Oscar 100

As many will know, periodically, I take a peek at the webSDR at Goonhilly, Cornwall, to check activity on the narrowband transponder. This is just an impression and highly unscientific! My quick look yesterday evening in the UK suggests activity levels broadly similar to last time. There were about 9-10 active SSB stations.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

Es'hail2 geosynchronous satellite operational

Ahead of the official opening users can now experimentally unload to this satellite and it is already busy! Most users I have heard are using 5-6W and getting solid access. So far, so good.

Not sure if it is just me, but everything goes dead on the web SDR after about a minute or two. When I reload the page all is fine again for a limited time. I am using MS Edge with Windows 10.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

Es'hail2 web SDR now live

Southgate News reports that the Goonhilly based web SDR for Es'hail2 (Oscar 100) is now live, so you can see activity.

Please note: uplinks attempts are not yet allowed!!!

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/february/qata-oscar-100-web-receiver-now-live.htm#.XGFguPZ2u00
See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

When is Es'hail2 satellite operational?

At least one local ATV enthusiast is gearing up for Es'hail2, the geosynchronous Qatari satellite that has linear amateur radio transponders for ATV and modes like SSB/CW. Already the beacon is being received well. What I am not sure about is when it will be ready for use. I should check their website. I am pretty sure there will be an internet feed so one can see what is coming through. I think there are SDR receivers being set up at Goonhilly Down in Cornwall, UK.

The prospects of QSOs any time between Brazil, India, Europe and even Thailand are amazing. Even more so are the prospects of ATV exchanges at these distances on microwave frequencies with fixed antennas.

Es'hail2 satellite

I gather this was successfully launched and it is being "parked" in a temporary orbit so engineers can check it over. You may recall it includes amateur band linear transponders and it is hoped to be placed in a geosynchronous orbit.

See https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/geosynchronous/eshail-2/

Es'hail2 satellite

As mentioned before, this Qatari satellite is due to be put up later this year. It is expected to contain both a linear transponder and a TV transponder. Several people are gearing up for it. Unlike most amateur satellites this is in a fixed position. It uses a 2.4GHz uplink and a 10GHz downlink. So once the antennas are aimed, they can be fixed in position.

At the moment I am playing a waiting game. If it is successfully positioned and works as intended, I might try to install gear to receive it.

See https://www.eshailsat.qa/en/satellites/index/

Es'hail 2 amateur satellite

It is some time since I last heard news of this satellite from Qatar. As far as I know it has not yet launched. It was due to carry a geosynchronous amateur satellite. It was due to be launched (I think) in late 2016, but was delayed.

Es'hail2 satellite

Although I am unsure when this geosynchronous amateur satellite is due to be launched, it could revolutionise amateur radio, if successful. It should allow communications from as far apart as Brazil and Thailand. It will use a 10GHz downlink and 2.3GHz uplink, I think. Being geosynchronous, antennas can be fixed in one direction, with no need for tracking. There are 2 linear transponders I think. The 250kHz wide one for SSB etc will be like a new DX band.

I know of one local who is building gear in readiness.

See https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/geosynchronous/eshail-2/  .