Operating Tips

Please read the NB transponder rules NOW if you haven't done it yet!

We also recommend to read "Ethics and Procedure for Radio Amateur" book, by ON4UN and ON4WW. Download a free copy here.
It was written mainly for HF but many aspects are applicable to Satellite operations, such as QSO elements, ethics and pileup handling.

Any Mode

• Your signal should be loud as necessary and never above the Beacons.
• Use full duplex always. This allows to continuously monitor your own signal.
• Stop transmitting if your signal is not within the rules!
• Always observe the NB Band plan. If you use a SDR, add an overlay/markers file to the software. It will help you to comply with the assigned segments.

For SDR#, add the lines below to BandPlan.xml file:
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489500000" maxFrequency="10489505000" mode="CW" step="10" color="red">B</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489505000" maxFrequency="10489540000" mode="CW" step="10" color="blue">CW</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489540000" maxFrequency="10489580000" mode="USB" step="500" color="navy">NB DIGI</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489580000" maxFrequency="10489650000" mode="USB" step="500" color="yellow">DIGI</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489650000" maxFrequency="10489745000" mode="USB" step="500" color="green">SSB</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489745000" maxFrequency="10489755000" mode="CW" step="500" color="red">B</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489755000" maxFrequency="10489850000" mode="USB" step="500" color="green">SSB</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489850000" maxFrequency="10489870000" mode="USB" step="10" color="red">Emergency</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489870000" maxFrequency="10489990000" mode="USB" step="500" color="brown">CONTEST</RangeEntry>
<RangeEntry minFrequency="10489990000" maxFrequency="10490000000" mode="CW" step="10" color="red">B</RangeEntry>


For SDR Console, see here.

CW/SSB

• If you can't pick a call in 10 secs (due large pileup/inexperience), work Split.

SSB

• Do not exceed 2.7kHz bandwidth
• Do not work "by numbers" or lists.
• Request full calls only

FT8

• Before start operating, even if you have a NTP software, make sure your clock is accurate (eg navigate to https://time.is ).
• To keep the computer clock, we recommend Meinberg NTP software.
• Before you call CQ/respond to other station, press Tune to check your downlink frequency/power level and change it accordingly.
• Do not exceed the beacon level. If you received >+10 reports and/or trigger LEILA all the time, you are using too much power!
• Check your Tx/Rx drift. It should be kept to minimum using TCXO or GPSDO.
• If your signal does not meet the desired technical parameters, go QRT and improve your station.

If you know a tip not listed above, please let us know, so we can included it in this page. Thank you.