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

Re: Computer hardware
by Eric H Christensen 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Gene, Welcome to the club. I got lucky on my last purchase. Dell may or may not show serial ports on their computers but you can call and ask as they may have models that they will put them on. All the government computers I've used in recent years still came with both serial and parallel ports. You can always use the USB-to-serial dongles. I haven't had many problems with them. In fact, the only problem I can remember having with them was an RFI problem from a nearby HF radio when it was transmitting data. My Kenwood TS-790 is controlled by a USB device that plugs directly into the radio. Hope that helps. 73, Eric W4OTN >I am looking for a newer laptop but when I read the ads, I notice that serial >and parallel ports are not listed. Are they not in use and if so, what is >used instead to control the radios and rotators? > >Gene > >_______________________________________________ >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

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First Chinese Amateur Radio Satellite to be launched in June 2009
by Michael Chen, BD5RV 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Guys, I just came back from a ham vention and met Alan, BA1DU there. The 1st Chinese amateur satellite is now going smoothly. This satellite was formerly named CAS-1 and is now XW-1. It takes a beacon and three cross band transponders: FM, linear, and digital. The satellite is planned to be launched in June 2009 by a CZ-2C rocket in Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in North China. Michael, BD5RV/4

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SSTV on ISS.
by Louis McFadin 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

There are three methods the crew can use to send down SSTV from ISS. 1. The crew can use the SpaceCam software on the PC that is onboard. This software uses a VOX interface that keys up the D700 when it hears the SSTV audio. 2. The crew can use the MMSSTV software that is on the PC that is onboard. This software will also use the VOX interface in the same way that the Spacecam software does. 3. The crew can use the VC-H1 that Richard Garriott is bringing up with him when he goes up on October 12. You can look up the VC-H1 specifications on the Kenwood web site. We are looking forward to Richard's flight and expect him to use the SSTV equipment quite a bit while onboard ISS. Lou McFadin W5DID ARISS US Hardware manager

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GO-32 Status
by Jim Denneny 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Has GO-32 been off the air? I haven't heard it in over a week. Jim K7EG

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Oscar Antennas
by Howard Kowall 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Hello to All I am looking for a single dual Oscar antenna similar to the Gulf Alpha Model No.2M 70CM Sat. But now I see that Gulf Alpha has stopped producing this antenna. I need an antenna with a fairly small foot print,I see that M2 makes something similar. Who are the other manufactures that make a similar antenna,preferably in North America due to shipping Thanks Vey Much to All who Respond Howard VE4ISP

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Mode S advice
by Michael Heim 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Last month I was experimenting with mode S receive antennas, and I think I posted some questions on here as to what you guys who are on mode S use. Although I have operated microwave, I have never done so via the satellites. I have 2 options and both appear to work about equally. one involves a linear yagi, the other a helix, RHCP. The last time the bird was in mode S analog, it used mode L for the uplink. I noticed, while listening in using either antenna, a noticeable amount of deep fades on the bird. I'm not sure if it was caused by reflections nearby, or uplink fades on 1269 mhz. Both of these antennas were mounted on a camera tripod about 4 feet off the ground, and there was some metal within about 25 feet or so, which is unavoidable. The antennas will be placed about 15 feet above the ground, and the metal in the vicinity will be below the antenna. So, your advice... should I go with a 16 dbi linear yagi, commercially made for the MMTS band, or the RHCP homebrew 12 turn helix? I am having trouble getting much longer than 12 turns, winding the helix evenly. Is there really an advantage in using either? I guess I'm looking for whatever will do the best as far as fading goes. I am impressed, as the signals were quite strong while using only 2 foot long antennas. By the way, I am building a 1269 TX converter from scratch. I happened upon a brick oscillator that I recrystalled for the proper LO for a 144 IF. The mode S IF is 123 mhz, so there should be no IF leakage problems. Michael Heim Chief Engineer, Forever Broadcasting New Castle PA WKST WJST WWGY 814-671-0666 Chapter Chair, SBE-122 ARS KD0AR

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Re: NOVA Software
by Clint Bradford 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Please try a uninstall and re-install! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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ISS SSTV Hardware
by Simon (HB9DRV) 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Does anyone know what hardware will be used to send the SSTV / Robot 36 images? Specifically does it send the VIS code at the beginning of the transmission? Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

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ARISS
by ny1bravo＠peoplepc.com 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Hi. In February, 2005, the Pen Bay Amateur Radio Club of Rockland, Maine sponsored a successful ISS contact with the students of the Rockland High School. We would like to sponsor another ISS contact with the students of the George's Valley high School of Thomaston, Maine. However the person who provided the primary ham equipment for the contact is no longer available. Can you give me a name of someone in the Mid-coast Maine area that has the appropriate equipment that might be available to help us make this contact? Reply at smithny1b(a)peopepc.com as my computer or provider sometimes gives the wrong address. Thanks, Norm Smith, NY1B

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Wanted: Icom IC-910H
by Stuart Underwood 04 Oct '08

04 Oct '08

Greetings, I am looking for an IC-910H 2/440 in clean shape. I want it to work ssb/sats... If you have one for sale please email me with condition and price. Thanks in advance. Stuart W8STU

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