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

PCSAT 1130z this morning
by John Marranca, Jr 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Hello all. Is it just me, or is PCSAT becoming somewhat deaf? This morning's 1130z pass was impossible to utilize...even with it being a 40 degree pass for me. I can work this satellite at elevations as low as 3 degrees...wondering if its dying already? 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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BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How to build your own Sputnik
by Bob Twiggs 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Here is a challenge. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7049002.stm Bob KE6QMD

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Re: BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How to build your own Sputnik
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

In a message dated 16/11/2007 03:26:43 GMT Standard Time, howard(a)howardlong.com writes: http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/Build%20Your%20Own%20Satellite.doc Hi Howard, Good Luck with your project. Likewise I considered my demo satellite that I had constructed using the drum removed from an old washing machine. I did not submit it however as I thought perhaps some young blood out there would come up some idea perhaps. It was able to transmit and receive on 2 metre, 70 cm and 2.4 Ghz. and able to demonstrate ,packet , voice, and send video pictures . It also sent voice identification and details of is operating frequencies using a simple module that I extracted from a very cheap device. To also make it realastic to demonstrate with young people I built in a module from handheld PMR so that they could talk thro it without need for a licence. The 2.4 Ghz unit was a camera and TX unit used in a TV remote senders which are around so cheap. I also got for only £9 a remote temperature sensor TX together with the mon itor (operates 433 Mhz) For the radio amateur modules I picked used boards from faulty handhelds that I picked for a song. Agree also on the source of solar panels, but I also went to a major store and offered to buy quite a number of solar garden lights that had been returned as faulty. The solar cells were OK on most of ther units but even new units are so cheap to buy especially this time of the year. Of course for a " Ground based satellite" no worries about all of the documentation,safety, risk analysis and of course "Launch cost" - Hi! Good luck and enjoy the fun. Regards Ken GW1FKY

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Recording passes
by Ed Tump 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Folks, Tonight I was able to receive and record the AO-51 pass over my QTH at approx 0145UTC. When I listened to the recording it appears I recorded it a little too "hot." What I did was split the audio from the radio and one to the recorder and one to my headset. What do you folks do? And thanks to all who have been my Elmers during my current "new guy" phase. Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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G6LVB tracker board cases
by Stargate 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Anyone know if the G6LVB tracking board custom cases are available yet? Thanks, RoD KD0XX A good friend will come and bail you out of jail, A TRUE friend will be sitting next to you saying..... "DAMN THAT WAS FUN"

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Anyone using the AL-800
by Ed Tump 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Folks, The local ham store has this in stock: Pryme Radio Products AL-800 Telescoping HT Antenna. I am thinking of picking it up tomorrow for the HT for sats as well as other uses. Anyone using it have good or bad things to say before I buy? Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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PCSAT-1 UPLINK over Europe
by Robert Bruninga 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Here is why some low power stations have trouble getting into PCSAT over Europe. One station is transmitting his packet every 12 seconds. If he would back off to once a minute as recommended, five times as many people could be successful. 00:01:37:11 : EA4HP-9]T1RPPR,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'wBx"r_R/]":!}SAT APRS 00:01:37:24 : EA4HP-9]T1RPPT,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'wBO"|`R/]":4}SAT APRS 00:01:37:33 : F9XG]APU16N,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6::DF4FO-1 :Hello Fred 73!{05 00:01:37:42 : F9XG]CQ,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:=/5Kw+NPI4- B--George 00:01:37:52 : EA4HP-9]T1RPRW,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'wB"r"R/]":5}SAT APRS 00:01:38:05 : EA4HP-9]T1RPUT,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'wAq"q|R/]"9w}SAT APRS 00:01:38:12 : F9XG]APU16N,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6::DF4FO-1 :Hello Fred 73!{05 00:01:38:59 : EA4HP-9]T1RQRV,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'w@{"r:R/]"9u}SAT APRS 00:01:39:07 : EA4HP-9]T1RQST,W3ADO-1*,qAo,G4HYG-1:'w@p"r:R/]"9{}SAT APRS 00:01:39:15 : EA4HP-9]T1RQTT,W3ADO-1*,qAo,G4HYG-1:'w@["rIR/]"9w}SAT APRS 00:01:39:29 : EA4HP-9]T1RQUS,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'w@C"hQR/]"9j}SAT APRS 00:01:39:34 : DF4FO-1]CQ,W3ADO-1*,SGATE,WIDE,qAo,ON7EQ::EA4HP-9 :..73`s !.. 00:01:39:35 : F9XG]APU16N,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6::DF4FO-1 :Hello Fred 73!{05 00:01:39:42 : EA4HP-9]T1RQVQ,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'w@##"HR/]"9p}SAT APRS 00:01:39:55 : EA4HP-9]T1RQWS,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'w?b"hOR/]":0}SAT APRS 00:01:40:09 : EA4HP-9]T1RQXP,W3ADO-1*,qAo,G4HYG-1:'w?@"rMR/]":E}SAT APRS 00:01:40:23 : 2E1EBX]CQ,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:=5256.66N/00029.53E-les-- 00:01:40:25 : DF4FO-1]CQ,W3ADO-1*,SGATE,WIDE,qAo,EI7IG::EA4HP-9 :..73`s !.. 00:01:40:34 : EA4HP-9]T1RRPT,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'w]w"^3R/]":l}SAT APRS 00:01:40:42 : EA4HP-9]T1RRPY,W3ADO-1*,qAo,G4HYG-1:'w]e"",R/]":x}SAT APRS 00:01:40:46 : EA4HP-9]T1RRQW,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:'w]]"",R/]";/}SAT APRS

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Re: TNC Recommendation
by Mark L. Hammond 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Hi John, Living in the US makes buying an overseas satellite-ready tnc (or dsp based modem/tnc) quite expensive these days. Right now, I'd put 2 at the top of my list (either one is fine, user choice): The Paccomm Spirit-2 *Satellite model* (good to 38k4 packet!) http://www.paccomm.com/spirit.html and The Kantronics KPC-9612+ (also good to 38k4!) http://www.kantronics.com/products/kpc9612.html The poor exchange rates and international shipping make the other choices MUCH more expensive for something you really may never need. You can run 9600 baud digital birds just fine with either unit. And, if you get hooked ;) they will move up to 38k4 packet when you're ready. My $0.02 :) Maybe I'll see you Sunday at JARSFEST!!! Hoping to attend. 73, Mark _________ TNC Reccomendation • Subject : [amsat-bb] TNC Reccomendation • From : "John Henderson" < jah@xxxxxxxxx > • Date : Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:07:14 -0500 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:[email protected] > n4nab(a)amsat.org < http://www.amsat.org/ > http://www.amsat.org/ -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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CQ Frank Perkins WB5IPM CQ
by Mark L. Hammond 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Hello AMSAT-ers, I am really interested in contacing Frank Perkins, WB5IPM. I have tried all of the email possiblities in my archives, but all messages have now bounced. Does anyone on the list have his contact information? The best I can find is a Texas address using QRZ. I can't seem to dig up a phone number using the web... I have some questions (okay, a favor to ask ;) ) regarding the 1200 PSK modem code he wrote for the TAPR/AMSAT DSP-93. Thanks in advance for any information you might provide! 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Sound card interface cables?
by John Marranca, Jr 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Good Morning all. I have to agree with JPE: Buxcomm. I have had a Rascal since 2004, and I've been satisfied completely. I've bought numerous cables from Buck since the cable from the interface to the radio is interchangeable. (I have the HTX-10 cable and the MDIN cable for my Yaesu) Good Luck! 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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OSCAR-11 Report
by Clive Wallis 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

OSCAR-11 REPORT 15 November 2007 RECEPTION REPORTS REQUESTED! Please send reception reports to xxxxx(a)amsat.org (please replace xxxxx by g3cwv) or post to amsat-bb. If you are able to record the satellite as a WAV file, please do so, but let me know what you have, before sending it! If you need to hear what the satellite sounds like, please visit my website www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/ The satellite transmits on 145.826 MHz. set receiver to NBFM. --------- During the period 22 October to 15 November 2007 no signals have been received from the satellite. However, Thomas HB9SKA has reported hearing the satellite on 27 October, 18:00 UTC pass. Eclipses have now started and are expected to continue until mid January 2008. Although the maximum duration of the current eclipses is less than those earlier this year, it is doubtful whether the satellite will be heard for any sustained period. While in continuous sunlight during September and October the satellite was unable to support continuous operation. It is likely than the satellite will only be heard by chance, by stations listening for other satellites on 145.826 Mhz. I am indebted to John N7ZL, John N3NKC, Thomas HB9SKA, and Peter ZL3TC, for their reports. Many thanks. The current status of the satellite, is that all the analogue telemetry channels, 0 to 59 are zero, ie they have failed. The status channels 60 to 67 are still working. The real time clock is showing a large accumulated error, although over short periods timekeeping is accurate to a few seconds per month. The day of the month has a bit stuck at 'one' so the day of the month may show an error of +40 days for some dates. The time display has switched into 12 hour mode. Unfortunately, there is no AM/PM indicator, since the time display format was designed for 24 hour mode. More data is required to determine exactly when the date changes. The spacecraft computer and active attitude control system have switched OFF, ie. the satellite' attitude is controlled only by the passive gravity boom gradient, and the satellite is free to spin at any speed. When telemetry was last received it showed that one of the solar arrays had failed, and there was a large unexplained current drain on the main 14 volt bus. After 23 years in orbit the battery has undergone around 100,000 partial charge/discharge cycles, and observations suggest that it cannot power the satellite during eclipses, or sometimes during periods of poor solar attitude. The watchdog timer now operates on a 20 day cycle. The ON/OFF times have tended to be very consistent. The average of many observations show this to be 20.7 days, ie. 10.3 days ON followed by 10.4 days OFF. However, poor solar attitude may result may result in a low 14 volt line supply, which may cause the beacon to switch OFF prematurely, and reset the watchdog timer cycle. When this occurs, the beacon is OFF for 20.7 days. The Beacon frequencies are - VHF 145.826 MHz. AFSK FM ASCII Telemetry UHF 435.025 MHz. OFF S-band 2401.5 MHz. OFF Listeners to OSCAR-11 may be interested in visiting my website. If you need to know what OSCAR-11 should sound like, there is a short audio clip for you to hear. There is an example of the latest telemetry received from the satellite. The website contains an archive of news & telemetry data. It also contains details about using a soundcard or hardware demodulators for data capture. There is software for capturing data, and decoding ASCII telemetry. The URL is www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/ If you place this bulletin on a terrestrial packet network, please use the bulletin identifier $BID:U2RPT139.CWV, to prevent duplication. 73 Clive G3CWV xxxxx(a)amsat.org (please replace xxxxx by g3cwv)

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Re: Useless information dept
by Edward Cole 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Actually after being a QRPp eme operator for almost 9-years, I can recommend it to you John. Of course QRP for eme is a little more RF than 20 dBm. But I run a little over 50 dBm RF on 2m-eme (that's 125w to you Amsat folks). I now have worked over 100 stations on eme. QRP for eme is 400w, so 125w qualifies as QRPp. My antenna is only 21 dBi (4 yagis). EME in the digital world is a lot different than the old CW days. Folks are working eme with an AO-10 2m yagi (13 dBi) and 100w! 73, Ed - KL7UW At 11:07 AM 11/14/2007, Reicher, James wrote: >John, >The fact that you're a dedicated QRP operator means that you should have >the best darned antenna system in the world. QRP just means low-power. >It doesn't have to mean you're deaf! > >Putting that 100mw into a 40dB gain EME array will do more for your >signal that putting 2KW into a 1/4 wave wire strung in the attic, unless >your goal is to melt the snow off your roof. > > >73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO (ex-N8AU) > >Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear >bright until you hear them speak. > > > >Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:06:58 +0100 >From: John Hackett <archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Useless information dept: >To: "Eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com" <eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com> >Cc: allan_gm1sxx(a)hotmail.com, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: <BAY120-W262646C5A022770957AD1F91810(a)phx.gbl> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > >About the only thing I havn't tried in radio in 40 odd years is EME - >but that is entirely due to aerial (and cash) restrictions. > >How does a dedicated QRP operator justify an EME array? - it just can't >be done on a wet shoelace wrapped around a rusty 6 inch nail ... (though >I am of the impression that a lot of satellite operators use this >particular configuration on AO-7). > >I digress - in the aforementioned 40 odd years, that which still gets my >juices cooking is a 'fast' CW QSO on AO-7 with either RW3XL or UA9CS ... >in Russian. > >Now that's !!! international communication by amateur radio. > >The kids ought to watch such a QSO in progress (translated live). > >Every bit as interesting as the Jay Leno SMS v CW video on U-Tube and it >would probably get a few enquiring minds in gear. > >(Ah!, there was !!! a point to his waffling.....GM1SXX). > >He's the other half of the "twisted pair" folks ... see - > >http://www.observations.biz/ > >73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> > > >_______________________________________________ >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 73, Ed - KL7UW ====================================== BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com 144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ======================================

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Help please from folks with soundcard "TNCs"
by Ed Tump 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Folks, I had a few replies to my last email on those using sound cards for packet radio. For those that are using their sound card, please let me know what type(s) of software you have used for APRS, local traffic, and the sats (1200,9600). I did go online and buy a sound card interface for my Yaesu. Just have to wait for it to get here. I bought it from buxcom.com I had a few replies buy stupid me hit the wrong key and poof those replies were gone. Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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PCSAT PATH
by ryan woods 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Hi bob in the group in need help with the pcsat path I understand that we are to use WIDEn-n but I can not get digi. I have tried CQ VIA WIDE2-2,ARISS VIA PCSAT-1,ARISS VIA WIDE2-2 and WIDE2-2 VIA PCSAT-1. Im using a D700 with hyperterminal and I allmost a 100% copy of pcsat all the time so if someone can tell me what im doing wrong that will be welcome 73 ryan KD8ATF ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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FAO Kevin WA6FWF - Ref Sputnik
by Dave Aitch 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Hi Kevin. Not sure if you are receiving my mail direct. Did you receive the details you requested from me ? If not, I can use another address. 73, Dave.

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AO27 pass today
by Ed Tump 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Folks, Today I was at least able to hear a bit of the pass of AO27 at about 2045UTC using my HT and car top antenna. I was able to copy what I thought was W7KTI. Any chance anyone else can confirm? Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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Re: Useless information dept
by Reicher, James 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

John, The fact that you're a dedicated QRP operator means that you should have the best darned antenna system in the world. QRP just means low-power. It doesn't have to mean you're deaf! Putting that 100mw into a 40dB gain EME array will do more for your signal that putting 2KW into a 1/4 wave wire strung in the attic, unless your goal is to melt the snow off your roof. 73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO (ex-N8AU) Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:06:58 +0100 From: John Hackett <archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Useless information dept: To: "Eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com" <eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com> Cc: allan_gm1sxx(a)hotmail.com, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <BAY120-W262646C5A022770957AD1F91810(a)phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" About the only thing I havn't tried in radio in 40 odd years is EME - but that is entirely due to aerial (and cash) restrictions. How does a dedicated QRP operator justify an EME array? - it just can't be done on a wet shoelace wrapped around a rusty 6 inch nail ... (though I am of the impression that a lot of satellite operators use this particular configuration on AO-7). I digress - in the aforementioned 40 odd years, that which still gets my juices cooking is a 'fast' CW QSO on AO-7 with either RW3XL or UA9CS ... in Russian. Now that's !!! international communication by amateur radio. The kids ought to watch such a QSO in progress (translated live). Every bit as interesting as the Jay Leno SMS v CW video on U-Tube and it would probably get a few enquiring minds in gear. (Ah!, there was !!! a point to his waffling.....GM1SXX). He's the other half of the "twisted pair" folks ... see - http://www.observations.biz/ 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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(no subject)
by Ed Tump 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Greetings all, I would like to know someone that is using a soundcard as a TNC for sat packets and where might I find a premade soundcard cable to my FT-60. Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK AmSat Member

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Re: Wht's ANDE's other name?
by k9jkm＠comcast.net 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Phil mentioned: > NO-44's signal is quite weak due to my poor aerial and I'm only decoding > one or two packets per pass. If you haven't tried it yet, one thing to see more packets is to turn the TNC's parameter named PASSALL to ON. It will allow you to see even the packets that don't have a good checksum. Some of the characters will be "noise" but most of the time you can figure out what the message was. In some TNC's when PASSALL = ON the MHEARD list doesn't get updated so that is one thing to watch for. Set PASSALL back to OFF if you want only "good" packets. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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Re: kiss files from wisp
by Mike Rupprecht 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Nick, I wrote also an small tool (KissDump). You will find it on my website: www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml 73, Mike DK3WN ----- original Nachricht -------- Betreff: [amsat-bb] kiss files from wisp Gesendet: Di, 13. Nov 2007 Von: Nick Pugh<quadpugh(a)bellsouth.net> > I would like to view the kiss files from wisp. What is the best software to > view them? > > thanks > nick > _______________________________________________ > 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 > --- original Nachricht Ende ----

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Useless information dept:
by John Hackett 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

About the only thing I havn't tried in radio in 40 odd years is EME - but that is entirely due to aerial (and cash) restrictions. How does a dedicated QRP operator justify an EME array? - it just can't be done on a wet shoelace wrapped around a rusty 6 inch nail ... (though I am of the impression that a lot of satellite operators use this particular configuration on AO-7). I digress - in the aforementioned 40 odd years, that which still gets my juices cooking is a 'fast' CW QSO on AO-7 with either RW3XL or UA9CS ... in Russian. Now that's !!! international communication by amateur radio. The kids ought to watch such a QSO in progress (translated live). Every bit as interesting as the Jay Leno SMS v CW video on U-Tube and it would probably get a few enquiring minds in gear. (Ah!, there was !!! a point to his waffling.....GM1SXX). He's the other half of the "twisted pair" folks ... see - http://www.observations.biz/ 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Re: Wht's ANDE's other name?
by Mike Rupprecht 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Phil, it's NAV OSCAR 61 (ANDE-MAA) 73, Mike DK3WN Betreff: [amsat-bb] Wht's ANDE's other name? Gesendet: Mi, 14. Nov 2007 Von: Phil<phillor(a)telstra.com> > Hello, > > I've recently rekindled my interest in amateur radio and I'm trying to fine > > tune my APRS set up. Due to my rough portable station this is proving to be > > a little frustrating. > > Disappointingly, the ISS radio seems to be off and NO-44's signal is quite > weak due to my poor aerial and I'm only decoding one or two packets per > pass. > > Perhaps ANDE might give me a reasonable signal. What other name (OSCAR > number) is ANDE known by? > > Regards, > Phil. > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > --- original Nachricht Ende ----

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kiss files from wisp
by Nick Pugh 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

I would like to view the kiss files from wisp. What is the best software to view them? thanks nick

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email via PCSAT
by Kevin Chudy 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

I have attempted to check in to the SSET via PCSAT and have a couple of questions. I receive stations through much of the pass, but I do not see my packets get returned. However, I have had two messages get to my email account, so it appears I have had some success. Am I correct to expect that I can transmit a message then receive it on the same system during the same pass? Also, I am using UISS and a soundcard. I received emails from APRS after sending the messages to "APRS via PCSAT-1". I have also tried "APRS via PCSAT-1, WIDE2-2". I have observed others using both paths. Is one path more correct? Thank you, Kevin N2JPE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/

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Update and audio clip from my station
by jonny 290 13 Nov '07

13 Nov '07

Hi all, it's been a while since I posted. I spent last year building up my satellite station and almost got QSO-ready, but had to rip it down to move. I've got my original antennas back up at my house, and I'm in the process of expanding the aluminum farm as we speak. I recorded a little bit of AO-51 audio the other evening, and encoded it to MP3 for random perusal. It's still pretty down in the noise, but I am getting clear copy at times, so I figure I can work on the station some and only improve it. http://thearmz.net/stash/sat1.mp3 Current setup: -Icom PCR-100 receiver (I have two, one is stock, the other has 10.7 IF and discriminator out) -Homebrew 8 element 437mhz yagi (OWA design, it's pretty crude and un-tweaked, but works okay) turned with an Alliance U110 on a 12 foot mast -30 feet of some 0.405" coax that's better than RG-8, not as nice as 9913 -Ramsey PR40 $20 preamp in a junk box in the shack -TX (unsuccessful so far) is from an IC-271A through either a Diamond vertical or a dual band j-pole This week, I finished my design plan for my 2 meter beam and plan to build it tonight and tomorrow. 6 element OWA on a 4.5' boom should let me get in with my 25 watts no problem (I do have a partial treeline to deal with, though). Right now my antennas are below my roof line so I've got that to deal with as well. I've got another 5 feet of mast in the garage ready to go up with the beam, however. Just wanted to drop my two cents on the list and say hello (again!). I'm excited to spend the winter rebuilding and enhancing my station. Oh, and any one of you can send me an IC-471 - I'll gladly give you my address and even pay shipping. :) 73 de KC4YLV Matt

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