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T8B07

SIGNALS AND EMISSIONS · Amateur satellite operation: Doppler shift, basic orbits, operating protocols, modulation mode selection, transmitter power considerations, telemetry, satellite tracking programs, beacons, uplink and downlink mode definitions, spin fading, definition of "LEO", setting uplink power

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What is Doppler shift in reference to satellite communications?

  1. AA change in the satellite orbit
  2. BA mode where the satellite receives signals on one band and transmits on another
  3. CAn observed change in signal frequency caused by relative motion between the satellite and Earth station
  4. DA special digital communications mode for some satellites
Why Doppler shift is the apparent change in a received signal's frequency caused by relative motion between the transmitter and receiver. As a satellite moves toward your station the received frequency appears higher, and as it moves away it appears lower, with the shift passing through zero at closest approach. Because LEO satellites move several kilometers per second, the shift can be a few kilohertz on UHF, so you must retune during a pass to stay on frequency.
Watch out The description of receiving on one band and transmitting on another is the definition of a satellite's uplink/downlink mode, not Doppler shift; the orbit itself does not change during a pass.
Same effect as a train whistle: high pitch coming toward you, low pitch going away. Motion, not orbit change.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
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The rest of T8B

  1. T8B01 What telemetry information is typically transmitted by satellite beacons?
  2. T8B02 What is the impact of using excessive effective radiated power on a satellite uplink?
  3. T8B03 Which of the following are provided by satellite tracking programs?
  4. T8B04 What mode of transmission is commonly used by amateur radio satellites?
  5. T8B05 What is a satellite beacon?
  6. T8B06 Which of the following are inputs to a satellite tracking program?
  7. T8B07 What is Doppler shift in reference to satellite communications?
  8. T8B08 What does it mean if a satellite is operating in U/V mode?
  9. T8B09 What causes spin fading of satellite signals?
  10. T8B10 What does the term LEO mean in reference to communication satellites?
  11. T8B11 Who is permitted to receive telemetry from an amateur radio satellite?
  12. T8B12 Which of the following is a way to determine whether your satellite uplink power into a linear transponder sa…
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