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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB <[email protected]> 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/[email protected] 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/[email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB <[email protected]> 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/[email protected] 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/[email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 > [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] > > Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM > > To: AMSAT BB [email protected] > > 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/[email protected] > > 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/[email protected] > > 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 <[email protected]>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 > [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] > > Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM > > To: AMSAT BB [email protected] > > 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/[email protected] > > 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/[email protected] > > 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/
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 <
[email protected]> 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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
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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/[email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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" <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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" <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB <[email protected] mailto:[email protected]> 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/[email protected] https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] 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 [email protected] mailto:[email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 <
[email protected]> 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] 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
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Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail [email protected] 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 <[email protected]> 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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" <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 > > > <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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" <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > 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 <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > > > > > Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM > > > > To: AMSAT BB <[email protected] mailto:[email protected] > > > > > 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/[email protected] > > > > 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/[email protected] > > > > 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/[email protected] > > 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/[email protected] 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 [email protected] mailto:[email protected] 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/[email protected] 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/[email protected] 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/[email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 <
[email protected]> 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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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(If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank
you.)
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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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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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Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org (http://amsat.org). AMSAT-NA makes
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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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----------------------------------------------------------- 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/[email protected] 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 [email protected] 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/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] 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/[email protected] 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/
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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/
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 <
[email protected]> 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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 [email protected] www http://www.ngunn.net
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And XW-3 isn't AO-109.
On 01/01/2022 14:01 Ricardo Navarrete [email protected] wrote:
Nigel , AO-109 isn't Chinese..... Things sometimes happens......
On Sat, Jan 1, 2022, 19:30 Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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" [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 3:44 PM To: AMSAT BB [email protected] 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/[email protected] 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
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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/
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Nigel A. Gunn, ///shoulders.outwards.resolutions tel +1-937-971-0366 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF and GMRS WRBV701, e-mail [email protected] 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