Hey folks,

I've already received some emails about my comments re: an award for AO-16 that I hope to earn.

Please let me clarify.

There is NO "official" AO-16 Award that I'm aware of, from AMSAT or any other body.

I simply hope to apply for a separate and dsitinct AMSAT Satellite Achievement Award using ONLY contacts I made on AO-16 in its "bent pipe" mode. Bruce, KK5DO, has already told me there won't be any kind of special endorsement on the award if I'm able to earn it, and I'll pay the standard fees as posted on the AMSAT Web site.

My interest in this is purely personal, and in large part inspired by a combination a belief in the historical significance of things that happen along the way - and my own sentimental nature.

In time, I believe we will come to see the historical significance of AO-16 coming back to life and providing extra, unique and unexpected operating opportunities. That's the historical significance.

The sentimentalist in me picks up on that - the ol' bird deserves to be remembered, and the only way I can think of to do that is by trying to get enough contacts to pick up a separate AMSAT Satellite Achievement Award for AO-16 contacts.

My sincere apologies for the confusion I seem to have created. There is no "official" award - but maybe some of you will think the idea of remembering these seemingly last days of AO-16 in some special way is a good one. My special way will be to apply for the AMSAT award if I can get the remaining contacts I need.

73 to all,

Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 Athens, Ga. - EM84ha