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

Rad hard micro's
by truckwiz 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Hi, Still working on the lunar x deal; Any suggestions on were to get rad hard microprocessors and supporting chips? Thanks, Brian

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First sat contact
by Ed Tump 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Folks, Well I am excited to say using the approx 2035 pass of AO27, I have made my first satellite contact from EN52 to EL29 N5AFV! Thanks Allen and to all once again who have helped get me to this point. I did it from my cold lawn in Wisconsin using Orbitron, my HT Yaesu FT60, and the AL-800 antenna. I also had my old tape recorder going so I have permanent audio of that contact. Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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A bit OT - Workman PS-35
by Bob Stewart 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

A warning about buying this PSU - it doesn't ship well. I just got one of these Power Supplies, and I thought I'd let everyone know how it went. The case is very flimsy and the transformer is very heavy - not a good combination. The first one I got arrived a bit broken internally. The dealer said that it looked like a truck hit it, when he got it back. The second one I got; the transformer was loose inside, and 1 of the 4 attachment screws was detached. The regulator board was also slightly damaged. I chose to just repair it, instead of continuing to play the "shipment lottery". It seems like it will make a good PSU now that it's reassembled and repaired. But that's a lot of aggravation for a new PSU. If you can pick it up in person, then consider it. If you have to ship it, well you might want to consider something else. Bob - AE6RV

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Mast strength??
by Stargate 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Hi all, I am installing 20' of Rohn 45 with a flat top from Normsfab and a Yaesu GS-065 thrust bearing. The lower end of the tower is already figured out but I'm not sure of what strength 2" mast I need. All this short tower will be supporting is a 3-4 element 6M homebrew beam just above the bearing on the tower, as well as, the elevation portion of the Yaesu G-5500 rotor with 8' fiberglass cross mast, and M2 2MCP22, and 436CP42UG beams on each end of the cross boom. The 2MCP22 is 2.5 sq ft wind load. The 436CP42UG is 2.0 sq ft wind load. I'm not sure of the WL for the rotor and 6M beam. The mast will have to be at least 18'-20' long to give 2-3 foot inside the tower to the AZ rotor and enough sticking out the top to give 1/4 wavelength (at 2M) spacing between the satellite antenna's and the 6M beam. The satellite antenna's are close to 20' long and mount from close to the center so I need at least 10' (+1/4 wavelength) above the top of the 6M beam. I'm not an engineering type so I thought I would ask on here. What thickness and material would the mast need to be to support this. I am thinking T6061 aluminum, .25" thick wall, 2" outside diameter mast. I live in a 75mph wind zone. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, 73's 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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Re: Digital Voice Recorders
by Clint Bradford 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

I have always been pleased with Olympus products. Here are their current models that create files that can be uploaded to your PC... WMA Digital Voice Recorder Built-in Stereo Microphones USB Direct design WMA Digital Voice Recorder USB Direct design USB storage device 144 hrs. recording time USB connectivity Extra high-quality sound 136 hrs. recording time Removable stereo mic Super-high-quality sound 67 hrs. recording time Detachable stereo mic Super-high-quality sound 72 hrs. recording time USB connectivity Extra high-quality sound Removable media File Edit Convenient file creation Pointing Device Customizable Buttons Programmable User ID 27 hrs. recording time Direct PC Link Stores any file type Manage voice files Streamline tasks Automatic features Two-channel mic kit High-quality microphone Plug-in power system Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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FalconSat -3 Status?
by Keith N4ZQ 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Since it's launch last March, little has been available from the United States Air Force Academy as to FalconSat-3 status. Anyone have any idea when it's primary experiments will be completed and it will turned over for amateur radio digital repeater service? Patiently waiting as we could always use another digisat... Keith N4ZQ

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Digital voice recorder recommendations
by Ed Tump 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Folks, I have been looking for a unit that will work nicely with recording the sats but not too expensive, under $50. I see a lot on EBay but would love to know users thoughts. Thanks in advance. Warm regards, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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AO-16 telemetry Nov 25, 2007
by Mike Rupprecht 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

25.11.2007, 14:28:40 UTC ctrl: 3 {UI} PID: F0 {No L3} Frame Bytes: 21 [Payload Bytes: 4] from PACSAT to MBLCTL: 1 > 54 A3 65 80 T£e€ -------------------------------------------------------------------- 25.11.2007, 14:28:41 UTC ctrl: 3 {UI} PID: F0 {No L3} Frame Bytes: 21 [Payload Bytes: 4] from PACSAT to MBLCTL: 1 > 54 A3 64 00 T£d. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 25.11.2007, 14:28:41 UTC ctrl: 3 {UI} PID: F0 {No L3} Frame Bytes: 21 [Payload Bytes: 4] from PACSAT to MBLCTL: 1 > 54 A3 63 80 T£c€ -------------------------------------------------------------------- 25.11.2007, 14:28:41 UTC ctrl: 3 {UI} PID: F0 {No L3} Frame Bytes: 21 [Payload Bytes: 4] from PACSAT to MBLCTL: 1 > 54 A3 62 80 T£b€ -------------------------------------------------------------------- 25.11.2007, 14:28:42 UTC ctrl: 3 {UI} PID: F0 {No L3} Frame Bytes: 21 [Payload Bytes: 4] from PACSAT to MBLCTL: 1 > 54 A3 61 00 T£a. 73, Mike DK3WN

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GeneSat Nov 25, 2007
by Mike Rupprecht 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Hi, is anybody interested in GeneSat telemetry? 73, Mike DK3WN 20071125091848,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org1085F549000100B800 5200270069009F41029DB186B445350A39 20071125091852,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org1585F59F0070002200 1500270069009FB33CF6F23B78F6014102 20071125091902,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org1F85F5A0001A011601 E9010000A3019FE015943C9B87027B01EB 20071125091908,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2485F502004A010000 670028006900A10286387C8B0238183B44 20071125091912,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2985F5A2001A011501 E9010000A401A13BA700EC3A3B00AA7E8B 20071125091917,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2E85F5010000000000 7801280069009FE802B6B40AF6B802683A 20071125091922,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org3385F502000000AC00 CB0028006900A1683AEC023FEC943AC00A 20071125091927,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org3885F5A4001A012201 E9010000A3019F8B0B3F3AE4033FF6023F 20071125091932,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org3D85F5A0003E002800 3E00260069009F39DE38F6013638E5394A 20071125091947,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org4C85F5010057010000 5600280069009FB33CF6F23B78F6014102 20071125091952,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org5185F5AA001B011F01 E9010000A301A1183B7701EB9B4B3CB03B 20071125091957,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org5685F5AA001B012201 E9010000A4019FE015943C9B87027B01EB 20071125092002,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org5B85F5040000008400 EF0028006900A10286387C8B0238183B44 20071125092008,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org6085F5AB001B012B01 E9010000A401A13BA700EC3A3B00AA7E8B 20071125092013,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org6585F58D0028002200 7400270069009FE802B6B40AF6B802683A 20071125092017,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org6A85F51A003C010000 000027006900A1683AEC023FEC943AC00A 20071125092027,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org7485F509005F010000 4A00280069009F39DE38F6013638E5394A 20071125092032,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org7985F5070082000000 0C01280069009F0A6215B939001526F601 20071125092037,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org7E85F5010001000000 7901290069009F41029DB186B445350A39 20071125092042,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8385F5020000006A00 0801280069009FB33CF6F23B78F6014102 20071125092047,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8885F5B3001C013501 E90100007800A1183B7701EB9B4B3CB03B 20071125092052,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8D85F5B4001C013801 E9010000A3019FE015943C9B87027B01EB 20071125092057,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org9285F535001C010000 000027006900A10286387C8B0238183B44 20071125092112,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgA185F5070092000000 FA0028006900A1683AEC023FEC943AC00A 20071125092118,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgA685F5B9001D013701 E9010000A3019F8B0B3F3AE4033FF6023F 20071125092122,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgAB85F5090000004200 2A01280069009F39DE38F6013638E5394A 20071125092127,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgB085F505000100A000 B700270069009F0A6215B939001526F601 20071125092132,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgB585F5580002003D00 B500270069009F41029DB186B445350A39 20071125092137,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgBA85F54300D8000500 3700280069009FB33CF6F23B78F6014102 20071125092142,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgBF85F5BD001E014001 E8010000A401A1183B7701EB9B4B3CB03B 20071125092152,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgC985F50700B7000100 D90028006900A10286387C8B0238183B44 20071125092158,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgCE85F5C0001E014101 E8010000A401A13BA700EC3A3B00AA7E8B 20071125092202,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgD385F5040000001400 5201270069009FE802B6B40AF6B802683A 20071125092207,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgD885F5000002008A00 D10028006900A1683AEC023FEC943AC00A 20071125092212,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgDD85F5C1001E014C01 E8010100A4019F8B0B3F3AE4033FF6023F 20071125092217,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgE285F54800A6000100 6100270069009F39DE38F6013638E5394A 20071125092222,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgE785F504006E010000 0100280069009F0A6215B939001526F601 20071125092238,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgF685F5C6001F014A01 E8010000A301A1183B7701EB9B4B3CB03B 20071125092242,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgFB85F5C6001F014E01 E8010000A3019FE015943C9B87027B01EB 20071125092247,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org0086F5060000005600 010127006900A10286387C8B0238183B44 20071125092252,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org0586F5C6001F015501 E8010000A401A13BA700EC3A3B00AA7E8B 20071125092257,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org0A86F5420082000000 8A00270069009FE802B6B40AF6B802683A 20071125092302,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org0F86F507005B010000 040028006900A1683AEC023FEC943AC00A 20071125092322,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2386F5000000000200 6601280069009F41029DB186B445350A39 20071125092327,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2886F5010002002D00 2901280069009FB33CF6F23B78F6014102 20071125092332,KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2D86F5CC0021015D01 E8010000A401A1183B7701EB9B4B3CB03B

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Email Notification feature to be added to My QSL Service.
by sco＠sco-inc.com 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

MY QSL Service (http://myqsl.cc) will soon have the ability to notify you (the registered) user when new QSL cards are received and waiting for you. Les W4SCO www.scoincsoftware.com

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Yaesu G-550 KT-550 rotor freezing and jamming
by Luc Leblanc 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

This question is intended for part of the world who have below freezing point WX. I have an elevation rotor the Yeasu G-550 installed up side down but who work 2 winters seasons here. This year he just start to freeze and he stuck under minus 0C temperature? Just before having to dismantle about 6 beams on the boom did anyone experienced this problem? As it seems this rotor has no draining holes i just think to add one to let the excess humidity to get out of the casing hoping the next above freezing point period will melt the ice build-up allowing water to drain out of the rotor casing. Thank's for your input before i start drilling in the case...:) "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

2 1

new to amsat
by truckwiz 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

Hi, This will be the first of probably 1000 questions. Do I need licenses to work with amsat satellites? Thanks, Brian

12 14

Re: ground rod/plate bonding question
by John Marranca, Jr 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

This question is right up my alley. I used to work for Lucent Technologies. I built many Central Offices, and upgraded quite a few more. When attaching copper to copper, or any other metal for that matter, we used to use a product called NO-OX-ID. It is slightly toxic so if you do get it, don't ingest it...etc. But it is the preferred metal prep in a CO environment. I used it when I built my eggbeaters. 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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Re: new to amsat
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

Pathfinder should of course be Sojourner.... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> To: "Bob Stewart" <bob(a)evoria.net>; "truckwiz" <truckwiz(a)bwig.net>; "Amsat-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2007 2:58 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: new to amsat >I think you'd have to be extremely clever to do it in a rover, but it's >possible to upload and download _small_ data files (<100kb) like .jpgs via >GO-32. This would need to be a BIG rover just to handle the comm gear to do >this. Think Spirit or Opportunity vs. Pathfinder. You'd need a very good >set of circular omni antennas for 2m and 70cm, a hot preamp for 70cm, and >probably some muscle on the uplink on 2m. > > 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: h/t's for FM sats
by andy thomas 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

I use a secondhand FT-51R through an Arrow with in-built duplexer and a high power battery bought separately, to give a nominal 5W. I tape-record all qso's onto cassette. However I'm sure I have some loss through the in-built diplexer. Works fine, I prefer elevations above 40 degrees to tx, although I can hear down to my horizon - you can see some of my operations from my website http://www.andythomas.eu and follow the link on the left. Howver I do prefer the THD-7E (European edition) with a chunky battery. 73 de andy G0SFJ ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Re: GeneSat still alive
by G0MRF＠aol.com 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

In a message dated 24/11/2007 12:17:24 GMT Standard Time, mail(a)mike-rupprecht.de writes: All, just received the following frames: KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org6C57F4C70030014B01FC010000A3019F4 002195A86B7ED348638 Hello Mike. Looks like their command station refit has finished and they are operational again. Apparently it's possible to e-mail them and get a schedule for the beacon. 73 David Mission Operations Log Summaries 10/16/07 - The ops team was finally able to get back into the SRI station although some work remains to be done (like re-installing the UHF feed). Two contacts were run today, lde by the fearless I. Mas. The beacon was re-enabled and verified, and state of health data was downloaded given the extended time over the past 2 months during which no operations were run. Satellite bus health is nominal, and the previously observed payload temperature control anomaly continues (again, we note that the anomaly is for a function that is no longer needed to support the mission). A new ops trainees participated in the contacts and showed off by hand-tracking the beacon with a hand-held antenna and transceiver (nice job Jose!). Post-pass logging was initiated via the internet from Munich! We currently plan to run the next set of contacts next week, and the ops team is working with the engineering team to establish a set of end-of-life test objectives. CK Mid-August through Mid-October Summary - The SRI station is unavailable during this time for maintenance, retrofit, and other test operations. The beacon will be shut off during this period. CK Early August 2007 Ops Summary - The ops team is training several new mission controllers for educational purposes as well as initial training for the team's next satellite, PharmaSat. The team is retrieving routine health data and is also conducting power stress tests (which occasionally require the beacon to be turned off) in order to assess the power generation capabilities of the system. The satellite bus health is nominal. Payload health is good with the exception of the payload temperature control process (temp is below setpoint, the control loop is activated, but a much lower than nominal heater current draw exists); we will monitor this system and develop a plan to evaluate the heater FET and/or other possible root causes. No operations during the week of Aug 12 given the attendance of most of the team at the AIAA Conference on Small Satellites (which includes presentation of several GeneSat-1 related papers). CK July 2007 Ops Summary - Only limited operations conducted in July due to routine maintenance with the SRI station and its use to support other studies. Satellite beacon off. CK

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GeneSat still alive
by Mike Rupprecht 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

All, just received the following frames: KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org6C57F4C70030014B01FC010000A3019F4 002195A86B7ED348638 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org7157F442007A011F005703270069009FB 310F5E43C78F5014302 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org7657F4C80030014D01FC010000A301019 B3B5201EB1FCE3C1E3C KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org7B57F4420008009C002E0326006900A19 B15A73C9BAA647B01EB KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8057F459000000B200520227006900A10 22E387C860237EC3BEC KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8557F4C80030015401FC010000A301A13 AAB00683A3B009D7E86 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8A57F4C80030015401FC010000A301A1E B02B9950AF5B602B939 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org8F57F4CA0031015301FC010000A30101E 5393D023F3DE539820A KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org9957F4CC0031015201FC010000A301A13 80238F501353735399C KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org9E57F434008A0034008D03260069009F0 A66150A39001511F501 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgA357F4CC0031015501FC010000A3019F4 002195A86B7ED348638 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgA857F44600000098009002260069009FB 310F5E43C78F5014302 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgAD57F4CC0031015A01FC010000A301019 B3B5201EB1FCE3C1E3C KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgB257F47700D9003200520126006900A19 B15A73C9BAA647B01EB KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgB757F47400F80118007F0126006900A10 22E387C860237EC3BEC KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgC657F4D10032015901FC010000A30101E 5393D023F3DE539820A KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgCB57F4D10032015B01FD010000A301018 60B13391F6D13F5023F KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgD057F4D10032015E01FD010000A301A13 80238F501353735399C KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.orgD557F44E0000005E00D501260069009F0 A66150A39001511F501 KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2058F425000B008F00090326006900A19 B15A73C9BAA647B01EB KE7EGC>UNDEF,TELEM,qAo,DK3WN-1:GeneSat1.org2A58F4D90034016D01FD010000A301A13 AAB00683A3B009D7E86 73, Mike DK3WN

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Re: Let It Snow
by John Marranca, Jr 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Hello Bob, and Everybody else today... I agree, but I'll go one step farther. Now that the foliage is gone here in Upstate New York, it is pretty amazing (yet again) how low on a pass I can hear. It reminds me of the US Government's Radio Manuals that you are supposed to learn from while serving in the Military. I recall a manual pertaining to VHF that compared types of foliage, and the expected outcome if you transmitted in that vicinity.( The phrase, "Jungle-No good" comes to mind) Anyway...now that the leaves are gone it's pretty amazing how much better I can hear. Hey...who needs a preamp? 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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Alpha-ish release of satcontroller for windows
by scott wilson 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

I released an updated version of my satcontroller software. If anyone's taking advantage of the long weekend, give it a shot and let me know if you have any feedback. Biggest changes are a map mode and removing the dependencies on everything except .NET 2.0. Sorry that it still only supports ICOM CI-V and Yaesu rotators. Next on my list will be getting the FT-817 working. I'd love to hear if anyone's successful with the 'one true' tuning method on a linear bird. In theory it works great :) - In practice, tho, my antenna performance isn't up to it. http://code.google.com/p/satcontroller/ Regards, Scott Wilson NW2S

4 3

Let it snow
by Bob Stewart 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

We got our first snow of the season last night. I've got about 2" of snow on the roof blocking the omnis, but I have a good copy on AO-27 down below 20 degrees. I'm kind of surprised that I can hear as well this. I had kinda figured that the first snow would be the end of using the attic antennas. Bob - AE6RV

1 0

ANDE in VOICE mode Friday evening over Europe
by Henk, PA3GUO 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Dear all, During the 22:55 CET / 21:55 UTC pass (~75 degrees) ANDE will be commanded in VOICE mode. Allow me until the first few minutes to get it in that mode. Just type a message to TALK and your message should be spoken. :TALK :Hello this is me should make ANDE say "Hello this is me". Please note that RF output of VOICE is lower as packets. In case there is more interest, this can be repeated during the next days as well. (up/downlink 145.825, U APRS VIA ARISS) Henk, PA3GUO Check out the ANDE de-Orbit AWARD: http://www.ande-deorbit.com !

1 0

testing
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Just a test to find out why my mail is not going here.

1 0

SPUTNIK Certificate.
by Dave Aitch 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Andrew, Kevin.... The certificate arrived this morning. I was more than happy to be a part of the team Many thanks, 73, Dave. G1OCN. AMSAT 5766

1 0

MIC-E Converter
by Mineo Wakita 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

I developed "Lati/Long -> MIC-E Converter Ver1.1" http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/miceconv.zip ex. ------------------------ Lati 35d23m3s N 35d23.05m N Long 139d36m36.5s E 139d36.61m E Speed 0 knots Cource 0 deg. Dectinatation 3URSP5 Information `C@Y\\\-/ ------------------------ This \\\ are Binary Data. de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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PROJECT OSCAR ANNIVERSARY
by Dave Guimont 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

I wish to thank everyone for the ideas I've received concerning the subject. But this is Rob's baby, his idea, and I appreciate a copy to me, but not really necessary... Send directly to amsat.org, or Rob rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.com I shot my wad, on here, mainly to stir some ideas from the old timers on the bb, and hope it is helping... I'll forward to him, of course, with no difficulty, but I want to make it clear he is the honcho!! Newcomers to satellites, all over the world, join the crowd, your questions could really help the research down the line, to perpetuate the event.... 73, Dave wb6llo(a)amsat.org Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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AMSAT Groups Support ZEL Funding
by Trevor 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

See news item at http://www.uk.amsat.org/ 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK publish a quarterly newsletter full of Amateur Satellite information. Join now online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subscription/ ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Re: An OSCAR day
by richard＠g3rwl.demon.co.uk 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Robert > One thing, do you have or know if there are any > photo's of Oscar-1 to put on my web site etc? I have a full-size model of Oscar-1 made from cardboard and kitchen foil if you need an actual object to show off. Collect from North London. 73 Richard G3RWL

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No takers in the USA and Canada!
by Bato, Andras 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Gentlemen, I was calling CQ when I was in the range of AO7 on orbit 51108 today. At 19:31 UT I had to stop because I did not hear myself any longer. I was around 145953 -on CW as usual. I did this many times, but there are no takers from Canada und the USA! To see a map please visit http://www.ha5mrc.hu/news/news.html gl de ha6nn Andras

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New QSL Service
by sco＠mindspring.com 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

check out my new Qsl service at myqsl.cc Les W4SCO

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Re: An OSCAR day
by Tom Clark, K3IO 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Dave asked for photos -- here is one source with narration: http://www.spacetoday.org/Satellites/Hamsats/Hamsats1960s.html For sounds, see http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/sounds/index.php 73, Tom

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A *must* read for the potential newcomer to satellites.
by John Hackett 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

>From OBSERVATIONS ... <http://www.observations.biz/> By LA2QAA & GM1SXX ... This observation by GM1SXX. See also ... "HOW MUCH POWER IS ENOUGH" by LA2QAA. A *must* read for potential newcomwrs to amateur satellites. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. “More power Egor.” - Dr Frankenstein. Here's a good question from a regular reader. > Why is it bad to use more power than absolutely necessary when >transmitting to a satellite and how does this affect the battery >capacity of the satellite? There are two answers to this one. 1) With an FM bird, power is not an issue. FM is a continuous duty mode. When a signal is present on the transponder, no matter whether you are whispering or yelling, the power consumed is, or should be, exactly the same. FM transponders operate in Class C. With Class C amplifiers, when a signal is present, the transponder consumes what would be considered a 'normal' amount of power. With no signal present, the power amplifier (PA) consumes virtually no power, and since the PA is *the* major power consumer on a satellite, this is good. Only the receiver and IF strip are active with no signal present. Power consumed from the battery therefore depends primarily on how much time the transponder is active for during each orbit. OK, I've neglected the other power consumers on the bird such as the command system etc, but these are NOT affected by the behaviour of users. 2A) With a LINEAR transponder bird, running excess power on the uplink is a VERY serious issue. On a LINEAR transponder, the transponder's bandwidth (typically 100Khz) is 'shared' between the all of the users users in the transponder's 'passband'. The transponder literally takes a chunk of spectrum, amplifies and re-transmits it's entire contents on a different frequency. The total transponder power available is therefore SHARED between the users. If one user runs excessive power, the automatic gain control (AGC) in the satellite's receiver reduces the overall passband gain to compensate. This reduces the strength of the downlink signal for EVERYONE. It's therefore easy to realise that if everyone ran the MINIMUM uplink power, the satellite AGC would never be operating and therefore the DOWNLINK signals (for everyone) would be strongest. This is an important point. If the power level of even ONE user is greater than the AGC range can cope with (all too common I'm afraid), the transponder 'limits' (bottoms out), and in extreme cases goes non-linear with the excessively strong signals 'FM modulating' it. In short, it consumes a great deal of power while NOT providing any useful communications. 2B) Now for the serious stuff. Linear transponders operate in Class AB. The power consumption of the transponder is roughly proportional to the strength of ALL the signals in the passband. If one signal dominates, it will use most of the available downlink power, If it's strong enough to trigger the AGC into action, this lowers the downlink power available for EVERYONE ... INCLUDING the offending station. So, with a linear bird, the amount of power consumed from the battery is heavily dependent of the strength of the strongest signal! You may be interested to hear that 5W is enough power (to a modest yagi) to work CW on Amsat Oscar7. It was certainly also the case for the sadly now defunct Russian radiosport satellites. Satellite receivers are generally VERY sensitive indeed. The limiting factor with Linear birds is the IQ of the most thoughtless user. Many users are sensible, but it only takes ONE user running excessive power into a linear transponder bird to ruin the party for all. Since the power consumption of a linear satellite bears an almost linear relationship to the total power in the passband, the use of excessive power will rapidly run down the battery. This compromises the expected lifespan of the satellite by degrading the battery components. Satellites in Low Earth Orbit have brutal demands made of their batteries. 14 orbits a day is typical for these birds, so the battery suffers 14 charge-discharge cycles each day. Try doing that to a set of Ni-Cd batteries and see how long they last! Because the operating regime is so harsh, the batteries need to be over-rated , in order to provide an acceptable battery life expectancy. Battery Charge Regulators (BCR's) also help greatly to provide an acceptable working life for amateur satellites. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Put simply, here are some basic satellite facts FM satellites PRO's. Can be used with cheap FM equipment. CONS Encourages bad operating practices thanks to FM Capture Effect. Only supports one QSO. Linear satellites PRO's. Can support many concurrent users AND modes. CON's. Easily 'clobbered' by FM type operating practices. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So the operating practices for linear and FM satellites are very different. Unfortunately some users don't realise this. LA2QAA & GM1SXX. 22-11-07.

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Re: An OSCAR day
by Robert Turlington 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Hi Dave I have obtained the Special callsign GB0OO Golf Bravo Zero Oscar One,so I will be active on the 12th Dec 07 all day and untill Sunday 16th there may be some activity from GB2NSC at the national space centre in Leicester England as well.Perhaps you can spread the word round because I come in range of east coast USA and Canada on AO51 and AO7.One thing, do you have or know if there are any photo's of Oscar-1 to put on my web site etc?Regards Robert G8ATE > Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:31:03 -0800> To: rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.com> From: dguimon1(a)san.rr.com> Subject: An OSCAR day> > Hi Robert,> > I would like for you to go with this thing from G-land, if you would > be willing....> > You've probably seen my messages, and I was just throwing out ideas, > to get some of the more experienced people "out of the woodwork".> > Many of them are a little annoyed with some of the practices of > AMSAT-NA...AMSAT-NA (with their East Coast biases) tend to ignore the > rest of the world, and with my many contacts on AO 10, 13 and 40 I > want to continue that relationship, and not just the 2-meter 2 user > satellites NA seems to promote...> > I was just throwing out ideas, and what ever info I receive (not on > amsat.org). I'll just pass on to you.> > Go ahead and go with it, please...With you at the helm, worldwide > response will be much better, in my opinion...> > I'll help with whatever you decide...> > Sincerely, Dave> > > > 73, Dave wb6llo(a)amsat.org> Disagree: I learn....> > Pulling for P3E... > _________________________________________________________________ The next generation of MSN Hotmail has arrived - Windows Live Hotmail http://www.newhotmail.co.uk

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DRSI PCPAT2 packet
by renauld halbardier 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Hello to the group, I am looking for the DRSI iso-card manual (pcpat2)? Can anybody send me the doc by email ? 73 Tnx Renauld on4kvi

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AMSAT's Power Developments in the news
by Tom Clark, K3IO 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Many of you have heard that Lew McFadin (W5DID), working with Steve Bible (N7HPR) and Steve's colleagues (especially Keith Curtis) at Microchip (the PIC people) have been working on a next generation power conditioning system. The basic idea is to have a power charge/discharge conditioner for each cell of the spacecraft's battery pack. This will allow the use of several different battery technologies (NiCd, NiMH, LiIon, etc) and also some of the new "super capacitors". Some of you who were at Dayton may have seen the breadboard mockup of system that Steve brought and Lew was showing. Lew was also showing some ~2000 Farad(!) 3 volt capacitors (some of us dubbed them "flux gate capacitors"). The SuperCap developments have been exploding of late. One immediate service is for regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles, since the capacitors seem to be able to withstand a (virtually) infinite number of charge/discharge cycles, and then can "soak up" & discharge huge currents -- must faster than any chemical batteries can do. Batteries store watt-hours of energy, while capacitors handle large numbers of watts of power. One German light-rail system employs a total of 600 2600Farad capacitors for regenerative braking. Some US electric buses have capacitor banks with 144 18Farad capacitors that deliver 400 Amps at 360 Volts. Today I received the 11.15.07 edition of Electronic Design magazine, and there is an interesting technology review paper entitled "Get the Lowdown on UltraCapacitors" starting on page 45; the article is available online at http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/ArticleID/17465/17465.html. Starting on page 50 (the 3rd page of the online version) The AMSAT/MicroChip effort is described along with schematics (figure 6, also http://electronicdesign.com/files/29/17465/Figure_06.jpg). The closing paragraph (which doesn't mention the planed use of these concepts on Suitsat2) says: > Microchip worked with AMSAT-NA, the not-for-profit private organization that develops > amateur-radio satellites. AMSAT’s next big project, the Eagle satellite, is slated for > launch in March 2009. To make Eagle function for decades, it will have a power system > based on this work that combines solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and ultracaps > in an integrated power system that will optimize the use of each of those components. Pretty good publicity! 73, Tom

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Re: ande-tlm decode
by Henk, PA3GUO 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

> Can any one tell me if their is any software to decode > ande-tlm that will run on win 95. Hi Ryan, Using Hyperterminal or ASatLogger (ASatLogger is my favorite) (see http://www.billdiaz.dynip.com) you will decode strings like this: ANDE-1]BEACON,qAo,DK3WN-1:T#002,003,010,009,004,003,01000000,000 That is already a really fantastic start if you receive them ! Now if you go to Mike's website you will find a decode SW (in fact it translates these values to onboard voltages etc.) http://www.dk3wn.info/sat/afu/sat_maa.shtml Let us know if you where able to go all the way there ! Succes and see you on ANDE ! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo http://www.ande-deorbit.com

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There are takers in Hungary
by Bato, Andras 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Hi Bob, HA2RD is well known there in the eastern states and Canada. I myself badly need the USA and Canada for my DXCC collection. So I am on duty as many times as possible. :) Please pray for B-mode every day. Mode A cant't be used at all! gl de ah6nn Andras

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Re: ande-tlm decode
by Bob Bruninga 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

> Is there any software to decode ande-tlm that > ... That I can use before ande deorbits. ANDE Telemetry is just standard APRS (KPC-3+) telemetry. And you can see anyone's telemetry from any TNC, including ANDE's live and decoded on the FINDU.COM web page. Use this special URL to see FINDU's display of ANDE telemetry: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/andeTLM1.html This link above is on the ANDE-OPS page labeled "SIDE-A Telemetry": http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html Your downlink packets can go directly to this site for immediate display along with everyone else's. Just connect your receiver to your PC and run any kind of APRS or ALOGGER I-Gate software and feed packets heard into the global APRS system. As you can see, right now the data is kinda sparse because not that many people are feeding live data. But hopefully that will improve. Bob, Wb4APR

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Re: Radio Shack Rotator Voltage
by Bob Bruninga 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

> I just picked up a used Radio Shack 15-1254 > Rotator only..no control box or specs... > Does anyone know what the drive voltage > requirements is on these 1 I use them in my $65 tracking system. See the schematic on my web page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/rotator1.html Its about 24-30 VAC with a capacitor to provide phase shift to give the correct direction. Bob, WB4APR

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ande-tlm decode
by ryan woods 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

Hello bob wb4apr and the group Can any one tell me if their is any software to decode ande-tlm that will run on win 95. That I can use before ande deorbits. tnx and 73 Ryan kd8atf P.S. I hope every body has a happy and safe tnxgiving ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ

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Re: Right Angle BNC adapters
by John Marranca, Jr 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

Good Afternoon, everyone. I just wanted to pass along a whole-hearted thank you to Dave WB6LLO for sending me a much better Right Angle adapter than what I had been using. And, as many members here had noted, the differences are astounding. (My old one indeed WAS one that utilized a spring rather than any real conductor.) Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This year as I am sitting down with my family in thanks of our many blessings, I will be sure to include all of my friends here at AMSAT and in the satellite community in my prayers. 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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Re: Amateur Satellites Anniversary
by John Marranca, Jr 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

I think that is an excellent idea. To have all of the remaining satellite pioneers give their stories once again to us...the new...should be top priority with the coming of the "next generation" satellites, and their users. A few nights ago, I perused some old issues of QST that I have here, and two artocles in particular were awe-inspiring. One was the first amateur two-way Moonbounce QSO, c. 1960...and the second was the Project Oscar and the Oscar 1 transmitter. Good Luck to all on this most stellar endeavour. 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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Amateur Satellites Anniversary
by Dave Guimont 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

Hello Robert, et al, Suggesting an anniversary name for amateur satellites around the world: PROJECT OSCAR ANNIVERSARY and 12 December should be the day. Project Oscar coined the name OSCAR for Orbital Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio. And the original group that built, and contracted for the launch was Project Oscar. The following has some of the history, in addition to the excellent sites you provided, should anyone be interested. I was still on active duty in the navy at that time, and did not get involved until I returned to San Diego ~1965. A short time after that, my wife, Leanore, prepared their newsletter, and still has considerable information on the history after 1965. And I am sure Harley Gabrielson could supply us with a lot of the history...He was involved from the outset.. It took us until 1975, for various reasons, and to find suitable housing to erect an antenna, and cut my teeth on AO7.... http://www.spacetoday.org/Satellites/Hamsats/HamsatsBasics.html Project Oscar members come out of the woodwork with suggestions and or information.. N1DID, (W0EEC) Emily did the news letter for a period, maybe still does, and am sure she has a wealth of info. Cliff Buttschart, K6RR, was the glue that held Project Oscar together for some time, and things seem to fall apart with his passing...I would be interested to hear from anyone on their present activity....DON'T LET ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS IN HAM RADIO DIE ON THE VINE... Congratulations to you, Robert, for the inspiration. When we get going, I'm sure I can enlist my wife to do the compilation, unless others choose to do so. I don't expect this to be an AMSAT-NA project, but AMSAT-WORLDWIDE, with as many translations as possible, to REALLY UNITE again with the launch of P3E!!! And if any reader has any connection with an amateur oriented publication, ask them to help us out.. I'm available collect from any where in the world, anytime: San Diego, CA 619-275-1495 And the ARRL 10 meter contest is just before that date this year, 8 & 9 Dec...Yak it up there!!! 73, Dave wb6llo(a)amsat.org Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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AO7 footprint stretch
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

Hello Should there be anyone in central or northern England today at 2225-2228Z, you will have a short 1-2 minute window to Seattle Washington on AO7. I will be endeavoring to stretch the footprint. I will be on 145.950 CW. Any takers? 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle, Wa.

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Re: AMSAT Offices Closed
by Clint Bradford 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

> ... I should be back in the office on Monday at 10: AM ET... Happy Thanksgiving, Martha! Clint

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FW: lunar x prize on amsat-bb
by Ransom, Kenneth G. (JSC-OC)[BAR] 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

Forwarded on behalf of Brian Beckius (email directly to him at truckwiz_1 at MSN dot COM) if you are interested. Kenneth - N5VHO ________________________________ Hi, I'm a new member of amsat , I am with a group that is working on competing in the Lunar X Prixe , We have a test rover that we want to start debugging in January , we would like to control it from a satellite so that get a feel for controlling from a distance , any help or suggestion would be appreciated . Thanks Brian

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FAO Bob - WB4APR - E-Mail via satellites.
by Dave Aitch 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

Hi Bob, How long will the experiment of sending e-mails via the various satellites be going on for please ? 73, Dave. G1OCN p.s. Apologies to the list for this and other mail when trying to contact directly fails. Seems like some recipients have higher filter settings.

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Office Closed
by Martha 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

The AMSAT Office will be closed on Wednesday, November 21, Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23rd. I should be back in the office on Monday at 10: AM ET 73- Martha

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Bargain Basement Satellite
by JoAnne Maenpaa 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

NASA now offers a low-cost satellite shell for you to populate with your payload: http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Bargain_Basement_Satellites_999.html Only $4 million for prototype development but no word of what off-the-shelf might cost. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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FS
by Jim Randall 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

For Sale!!! One brand new Icom IC 910H,Still in original box,only opened to check the assesories and read the manual.If interested,contact me off line. Jim N3YDT

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ANDE De-Orbit AWARD website is alive !
by Henk, PA3GUO 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

Great news ! Created by Mike, DK3WN, we now have since this weekend the ANDE de-Orbit AWARD website online: http://www.ande-deorbit.com Have a look around, let us know if you like it. Did you already start making contacts - or capturing telemetry ? Or: anyone out there, who dares to predict when ANDE will de-orbit ? Share with the group your ideas ! Henk, PA3GUO Award: http://www.ande-deorbit.com Status: http://web.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html

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