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/