November 2007 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

TNC Reccomendation
by John Henderson 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

I would like to get into the digital sats and would like some ideas on TNC to consider. I looked at the MFJ web site but it appears they have discontinued many of their models. Also looking KAM but have no idea which one to pick. Appears major deltas are baud rates 1200 vs 9600. Thanks for any ideas or things to consider. John John Henderson N4NAB 212 Bayside Drive Cape Carteret, NC 28584 252-725-2744 <mailto:n4nab@amsat.org> n4nab(a)amsat.org <http://www.amsat.org/> http://www.amsat.org/

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Re: Orbitron Help
by jonny 290 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

I had considerable problems with Orbitron during our recent 'time zone hiccup'. One thing to suggest is to right-click on your system clock and "Adjust Date/Time..." then go to the "Internet Time" tab and sync with one of the listed NTP servers. This will set your PC clock to +/- 1 second or so of proper time. Also ensure your time zone is set - since we're past all possible time changes, you need to set it 'correctly'. Finally, make sure the Orbitron time zone settings are correct. > If the satellite position is same in the two predictions, but the > azimuth and elevation are different, then the difference must be in > the position of YOUR STATION. Perhaps you have entered the station > position incorrectly? I'm not familiar with Orbitron, but a common > problem with many programs is confusing east longitude with west longitude. > > On the other hand, when you say "they look the same by eye", that may > not be the best comparison method. How accurately have you set your > PC's clock? Low orbiting satellites move over your station quite > quickly. You want time to be set within a few seconds of the correct > value. You don't want to be a few minutes off. >

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K6LCS' Sat Tutorial - Frequency Programming
by Clint Bradford 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

In the HT programming chart in the tutorial posted at... http://homepage.mac.com/clintbradford/Menu3.html ...readers have noticed that I haven't compensated for the doppler effect on TX - just on RX. That's because with low power and handheld antennas, we're not going to be transmitting as early in a pass (nor as late in a pass) than if we were using higher power and better antennas. I stress in all my classes/demos NOT to transmit unless the bird is heard well. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Re: TNC Recommendations
by "John Becker, WØJAB" 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

I still use a 28ARS machine for all my RTTY work. At 07:11 PM 11/12/2007, you wrote: >John: > >I'm sure many will agree with Nate on this one. It SEEMS that using a >TNC in this day and age is almost like firing up the old Model >20-something RTTY machine that the radio club that I used to belong to >has. With a soundcard and some good software, we are able to emulate >RTTY, and Packet, and SSTV for that matter. So...

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TNC Recommendations
by John Marranca, Jr 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

John: I'm sure many will agree with Nate on this one. It SEEMS that using a TNC in this day and age is almost like firing up the old Model 20-something RTTY machine that the radio club that I used to belong to has. With a soundcard and some good software, we are able to emulate RTTY, and Packet, and SSTV for that matter. So... A good TNC is what...$75...$100...$200? Sound Card Emulation...umm...we all have them...plus free software...and MAYBE $45 for a digital interface. >From what I remember from the heyday of Packet in the 90's, it seems as thought setting up AGWPE and a UI-type package is VASTLY easier. BUt...if TNCs are your thing, go for it. Heck, I'm still trying to find an old Commodore VIC-20 with the OLD(!!!) MFJ Packet interface and software. Call it nostalgia. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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[amsat-bb] ic-pcr1500 + Satélite + Doppler ??? (CE3SOC Raúl Romero)
by Fernandez Montaña, Juan Antonio 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

Me imagino que el PCR1500 irá igual que el PCR1000, o sea mediante DDEclient cualquier programa de seguimiento, por ejemplo SATPC32, existe comunicación entre el programa de seguimiento y el receptor. Yo lo he probado con el PCR1000 y va francamente bien. Juan Antonio EA4CYQ 73s =============================================================== Este mensaje se dirige exclusivamente a su destinatario. Los datos incluidos en el presente correo son confidenciales y sometidos a secreto profesional, especialmente en lo que respecta a los datos personales, se prohibe divulgarlos, en virtud de las leyes vigentes. Si usted no lo es y lo ha recibido por error o tiene conocimiento del mismo por cualquier motivo, le rogamos que nos lo comunique por este medio y proceda a destruirlo o borrarlo, y que en todo caso se abstenga de utilizar, reproducir, alterar, archivar o comunicar a terceros el presente mensaje y ficheros anexos, todo ello bajo pena de incurrir en responsabilidades legales. Cualquier idea contenida en este correo es exclusiva de su autor y no representa necesariamente el criterio de Iberdrola. El emisor no garantiza la integridad, rapidez o seguridad del presente correo, ni se responsabiliza de posibles perjuicios derivados de la captura, incorporaciones de virus o cualesquiera otras manipulaciones efectuadas por terceros. This message is intended for the exclusive attention of the address(es) indicated. Any information contained herein is strictly confidential and privileged, especially as regards personal data, which must not be disclosed, in accordance with legislation currently in force. If you are not the intended recipient and have received it by mistake or learn about it in any other way, please notify us by return e-mail and delete this message from your computer system. Any unauthorised use, reproduction, alteration, filing or sending of this message and/or any attached files to third parties may lead to legal proceedings being taken. Any opinion expressed herein is solely that of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the opinion of Iberdrola. The sender does not guarantee the integrity, speed or safety of this message, not accept responsibility for any possible damage arising from the interception, incorporation of virus or any other manipulation carried out by third parties. ===============================================================

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Re: Need quick start info please
by Clint Bradford 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

Dave - Software recommendations are in the tutorial I cited for you. Also, there's free info on the Web. HeavensAbove has recently improved their ham sat tracking graphics...and their Web site is also cited in that document. You need to improve your antenna...the stock -2db rubber duck will not suffice. Again, suggestions for commercial and homebrew antennas are in that document. Once you get to know the AMSAT grid of numbers, it is easy to figure it all out. FIRST, you need to subtract EIGHT hours from their times, to compensate for GMT. Type in your Grid Square - DM14 if you're still in Fallbrook, and look what shows up for the Nov 15 pass at 15:51 (that's 3:51PM GMT...which is 7:51PM on the 14th California time). DATE UTC - 15 Nov 07 AOS UTC - 15:51:14 DURATION - 00:14:20 ACQUISITION OF SIGNAL AZIMUTH - 11 MAX ELEVATION - 86 MAX ELEVATION AZIMUTH - 259 LOSS OF SIGNAL AZIMUTH - 195 LOSS OF SIGNAL UTC - 16:05:34 Take the ACQUISITON OF SIGNAL AZIMUTH and LOSS OF SIGNAL AZIMUTH numbers. They refer to compass points, where North is ZERO, South is 180, East is 90 degrees, and West is 270 degrees. So this pass starts at 11 degrees, darned near true North. And it ends at 195 - a couple degrees West of due South. So you can imagine this pass as practically going over your house, North to South. And because its MAX ELEVATION is 86 degrees - it REALLY IS going straight overhead, as 90 degrees is straight up! The MAX ELEVATION AZIMUTH tells you where the satellite is at mid- pass. This pass is 259 (darned near 270, which is due West). You couldn't ask for a better pass to hit with an HT!!! So...that is the HARD WAY to visualize a pass...But that Heavens Above Web site will show you graphically. And then there's commercial software, too...but you do NOT need to spend money immediately on software. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Re: Need quick start info please
by Clint Bradford 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

You're well on you way to the fun! AO-51 and SO-50 are very workable with your setup. You might pick up a tip or two with this tutorial... http://homepage.mac.com/clintbradford/Menu3.html I'll talk to you on AO-51 this week! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Orbitron Help
by GARY ELLIOT 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

Morning to the Group, I am a "newbie" as far as satellites go and having some problems with Orbitron as my tracking software. I realize that the software offered my AMSAT SATpc32 certainly looks like the one to go with or Nova but at this stage of my venture into satellites I wanted to stick with a free piece of software. That being said, here is the problem I am having. First off my computer is fairly new running XP and 1GB of RAM and my clock is right on with WWV I have updated Orbitron with the latest TLE's or Keps so they are current Now when I run predications on Orbitron 3.71 and compare them with the pass predications on the AMSAT web page they are really different ???? not even close, yet when I look at the actual real time position of a satellite say AO51 on both the AMSAT page and my Orbitron they are very very close, in fact look the same to me by eye. So why are the pass predications so off from each other ????? I assume it must be in my setup in Orbitron but have gone over these several times. I had a VE2 gentlemen who was running Orbitron trying to help me but when he runs his pass predications and compares them to the AMSAT pass predications they are the same ? Obviously I have something wrong so not sure where to go here, delete Orbitron and start with another download and try again ? that does not seem to likely to be the answer to me ? I also took a look at SATscape as a tracking problem but that seem rather confusing so gave up on that one as could not get it to run right either. So I am open to some suggestions/advice on Orbitron or any other free tracking software to try and then compare to the AMSAT page to make sure they are the same as far as predications. 73 Gary

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Need quick start info please
by Dave Bannerman 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

I am interested in working some satellites and have had success at least tracking and hearing AO-51. I use Orbitron racking software and my Equipment consists of a Yaesu FT60 HT programmed with separate up/down frequencies for the AO-51 bird. My question that I have asked at least 3 other people is WHAT ARE THE OTHER V/U SATELLITES I CAN USE THAT PASS OVER CALIFORNIA, AND WHAT ARE THE SCHEDULES / STATUS'S OF THESE SATS? Everyone I spoke with tells me the same thing, go to amsat website. Well I am confused by all of the old data that is posted there. All most all of the FAQ and WEEKLY STATUS reports are 3-5 years old. Can someone just help me out and list the currently operational V/U sats that I can work? Would also appreciate comments on best tracking software, antennas or whatever you can offer to help me get up to speed. Thank you. 73 KI6GVL

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