PCSats

Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, wrote about the latest status of the
satellite fleet belonging to the US Naval Academy Satellite
Lab PCSAT-1 and PCSAT-2.

Bob reported, "PCSAT2 remains in 145.825 simplex PACKET mode with its PSK-31 transponder also enabled. To activate the PSK-31 transponder, simply use your 2 meter packet system on 145.825 to 'connect to PCSAT2'. When the PCSAT2 sees the connection , it will turn on the PSK-31 transponder and keep it on as long as you maintain the packet connection."

Continuing with PSK-31 operating hints, Bob wrote, "You will
need HIGH power on the 29.401 MHz uplink. The downlink is on 435.275 ± Doppler FM. CW is welcome too since we need any signals at all to see what we can hear. Remember, we have extreme signal loss on the uplink since 2 weeks after launch, so while we don't hear anything usually this may be due to groundstations not running enough power to overcome this loss."

The older Naval Academy satellite, PCSAT-1, which is operational only in sunlight apparently reset itself this past week when it seemed to be overloaded with too many stations attempting access.

Bob summarized PCSAT-1's status, "Fortunately the Naval Academy Satellite Lab was able to restore low-power mode during the same pass, and so we hope we recovered it in time. But if not, then PCSAT-1 goes back into hybernation mode until next winter with occasional usability during mid-day passes with maximum sunlight illuminating its solar cells.

In summary, Bob said, "Please go lightly on PCSAT-1, and please don't attempt to access PCSAT-1 when it is in the dark. Do not leave automatic beacons running via PCSAT-1."

Thanks to Bob, WB4APR, and the US Naval Academy Satellite Lab for the above information

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