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

A few volunteers needed
by Robert McGwier 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

I am putting out a call for volunteers to help with some specific prototyping tasks that AMSAT needs to do in the early part of 2008. http://www.amsat.org for those unfamiliar with the organization. The skills needed are 1) TIME ;-) 2) I need FPGA programming help for a Virtex 2. It will be used to prototype several different functions but a specific parallel channel demodulator, single carrier modulator, FEC generation and decoding need to be done. Existing cores that are not encumbered with IP are required so if that has to be new work, that is what it is. I also need for a separate task to develop a PWM modulator to drive a switching power supply. 3) I need switching power supply designers to come out of the wood work and join in with an RF development effort. While AMSAT has some power supply volunteers, they are mostly engaged. 4) I need up and down converters for 3.4 and 5.7 GHz that will be used to generate and receive hard limited constant envelope signals. Efficiency is paramount but this is a prototype. Functioning would be ideal! 5) We could use people with RF test equipment and labs at their disposal to do tests on these prototypes. I think we are moving into an exciting and higher intensity time in AMSAT and it is my hope that some of these things will interest you. There will needs to be a meeting in January in the D.C. area, absolutely no later than Mid February if you are interested. If any of this sounds remotely interesting to you, please contact me at my email address. Bob -- AMSAT Director and VP Engineering. Member: ARRL, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR WG Chair “An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?” Descartes

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ANDE 1 year in space & working fine !
by Henk, PA3GUO 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

ANDE is now exactly one year in space, and will de-orbit within the next days. Telemetry reception using a 2x6 elements antenna (no pre-amplifier) is still fine. 09:29:38 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#001,002,010,009,004,003,01000000,414 09:29:49 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#002,016,175,159,002,008,00000110,414 09:29:58 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#003,139,045,048,045,214,11100001,414 09:30:08 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#004,157,136,160,139,152,10101111,414 09:30:19 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#005,002,010,009,004,003,01000000,414 09:30:29 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#006,016,175,158,002,008,00000110,414 09:30:38 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#007,138,046,048,045,214,11100001,414 09:30:48 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#008,157,136,161,139,151,10101111,414 11:01:45 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#003,135,045,048,045,214,11100001,593 11:01:54 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#004,155,136,152,146,155,10101111,593 11:02:04 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#005,002,009,009,004,003,01000000,593 11:02:15 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#006,155,181,155,001,036,00000111,593 11:02:24 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#007,139,046,048,045,214,11100001,593 11:02:44 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#009,002,010,009,004,003,01000000,593 11:02:54 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#010,016,181,155,001,036,00000110,593 11:03:04 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#011,139,046,048,045,214,11100001,593 11:03:24 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#013,002,009,009,004,003,01000000,593 11:03:34 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#014,016,181,155,001,036,00000110,593 11:03:45 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#015,139,045,048,045,214,11100001,593 12:32:10 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#001,017,182,157,001,061,00000110,000 12:32:54 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#002,139,046,048,045,214,11100001,386 12:33:04 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#003,155,159,165,150,156,10101111,386 12:33:14 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#004,005,010,009,004,003,01000000,386 12:33:24 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#005,016,182,157,001,059,00000110,386 12:33:34 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#006,139,046,048,045,214,11100001,386 12:33:44 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#007,155,158,166,150,156,10101111,386 12:33:54 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#008,005,010,009,004,003,01000000,386 12:34:04 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#009,016,182,157,001,059,00000110,386 12:34:14 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#010,139,046,048,045,214,11100001,386 12:34:24 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#011,155,157,165,149,155,10101111,386 Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo

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ANDE final tracking
by Robert Bruninga 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

ANDE was doing well on the last pass at about 2000z on the 21st. I have to leave now for Grandma's and so cannot command high telemetry rates. This means ANDE will not be heard over the east coast unless she wakes up on her own and she hears packets. Then she will only beacon telemetry once a minute. So, I am taking a risk here and authorizing unattended beacons at a 30 second rate. This should keep the channel busy enough to wake ANDE up. Once she wakes, you can back off to let others in. The original primary lithium cells are doing just fine. No drop in voltage apparent since launch. In fact, voltage appears up these last few days due to higher temps. Good luck. My IGATE is left on and my beam is pointed WNW from Maryland. Watching packets on http://pcsat.aprs.org And http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html Bob, WB4APR

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Laptops
by Arlon Nelson 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Whats the deal on the free XO-1 laptops? How do you get one? Sounds to good to be true. 73, Nels, WØTUP Minot, North Dakota anelson(a)min.midco.net - w0tup(a)arrl.net http://min.midco.net/ws Ward County - Grid Locator DN98if SKCC 31 - Flying Pigs 590 - QRPp-I #760 ARRL - FISTS #8610 - CC #1310 - FISTS WAS #143 FISTS PLATINUM #365 - FISTS SILVER #367 ARRL SSTV WAS #33 - IVCA MIXED BAND SSTV #1 40 MTR CW WAS - DXCC # 39623 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Two antennas met on a tower, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

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ANDE NO MORE?
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

FOLKS, YESTERDAY NO COPY FROM ANDE, TODAY NO COPY ALSO, IS IT DOWN? ONE MORE PASS THIS AFTERNOON TO LISTEN FOR. KC8GKF

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Re: LEO EmComm (and Meteor Scatter as well)
by Robert Bruninga 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

> HELLO, DID I HAVE MY EMCOMM EMAIL MSG > SET UP RIGHT WITH UNPROTO CQ VIA > ANDE-1,SGATE,WIDE1-1 > > OR DO I JUST MAKE IT UNPROTO CQ VIA WIDE1-1? Either will do and also VIA ARISS will do. But ANDE is so low now that it is rare to get an overhead pass (close enough for it to hear you). It is far easier to get your message through on the same frequency and using the same path via ISS which is also on 145.825. You don't have to do anything different if you use the same path for both... UNPROTO APRS VIA ARISS. > WILL GIVE IT ONE TRY... WILL THIS ALSO WORK WITH ISS? Oops. Yes, VIA ARISS for both. Bob, WB4APR > > KC8GKF > > AH IT LOOKS LIKE MY EMAIL NEVER MADE IT OUT FROM THIS PC. > > > HERE IT WAS: > > HAD IT SET UP LIKE THIS > UNPROTO CQ VIA ANDE-1,SGATE,WIDE1-1 > BT :EMAIL RADIOOPERATOR(a)COMCAST.NET MSG: HAPPY HOLIDAYS > FROM KC8GKF > AND FAMILY TEST MSG. > > BEACON EVERY 1 MIN > > > OR SHOULD IT BE : > UNPROTO CQ VIA WIDE1-1 > BT :EMAIL RADIOOPERATOR(a)COMCAST.NET MSG: HAPPY HOLIDAYS > FROM KC8GKF AND > FAMILY TEST MSG. > > > > KC8GKF > > HAPPY HOLDIAYS > >

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IC-910H UX-910 Unit Question
by John Henderson 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

I am considering buying the UX-910. When installing the 1200mhz unit how does it display? I can't find any docs on how to use the unit? Thanks for any help, I must be missing something in the literature. 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: IC-910H UX-910 Unit Question
by Skip Prinsen 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Hi John, The physical installation is listed in the documentation with the UX-910 1200Mhz Band Unit. If you look on page 73 of the Instruction Manual for the IC-910H it also gives instructions for installing the unit. The operational display is explained in the 910H manual on pages 19-21. Pressing and holding the BAND M/S button the front of the radio will switch the unselected band in place of one of the displayed bands. You basically only have to bands that you can operate at a time. I hope that I have not confused you. It is explained in the manual. The manual can be downloaded at the following URL. http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/Default.aspx?Category=31 73 de Skip W7PN At 04:23 PM 12/21/2007, you wrote: >Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > >You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > >Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? (Ricardo Trujillo) > 2. Re: Tracking Santa ? (Paul Luggar) > 3. IC-910H UX-910 Unit Question (John Henderson) > 4. Re: [SPAM] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? (Robert Bruninga) > 5. Re: Looks like ANDE is coming down! (Robert Bruninga) > 6. Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals (Andrew Glasbrenner) > 7. Re: Orbital Classroom -Where is it????????? (R.Haighton) > 8. Tracking or Talking To Santa ? (James) > 9. LEO EmComm (and Meteor Scatter as well) (Robert Bruninga) > 10. Re: Looks like ANDE is coming down! (Stefan Wagener) > 11. Out of Office (Martha) > 12. Re: [SPAM] Re: Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals (Andrew Rich) > 13. Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? (David Bern) > 14. Re: [SPAM] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? (David Bern) > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Message: 1 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:44:37 -0500 >From: Ricardo Trujillo <hk4bha(a)comcast.net> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? >To: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)pacbell.net> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, 'David Bern' <DavidBern(a)Engineer.com> >Message-ID: <476BC345.8040207(a)comcast.net> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > >Same here, waiting for mine to arrive. >Happy Holidays, >Ricardo, W3/HK4BHA > > > > > >Jim Jerzycke wrote: > > Still waiting for mine, but it's good to hear others > > are receiving theirs. > > Jim KQ6EA > > > > --- "Tom Azlin, N4ZPT" <n4zpt(a)cox.net> wrote: > > > > > >> Hi Bob, > >> > >> 2 of the 3 I am expecting came in today. So the 3rd > >> should be along > >> shortly. No notice that they were coming. > >> > >> 73, Tom n4zpt > >> > >> Robert Bruninga wrote: > >> > >>> OLPC: > >>> > >>> Anyone know when to expect delivery on the > >>> > >> one-laptop-per-child, > >> > >>> or did both of mine go to peru? I think several > >>> > >> people on here > >> > >>> ordered one. > >>> > >>> Bob, WB4APR > >>> > >>> > >>>> -----Original Message----- > >>>> From: David Bern [mailto:DavidXBern@aol.com] > >>>> Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:28 AM > >>>> To: bruninga(a)usna.edu > >>>> Cc: Tom Azlin, N4ZPT; David Bern; Adam Bern > >>>> Subject: Re: APRS idea and ordered two XO-1 > >>>> > >>>> Bob: > >>>> > >>>> Maybe we could all get together for lunch or > >>>> > >> dinner > >> > >>>> with our new XO-1 computers.... Note that the > >>>> software in the XO-1s is open source and we > >>>> should be able run the mesh networking software > >>>> on any Linux computer.... > >>>> > >>>> The Hinternet folks have playing with 803.11 for > >>>> years now. Do a Google search on "HSMM". > >>>> WiMax technology is coming down line and that is > >>>> > >> more > >> > >>>> oriented as a MAN (metropolitan area network). > >>>> > >>>> David W2LNX > >>>> > >>> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 2 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:08:50 -0000 >From: "Paul Luggar" <luggsey(a)hotmail.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Tracking Santa ? >To: "Roger Kolakowski" <rogerkola(a)aol.com>, "Keith N4ZQ" > <n4zq(a)netzero.net>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <BAY123-DAV13FB0995D2C6AEBF17616EB95E0(a)phx.gbl> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > >I always "launch" a Santa on APRS over Christmas, keep amn eye out for him! >Happy Christmas All! > > >Paul Luggar. >M0SCI > > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Roger Kolakowski" <rogerkola(a)aol.com> >To: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 1:25 PM >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Tracking Santa ? > > > > I'm sure Santa uses a Polar Orbit so that he can restock every hour and a > > half or so...I would bet that "flyovers" ranging from around Midnight to 4 > > am would pretty much fit his needs if Tom Hanks and Chevy Chase don't get > > in > > his way. > > > > Roger > > WA1KAT > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.net> > > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 5:37 AM > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Tracking Santa ? > > > > > >> The grand kids would like to track Santa Christmas eve, just to make sure > > he is on his way. Anyone got any Keps for him and his team of reindeer? > >> > >> Merry Christmas.. Keith N4ZQ > >> > >> > >> _____________________________________________________________ > >> Free comparison of top car rental companies. Click Here! > >> > > > http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4uHs754D7Oow5r9pOqxzKJ… > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 3 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:19:46 -0500 >From: "John Henderson" <jah(a)ec.rr.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-910H UX-910 Unit Question >To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <003701c843dc$8a7e53a0$9f7afae0$(a)rr.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > >I am considering buying the UX-910. When installing the 1200mhz unit how >does it display? I can't find any docs on how to use the unit? > >Thanks for any help, I must be missing something in the literature. > > > > > > > > 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/ > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 4 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:22:34 -0500 >From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? >To: <vk4tec(a)people.net.au>, "'Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604'" > <faunt(a)panix.com>, <n4zpt(a)cox.net> >Cc: NAdamBern(a)aol.com, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, DavidBern(a)Engineer.com >Message-ID: <022101c843dc$f02a28a0$42577a83(a)ewlab.usna.edu> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > > Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? > > Have I missed something ? > > Are these good for Ham Radio applications ? > >The way I see it: >* Goal is $100 laptop >* Runs under Linux >* Excellent visibility in bright sun >* Runs Display uses only 0.1W in sun >* Can be charged by solar power >* built-in 802.11 wireless plus automatic MESHING with others >* Targeted at youth worldwide... > >And on and on... > >Seems the perfect platform for HAM radio! > >Bob, WB4APR > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------- > > -------------- > > Andrew Rich VK4TEC > > vk4tec(a)people.net.au <mailto:vk4tec@people.net.au> > > http://www.tech-software.net > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org >[mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org]On > > Behalf Of Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 > > Sent: Friday, 21 December 2007 4:23 PM > > To: n4zpt(a)cox.net > > Cc: NAdamBern(a)aol.com; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; >DavidBern(a)Engineer.com > > Subject: [SPAM] [amsat-bb] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? > > Importance: Low > > > > > > I got mine- no notice. > > > > 73, doug > > > > Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:07:49 -0500 > > From: "Tom Azlin, N4ZPT" <n4zpt(a)cox.net> > > > > Hi Bob, > > > > 2 of the 3 I am expecting came in today. So the 3rd should >be along > > shortly. No notice that they were coming. > > > > 73, Tom n4zpt > > > > Robert Bruninga wrote: > > > OLPC: > > > > > > Anyone know when to expect delivery on the >one-laptop-per-child, > > > or did both of mine go to peru? I think several people >on here > > > ordered one. > > > > > > Bob, WB4APR > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 5 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:27:13 -0500 >From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Looks like ANDE is coming down! >To: "'Ron Hashiro'" <rhashiro(a)hawaiiantel.net>, "'Lauret& Henk'" > <hamoen(a)iae.nl> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: <022201c843dd$9489ee80$42577a83(a)ewlab.usna.edu> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > >Ron, same here. During my best AM pass, I only decoded one >packet! > >Warming and cooling is expected. The warming we have been >seeing is mostly due to ANDE's orbit precessing into a full sun >phase that also happened to coincide with the winter solstice. > >That peak for ANDE just passed yesterday, so it will be cooling. >(Eclipses are getting longer). It will be interesting to see >how much of the warming was due to the sun angles and if any of >it yet is due to friction.. > >See the trends on the "side A telemetry" link on the ANDE web >page: > >http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html > >Bob > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Ron Hashiro [mailto:rhashiro@hawaiiantel.net] > > Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 2:51 AM > > To: Robert Bruninga; 'Lauret& Henk' > > Subject: Looks like ANDE is coming down in about a day or so >(?) > > > > ANDE's at 118 sm, according to the keps. Mighty low. > > > > The onboard temperature started to dip. Unexpected. > > > > I'll be off island starting Dec 27. The remaining passes are > > poor for > > me. Sorry Henk and Bob, I don't make it for the certificate. >I did > > hear audio, but could not decode the S3 signal on a 24 degree > > pass with > > a 3 el Arrow. > > > > Ron H > > > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 6 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:44:28 -0500 >From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals >To: <vk4tec(a)people.net.au>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <13FC590193724F8FA00A87DF2AF384D6@Andrewlaptop> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > >AO-51 is LHCP on 435.150, RHCP on 435.300, and linear on 2401.200. If your >helix is LHCP and you are listening to the .300 voice downlink, you are in >the neighborhood of 20db down from a RHCP helix. > >73, Drew KO4MA > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec(a)people.net.au> >To: "Jeff Mock" <jeff(a)mock.com>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 6:20 AM >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals > > > > Does ao-51 have circular ? > > > > I have LHCP on my antenna > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Andrew Rich VK4TEC > > vk4tec(a)people.net.au <mailto:vk4tec@people.net.au> > > http://www.tech-software.net > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Jeff Mock [mailto:jeff@mock.com] > > Sent: Friday, 21 December 2007 9:16 PM > > To: vk4tec(a)people.net.au; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > Subject: [SPAM] Re: [amsat-bb] AO51 Signals > > Importance: Low > > > > > > The RG-213 loss should be less than 3dB if I remember correctly, I think > > you're okay there. Did you twist the helix the right direction? > > > > jeff > > > > > > Andrew Rich wrote: > >> Hello > >> > >> I built a 10 turn helix for 435 MHz. > >> > >> I have 15 meters of RG-213. > >> > >> Radio is an ICOM 706 mkii G > >> > >> I am not getting strong signals like I would have expected ? > >> > >> Can someone share their setups and signal strengths ? > >> > >> Maybe a pre-amp might help ? > >> > >> Am I getting too much loss in the cable ? > >> > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > -- > >> Andrew Rich VK4TEC > >> vk4tec(a)people.net.au > >> http://www.tech-software.net > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 7 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:03:07 -0500 >From: "R.Haighton" <fhaighton(a)cogeco.ca> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Orbital Classroom -Where is it????????? >To: "'Stefan Wagener'" <stefan_wagener(a)hotmail.com>, > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <004d01c843e2$9abf5740$d03e05c0$@ca> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > >Stefan, >Well AMSAT does have a director of Education but unfortunately I don't see >too much happening. >I fully support your Idea, and in time past there was so many good papers at >the symposium on the (then being built) >Satellites that they were a complete technical education program. I recall >the various members of the AO-40 team explaining about every system being >designed and the problems encountered and the solutions, etc >Similarly the means of heat dissipation (AO-40) and stabilization of the >spacecraft (A0-40 & Microsats). So much good stuff that it made our heads >spin! >One came away from the Meetings with determination to see the projects >completed even if it meant "Empty Pockets!" >I would like to hope that through your initiative we could return to those >days..... This is not to take anything away from Eagle or P4 but to >supplement those programs. >73 >Robin Haighton VE3FRH >Past President AMSAT > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On >Behalf Of Stefan Wagener >Sent: December 20, 2007 11:19 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Orbital Classroom -Where is it????????? > >Hi folks, > >Having read through many, many emails about Eagle, GEO's and other stuff I >would like to introduce an idea that has captured me for a few years (!) now >and has never come up. We all agree (I assume) that amateur radio and >satellites is a great combination and fun. I assume most of us love it and >those that don't at least make a living from it otherwise they wouldn't do >it. In addition, the big majority of us have some grey hairs, but we are >still trying to learn and challenge our brains (scary thought). Having said >that, when I came back from the AMSAT annual meeting (symposium) this year I >felt we missed a great opportunity and to be more specific we have absolute >nothing in place to teach and educate our members and the community. Yes, we >go to hamfests and events and have a pretty PowerPoint or in the "parking >lot" demo, but where are the courses, the classes that help us better >understand for example the orbital mechanics of a satellites, the satellite >communication principles for VHF and UHF, the design of L and S band >antennas? All the stuff that goes beyond our basic license and would keep us >learning???? > >I look at the ARRL and see many exciting courses and AMSAT has nothing in >place. Some of the material has been written up and I applaud Gould Smith >and others that took the time to write these documents. > >The problem is that they are books! No interaction, no feedback, etc. I >believe we can do so much more. > >Why don't we have pre-conference courses at AMSAT meetings that allow our >participants to learn? Why don't we offer certificates for continuing >education based on accomplishments in learning and become much more >educated? Where is the course on emergency preparedness and satellites (GEOs >anyone). How do I interpret two line Keppler data and what will happen if I >modify some of those numbers (ANDE re-entry anyone)? How about a basic >course in SRD or building small beautiful satellites and lessons learned >(Bob Bruninga's ideas). All this would add value, probably generate some >resources for AMSAT (course fees) and make us proud of learning and sharing >knowledge and not just opinions. For example, I would have no problem adding >$ 30 -50 to my registration fee for the AMSAT symposium and having a full >day workshop. Everyone else is doing it and all the conferences I go to. > >No, I am not talking about amateur satellite 101 for newcomers (that still >is important), I am talking about "meat" for those that are part of the >hobby already and want to move to the next level of knowledge. We have >thousands of members and our pool of potential instructors is big. I would >highly encourage the board to seriously look at this. I know that Rick >Hambly is fully committed to make the education a bigger part of AMSAT and >we need to support him. I for one have no problem in teaching and >volunteering for a course at the next AMSAT meeting but it would be very >nice if you share your thoughts about this. Maybe it is just me and everyone >else is fine but maybe the next "Orbital Classroom" is finally that, a >classroom and not just a two page paper in the journal! > > > >Have a great Christmas and Holiday Season and many contacts in 2008. > > > >_______________________________________________ >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 > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 8 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:14:08 -0500 >From: "James" <kb7tbt(a)gmail.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Tracking or Talking To Santa ? >To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <004601c843e4$238878d0$7d00a8c0@kb7tbt> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > >This is a great answer!.. >Just wanted to remind or inform folks that Santa will be on 14.300 dec >23/24. >Bring the kids! > >James >KB7TBT > > > Sorry, Keith, Santa's trajectory is far to complex to be described by > > Keps. The stochastic nature of disturbances and external forces (e.g. > > Cindy Lou Who) are not well modeled by our tracking programs. NORAD has, > > however, developed special techniques to track him. Please see > > http://www.noradsanta.org/ for details. > > > > -Joe KM1P > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 9 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:16:49 -0500 >From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> >Subject: [amsat-bb] LEO EmComm (and Meteor Scatter as well) >To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <022b01c843e4$822a3db0$42577a83(a)ewlab.usna.edu> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > > ...there are some show stoppers, at least when > > using LEO birds. It takes a fair amount of > > theoretical understanding to get to the point where > > operating practice can yield functional capability. > >Agree completely. > >That is why I think a very thin slice of this puzzle is the LEO >APRS channel where the sender needs zero knowledge about >satellites. He just sets his emergency outgoing message into >his APRS radio or TNC, and leaves it running for a few hours, >and he can be assured that his email is delivered. > >If ISS is working, then return messages to the mobile are >possible. > >Again, not at all suggesting that this detract even the >slightest from the great initiaves that are now underway for >real-time EmComm. But because it is there now (sorta) and is so >easy to add to, and can be used by anyone with even the basic >understanding of a TNC or packet (though that knowledge has >really deminished by an order of magnitude since the 80's and >90's), I think it is worth practicing. > >Also, this EmComm low-rate outbound Email concept has spawned a >new look at 6 meter Meteor Scatter comunications using the cheap >100W 6m radios that are so easy to find these days. If we just >add 6m receivers to many of our existing APRS Igates, then an >emergecy email can be transmittied out of an area for an hour or >so and have very good probbility that it was deliverd. > >See the web page: >http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/meteors.html > >With the global APRS network listening 24/7 everywhere for >messages (on VHF, HF, Satellites and now Meteor Scatter, only >the sender has to SEND his EmComm Email report, the rest is >already done. > >Bob, WB4APR > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 10 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:37:20 -0600 >From: Stefan Wagener <stefan_wagener(a)hotmail.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Looks like ANDE is coming down! >To: <bruninga(a)usna.edu>, "'Ron Hashiro'" <rhashiro(a)hawaiiantel.net>, > "'Lauret& Henk'" <hamoen(a)iae.nl> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: <BAY130-W414D7460BF48B0F191517CF65E0(a)phx.gbl> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > >Hi Bob, > >Here you go from this morning: > >15:22 -15:24 (UTC), 12-21-07; EN19lx >........................................................................... > >Fm ANDE-1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 >Len=39 >[09:22:56]T#001,016,182,155,001,108,00000110,194 > >Fm ANDE-1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 >Len=39 >[09:23:48]T#002,153,159,135,159,150,10101111,381 > >Fm ANDE-1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 >Len=39 >[09:24:08]T#004,017,182,155,001,108,00000110,381 > >..........................................................................> >From: bruninga(a)usna.edu> To: rhashiro(a)hawaiiantel.net; >hamoen(a)iae.nl> Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:27:13 -0500> CC: >amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Looks like ANDE is >coming down!> > Ron, same here. During my best AM pass, I only >decoded one> packet!> > Warming and cooling is expected. The warming >we have been> seeing is mostly due to ANDE's orbit precessing into a >full sun> phase that also happened to coincide with the winter >solstice. > > That peak for ANDE just passed yesterday, so it will >be cooling.> (Eclipses are getting longer). It will be interesting >to see> how much of the warming was due to the sun angles and if any >of> it yet is due to friction..> > See the trends on the "side A >telemetry" link on the ANDE web> page:> > >http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html> > Bob > > > >-----Original Message-----> > From: Ron Hashiro >[mailto:rhashiro@hawaiiantel.net] > > Sent: Friday, Dec! > ember 21, 2007 2:51 AM> > To: Robert Bruninga; 'Lauret& Henk'> > > Subject: Looks like ANDE is coming down in about a day or so> > (?)> > > > ANDE's at 118 sm, according to the keps. Mighty > low.> > > > The onboard temperature started to dip. > Unexpected.> > > > I'll be off island starting Dec 27. The > remaining passes are > > poor for > > me. Sorry Henk and Bob, I > don't make it for the certificate.> I did > > hear audio, but could > not decode the S3 signal on a 24 degree > > pass with > > a 3 el > Arrow.> > > > Ron H> > > > > > > _______________________________________________> 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 > >------------------------------ > >Message: 11 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:44:22 -0500 >From: Martha <martha(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Out of Office >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: > <956751cf0712210744n68546b8u4aed5ae3e43e83fb(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > >After 30 years, I am taking 2 weeks off. I will be out of the office from >Dec 24- Jan 4th. Please note that the LVB boxes have not yet arrived so I >will begin calling people on the waiting list when I return. To speed the >process up, you can place your order on the store so it will be waiting for >me when I get back. Have a HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR! > >-- >73- Martha > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 12 >Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:50:18 +1000 >From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec(a)people.net.au> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals >To: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>, > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <LGEKIKIAKJPNFGILGJBBMEMPEBAA.vk4tec(a)people.net.au> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >Thats interesting about the affect of wrong polarisation - 20dB > >According to my other info here that is about S4 to S7 difference. > > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Andrew Rich VK4TEC >vk4tec(a)people.net.au <mailto:vk4tec@people.net.au> >http://www.tech-software.net > > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: Andrew Glasbrenner [mailto:glasbrenner@mindspring.com] >Sent: Saturday, 22 December 2007 12:44 AM >To: vk4tec(a)people.net.au; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [SPAM] Re: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals >Importance: Low > > >AO-51 is LHCP on 435.150, RHCP on 435.300, and linear on 2401.200. If your >helix is LHCP and you are listening to the .300 voice downlink, you are in >the neighborhood of 20db down from a RHCP helix. > >73, Drew KO4MA > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec(a)people.net.au> >To: "Jeff Mock" <jeff(a)mock.com>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 6:20 AM >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: AO51 Signals > > > > Does ao-51 have circular ? > > > > I have LHCP on my antenna > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >-- > > Andrew Rich VK4TEC > > vk4tec(a)people.net.au <mailto:vk4tec@people.net.au> > > http://www.tech-software.net > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Jeff Mock [mailto:jeff@mock.com] > > Sent: Friday, 21 December 2007 9:16 PM > > To: vk4tec(a)people.net.au; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > Subject: [SPAM] Re: [amsat-bb] AO51 Signals > > Importance: Low > > > > > > The RG-213 loss should be less than 3dB if I remember correctly, I think > > you're okay there. Did you twist the helix the right direction? > > > > jeff > > > > > > Andrew Rich wrote: > >> Hello > >> > >> I built a 10 turn helix for 435 MHz. > >> > >> I have 15 meters of RG-213. > >> > >> Radio is an ICOM 706 mkii G > >> > >> I am not getting strong signals like I would have expected ? > >> > >> Can someone share their setups and signal strengths ? > >> > >> Maybe a pre-amp might help ? > >> > >> Am I getting too much loss in the cable ? > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- >- > > -- > >> Andrew Rich VK4TEC > >> vk4tec(a)people.net.au > >> http://www.tech-software.net > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 13 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 06:50:21 -0500 >From: David Bern <DavidXBern(a)aol.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? >To: n4zpt(a)cox.net >Cc: 'Adam Bern' <NAdamBern(a)aol.com>, 'David Bern' > <David.Bern(a)Engineer.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: <476BA87D.2040801(a)AOL.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > >I got FedEx emails *after* the XOs arrived. > >David W2LNX > > >n4zpt(a)cox.net wrote: > > Hi Bob, > > > > 2 of the 3 I am expecting came in today. So the 3rd should be along > > shortly. No notice that they were coming. > > > > 73, Tom n4zpt > > > > Robert Bruninga wrote: > >> OLPC: > >> > >> Anyone know when to expect delivery on the one-laptop-per-child, > >> or did both of mine go to peru? I think several people on here > >> ordered one. > >> > >> Bob, WB4APR > >>> -----Original Message----- > >>> From: David Bern [mailto:DavidXBern@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, > >>> November 15, 2007 8:28 AM > >>> To: bruninga(a)usna.edu > >>> Cc: Tom Azlin, N4ZPT; David Bern; Adam Bern > >>> Subject: Re: APRS idea and ordered two XO-1 > >>> > >>> Bob: > >>> > >>> Maybe we could all get together for lunch or dinner with our new > >>> XO-1 computers.... Note that the software in the XO-1s is open > >>> source and we should be able run the mesh networking software on any > >>> Linux computer.... > >>> > >>> The Hinternet folks have playing with 803.11 for years now. Do a > >>> Google search on "HSMM". WiMax technology is coming down line and > >>> that is more oriented as a MAN (metropolitan area network). > >>> > >>> David W2LNX > >> > >> > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 14 >Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 06:53:09 -0500 >From: David Bern <DavidXBern(a)aol.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? >To: vk4tec(a)people.net.au >Cc: NAdamBern(a)aol.com, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, Doug Faunt N6TQS > +1-510-655-8604 <faunt(a)panix.com>, DavidBern(a)Engineer.com >Message-ID: <476BA925.2090702(a)AOL.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > >Andrew: > >Allegedly these laptops are designed to visible in even direct >sunlight. My interest is figuring out how to run PSK-31 in these laptops. > >David W2LNX > >vk4tec(a)people.net.au wrote: > > Have I missed something ? > > > > Are these good for Ham Radio applications ? > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Andrew Rich VK4TEC > > vk4tec(a)people.net.au <mailto:vk4tec@people.net.au> > > http://www.tech-software.net > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org]On > > Behalf Of Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 > > Sent: Friday, 21 December 2007 4:23 PM > > To: n4zpt(a)cox.net > > Cc: NAdamBern(a)aol.com; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; DavidBern(a)Engineer.com > > Subject: [SPAM] [amsat-bb] Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ? > > Importance: Low > > > > > > I got mine- no notice. > > > > 73, doug > > > > Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:07:49 -0500 > > From: "Tom Azlin, N4ZPT" <n4zpt(a)cox.net> > > > > Hi Bob, > > > > 2 of the 3 I am expecting came in today. So the 3rd should be along > > shortly. No notice that they were coming. > > > > 73, Tom n4zpt > > > > Robert Bruninga wrote: > > > OLPC: > > > > > > Anyone know when to expect delivery on the one-laptop-per-child, > > > or did both of mine go to peru? I think several people on here > > > ordered one. > > > > > > Bob, WB4APR > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > > > >------------------------------ > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > >End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 824 >****************************************

1 0

Re: Looks like ANDE is coming down!
by Robert Bruninga 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Ron, same here. During my best AM pass, I only decoded one packet! Warming and cooling is expected. The warming we have been seeing is mostly due to ANDE's orbit precessing into a full sun phase that also happened to coincide with the winter solstice. That peak for ANDE just passed yesterday, so it will be cooling. (Eclipses are getting longer). It will be interesting to see how much of the warming was due to the sun angles and if any of it yet is due to friction.. See the trends on the "side A telemetry" link on the ANDE web page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html Bob > -----Original Message----- > From: Ron Hashiro [mailto:rhashiro@hawaiiantel.net] > Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 2:51 AM > To: Robert Bruninga; 'Lauret& Henk' > Subject: Looks like ANDE is coming down in about a day or so (?) > > ANDE's at 118 sm, according to the keps. Mighty low. > > The onboard temperature started to dip. Unexpected. > > I'll be off island starting Dec 27. The remaining passes are > poor for > me. Sorry Henk and Bob, I don't make it for the certificate. I did > hear audio, but could not decode the S3 signal on a 24 degree > pass with > a 3 el Arrow. > > Ron H > >

2 1

ISS crew ham contacts?
by francesco messineo 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Hello, I didn't follow the satellite and related chat lately. I just wanted to know if voice contacts in the amateur bands from ISS crew are common or not. And if they do use amateur radio, what band is used? What are the best UTC interval to catch them? Thanks in advance and best regards Francesco IZ8DWF

10 15

One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ?
by Robert Bruninga 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

OLPC: Anyone know when to expect delivery on the one-laptop-per-child, or did both of mine go to peru? I think several people on here ordered one. Bob, WB4APR > -----Original Message----- > From: David Bern [mailto:DavidXBern@aol.com] > Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:28 AM > To: bruninga(a)usna.edu > Cc: Tom Azlin, N4ZPT; David Bern; Adam Bern > Subject: Re: APRS idea and ordered two XO-1 > > Bob: > > Maybe we could all get together for lunch or dinner > with our new XO-1 computers.... Note that the > software in the XO-1s is open source and we > should be able run the mesh networking software > on any Linux computer.... > > The Hinternet folks have playing with 803.11 for > years now. Do a Google search on "HSMM". > WiMax technology is coming down line and that is more > oriented as a MAN (metropolitan area network). > > David W2LNX

9 12

Re: Tracking Santa ?
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Hi, Try going to the AGI web site - _http://www.agi.com/santa_ (http://www.agi.com/santa) You should hopefully get some useful entertainment for the festive occassion. Good Luck & "Happy Christmas & Good Luck for the New Year" to you and the family and all Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -Uk Amsat NA

1 0

R: AO51 Signals
by f.grappi＠tin.it 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Hi Andrew, to receive AO-51 I have 38 elements cross yagi, left and right polarization, SP 7000 pre-amp and 30 meters RT 50-20 coaxial cable. At 30° elevation the downlink signal is S 9+30 into my old Kenwood TS 790 if I swich off the pre-amp the signal drop down at S 5-6 (my opinion and experience is the pre-amp is very important) 73" Francesco IW4DVZ ----Messaggio originale---- Da: vk4tec(a)people.net.au Data: 21-dic-2007 10.41 AM A: "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org"<amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Ogg: [amsat-bb] AO51 Signals Hello I built a 10 turn helix for 435 MHz. I have 15 meters of RG-213. Radio is an ICOM 706 mkii G I am not getting strong signals like I would have expected ? Can someone share their setups and signal strengths ? Maybe a pre-amp might help ? Am I getting too much loss in the cable ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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

1 0

Re: The Whole GEO Package
by Edward Cole 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Les, Of course P4 is not even on the drawing board, but P4 will be very similar to Eagle as I read from Rick and Bob. So that means: mode-UV (maybe) - Linear analog tranponder. mode-US or LS - Linear analog transponder mode-SC or CX - Digital Voice/Video/Data SDX as main radio. Will that mean channeled operation? I suppose for EMCOMM that would be best (hopefully, multi-channel). Will it be trunked? Or will it resemble packet UI or APRS? Because of the digital coding this does mean buying a ground unit designed by the P4 engineering team. Whether it will be built by AMSAT or the design licensed to private commercial mfrs, I do not know. Perhaps it can be made as a (partial) kit. I think it is easy to get confused between what will the EMCOMM ground station look like and what the "apartment" ham station look like for the digital mode (remember that is voice-or-video-or-data). Since power is provided by Intelsat, I am guessing that there will be ample power for transmitters. That might permit using smaller dishes for the mw digital mode. That might be 12 or 18 inches...or maybe permit use of a flat phased planar array (patches). 18-inch offset feed dishes are readily obtained from Direct-TV/Dish Network suppliers. Gain at x-band is about 32 dBi. So I disagree that EMCOMM automatically implies big dishes or expensive custom transceiver (It should be a mw xvtr followed by a SDR plugged into a computer). I have no idea what the Eagle Team is thinking the SC-Rider package would run (Bob and guesses this early?). Everything is speculation at this point! Ed - KL7UW At 10:50 PM 12/20/2007, sco(a)sco-inc.com wrote: >P4 digital is for computer, right? something like psk31? The sat >phones you are talking about use discreet channels, right? P4 will >be using linear transponders, right? The user will need to tune the >uplink and downlink to find a spot to communicate? Hams don't have >"channels" on a sat, right? we are not talking a new CB here are we? >P4 will have SSB 2m/70cm for one transponder and X band/S band for >the other? My S band dish is about 3 feet in diameter. A little >large to fit on a sat terminal's cover. I do not want to have to buy >a new terminal built by Amsat (or some such agency) that costs me >tens of thousands of $$. A good system will let hams use their off >the shelf equipment. Those sat terminal phones you speak of are very >expensive and not that good for transfering video (as proposed for >P4). Have you seen the poor quality from those terminals that shows >up on FOX network? Seem fine until an object moves then is badly >distorted. We need a much higher quality system if we are serious >about emergency commo. That requires a much larger ground station >"terminal" and antenna system, and operator training. > >Les W4SCO >www.scoincsoftware.com > > >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: The Whole GEO Package >From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> >Date: Fri, December 21, 2007 12:27 am >To: sco(a)sco-inc.com >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > >Les, > >Then how do the "civilians" set up those nice mw satellite terminal >phones? I have seen some that the case cover is the antenna and it >comes with a compass. The cover is rotated to settings from a >chart. Flip a switch and pick up the handset. > >The digital stuff of P4 will "inside" (sort of like Intel is inside >my computer). With good packaging and instructions I think it can be >made simple enough. I am kind of hoping that the main-stream P4 will >be more generic satellite that requires some skill in operation, but >for the EMCOMM unit KISS. > >Ed - KL7UW > >At 04:32 PM 12/20/2007, ><http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>sco(a)sco-inc.com wrote: > >To believe that a traditional ham who operates HF or even on 2m > >repeaters is going to be able to setup and operate the P4 satellites > >is a fool's game. Hanging a wire in a tree is a lot different than > >pointing microwave antennas at a set spot in orbit. Then the sat is > >basically running "split" something that i doubt many hams know how > >to do with their radio. Then if we are talking about operating in a > >digital mode that is another new set up learning skills for the ham > >op to learn. You can not send an untrained ham to a site and expect > >them to setup and operate P4 in a microwave digital computer mode. > >it just will not happen. A lot of people can not even read a compass > >so they won't be able to even aim the antenna(s). And then what > >about the proper elevation? How is the ham to do that without > >tracking rotors? yes it can be done by hand but there must be a way > >to measure the angle of elevation and azimuth from the antenna to > >the satellite. Looks like we will need to develop a lot of training > >to make EMCOM work with any operators other than old Amsat hands. > >Maybe we could have an award/training program? After a ham works 50 > >contacts via P4 they might be considered qualified to help teach > >other non sat hams how to do it. > > > >Les W4SCO > > > >-------- Original Message -------- > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Whole GEO Package > >From: Edward Cole > <<http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> > >Date: Thu, December 20, 2007 10:30 am > >To: > <http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>brobertson(a)mta.ca, > <http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > > >At 04:29 AM 12/20/2007, Bruce Robertson wrote: > > > > >In this spirit, might I ask this list to imagine what needs to be done to > > >make the emcomm/geo package a reality? The following is my rather long > > >analysis of the situation. > > > > > >I believe the proponents of the Intelsat agreement have done us a great > > >service by identifying a real and persisting need which AMSAT can uniquely > > >fulfill. By doing so, they not only greatly increase our chances > of funding > > >otherwise prohibitively expensive launches, they give our branch of the > > >hobby a greater reason to do what we do. > > > > > >However, I also think the EMCOMM branch of our hobby has different needs > > >than the usual satellite station operator. If we are to really > and honestly > > >make the world a safer place and save lives, I think we will need to > > >provide a GEO EMCOMM package that will require us as a organization to > > >branch into some new and exciting efforts. Let me explain what I mean. > > > > > >Traditionally, a satellite station has been developed through one person's > > >expertise gradually growing regarding a number of interrelated > aspects: low > > >signal VHF and UHF operation; the mechanics of an az-el antenna array; > > >computer control; and doppler correction. Certain satellites or operating > > >habits allow one to omit one or more of these, but in general > it's, even by > > >ham standards, a challenging array of new skills and > understanding. I'd say > > >the members of AMSAT are self-selected as those who enjoy this challenge > > >and seek to learn as many aspects of the field as possible. > > > > > >However, for an EMCOMM system to be effective, it cannot rely on a broad > > >array of such specialized knowledge: it is unreasonable to expect that the > > >first ham on the scene of a disaster will be one of the AMSAT 'us', a > > >person who has acquired this specialized knowledge. It is only reasonable > > >to assume that it will be an amateur radio operator, familiar with the > > >general principles of radio theory and operation. In fact, in my > region the > > >EMCOMM specialists and the technical specialists (if I might put it that > > >way) are often not the same people. > > > > > >So our challenge is more extensive than the challenge that faced > AMSAT with > > >any previous launch: we need to make communication through this bird > > >possible for any ham shmoe who is opening up a box of equipment after, say > > >an afternoon of instruction half a year ago. Please note, this is not a > > >matter of dumbing-down the bird or making it uninteresting. In fact, for > > >the old-hands and the technically adept around here this will be very > > >interesting and a great outlet for our skills. In this application, if not > > >on all birds, we should take it as a sign of success when people > > >effortlessly get connected, because it would mean that, in a > true emergency > > >there would be a greater likelihood of useful service. > > > > > >If this analysis is accurate, we need to imagine, broadly, three > things: a) > > >the services (or modes) this ham will offer to support EMCOMM; b) the box > > >of stuff that this ham opens up; c) the afternoon's training she undertook > > >to know how to use it. These are interrelated, of course. The training is > > >apropos the box of stuff, and the box of stuff allows the services. They > > >should also, I think, be *standardized* to an extent that has not been the > > >case before with satellite work. Recently I heard the argument on Amateur > > >Radio Newsline that ham EMCOMM services should be more interchangeable > > >across the continent; the same will surely be the case regarding > this work. > > >Ideally the 'stuff' and the training is the same everywhere so that the > > >shmoe has a chance of recollecting her training and is required to factor > > >out/in as few local variables as possible. > > > > > >The advantage we have is that it isn't unreasonable to expect the box of > > >stuff to be perhaps more pricey than individual hams would like > such things > > >to be. > > > > > >A large part of a) and b) will be determined by the ACP team, whose goal > > >even with Eagle was to provide ground-station hardware alongside > the bird's > > >hardware. (The wisdom of this new approach should be applauded; > I'm sure it > > >has made re-purposing Eagle hardware for P4/EMCOMM much easier > to imagine.) > > >As I've argued before, I think one of the most important mode we can offer > > >is simple Internet connectivity, allowing the emergency services folks to > > >use the communication tools like email with which they are most > familiar. I > > >hope this will be part of the mix. As for the second half of b) and c), I > > >think it will focus around designing and teaching the use of software. > > >Perhaps the box of stuff will include a laptop that operates well with a > > >specialized linux distribution-on-a-disk, including all the software tools > > >needed to assess link quality, perform simple communication, etc. If I'm > > >right, this is fortunate because we seem to have quite a number of adept > > >software developers in our midst. > > > > > >Finally, the course. Can we provide standard lesson-plans, ppt slides and > > >the like? I think this would significantly lower the bar on each of us > > >teaching a session on P4 to our local club or EMCOMM group. > > > > > >I think we should spread the load on these tasks as early as possible, > > >making many of us participants in the final goal of increasing the safety > > >of our communities and nations. I'm excited to hear what others > think about > > >the broader implications of the P4 initiative and how we can > deliver on the > > >whole GEO package. > > > > > >73, Bruce > > >VE9QRP > > > >Bruce, > > > >This is an excellent topic to bring to the -bb. > > > >Off course until the design of P4 has progressed, this is mostly > speculation. > > > >The EMCOMM radio package will most certainly drive the satellite > >requirements, as well. > > > >The ground package needs to be: > >1- compact (portable) > >2- standardized (so diverse groups can assemble a package) > >3- well documented (both for assembly and use) > >4- versatile to power (anywhere in the world) > >5- robust (to endure rough handling; harsh environments) > >6- easy to interface (with computing hdwr; telco; other ham equipment) > >7- simple to assemble and aim > >8- affordable > >9- kit or ready to use (within reason considering the technology) > > > >This should probably be close to the same package that the apartment > >user will have. This would expand the volume of units made. design > >be made available to commercial sector to provide units (fitting the spec). > > > >Hope this gives a starting point. > > > > > >73, > >Ed - KL7UW > >====================================== > >BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz > <<http://www.kl7uw.com>http://www.kl7uw.com>www.kl7uw.com > >144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w > >DUBUS Magazine USA Rep > ><<http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>http://email.s > ecureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose><http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>dubususa(a)hotmail.com > >====================================== > > > >_______________________________________________ > >Sent via > ><<http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>http://email.s > ecureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose><http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>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>http://amsat.org/mailm > an/listinfo/amsat-bb>http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >73, >Ed - KL7UW >====================================== >BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz <http://www.kl7uw.com>www.kl7uw.com >144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w >DUBUS Magazine USA Rep ><http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>dubususa(a)hotmail.com >====================================== 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 ======================================

1 0

wheres ANDE?
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

FOLKS, My Satscape and Heavens above tracks are losing ANDE. Anyone have a good track on him? Last I seen he was at 119 miles altitude. wonder when, today maybe? What are you using? thank you in advance, you may reply off bb if you like. p.s. Does anyone know if Jtrack has ANDE? p.s.s. To supply me with the Pass times over the east coast (great lakes) would be neat. KC8GKF

7 6

Re: The Whole GEO Package
by Edward Cole 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Les, Then how do the "civilians" set up those nice mw satellite terminal phones? I have seen some that the case cover is the antenna and it comes with a compass. The cover is rotated to settings from a chart. Flip a switch and pick up the handset. The digital stuff of P4 will "inside" (sort of like Intel is inside my computer). With good packaging and instructions I think it can be made simple enough. I am kind of hoping that the main-stream P4 will be more generic satellite that requires some skill in operation, but for the EMCOMM unit KISS. Ed - KL7UW At 04:32 PM 12/20/2007, sco(a)sco-inc.com wrote: >To believe that a traditional ham who operates HF or even on 2m >repeaters is going to be able to setup and operate the P4 satellites >is a fool's game. Hanging a wire in a tree is a lot different than >pointing microwave antennas at a set spot in orbit. Then the sat is >basically running "split" something that i doubt many hams know how >to do with their radio. Then if we are talking about operating in a >digital mode that is another new set up learning skills for the ham >op to learn. You can not send an untrained ham to a site and expect >them to setup and operate P4 in a microwave digital computer mode. >it just will not happen. A lot of people can not even read a compass >so they won't be able to even aim the antenna(s). And then what >about the proper elevation? How is the ham to do that without >tracking rotors? yes it can be done by hand but there must be a way >to measure the angle of elevation and azimuth from the antenna to >the satellite. Looks like we will need to develop a lot of training >to make EMCOM work with any operators other than old Amsat hands. >Maybe we could have an award/training program? After a ham works 50 >contacts via P4 they might be considered qualified to help teach >other non sat hams how to do it. > >Les W4SCO > >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Whole GEO Package >From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> >Date: Thu, December 20, 2007 10:30 am >To: brobertson(a)mta.ca, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > >At 04:29 AM 12/20/2007, Bruce Robertson wrote: > > >In this spirit, might I ask this list to imagine what needs to be done to > >make the emcomm/geo package a reality? The following is my rather long > >analysis of the situation. > > > >I believe the proponents of the Intelsat agreement have done us a great > >service by identifying a real and persisting need which AMSAT can uniquely > >fulfill. By doing so, they not only greatly increase our chances of funding > >otherwise prohibitively expensive launches, they give our branch of the > >hobby a greater reason to do what we do. > > > >However, I also think the EMCOMM branch of our hobby has different needs > >than the usual satellite station operator. If we are to really and honestly > >make the world a safer place and save lives, I think we will need to > >provide a GEO EMCOMM package that will require us as a organization to > >branch into some new and exciting efforts. Let me explain what I mean. > > > >Traditionally, a satellite station has been developed through one person's > >expertise gradually growing regarding a number of interrelated aspects: low > >signal VHF and UHF operation; the mechanics of an az-el antenna array; > >computer control; and doppler correction. Certain satellites or operating > >habits allow one to omit one or more of these, but in general it's, even by > >ham standards, a challenging array of new skills and understanding. I'd say > >the members of AMSAT are self-selected as those who enjoy this challenge > >and seek to learn as many aspects of the field as possible. > > > >However, for an EMCOMM system to be effective, it cannot rely on a broad > >array of such specialized knowledge: it is unreasonable to expect that the > >first ham on the scene of a disaster will be one of the AMSAT 'us', a > >person who has acquired this specialized knowledge. It is only reasonable > >to assume that it will be an amateur radio operator, familiar with the > >general principles of radio theory and operation. In fact, in my region the > >EMCOMM specialists and the technical specialists (if I might put it that > >way) are often not the same people. > > > >So our challenge is more extensive than the challenge that faced AMSAT with > >any previous launch: we need to make communication through this bird > >possible for any ham shmoe who is opening up a box of equipment after, say > >an afternoon of instruction half a year ago. Please note, this is not a > >matter of dumbing-down the bird or making it uninteresting. In fact, for > >the old-hands and the technically adept around here this will be very > >interesting and a great outlet for our skills. In this application, if not > >on all birds, we should take it as a sign of success when people > >effortlessly get connected, because it would mean that, in a true emergency > >there would be a greater likelihood of useful service. > > > >If this analysis is accurate, we need to imagine, broadly, three things: a) > >the services (or modes) this ham will offer to support EMCOMM; b) the box > >of stuff that this ham opens up; c) the afternoon's training she undertook > >to know how to use it. These are interrelated, of course. The training is > >apropos the box of stuff, and the box of stuff allows the services. They > >should also, I think, be *standardized* to an extent that has not been the > >case before with satellite work. Recently I heard the argument on Amateur > >Radio Newsline that ham EMCOMM services should be more interchangeable > >across the continent; the same will surely be the case regarding this work. > >Ideally the 'stuff' and the training is the same everywhere so that the > >shmoe has a chance of recollecting her training and is required to factor > >out/in as few local variables as possible. > > > >The advantage we have is that it isn't unreasonable to expect the box of > >stuff to be perhaps more pricey than individual hams would like such things > >to be. > > > >A large part of a) and b) will be determined by the ACP team, whose goal > >even with Eagle was to provide ground-station hardware alongside the bird's > >hardware. (The wisdom of this new approach should be applauded; I'm sure it > >has made re-purposing Eagle hardware for P4/EMCOMM much easier to imagine.) > >As I've argued before, I think one of the most important mode we can offer > >is simple Internet connectivity, allowing the emergency services folks to > >use the communication tools like email with which they are most familiar. I > >hope this will be part of the mix. As for the second half of b) and c), I > >think it will focus around designing and teaching the use of software. > >Perhaps the box of stuff will include a laptop that operates well with a > >specialized linux distribution-on-a-disk, including all the software tools > >needed to assess link quality, perform simple communication, etc. If I'm > >right, this is fortunate because we seem to have quite a number of adept > >software developers in our midst. > > > >Finally, the course. Can we provide standard lesson-plans, ppt slides and > >the like? I think this would significantly lower the bar on each of us > >teaching a session on P4 to our local club or EMCOMM group. > > > >I think we should spread the load on these tasks as early as possible, > >making many of us participants in the final goal of increasing the safety > >of our communities and nations. I'm excited to hear what others think about > >the broader implications of the P4 initiative and how we can deliver on the > >whole GEO package. > > > >73, Bruce > >VE9QRP > >Bruce, > >This is an excellent topic to bring to the -bb. > >Off course until the design of P4 has progressed, this is mostly speculation. > >The EMCOMM radio package will most certainly drive the satellite >requirements, as well. > >The ground package needs to be: >1- compact (portable) >2- standardized (so diverse groups can assemble a package) >3- well documented (both for assembly and use) >4- versatile to power (anywhere in the world) >5- robust (to endure rough handling; harsh environments) >6- easy to interface (with computing hdwr; telco; other ham equipment) >7- simple to assemble and aim >8- affordable >9- kit or ready to use (within reason considering the technology) > >This should probably be close to the same package that the apartment >user will have. This would expand the volume of units made. design >be made available to commercial sector to provide units (fitting the spec). > >Hope this gives a starting point. > > >73, >Ed - KL7UW >====================================== >BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz <http://www.kl7uw.com>www.kl7uw.com >144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w >DUBUS Magazine USA Rep ><http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>dubususa(a)hotmail.com >====================================== > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via ><http://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php#Compose>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>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 ======================================

1 0

ANDE ramping down: now almost at 200km
by Henk, PA3GUO 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

ANDE is now at ~202 km height. On my website I updated the plotted height, and its perfectly following the shape of the predictions. Yet, a few dates behind. http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/ande_predict_pa3guo_18dec200… >From the graph I expect Dec 24 or so as the last day (based on the fact that RAFT last day was when it had reached 175 km). Also today QSOs have been made. I see DD6UBW and OK1DNT for example. Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo (my satellite weblog) http://www.ande-deorbit.com (the AWARD site, have a look for the details) http://web.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html (Bob's official website)

3 9

Signal vs. Noise
by Steven Bienvenu 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

'Lot of noise on this frequency. I wrote a check for $100 worth of Signal tonight and will launch it tomorrow to AMSAT, along with my renewal. It felt very good. My thanks and best of luck to the guys who have and continue to do so much work of all kinds for us. Merry Christmas to all, and a great, exciting New Year. Steve W5ZA/m ...largely

2 1

ANDE is one year in space tomorrow !
by Henk, PA3GUO 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

December 21 2006, ANDE was launched in space from Space Shuttle Discovery. So tomorrow ANDE is one year in space ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDE !!! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo (you can say 'happy birthday' to ANDE, just go to 145.825 and set your TNC: U APRS VIA ARISS)

1 0

Vanguard 1 Reception?
by Robert Bruninga 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

Anyone with an EME dish that can mount a 108 MHz feed? Rumor has it that Vanguard 1 should still be emitting a tiny singal on 108.00 MHz since it was directly powered by solar cells. It has gotten weaker and weaker over the last 50 years using the 1957 solar cell technology, but what the heck. It would be a nice challenge for someone with a really big dish.. Just thought I'd post, since I had not heard of this frequency and the fact that it is radiating.. You just have to have good ears. And with some of the really good sound-card DSP stuff these days, maybe it would show up on a waterfall. The exact frequency depends on temperature... But it was at 108.00 MHz last time it was heard. My dish is kaput right now, so I'm out... Bob, WB4APR > -----Original Message----- > From: GilMoore12(a)aol.com [mailto:GilMoore12@aol.com] > Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 8:18 PM > To: bruninga(a)usna.edu > Subject: Re: Vanguard 1 information on heavens-above.com > > Bob, > > O.K., but they'll need lots and lots of gain. Apparently, > the signal level is really, really low. > > I'll also ask Joe Rothenberg at United Space Network if he'll > give it a try. He has some really big dishes. > > Gil > > > > ________________________________ > > See AOL's top rated recipes > <http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000300000000 > 04> and easy ways to stay in shape > <http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aoltop000300 > 00000003> for winter. >

3 2

Re: The Whole GEO Package - EMCOMM
by k0vty＠juno.com 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

I understand Roger. Since Katrina there has been reported activity by ARRL and Home Land Security that tend to reach for the GEO type capability Without the AMSAT ability I might add. At this stage it is all conjecture which hopes to not miss anything. Especially funds Joe K0VTY =============== Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:35:18 -0500 "Roger Kolakowski" <rogerkola(a)aol.com> writes: > Joe noted... > > "...> The notion that Maybe ARRL should be the driver(s) of GEO's > for > emergency satellite radio flew past a moment ago....< > > Please don't misinterpret me...It has been mentioned many times that > ARRL > does not necessarily have Satellite interests as one of their > primary > objectives. > > The status of contesting through satellites is one example. > > I mentioned ARRL only in recognition of past efforts and > accomplishments in > supporting EMCOMM...a decision would have to be made as to whether > they have > expertise or influence remaining in that area, other than an > existing large > organization of amateur radio operators. Do we as AMSAT need to > generate > that pool of talent or do we choose to "borrow" from it to meet > satellite > EMCOMM goals? > > Roger > WA1KAT > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <k0vty(a)juno.com> > To: <rogerkola(a)aol.com> > Cc: <brobertson(a)mta.ca>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; > <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> > Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 12:58 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: The Whole GEO Package - EMCOMM > > > > The notion that Maybe ARRL should be the driver(s) of GEO's > > for emergency satellite radio flew past a moment ago. > > At least it would appear the issue is larger than just AMSAT-NA > > > > Joe K0VTY > > ================== > > >

1 0

OSCAR-11 Report
by Clive Wallis 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

OSCAR-11 REPORT 20 December 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 15 November to 19 December 2007 no signals have been received from the satellite. No reports of reception have been received. Eclipses have continued and are expected 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. 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:U2RPT140.CWV, to prevent duplication. 73 Clive G3CWV xxxxx(a)amsat.org (please replace xxxxx by g3cwv)

1 0

Separating Rx and Tx antenna connections on TS-2000-X
by Edward Cole 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

This was recently posted on the MoonNet reflector by Russ, K2TXB: http://www.k2txb.com/rxinput.htm I figured that many satellite users of the TS-2000-X might be interested in this. 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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Re: GEO sats and Australia
by Dave Guimont 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

> >Don't worry about the Southern Hemisphere, geostationary satellites >sit over the equator, by definition. However, of more concern is >coverage of the _Eastern_ Hemisphere... However, if the Intelsat >deal goes ahead, then it's quite possible we'll have multiple birds >to enable near global coverage, from what I've read here.... > >73 de VK3JED I really don't see much of a technical challenge with a geo, but if that is the lie of the lie, so be it. A cell phone has about the same degree of difficulty... And who gets the 1st third....or will all three be installed at the time?? I'd rather see one similar to AO7 or 8 with ssb/cw, and bandwidth to enable many users, rather than the dumb FM voice (2 user) bird AMSAT-NA spent all that money on... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Those using a Buxcomm adaptor
by Ed Tump 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

Greetings, I bought a Buxcomm adaptor for my FT60 to run some sound card packet. I really like the unit and it sure works great. The only thing I noticed is when you reboot or lose the packet engine, the unit "keys" the mic and transmits. It only stops transmitting when you restart the packet engine. I would not want to TX unless I wish to. Anyone found a way around this concern. Thanks. 73, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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GEO sats and Australia
by Andrew Rich 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

Will this recent talk of GEO sats leave the southern hemisphere out fo the picture ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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Re: GEO sats and Australia
by Tony Langdon 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

At 12:08 PM 12/20/2007, Dave Guimont wrote: >I really don't see much of a technical challenge with a geo, but if >that is the lie of the lie, so be it. You still have to have the ERP to get into the bird, whatever mode it uses. It's not going to be a "HT special". In fact, I doubt FM would be supported on it. More likely would CW, SSB and digital (both voice and data) modes, since these are spectrally more efficient. >A cell phone has about the same degree of difficulty... You've had to put up crossed Yagis to use your cell phone lately? ;) I certainly haven't. :D However, not having to rotate my antennas will be a major advantage. The cost and mechanical issues of rotators aren't feasible for me at this time. >And who gets the 1st third....or will all three be installed at the time?? That would be up to Intelsat I suspect.... >I'd rather see one similar to AO7 or 8 with ssb/cw, and bandwidth to >enable many users, rather than the dumb FM voice (2 user) bird >AMSAT-NA spent all that money on... Well, I would like to see something higher than a LEO, CW/SSB (at least when I tried on RS-12/13 a few years back) was very lonely. Everything here is so far apart that altitude is needed to get out of our backyard, so to speak. I'd also like to see Eagle up too (and work out some way of manually rotating the antennas. :) 73 de VK3JED http://vkradio.com

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AO-51 telemetry
by Ed Tump 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

Folks, Can I use a soundcard TNC connected to a radio to receive the 9600 telemetry from AO51 or must I have a hardware TNC? 73, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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OLPC
by Bruce 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

My laptop arrived a few minutes ago. I did not receive any email that it was shipping, but here it is. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on W0KIE new satellite soon. Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Bob's Message
by Jeff Davis 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

Friends, We've had little information about the P4 opportunity since the Symposium. But reading between the lines and reading N4HY's message of today it seems that most of us are missing what they are trying to tell us ... There aren't **any** easy/cheap/free rides to HEO to be had. That ship has sailed and everything that we ever knew about the launch business has changed. I'm not trying to put words in anyone's mouth here, but I take it from Bob's message and the solicitation letter from President Hambly that there is really no apparent option to launch Eagle without doing something radically different. Assuming that we could pay for even a cheap launch, it might cost a million dollars if we were just paying customers. Think about that -- a MILLION dollars. Maybe more. After two years of raising money for Eagle we are up to what, $70K? At this rate it would take a decade or more to raise enough funds to launch Eagle if AMSAT continues on the published path. This isn't about digging a little deeper -- this is about reality. I get the impression that if some agreement isn't worked out with someone -- like is being discussed with the P4 opportunity -- we won't get back to HEO. Ever. Unless the satellite business changes. Those who think that the option is to EITHER finish Eagle and launch it, OR work on P4 seem to be missing the point -- the first option may now be more dream than a viable option. I would be pleased to learn that I am reading this all wrong because my *only* satellite interest is in a high-orbit bird and my hopes for seeing another in my lifetime are beginning to fade. It's now been over 11 years since we had AO-13 and it's becoming a fond, distant memory... -- 73 de Jeff AMSAT-NA AMSAT-DL

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wanted information on satilite station gear
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

folks, Would someone be kind enough to give me the rundown on what kind of gear is being used and aprox. cost of such gear (minus rig,pc etc,) to copy a data downlink of a operational hamsat? not meaning the 1200/9600 baud, I hear you need downconverters etc, just wondering how much they are. thank you much in advance. kc8gkf

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Re: Phase 4 versus Eagle
by Andrew Glasbrenner 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

>so it is not a free ride to space? where does the $6,000,000 dollars >come from then? What many of us have been trying to say is there are NO free rides to GTO. The business has changed in that respect. The P4 proposal opens the door to possible govermental EMCOMM funding, as well as bringing in a whole new base of support. 73, Drew KO4MA

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AMSAT Year End
by Bruce 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

Are you looking for an end of the year tax deduction? Have you thought about renewing your AMSAT Membership? What about joining the President's Club? What about a spanking brand new enclosure for the LVB tracker board? There is even an AMSAT branded clock and weather station. The AMSAT online store is awaiting your visit. Please follow the direct link below to make your purchase. http://www.amsat-na.com/categories.php Afraid of embedded links... go to amsat.org and click on the Online Store from the left margin. 73...bruce AMSAT Store Manager -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on W0KIE new satellite soon. Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Help with 2.4g downconverter
by Larry 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Hello everyone... Trying to figure out the conversion of my K5GNA downlink. It used to receive the AO-40 beacon @2401.323 ~ 145.350. If I want to receive the "moon orbiter", where should I be trying to receive? I tried 137.707 (beacon at 2263.616), but really don't hear anything. Am I on the right track and just not accounting for doppler? I'm also listening when it's thought to be on our side of the moon. TIA... Larry

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Re: One-Laptop-per-Child two XO-1 ?
by Ken Paulson 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Hi Bob and the list, I received my XO on Dec 17th. I haven't had much time to play with it yet, but I fired it up and it found the wireless network so that I could browse the web. Only two pages of documentation came with it. The rest is on the web, so browsing is definitely the first thing to do. The user interface is very simplistic (as it is targeted to non-technical children, this makes sense), and I haven't yet figured out how to get to the command line. But it is small, light weight, and has lots of promise as a portable digi mode terminal. So they are shipping. Hope you receive yours soon. Ken N0HRL

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hollywood, ham radio and oscar
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Bruce Willis' recent movie Live Free or Die Hard <http://www.livefreeordiehard.com/> has extensive on screen presence of him in a NYPD unmarked cruiser speaking on a ham radio looking mobile rig at 144.330 mhz. This frequency is obviously a 2 meter ham band frequency, which falls in the sub-plan of 144.300-144.500, assigned to new <http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/all_oscars.php> OSCAR subband (the satellite repeater links). I know it's Hollywood but I would consider contacting the producer, mentioning the consequences, and asking for a donation for funding satellite construction for potential damages.only half-joking.hi-hi Hollywood needs better consultants."Frequency" bothered me more with him doing transceive on a Heathkit SB-401 transmitter (from memory, but something like that). Perhaps that is another potential AMSAT revenue stream!!! Jay, AA4FL

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ANDE DE-ORBIT
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

FOLKS, ANDE IS THERE, I JUST GOT MY IGATED BEACON SENT TO THE WEB PAGE. SEEMS IT MAY BE BEST TO JUST LISTEN BUT AGAIN I THINK SOMEONE HAS TO WAKE IT UP AND KEEP IT AWAKE. I GOT NO COPY FROM IT THIS LAST PASS AND NO TELEM. WILL BE THERE THE NEXT PASS, ANYONE FOR A QSO IM AT MY STATION FOR THE 1641 EST PASS TODAY. LINK KC8GKF

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AO-51 first contact APRS
by Mineo Wakita 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

We succeeded today at AO-51 L/U mode. Then I was MIC-E format. UI-View32, up 1268.700 MHz, down 435.150 MHz, 9600 bps FSK Time JST JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:24:02] <UI R>: =3615.39N/13909.03E-KAMISATO JAPAN {UIV32N} JE9PEL>3URSP5,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:26:50] <UI R>: `C@Y\\\-/MIC-E/ Yokohama Japan JA5BLZ>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:27:08] <UI>: :JH1BCL :UR 599 TNX de JA5BLZ JE9PEL>3URSP5,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:27:38] <UI R>: `C@Y\\\-/MIC-E/ GM JH1BCL JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:28:30] <UI R>: JE9PEL UR 599 TU JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:28:42] <UI R>: JE9PEL UR 599 TU JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:28:45] <UI R>: JE9PEL UR 599 TU JE9PEL>3URSP5,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:29:06] <UI R>: `C@Y\\\-/MIC-E/ OK JH1BCL JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:29:53] <UI R>: JE9PEL TNX 73 JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:29:59] <UI R>: JE9PEL TNX 73 JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [12/19/07 07:30:43] <UI R>: JE9PEL TNX 73 1st ao51

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ANDE re-entry heating.
by Robert Bruninga 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

ANDE is warming. See "side A telemetry" link on the web page a few inches below the chart: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html But the temperature is also rising because each day, ANDE's orbit is precessing into more and more sun. But it looks to me like the solar beta angle maximizes on the 19th and then eclipses start increasing in length again. SO any heating after the 19th is re-entry heat. I did my beta angle predictions by eyeball with Instantrack. If anyone has a better forcast of beta angle, it would be a useful data point beyond which temperature rises are due to re-entry. (or so it woiuld seem to me)... Bob WB4APR

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Kantronics " KAM" TNC Wanted
by John Henderson 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

I have been running an old original KAM 1200b TNC for the ISS and it is dying. I have all the cables setup for the TNC and my rig and would like to find a replacement w/o getting a newer TNC with functions I will not use. If anyone has a KAM stashed away and would like to part with it pls let me know, Thanks, Merry Christmas to all, 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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5400B Rotor problem Help
by Bill Bruno 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Thanks to all for the emails responding to my question. I think my problem might be in one of the four wires that make up the instrumentation circuit. Does anyone know what voltages I should be reading on these at specific headings?

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Re: G8ATE Project Oscar Celebration Successful
by Robert Turlington 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Its sounds a bit different here in the UK ordinarily you can apply for a special call 3or4 weeks before the event, its only when the call required falls outside of the norm i.e. 50 instead of 5 for example. It maybe that Amsat UK could get a permanent call sign but they are few and far between in the UK.Regards Robert G8ATE > Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:23:34 -0800> To: rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.com> From: dguimon1(a)san.rr.com> Subject: RE: G8ATE Project Oscar Celebration Successful> CC: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > >Thanks for that Dave> >Unfortunately due to illness(heavy cold/sore throat etc) over the > >last week operation was limited to a few dozen contacts on AO27 and > >SO50 plus some JA's on AO51 via Echolink.However all contacts were > >enthusiastic to work GB0OO and therefore I intend to make it a > >regular event on the 12/13th Dec.Perhaps next year Dave you could > >obtain a special US call sign from your licensing authorities ,if > >that at all possible.> > One contact meets the challenge!!!> > I fully intend to investigate a US callsign for next year, and > perpetuity if perpetuity is possible....> > And I hope all other AMSATS duplicate the effort.> > If anyone reading this could assist me in the procedure to get a > special callsign, I would appreciate the help.> > My intentions are to contact the FCC early enough to get through the > red tape probably needed....> > Some of our California politicians are pretty powerfull!!> > > > > > 73, Dave, WB6LLO> dguimon1(a)san.rr.com> > Disagree: I learn....> > Pulling for P3E... > _________________________________________________________________ Free games, great prizes - get gaming at Gamesbox. http://www.searchgamesbox.com

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Re: ANDE warming, Telemetry and Re-entry
by Henk, PA3GUO 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Hi Jim, I am using a TS2000 as well, 6 elements DK7ZB, 14 meter AIRCELL7, no preamp. For doppler I apply 3 mem channels, compensating 2 khz (so rx 145.827/825/823) and tx 145.823/825/827). So: your set up should work. Keep trying, sometimes the next pass is 'better'. See here for the example: the 50 degrees pass was better as the 78 degrees elevation. http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo (see the Dec 16 log) Do prior to each pass an update of the keppler sets NOVA: Keppler > Internet update > update now (or something like that) Keep trying ! Henk http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo Jim, ZL1TYF wrote: --------------------- I've just now, 17th Dec 2007 10:22 UTC, attempted to copy ANDE as it goes over for maybe one of the last times for this location. It was an almost perfect pass here in Wellington, New Zealand, with a maximum elevation of about 78 degrees per Nova, using keps from Space-Track that are about 13 hours old. I was late getting set up, so it took some time to get the TNC within my rig (Kenwood TS-2000) set up, and remembering how to set the UNPROTO path (*1). Anyway, on sending a few "Hi" and "Hello" prompts (*2), I did hear ANDE digirepeat me, and maybe some extra packets too. Sadly, the signal was very noisy, and I got no valid decodes at any time. So no telemetry, which I had hoped to get.

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Give it a try !
by Henk, PA3GUO 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

when you read this message today (Dec 18) ... ... good news ! there is still a few days to make your APRS QSO via ANDE ! TNC: U APRS VIA ARISS Radio: 145.825 MHz up/down Success ! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo (my own 'ANDE logbook')

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Project Oscar Anniversary
by Dave Guimont 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

I am overwhelmed by my proposal to initiate some special days to celebrate and Oscar 1 anniversary. Rob's idea to do it over a five day period is very thoughtful, with LEO's... And specially pleased that some of the responses came from (as indicated by the callsigns) younger amateurs. I thank you one and all, again... We have almost a year left before the next event, I will attempt to formulate the procedure. Get opinions from anyone who wishes to contribute, and keep all informed... This is a busy season for all, so hang in there, guys, and I will do my best to initiate for AMSAT-NA. I will attempt the formulation, but need all of your help... Again I thank Rob, G8ATE, for doing it this year, and hope world-wide AMSAT's initiate the same procedures. If we had a HEO we could respond to one callsign, but let us assume that by next year we will be lucky enough to have some of the LEO's we have now. I am fully aware that digital procedures would permit worldwide coverage, but in the spirit of the "early birds" I think ssb or fm voice, or cw would be most appropriate... Let me know next year! I intend to put it mostly to bed for the remainder of 2007, this household is pretty busy until 2jan08!! 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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One satellite or many? EmComm
by Bob Bruninga 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

I am 100% in support of P4. So this message is not related to that topic... But I am excited about this Emergency Communications mission that AMSAT-NA is investigating as a means of ensuring our long term relevance. Emergency Preparednes and communications to me has always been a prime motivator in Ham radio. That said (and without any intent to distract from P4), my vision has beem to promote a low rate LEO satellite emergency message capability that anyone can hit using just what they already have. IE, packet messages on the satellite frequency of 145.825. We have been trying to gather together a constellation of as many LEO satellits as we can get (up to 10 or so), all acting as digipeaters on 145.825 so that we have nearly continuous coverage everywhere. Meaning, at any time, anywhere, if an emergency pops up, then 145.825 can be used to get a message out. Now this has nothing to do with P4, Because P4 will have much higher capacity, more bandwith, higher rates, higher frequencies and 24/7 coverage. But the 145.825 channel can still be a small backchannel of support. In fact, we have been encouraging all AMSAT members no matter what their operational preferences, to at least verify their ability to send a single-line-email once every month or so to validate their ability to use this channel. See he web page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/sset.html The reason I brought up this topic now, is because of the SUBJECT line of this thread. "One Satellite or Many". And I whole-hartedly support AMSAT's energies toward P4. But the purpose of this message is not towards AMSAT, but to solicit all those universities and non-AMSAT entities that are also building satellites to consider this 145.825 mission. Beacuse almsot all such LEO satellites need a command system. Most will use AX.25, so why not make your command system double as this emergency message channel in support of 1200 baud messaging? We have had all of these satellites on 145.825, all capable of AX.25 message relay: SUNSAT PCSAT-1 PCSAT2, ANDE RAFT ARISS PUHENSAT etc.. and Others in work.. But we have never had more than 2 or at most 3 operational at the same time. If most of these cubesats and university sats that use AX.25 allowed digipeating on 145.825, then we would have a fantastic constellation of nearly continuous coverage of 145.825. Just four such satellites could give us an average acccess wait time of uner an hour. Approaching ten of them could average almost continuous coverage with only 5 minutes or so wait times. A cubest can easily support this mission, since the TX is only one for less than 4% of the time even during normal use. This is A great Emergency Message Capability that anoyone with a mobile APRS rig could hit from anywhere at any time or without no more than say a 30 minute wait for a pass. We should encourage all those cubesat schools to consider this secondary mission for their TX/RX command system. Again, not wanting to detract from the P4 dialog, but we should endorse this new P4 Emergency Communications initiative of AMSAT and look for ways to make it a reality. FLying 145.825 digipeaters on everything that files in LEO is one supportive way to add some EmCom back-channel capability while not detracting any energy from P4. If you haven't sent your emergency email test message, dust off that old TNC and give it a go... Bob, Wb4APR

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Rig Blaster P-N-P is Sold........
by John Henderson 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

Went very quickly, thanks for the interest. 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: G8ATE Project Oscar Celebration Successful
by Robert Turlington 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

Thanks for that Dave Unfortunately due to illness(heavy cold/sore throat etc) over the last week operation was limited to a few dozen contacts on AO27 and SO50 plus some JA's on AO51 via Echolink.However all contacts were enthusiastic to work GB0OO and therefore I intend to make it a regular event on the 12/13th Dec.Perhaps next year Dave you could obtain a special US call sign from your licensing authorities ,if that at all possible. Regards Robert G8ATE > Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:57:46 -0800> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> From: dguimon1(a)san.rr.com> Subject: G8ATE Project Oscar Celebration Successful> CC: rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.com> > > Congratulations are in order for G8ATE's (Rob) thoughtful origination > of GB ZERO OSCAR ONE (GB0O1).> > Marty Davidoff's THE SATELLITE EXPERIMENTERS MANUAL preserved it for > posterity....And I would like to see Rob's> efforts celebrating it repeated annually by ALL AMSATS worldwide.> > I quote from Marty's first edition:> > "And so, on December 12,1961, at 2042 GMT, Discover XXXVI was > launched into orbit, carrying into separate orbit OSCAR 1 guided in > its flight into history by the thoughts and prayers of thousands of > radio amateurs who stand on the threshold of tomorrow."> > It sent a simple "hi hi", and the speed of transmission gave an > indication of its temperature.> > CERTAINLY AN EVENT WORTH CELEBRATING ANNUALY...> > During the five day event I was fortunate to make contacts (ssb, FM > and cw) on AO7, VO52, VO50 and AO51, and mentioned the GB0O1 callsign > on them all, my only option in San Diego, limited by LEO's.> A digital carry over did not seem to constitute a CONTACT;> my old fingers make it difficult for me to "talk" with them!> > Tnx agn to Rob, to the other GB'ers who assisted, and to my respondents...> > A high spot in my 71 year interest in ham radio. I ("bootlegged") > on cw in 1937.> > > > 73, Dave, WB6LLO> dguimon1(a)san.rr.com> > Disagree: I learn....> > Pulling for P3E... > _________________________________________________________________ Telly addicts unite! http://www.searchgamesbox.com/tvtown.shtml

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Rig Blaster Gear for Sale
by John Henderson 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

I have for sale the Rig Blaster Plug & Play Unit complete with CD , Icom data ( Din Plug) cable and the CIV rig control cable. The unit is about $109 w/o the cable adapter from West Mountain Radio... http://www.westmountainradio.com/Image/StoreConfigs/pnp.htm The rig is compatible with the 820H , the 821H and the 910H sats, and 746 Pro, 746Pro II and III and other listed on the above link. It came with a Sat Radio I recently purchased and I don't plan to use it. Will sale and ship CONUS for $55. 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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5400B Rotor problem Help
by Bill Bruno 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

I could use some trouble shooting tips for my rotor. The azimuth part tho mechanically still rotates through 360 degrees the indication both on the control box and my computer only shows 180 deg travel. The indicator moves continously while the rotor is moving but at only half the speed it normally travels showing only 180 deg swing for 360 on the rotor. Since i get the same reading on both my pc and the control box I assume the problem is either in the rotor or the wireing from the rotor. I could use some suggestions. Bill KB2RC

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