Oscar 100 update

As regular blog readers know, I periodically check activity levels on the narrow-band transponder of this geosynchronous satellite. At the weekend it seemed a little busier with more than 10 QSOs going on with SSB. Overall, activity still seems lower than I was expecting.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

Oscar 100

Periodically, I take a look at the Goonhilly SDR to check activity on the narrowband section of this geosynchronous amateur satellite. The last time I looked was Sept 3rd 2019.

Oscar 100 bandplan from Oscar-DL

Although it is hard to judge with casual looks, my feeling is that activity levels have not increased. My sense is that new people enjoy the challenge of getting a signal through the satellite, but many thereafter lose interest. They know they can then work stations day after day within the footprint of the satellite, just like any repeater. The difference is this one is 22000 miles up and uses microwave frequencies and fixed dishes.

It is important to keep uplink powers such that the output levels are no stronger than the beacons. If you get an alarm then reduce power! Use just enough power and never too much.

This is the first time that half the amateur world can be connected day and night without QSB with small antennas.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

Es'hail 2 operational later this week

Southgate News reports that Es'hail 2, the first working geosynchronous amateur satellite will be generally available late this week. You may recall this is a Qatari  satellite with 2 amateur transponders in addition to the main TV transmitters. There will be webSDRs to see activity via the internet.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/february/eshail-2-inauguration-day.htm#.XF_06fZ2u00
See also https://eshail.batc.org.uk/

Es'hail-2 satellite launched

The latest Qatari satellite, which carries a geosynchronous amateur transponder has been launched. I expect it will be some weeks before we are fully aware of the mission's success. If it is successful, it could be transformative.

See https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/16/11/2018/Qatar-launches-Es’hail-2-satellite

Geostationary amateur satellite

If the Es'Hail 2 satellite works as planned, it could be revolutionary. It has a 250kHz wide linear transponder for narrowband modes as well as an ATV transponder. Uplink is 2.4GHz and downlink 10GHz. Once aimed, dishes are fixed. A possible issue will be stations using too much power resulting in desense.

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

Geosynchronous amateur satellite next year?

At the moment, 2018 seems the likely launch date of a Middle East satellite that includes a 250kHz wide linear amateur transponder. Now, it has to get into the right orbit and work. If successful, the 2.4GHz uplink and 10GHz downlink would enable very wide coverage around the world with small, fixed antennas. If it works, it could change amateur radio for ever. There are a lot of uncertainties.

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