AMSAT-BB August 2007

135 participants
178 discussions

Call for Papers--2007 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference

by Ford, Steve, WB8IMY

Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the 26th Annual ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference to be held September 28-30, 2007 in Hartford, Connecticut. These papers will also be published in the Conference Proceedings (you do NOT need to attend the conference to have your paper included in the Proceedings). The submission deadline is July 31, 2007. Please send papers to: Maty Weinberg ARRL 225 Main St Newington, CT 06111 or you can make your submission via e-mail to: maty(a)arrl.org Papers will be published exactly as submitted and authors will retain all rights. 73 . . . Steve, WB8IMY ARRL

9 years, 6 months

FS: Kenwood TS-790A + IFD board + TNC31S

by Francisco Costa, CT1EAT

Dear AMSAT friends My pacsat station is for sale: Kenwood TS-790A 144/432/1200 MHz transciever ============================================ with the following extras: * UT-10 1200 MHz module * Symek IFD-B board (for speed up to 76000 bd) and mods: * extended rx (on 3 bands) * 9600 baud tx/rx * 100ms mute disabled * IFD-B board (38400 baud rx) plus: * Hand microphone * DC cable * Instruction Manual (in english) include schematics * External Control Instruction Manual (in english) * Modifications documentation (in english) All mods were performed by me and no holes were done. This equipment was bought new (1997), and until now there was not a single problem! It was kept on a non smoking environment. Cosmetic is a 8/10 (one minor dent, sort of paint bubble and 4 rotator control box feet "stain", all on top cover) Unfortunatly I don't have the original box anymore. Sorry TNC Symek TNC31S ================ * Tx 9600/Rx 38400 baud card * 128kb RAM * 512kb Flash-EPROM * English mailbox * Kiss autostart including: * RS232 cable plus adapter (DB9) * DC cable * Diskette with software * Original Manuals (english and german) This TNC was bought new (2000), and was used on UO-36 and Tiungsat-1 with great sucess. I did't use it since a long time ago, but I belive it's 100% operational. Cosmetic is 9/10. I will only sale the 2 items together. Price: 1500 Euro Buyer pays shipping. Payment methods: Euro countries: Bank money transfer only! Elsewhere: Western Union or PayPal. Photos: please visit http://ct1eatsale.no.sapo.pt/ Thanks for your attention. See you on P3E or Eagle. 73 F.Costa, CT1EAT www.qsl.net/ct1eat

14 years

Satellite IOTA Award

by Eric H Christensen

I've been considering petitioning the IOTA board to make a special award for IOTA contacts made via satellite. Right now their rules (http://www.rsgbiota.org/rules/rules.pdf, Para C.3.10) do not allow satellite contacts for any award. Are there others here that would support such a petition? 73s, Eric W4OTN

14 years, 3 months

Question about doppler correction software

by Scott Wilson

I have a question regarding software doppler correction - in particular when using linear satellites. I am working on some control software that is a little more flexible than what I've used. I really like SatPC32 on Windows and Predict/gsat on Linux. I haven't yet fallen in love with any available software, but that's really a different story. I can imagine that doppler correction for an FM sat is rather easy in that you simply tune the transmitter/receiver to the published frequencies depending on the operating mode. I'm a little less sure how that would work for a linear satellite. As mentioned before, I do have a chart from AMSAT that lists channelized frequencies for them. If I can tune the transmitter such that the frequency at the satellite is one of the listed frequencies, how sure can I be that the receive is as published? Can I extend that to the point where I would be able to automatically determine frequencies (at the satellite) of the downlink for a given uplink and then compute doppler from there? It would then be fairly convenient to tune within the satellite's passband and let the computer do the 'thinking'. Thanks for any feedback. Scott NW2S

14 years, 3 months

Re: VO-52

by Andrew Glasbrenner

Excellent advice Tom. Let me add a few things if you don't mind. If you cannot implement full doppler computer tuning, the next best practice is to tune the higher frequency, in this case the uplink. Use full duplex and the minimum power required. VO-52 is quite sensitive and overloads easily; expect this to be the norm on FD. Don't forget AO-7. It could be in either Mode U/V (aka Mode B) or Mode V/A (aka Mode A). FO-29 may also be back in time for FD, we just don't know. I expect the majority of points to be made on the transponder satellites; please observe the one QSO per FM repeater rule (1 via AO-27 and SO-50, and 1 each via the L/U and V/U repeaters on AO-51). For the true diehard satellite operator there is AO-16! The 1200 baud BPSK downlink is easily decoded with MixW soundcard software, and the uplink requires Manchester FSK at 1200 baud. This is the tough part. QSOs can be completed via digipeating through the satellite, but the BBS is non-operative. GO-32 is a good bet too if the BBS is up and running. Good Luck on Field Day! 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations -----Original Message----- >From: Thomas McDaniel <tmcdanielsprint(a)earthlink.net> >Sent: Jun 3, 2007 8:44 PM >To: kc6uqh <kc6uqh(a)cox.net>, AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO-52 > >Hi Art, > >I don't know of a site for this satellite with operating information. >However, this is what used to be called a Mode B satellite -- 70 CM LSB >uplink and 2 Mtrs USB downlink with a reverse transponder. Because the >satellite is in a very low orbit I highly recommend a computer controlled >transceiver (FT-847, IC-910, TS-2000 or etc.) and SatPC32 (you can get a >free download to test with from Eric's web site: >http://www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm ). We generally use the "one true rule," >that is computer control both up and down link to stay in one spot on the >transponder. > >For antennas, we will be using RH circular beams and automatic tracking, but >I expect you could use an Arrow type antenna with someone manually pointing >in the general direction -- turnstiles, egg beaters or other omnis may work >ok but I haven't tried them. > >Finally, practice before Field Day to "work out the bugs" is highly >recommended. :-) > >73 Tom n0ntx >AMSAT Area Coordinator >Colorado Springs, CO > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "kc6uqh" <kc6uqh(a)cox.net> >To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2007 12:45 PM >Subject: [amsat-bb] VO-52 > > >>I am considering using VO-52 for Field Day. Could anyone direct me to a >>site with operating information, not bragg tapes on this satellite. I >>found the Indian site but I could not find any real technical information. >>The AMSAT frequency guide mentions both Indain and Dutch transponders shows >>only one set of frequencies and no suggestion as to USB tX or RX does >>indicate U TX and V receive. Uses turnstile antennas, Rh or Lh Circular? >> >> Thanks, >> Art, >> KC6UQH >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> -- >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.7/830 - Release Date: 6/3/2007 >> 12:47 PM >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >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

14 years, 4 months

OSCAR-11 Report

by Clive Wallis

OSCAR-11 REPORT 31 August 2007 During the period 15 July to 31 August 2007, The satellite has remained silent. Eclipses finished on 20 August. Previous observations indicated that anytime after 10 August there would have been sufficient solar power to support continuous operation. Owing to the lack of accurate timings, it is impossible to predict when sustained beacon operation will restart, although this is expected any day now. When the beacon starts it is expected to operate 10 days ON followed by 10 days OFF. The satellite is now in continuous sunlight, and this will continue until 14 November, when a short eclipse season starts. I have received one reception report, from Jim G3WGM, who heard weak signals at the end of a pass on 01 August. Many thanks JIM. 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. The current monthly bulletin contains further details of the satellite's status. If you need to know what OSCAR-11 should sound like, there is a short audio clip for you to hear. 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:U2RPT136.CWV, to prevent duplication. 73 Clive G3CWV xxxxx(a)amsat.org (please replace xxxxx by g3cwv)

14 years, 4 months

According to the King.

by John Hackett

For the AO-7 afficiondos. Please peruse the following link ... <http://observations.biz/AO7_Paper/> ... it should serve to clear up any misunderstandings regarding any comments I have made in the past re: AO-7. Thanks to GM1SXX for the donkey work ... (By yon bonny banks and by yon bonnie 'brays') ??. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

14 years, 4 months

Re: ARRL SW Division HAMCON AMSAT Booth

by Clint Bradford

And for those attending HAMCOM, I'll be presenting my 'Work AO-51 with your HT' session at the 7pm meeting of the Long Beach ham club at the event's hotel. All are invited! Clint, K6 LCS 909-241-7666 ----------------------- Sent from my Treo(r) smartphone -----Original Message----- From: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)pacbell.net> Date: Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 8:44 pm Subject: ARRL SW Division HAMCON AMSAT Booth To: Clint Bradford <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org And for those that are planning on attending The ARRL HAMCON in Torrance at the Mariott the weekend of September 7th, 8th, and 9th, Duane Naugle, KO6BT, and I will be manning the AMSAT booth!

14 years, 4 months

Los Angeles County Fair - AMSAT Booth

by Clint Bradford

AMSAT will make its presence known at the Amateur Radio Expo area of the LA County Fair this year! I'll be manning an AMSAT booth all day on September 8, 15, 23, and 30. If you are available to help out for a few hours, I can get you a parking pass and Fair entrance ticket! Call or send email asap. Clint Bradford, K6LCS AMSAT Area Coordinator 909-241-7666

14 years, 4 months

NASA Safety Review Finds No Evidence of Improper Alcohol Use by Astronauts Before Space Flight

by Keith E. Brandt, M.D.

From: NASA News <hqnews(a)mediaservices.nasa.gov> To: NASA News <hqnews(a)mediaservices.nasa.gov> Date: Wed Aug 29 13:50:00 EDT 2007 Subject: NASA Safety Review Finds No Evidence of Improper Alcohol Use by Astronauts Before Space Flight Aug. 29. 2007 David Mould/Michael Cabbage Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 david.r.mould(a)nasa.gov, mcabbage(a)nasa.gov RELEASE: 07-184 NASA SAFETY REVIEW FINDS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER ALCOHOL USE BY ASTRONAUTS BEFORE SPACE FLIGHT WASHINGTON -- A NASA safety review released Wednesday found no evidence to support claims that astronauts were impaired by alcohol when they flew in space. NASA chief of Safety and Mission Assurance Bryan O'Connor conducted the monthlong review to evaluate allegations included in the Astronaut Health Care System Review Committee's report, which was released in late July. "I have said many times during the past weeks that NASA takes these allegations very seriously -- just as we would any issues that could impact the safety of our missions," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin told a news conference at NASA Headquarters. "But at the same time, I also have said that the stories cited in the report seem improbable to those of us familiar with the astronauts' rigorous and very public activities during the hours leading up to a space flight." O'Connor's review covered the past 20 years of space flight and includes: approximately 90 interviews with participants and witnesses to the last few days before shuttle and Soyuz launches, including current and former astronauts, flight surgeons, research and operations support nurses, shuttle suite technicians, closeout crew technicians and the managers and staff of crew quarters, including managers familiar with the crew quarters in Kazakhstan; a review of more than 40,000 records dating back to 1984, including mishap and close call reports, anonymous safety reports, safety hotline reports and disciplinary actions involving alcohol and drugs. These records cover 94 shuttle missions and 10 Soyuz missions; a review of relevant policies, procedures and near-launch timelines and staffing; and an inspection of crew quarters at Johnson Space Center in Houston and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. O'Connor interviewed almost 80 percent of active astronauts and all current operational flight surgeons. None of them corroborated allegations of preflight alcohol use or claims that management disregarded flight surgeon concerns about alcohol impairment and astronauts' fitness to fly. "My review represents a good deal more investigation than normally would be done in response to an anonymous safety concern," O'Connor said. "As a result, I am confident there are enough safeguards in place to prevent an impaired crewmember from being strapped into a spacecraft." NASA is moving forward with a wide range of improvements based on other recommendations from the Astronaut Health Care System Review Committee's report. Working with members of the astronaut corps, NASA is developing a formal astronaut code of conduct, or "Expected Astronaut Principles of Behavior," which will be a document that outlines expectations. The agency's medical managers also are studying how changes and initiatives advocated by the committee would fit into NASA health care procedures in a way that improves their effectiveness. And NASA has accepted recommendations concerning the analysis and use of behavioral health data to improve astronaut selection criteria. NASA will convene expert working groups to advise the agency on possible changes to its psychological testing. Additional training for flight surgeons in behavioral health assessments is planned, and evaluations will be added to annual flight physicals for all astronauts. Continuity of care in NASA clinics will be evaluated. The agency will ensure better clinical communication through regular meetings between behavioral health providers and flight surgeons. In addition, NASA plans to improve procedures and instructions used in the administration of health care services for its behavioral health clinic. Briefings by flight surgeons to crewmembers are being re-emphasized to ensure astronauts fully understand the nature and purpose of all health-related testing and data collection. Senior NASA leaders also are holding meetings with flight surgeons and astronauts to ensure they understand the multiple pathways to communicate safety and health concerns. To view O'Connor's report, along with a transcript and video of Wednesday's news conference, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/astronautreport.html -end- To subscribe to the list, send a message to: hqnews-subscribe(a)mediaservices.nasa.gov To remove your address from the list, send a message to: hqnews-unsubscribe(a)mediaservices.nasa.gov

14 years, 5 months

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AMSAT-BB August 2007