OBSERVATIONS FROM SCOTLAND                            18 October 2007                                GM1SXX

The shortest OBS EVER!

AO51  crashed and AMSAT are currently uploading the computer code to it to get it operational again.

 Exactly why a flying FM repeater needs a computer on board as a mission-critical item is completely beyond me.
A BCR can manage a battery on it's own. The solar panels, transponder and battery don't need any 'intelligence'.
 

A07 managed with a simple R/C oscillator based mode switching timer (information source... Jan King) which still works pretty well when the bird is in constant daylight.

Status.
AO51..Launched 2004  Computer currently crashed  ..... bird not working.
AO7... Launched 1974.  No computer or working battery... 30 odd years old.... bird working when in sunlight.

As our friends across the pond are fond of saying...' go figure'.

73 Al.

GM1SXX

AMSAT-UK #3286.