FO-20:

Launched: September 26, 1993

Orbit: 1320 Km Period: 113 Min Typical Window: 23 Min

FO-20 (JAS-1B) is a Low Earth Orbit satellite in Mode J SSB. FO-20 was orignally a packet satellite, with secondary voice mode. The Computer on board failed, so it was put into voice mode. Due to the design of the antennas, this satellite chages polarization about 3 times a pass.

Frequencies:

Inverting Transponder:

Mode J

Uplink 145.900-146.000 LSB/CW

Downlink 435.900-435.800 USB/CW

Equipment Required: Mode J SSB

Antennas:

Uplink: 2m Switchable polarization crossed Yagi or egg beater.

Downlink: 70cm Switchable polarization crossed Yagi or egg beater.

Radio:

2M and 70CM SSB with 100 Hz step or better tuning.

Other:

This satellite has a large amount of doppler shift. A computer program that runs the doppler is very helpful. Fixed antennas are marginal but can be used. Tracking should be done by computer due to the complexity of running this satellite. Polarity swithces are almost a must. Due to the wide transponder many QSO's can carry on at the same time, so there is alot more time to talk.

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