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

comments
by Gerry 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Have opportunity to obtain a Yaesu FT857D radio.Comments re this radio especially its use for Satellite work and its operation on HF would be appreciated 73 Gerry VE4GTB ve4gtb(a)mts.net

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AMSAT-UK -- POSAT (PO28)
by Trevor 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

A statement on POSAT (PO28) by Martin Sweeting G3YJO can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/ 73 Trevor M5AKA ___________________________________________________________ All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 1, Issue 112
by Robert Roy 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Kevin: glad to see your working yourself on the S downlink of AO-51....havent used my DEM down converter (2400 to 144) in a long time but have heard nothing while listing this week.....l dont guess there are hundreds of people with L band up links......am using BBQ grill, DEM down-converter and PCR 1000 receiver.....need to get a signal source for 2.4 ghz to further test the S downlink as there are no other mode S satellites that l know of.......73 Rob ----- Original Message ----- From: <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 2:00 PM Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 1, Issue 112 > Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Astron SS-30M schematic needed (G. Beat) > 2. Symposium Pre-Registration Extended (Emily Clarke) > 3. Re: Astron SS-30M schematic needed (Joe KS1I) > 4. HITSAT official HP (Mineo Wakita) > 5. HITSAT official HP #2 (Mineo Wakita) > 6. 9-17-06 14:50 UTC pass of AO-51 (Kevin J. Smith) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2006 14:15:28 -0500 > From: "G. Beat" <gregory.beat(a)comcast.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Astron SS-30M schematic needed > To: <ks1i(a)arrl.net>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <005c01c6d9c4$790fbdd0$6601a8c0(a)comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252"; > reply-type=original > > Joe - > > That schematic is available in the Astron schematic index of the Repeaters > Builder web site, thanks to K4XL. (BTW, a schematic was not shipped with > my > SS-30M) > http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-index.html > > Astron SS-30M schematic (Adobe Acrobat) > http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-ss-30.pdf > > Cheers > > Greg > w9gb > >>> Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:44:54 -0700 (PDT) >>> From: Joe Kononchik >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Astron SS-30M schematic needed >>> To: amsat-bb >> >> >> I was wondering if anyone had a schematic for the Astron SS-30M switching >> power supply. >> >> 73 - >> Joe, KS1I >> ks1i(a)arrl.net > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:33:02 -0700 > From: Emily Clarke <emily(a)planetemily.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Symposium Pre-Registration Extended > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060916132855.0498b4d8(a)planetemily.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed > > > Since most (about 90%) of Symposium Registrations have been through > the website we have made a decision to extend pre-registration > through the 24th of September. We were able to do this because the > production cycle for badges, etc. is now automated and requires very > little human intervention except some minor paper handling! > > So if you haven't signed up now is your chance to get in at the last > minute without having to pay the additional fee! > > 73, > > Emily > Symposium Chair > > --------------------------------- > N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm > > Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2006 18:09:14 -0400 > From: "Joe KS1I" <kononchik(a)sbcglobal.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Astron SS-30M schematic needed > To: "'G. Beat'" <gregory.beat(a)comcast.net>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <001501c6d9dc$bf6026e0$210110ac@SELF99E34E7E2F> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hi Greg W9GB, > > Thanks for the information! Greatly appreciate it. > > 73 - Joe, KS1I > > -----Original Message----- > From: G. Beat [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 3:15 PM > To: ks1i(a)arrl.net; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Astron SS-30M schematic needed > > Joe - > > That schematic is available in the Astron schematic index of the Repeaters > Builder web site, thanks to K4XL. (BTW, a schematic was not shipped with > my > > SS-30M) > http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-index.html > > Astron SS-30M schematic (Adobe Acrobat) > http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-ss-30.pdf > > Cheers > > Greg > w9gb > >>> Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:44:54 -0700 (PDT) >>> From: Joe Kononchik >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Astron SS-30M schematic needed >>> To: amsat-bb >> >> >> I was wondering if anyone had a schematic for the Astron SS-30M switching >> power supply. >> >> 73 - >> Joe, KS1I >> ks1i(a)arrl.net > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:05:27 +0900 > From: "Mineo Wakita" <ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp> > Subject: [amsat-bb] HITSAT official HP > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <000301c6da51$917073f0$92aefea9@yourdesomzjynu> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-2022-jp"; > reply-type=original > > > http://www.hit.ac.jp/%7Esatori/hitsat/index-e.htm > > --------------------------------------------- > Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member > Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp > URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ > QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj > Date: Sep 17, 2006 > --------------------------------------------- > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:10:18 +0900 > From: "Mineo Wakita" <ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp> > Subject: [amsat-bb] HITSAT official HP #2 > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <000f01c6da52$3dd2b3b0$92aefea9@yourdesomzjynu> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-2022-jp"; > reply-type=original > > > http://www.hit.ac.jp/~satori/hitsat/index-e.htm > > --------------------------------------------- > Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member > Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp > URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ > QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj > Date: Sep 17, 2006 > --------------------------------------------- > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 11:33:38 -0400 > From: "Kevin J. Smith" <kevin.j.smith(a)comcast.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] 9-17-06 14:50 UTC pass of AO-51 > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <000601c6da6e$a61d17a0$2900a8c0@N3HKQ> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > In FN00 I seemed to have the entire pass to myself. I did hear myself on > a > few occasions as I was sending out my call. I do have quite a few trees > to > contend with around my property so it is possible I could not hear others. > I will be on the 9-18-06 00:25 UTC pass this evening. I hope to contact > others as this will be my last opportunity to make an L/S contact before > AO-51 switches to V/U. Thanks for the bandwidth. > > Kevin Smith > N3HKQ > FN00be > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 1, Issue 112 > ****************************************

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Soyouz TMA-9 NORAD id 29400 ?
by jean-claude.aveni 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Hello fellow Is Soyouz TMA-9 number NORAD : 29400 ? If Id = 29400 then 2Lines = 1 29400U 06040A 06261.61399321 .00163314 24538-4 15806-3 0 37 2 29400 051.6316 066.6040 0017062 347.8305 106.6267 16.10858799 65 from Space Track USAF Advice me 73 -- *Jean-Claude Aveni* Tel portable : *06 80 92 38 79* Courriel prime : jean-claude.aveni(a)wanadoo.fr '' alternate : aveni(a)lma.cnrs-mrs.fr Site web à l'URL : http://astro-notes.org Call radio amateur : TK5GH

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AO-51 mode L/S
by Michael Fletcher 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Hi all, been copying AO-51 on L/S mode very nicely over the past few days. My setup is a hand-held linearly polarized (yes, you need rotate it to follow the S/C spin) W-LAN patch antenna with a California Microwave downconverter feeding an FRG-9600 modified to feed DC to the D/C. Excellent signals, absolutely no interference, always enjoying the spectacular L band uplinks for various European stations, especially OZ1MY, whom has an exceptionally solid uplink :-) Mostly been listening to eastern and overhead passes, simply because I can sit on my veranda steps, sip coffee and twiddle the knobs & antenna ;-) Really cannot wait for the next L/S session; this mode is a very impressive demo mode for experienced hams that have no idea what satellites can do for you, not to speak of our future generation of hams... 73's Michael, OH2AUE

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Re: Eagle Satellite Design
by William Leijenaar 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Hi AMSATs, --Snip-- "If there is sufficient folks and money to support such an independent project, I would suggest hiring established transponder engineers to do the actual design and construction...i.e someone known and respected by the "Amsat family". Afterall, such a module must satisfy all the spacecraft requirements and testing to qualify to be included and flown." What are the specifications for this s-band transponder ? Like: Power supply, RF power output, physical size, input IF etc... I will have a look what is possible... 73 de PE1RAH William Leijenaar --- __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Retaining message titles
by G0MRF＠aol.com 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Hi Chaps. Can we try to retain subject titles for our messages please. The interesting thread on S Band reception has been lost to the archives because the subject line was changed from S Band reception to: Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 1, Issue 112 Thanks David

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AO-51 Mode L/S
by Reg Wood 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

I had one contact with VK2DAG only enough to swap callsigns but the signal my end was consistently 20db 0ver S9 and could get into the bird with about 6 watts from an IC-910. I am using my AO-40 dish which is a 1.8Metre mesh dish with a L/S patch feed and controlled by Uni_trac. On most passes that I tried I could hear my own signal coming down from AO-51 which was most of the time at S9 with a very slow and deep fade. I was please to be able to check how it was working after it had been unsed since AO-40 ceased operation. Thanks Echo schedule team for chance to blow the cobwebs out of the equipment and looking forward to the day when P3E and Eagle is up there. Regards Reg VK2RW --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Dating: Get busy flirting with your 7-day free pass

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AO-51 S Downlink
by Clare Fowler 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

In addition to pointing the antenna directly at the satellite and determining the offset of the downconverter frequency there is a third large variable in being able to receive mode S. I have received full quieting signals with a 6 1/2 turn helix when AO-51 is above approximately 35 degrees elevation. This evening I tried a QSO with Dave G1OCN when we both had a max elevation of 5 degrees. I could hear him and myself for over a 3 minute period but he did not hear himself or me. I was receiving with a 1.2 meter dish which has about 14 db +/- more gain than the 6 1/2 turn helix. With the dish the AO-51 downlink signal is +10 db over S9 when the elevation is above about 15 degrees. The AO-51 signal at 4 degrees elavation was S5 +/- QSB. This is again a difference of about 14 db. (S meter checked with a signal source and step attenuator) This 10 to 15 db loss in signal level at very low elevation can be partially attributed to increased range but primarily due to the off pointing angle of the S band antenna on AO-51 Farther measurements would likely show considerable variations in the S band downlink signal level relative to elevation and azimuth. Clare VE3NPC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006

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where fools die!
by Luc Leblanc VE2DWE 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

Hi to all I just reading back my archives and i found if you want to know where to you want to go you have to know where you came from. Here is a what we can read on March 25 2005 Greg Wycoff wrote: > ... > I hope others will share their thought and memory's of AO-40/AO-13/AO-10 > so we can help start the drive for raising money for EAGLE and get > others geared up for P3E. > ... I became QRV on the AO-40 late in its life, on Aug. 20th 2003. I started out in mode U/S with antennas made out of cardboard boxes and aluminum foil, the way Tony, AA2TX described them on p. 57 of QST March 2003, and with a DB6NT S-to-2m downconverter. The rig was an IC-910. I was able to operate very close out to the apogee, with the 50W UHF into the corner uplink antenna. The performance of the downlink S-band horn surprised me. I operated mostly from indoors, through an open window and thus could not make use of every pass, but after my first 5 passes I had reached all 6 continents with the cardboard antennas and I own a WAC-SAT for that. After a while I got a 85cm offset dish with a dualpatch feed for mode L/S, with 10W out from the IC-910. Until the unfortunate early death of the AO-40 in Jan. 2004 I was able to only take advantage of a total of 26 passes, made a total of 110 QSOs, both CW and SSB and reached 39 DXCC entities. I have made a sizable donation toward P3E and hope you all will too. 73 Werner, HB9US, AMSAT-DL # 302508, but since I have no AMSAT-NA #, noone over there will be interested in my comments anyway... This guy was a wise one...;) Never say nobody will be interested in what you have to say...I was and i'm still is! But i just hope Greg is not too disappointed! By his inland engineers... P.S. Someone in a recent past ask for the real number of AMSAT membership could be Emily N1DID ex W0ECC can tell us the answer? as she is on the board. Is AMSAT-NA is transparent? asking the question is the answer... "-" The medium is the message...The content is the audience...;) Luc Leblanc VE2DWE WAC basic,CW,Phone,Satellite Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe

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Eagle
by Jim Sanford 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

All: I have just uploaded a reformatted version of the Eagle digital design meeting in San Diego. Hope it's easier to read than before. CHeck out the 70cm pages in EaglePedia. Thanks & 73, Jim wb4gcs(a)amsat.org

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room share nights of oct 5-8
by rafus 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

room share available room already booked for oct 5-8, please contact me at kd4frb(a)amsat.org bill rafus kd4frb area coordinator south florida kd4frb(a)amsat.org ________________________________________________________________ Sent via the WebMail system at webunited.com

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AO-51 Mode LS
by Matt 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

I had some luck with my AO-40 gear, MMDS downconverter - VK5EME preamp - 3' BBQ grill. But very limited comms. I am at a new location and my antennas and rotators weren't adjusted/calibrated enough for AO-51, and they were only installed last week. Got it sorted by Friday but az is still off by a couple of degrees. I kinda worked VK2RW Reg on the 13SEP06 @ 11:50z, but all we exchanged were call signs and the sat was at it's closest when I heard him/me. Then I lost it. By Friday and the weekend I was getting maybe 50 ~ 60% of the passes to my West, unlike my AO-40 days I have a lot of trees around me up to 30 degrees to my East and 15 degrees to my South. But it still was very tricky to work or find! SatPC32 couldn't get it right for the Doppler so I used my PCR1000 to find the downlink dialed in the 910 with the AFC on and i was ok from then. My uplink was a IC-T81a with a 16 Watt brick amp into 25 ele loop yagi with the memories set at 10 KHz intervals. So I think I was getting in ok I hope I didn't QRM anyone whilst trying. I have made some recordings of my downlink but it's only me calling CQ I forgot to record the QSO with Reg. With AO-40 it was easy to see how much error I had with my rotators and LO of my downconverter and so it made it easy to set up software like Satpc32 to accommodate for the difference. It's very hard to get it right will a LEO. I have started looking at S Band GEO sats so that I can remove all the errors in my setup. But all good ham fun I would like to see AO-51 in LS or VS more often in the future. Can AO-51 run LU? And what is the difference between DOVE's downlink and AO-51? DOVE seemed to be a lot stronger. VK2DAG.

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AMSAT Logo ?
by Dave G1OCN 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

Where can I download a jpg/bmp picture of the AMSAT UK logo from please ? I would like to include it on my QSL card. Cheers, Dave. AMSAT UK 5766

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9-17-06 14:50 UTC pass of AO-51
by Kevin J. Smith 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

In FN00 I seemed to have the entire pass to myself. I did hear myself on a few occasions as I was sending out my call. I do have quite a few trees to contend with around my property so it is possible I could not hear others. I will be on the 9-18-06 00:25 UTC pass this evening. I hope to contact others as this will be my last opportunity to make an L/S contact before AO-51 switches to V/U. Thanks for the bandwidth. Kevin Smith N3HKQ FN00be

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HITSAT official HP #2
by Mineo Wakita 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

http://www.hit.ac.jp/~satori/hitsat/index-e.htm --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj Date: Sep 17, 2006 ---------------------------------------------

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HITSAT official HP
by Mineo Wakita 17 Sep '06

17 Sep '06

http://www.hit.ac.jp/%7Esatori/hitsat/index-e.htm --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj Date: Sep 17, 2006 ---------------------------------------------

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Re: Astron SS-30M schematic needed
by G. Beat 16 Sep '06

16 Sep '06

Joe - That schematic is available in the Astron schematic index of the Repeaters Builder web site, thanks to K4XL. (BTW, a schematic was not shipped with my SS-30M) http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-index.html Astron SS-30M schematic (Adobe Acrobat) http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-ss-30.pdf Cheers Greg w9gb >> Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:44:54 -0700 (PDT) >> From: Joe Kononchik >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Astron SS-30M schematic needed >> To: amsat-bb > > > I was wondering if anyone had a schematic for the Astron SS-30M switching > power supply. > > 73 - > Joe, KS1I > ks1i(a)arrl.net

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Symposium Pre-Registration Extended
by Emily Clarke 16 Sep '06

16 Sep '06

Since most (about 90%) of Symposium Registrations have been through the website we have made a decision to extend pre-registration through the 24th of September. We were able to do this because the production cycle for badges, etc. is now automated and requires very little human intervention except some minor paper handling! So if you haven't signed up now is your chance to get in at the last minute without having to pay the additional fee! 73, Emily Symposium Chair --------------------------------- N1DID formerly W0EEC - CM87tm Support Project OSCAR - http://www.projectoscar.net

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Re: Astron SS-30M schematic needed
by Joe KS1I 16 Sep '06

16 Sep '06

Hey Joe, KM1P - Many thanks! I think this should do it. I think I have a leaky bypass capacitor that causing rf to get to the case. 73 - Joe, KS1I -----Original Message----- From: Joe Fitzgerald [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 5:11 PM To: Joe Kononchik Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Astron SS-30M schematic needed Joe Kononchik wrote: > I was wondering if anyone had a schematic for the Astron SS-30M switching power supply. > Joe, Try ftp://bama.sbc.edu/downloads/astron/ss30/astron%20ss-30.pdf I think the only difference is that your supply has meters. -Joe KM1P

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Elmer Needed - LEO data and telemetry
by N6FO - Jim Cottle 16 Sep '06

16 Sep '06

Hi There, I would appreciate direct contact with someone here for extended questions regarding using WISP, etc for the TLM in the LEOs. I have no problem tracking GO-32 and AO-51, getting a good solid DCD during the pass but, try as I might, I cannot seem to get WISP to work. I get far more (albiet unrecognizable ASCII) when I simply connect to my TNC with hyperterminal. When I use WISP, I get nothing but files stuffed in the satellite directory. Anyone who wouldn't mind helping me with some stupid questions and linking up with me directly would be greatly appreciated. I am needless to say, not a fan of LEOs so far and would just like to use the digital capabilities at 9600 and 36K. My station is well equipped, but I have all of the tools and none of the talent. I am a fast learner, and have requested Martha send me a copy of the AMSAT guide (should be here any day now). I am tired of simply seeing my array track a 10 or 15 minute pass with nothing intelligible to show for it. I would like to read some telemetry? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!! I will return the favor once I am tutored. Jim N6FO San Francisco

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Full Duplex radios
by John Heath 16 Sep '06

16 Sep '06

Apologies for resurrecting this topic. Trying to help out a beginner. Is there a list anywhere of on air proven radio's that do full duplex for the FM "easy sats" To avoid cluttering the list please reply direct. I will post the conclusion.. Many thanks 73 john G7HIA

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Board vote results
by Dave Guimont 16 Sep '06

16 Sep '06

Thank you, Martha, for posting the results of this years election... Our membership totals when I first joined AMSAT years ago were published, and I hope I made a miniscule contribution to its growth at that time... Membership totals were proudly published, and for the life of me I cannot locate any now. Can anyone reading this missile point to them?? 73, Dave wb6llo(a)amsat.org Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E... -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006

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S Band UP
by sco＠sco-inc.com 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

I now have 2m, 70cm and 2.4ghz antennas for satellites. The radio is a Ft-847 with receive SSB preamps on V and U bands. I have a BBQ dish with a SSB 2.4 ghz downconverter. That will work fine with P3E (it did with AO-40). Could I still use the same dish for S Band uplink on Eagle? I would need some form of a upconverter (from 70cm to 2.4 ghz) plus a amp, to make that work? If I am using the S band for the uplink which band am I using for the downlink? 2m or 70cm? Les W4SCO

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AO-40 RIP
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Greetings It was sad today to see AMSAT has dropped the weekly KEPS update for AO-40 (sk). Still wishing for an AO-7 situation. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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[Fwd: ELMER NEEDED for LEO Telemetry]
by N6FO - Jim Cottle 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: ELMER NEEDED for LEO Telemetry Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 19:10:01 -0700 From: N6FO - Jim Cottle <n6fo(a)earthlink.net> To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Hi There, I would appreciate direct contact with someone here for extended questions regarding using WISP, etc for the TLM in the LEOs. I have no problem tracking GO-32 and AO-51, getting a good solid DCD during the pass but, try as I might, I cannot seem to get WISP to work. I get far more (albiet unrecognizable ASCII) when I simply connect to my TNC with hyperterminal. When I use WISP, I get nothing but files stuffed in the satellite directory. Anyone who wouldn't mind helping me with some stupid questions and linking up with me directly would be greatly appreciated. I am needless to say, not a fan of LEOs so far and would just like to use the digital capabilities at 9600 and 36K. My station is well equipped, but I have all of the tools and none of the talent. I am a fast learner, and have requested Martha send me a copy of the AMSAT guide (should be here any day now). I am tired of simply seeing my array track a 10 or 15 minute pass with nothing intelligible to show for it. I would like to read some telemetry? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!! I will return the favor once I am tutored. Jim, PhD N6FO San Francisco

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ELMER NEEDED for LEO Telemetry
by N6FO - Jim Cottle 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Hi There, I would appreciate direct contact with someone here for extended questions regarding using WISP, etc for the TLM in the LEOs. I have no problem tracking GO-32 and AO-51, getting a good solid DCD during the pass but, try as I might, I cannot seem to get WISP to work. I get far more (albiet unrecognizable ASCII) when I simply connect to my TNC with hyperterminal. When I use WISP, I get nothing but files stuffed in the satellite directory. Anyone who wouldn't mind helping me with some stupid questions and linking up with me directly would be greatly appreciated. I am needless to say, not a fan of LEOs so far and would just like to use the digital capabilities at 9600 and 36K. My station is well equipped, but I have all of the tools and none of the talent. I am a fast learner, and have requested Martha send me a copy of the AMSAT guide (should be here any day now). I am tired of simply seeing my array track a 10 or 15 minute pass with nothing intelligible to show for it. I would like to read some telemetry? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!! I will return the favor once I am tutored. Jim, PhD N6FO San Francisco

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Re: The Mode B tradition
by John Champa 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

What is the matter with everyone? If the guy next door is running WiFi on Channel 1, it is a very simple matter to ask him to switch to another channel, isn't it? It's just a simple software toggle. Any channel above 3 should be OK, and above 7 is out of the band! Laptops auto associate and find the channel, so only the channel in the AP needs changing. We're only talking about 100 mW sources (maximum!) here folks. Break out your wireless laptop, load up NetStumbler (free software) and go visit a couple neighbors. It's rather like solving a TVI problem in reverse, that's all. You can handle it! (HI) >From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> >To: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net>, "george abbott" ><ka1ajf(a)cox.net>, "'Bill Ress'" <bill(a)hsmicrowave.com>, "G0MRF David >Bowman" <g0mrf(a)aol.com>, <brobertson(a)mta.ca>, "AMSAT-BB" ><amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Mode B tradition >Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:20:41 +0200 > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >To: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>; "george abbott" <ka1ajf(a)cox.net>; >"'Bill Ress'" <bill(a)hsmicrowave.com>; "G0MRF David Bowman" <g0mrf(a)aol.com>; ><brobertson(a)mta.ca>; "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 3:51 AM >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: The Mode B tradition > > > The European contacts are similar to my experience in the U.S. Are you > > certain that the contacts outside Europe weren't cross-band -- one end >UV > > and the other US or LS? These would also have been completed on UV. > > >Hi John KD6OZH > >The US mode of OSCAR-13 was available only for short periods of time at >low squint angle while all the other modes where OFF >In addition there was not S downlink with L uplink on OSCAR-13 > >Uplink 435.603 to 435.639 MHz >Downlink 2400.711 to 2400.747 MHz >G.Beacon 2400.664 MHz was ON > > > My biggest concern about the S downlink is that it is becoming >increasingly > > harder to use in many parts of the world so that it becomes less and >less > > useful over the life of the Eagle satellites (2010-2030). > >Only God know 20 to 25 years from now......... I am 74 years old ! > >When AO-13 was >in > > orbit I could use the S downlink all the time, but by the time AO-40 was >in > > orbit, I had S9 WiFi interference for hours at a time -- even with >3-foot > > dish and feed. The dish was fairly deep (0.33 f/d) and the feed shielded >so > > sidelobes were low. > >I also experienced an increase of noise floor beginning from OSCAR-13 >and going to AO40 but here for the moment the S-band is still viable but >this is like to randomly fire a shot to my head with a revolver with only >one shot i.e. just in case a WiFi channel 1 will operate from the next door >no way ! > > > > Some in the U.K. say that we'd be better off flyng an S2 downlink > > (3400-3410MHz). > > >The downlink of EAGLE in the S2 would be a great choise if we >Europeans in Region-1 could get ITU to allow operation in S2 but who >know if receiving only in a well protected and scarcely used band not >allowed to us or to unlicenced services should be good even without a >rules changes ? ? > >Unfortunately for the moment I don't own a 3400-3410 MHz converter >with a feed for my dish to scan the band but just for curiosity I will try >using my spectrum analyser. > > > 73, > > > > John > > KD6OZH > > >73" de > >i8CVS Domenico > > > > >_______________________________________________ >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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A emergency use for Eagle's digital side
by Bruce Robertson 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

> > P.S. As the power lines are the first to go down in a natural disaster > is it not logiic to believe > that all the S band interference will be down as well? Considerring the > AMSAT-NA vissonnaires why > they not put this in their calculus? thay have already all the ready to > go installations for AO-40 > up and running! Is it not what we are looking for in case of an > emergency "easy ready to use > stuff"? Luc: I hear what you're saying, but the case could be put the other way. I've learned a great deal on this list by discussing these things with you and others; I hope you won't mind if I present an opposing view below. Although the vision statement and User Classes don't specify this idea, I think we have to imagine that one important use of Eagle's high bandwidth data channel during a crisis would be to provide an Internet link to emergency service providers. I've outlined this in a previous letter to this list, but I can't find it on the web, so I'll describe it again. I believe that the best thing you can do for emergency services is to allow them to use the communication tools with which they are most familiar: email, chat, even web forms and the like. Yes, people are trained in other means, but in our day-to-day interactions, TCP/IP rules. Putting this in Luc's terms above, the 'easy to use stuff' should be easy for the emergency folks, first and foremost; and today, easy means Internet. If that's the case, Eagle's data link could provide a pool of Internet connectivity within a striken area, allowing workers to do their thing as naturally as possible. I believe 256 kbps was the max mentioned in the recent article. A ground station with a sufficient Internet connection (perhaps one associated with an educational institution), would provide one end of the connection with a solid link to Eagle. The small dish station envisaged by the Design team, connected to a wireless laptop would provide the other end. Indeed, using a Knoppix-like boot disk, any laptop with remotely appropriate hardware could do the job. This laptop's wireless would act as a managed mode 802.11 hub. Then, our emergency workers just boot up their hardware, and they're there: emailing, using online chat, uploading photos and videos, whatever. 256 kbps could be split pretty far. Note, however, that with this use, the station is right in the middle of the 802.11 activity. If it were unable to hear well under such circumstances, this use would not be possible. (QRM'ing the emergency 802.11 traffic isn't a problem: the link laptop would be configured to make its connections on an unaffected 802.11b/g channel.) The world and the ham community has the right to ask us to justify our dedicated bandwidth. I think the picture above has the virtues of being both compelling and honest: I think Eagle could not only give us all a great deal of fun, but also improve some peoples' lives in hard times. For this reason, I think we should lash up an Internet link of this sort as soon as the digital side starts to come together, put it at either end of the Dayton Hamvention, show it off at other events, play with it across town as part of the QRO 802.11 links that hams are already exploring. Our message should be this: "Eagle's mode UV will be cleaner and more fun than any P3 bird; and Eagle's emergency capabilities will be out of this world." In saying this, I do not mean to reject the well-thought out caveats and concerns expressed on this list, but I do want to register my enthusiasm for the digital vision of the Eagle series, especially as tweaked above. Respectfully, 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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Preamp protection
by Angel Peláez, EA4DUT 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Hi everybody: I'm looking for the schematic diagram of a preamp protector against TX. I know the impressive quarter wave design with square brass stock and clamping diodes for 432 EME which Domenico, I8CVS, described I don't remember where. Rather I'm looking for something much compact as I would like to use from VHF to above. I mean one of these small boxes (RF diode clippers???) I see sometimes on commercial pages which promises withstand 25W for a short period I'll appreciate any comment about the issue. Thanks in advance. EA4DUT, Angel IN80FF ______________________________________________ LLama Gratis a cualquier PC del Mundo. Llamadas a fijos y móviles desde 1 céntimo por minuto. http://es.voice.yahoo.com

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C Band Downconverter
by sco＠sco-inc.com 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

I have a SSB downconverter for S band. Does anyone know if there are any downconverters for 5830-5850 ghz for downlink via Eagle C band? Looks like i would want a 70cm IF in that? Les W4SCO

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Re: The Mode B tradition, was Re: The Eagle has died.
by G0MRF＠aol.com 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

In a message dated 14/09/2006 15:56:15 GMT Standard Time, broberts(a)mta.ca writes: > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico Happily, two of the three birds you mention above, AO-7 and VO-52, are in exactly the mode that analog Eagle users will be using, U/V. As I understand it, the plan is to have this link working 24/7. (Yes it will primarily use a software-driven transponder, but that will be transparent to the analog user.) In this regard, I can't see how the design team can be accused of unnecessarily innovating. 73, Bruce VE9QRP Hello Bruce / Dom. I agree, the UV on Eagle will be apparently analog (ue) to the casual user. But be aware Bruce that it's not "primarily" a software driven transponder. It is in fact TOTALLY software driven. There is no linear IF, just DSP in the core. Or from another viewpoint 100,000 single point failures just waiting to happen. 73 David G0MRF

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Re: Microwave Information
by H. Paul Shuch, N6TX 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

> Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:21:06 -0500 > From: "Reicher, James" <JReicher(a)hrblock.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Microwave Information > To: "Amsat-Bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: > <9C686F40430D2E4B9B6D0B5F724AE7A00AD0DA22(a)whqmsg03.hrbinc.hrblock.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > I want to learn more about amateur operations on 1.2 GHz and the rest of > the microwave bands. Could someone provide me with some links for some > research and materials? > > > > 73 de N8AU, Jim in Raymore, MO Hi, Jim. I can highly recommend the ARRL UHF/Microwave Experimenter's Manual ($20 from arrl.org). Good luck; welcome into the world of microwaves! 73, Paul -- Dr. H. Paul Shuch, N6TX AMSAT Director of Education n6tx(a)amsat.org www.qsl.net/n6tx Grid Square FN11lh

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Astron SS-30M schematic needed
by Joe Kononchik 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

I was wondering if anyone had a schematic for the Astron SS-30M switching power supply. 73 - Joe, KS1I ks1i(a)arrl.net

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Results of 2006 Election
by MARTHA SARAGOVITZ 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

The results of the 2006 AMSAT Election: Tom Clark, K3IO - 800 votes- Director Lou McFadin, W5DID - 652 votes- Director Bob McGwier, N4HY - 647 votes- Director Lee McLamb, KU4OS- 321 votes - First Alternate Paul Shuch, N6TX - 312 votes- Second Alternate Please note Directors serve a two year term. The total number of votes cast was 937. Martha Saragovitz AMSAT Manager

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Video working FO-29 from mobile
by Pedro EB4DKA 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Hello list, I have put a video working the FO-29 from mobile in my website. The setup is: Uplink: Kenwood TM-255 (40W) + 1/4 wave VHF magmount whip. Downlink: Kenwood TH-F7E + CJU antenna + a pair of earbuds (there is a mp3 recorder between the F7E and the earbuds for the audio of the video). The pass was 39 degrees max. elevation for me in IM79DC. There was a little RF QRM from a near factory (at about 300 meters). The direct link to the video is http://rcfo.batcave.net/fo29movil.html but you can access it from my website www.eb4dka.tk in the videos section. Thank you very much Domenico I8CVS and Peter DL3JIN for helping me doing the video! Best 73 to all, Pedro EB4DKA http://www.eb4dka.tk http://miguel.servihosting.com/eb4dka eb4dka(a)amsat.org

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Microwave Information
by Reicher, James 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

I want to learn more about amateur operations on 1.2 GHz and the rest of the microwave bands. Could someone provide me with some links for some research and materials? 73 de N8AU, Jim in Raymore, MO

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Sat goodies for sale
by Tom D. 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

hi all i have 2 items for sale: 1: s band down converter, aidc-3731aa, in new condition. this unit was purchased from and modified by the fellow in Texas. i bought this 2 years ago or so and i have never used it. it has the correct comb filter and lo xtal for 144MHz if. also includes a power inserter for it. price is $85 shipped conus 48 2. paccomm spirit 2 tnc. this unit is used and works great. it also has the optional 38.8 modem filter and can do either 9600 or 38.8 baud. it comes with a manual copy and cable. i used this unit to copy Bob's pcsat2 telemetry. this is the standard model and the firmware is dated 94 and it has gps/aprs support. price is $135 shipped conus 48. sorry no outside us sales. thanks tom wa6osx g-sixty_three(a)juno.com ________________________________________________________________________ Try Juno Platinum for Free! Then, only $9.95/month! Unlimited Internet Access with 1GB of Email Storage. Visit http://www.juno.com/value to sign up today!

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Re: The Mode B tradition
by John Champa 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

John, The WiFi QRM you experienced on Mode S was probably a WiFi Channel 1 device. Some APs use that for a default channel, although most use Channel 6. Did you try using NetStumbler (free software) to determine location? At 100 mW nominal maximum RF power it must be a very local source. Many times you can just ask them to move to one of the channels 7 - 11 (simple software toggle), which in the US, is outside the 2.4 GHz Amateur Band. Just a suggestion. It's kind of like solving a TVI problem, but in reverse (HI). 73, John - K8OCL >From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >To: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>, "george abbott" <ka1ajf(a)cox.net>, > "'Bill Ress'" <bill(a)hsmicrowave.com>, "G0MRF David Bowman" ><g0mrf(a)aol.com>, <brobertson(a)mta.ca>, "AMSAT-BB" ><amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Mode B tradition >Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 01:51:17 -0000 > >The European contacts are similar to my experience in the U.S. Are you >certain that the contacts outside Europe weren't cross-band -- one end UV >and the other US or LS? These would also have been completed on UV. > >My biggest concern about the S downlink is that it is becoming increasingly >harder to use in many parts of the world so that it becomes less and less >useful over the life of the Eagle satellites (2010-2030). When AO-13 was in >orbit I could use the S downlink all the time, but by the time AO-40 was in >orbit, I had S9 WiFi interference for hours at a time -- even with 3-foot >dish and feed. The dish was fairly deep (0.33 f/d) and the feed shielded so >sidelobes were low. > >Some in the U.K. say that we'd be better off flyng an S2 downlink >(3400-3410MHz). > >73, > >John >KD6OZH > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> >To: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net>; "george abbott" ><ka1ajf(a)cox.net>; "'Bill Ress'" <bill(a)hsmicrowave.com>; "G0MRF David >Bowman" ><g0mrf(a)aol.com>; <brobertson(a)mta.ca>; "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 01:13 UTC >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: The Mode B tradition > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> > > To: "george abbott" <ka1ajf(a)cox.net>; "'Bill Ress'" > > <bill(a)hsmicrowave.com>; > > <G0MRF(a)aol.com>; <brobertson(a)mta.ca>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 1:19 AM > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Mode B tradition > > > >> You're right. P3E and Eagle will operate similarly to AO-10 and AO-13 >on > >> mode B and P3E is similar to AO-13 on mode S. I don't remember making a > >> single S-band contact outside the U.S. on AO-13. > > > > clipped > > > >> 73, > >> > >> John > >> KD6OZH > > > > > > Hi John, KD6OZH > > > > Just for record i have included belowe a list of OSCAR-13 > > operators with their call letters and antennas used for downlink > > Mode-S from 2400.711 to 2400.747 MHz during the lifetime > > of this glourious U/S transponder > > > > The power of OSCAR-13 mode-S was only 1,5 W pep and the > > satellite antenna was an helix with G=10 dBi and so EIRP=15 W > > pep > > > > In comparison the power of the S1 TX on AO40 was 50 W > > pep and the antenna was an helix with G=10 dBi and so > > EIRP=500 W pep > > The power of the next P3E will be 38 watt pep with a similar > > antenna. > > > > The mode-S transponder of OSCAR-13 was "hard limited",in > > other words no AGC was in it and so the 1,5 W pep > > available for all users was proportional to the uplink power. > > > > At epoch time of this list,uptodate by W4FJ on 14 jan 1994 > > it was very difficult if not impossible to find ready to operate > > preamplifiers/converters antennas/antenna feeds for 2.4 GHz > > and the most part of the equipments where necessarily hombrew > > by amateurs. > > > > In addition,at that time about 12 years ago,the best GaAsFET > > available at amateur price showed a noise figure not less than > > 1 dB at 2400 MHz > > > > Even though the list of users is very long. > > > > Please read it > > > > 73 de i8CVS Domenico > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > AMSAT OSCAR 13 mode "S" STATION LIST > > Originated by W4FJ last uptodate 14 Jan,' 94 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Sources: K0RZ, DB2OS, JR8XPV, JA6AUX, > > ON6UG, W6ABN, W4FJ > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > CALL NAME DOWNLINK ANTENNA > > 2400.7 MHz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > DA1AF Bob 4 x 45 loop yagi > > DL1BEM Andy 1,2 m dish > > DL1FCU Hardy 1,0 m dish > > DJ1KM Rene ? > > DK1KQ Uwe 67 loop yagi > > DD1US Mat 19 loop yagi > > DF2BX Theo 3,0 m dish > > DK2UT Archim 0,6 m dish > > DK3AX Gerd 4 x 16 el yagi > > DG4IAF Archim 1,6 m dish > > DF4TA Armin ? > > DL4YCC Klaus 1,5 m dish > > DF5DP Bert 2 x 39 el yagi > > DL5EH Wilhelm ? > > DJ7FJ Joseph 1,2 m dish > > DC7KY Klaus 2,0 m dish > > DL8NL Hardy 2,7 m dish > > DC8UG Harold 1,5 m dish > > DL9GU Ed 1,5 m dish > > DL9GZ Egon 4 x 39 ele yagi > > DC9HR Hatman 1,2 m dish > > DJ9PC Peter 1,5 m dish > > > > EA4LE Toni 0,6 m dish helix fed > > > > F6CBC Jean 1,0 m dish > > F8HLG Georges 18 turn helix > > FM5AB Jean 1,2 m dish > > > > G1IRG Simon 1,5 m dish > > G2BFO David 1,2 m dish > > G3CDK Rod 1,2 m dish > > G3RUH James 66 cm dish helix fed > > G4EEO Phil 1,5 m dish > > GW3XYW Stuart 6,0 m dish > > > > HB9AQZ Hans 26 turn helix > > HB9MGI Ernst 1,5 m dish helix fed > > > > i1CDB Peter 67 loop yagi > > i2BEM Elio 1,2 m dish > > i3EEL Lodovico 1,2 m dish > > iN3HER Raimund 1,5 m dish > > iK3VZS Vinicio 1,0 m dish > > iN3WZF Joseph 1,5 m dish > > iW5ABE Alex 4 x 18 turn Helix > > i5MPK Peter 4,0 m dish > > i6CGE Alfio 1,2 m dish > > i6DRZ Mario 1,0 m dish helix fed > > i6PNN Amato 1,2 m dish > > i7LIT Rino 1,2 m dish > > i7UGO Ugo 1,0 m dish > > i8CVS Domenico 1,2 m dish helix fed > > > > JA1ANG Harry 16 turn helix > > JA1ANP Aky 12 turn helix > > JA1AOY Masaji 2.0 m dis > > JR1BDG Oishi 1.5 m dish helix fed > > JA1BLC Fumie 17 loop yag > > JL1CHX Toshido 3.0 m dish > > JA1GYT Tad 2 x 37 loop yagi > > JK1HIX Tom 2.0 m dish > > JH1LVN Masa 2 x 45 loop yagi > > JH1PEF Mak 2.4 m dish > > JA1QQN Kazu 36 loop yagi > > JA1SYK Hiro 1.2 m dish > > JA1UHY Hisa 3.0 m dish > > JR1WZI Ken 1.5 m dish > > JA2ORW Jin 24 turn helix > > 7N2RWX Tada 29 turn helix > > JH3EAD Takao ? > > JA3THL Taka 56 loop yagi > > JA3GCI ? 2 x 23 turn helix > > JA4AEP Ken 1.5 m dish > > JA4BLC Row 6.0 m dish > > JR4BRS Toshi 4.0 m dish > > JA4CMZ Iwata 3.0 m dish > > JA4GVA Shin 0.7 m dish > > JA4HZN Mata 2.0 m dish > > JA5LG Kiyo 2 x 50 loop yagi > > JA6AUX Masa 36 loop yagi > > JR6BLW Mori 4 x 55 loop yagi > > JA6CZH Yamada 1.2 m dish > > JE6DBI Yuu 1.6 m dish > > JA6ELW Sou 4 x 55 loop yagi > > JA6FTL ? 1.0 m dish > > JA7EC Shoji 2.0 m dish > > JH7JKW Nikio 4.0 m dish > > JA8ERE Terui 3.0 m dish > > JA8KCM Hiro 1.2 m dish > > JA8PL Masa 3.6 m dish > > JA8UJR Masa 2 x 37 loop yagi > > JR8XPV Tango 2 x 40 loop yagi > > > > OE3JIS Josef 45 loop yagi > > OE5BKL Al ? loop yagi > > OE9DGV Guntran 68 loop yagi > > ON4DY Bob 1.0 m dish > > ON6UG Freddy 2.0 m dish > > > > OZ8QI Freddy ? > > > > PE1MGS Juan ? > > PT9FH Tony 2.0 m dish helix fed > > > > SM7BCL Lars 2 x 45 loop yagi > > SM0SFV Stig 1.2 m dish > > > > SV3KH Nik 2.0 m dish > > SV5QR Panos 1.0 m dish helix fed > > > > VE1CKE Norm 1.2 m dish helix fed > > VE2LI George 1.2 m dish helix fed > > VE3GTF George 2 x 45 loop yagi > > VE3NPC Clare 1.2 m dish helix fed > > VE3VC Ken 1.0 m dish > > VE7BGG Cor 6.0 m dish > > VE7CLD Gunter 4.8 m dish > > VE7VHF Bill 2.4 m dish helix fed > > VE7VL Val 0.8 m dish helix fed > > VK4KZR Rod ? > > VK4ZQ Roy 2.8 m dish > > VK6BMD Bruce 1.0 m dish > > VK6ZAY Al ? > > VK6ZWF Allen ? > > > > N1AXB Larry 4 x 45 loop yagi > > W1NU Vic 2 x 45 loop yagi > > W1PEA Judd 2 x 45 loop yagi > > W1QJR Ken 0.6 m dish helix fed > > WA1QXR Ken 1.0 m dish helix fed > > W1YN Ed 0.6 m dish helix fed > > W1SNN Stirling 4 x 16 turn helices > > N1IQU Mack 8.0 m dish helix fed > > K2IYQ Steve 0.6 m dish helix fed > > N2MB Barry 2.4 m dish helix fed > > NQ2O Walt 2 x 45 loop yagi > > W2UHI Frank 1.0 m dish > > N3CEV Mike ? dish > > N3FLY Paul 45 loop yagi > > KA3HPQ Phil ? > > KK3K Jim 1.2 m dish helix fed > > W3PM Gene 1.2 m dish helix fed > > W3PRB Jonny 1.2 m dish > > W3QBK Stan 1.2 m dish helix fed > > W3TMZ Jack 0.6 m dish helix fed > > K3VDB Charlie 0.6 m dish helix fed > > KJ4BF Grady Conifer dish > > KC4CQR Jerry 3.0 m dish > > N4DTB Lee 4 x 45 loop yagi > > W4FJ Ted 1.5 m dish helix fed > > W4KSB Larry 2 x 45 loop yagi > > AB4NJ Dale 3.0 m dish > > N4NR Dennis ? > > N4LC Ken 4 x 45 loop yagi > > WD4O Bernice 4 x 45 loop yagi > > W4ODW Gene 3.0 m dish helix fed > > K4RZB Jim 4 x 45 loop yagi > > WA4VHF Chip 1.2 m dish helix fed > > N5BF Courtney 45 loop yagi > > W5GEL Bob 1.2 m dish helix fed > > WB5GQM Fred 0.6 m dish helix fed > > W5IU Keith 1.0 m dish helix fed > > K5RHR Dick 0.6 m dish helix fed > > WA5RTL "BW" ? > > W6ABN Stan 1.2 m dish helix fed > > W6CCY John 0.6 m dish helix fed > > AB6DT Bob ? loop yagi > > WB6GYD Eric 1.5 m dish > > NK6K Harold 4 x 45 loop yagi > > W6KAG Butch 3.0 m dish helix fed > > WB6LLO Dave 1.0 m dish helix fed > > N6OVP Dave ? > > W6YVO Dick ? > > AA7A Ed 0.6 m dish helix fed > > WA7ABP Lynn 1.2 m dish helix fed > > KB7CNN Bill 2 x 45 loop yagi > > W7IUV Larry 3.0 m dish helix fed > > KE7NR Don 2 x 45 loop yagi > > N7RYW Bill 2.0 m dish > > K7ZTM Pete 2 x 45 loop yagi > > N8AJD Steve 45 loop yagi > > K8TL Tom 1.2 m dish helix fed > > WA8WBP Ralph 1.2 m dish helix fed > > K8YAH Ron 2 x 45 loop yagi > > WJ9F Russ 2 x 45 loop yagi > > W9FMW John 2 x 45 loop yagi > > KA9LNV Ed 0.6 m dish helix fed > > WA9MTO Jack 2 x 45 loop yagi > > AB9V Mike 45 loop yagi > > W0DQY Smitty 4 x 45 loop yagi > > WD0E Jim 0.6 m dish helix fed > > W0HHE Al 2.0 m dish > > K0KE Eric 2.0 m dish > > N0LEF Stu 2 x 45 loop yagi > > KA0OOQ Jerry 4 x 45 loop yagi > > K0RR Lew 2 x 45 loop yagi > > K0RZ Bill 1.2 m dish helix fed > > K0VTY Joe 1.2 m dish helix fed > > N0WX Charlie 2 x 45 loop yagi > > > > ZL2ALP Paul 45 loop yagi > > > > ZS6JT Peter 0.6 m dish helix fed > > > > NOTE: > > This list of OSCAR-13 Mode-S operators was > > uptodated by Ted W4FJ on 14 january 1994 > > > > > > 73" de > > > > i8CVS Domenico > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >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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OSCAR-13 Mode-S User List ( Update 15 september 2006 )
by i8cvs 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Hi , All Here is the last update 15 Sept 2006 of OSCAR-13 Mode-S user list. Just for record i have included a list of OSCAR-13 operators with their call letters and antennas used for downlink Mode-S from 2400.711 to 2400.747 MHz during the lifetime of this glourious U/S transponder The power of OSCAR-13 mode-S was only 1,5 W pep and the satellite antenna was an helix with G=10 dBi and so EIRP=15 W pep In comparison the power of S1 TX on AO40 was 50 W pep and the antenna was an helix with G=10 dBi and so EIRP=500 W pep i.e. 15 dB easyer than OSCAR-13 The power of the next P3E will be 38 watt pep with a similar antenna. The mode-S transponder of OSCAR-13 was "hard limited",in other words no AGC was in it and so the 1,5 W pep available for all users was proportional to the uplink power. At epoch time of this list, first originated by W4FJ on 14 jan 1994 it was very difficult if not impossible to find ready to operate preamplifiers/converters antennas/antenna feeds for 2.4 GHz and the most part of the equipments where necessarily hombrew by amateurs. In addition,at that time about 15 years ago,the best GaAsFET available at amateur price showed a noise figure not less than 1 dB at 2400 MHz Even though the list of users of OSCAR-13 Mode-S in the early 1990 -1994 is very long. Please read it If someting is wrong or missed please let me know 73 de i8CVS Domenico ---------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT OSCAR 13 mode "S" STATION LIST Originated by W4FJ, 14 jan 1994 last update by i8CVS 15 September 2006 ( see foot note ) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sources: K0RZ, DB2OS, JR8XPV, JA6AUX, ON6UG, W6ABN, W4FJ,G4IIO, G4KLX, F6BKI, W3IWI, DL1FLW, VP9MU,G4JY, K7RR, K0VTY ---------------------------------------------------------------- CALL NAME DOWNLINK ANTENNA 2400.7 MHz ---------------------------------------------------------------- CT1DMK Luis 1.5 m dish helix fed DA1AF Bob 4 x 45 loop yagi DL1BEM Andy 1,2 m dish DL1FCU Hardy 1,0 m dish DL1FLW Lawrence BBQ grill ant DJ1KM Rene 2 x 67 elements DK1KQ Uwe 67 loop yagi DD1US Mat 19 loop yagi DJ1YQ Franz 67 loop yagi DF2BX Theo 3,0 m dish DG2SBW Werner 0,6 m dish DL2AAW Peter 0,8 m dish DK2UT Archim 0,6 m dish DK3AX Gerd 4 x 16 el yagi DK3FF Ernst ? DG4IAF Archim 1,6 m dish DF4TA Armin 1,0 m dish helix fed DL4YCC Klaus 1,5 m dish DF5DP Bert 2 x 39 el yagi DL5EH Wilhelm ? DL6DBN Frank 0,5 m dish DJ7FJ Joseph 1,2 m dish DC7KY Klaus 2,0 m dish DL8NL Hardy 2,7 m dish DC8UG Harold 1,5 m dish DL9GU Ed 1,5 m dish DL9GZ Egon 4 x 39 ele yagi DC9HR Hatman 1,2 m dish DJ9PC Peter 1,5 m dish DJ0IX Ann 1,0 m dish EA3UM Magin ? EA4CMV ? ? EA4LE Toni 0,6 m dish helix fed EA9CMV ? ? ET3SID Sid ? F6CBC Jean 1,0 m dish F6HLG Georges 18 turn helix FM5AB Jean 1,2 m dish G0ONA/p Paul ? G0MRF Dave 1,0 m dish G1IRG Simon 1,5 m dish G2BFO David 1,2 m dish G2HIO Alan 1,2 m dish G3CDK Rod 1,2 m dish G3RUH James 66 cm dish helix fed G3WDG Charles 3,0 m dish G4IIO Phil 1,5 m dish G4JY Art 2,0 m dish G4KLX Jonathan 1.4 m dish helix fed GW3XYW Stuart 6,0 m dish HB9AQZ Hans 26 turn helix HB9IZ Bennie 0,6 m dish helix fed HB9MGI Ernst 1,5 m dish helix fed iW1AUP George ? i1CDB Peter 67 loop yagi i2BEM Elio 1,2 m dish i2IRH Pasquale ? i3EEL Lodovico 1,2 m dish iN3HER Raimund 1,5 m dish iK3VZS Vinicio 1,0 m dish iN3WZF Joseph 1,5 m dish iW5ABE Alex 4 x 18 turn Helix i5MPK Peter 4,0 m dish i5TDJ Piero 0,6 m offset dish helix fed i6CGE Alfio 1,2 m dish i6DRZ Mario 1,0 m dish helix fed i6PNN Amato 2,0 m dish i6TCR Frank ? i7LIT Rino 1,2 m dish i7UGO Ugo 1,0 m dish i8CVS Domenico 1,2 m dish helix fed JA1ANG Harry 16 turn helix JA1ANP Aky 12 turn helix JH1AOY Masaji 2.0 m dis JR1BDG Oishi 1.5 m dish helix fed JA1BLC Fumie 17 loop yag JL1CHX Toshido 3.0 m dish JA1GYT Tad 2 x 37 loop yagi JK1JVX Tokio ? JK1HIX Tom 2.0 m dish JK1DVX Tokio 2 x 52 loop yagi JH1LVN Masa 2 x 45 loop yagi JH1PEF Mak 2.4 m dish JA1QQN Kazu 36 loop yagi JA1SYK Hiro 1.2 m dish JA1UHY Hisa 3.0 m dish JR1WZI Ken 1.5 m dish JA2ORW Jin 24 turn helix JA2EC ? ? 7N2RWX Tada 29 turn helix JH3EAD Takao ? JA3GEP Mikio 55 loop yagi JA3THL Taka 56 loop yagi JA3GCI ? 2 x 23 turn helix JA4AEP Ken 1.5 m dish JA4BLC Yoshi 6.0 m dish JR4BRS Toshi 4.0 m dish JA4CMZ Iwata 3.0 m dish JA4GVA Shin 0.7 m dish JA4HZN Mata 2.0 m dish JA5LG Kiyo 2 x 50 loop yagi JA6AUX Masa 36 loop yagi JR6BLW Mori 4 x 55 loop yagi JA6CZH Yamada 1.2 m dish JE6DBI Yuu 1.6 m dish JA6ELW Sou 4 x 55 loop yagi JA6FTL ? 1.0 m dish JA7EC Shoji 2.0 m dish JH7JKW Nikio 4.0 m dish JA8ERE Terui 3.0 m dish JA8KCM Hiro 1.2 m dish JA8PL Masa 3.6 m dish JA8UJR Masa 2 x 37 loop yagi JR8XPV Tango 2 x 40 loop yagi LU2DDU Daniel 1,8 m dish helix fed LU4EBC Jorge 0,6 m dish helix fed OE1WRS Werner ? OE3JIS Josef 45 loop yagi OE5BKL Al ? loop yagi OE6UVG Armin 0,6 m dish helix fed OE9DGV Guntram 68 loop yagi OE1VKW Viktor 1,2 m dish helix fed ON4DY Bob 1.0 m dish ON6UG Freddy 2.0 m dish OK2AQK Mirek 0,6 m dish OZ8QI Fred ? PA0KT Jan 1,0 m dish PE1MGS Juan ? PT9FH Tony 2.0 m dish helix fed SM7BCL Lars 2 x 45 loop yagi SM0SFV Stig 1.2 m dish SV1OE Costas ? SV3KH Nik 2.0 m dish SV5QR Pannos 1.0 m dish helix fed TJ5RIE ? ? VE1CKE Norm 1.2 m dish helix fed VE2LI George 1.2 m dish helix fed VE3EGQ Syd SB-32 dish VE3FRH Robin 0.6 m dish VE3GTF George 2 x 45 loop yagi VE3NPC Clare 1.2 m dish helix fed VE3VC Ken 1.0 m dish VE7BGG Cor 6.0 m dish VE7CLD Gunter 4.8 m dish VE7CVG Rod 1,2 m dish VE7VHF Bill 2.4 m dish helix fed VE7VL Val 0.8 m dish helix fed VK2DAG Matt 2 x 3" BBQ grill VK4KZR Rod 0.6 m dish VK4ZQ Roy 2.8 m dish VK5DI Ray ? VK6BMD Bruce 1.0 m dish VK6ZAY Al ? VK6ZWF Allen ? N1AXB Larry 4 x 45 loop yagi W1NU Vic 2 x 45 loop yagi W1PEA Judd 2 x 45 loop yagi W1QJR Ken 0.6 m dish helix fed WA1QXR Ken 1.0 m dish helix fed W1YN Ed 0.6 m dish helix fed W1SNN Stirling 4 x 16 turn helices N1IQU Mark 8.0 m dish helix fed K2IYQ Steve 0.6 m dish helix fed N2MB Barry 2.4 m dish helix fed KB2MVN Frank SB-32 dish NQ2O Walt 2 x 45 loop yagi W2UHI Frank 1.0 m dish N3CEV Mike ? dish N3FLY Paul 45 loop yagi N3JNX Joe SB-32 dish KA3HPQ Bill SB-32 dish KA3HPR ? ? KI5NT ? ? KJ6UB ? ? KC3LZ Don 0,6 m dish helix fed KK3K Jim 1.2 m dish helix fed W3HQT Bill 0,6 m dish helix fed W3IWI Tom 36 loop yagi & 6 m dish W3PM Gene 1.2 m dish helix fed W3PRB Jonny 1.2 m dish W3QBK Stan 1.2 m dish helix fed W3STW Al 2 x 45 loop yagi W3TMZ Jack 0.6 m dish helix fed K3VDB Charlie 0.6 m dish helix fed AB4NJ Dale 3 m dish AC4T Dick 1,0 m dish helix fed KJ4BF Grady SB-32 dish KC4CQR Jerry 3.0 m dish KF4MX Jim ? N4DTB Lee 4 x 45 loop yagi N4EL Dick SB-32 dish W4AMI Bob SB-32 dish W4FJ Ted 1.5 m dish helix fed W4KSB Larry 2 x 45 loop yagi AB4NJ Dale 3.0 m dish N4NR Dennis 1.5 m dish helix feed N4LC Ken 4 x 45 loop yagi N4KTO Al SB-32 dish WD4O Bernie 4 x 52 loop yagi W4ODW Gene 3.0 m dish helix fed K4RZB Jim 4 x 45 loop yagi WA4VHF Chip 1.2 m dish helix fed N5BF Courtney 45 loop yagi N5BKL Jim SB-32 dish W5GEL Bob 1.2 m dish helix fed WB5GQM Fred 0.6 m dish helix fed W5IU Keith 1.0 m dish helix fed K5RHR Dick 0.6 m dish helix fed WA5RTL "BW" ? WA5ZIB Andy Andy Conifer dish W6ABN Stan 1.2 m dish helix fed KD6BRR Paul SB-32 dish W6CCY John 0.6 m dish helix fed AB6DT Bob ? loop yagi KF6EN Ed 0,6 m dish WB6GYD Eric 1.5 m dish NK6K Harold 4 x 45 loop yagi W6HDO Cliff 0.6 m dish helix fed W6KAG Butch 3.0 m dish helix fed WB6LLO Dave 1.0 m dish helix fed N6OVP Dave ? W6YVO Dick 1,2 m dish AA7A Ed 0.6 m dish helix fed NW7N Larry 0,6 m dish helix fed WA7ABP Lynn 1.2 m dish helix fed WA7PIB Carl Conifer dish KB7CNN Bill 2 x 45 loop yagi W7IUV Larry 3.0 m dish helix fed KE7NR Don 2 x 45 loop yagi N7RYW Bill 2.0 m dish N7TKO Bert 2 x 45 loop yagi K7ZTM Pete 2 x 45 loop yagi N8AJD Steve 45 loop yagi N8QFH SteYe 0,6 m dish helix fed K8TL Tom 1.2 m dish helix fed WA8WBP Ralph 1.2 m dish helix fed WW8T Greg SB-32 dish K8YAH Ron 2 x 45 loop yagi WJ9F Russ 2 x 45 loop yagi W9FMW John 2 x 45 loop yagi KA9LNV Ed 0.6 m dish helix fed WA9MTO Jack 2 x 45 loop yagi AB9V Mike 45 loop yagi W0DQY Smitty 4 x 45 loop yagi WD0E Jim 0.6 m dish helix fed W0HHE Al 2.0 m dish K0KE Eric 2.0 m dish N0LEF Stu 2 x 45 loop yagi KA0OOQ Jerry 4 x 45 loop yagi WB0QIY Doug 1.2 m dish WB0QOC Bill ? WB0RLY Joe 1,0 m dish WA0RGV Mark 4 x 45 loop yagi K0RR Lew 2 x 45 loop yagi K0RZ Bill 1.2 m dish helix fed K0VTY Joe 1.2 m dish helix fed N0WX Charlie 2 x 45 loop yagi VP2EEE ? ? VP9MU Paul 0.6 m dish PJ2CU ? ? ZL2ALP Paul 45 loop yagi ZP6XD Dean ? ZS6JT Peter 0.6 m dish helix fed A22BW Lothar ? 9K2RA ? ? NOTE: The above list has been updated by i8CVS on 15 september 2006 using the original OSCAR-13 Mode-S final issue of the list originated by Ted,W4FJ and supplied to i8CVS by Charlie G3WDG In addition,the above list has been amended and updated using information received over the time from: DL1FLW , DJ1KM ,F6BKI , G4IIO, G4KLX ,W3IWI VP9MU, G4JY, K7RR, OE1VKW, KA3HPQ, TA1D, DL6DBN, W5ACM(ex WA5ZIB), N4NR, VE3FRH K0VTY 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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San Diego Meeting report
by Jim Sanford 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

All: It has come to my attention that the San Diego meeting report has format problems. I've ZERO idea how the format got gooned. I have taken it offline for correction. I will advise, tomorrow or Saturday, when I've fixed the format and reloaded. Thanks & 73, Jim wb4gcs(a)asmat.org James A. Sanford, PE Amsat Eagle Project Manager

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The Eagle has died, my original point.
by Keith Bainbridge 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

As I started this thread perhaps I should finish it. My original point was the ratio of Satellite operators to experimenters must be about 50:1, so it makes far more sense to put up a bird that people will and more importantly " can " use than continually developing more and more sophisticated modes etc. The biggest thrill I've had in 25 years as a Ham is to work 67 countries and all continents in the 18 months or so that I discovered AO-40. I'd played with AO 7 etc back in 80-81 but this was " FUN " and thats the point I tried to make with my earlier post. I will donate to P3E as it will give me many options to use the gear I already have. There are no other options for me, living in Western Australia, Leo's are a complete waste of time and money, I can talk to myself on every pass on any satellite going over, no one else will be there to reply !! Well maybe the same 2 or 3 people. If Amsat NA must persue the Eagle option then please be prepared to revert back to AO-13 / AO-40 type birds when it fails. Can we finish this hread of mine now please? 73 Keith -- Keith Bainbridge VK6XH & VK6DXR Vice-President Northern Corridor Radio Group ( VK6ANC ) Amsat NA 35338 TenTec Omni VI, FlexRadio SDR 1000 , 5 Band Spiderbeam. Wireless Institute of Australia Previous calls include VK6DXC, VK6BRK,G6HHV, G0HEI & G1GHZ You're just jealous 'cos the voices only speak to me......... http:/www.qrz.com/vk6xh

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Re: The Mode B tradition
by G0MRF＠aol.com 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

In a message dated 9/14/2006 10:39:26 PM GMT Standard Time, bill(a)hsmicrowave.com writes: Hi David, Help me out with the 100,000 single point failures. Are you referring to the complexity of digital gates etc., in the DSP. Isn't P3E going with a digital IF or are they using an analog backup or vice versa? That's the SDX thingy isn't it? Regards...Bill - N6GHz Hello Bruce / Dom. I agree, the UV on Eagle will be apparently analog (ue) to the casual user. But be aware Bruce that it's not "primarily" a software driven transponder. It is in fact TOTALLY software driven. There is no linear IF, just DSP in the core. Or from another viewpoint 100,000 single point failures just waiting to happen. 73 David G0MRF Hello Bill. As I understand it, and perhaps I'm being a little over conservative in my concern, The Eagle design has shifted with respect to the caution of engineering that was shown just 14 months ago. My reference to 100,000 single point failures just waiting to happen was aimed at the UV SDX transponders total reliance on some very impressive but completely untried in space digital electronics. From the various messages on the BB in the past 2 weeks I understand that the line up of the transponder is: U band receiver to 10.7MHz - DSP based core processing the signal at baseband - Then an upconversion process that goes to 10.7MHz then 145MHz. This would appear to place the DSP it's software and its control electronics within a critical path which has large potential for a single failure. For example if one of the junctions in the DSP is 'hit', then the transponder stops working. - There is no plan B. OK, Yes it will be radiation tested, but as I pointed out in a previous mail, it will be launched at the peak of the sunspot cycle and orbital manouvers can go wrong leaving the satellite in the wrong part of the Van Allen belts. Let's look at our own history: AO-10 was placed in a high radiation environment and within a short period the IHU died. However, the RF components in the transponder continued to function and the satellite provided a limited service. Why did it continue to function? Well, I can only guess. But how about the possibility that RF devices with large junctions are less vunerable to radiation than sub 1 micron devices in LSI logic. In AO-7, the RF components are still working 20 years on. I have suggested that a simple signal path be designed around the SDX core. Signals appear to exist at 10.7MHz and adding just a few extra components would allow a malfunctioning SDX to be bypassed. What is really curious is that these fears have been voiced before and reassurances were given by Rick W2GPS. However for some reason, what seems to be a prudent, inexpensive and simple option has been dropped in favour of increased trust in radiation testing or by providing an equally vunerable duplicate DSP unit. Please see original question asked by Drew KO4MA with reply from W2GPS dated July 2005. ============================================================== Drew, See the Eagle specification document at _http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/eagle/Eagle_Fall_2004.php_ (http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/eagle/Eagle_Fall_2004.php) It says "To provide a safe backup system in case of a failure in the digital implementation of the linear transponders there will be two S-Band transmitters and either of them will be capable of being driven by the SDR driver or by a traditional analog linear driver. One or more of the receivers will also be capable of analog operation." Rick W2GPS AMSAT LM 2232 -----Original Message----- From: owner-Eagle(a)AMSAT.Org [_mailto:[email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) ] On Behalf Of Andrew Glasbrenner Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 7:45 PM To: Robert McGwier; Amsat-Bb Cc: Jim Sanford Subject: [eagle] Re: [amsat-bb] LONG and long overdue report Hi Bob, Thank you very much for the update on the Eagle transponder progress. The SDR based transponders sound very cutting edge and extremely adaptible to AMSAT's needs. I very much look forward to hearing them at the symposium in a few months. I'll have my satellite backpack station that was used for the Dayton demos, and will be glad to offer it up for demonstrating the new transponders. CC Rider is also very exciting and sure to open new realms of small stations and portable operation. As someone primarily looking in from a user/member point of view I would like to offer two comments. First, I'd hate to think we are going to hang our entire mission on just the SDR transponders. Wouldn't it be prudent to include at least a bare bones analog backup transponder? Please tell me this is the plan. Second, I'd like to encourage that software development not lag too far behind the hardware. I'm not a big fan of the idea of writing the code once it's in orbit. One does not have to look too far to find where AMSAT has oversold or overpromised features based on writing the software after launch. Please take these comments in the spirit with which they were offered, with only my desire to see Eagle as succesful as possible. 73 and thanks for your efforts, Drew KO4MA AMSAT #33438

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End of the thread
by Keith Bainbridge 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

Frank , I agree, I forgot to mention in my post I was refering to modes U/s and L/S of course. It was great working Brazil with a 1 degree inclination and a 4 minute window to give me WAC on Ao-40, incl antarctica. I cant even work South America on HF from Western Australia, well its damned difficult ! Hopefully we can repeat the fun on P3E, it's contacts in the log that count not which exotic mode was used as far as I'm concerned. See you on P3E one of these days 73 Keith -- Keith Bainbridge VK6XH & VK6DXR Vice-President Northern Corridor Radio Group ( VK6ANC ) Amsat NA 35338 TenTec Omni VI, FlexRadio SDR 1000 , 5 Band Spiderbeam. Wireless Institute of Australia Previous calls include VK6DXC, VK6BRK,G6HHV, G0HEI & G1GHZ You're just jealous 'cos the voices only speak to me......... http:/www.qrz.com/vk6xh

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Re: The Eagle has died, my original point.
by Tony Langdon (ATC) 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

> already have. There are no other options for me, living in Western > Australia, Leo's are a complete waste of time and money, I > can talk to Hey, it's not much better on the eastern side! I've largely gone quiet on the sats for the time being, but I would like to have a crack at one of the HEO birds when they go up. U/V, I could probably manage now, though I need to sort out the uplink. S band downlink would be possible with a bit of work (been there, covered that issue). Higher bands at this stage are probably prohibitively expensive. Now, I have the luxury of being able to plant a satellite array in the middle of the back yard! :-) Time to use it might be more of a challenge though. ;)

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Not hearing S-band on AO-51
by Michael Tondee 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

I've been trying to get a handle on my S-band receiving setup for a couple of months now. It seems when the bird has been in V-S mode that I've had one problem or another that hasn't allowed me to test it. I don't have an L-band antenna up at the moment so I thought I would at least listen to some passes the past couple of evenings to see how my receive would work. I have a AIDC 3731 downconverter and a small BBQ-grill dish on my Az/El rotator system. The IF of the downconverter is at 123 Mhz. I built another converter that was featued in the AMSAT Journal awhile back. The purpose of this converter is to further reduce the 123 Mhz output to 6 meters where I can feed it into my TS-2000X. Unfortunately I haven't heard anything with this setup. I've had some near overhead passes and once my dish gets above about 30 degrees or so it is pointing at clear sky. I thought maybe my homebrew converter was to blame so I dug up an HT that will receive directly on 123 Mhz. Still nothing. I can hear the noise level increase and decrease if I cut power on and off to the downconverter so I assume it's working. Could I be wrong in that assumption? The other thing is that it's been kind of rainy and overcast here the past couple of evenings. Would this affect my reception? I don't know what I should be trying here. It's pretty new to me. I know a BBQ grill dish isn't the best antenna but it seems to me it should work ok considering people hear the bird with this same downconverter and a small corner reflector plus an HT. Any ideas or suggestions out there? TNX and 73, Michael, W4HIJ AMSAT # 36017

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Mode S on AO-40
by Frank A Cahoy 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

Sorry Keith, but I must add a bit more gasoline to the fire. Count me absolutely as one of the "operators". My experiences on AO-40 were the most gratifying as a true blue DXer like nothing I've ever encountered on HF. (My alltime HF DXCC total is 364 worked/confirmed.) I worked 93 entities and nearly a 1000 unique callsigns via this bird. My first real time using an HEO. I'd been on AO-10 (Mode B) but it was, toward the end of its life, a hit and miss situation. My favorite DX QSO via AO-40 was with VK9CD. We both had no more than three degrees of elevation and I had to find a "hole" in my neighbor's trees accross the street to do it. The point is I have a QSL card to prove it. I live in a "rural" area, I suppose. Our town is small (1700 pop.) but crap and corruption on the downlink was NEVER a concern for me. Speaking from a purely operators point of view put Mode S back into the game plan. I hope and pray that P3E will soon be up so that this old DXer doesn't go completely stir crazy. 73 to all. Frank, K0BLT

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TAPR DSP56002 EVM FS/Trade
by Mike Lewis 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

Hi All: I've got a TAPR DSP56002EVM / Radio Interface that is now excess to my needs. If anyone is interested in a purchase or trade contact me off list. Thanks, Mike K4MPL

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The Eagle has died.
by Keith Bainbridge 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

It's a terrible shame that Amsat has choosen not to continue Mode S on Eagle. I for one will no longer send my hard earned cash as a donation to Eagle or Amsat NA,but to Amsat DL as I'm sure many others will do. The expression "Don't bite the hand that feeds you " comes to mind. I have a full Mode L / S setup here sitting waiting unused since the day AO 40 died, what use are LEO's in Western Australia. Sorry Amsat NA but I wont be renewing my membership next time without mode S. 73 Keiith -- Keith Bainbridge VK6XH & VK6DXR Vice-President Northern Corridor Radio Group ( VK6ANC ) Amsat NA 35338 TenTec Omni VI, FlexRadio SDR 1000 , 5 Band Spiderbeam. Wireless Institute of Australia Previous calls include VK6DXC, VK6BRK,G6HHV, G0HEI & G1GHZ You're just jealous 'cos the voices only speak to me......... http:/www.qrz.com/vk6xh

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AO-51 help Bob
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

Greetings to any and all L'ers. three passes over the US tonight at 0130Z E.Coast, 0300Z Mid West, 0440Z Left coast. Help Bob get some contacts on L/S. I'm still working out the bugs. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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