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

Re: how about an amsat moon mission?
by Bob Bruninga 30 Sep '07

30 Sep '07

> we need to find the schematics for AO-13 ... > and build the same transponers [for the moon] > We need to keep it simple, none of this > digital radio stuff,... > A digital system would take 10 years and 10 million ... As another one of the old legacy system believers, I have to admit, that I am finally seeing the light, and beginning to come around to believe in the new wave that the software defined radio -is- the way to go. After seeing the AMSAT crowd rave about it, and then seeing the one they are building for SUITSAT here at DCC, and seeing that they are producing them in quantity and copies can fly in something as small as a 4" cubesat, I am now convinced that -it-is-done. It is available now. AND it is much more reliable. WIthout analog components that can drift and need critical alignment, the SDR transponder is the only way to go. Sure there is internal complexity, but to every ham, it looks like just an AO13 transponder too. People use their PC's and USB drives and IPODS everyday as appliances, yet they contain unbelievable technology not even dreamed of a few years ago. Same thing here. It is the way to implement the basic AMSAT transponder, while to the users, it works the same as the old one. Like I say, I am now a believer too. Bob, WB4APR

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how about an amsat moon mission?
by Eric Fort 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

There is currently 30 million USD on the table for the first privately funded venture to return to the moon, rover 500 meters, and send back a mooncast (about a GB of data) Would AMSAT like to be involved in this? A transponder on OSCAR 0 with enough bandwith for video has possibilities and the 30 million could provide a nice subsidy, or we could partner with one of the competetors for a low cost/free ride in exchange for ??. What do those on the BB think? see http://www.googlelunarxprize.org/for details. amsat-dl is headed to mars, and the moon seems easier, not to mention the prize funding on the table. OSCAR 0 could use an upgrade, Let's do it! AF6EP

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Re: how about an amsat moon mission?
by Margaret Leber 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

On 9/29/07, MM <ka1rrw(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Next, we need to find the schematics for AO-13 > dust them off and build the same transponers. > We need to keep it simple, none of this > digital radio stuff Doesn't sound like that would meet the stated mission requirements. -- 73 de Maggie K3XS Editor, Phil-Mont Mobile Radio Club Blurb - http://www.phil-mont.org Elecraft K2 #1641 -- AOPA 925383 -- ARRL 39280

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Overseas With AO-51
by JoAnne Maenpaa 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

Hi Everyone, Just saw this scroll by on the dx-spots on #cqdx ... CT2ISG 435295.0 VE9QRP Tkx Bruce for AO-51 qso. Looks like Canada to Europe via AO-51. Congratulations, Bruce! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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AO-51 mode L/U
by Dave Aitch 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

Yet another silent pass on mode L U right up the middle of the Atlantic. Cheers, Dave. AMSAT 5766

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Shipping Antennas
by Kevin 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

I ran an internet calc. on UPS and USPO for a 50pound package 76 inch long by 6in by 6 in. Nothing showed as excessive but you may need to check. UPS $88 USPO $27 Suggest you talk to you Post Office. I have had 6 foot fiber poles delivered by UPS no problem. Hope this helps. Kevin N6CWF Phx Az

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How to ship a KLM-2m-14C?
by Peter Sils 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

I hope the group can offer some advice as to how to ship a used KLM 2m-14C and a Cushcraft 738Xb. I have bought these antennas at a good price but the owner can not break them down to a manageable size that will allow for reasonable shipping. He stated the smallest size (without cutting the boom) is 72" and the shipping companies want an arm and a leg for that length. I am sure that many in this group have gone through this and I truly would appreciate the advice to forward to my seller so he can ship them to me. I really want these antennas and have already paid for them but need to help the seller. Any and all advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Peter KD0AA --------------------------------- Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

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Working TLE set for Sputnik 1
by andy thomas 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

The TLE set for Sputnik-1 below works in STS+ when the simulated date is set to 5 October 1957. Please note the spacing is critical (takes me back to the days of FORTRAN!!). Thanks to John G7HIA for help and to Sil and Farrell for encouragement. For the record,, I varied the keps from those given in Sil's reference on the amsat-bb (they are the best I have seen): http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Aug-2007/0239.html I then: a) Accept the coefficient of drag taken from Gerhard HOLTKAMP's observations b) accept his model of Epoch time, Mean motion and RAAN (they all fit together - so I have to accept his epoch time as well) c) Change to the RAE observed values of eccentricity, argument of perigee and inclination, and calculate mean motion by dividing the sidereal day in minutes (1436 divided by by the RAE observation of the period) d) calculate the checksum accordingly (John sent me in the right direction here!) My prediction programme STS+, which runs under good old DOS, allows me to enter a Simulated Time. I MUST set it to 5 October 1957 before running the prediction or map features. Please note I have written <CR> where there must be a line break, you should not include the characters "<CR>" when you prepare the text file for your program. I can't speak for other prediction progarms, just good ol' STS+ SPUTNIK 1<CR> 1 00002U 57001B 57277.80972234 .00352343 00000-0 15670-2 0 0<CR> 2 00002 65.1000 339.9400 0520000 058.0000 334.6900 14.92723492 6<CR> This is for the satellite not the rocket. Many thanks to all for help and encouragement. Let's see how she works! 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Are you a hoarder? Then you'll love Yahoo! Mail with unlimited storage. http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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APRS GO-32
by Bruce 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

BB Using my D7 in dumb mode I was able to get 2 msgs thru GO-32 this morning. Takes several seconds before you see the D/L after TX. Caught my attention as the UISS program voice announced my D/L msg. 73 Bruce KG4YEV

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Re: Terrestrial QRM....
by John Marranca, Jr 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

I have monitored 145.850 all week here in the Chicago suburbs, and not heard a thing. I took Bruce's recording of the QRM and boosted the audio in Audacity, then slowed it down, and I'm pretty sure I can hear a snippet of a VE call in there, and a hint of a north-of-the-border accent on one of the stations. APPARENTLY...there is/are a repeater(s) in the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario that provides a link-up to AO-51 when it is overhead. http://www.dogparksoftware.com/mdpxgateway.html http://www.va3sf.com/amateurrptr.htm As far as hearing VE calls, I have heard this is well. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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