Now with my system back up and running I can pay closer attention to the "goings" on. We regularly read here about the usual complaining and belly aching about FM vs linear sats, no HEO. Whining that no one is listening to "ME". We appear to coddle the new beginner, and we should provide them the necessary guidance to get going. Now we have to smooze the "educational" aspect of satellite creation. The caveat should be, hang a transponder on it. I read of some of our European friends dismanteling their antennas, others refusing to join AMSAT or any other satellite organization for whatever reason. I don't like to pay taxes but I must, I/we should look at it the same way. Those "things" up there in space just didn't just happen. The days of a cheap/free ride are gone, it's all about money to get there. With the bean counters in charge now. We try to make "easy sats". Personally I don't want easy sats. I want hard sats. I want to be challenged to the point of ripping my hair (w! hat's left) out. I started with satellites in the mid 90's not because it was easy, but because it was hard. It made me work at it. It challenged my limited capabilities, and through that I gained confidence to try even more. Like try to work a LEO with a L/S transponder. Try keeping up with that puppy. My late father told me, "the difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer". By Challenging ourselves we keep the old curmudgeons happy (if that's possible). Back in my corner now. I'll try not to relive the AO-40 days (sobsob) here, I know it gets old for some of you. Though it was a killer satellite! 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
