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

Help with AO27
by Ed Tump 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

Folks, If I read this right, the satellite will not be "on" during the pass over my home: AO27 schedule UTC Sat Nov 10 19:19:57 2007 Digital Med Sat Nov 10 19:20:17 2007 Analogue Med Sat Nov 10 19:27:17 2007 Digital Med Sat Nov 10 19:28:17 2007 OFF Sat Nov 10 21:00:46 2007 Digital Med Sat Nov 10 21:01:06 2007 Analogue Med Sat Nov 10 21:08:06 2007 Digital Med Sat Nov 10 21:09:06 2007 OFF The pass over my house is listed on Orbitron as happening at 20:59 UTC. Does my figuring make sense? Thanks, Ed KC9GWK New AmSat member

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Re: AO-16 partially recovered.
by W.J. Ubbels 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

Hi Drew, good to hear that AO-16 is partially alive again, it serves as an excellent off-air test signal for testing the telemetry decoding software for Delfi-C3, which will also transmit 1200bps AX.25 BPSK. At http://esther.esrac.ele.tue.nl/ao16/ you can find 24/7 automatically tracked passes of AO-16 (including .kss files) by the backup groundstation for the Delfi-C3 mission at Eindhoven University (PI4TUE) in JO21RK. 73 Wouter Jan PE4WJ -- Wouter Jan Ubbels MSc Delfi-C3 project manager electronics & communications www.delfic3.nl Faculty of Aerospace Engineering Delft University of Technology The Netherlands PE4WJ

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wisp help
by Nick Pugh 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

Hi all I have updated the kep file from amsat with the [x] symbols. Now a get can not find sat in the WIPS configuration. Any suggestions? nick

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GB5OSO SPUTNIK AWARD 2nd (and final I hope) UPDATE
by Robert Turlington 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

John G7HIA and myself are pleased to announce that the SPUTNIK award is now available to any stations that have worked GB5OSO on the Satellites details available from:-www.turlington.supanet.com I have now recieved the QSL cards from the printers and will be writing them out over the next few weeks. Stations that apply for the SPUTNIC award will also receive there cards directRegards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Celeb spotting – Play CelebMashup and win cool prizes https://www.celebmashup.com

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(no subject)
by Robert Turlington 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

John G7HIA and myself are pleased to announce that the SPUTNIK award is now available to any stations that have worked GB5OSO on the Satellites details available from:-www.turlington.supanet.com I have now recieved the QSL cards from the printers and will be writing them out over the next few weeks. Stations that apply for the SPUTNIC award will also receive there cards directRegards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Feel like a local wherever you go. http://www.backofmyhand.com

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GB5OSO SPUTNIK AWARD NOW AVAILABLE
by Robert Turlington 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

to all Stations that have worked GB5OSO for the 50th Anniversary of SPUTNIK-1. An Award Certificate is now available please have a look at the following web site for details:-http://www.turlington.supanet.com/Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ The next generation of MSN Hotmail has arrived - Windows Live Hotmail http://www.newhotmail.co.uk

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GB5OSO SPUTNIK AWARD NOW AVAILABLE:-UPDATE
by Robert Turlington 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

John G7HIA and myself are pleased to announce that the SPUTNIK award is now available to any stations that have worked GB5OSO on the Satellites details available from:-www.turlington.supanet.comI have now recieved the QSL cards from the printers and will be writing them out over the next few weeks.Stations that apply for the SPUTNIC award will receive thier cards direct_____________________________________________Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ 100’s of Music vouchers to be won with MSN Music https://www.musicmashup.co.uk

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AMSAT Mobile Satellites Galore
by Robert Bruninga 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

November should be a great Mobile Satellite Month. There are 7 satellites you can work from your mobile FM rig, including PCSAT-1 which should fully recover by this weekend and last for 2 or more weeks. So now is the time to get going with live satellite contacts via these easy FM satellites, or setting up a SATGATE (Igate). DOWNLINK SATELLITE -------- ------------------------------------- 145.825 ISS APRS digipeater 145.825 PCSAT-1 (recovery expected 3 Nov) 145.825 ANDE-1 (re-entry expected next month) 435.225 GO-32 +/- 10 KHz and 9600 baud 435.300 AO-51 *FM Voice* +/- 10 KHz 436.795 SO-50 *FM Voice* +/- 10 KHz 436.795 AO-27 *FM Voice* +/- 10 KHz As you can see, there will be over 40 passes per day with 18 for the 1200 baud satellites, 6 per day for the 9600 baud GO32 and 18 for the voice birds. All 1200 baud pass times are between about 6 AM to 1800 local sun time in the Northern Hemisphere. GO-32 and AO-51 voice birds are in the morning and evening, AO-27 is in the afternoon. It is trivial to know when to operate these birds WITHOUT A PC. Please see the manual-tracking page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/MobileLEOtracking.html The packet path on 145.825 is VIA ARISS for all three satellites. The path for GO-32 is VIA 4XTECH and uses two different uplinks: 145.85 for APRS software and messages. 145.93 for all Mic-E, D7 and D700 radios. That's more than one pass per hour on 145.825. Lots of contact potential from your mobile... For APRS birds: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/pcsat.html http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/iss-faq.html http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/GO32-ops.html For AMSAT birds: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php For many of these satellites, you don't even need a tracking program. Just a slip of paper on the dashboard... See: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/MobileLEOtracking.html The best antenna is a 19.5" whip in the center of your roof. 5 dBi gain on the 2m uplink and almost 8 dBi gain for the very weak UHF downlink (above 25 degrees)... Watch for special event info. WB4APR, Bob

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Re: Simulated Emergency Test via Satellite
by Bob Bruninga 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

Simulated Satellite Emergency Test: I now see 74 PCSAT-1 users in the last 24 hours on http://pcsat.aprs.org I cannot count up the SSET emails till I get to work on Monday, but of those 74 users, 50 of them have sent about 822 messages via PCSAT-1 or ANDE or GO32 or maybe even ARISS over the weekend (2-4 Nov). By the way, this is NOT just APRS hardware and software. Anyone with a TNC and a radio can send their SSET checkin email. Just set your TNC BTEXT as follows: BT :EMAIL....:YOUR_EMAIL@WHATEVER.COM checking in for SSET!... Oh, replace the 4 dots after the word EMAIL with four spaces. The above format is an APRS message that will get ingested into the global APRS system and will get emailed to your_EMAIL (or any other email address you specify). Also set UNPROTO APRS VIA ARISS Set beacon to once every minute if attended until you see success. If unattended, set to once every 5 minutes. If successful, you will receive that message via your EMAIL. This demonstrates your ability to enter a EMAIL and or position and or status from anywhere on the planet in case of emergency TO any email address.. Join the SSET (Satellite Simulated Emergency Test)! WB4APR, Bob > Having heard no objections to the proposed Satellite > Simulated Emergency Test, we are proceeding with > the APRS satellite part of the test: > http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/sset.html > > -----Original Message----- > What is needed for this new opportunity is encouraging > a mind set... Towards... emeregency preparedness. > > I am thinking AMSAT (we) need to do more emergency > service preparations and tests with our satellites. > Not only will that test our capabilities, but we > will also need to demonstrate our emergency response > capabilities as a group to help sell the new > P4 concept to the supporters of this new Geo initiative. > > Can we work up a SSET, Satellite Simulated Emergency > Test? Something AMSAT can do to get this bandwagon > rolling. Here's a web page on what I am thinking: > > http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/sset.html > > SATELLITE SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST: > > For the APRS satellites, everyone with an APRS station, > or D7 or D700 mobile would try to send an EMAIL > reporting location and status via satellite from the > field. > > For the PACSAT message birds, similarly send a message > reporting status from the field. > > For the Voice birds, have a net control take check-in > status from as many field stations as possible. > > I hope I'm not not re-inventing someone's wheel. SET > was in October and I am not a routine satellite > operator, but I do think we need field preparedness. > This is not another Field day contest. But this is > different. We will have good powerful net controls > taking as many low-power check-ins as possible to > demonstrate our capability to handle emergency traffic > from anywhere. By my count, there is a LEO satellite > pass on average at least once an hour most of the day > long. Plenty of time during a 2 day test for eveyone > to checkin. > > With PCSAT-1 returning to service for the next two > weeks, I would propose to do this during the 2nd week > in November. And to schedule it monthly from then on. > Sign up net controls for the FM birds, etc... > > Field Operations IS part of this new P4 opportunity. > Lets start exercising... > > And you can do this all from your mobile without a PC! > > See my draft web page... > http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/sset.html > > Bob, WB4APR

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GO-32 and Doppler.
by John Ronan 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

Hi, I was wondering if there is a convention or best practice for doppler tuning on Digital Sats. I.e is it small steps and often or large steps and less often? I'm using an FT-847 and monitoring GO-32. I seem to be able to go as low as 10hz resolution. Just wondering. Regards de John EI7IG

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Satellite Net
by Fred A Parker 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

All are welcome to join us on 3.937 + 8:00 PM CST Thursday evenings. I will also try and link the local repeater K0GPZ-R Echolink node 349368 depending on band conditions. Topics are Satellite and balloons. Fred KF0AK

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OFFICE CLOSED
by Martha 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

The AMSAT Office will be closed on Monday, November 12th in observance of Veterans Day. I will be late on Tuesday due to a morning Doctor's appointment. -- 73- Martha

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Re: PCSAT-1 over Europe
by Håkan Harrysson 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

Hello! It looks to me it is more different stations passing thru, It could also be that the word is out there is a good APRS satellite working FB at the moment. I did see a truck from TF and also some more interesting stations yesterday. 73 Hakan SM7WSJ Yes, when we changed the path to WIDEn-N, it took a while for people to see the bulletins. But the switch to the universal APRS path of WIDEn-N (Usually WIDE2-2) is being successful at slightly reducing the number of duplicate packets. I wonder if those in Europe have seen an impact? Bob, Wb4APR

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Re: Ampire 146-OS pre-amp schematic?
by Ronald Long 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

The FET is 3SK121. The five transistors used in the control circuitry are all 2N2222. I can send you the schematic and all the other info that came with the preamp, purchased 18 years ago! ron w8gus

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Re: Ampire 146-OS pre-amp schematic?
by Michael Pfeuffer 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

I received the answer off-list but will post it here for the archives: "The GaAs FET is a 3SK121 all the other transistors are 2N222". Looks like a 3SK121V is available from rfparts.com. Now to find the data sheets & make sure it will substitute. --Mike WQ5C At 05:44 AM 11/9/2007, Michael Pfeuffer wrote: >Hi all, > >Does anyone happen to have a schematic for an Ampire 146-OS pre-amp? I'm >trying to identify the GaAs FET it uses. > >Thanks, >Mike WQ5C > >_______________________________________________ >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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Sputnik Golden Anniversary Award from GB5OSO
by Robert Turlington 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

John G7HIA and myself are pleased to announce that the SPUTNIK award is now available to any stations that have worked GB5OSO on the Satellites details available from:- www.turlington.supanet.comRegards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Feel like a local wherever you go. http://www.backofmyhand.com

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PCSAT-1
by Chris Bloy 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

Hi All, I just wonder how successful digi'ing via PCSAT using a TH-D7 has been? I have real trouble with 5watts and have yet to hit it successfully, 50watts yes, but i am sure thats not good. I believe that its down purely to usage here in Europe as she appears to get hit multiple time by the same stations? Same as AO51 for example, its taken me a few passes to understand that multiple stations transmit at once and cause a strange clash, almost like you need to change freq.. but the signal strength is there!! Maybe this stops the 5watt stations from actually being relayed?? Just a though and would be interested in your comments, does this happen so much in the US?? Thanks, Chris Bloy

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Cassini-Huygens Audio Recordings
by Clint Bradford 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

NASA recently published several audio recordings collected during the Cassini-Huygens space probe's exploration of the Saturnian system... http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2007/11/cosmic-recordin.html Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Re: N1ORC SK
by andy thomas 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

A great loss, felt keenly on this side of the pond, too. andy G0SFJ ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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off-topic wxtoimg
by wa6fwf 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

Hi All, if someone is running wxtoimg 2.7.3 on ubuntu 7.10 or slackware 12.0 please send me a offline email if its working OK for you... Thanks 73 Kevin WA6FWF

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Ampire 146-OS pre-amp schematic?
by Michael Pfeuffer 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

Hi all, Does anyone happen to have a schematic for an Ampire 146-OS pre-amp? I'm trying to identify the GaAs FET it uses. Thanks, Mike WQ5C

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rs-15 constructor
by Auke de Jong, VE6PWN 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

How might I be able to find and contact the group responsible for the creation of RS-15? auke VE6PWN

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Re: Data on the Sats
by John Marranca, Jr 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

Good Evening Satellite Jockeys: I think Hellschreiber would be GREAT via satellite, as it's probably my favorite "digital" mode when running HF. (Once upon a time, I could be found on 40 meter Hell DAILY). Perhaps if/when the GEOSYNC sat is a reality, these types of activities will be commonplace. Let's hope. 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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SSET via ISS
by Robert Bruninga 08 Nov '07

08 Nov '07

ISS Packet is back on the air on 145.825 with PCSAT and ANDE, giving over a dozen satellite access windows per day for packets transmitted on 145.825. You can send your Satellite Simulated Emergency Test message via any of these satellites as deomonstrated below by Paulo getting his message out via the ISS: > Hello Bob, once again from CT2IWW. > > I was sucessfull in getting an SSET email > digipeated via the ISS, this morning. > Here's a copy of the message as received > by email: > ---------------------------------------------- > > /sset message test via iss 12:14z > > ---------------------------------------------- > Message received by MacAPRS IGate station WU2Z > Located in NO BRUNSWICK, NJ > APRS path = CT2IWW>CQ,RS0ISS-4*,WIDE2-2,qAO,EA4EKH-6 > ---------------------------------------------------- > > / Any idea what is that qAO in the path? The callsign after the qao construct is the callsign of the SATgate that heard the packet and injected it into the global APRS Internet channel. When any APRS Igate injects any packet into the APRS-IS, the path is modified with the QAO construct and the callsign of the Igate station. Bob, WB4APR

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Data on Sats
by Eric H Christensen 08 Nov '07

08 Nov '07

Has anyone or does anyone use RTTY or PSK31 or the like on any of the linear birds? 73s, Eric W4OTN

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