I have seen this topic being debated on previous occasions.

Each and every time I have used AO51 I experience the same. If one uses a hand held linear polarized Yagi for the down link the signal difference by "twisting" the wrist is enormous. I have not made a point of measuring the difference as such, but the down link signal varies from being full quieting to virtually inaudible.

This was so before the flip and still so now after the flip.

73, Pierre ZS6BB

-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: 07 December 2009 05:15 To: Glenn AA5PK Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change

...

... I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity

switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist ...

That phenomenon is not evident now - nor has it ever been - for me on AO-51.

I know the engineers say I am supposed to be increasing or decreasing my signal strength by 22 or 23db by merely twisting my Yagi 90 degrees. But I have hundreds of witnesses during dozens of demonstrations who will tell you that when the Yagi is turned 90 degrees, there's no discernible change in the signal.

This is not a scientific approach to the subject, of course. Just what my aging ears can hear.

I have heard fellow AMSAT members describe AO-51's "signal fading due to the satellite tumbling in space," too. I am not using elaborate equipment, but have no idea what they are talking about.

Just my firsthand observations. Guess I could be wrong ... we are a little different - I am told - out hre on the West Coast of the US.

Clint Bradford, K6LCS