AMSAT asks patience as
Echo AO-51 checkout continues
AMSAT-NA says "much more work and testing is yet to be done"
before it can open the Echo AO-51 Amateur Radio satellite for general
use by the amateur community.
Commissioning continues for AO-51, with ground controllers checking out
the satellite's software on the ground and reloading and testing software
on the satellite, an AMSAT bulletin reported.
When Echo is in the sun, telemetry data also are being collected to work
on attitude determination. AMSAT says the command team must also ensure
that the satellite's hardware is working properly before making it available
for use.
At some point in the AO-51 proveout, the satellite will become available
for experimental operation. "At the present time it is anticipated
that Echo will be opened initially in 9k6 digital mode, via the BBS system,"
AMSAT said. "After running a few days in that mode, the FM repeater
may be enabled."
AMSAT says all modes will start at low power and gather data while looking
at the overall health of the satellite--specifically the power consumption
in each configuration.
Power will gradually be increased as ground controllers monitor the data.
"The command team asks at the present time, that you continue to
not transmit to Echo," AMSAT said. "Please continue to show
restraint, and you will be making your first contacts through Echo soon."
AMSAT-NA will issue a bulletin when AO-51 becomes available for use.
AMSAT News Service via Mike Kingery, KE4AZN
Sorce: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The
American Radio Relay League
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