AO-51 software reload in progress

AO-51 was reported as 'not heard' starting Wednesday, November 26 by stations around the world.

The satellite's ground stations determined that AO-51 required a software reload. AMSAT Vice President of Operations, Drew KO4MA reported, "It looks like we'll be reloading AO-51 for Thanksgiving. Gould WA4SXM started the process this evening, and I expected it'll be Saturday or later before it's back open for general use."

Gould, WA4SXM reported on Saturday, November 29,
"AO-51 reload was mostly successful and the main V/U repeater became operational on Friday. The SQRX receiver task didn't reload and cause a the crash in the software.
We are in the process of reloading the SW and hope to have it operational the first of the week. Thanks to Kevin, WA6FWF for all his work during the Thanksgiving holiday working on the software upload to AO51."

The latest status for AO-51 remains as not operational with a software reload in progress. Drew, KO4MA said, "Meanwhile, the 9600 baud downlink (only) on 435.150 is running at very high power, so it might be a good time to try your 9600 baud receive setups. Please do not attempt any uplinks until the repeater is back on. Once the satellite is recovered the Operations Team will test to determine the appropriate operating mode."

The full AO-51 schedule and Command Team News can be found on-line at: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/ControlTeam.php.

The AMSAT main web page will also provide a quick status update when the information changes.

Operating mode requests can be sent via e-mail to
ao51-modes@amsat.org .

The AO-51 Command Team