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

Scott Sanford to address AMSAT Symposium Attendees
by Emily Clarke 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

AMSAT is very pleased to announced that Dr. Scott Sanford, NASA Principle Investigator and co-director of the NASA Ames Astrochemistry Laboratory, has accepted our invitation to provide a key presentation during our tour of the Ames Exploration Center. Dr. Sanford will speak on about sample return from comets and asteroids in general and specifically about the Stardust Sample and Return Mission to Comet Wild 2. Dr. Sanford was one of the original team members to propose capturing dust from a comet and bringing it back to Earth. Stardust was launched in February 1999, and in January 2004 approached Wild 2 within 150 miles of the nucleus, collecting samples and capturing detailed imagery of the comet's surface. On January 15th 2006 Stardust re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and successfully completed it's mission after landing in the salt flats of northwestern Utah. For Dr. Sanford, the investigation is just beginning as he and a team of 180 other scientists are hard at work to analyze the Stardust samples. This team will likely spend years unlocking secrets from the samples. Their efforts will lead to a better understanding about the formation of our solar system and perhaps even the origin of life on Earth and elsewhere in the Solar System. So be sure to join us Sunday afternoon for what promises to be an exciting event. There is no charge for visiting the Ames Exploration Center or attending Dr. Sanford's presentation. Round trip bus transportation from the Symposium Venue to Ames is available and costs $14. You can register for the bus online through the AMSAT store. The 2006 Space Symposium will be a joint meeting with the ARISS International Delegates and will also include the IARU Satellite Advisory Panel annual meeting, and a meeting of AMSAT International Delegates. For additional information please visit the AMSAT website at http://www.amsat.org. Click on the 2006 Space Symposium link in the left side menu. This year you can register for the Space Symposium online. Online Registration can be found at http://www.amsat-na.com/symposium 73, Emily Clarke, N1DID Symposium Chair --------------------------------- N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm Donate to AMSAT at http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net Personal Website - http://www.PlanetEmily.com

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Discussion regarding AO-51 power
by Bruce Robertson 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

Gang: I think we all know how Pat fells, trying to work out what is going wrong with a set-up, wondering if the power has somehow dropped in the transmitter, since its one variable we can't nail down. Someone in that situation might not be properly equiped to download telemetry, especially since receiving poorly is the original problem! That said, I think the team managing Echo are busy enough, and they do an excellent job reporting and calendaring mode changes. It isn't reasonable to ask them to log the output power in real time. Notice, however, that this email list provided the answer to Pat's question very quickly. I imagine anyone who asked such a question here could reasonably hope that some kind soul would answer within a day. I think it would be best expressed as a request for a favour, in any case. Finally, I should mention again that the book on AO-51 at the amsat store is an excellent read and invaluable reference regarding the details of this wonderful satellite. 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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Re: Accuracy?
by George Henry 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

With the Motorola Oncore software I am using, I have found the reported time to exactly match WWV. I assume that the software takes leap seconds into account, though I have not checked the documentation. A friend who works at Motorola did the initial set-up -----Original Message----- >From: Ray McKnight <shortsheep(a)worldnet.att.net> >Sent: Aug 25, 2006 1:16 AM >To: George Henry <ka3hsw(a)earthlink.net> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Accuracy? > >You are aware that GPS time and "earth" time are two different critters? >The GPS constellation is not adjusted for leap seconds, so the time your >GPS receiver displays is something like 13-14 seconds off actual earth time. > >Could make for some big problems trying to track a highly eliptical orbit >or even LEO with that much error. > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "George Henry" <ka3hsw(a)earthlink.net> >To: "amsat bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 21:27 >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Accuracy? > > >> It depends on the level of automation of your station... if you are using >> fixed antennas, you only need enough accuracy to know when the satellite >is >> in view. If you are using rotor control, it depends on the beamwidth of >> your antennas ( the narrower the beamwidth, the more critical the aiming >> becomes). If you are using doppler control, then very high accuracy is >> needed: a few seconds of error can translate to several hundred hertz of >> doppler shift on a high pass. >> >> I have my XP machines set to check an internet NTP server every 4 hours. >> For Field Day, I use a GPS receiver to keep the PC clock dead on, and >always >> use GPS to set my station coordinates accurately when portable. And when >in >> doubt, I update my keps right before operating, and at least once a week >> otherwise. >> >> George, KA3HSW

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Accuracy?
by Stargate 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

I guess my question should be....How much accuracy is required for satellite communications? Thanks, RoD KD0XX

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Hotel Reservations
by Emily Clarke 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

At 06:17 PM 8/24/2006, Another member wrote with an excellent question >Emily, >I have looked and have not found the AMS discount code anywhere. I >have made my reservations through the web site as directed and got a >rate of $109. I made the reservation under my wife's name so that >she get the points under her priority club number. Is that the right amount? Yes (member), that is the correct amount. The AMS Code is automatically applied and can be found under the "Corporate, Group and IATA Identification (Optional)" field if you expand it by clicking on the Plus sign. AMS shows up in the "Group Booking Code" field. It's probably a good thing to check, but thus far there has been no problems with the 6 or 7 browsers I've tested. If you are calling the hotel or toll free number you need to mention the AMS code when you book. (In So Far As I Know) It doesn't matter who's points number you enter and I think in the last three years I've only been asked for my card once. But if you have any questions about that please contact the Intercontinental Hotels Group (Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, etc.) Priority Club customer service for specific information. Depending on your club membership (Member, Gold, Elite) that number is different - please consult your membership information. One thing I can tell you is that if your spouse has a Priority Club number, and you have a different one, you can combine points when you go to redeem them. 73, Emily --------------------------------- N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm Donate to AMSAT at http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net Personal Website - http://www.PlanetEmily.com

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[Updated] Important Information about Hotel Reservations
by Emily Clarke 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

After reviewing the hotel contracts we discovered that our members are also entitled to the discounted rate three days before and three days after the symposium dates. We contacted the hotel, and they have made further adjustments to the reservation system. You can now use the AMS discount code for any hotel reservations from the 1st of October through the 13th. The following is a corrected set of instructions. 73, Emily --------------------------- It seems like we are running into a similar problem with the Intercontinental Reservation system as we did in Washington and Lafayette. When this happens, people making reservations are told that there are no rooms available. After speaking with the hotel we know what is happening and why, and it is really a bug in the reservation software that affects both the online system and the system the customer service representatives use. It is important to understand how the discounted rate system works in order to reserve your rooms successfully. We have a block of rooms set aside from the 4th through the 10th of October, and the discounted rate code only applies during that period. If you book a room outside that range the reservation software will tell you (or a customer service representative) that there are no rooms available. Here are some additional steps that will guide you to a successful reservation: 1) Make a reservation for within the dates of October 1st through the 13th using the AMS discount code. 2) Make a second (or third if necessary) for dates before and after that range. If you have difficulties call the hotel directly at (650) 570-5700 or call at 1-877-2-CROWNE. Be sure to give them the AMS discount code and explain the reservations you need as described above. You must make your reservations prior to September 13 to qualify for the discounted rate! Please Note: The symposium rate is for a standard room - you can upgrade to an executive room or suite at a discounted rate. 73, Emily --------------------------------- N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm Donate to AMSAT at http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net Personal Website - http://www.PlanetEmily.com --------------------------------- N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm Donate to AMSAT at http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net Personal Website - http://www.PlanetEmily.com

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Re: Accuracy?
by Reicher, James 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

Enough accuracy to work the satellite. After all, this IS rocket science! :) 73 de N8AU, Jim in Raymore, MO -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Stargate Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 4:30 PM To: Amsat-Bb Subject: [amsat-bb] Accuracy? I guess my question should be....How much accuracy is required for satellite communications? Thanks, RoD KD0XX _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Orbitron vs http://www.n2yo.com/
by Stargate 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

How much of a discrepancy should I see between Orbitron and the online tracker at http://www.n2yo.com/ ?? I notice the Lon/Lat of the ISS's location is a few minutes different between the two. Thanks, RoD KD0XX

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Just got a visual on the ISS!!!!
by Stargate 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

CoooooooL!!! I must have Orbitron set up correctly. I just watched the space station go overhead!!! One SMALL step for me:-) RoD KD0XX

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Important Information about Hotel Reservations
by Emily Clarke 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

It seems like we are running into a similar problem with the Intercontinental Reservation system as we did in Washington and Lafayette. When this happens, people making reservations are told that there are no rooms available. After speaking with the hotel we know what is happening and why, and it is really a bug in the reservation software that affects both the online system and the system the customer service representatives use. It is important to understand how the discounted rate system works in order to reserve your rooms successfully. We have a block of rooms set aside from the 4th through the 10th of October, and the discounted rate code only applies during that period. If you book a room outside that range the reservation software will tell you (or a customer service representative) that there are no rooms available. Here are some additional steps that will guide you to a successful reservation: 1) Make a reservation for within the dates of the 4th through the 10th using the AMS discount code. 2) Make a second (or third if necessary) for dates before and after that range. If you have difficulties call the hotel directly at (650) 570-5700 or call at 1-877-2-CROWNE. Be sure to give them the AMS discount code and explain the reservations you need as described above. You must make your reservations prior to September 13 to qualify for the discounted rate! Please Note: The symposium rate is for a standard room - you can upgrade to an executive room or suite at a discounted rate. 73, Emily --------------------------------- N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm Donate to AMSAT at http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net Personal Website - http://www.PlanetEmily.com

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