[aprssig] EB-432/PCSAT2/APRS Question

[John Ronan]

Hi,

I purchased an EB-432 before christmas and really only got it  
installed a few weeks ago.  Thus far, I'm not sure if its is an  
improvement or not.  I have it mounted on the chimney cap, and about  
1 foot of RG-58A/U away is an SSB-7000 Pre-amp.

I no longer seem to be able to decode any 9k6 telemetry signals, but  
the 'average' signal level from all satellites seems to be higher.  
And far more 1200 baud packets decoded! I have Westflex 103 up as far  
as a Surge Protector and more Westflex up to the Antenna.

Previously, I was using a Dual Band Co-linear, with the pre-amp in- 
line instead of the surge protector and I seemed to be getting better  
results with it (more telemetry decoded).

Testing with a terrestrial station (and the EB-432) a S1, 1200 baud  
signal is decoding almost every second go.. switch on the Pre-Amp and  
the signal is going to up a S9+10.

I'm using the linux soundmodem driver and I've never really 'tweaked'  
the settings for 9600 baud, so I would appreciate any input on how I  
could do this.  Another is that the ISS is moving towards earlier and  
earlier passes so I won't have a live data source to test with.

Bearing in mind that I was able to get at least a few packets per day  
decoded with the TH-D7 and a 19" whip sitting on a biscuit tin lid,  
this is kind of a let down.

Any thoughts appreciated.
Regards
de John
EI7IG
--
John Ronan <jronan at tssg.org>, +353-51-302938
Telecommunications Software &  Systems Group,  http://www.tssg.org