[aprssig] PCSAT-1 Load Management over Europe

[Robert Bruninga]

Change coming for PCSAT-1 to preserve its power budget as long
as possible. 

Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:42 PM

New FIX for PCSAT-1 to manage the load.

>>> Yes, we noticed that 2/3rds of all PCSAT-1 users 
>>> are in Europe in a SMALL footprint.  While in the 
>>> USA, there are only half as many users but spread 
>>> out over a much larger area.  SO the congestion 
>>> must be maybe 4 times worse over there in Europe..
>>
>> Its a shame as this will shorten the live of PCSAT 
>> for us all if sometime is not done...
>
> Its very difficult to get in at weekends... 
> lots of stations beaconing far to often IMHO.

We will configure PCSAT-1 to operate like the terrestrial
network under the New-N paradigm.  This will help prevent users
that are using a rate that is too high.  We will turn OFF all
RELAY, WIDE, ARISS and APRSAT digipeating. We will turn on ONLY
WIDEn-N digipeating because it has a built-in dupe elimination
filter.

Users will only be allowed to send the same packet once a
minute.

Althought this will help protect PCSAT-1 from overload,
initially, it will make throughput less since those same people
who transmit too much and too often will react by trying to send
more often.  This will further jam the uplink.  But if PCSAT-1
crashes we will all lose it.

Maybe they will eventually learn and give PCSAT-1 and other
small users some free air time.  We will post announcements for
the changeover on 8 Nov.

Bob, WB4APR