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org/ ). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > > > View archives of this mailing list at > > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)http://amsat.org/ (http://amsat.org/ ) > > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences athttps://mailman.amsat.org/ > ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)http://amsat.org/ . AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)http://amsat.org/ Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences athttps://mailman.amsat.org/ Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net mailto:nigel@ngunn.net wwwhttp://www.ngunn.net/ ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)http://amsat.org/ . AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)http://amsat.org/ Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences athttps://mailman.amsat.org/ > > >----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)http://amsat.org . AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)http://amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org > >>----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Tried XW-3 for the first time on its 0006 UTC pass a few minutes ago. 7 minute pass to the NE, 4 degrees max above the horizon. Called CQ on CW. Had no trouble copying my downlink for 5 minutes, though, by ear, I’d give myself an S4 report. Using an ICOM 9700 + 9ELx2 on RX, 50W + 4EL on TX. Heard no responses. Will try again this next pass tonight, still on CW.
Wes NA1ME FN54 Maine
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 5:59 PM Bob Johnson w7lrd@comcast.net wrote:
We're grateful the Chinese and Russians are putting up satellites for us to "play" with. Anyone have Elon's ear? 73 Bob W7LRD
On 01/01/2022 1:55 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
So many people said the correct things. Kudos to you for supporting XW-3!!
Space is not the exact science we would like it to be.
And, for those with less than professional results - Gmail has a great 'block sender' feature. I use it often as it keeps my cortisol levels down. LOL
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 4:50 PM Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.com wrote:
John is quite right. We should all be grateful for satellite builders, regardless of nationality. These remarks have no place on this reflector or in our community.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member
On Jan 1, 2022, at 12:55 PM, John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I certainly don't expect a perfectly performing satellite that I didn't pay anything for. It's a hobby, not a commercial service.
I'm grateful to all satellite builders, Including Chinese builders. They have sent up more amateur sats in the past few years than any other country AFAICT. Certainly a lot for one country. And the previous ones have been and still are a pleasure to work.
It is a little ridiculous to dismiss them when many amateur sats, including American ones, have issues.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 13:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF nigel@ngunn.net wrote:
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch
the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims <
herb.sims@mchsi.com> wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like
-10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these
band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a
strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ.
I
also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't
make
contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com
wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was
looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One
high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did
not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the nois e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it
was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation
suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but
didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR,
not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful
contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes
this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
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confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you.
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes
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of AMSAT-NA.
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Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
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Nigel , AO-109 isn't Chinese..... Things sometimes happens......
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 19:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF nigel@ngunn.net wrote:
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch
the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims <
herb.sims@mchsi.com> wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like
-10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these
band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a
strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com
wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was
looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One
high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did
not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the nois e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it
was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation
suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but
didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR,
not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful
contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
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views of AMSAT-NA.
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of AMSAT-NA.
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----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via
AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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And XW-3 isn't AO-109.
On 01/01/2022 14:01 Ricardo Navarrete ricardoea4zk@gmail.com wrote:
Nigel , AO-109 isn't Chinese..... Things sometimes happens......
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 19:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF nigel@ngunn.net wrote:
What do you expect? Chinese electronics, it sort of works, most of the time, for most people, but doesn't do anything properly.
On 01/01/2022 11:54 Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
I just watched the pass a few minutes ago.
Downlink signals were really weak. Maybe the antenna isn't deployed.
The beacon was booming. As I was using a Flex 6600, I was able to watch the beacon in 1 receiver and the 2 QSO's in the other receiver.
I was able to see my uplink it is was about where I would expect it.
Mike va3mw
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 11:25 AM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Here are some more observations:
- The passband is 30KHz wide but it is not symmetrical (more like -10 to +20KHz)
- You can hear the noise fall off from the transmitter around these band edges.
- Almost overhead pass and I was using 50W and still did not have a strong signal
Herb
On 1/1/22, 9:13 AM, "John Brier" johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
I did have success on the 02:16z pass last night. I contacted N2ACQ. I also heard VA3ECO very weakly at the end of the pass but couldn't make contact. It was 25 degree pass over the Atlantic. I had to use 70+ watts with my Arrow II to hear myself. One other person on Twitter said they had to use 75 watts to hear themselves as well. Not sure of their antenna/feedline, though.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:28 PM John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks, Craig, and Herb. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
73
On Fri, Dec 31, 2021 at 8:26 PM William Herbert Sims herb.sims@mchsi.com wrote:
Not to mention the coherence between uplink and downlink. One high pass I was showing a 3.5KHz offset between uplink and downlink frequencies. The next pass (15'ish degs) the downlink was drifting severly (yes, my Doppler was accounted for)....I think they have some thermal issues to work out. It's a new spacecraft so some issues is a given.
Herb
On 12/31/21, 6:41 PM, "D. Craig Fox" DCFox@rwglaw.com wrote:
John, I was on a 12 deg CAS-3 pass earlier today. I really did not hear myself until max elevation and even then my downlink was marginal with TS2Kx, 5el up, 11 el down, no preamps. I have been on several evening passes including my first QSO on it with Christy, KB6LTY. Very few stations heard. While I lack the technical skills of John K8YSE to provide any graphical analysis, speaking entirely subjectively, I can confirm that the downlink is not particularly strong compared to, say, XW-2F or CAS4B, especially on the earlier 12 deg pass, and the transponder's passband noise is quite noticeable and definitely would cover weaker stations. The noise reminds me of the noise in JO-97's passband. When I worked Christy it was a much higher pass and the downlink was sufficiently strong until I lost it somewhere around the 15 deg point when descending. My Doppler file is set up right at .180 for the downlink and that is where I have hovered, except to move up or down to avoid the
nois
e.
I believe my first uplink calibration was around 900 hz, so it was already pretty close and did not require much searching for my downlink. Of course, YMMV
I am sure others would appreciate a summary of operation suggestions.
HNY satops!
73, Craig N6RSX DM 13
-----Original Message----- From: John Brier johnbrier@gmail.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] XW-3 issues and tips for success?
So, I tried XW-3/CAS-9 on the first orbit and once later but didn't have any luck finding myself on the downlink. I want to try again but it seems the bird has issues and I'd like to understand more about those issues so I can have better luck next time I try.
On Twitter I've heard others say the sat is weak, has high SWR, not a sensitive receiver, noisy at TCA, fluctuating AGC, etc. It's also possible that the RX sensitivity issue is only bad at the edges of the passband, forcing people to work in the center. Has anyone confirmed that? What's up with the AGC?
What kind of uplink power/ERP is required/recommended?
Maybe we can come up with some general tips to make successful contacts on this bird more likely.
73, John Brier KG4AKV
https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476022600593809411 https://twitter.com/k8yse/status/1476047464796987400 https://twitter.com/dk3wn/status/1476276565285687312
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----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org) Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail nigel@ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net
participants (10)
-
alex＠kr1st.com -
Blinov Igor -
Bob Johnson -
John Brier -
Les Rayburn -
Michael Walker -
Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF -
Ricardo Navarrete -
Wes Baden -
William Herbert Sims