October 2006 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: TLE data at celestrak.com
by Isao SEKI 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

If anyone use the TLEs with SatTrack, you can do the below procedure to remove harmfulness. sed -e 's/^M//' -e 's/ \[.*\]//' amateur.tmp > amateur.txt Isao / JM1WBB > Message: 8 > >> From http://celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/master.asp > > > Status codes (where present): > [+] = Operational [-] = Nonoperational > [P] = Partially Operational [B] = Backup/Standby > [S] = Spare [X] = Extended Mission

1 0

ICOM PCR 1500
by John Heath 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

Hi, I am thinking of buying and ICOM PCR 1500 receiver. Does anyone on the list use one for satellite, and can it be controlled for Doppler tunning with Nova, SatPcC32 or similar? Thanks John G7HIA

2 1

Re: GTO-Track
by Brad, K1GTo 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

Thank you for your comments, Paul. I enjoyed reading your write-up on "the One True Rule". I notice that your stated goals were my original goals, until I really started to listen to how people used the satellites. I'm not trying to start a trend or do anything "the right way" because if I did, it would make it harder for other stations to maintain a QSO with me. I want to take the methods used by people today, and simplify it for myself, and anybody else who would like to use my app. You were a little hasty to shoot down the basis of the idea. If we think about it for a moment, how many people do you know with dual-band radios in their vehicle? Then think about how many people can full duplex between those bands. There are a few but most can't. My 706 can't, and that is what is driving me to write this application. People with a shack that includes a computer and all the doo-dads won't benefit from this application. They probably can't understand why I would go to so much trouble to write such an application. They already have what they need all in one place. It's the mobile guys like me, that don't have a shack back at home with a computer interfaced radio connected to prediction software. I have a java enabled phone, an interface cable, a 706, and it's all in my car with me when I'm operating. That's everything I need to operate a transponder sat, just like the guys at home with a PC, except my method will be a lot more lightweight. The application could use OTR, or any other method. The math is all quite simple with the assistance of Predict's GET_DOPPLER command. I just don't see any other practical way to drive down the highway and work a Transponder satellite. You must see by now that this is the very essence of what GTO-Track will do. Only one radio is needed, with a CI-V interface and a java-enabled phone, you're in business. As a side note, phase-2 of the project will let the user plug in key attributes (probably about 5 numbers) of an upcoming orbit, so they can work the sat without network connectivity. Even these calculations can be simplified enough to allow for a small phone to continuously tune the TX and RX freqs on the radio, or tune the TX after the user adjusts the RX. -----Original Message----- From: Paul Williamson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 6:11 PM To: Brad, K1GTo Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] GTO-Track >In the first Phase, the application will use an internet connection to >connect to a running Predict server (that's the Linux satellite tracker >program). The application that runs on the phone will interface to predict >to obtain Doppler shift information about the satellite currently selected, >based on the QTH coordinates programmed into Predict. That's very cute, but not really all that practical in my opinion. It would probably require less code space and a lot less battery power to just do the calculations locally, and that would work even without network coverage. The days when orbital prediction calculations could be considered CPU-intensive are long gone. The phone can still use its network connectivity to get current elements and perhaps accurate date/time if it doesn't already have that. >That was sort of question 1 there, is that how it ought to work? Pretty much, yes. >Then the next part of the question would be: Should the application leave >the RX frequency constant, not adjusting it whatsoever for any Doppler, etc, >and only adjust the input frequency? The long version of my thoughts on this can be found at http://www.amsat.org/amsat/features/one_true_rule.html 73 -Paul kb5mu(a)amsat.org

2 1

Re: TLE data at celestrak.com
by Keith N4ZQ 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

>From http://celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/master.asp Status codes (where present): [+] = Operational [-] = Nonoperational [P] = Partially Operational [B] = Backup/Standby [S] = Spare [X] = Extended Mission

1 0

TLE data at celestrak.com
by Alexandru Csete 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

Greetings, I noticed today that in the TLE data at http://celestrak.com some sort of code has been added to the satellite names, for example: AO-5 [-] 1 04321U 70008B 06291.55431397 -.00000031 00000-0 10000-3 0 7492 2 04321 102.0681 269.7355 0027833 21.2403 338.9816 12.52147306679025 The codes I have seen are [+],[-],[P] and [B]. Moreover, ISS has been renamed to ARISS [+]. The TLE files at http://space-track.org does not have these codes, and ISS is still ISS. Does anybody have an idea of what is going on at celestrak? Can it be something indicating the operational status of the satellite? 73 Alex OZ9AEC

3 2

Gifts to AMSAT via your local United Way
by Gunther Meisse 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

Often, AMSAT members have ask if they can make a contribution to AMSAT via their local United Way drive. I have spoken with Leslie J. Talley, Director, Community and Public Sector Workplace Campaigns at the National U-W office and was informed that there are NO national agencies within U-W. Every agency that wishes to be eligible to receive donations must go through that local U-W campaign office and seek approval. With that in mind, I would encourage anyone who wishes to make such a gift to call their local U-W director and ask if they will allow such a gift. AMSAT does not have the staff to canvas the country and establish these hundreds of relationships. One alternative is to just reduce your U-W gift and write a check to AMSAT. Both are tax deductible as charitable donations. (Check with you individual tax advisor to review your specific circumstances and deductibility). We do continue to be certified by the Combined Federal Campaign so Federal Employees can continue to make annual donations by listing AMSAT CFC #2944 on their pledge form. Regards, Gunther Meisse AMSAT Treasurer W8GSM

1 0

Third Party questionnaire
by Ransom, Kenneth G. (JSC-OC)[BAR] 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

I could use a little help. I'm trying to get an idea of which countries permit third party traffic (communications by an unlicensed person while under the control of a licensed operator). It would appear that the full gambit exists. Some countries do not permit third party with any unlicensed individual. Some countries permit just a select list of countries that they have agreements with and others permit third party traffic with anyone (as long as the other party's country does not prohibit). So, could a few kind souls answer these questions to with accurate information about various countries regulations? 1. Does your country permit third party traffic between stations within your country? 2. Does your country permit third party traffic between your station and a station outside your country? 2a. If so, which ones? 3. Does your country have a link to the regulation regarding third party traffic (please provide)? For example, the answers for the USA would be: ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Yes 2. Yes (just specific countries) 2a. Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Liberia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom (special event stations with call sign prefix GB followed by a number other than 3), Uruguay, and Venezuela. The United Nations also has arrangements with the United States to permit an amateur station regulated by the FCC to exchange messages for a third party with amateur stations 4U1ITU in Geneva, Switzerland, and 4U1VIC in Vienna, Austria 3. http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=about_2&id=amateur#Third% 20Party%20Communications ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Of particular interest are countries that do not prohibit third party at all (like Canada and New Zealand). I'd like to compile a list of these countries in addition to identifying countries that do permit third party traffic with agreements and possibly try to add more countries to their list. This could be very helpful when supporting education events where unlicensed kids might participate. Kenneth - N5VHO

2 2

OY8FT probably a pirate
by OZ1MY 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

Hi all, I have tried to find information about OY8FT, who was working portable from the Faroe Islands. Nobody seem to know him. Not the Faroe Islands "FCC" either. Also I have doubts about TF8A/M. I heard his call sometimes as FT8A/M - but I can not find him in the lists. By the way he spoke Danish. If anybody knows something please send an e-mail. 73 OZ1MY Ib

1 0

OSCAR-11 Heard
by Clive Wallis 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

OSCAR-11 is back! It was first heard by Peter ZL3TC, at 06:23 UTC on October 18, and later by Paul KB5MU. It had been silent since August 26. Many thanks for those reports. Very strong signals today, 19 October, 07:28 UTC pass. If the watchdog cycle continues to operate normally, the 145.826 MHz. beacon should transmit until around 28 October. My website now has the latest telemetry captured 19 October the URL is - www.users.zetnet.co.uk\clivew\ I will now delay my usual monthly report until the end of the month. 73 Clive G3CWV Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, UK.

1 0

Re: 10' dish radio astronomy?
by Tom Clark, K3IO 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

You might be interested in the SRT (Student Radio Telescope) activity initiated by the Haystack Observatory. Take a look at http://www.haystack.edu/edu/undergrad/srt/index.html. It is based on a 7' (or larger) TVRO dish and the web site contains technical details and suggested projects. About 100 high schools and colleges and a few intrepid amateurs have made SRTs. All the hardware and software for the SRT is open source. Also note the SRT bulletin board at http://www.haystack.mit.edu/edu/undergrad/srt/forum/. For folks who want to purchase SRT hardware, check out http://www.cassicorp.com/; however I note that the last time I checked with Cassi, their delivery times were ~6 months. CASSI makes a nice az-el antenna mount and Haystack has also used the Polish Alfa-Spid rotor (VE6JY and http://www.alfaradio.ca/alfaspid.html). Both use DC motors which provides for high torque at a slow, steady drive speed. You might be interested in the az-el positioning controller for ~24VDC motors -- just click on "Upgraded Ground Controller" at http://www.haystack.edu/edu/undergrad/srt/receiver/Downloadable_Resources.h…. While there, also pick up the Functional Block Diagram to get an idea of the scope of the project. By way of "truth in advertising", I have had a strong professional tie with Haystack and their projects for 35+ years -- especially in VLBI and Geodesy areas (see http://www.haystack.edu/), and I now serve on their Board of Trustees, so don't expect me say anything bad! 73. Tom

2 1