>> ... As long as we have these self proclaimed Satellite Instructors neglecting the benefit of Full Duplex operation ...
Who are these "instructors?" Seems that would be a much smaller "target audience" for us to educate. Every audience I have ever presented my sat show to (more than 73 shows, a few thousand attendees) have heard me state, "It is preferable to work the FM birds full-duplex, where you can monitor the downlink as you key your mic ... " - and I explain simple ways to accomplish that. Same "mantra" in a couple of CQ Magazine articles ... and during a Bob Heil / Gordon West "Ham Nation" segment ... same as I have written for Gordon West's licensing manuals ... Well, with just this one "easily-worked" bird (not counting the ISS) up there, now more than ever should we be stressing working duplex. But to be honest with you, after reading another thread yesterday regarding the "out of control" nature of SO-50, I had to see for myself what the "problem" was. So I worked a mediocre pass (about 25 degrees - and I only worked the first few minutes - BEFORE it was at its best elevation. I worked three states sitting on the grass out in the back yard with my demo setup of FT-60R and Arrow. (Don't tell anyone, but I did not work full duplex - I needed to see if I could experience the total failure to communicate that a couple others have written about. And try as I might, I couldn't fail ... After I made one call successfully, two others called me from around the country.) YES - it got a little chaotic. YES - there were cases of people stepping on others. But it was not as gruesome as some have written - not as bad as a Field Day or a special event weekend. Heck, it was a FEDERAL HOLIDAY in the U.S., and I had no problem working three states with 2 Watts during the beginning of a 25 degree pass. Are people getting into this aspect of the hobby with unrealistic expectations? And if they are, where are they getting their information about working the FM birds? Clint Bradford K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com 909-241-7666 - cell ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
