July 23, 2004 -- AMSAT-NA says "much more work and testing is yet to be done" before it can open the Echo AO-51 Amateur Radio satellite for general use by the amateur community. Commissioning continues for AO-51, with ground controllers checking out the satellite's software on the ground. "The team continues reloading and testing software on the satellite," an AMSAT bulletin reported. "The satellite has been in a low-power mode while software is loaded." When Echo is in the sun, telemetry data also are being collected to work on attitude determination.
AMSAT says the command team also must ensure that the satellite's hardware is working properly before making it available for use. At various times, ground controllers will disable the current operating mode to compete necessary tests. "This will occur without prior warning," AMSAT notes. At some point in the AO-51 proveout, the satellite will become available for experimental operation. "At the present time it is anticipated that Echo will be opened initially in 9k6 digital mode, via the BBS system," AMSAT said. "After running a few days in that mode, the FM repeater may be enabled." AMSAT says all modes will start at low power and gather data while looking at the overall health of the satellite--specifically the power consumption in each configuration.
As the command team members gain knowledge of AO-51's operational characteristics, AMSAT says, they will gradually increase the power while continuing to watch the data. "The command team asks at the present time, that you continue to not transmit to Echo," AMSAT said. "Please continue to show restraint, and you will be making your first contacts through Echo soon."
AMSAT-NA will issue a bulletin when AO-51 becomes
available for use.--AMSAT News Service via
Mike Kingery, KE4AZN
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