New V/US mode operational on AO-51

On January 25th, AO-51 was switched to a new mode.

Currently both the S band downlink of 2401.200 and the 435.300 downlink are on and tied together to the 145.920 receiver. This creates a single repeater that can be heard on either downlink.

In the past the satellite power budget would not allow simultaneous S and U downlinks for more than a few moments, but the current no eclipse season allows us try try this new combination. The L/U BBS and U band telemetry will be off during this period, except for brief periods when command stations will be collecting telemetry. During these passes, the S band downlink may be shut off temporarily.

Give this new mode a try this weekend. If you like using S-band AND working lots of stations, this mode is for you.

Currently we plan to run this mode through the end of the month.

73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Ops