January 2008 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: FYI -- One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Opportunity
by Tom Clark, K3IO 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

(I posted this a couple of days ago, but it was never released from amsat.org limbo. So I resend. My order for OLPC went in today -- they accept either PayPal or plastic -- Tom) Another thing I gleaned from the OLPC wiki is that it supports FORTH (start at http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Forth_Lesson_0). Karl (DJ4ZC) designed Phase-3A back in the late 1970's and the onboard computer (IHU) used the computer language that Karl wrote called IPS (Interpreter for Process Structures) based on FORTH, but with German syntax and multi-tasking real-time support. Several of us (W0PN, W1HDX, ZL1WN, DB2OS & I) ported the German "dialect" of IPS into English and the "Gerglish" IPS has served as the basis for running all the Phase-3 IHUs up thru AO-40 (thanks to the efforts of W4SM and G3RUH). IPS is also planned for P3-E (N4HY already has it running on the new IHU) and probably P5. As another possible AMSAT/OLPC synergy, I can easily envision the OLPC Forth kernel being adapted to real-time control tasks with the addition of Karl's "chain". Although it is really modest compared to the normal laptop, Nick Negroponte and his team has really come up with a platform that has amazing possibilities! Meanwhile, ASUS has introduced their commercial Linux-based "Eee" miniature notebook that is already available ($399 from Amazon <http://www.google.com/pagead/iclk?sa=l&ai=BuJiyAGg3R9XlK4iaeuyDjLIMqprePM7t…>) -- Just Google ASUS Eee <http://www.google.com/search?q=Asus+Eee&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=…> or see the Eee wiki entry <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC#Storage> for details. 73, Tom

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eeepc
by Andrew Rich 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

I am thinking of getting an eeepc and putting perl, predict, gpredict and tunring it into a sat tracking device. Does anyone know if that would not be possible ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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Re: AO-16 reconfigured.
by Tom Clark, K3IO 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

The news from Drew and the AO-16 command team came as a most pleasant surprise to me. As Drew said

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EA4TX RCI-SE & Yaesu G-5500 Rotor
by Gary Schuchardt 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

Hi Is anyone using the EA4TX RCI-SE Interface Board with a Yaesu G-5500 Rotor? If so, please advise. I would like to compare notes on a couple configuration settings. I am using Nova for Windows tracking software. Which satellite tracking software are you using? Thank You. Gary Chesapeake VA N0EZH

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AO-16 Contacts 2118Z 1/21/08
by John Henderson 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

Kudos to the AO-16 team....!!!! I have been copying telemetry on this bird for a couple of months and to hear real voices instead of hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm is way cool. Made two contacts :WB9PNU AND N3SZH! W/R 73 John John Henderson N4NAB 212 Bayside Drive Cape Carteret, NC 28584

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ARISS Telebridge Stations Needed!
by Stefan Wagener 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

The International ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Team is seeking your help: Do you want to be part of the international network of ground stations that help support Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) operations? ARISS is looking to add numerous ground stations capable of relaying ISS amateur radio sessions with schools and also serve as back up communications relays should they be needed. Locations worldwide will be considered, but of greatest interest is the need for stations in Central America, South America, Falkland Islands, Western Australia, Canada, and Alaska. The following are guidelines for stations wanting to be considered: - Third Party agreement with United States or waiver from their telecom agency - Ability to speak and understand English - Minimal horizon obstructions - 24/7 access and availability of station - operator(s) willing to support scheduled contacts at various times - Phone patch - AZ/EL tracking satellite system, preferably an auto tracking system with the capability for manual override - Multi-element yagis for 2 meters and 70 cm (Circular polarity preferred) - Pre-amps - Transmit output greater than 70 watts NOTE: If you can specify your station's EIRP and receive sensitivity (thereby taking into account cable losses, pre-amps and antenna gain), it would be greatly appreciated. Stations that can support the following will be given special consideration, but these items are not required: - Auto Doppler adjustment of frequencies - Ability to speak and understand languages other than English - 1.2 and 2.4 GHz satellite hardware - Packet - SSTV - Digital ATV - Redundant power system - High-speed internet If you or your club would like to be considered for selection as one of the new ARISS telebridge stations then send an email with details about your station and contact information to: ARISS-telebridge(a)amsat.org. 73, Stefan VE4NSA

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AO-51 L-band/S-Band
by Jeff Mock 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

Are the L-band receiver and S-band transmitter ever powered up on AO-51? I can't find a schedule listing these things. I apologize if it's a silly question, I'm new to satellite stuff. jeff AD6EO

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AO-16 2258z
by John Marranca, Jr 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

Well....I have to get used to the Doppler Shift with a SSB downlink. I announced my call, and heard it...but subsequently lost the call of station calling me. Nevertheless...it was very good at 13 degrees elevation. Can't wait for tomorrow's passes!! 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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AO-16 Report
by John Germanos 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

Just had FB qso's with John N4NAB and Joe K3SZH via AO-16. Seems to work fine. Goods signals reported both ways. John WB9PNU AmSat 35477

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Re: AO-16 reconfigured
by John Marranca, Jr 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

I think this is FANTASTIC news!!! What I've noted about AO-16 is exactly what you mentioned, Drew...I too have copied TLM from 16 at 1-5 degrees with an eggbeater and NO preamp. It amazes me every time I hear just how robust 16's signal still is. Great work! Can't wait for the next pass. 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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