OBSERVATIONS GM1SXX 18th NOV 2009
An interesting comparison(2)
FM satellite operation doesn't have to be utter chaos as witnessed in the ZOO files. In Europe though, it all too often is, because operating manners are generally deplorable and nobody wants to wait in turn for a 'slot' for a QSO. The end result is frequently Bedlam, but it doesn't have to be like that. Operators in other parts of the World including Japan where there is a high density of users don't seem to have the same problems as we in Europe. I can only guess at the reasons for that. Perhaps the 'contest mentality' is a factor, but other regions also have contests. Perhaps it's something specific to the European psyche. I certainly don't understand why amateur radio operators in Europe have such bad manners when confronted with limited opportunities for communication. Surely they realise that bad operating habits only make matters worse?
Well known satellite enthusiast Mike Rupprecht DK3WN who is a member of the EU-AMSAT Yahoo Group recently posted a message, pointing to a video, reminding us that it is possible to have civilised operation on the FM birds, in this case, AO-27.
Mike said...
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This video really says it all. It certainly shows how things could be, given that sensible practices are adhered to. This activity also took place in a populated part of Earth, proving that good operating manners make a huge difference. I'm very glad Mike posted this particular snippet. Thanks Mike.
Mike's personal website is worth a visit and his pages may be found at http://www.dk3wn.info/
Mike DK3WN
http://www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml
http://www.dk3wn.info/uvhf.shtml
and other places.
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For anyone with an interest in amateur radio satellites who would like to join the EU-AMSAT Yahoo Group, it's at...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eu-amsat/
The group is open to anyone with an interest in amateur satellites. Just click on 'Join This Group@ and leave a short message about yourself / callsign/ and/or interests and we'll approve the membership. eu-amsat is a moderated group with 167 members at the current time. It was started as a forum for satellite users independent of the AMSAT-BB where thoughts and ideas that perhaps don't conform to 'mainstream thinking' can be discussed.
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Until the next time, 73 de Al.
GM1SXX