User-Oriented Performance Measurements of the AMSAT-NA Microsat

A preliminary set of user-oriented performance measurements has been conducted using the AMSAT-NA PACSAT-1, and to a lesser degree, the AMSAT-LU LUSAT-1 Microsats. These preliminary measurements have been carried out by exchanging files and commands between two separate ground stations. During some of the tests a third station was used to monitor the satellite downlink independent of the stations engaged in the communications exchange. The monitored frames were captured and examined as an aid in determining the effective data rate and response time as observed by the end user. The tests have been an attempt to determine approximately what performance users can expect given certain ground station equipment. This paper provides a description and summary of the tests as well as a discussion of planned future experiments to be based on the experience gained from the tests described here.