But if the goal of satellite operation is from the shack-potato position, why not just use the internet and not bother.
Don't forget the TOTAL FAILURE of the original SAT-PHONE industry when they ignored cellphones and fiber. No one would bother with a sat-phone when their $9/mo cell phone could do the job almost 99% of the time and call anywhere on the planet. The only thing SAT-PHONEs turned out to be good for are wilderness communications, and there are plenty of places on earth that fit that category. Probably 90% of the earths surface is a wireless desert. But the 99% of the worlds population lives in that wired-10%. I have also heard that these days, " all of the satellite communications carried by all the comm satellites worldwide could fit on a SINGLE fiber. The value of ham radio is providing communications where other systems cannot. And of course, playing with toys just for fun. Bob, Wb4APR -----Original Message----- >> I've heard comments that basically imply anyone >> who wants to go outside with an HT and wave a yagi around is stupid. > Standing outside with a yagi in hand and the monsoon > trickling down my neck isn't for me. It is demonstrably > a valid way to make contacts and an excellent way to > demonstrate how satellite operation can occur with minimalist equipment. > But as far as I'm concerned, it IS NOT the ultimate objective > of a satellite operator.... _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
