Operating Practice on FM Satellites

Ib OZ1MY has written some usefull operarating hints for those wishing to use the FM single channel Amateur Radio satellites.

Satellites with linear transponders can allow many dozens of QSO's to take place simultaneously and operating on those is in many ways similar to say 20 metres, however, things are different for the single channel FM satellites.

With FM sats only one QSO can take place at a time and they require different operating procedures. When a single channel satellite passes over densely populated areas they can get a bit congested, so Ib OZ1MY has posted the following operating guidelines to the AMSAT-BB:

This is a short version of an article I wrote in 2000 about using FM (single channel) satellites.

Short version:
The golden rule - do not transmit if you can not hear the downlink.

Calling "CQ satellite" 3 - 4 or more times and give the call and the full locator at the same time is non-productive.
It simply takes too long time. Experienced operators easily pick out new stations using a short CQ call.
It is not really necessary to call CQ - just give your call.

Considerate operating practice allows a QSO to finish.
Many operators on the FM satellites do not adhere to this.
You very often find a station calling on top of a running QSO, which makes the QSO take much longer time than necessary.
Often it is because the QSO takes a long time, which leads to the next "rule".

Make the QSO short when the satellite is busy. Valid QSO's just need to exchange calls and signal report. That is it.
You do not need locator or operator name. If there is very little traffic OK go ahead and talk about anything - but not when the satellite is busy.

Here in Europe we also have the habit of asking for the full locator.
I have tried to avoid that, but I have failed in this respect.
For a terrestrial QSO or in a contest you need the full locator - but not for a satellite QSO.

A considerate operator will make one QSO per pass. If you are an experienced operator, who has made a lot of contacts before - limit your contacts to new stations.

Do not use the FM satellites to elaborate on the weather situation in your local area, when the satellite is busy.

Give priority to portable and mobile stations if they can hear the satellite.

Give DX stations (rare calls) a chance to get through. I have witnessed JW stations being "drowned" by local QSO's.

Look at your satellite tracking program in order to avoid calling stations that are out of the footprint.

If someone is really annoying - don't try to block their signal - try to send them an e-mail especially if they are from your own country.

Also respect if people want to use their own native language. It is perfectly OK to talk Danish, German or any other language, as long as they do not carry on for many minutes.

You can join the AMSAT Bulletin Board (AMSAT-BB) at http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/maillist/maillist.php