[jamsat-news:1943] ANS-202.01 ECHO Update - 20 July 2004

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-202.01
ECHO Update - 20 July 2004

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 202.01 From AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD.  July 20, 2004
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-202.01

The command team continues to work and test Echo.  At the present time they
are testing the satellite's software on the ground in preparation for
general amateur use.  The team continues reloading and testing software on
the satellite. Telemetry data is also being collected when Echo is in the
sun, to work on attitude determination.

The satellite has been in a low power mode while software is loaded. The
435.150 MHz downlink is being used for this task.  There are a few more
tests to complete before the satellite is opened up for use by the general
amateur community.  This step will not signify the completion of
commissioning by any means, but it has always been the goal of the command
team to insure that the satellite's hardware is working properly first, and
then open the satellite for everyone to use.

Much more work and testing is yet to be done.  The command team, at various
times, following general use, will disable the current operating mode to
compete the necessary tests.
This will occur without prior warning.  When we begin this phase, please
consider the satellite in experimental operation mode.

At the present time it is anticipated that Echo will be opened initially in
9k6 digital mode, via the BBS system.  After running a few days in that mode
the FM repeater may be enabled.  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 gains knowledge they will gradually increase the power, and again watch
the data.

The command team asks at the present time, that you continue to NOT transmit
to Echo.
Your patience in that regard up to this point has been appreciated. When
Echo is ready, a BBS message will be posted on the Satellite, as they have
tried to do from time to time to inform the 9k6 digital group what is
happening with commissioning.  Also a bulletin through ANS and on the AMSAT
website will be issued.  So, please continue to show restraint and you will
be making your first contacts through Echo soon.

[ANS thanks Mike, KE4AZN for the above information]

/EX
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