Hello All,

During the period November 16 - November 19, 2009 AO-51 was configured as follows:

38k4 BBS, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz 9k6 FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz 38k4 FM

According to my records, the 38k4 packet mode had not been used in more than 3 years!

In order to facilitate the high speed packet testing, the satellite was configured such that TXB (435.300) was OFF and TXA (435.150) was set to between 2.05-2.15 W output. During last 12 hours of the period the baud rate was reduced to 9600. The bird performed nominally during this period. Interested parties can always peruse the whole orbit telemetry data from AO-51 at: ftp://ftp.amsat.org/amsat/telemetry/ao51

Several users reported activity during this mode, and we appreciate your feedback.

Additional 38k4 packet testing at lower transmit power levels may occur in the future; the reduced power output should permit simultaneous operations of TXA and TXB so that voice operations can continue during the testing.

On behalf of the command team,

Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]