[SMCARA] Experiment du jour - part deux

[Tom Shelton]

Success!!!   I worked AO-50, using FM, at 12:20 UTC - 

The rig used was my new TS-2000.  50 watts out on 2 meters and listening on 70 cm.  
Antennas were certainly substandard - separate mag mount mobile antennas mounted on 24 sq-inch sheet metal slabs in my attic.  Good enough for repeater and local simplex, but no-where near optimum for satellite work.  

What did I learn?  

1.  The TS-2000, once you figure out the proper buttons, is simple, easy, and effective for working satellites.  
2.  Even with a sub-par antenna system, satellites can be worked, though the geometry limits how long you can talk during the pass - for example, the time listed from AOS (Aquisition of Signal) to LOS (Loss of Signal) was a bit over 10 minutes.  My reliable talk time was about 90 seconds in the middle of the pass.  With an AZ/EL, tracking antenna, I could have done much better.
3.  New experiences in Ham radio are fun!!!
4.  Satellites are fun and easy to use, even with a less than optimum station, and I'll be back for more....

I've only attempted FM communications so far, so my next try will be with SSB, then with a CW signal.  I might even try to downlink some telemetry, using packet, just for giggles.

Tom, AB3IC

Tom Shelton 

No electrons were harmed in the sending of this message, although several were terribly inconvenienced.
Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus