Echo satellite reopens

The Echo (AO-51) command team says that because no tsunami relief-related emergency message traffic has been seen on the AO-51 Packsat Broadcast Protocol BBS (PBBS), it’s configured the satellite to permit normal FM repeater and 9k6 digital operation.

“The plan is to run in this mode until the end of January, unless word is received from the disaster area that a different setup would be useful,” said the AO-51 command team’s Mike Kingery, KE4AZN. “Anyone who can help contact those in the disaster area and inform them of the satellite resource is encouraged to do so.”

Kingery says that if another AO-51 configuration can benefit the disaster relief effort, AMSAT will adjust the satellite’s operating mode accordingly.

Because the switch to solely digital store-and-forward operation pre-empted the satellite’s use in FM repeater mode for Kid’s Day January 2, AMSAT now plans to reschedule its Kid’s Day activity on the satellite for an as-yet-unannounced Saturday in February.

The AO-51 FM voice uplink is 145.920 MHz (with 67 Hz CTCSS tone required); downlink is 435.300 MHz. The 9k6 digital PBBS uplink is 145.860 MHz FM; downlink is 435.150 MHz FM.