Getting into Sats... questions

[K6LCS]

Don't forget the FREE online sources that are popular: AMSAT-NA and Heavens Above!

http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/

http://www.heavens-above.com/

Clint

[K8WAM]

So, I've had a chance to look at both HamSatDroid and PocketSat. HamSatDroid is very good for a no-nonsense "here is the pass data" info on ham birds. I really like the feature that tells your grid square from your GPS or Network information. Touch the pass prediction and you get to see more pass information and track. Easy. Free.

PocketSat (in my opinion) is more of a satellite finding/tracking tool. It's a bit more involved to set up but you get a bunch more information. The demo version does not save any information so if you hit the back button, or if your phone screen times out you have to start over again. But, that has helped me to get used to to program. My only gripe with this program is that the default satellite track setting has you hold the phone above your head to get the correct orientation in the sky, but you can reverse E-W in order to be able to look down at the phone.... BUT the constellations do not get oriented properly. In other words, I was looking at Ursa Minor and getting confused by the program since it appears on the phone upside down. After confirming with Google Sky I figured out that even though E-W was correct (as was the sat track) the constellations were backwards. I'll send a message to the program author about this bug.

Bottom line is that I'll keep both programs and will probably buy the full version of PocketSat. I think there are nice features to HamSatDroid to justify keeping it around (let alone the price )

[K8WAM]

Again, very noob question here, thanks for your help!

When people call QSL, are they requesting a QSL card? If so which method? (LoTW, eQSL, old skool mail???)

Thanks again,
Brian

[K0RGR]

Again, very noob question here, thanks for your help!

When people call QSL, are they requesting a QSL card? If so which method? (LoTW, eQSL, old skool mail???)

Thanks again,
Brian

'QSL' means ' I confirm', or when presented as a question 'do you confirm?'. Like all Q signals, they were not intended for use on voice, but many people have the habit of using 'QSL' to mean 'I confirm'. When discussing QSL cards or the electronic versions thereof, the person will usually state their preference for the method. A snail-mail card is good for most purposes, but the electronic ones are gaining acceptance. LoTW works for most major awards like WAS.

[W5PFG]

Again, very noob question here, thanks for your help!

When people call QSL, are they requesting a QSL card? If so which method? (LoTW, eQSL, old skool mail???)

Thanks again,
Brian

A lot of people do say "QSL" on the air. On voice it is a little silly, but it's accepted by many as "confirmation" you have worked a station and can move on to another contact. In a fast-paced AO-27 pass sometimes it's better to say "QSL" than "I confirm our contact with you W5PFG. 73 Have a nice day."

Regarding the "art of QSL'ing" satellite contacts....
- Majority tend to use paper cards. If YOU want a card, it's best practice to send the station your card and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
- A lot of folks will automatically send you a card if it's the first time they've worked you.
- From my experience about 10% use Logbook of the World. It's a little trickier to setup than for a SSB or CW HF contact.
- Some use eQSL but it's not as widely accepted since it doesn't work for any ARRL awards.

[K8WAM]

Excellent, thank you for all your help. Now I just need more practice tracking the bird by hand!

-Brian

[K0BAM]

I use Satscape and Heavens Above, print out a weeks worth of passes and wander outside with my puny one watt ht and Arrow handheld antenna just before the pass. I've had some luck in making a few contacts now and then.

Listen a few times and you'll get the timing of the contacts down, they are very fast. Don't get discouraged. Have fun.

[K6LCS]

Now I just need more practice tracking the bird by hand!

It's not really all that difficult.

Just use one hand to hold the antenna.
Another hand to hold the radio.
Use your other hand for the speaker-microphone.
Another hand to hold the clipboard.
Write down callsigns with a pencil in the other hand.
Take a sip of your favorite beverage with the other hand ... (grin)

I have fabricated a little tray for the handle end of my Arrow antenna to accommodate a radio. As well as mounting a Stanley(tm) hacksaw handle on the boom to aid in holding it all. Photos posted at ... http://www.k6lcs.com/k6lcs/Photos/Pages/Arrow_Mod.html

Clint K6LCS

[W5PFG]

It's not really all that difficult.

Just use one hand to hold the antenna.
Another hand to hold the radio.
Use your other hand for the speaker-microphone.
Another hand to hold the clipboard.
Write down callsigns with a pencil in the other hand.
Take a sip of your favorite beverage with the other hand ... (grin)

Clint K6LCS

Clint,

Excellent job.

You missed a few though:
One hand for the compass
Another hand for the inclinometer

[K6LCS]

>> ... One hand for the compass ... Another hand for the inclinometer ...

I started out thinking I needed those ... But all one really needs to know for the FM birds is where North and South are. Inclinometer? Heck, although this is rocket science, it really isn't ... (grin). It is good enough to know that straight above is 90 degrees elevation, about half way up from the horizon is 45 ... and half of that is about 25 ...

Clint K6LCS