It was a good night tonight. AO-51 came into contact at about 7:03PM, and I managed to make 2 QSOs, and 2 “half QSOs”. I call them half QSOs because I was unable to get a Grid Square . I don’t think they “count” as it were. I can tell that my Mag Mount radiates more outward and upward, as I had an easier time getting into the satellite during it’s rise and fall rather then it was directly overhead. This makes sense I guess.
The Handi-Tenna continues to work like a champ, and I still find it amazing that I’m bouncing a signal off of a satellite in space. I did have one complaint, and I guess it seems to be somewhat common in satellite operation, is that people don’t seem to listen before transmitting. I’m sure that some of it can’t be helped, and I’m sure I do it on occasion, but I do lay off transmitting when I hear a QSO going on. I’ve seen the term “alligators” use for these folks, as their “ears” are much smaller then their “mouths.” Quite a good description I think. The two “half QSOs” were stepped on by an “alligator” and we just never connected again. Oh well, water under the bridge. If you listen, you can guess who I’m peeved at, though.
But… There will be other passes…
- Jan 29th, 19:00EST AO-51 pass (MP3, 10:45, 4.3MB)
Stations Worked:
- WB2SYK – FN13 – Syracuse, NY
- WD0EQP – DN91 – North Platte, NE
Stations Half-Worked:
- N1AIA – ME
- N3UNM – MD
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