Steve,

Thank you very much for the first clear explanation on HO-68 that I have heard. It was my favorite bird, and while it is sad to learn the chance of recovery is low, it is good to know what's really going on.

Thanks again, Richard

----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen E. Belter" seb@wintek.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: "Richard John K7MDH" K7MDH@arrl.net Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 8:00 AM Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Dayton

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Richard,

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did CAMSAT have anything realistic to say about HO-68 ?

Yes, Alan Kung, BA1DU and CEO of CAMSAT was one of the speakers at the AMSAT Forum. He reported that HO-68 is suffering from a bad relay or relay driver that is used to switch from the beacon to the transponder. The likelihood of recovery is low, but not zero. As my schedule permits, I plan to post Alan's very informative presentation on the AMSAT web site. Watch for an announcement from ANS (the AMSAT News Service).

Here is the explanation from Alan's slide. Since I have a copy of his presentation, these are exact quotes, not my interpretation:

-- The current situation is the transponders will be difficult to switch the RF PA from beacon mode to transponder mode

-- The RF relay or its drive circuit is failing, it is a stick relay. Probability of success of switch is probably a few tenth

-- On the other hand, up to now the both solar and lithium-ion batteries are in very nice condition

-- The exhibitions of the thermal-control, onboard flight computer and TT&C are also excellent.

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any new satellite radios announced by anyone ?

None that I saw or heard about.

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I'll settle for ANY new radios announced by anyone ?

Elecraft showed their KX3. I'll have to let others give you the details.

73, Steve N9IP