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

beginner question re: uplink power
by 12.01 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

hello, I have a beginner question. I am in the process of setting up my first satellite station. My initial investment is minimal and I have chosen to start out with a pair of 2m and 70cm omni antennas on the roof. To help out a bit I am also adding a mast mount preamp on each antenna. To protect the preamps they will be switched out of line by a RF sense switch (one for each amp). For reference the two preamps and the pair of RF switches are all made by Ramsey (I know there are better preamps, but not available in my current budget). I am keeping this initial adventure limited to the LEOs (and ISS, etc.). _The question: _ When I assemble the RF switches I must choose a RF range for the switch to work within. The range is determined by the choice of a specific resistor. The default three ranges suggested are 0-10 watts, 10-30 watts, and 30-100 watts. I would be able to change the range later but it would require removing the unit from the mast. So... not having any experience (yet),_ what uplink power range is recommend for non-gain antennas?_ Is there one range that should cover the LEOs? If not, how much should I expect the required uplink power needs to vary across various satellites? Is it different for each band? I have read that it is always best to never be louder than the beacon and that's fine. I'm just needing to know where to start off my hardware choices. Thanks in advance for any help from you folks with the know-how. I look forward to a qso with you. .paul ac0z

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NA1SS On Voice
by Angelo Glorioso (n5uxt) 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

On Richard was on voice and made QSO with WA4NVM and N3TL and myself at 19:14 UTC. Have a recording this time. 73 de Angelo

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Re: AO-51 L/S Modem
by Ron Miles 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

This is a great mode I agree. I just need to group the S and L band antennas together. Right now they're on separate towers and I'm extra busy tuning separate radio dials and antenna controllers for each pass. Need an extra hand for the mic. However, I've got this plan to fix all that, soon : ) Ron n6paa

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Request-recording of ISS pass at 11:07 utc 21Oct2008?
by Mark L. Hammond 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

Hi, Did anybody happen to record the ISS pass at 11:07 UTC 21Oct2008? I made a contact with Richard, but didn't have the RECORD button pushed.. Thanks and 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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GO-32
by Jim Denneny 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

Does anyone have any info on GO-32 failure? It has been down for weeks. Jim K7EG

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Thank You Richard and the Team
by David Barber 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

All, I'm speaking for myself here but I hope some of the sentiments expressed below will be felt by you all. I'm sure when Richard leaves for home on the 23rd it will be too soon for many Amateurs around the world who have enjoyed his boundless exuberance during his stay on the ISS. Richard's (and the support teams) contribution has been immense. His QSOs have been carried out succinctly and with professionalism, his voice filled with contagious enthusiasm. The SSTV has been a triumph again due to the unstinting dedication of Richard and his support team. As one of those who enjoyed the privilege of a QSO with Richard and the receipt of some 40+ SSTV pictures I would like to publicly thank him and the team for what has been a superbly enjoyable period of unprecedented activity. Absolutely Brilliant - Thank You All. Regards David G8OQW

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Contact with ISS
by Joseph Seibert 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

There are some advantages to living in bush Alaska and 400 miles from civilization. This Sunday at 2106 UTC I made successful contact with Richard Garriott on the International Space station. Mr. Garriot told me I was his first contact in North America for that pass. I had him all to myself for three minutes before the space station passed over the lower 48. This was definitely a QSO I'll always remember! Thanks to all those who have and continue to support ARISS. Joe Seibert- AL1F Grid: AP90ds Bethel, Alaska __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Too Late
by Martha 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

It is now too late to register for the Symposium on-line. You will need to register at the hotel. -- 73- Martha

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Out of Office
by Martha 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

I will be in Atlanta for the AMSAT Symposium from Wednesday, October 22nd through Monday, October 27th. -- 73- Martha

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NS1SS On Voice
by Angelo Glorioso (n5uxt) 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

Richard was on Voice on this last pass UTC 12:43. YL ( KE5OYK ) worked him. Angelo

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