HS0AJ (Thailand) was just received via the web SDR on SSB via Oscar 100, the geosynchronous satellite. This is the furthermost east I have copied so far via this satellite. Activity on SSB seems to be gradually increasing as more stations assemble gear. He was using 2W, but I do not know the dish size. He must be on the easternmost coverage area.
See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/
Hi Roger,
ReplyDeleteIt could have been myself working him at around that time.
The operator was called Kab based at the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand JAISAT Ground Station in Bangkok.
They are using 2w to a 1.2m dish at only 6 degrees of elevation, so the sat is practically out towards the horizon.
He's towards the Eastern end of the satellites footprint but I've also worked PY4AJ, Fabio in Brazil which is towards the Western limit.
Oscar 100 is an interesting operating experience compared to previous satellites as there is no tracking or Doppler compensation required, and it's always there and unlike HF there is no QSB or propagation changes to contend with.
It's also handy if you don't have much space for antennas or have a high noise floor. A couple of stations I've worked were living n high rise apartment blocks and have dishes (or a long yagi) mounted on their balcony.
If you operate duplex it's more like using a phone, and I wouldn't be surprised if eventually (once the novelty has worn off) a lot of folks start using it for nets rather than for DX chasing (which it isn't really).
Regards,
Martin - G8JNJ