Rubber ducky frustration

[W3OLC]

I just was out with the ht trying to make my first contact on AO -27 I did hear the sat and gave my call victor echo 3 oscar lima charlie and I heard a reply back but... by the time he repeated my call and gave his all I heard was static. Frustrating but exciting to hear your call being repeated...I need a better antenna....soon.

Mike
VE3OLC
W3OLC

[KF5FEI]

Just remember, you need to have more than one channel programmed in -- use the same TX frequency for all, but the first channel should be the normal RX frequency +10 KHz, the next +5 KHz, then the normal RX frequency, then -5 KHz and -10 KHz to adjust for Doppler shift. Start on the on the first or second channel and move to the next channel(s) as you hear the signal start getting distorted / scratchy.

Remember, the satellite is coming towards you at 15,000+ MPH when it ascends, and going away from you at 15,000+ MPH when it descends.

You also may need to reorient the antenna as the satellite goes over to get maximum signal.

[KO4MA]

I heard you Mike. Several people answered you, but VE3OSC replied thinking they were calling him. Rubber ducks just don't work for satellites, other than for a taste. If you have a 2m mobile setup, you might look at a small UHF antenna like the CJU, feeding your ht for the downlink, and your mobile setup for the uplink.

[VE3OLC]

I thought I heard my call a couple of times but you are correct VE3OSC did go back and I thought I had not heard correctly. I am located in a remote flyin fishing lodge for the summer so any radio items (antennas, ect. )that I order take a while to get to me. I am considering an arrow for the ht, it should help. I have purchased an ft857 but I still need several items to get my station set up here. I think I am hooked on the satellites though. I at least know that I am getting out there. I do have the doppler frequencies programmed in and I am getting better at moving with the satellite. I will try again, hopefully I don't get so excited screw it all up when I finally do get a contact.

Thanks

Mike
VE3OLC
W3OLC

[W5PFG]

I heard you Mike. Several people answered you, but VE3OSC replied thinking they were calling him. Rubber ducks just don't work for satellites, other than for a taste. If you have a 2m mobile setup, you might look at a small UHF antenna like the CJU, feeding your ht for the downlink, and your mobile setup for the uplink.

I echo Drew's sentiments. The rubber duck *will* allow a few contacts. For the most part it's going to cause a lot of people to call you, when in reality the rubber duck is so crippled you will be lucky to complete 2-3 contacts. Your odds get really bad when it's a "busy" pass with 10-20 stations vying for use of AO-27's precious 7 minutes.

If you are willing to be patient and pick your battles, you can certainly squeeze in a few contacts with your current setup. I would recommend only giving your call during a period when you have a very solid copy of the down link and there is at least a few second gap between active stations. Any other time, if the bird is busy, I wouldn't bother. You'd effectively be just another source of QRM.

I'm glad you "got the bug" and are looking at an Arrow. It's a great investment. The Arrow and an FT-857 is a formidable satellite station if you use a second radio (your HT) as the down link receiver. That'll give you full-duplex capability.

Have fun!

73
Clayton
W5PFG

[KB1PVH]

That was me that called you, but VE3OSC answered back instead.

[KF5FEI]

Yeah, and the good passes are sometimes dominated by several bird hogs who have to say hi to everyone they have ever chatted with on that particular satellite. Kinda ruins it for the new guys.

I've had the best luck with high early-early morning passes on Saturday and Sunday -- very few folks up that early. I've made a number of contacts from the dog park, while watching the dog do her business as the sun is coming up.

[VE3OLC]

That was me that called you, but VE3OSC answered back instead.

I do remember hearing you come back but VE3OSC kinda beat me to you. Thanks for trying.

Mike
VE3OLC
W3OLC

[WB0KFC]

Hello Mike, I too have a fishing camp near Kenora Ontario. I am leaving in two weeks to spend 10-12 weeks in camp with guests and then winterizing the camp. I could bring an Arrow type antenna with me if you are anywhere near Kenora. We do have access to a float plane but only on off days when not being used. I would be happy to help if I can. 73 de WB0KFC/Glenn

[KO4MA]

Do you have a stick and some wire? Seems I remember a QST article not long ago where a guy built a yagi around his HT and duck, for satellite use.