The new RHR/AMSAT station provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to complete satellite contacts without any hardware or software setup. Here is an overview of the (beta!) interface when connecting to RHR/AMSAT.

The new controls

  1. There are two VFOs spread out across two waterfalls: the downlink (RX) is slice A on the top, and the uplink (TX) is slice B on the bottom.
  2. You can enable Full Duplex to listen to the quality of your signal coming back down from the satellite. There is a slight delay due to the network connection, so you can turn it off if the echo is distracting.
  3. Select which satellite, transponder, and mode (on downlink) to operate. The uplink mode will be set correctly for inverting satellites.
  4. Check Tracking On to automatically:
    1. Tune the VFOs to the uplink and downlink frequencies and modes.
    2. Lock the VFOs to each other, and automatically adjust for Doppler shift throughout the pass.
    3. Turn the azimuth and elevation rotors to track the satellite.
  5. The individual VFOs are locked while tracking, so use these three controls to adjust your frequency, instead:
    1. The Downlink controls your frequency coming down from the satellite (before Doppler shift). The uplink frequency is automatically calculated, so there is no control for it.
      1. You can also click the top panadapter to tune the downlink.
    2. The TX Offset shifts your uplink frequency a small amount. We have experimentally pre-programmed default TX Offsets for most satellites, but you may need to adjust it throughout the pass.
    3. The RX Offset shifts your downlink frequency a small amount. Use this if the station calling you back is a little off-frequency.

The Satellites tab

The new Satellites tab in the toolbox provides a basic overview of upcoming satellite passes at the station.

  1. Select the Satellites tab to view the list of upcoming passes.
  2. Browse details of upcoming passes:
    1. Next Pass is the amount of time until the next pass begins.
    2. Length is the total duration remaining of that pass.
    3. Max El is the elevation of the satellite during the peak of the pass.
  3. Red rows are satellites that are currently visible. While connected to the station, click on a row to automatically enable tracking. The crosshair icon indicates that tracking is enabled.

Power Meter

As the site is still in its 'Beta' phase, we're continuing to refine features and resolve minor bugs to enhance the user experience. Currently, the UHF/VHF power meters are not yet coded to display the output power from the transverters in the console. For now, during transmission, you will see your TX signal in the TX waterfall.

 

Satellite Notes:

IO-117 (Greencube) - This satellite is a MEO orbit which means it's very high and you can work lots of great DX on that bird. WW2DX has worked over 60 DXCC in less than five weeks. Currently, the Greencube: Digipeater is off, waiting to be turned back on. 

AO-7 - https://www.amsat.org/two-way-satellites/ao-7/

RS-44 - Great SSB bird.

ISS Space Station - FM Repeater, SSTV and sometimes real astronauts! 

More notes to be added.