It's got a weaker downlink. I don't think the receiver is any less sensitive than the other birds, but since it's only running 250 mW, it's harder to hear.
The other issue is that SO-50 doesn't transmit a constant carrier like AO-27 did (did AO-51? I never operated through it), so it doesn't sound as "smooth" during a pass. In case you missed it, the control operators are working on recovering AO-27, so lets hope they are successful. I listened to the packet tones as they commanded it during a pass this afternoon and the transmitter sounded good. Nice strong signal. I too prefer the linear birds, but since there are lots of grids where hams only have FM equipment, it'd be nice to get AO-27 back to tide us over until Fox-1 launches next year. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC On Sat, Nov 9, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Bernie and Cheryl <ham...@ix.netcom.com>wrote: > Dear Folks: > > Is it just me or is SO-50 not quite as easy a bird to work as AO-27 or > AO-51 were? I actually prefer working the SSB/CW birds, so I don't have as > much experience on the FM sats. That's why I'm asking. Even though I'm > able to make a few contacts on SO-50 every pass I am on, it seems like > everyone has a harder time getting in. It seems there are few times that > people seem to get into the bird full quieting, even without other stations > competing for access. > > Just curious. > > Thanks and 73 de Bernie, KF0QS > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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
