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

I: ISS L / v Transponder 09.05 utc ITALY / Europe Pass
by Francesco Grappi 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

09.05 utc ITALY /Europe Pass Hi All I tried ISS transponder L/V this morning..... TX FT 736R FM-Narrow + PA Output power 70 Watts 2x35 elements antennas linear pol. RX 2x11 elements cross yagi Also here nothing heard and unable to access L/V Transponder... Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] Per conto di David Barber Inviato: martedì 30 dicembre 2008 6.09 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; sarex(a)amsat.org Cc: 'Frank H. Bauer' Oggetto: [amsat-bb] ISS L / v Repeater 04.49utc UK / Europe Pass 04.49utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. David G8OQW _______________________________________________ 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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ISS and GO-32
by Dave Aitch 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Like David, nothing from the ISS. I did listen for GO-32 and it's occasional carrier has returned. 73, Dave. IO80SM

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ISS L / v Repeater 06.25utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

06.25utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. No activity on other frequencies. David G8OQW

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SatPC32 Woes & Successes in the Sticks
by vq9jc＠gimail.af.mil 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

My thanks go to WD9EWK, ZS6MI, and DK1TB for their assistance in helping me get a new copy of SatPC32 loaded on a laptop on my ship. My problem resulted from a changeout in office hardware followed by an installation disk gone bad. Downloading the program turned out to be an impossibility because my internet connection is via a government facility, and while it's completely legal to download apps and such, the satellite service provider back in the States imposed an unwavering 2 MB filter on everything. (The app is about 30 MB zipped.) I was finally able to obtain a copy of the program over a non-gov't system on the island where my ship is based. It's tough to get things done from a rock that's 1400 km from the nearest land of any size, let alone through a government system. All is well now, and I can "see" the birds on screen again. Maybe this will help get my grid square (MI62) into a few logbooks. All the best in 2K9 to everyone! 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC

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ISS L / v Repeater 04.49utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

04.49utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. David G8OQW

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Eavesdropping on AO-51 tonight
by K8KFJ＠aol.com 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

/1/ K4DLG /2/ W4AS /3/ XE1KW /4/ KD4MZM /5/ N1ABA/M NH /6/ KB3RRU FN20ee /7/ KB1PVH/M FN42 /8/ W2VV/HT FN30 /9/ KB9BIT EN61 /10/ KU8L EN82 /11/ W5KUV EM55 /12/ VE3DRT /13/ N0FJP Nice turnout. I see it's still a very popular bird. Great to hear the mobiles and Handheld station. FT-470 + Arrow QTH WV EM98 73, Gary -K8KFJ- AMSAT #32,574 SAT VUCC #125 **************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000…)

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Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Trey Brown 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have been. http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html -- Trey -- N5THX They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

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AO-16 operational?
by w4upd 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Have just tried to work AO-16 on my 2109Z pass and heard nothing. I tried a few days ago with the same results. Is AO-16 now in operational or is it that someone has not been able to switch it on or reload the MBL? Regards, Reid, W4UPD

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Re: Fw: ELK or ARROW
by Bob K0NR (email list) 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > It seems improving the 2.4 dB of insertion loss of the diplexer would be a > better strategy (although not necessarily easy in the space available) than > attempting to modify what is very mechanically sound antenna. > > 73, > Joe kk0sd > > I am surprised that the duplexer/diplexer (take your pick) has that much loss. Has anyone verified this via a direct measurement (such as via a network analyzer)? Bob K0NR

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Quotation of the Year Nominee
by Clint Bradford 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

I nominate Alan WA4SCA for the AMSAT-BB Quotation of the Year Award for his... > Had a great QSO with myself... And if anyone nominates my "I Could've SWORN I just saw AO-51 pass overhead with my own, un-aided eyes..." - I will respectfully decline the award. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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ISS Repeater
by Ron Miles 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Heard nothing on the ~16:47UTC pass today. Elevation 47 degrees. Could not key up the L band repeater at any power level. Yaesu FT 736R set for 67Hz PL tone and using SATPC32 doppler steering frequency pairs: ISS,145800,1269650,FM,FM,NOR,0,0. Is uplink tone necessary when operating either ISS L/V or V/U?? Thanks, Ron n6paa

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I hear WA4SCA calling CQ via ISS
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

WA4SCA via ISS is loud and clear . . . - no one else heard /;^) -- <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 -> <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net -> <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->

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ISS Repeater
by Scott Schmautz 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Just heard WA4SCA calling CQ on what I assume is still L/V. Not much else heard, one other station heard prior to that. Scott/WB2UZR --

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NA1SS - calling CQ
by Bruce Semple 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

NA1SS was calling CQ (several times) this morning on the 13:50 Z pass over east coast Nice loud signal on the 2M downlink -- Apparently he was not hearing anybody on the L-band uplink -- It was killing me not to be able to give him a call (no 1.2 Ghz capabilities).

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ISS L / V Active 07.30utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Active again this pass. 07.30utc UK / Europe. Managed to access the repeater briefly for the second time at an elevation of approx 45dg. No other stations heard. Good luck to all who try. Regards David G8OQW

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Re: Elk vs Arrow
by Clint Bradford 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Trey - I have an extra, new Elk you may borrow. Send me private email. Clint Bradford On Dec 28, 2008, at 7:25 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > I think will probably end up purchasing both > and using them on a couple passes Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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ISS L / V Active 05.58utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

The L / V repeater was active during the 05.58utc pass over UK / Europe this morning. Heard and recorded my own signals as it passed overhead. No one else on. Icom IC-910 via 3m of RG58U (don't laugh!) to a 19 element horizontal yagi mounted on az/el rotator on my patio. Manual control of rotator and Doppler. All a bit crude I know but it worked! Good luck to all. Regards David G8OQW

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give the newbie the full story on ELK and ARROW please
by Jim Danehy 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Yes folks can make contacts with Arrow and Elk antennas because it is done every day of the week . . . . that is not the argument here . . . my comments have been made to give full disclosure of the several issues which seemed to be ignored by advocats of one over the other . . . Arrow and Elk are LINEARLY polarized antennas . . . . the 17,000 mph moving satellite is throwing off CIRCULAR polarized RF energy . . . please SUBTRACT 3 db or more of gain from your Elk or Arrow when receiving the satellite's signal . . . some still do not understand this concept and never will . . . ignorance is bliss . . . . For years I grinned ; like I am doing now whenever I saw an 18 wheel trucker with a pair of 3 foot high verticals and a big coil of aluminum tubing at the bottom . . . . probably a good analogy . . . . yes they can make contacts for a little distance just like users of the Arrow and Elk can make contacts . . . . yes "field tests" ( anecdotal evidence ) give you some sense of satisfaction . . . . some CB ers enjoy CB operating too . . . ignorance is bliss . . . . .working a buddy across town from his house to yours on 2 mtrs or 435 mhz is one thing because your antennas are not moving . . . . once one of them starts moving quickly ( 17,000 mph ) it all changes . . . I realize that this requires some further reading, studying and understanding . . . .you need to understand the entire story . . . . ignorance is still bliss for far too many . . . up until about 1952 folks used monoband beams . . . . then the triband beams with traps appeared . . . degradation occurs one small step at a time . . . it is progressive too . . . now we have folks doing CW with their computers during contests and they think that they are CW ops . . . . . . note I did not say sending . . . a couple of locals were all in a lather a few years ago when the local DX packet cluster went down . . . what are we going to do . . . I told them it really made no difference to me as I will continue to TUNE the bands for the DX . . . because that is what a DXer does . . . the DUMMYING DOWN of hams is sad . . . of course it depends upon your base of experience . . . . if you do not know any better . . . well ignorance is bliss . . . we do need fuller disclosure to the newbie who asks a question . . . . If somebody says : yes I know all of that but this is my compromise; that is fine . . . but folks are preaching to folks who ask questions : what should I buy ? . . . . there is another option which is being ignored . . . thus my questioning to let the newbie know that these antennas work but there should be a caveat of the compromise . . . without that caveat or understanding they think they are on the Gold Standard . . . ignorance is still bliss . . . in other areas we call it : 1) doing due diligence or 2) informed consent . . . . some folks hand over all their money to somebody else to manage . . .oh yes . .. ignorance turns from being bliss . . .to catastrophic . . . but it goes on and will continue . . . Some folks are selling these antennas like some sell religion . . . with certainty that theirs is the one true one . . .give the newbie the FULL STORY please. . . that has been my goal for several weeks now . . . I have received many nice personal emails thanking me for my comments . . . I am not bashing ARROW or ELK just trying to give a FULL DISCLOSURE which is what should be going on not just blind advocacy for one of these over the other . . . . which is mostly what I have seen with anecdotal comments . . . Jim W9VNE

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Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Edward Cole 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

One last comment that may help your decision: The Arrow comes as a portable take-apart version. All the elements unscrew and the square tubing boom comes apart to fit in 24-inch long package. I bought a 25-inch by 2-inch diameter PVC tube with end caps (sewer pipe to most) to carry my Arrow on board airlines back before 911. Handy way to travel with a dual-band HT and enjoy operating Leos. I believe one of the ham accessory mfrs sell a fabric tote sack for the Arrow. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 01:06 PM 12/28/2008, Trey Brown wrote: >Thanks for everyone's comments. I think will probably end up purchasing both >and using them on a couple passes and then deciding which one would be >better for me and returning the other. Both companies offer refunds, so that >may be the best route for me. I just can't get over the fact that I've >talked to and read what quite a few hams have had to say regarding the >arrow, and I can't see why they would use one for multiple years if it was >so horrible, so that leads me to think I may like it better, but we'll see! > >On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 8:00 PM, Trey Brown <palintheus(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering > > purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and > > opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have > > been. > > > > http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm > > http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html > > > > -- > > Trey -- N5THX > > > > They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > > safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. > > - Benjamin Franklin > > > > > >-- >Trey > >They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, >deserve neither liberty nor safety. >- Benjamin Franklin >_______________________________________________ >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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Egg beater, ELK, yagi, arrow, Lindenblad
by Dave Guimont 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

And probably a few others!! But if you have a modicum of constructional skills try a quadrifilar..It outperforms all of them... My site is under construction, but as soon as I get it organized, I will post it here... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Re: Building an EggBeater
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

PE0SAT said : > Does anybody have a good article from building an Eggbeater > for 144 and 435 MHz? I have built several of these in the past (Eggbeater II by K5OE), and currently have two in the attic - one each for 145 and 435. They serve me well, both for satellites and horizontal-omni for VHF contest. I have no outside antennae currently, but the 144 version I built for my Dad 6 years ago is still intact atop his 50 ft tower. I will probably paint the PVC on the next ones I build for outdoor service. The original website is gone, but I recently found a mirror site : http://www.observations.biz/K5OE/ look for Eggbeater link. Construction is simple, the given dimensions worked well for me. Hopefully you have or can locate some RG-62 (93 Ohm) for phasing loops. Build the 70cm version first, as the smaller elements are easier to handle. The experience will help in construction of the 2m version. I currently have no other antennae for comparison, but these are an improvement over simple verticals. I appreciate the fact that they provide horizontal polarization at the horizon - as I also enjoy the VHF contests. Receive preamps are nice if you have them. (no need for a rotator either) On satellite, I use a Yaesu FT-736R (25~30 watts), about 60 feet of good air-dialectric coax for each, and these two Eggbeaters. I typically only operate on VO-52 as I prefer linear modes... I have been away from the birds for several years, but I am now returning - thanks to these antennae... Good luck, enjoy - and let us know how you progress. Thanks /;^) -- <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 -> <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net -> <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->

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my arrow
by andy thomas 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Well, my Arrow took me from a clifftop in Cornwall with a THD7E at 5w to PCSAT at a 2 degree elevation and down to Maine as Bob will doubtless remember... 73 de andy g0SFJ

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Re: Arrow Antenna
by Clint Bradford 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

.. Ducting could explain the performance in the tropics ... Heck, Tim and I worked AO-51 a couple months ago ... He's in the South, I'm in Southern CA. 2200 miles or so - no record by any means - but we were both using HTs and those horrible Arrow Antennas. I believe Tim stated it was a three degree elevation pass for him ... I need to drop out of this group for a while. Seeing folks suggest adding a wing nut here and a washer there and making wild, unsubstantiated claims as to the Arrow's duplexer's loss makes me want to scream. Meanwhile, I'll be watching the San Diego Chargers blow away their opponents this evening, and sneak out and work AO-51 at the end of the first quarter. And so it goes .... Clint Bradford

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Re: Arrow Antenna
by Clint Bradford 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

> > I've noticed some "Arrow" discussion on the BBS. I am not a real > technical ham but I do know that I can routinely hit the mainland > from Hawaii at 1 degree elevation with the Arrow (ask K7WIN). Nope. Sorry. You are wrong. The engineers here state that that type of performance from an Arrow Antenna is impossible. You are deluded. Other engineers here state that you would really be pleased with the performance of the Arrow if it were polarized differently. Anywhere from 3-to-20dB increase in signal strength. So your "1 degree elevation" passes you are successfully working are nothin' ... Removing tongue from my cheek, Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Fw: ELK or ARROW
by Jim Danehy 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

. there is the old adage that you get what you pay for . . . why buy a poorly designed antenna that does not work very well > ? > > If you have a 5 element yagi that only produces 4 dbi you are not getting > what you paid for . . . most 2 element yagis would out perform that > statistic . . . a 5 element yagi should be at least 9 db + or 10 db dbd > (dipole ) not isotropic . . . . there is something that is called > MERCHANTABILITY . . .i.e., an IMPLIED WARRANTY that you are getting at > least the minimum for your money . . . > 4 dbi for an Arrow is way off base . . . so it is not just ; you can not > afford a Cadillac but you are not even getting a Ford or Chevy . . i.e., > the gain of a 5 element yagi on 435 mhz . . . that is the issue, not cost > alone . . . . . . same comments apply to the ELK but I have attempted to > make the point that there is a minimum performance for a certain number of > elements that is pretty OBJECTIVE and when it is not met . . . . well > that is my point . . . these two antennas have shown to some testers that > they do not measure up to the minimum EXPECTATIONS . . .unfortunately that > is acceptable to some . . . . then it becomes acceptable to many . . . > and objectivity is abandoned . . . > > Jim W9VNE > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Trey Brown" <palintheus(a)gmail.com> > To: "Jim Danehy" <jdanehy(a)cinci.rr.com> > Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:39 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ELK or ARROW > > >> Thanks for the comments. Realize, though, that not everyone wants or >> can afford to have the Cadillac. >> >> >> On Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 4:06 PM, Jim Danehy <jdanehy(a)cinci.rr.com> wrote: >>> the Arrow antenna has been critiqued by Kent Britain, WA5VJB >>> >>> http://wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf >>> >>> he says that some have measured the Arrow for gain on 435 mhz @ 4 dbi >>> (isotropic) . . . . and that further analysis showed that for the >>> element lengths used on 435 mhz that it peaks at 457 mhz and not 435 mhz >>> . . . Kent is a well respected VHF/UHF antenna person who has plenty of >>> credibility . . . >>> >>> Kent opines that the Arrow, as built does not have its elements >>> insulated from the boom. It uses dimensions for insulated elements . . . >>> so much for the Arrow . . . . >>> >>> Now for the ELK : a local friend of mine owns an Arrow and he uses it >>> successfully. He bought an ELK and attempted to compare the Arrow and >>> the ELK . . . . he could not make an across town QSO on 435 mhz from his >>> second story window with the ELK , so he sent the ELK back for a refund >>> . >>> >>> I have worked and exchanged QSLs with several hundred satellite users . >>> . .the majority of the folks that have worked and QSLed me (close to 250 >>> + ) have been using either the Arrow or ELK based upon the information >>> on their cards. So they are popular. Are they optimum ? A lot of >>> anecdotal information would seem to say NO . . . >>> >>> Thirty-five years ago I worked Oscar 6 with a homebrew 2 mtr yagi that >>> probably was worse than either the Arrow or Elk but I worked YV and KL7 >>> from Indiana on CW with about 15 watts to the 3 elements which my XYL >>> waved around at my directions . . . not any more . . .what do I use >>> these days : a pair of circular polarity yagis on 10 foot booms >>> manufactured by M Square . . . . >>> >>> Folks ask what should they buy ? Maybe a Ford or maybe a Chevy . . . >>> neither is a Cadillac . . . . >>> >>> Jim W9VNE >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Trey -- N5THX >> >> They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary >> safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. >> - Benjamin Franklin >> >

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Elk or Arrow
by Jim Leder 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Wow, did this topic ever take a weird turn! Jim Bob Buckeye AKA **** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999 There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.

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ISS V/U Pass
by Scott Schmautz 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Just heard a nice pass of the ISS in V/U repeater mode, nice and strong on the HT. Astronaut Mike was working the pile nicely! Could hear the stations he was in QSO with on the downlink quite well. He said L band later today. Scott/WB2UZR --

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NA1SS today
by Perry Yantis 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

NA1SS is on 145.99 up 437.800 dn today will go to 1269.65 up and 145.800 down later today. Perry WB8OTH

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Possible YUBILEINY RS-30 event
by andy thomas 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Following on from Mike DK3WN's successful intercept, I think there's a possibility of a Yubileiny RS-30 broadcast event on January 2nd or 4th 2009. January 2nd 1959 (50 years ago) saw the launch of MECHTA (Dream) -renamed LUNA-1 - which missed the Moon but established two things (according to the 'net): the Moon has no magnetic field and that the solar wind streamed into space. AMSATters will be pleased to hear that it was also the best dx to date (Moon to earth and beyond!) See for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_1 http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1959-012A On January 4th she was the first man made object to leave the Earth's orbit. I have no tip-off, but a gut feeling that it might be worth a listen on 435.315 or .215 NBFM on the anniversary?? 73 de andy g0sfj

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Re: Building an EggBeater
by John Marranca, Jr 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

If I may be so brazen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u7aoHDc-gw&feature=channel_page Good Luck 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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Building an EggBeater
by PE0SAT 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Hi, Does anybody have a good article from building an Eggbeater for 144 and 435 MHz? Via Google I couldn't find a good one. Thanks in advance, PE0SAT

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ISS repeater V/U and EVA timeline comment
by andy thomas 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Having not had hide nor hair of the ISS over the holiday, /p in Cornwall - making do with the Mighty KBC on Shortwave, hi - was very pleased to hear her again on the V/U repeater at 1018utc today, very low elevation over the Atlantic. 2E0EUB very strong initially, called him but incompletely relayed (which is all I could manage), then him in IO92BX working David G8OQW, and then when overhead spain EA1ESA called and EA1BYC working him. Would be great if it were left on this combination just a day or so more? BTW I was interested to see that on the Timeline for 22/23 December the crew switched comms into a standard mode for EVAs: "2050/2100: FE-1: Pre-EVA comms config reconfiguring C&W indication from [Cyrillic PSS] (Caution & Warning panel) to [Cyrillic POV] (EVA support panel)" and switched back at 07:40/55 - this must mean that 143.625 acts as a rebroadcast channel during EVAs. Good to know (unless just with Russian suits). 73 de andy G0SFJ

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what positioner interfaces exist?
by Eric Fort 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

I've been looking at how tracking hardware interfaces to positioner hardware. There seems to be multiple ways used to induce movement and multiple ways to sense/track position. some seem to require up, down, right, left (4 bit) control signals along with an analog voltage provided for position indication while others may just count pulses to track position and may use unipolar vs bipolar motors. I've also seen syncros and steppers used. What is being used and what is common for positioner interface requirements? What means are used to sense/track position and what signaling is needed by various systems to induce a change to that position? Thanks, Eric AF6EP

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ISS V/U repeater active, and audio recording ISS rep. on Japan.
by Cor 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Hello All, This morning I worked only a few stations via the ISS V/U crossband repeater. Probably many people are not aware that it is active now. TX Uplink: 145.990Mhz FM (with 67hz tone!!!). RX Downlink: 437.800Mhz FM (adjust doppler few khz up and down). Renember this V/U mode is not useal and was sceduled for this 25 years ham radio in space event (for December 2008). I have received an audio recording from JA0CAW with ISS V/U repeater on Japan. I have posted the audio recording on my website. Good luck (to all) if you trie. 73's Cor PD0RKC http://iss.ontwikkel.nl

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Mahalo
by dukenuke＠pixi.com 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Mahalo to the many ham enthusiasts that I have talked to via satellite over the holidays. What a treat this has been for me! I've noticed some "Arrow" discussion on the BBS. I am not a real technical ham but I do know that I can routinely hit the mainland from Hawaii at 1 degree elevation with the Arrow (ask K7WIN). So hopefully, when I am back in Honolulu next month I will be able to continue some of my new friendships via satellite. Always willing to travel, perhaps I can also provide some additional grids other than BL11. Mahalo and Happy New Year to all Respectfully, robert smith NH7WN

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Re: Arrow vs. Elk
by Clint Bradford 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

> > ... the Arrow, as built does not have its elements insulated from > the boom. It uses dimensions for insulated elements . . . so much > for the Arrow . . . . This is a case of where "engineering mentality" and "first-hand, practical experiences" are colliding. When I was selling these for HRO, a gentleman brought his back one day. "This can NOT work," he exclaimed. "It is designed all wrong ... " I refunded his money, and bought the antenna for a backup for myself. I am using it to this day, successfully working the FM sats with 1.5-to-2.5W TX power. So much for the Arrow, indeed ... (grin) Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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More LOTW stuff
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Is there any interest in entering QSOs before 2003 (2003 is a natural break in my logs) in Log Book of the World? 73, Joe kk0sd

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Portable Satellite LOTW
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Has anyone mastered putting records of portable satellite operations into Log Book of The World? I would like to give folks credit for the Grids I worked them from, but how to do this is not obvious. 73, Joe kk0sd

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Re: Delfi C3 status?
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

The packet data downlink is presently operational at 145.870. It is extremely strong from AOS/LOS. When the amateur transponder is activated, A CW beacon will be at 145.870 in place of the packet data signal. It sends "HI HI DELFIC3 in CW." I recently emailed wouterw(a)delfic3.nl asking when the satellite would be put back into the amateur mode. I have received no reply. It's the holidays at the university so I really do not expect an answer at this point in time so maybe after the new year. Unlike just after launch when transponder signals were strong, I have recently been having difficulty getting a signal through the transponder. I would like to experiment more so I'm waiting and hoping. All the best, Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589

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Delfi C3 status?
by John Marranca, Jr 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Happy Holidays, Everyone. I hope Santa was good to everyone this year. Is Delfi C3 non-operational at this time? Each time I monitor passes, I hear no activity. I was under the impression that it was SUPPOSED to be open for Amateur use. Also, Delfi's Operation's web page doesn't appear to have been updated since November. Did I miss something? 73 de 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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ANS-363 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-363 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * SKN on OSCAR 2009 This Week * AO-51 Schedule to Support SKN and Kids Day * Richard Garriott Interview Available Online * ARISS 25th Commemorative Event to Feature L/V Repeater This Week * ARISS Status - 22 December 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.01 SKN on OSCAR 2009 This Week AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.01 Ray Soifer, W2RS extends the annual cordial invitation to all radio amateurs worldwide to participate in AMSAT's Straight Key Night (SKN) on OSCAR 2009. Participating in SKN on OSCAR 2009 is easy. No rules, no scoring and no need to send in a log. Just operate CW through any OSCAR between 0000 and 2400 UTC on 1 January 2009, using a straight hand key. In keeping with the friendly nature of this event, all participants are encouraged to nominate someone they worked for "Best Fist." Your nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, just of those you worked. Please send your nomination to w2rs(a)amsat.org. A list of those nominated will appear in ANS and The AMSAT Journal. CU SKN! [ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.02 AO-51 Schedule to Support SKN and Kids Day AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.02 AMSAT VP of Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, reminds everyone that AO-51 will be configured to support two upcoming special events. For the first time AO-51 will be configured to support CW operations during the annual SKN Event. Following SKN the uplink will be reconfigured back to the more traditional FM/FM up and downlinks to support the ARRL's Kids Day event. December 29 - January 2 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM SSB/FM Repeater, V/U (CW QSOs only on Straight Key Night) Uplink: 145.880 MHz USB Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM January 3 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM FM Repeater, V/U (ARRL Kid's Day, QSOs between or with kids ONLY) Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM [ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.03 Richard Garriott Interview Available Online AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.03 Space traveler Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, ha been interviewed by science fiction writer Tracy Hickman about Garriott's recent visit to the International Space Station. During the session, W5KWQ talked about his experience of operating amateur radio on orbit and conversing with the ham community worldwide. The entire interview is 2 hours and 45 minutes in duration. Its available in 3 installments. You will find it at http://feeds.feedburner.com/Dragonhearth [ANS thanks Newsline for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.04 ARISS 25th Commemorative Event to Feature L/V Repeater This Week AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.04 To date, the ISS crew has configured the radio to support cross-band repeater operations, they have supported some SSTV downlinks and we have had the opportunity to participate in a special test of 9600 baud packet radio operations on the simplex frequency of 145.825 MHz. Specifically, December 28-January 3, we plan to reconfigure the Crossband repeater for a special experiment. This will be a test of our L-Band uplink capability, which, to date, has not been proven out. Plan for an uplink of 1269.65 MHz and and downlink on the standard frequency 145.80 MHz using low power. Given the substantial cable losses of the L-band system, we hope some "big guns" are able to penetrate through, keep up with doppler, and make the connection. We will provide more updates in the near future. We would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods of time. (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for a commemorative certificate). Frank concluded, "In the meantime, enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS! And congratulations to Owen Garriott, W5LFL, on the 25th anniversary of his historic flight!!" [ANS thanks Frank, KA3HDO, AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs and ARISS International Chairman for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.05 ARISS Status - 22 December 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.05 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium on Monday, December 29 at 11:43 UTC via telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii. The mission of Technopolis is to bring science and technology to the public. The center has permanent and temporary exhibits and organizes workshops, school activities and other outreach activities. The ARISS contact will be open to all school children 6 -18 years of age and will be supported through a workshop, lecture or science show. 2. Canadian School Contact Successful Students from King George Elementary School in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada took part in a question and answer session with Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact took place on Monday, December 15. Ten students were able to ask one question each of the astronaut as an audience of 320 looked on. Ray Boughen, Minister of Education Provincial Parliament, Dale McBain, City of Moose Jaw Mayor (both former educators) and Brenda Edwards, Director of Education for Prairie South School Division attended. Television stations taped the event and interviewed the children. Radio station CHAB interviewed the school coordinator. The Moose Jaw Times Herald printed an article covering the contact. See: http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=201052&sc=3 The story includes links to the contact video: http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?main=broadcast&bcid=10109 Principal Ward Milligan commented, "It was an awesome 'once in a lifetime experience' that will become more important in the lives of these students as they look back upon this event in years to come. Having a personal contact with someone in space increased the students' interest in space by three fold. Sandra Magnus was very enthusiastic and answered the students' questions in a manner they could relate to. She was very encouraging of the students. It was an inspirational and moving experience." 3. Italian Students Radio ISS On Thursday, December 18, students from Scuola Elementare Faleriense "Gianni Rodari" in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT as over three hundred students, teachers and parents gathered for the event. Twenty-one students questioned the astronaut and Season's Greetings were exchanged. RAI3 Regional Television and some local media and newspapers covered the event. The audio was fed into the EchoLink servers. For more information, including photos and audio, go to: www.ariss-eu.org/2008_12_18.htm The Corriere News ran an article (in Italian): http://www.corrierenews.it/index.php/corrierenews3100/content/view/full/220… ESA mentions the recent Marco Polo, Circolo Didattico San Giuseppe and Gianni Rodari contacts in this story (also in Italian): http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMXK4TTGOF_Italy_2.html 4. ARISS International Meeting Held The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team meeting was held on Tuesday, December 16. Agenda items included the next face-to-face meeting, SuitSat-2 development status and the ARISS special event. Minutes have been posted to the ARISS Web site. See: http://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2008-12-16.htm 5. Astronaut Training Status Astronaut Michael Barratt, KD5MIJ, took a refresher course on the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) equipment and operations on Wednesday, December 17. Barratt is looking forward to supporting the program during his time on board the ISS as an Expedition 19 crew member. Expedition 19 is the first half of the planned 6 person crew. 6. ARRL QST Covers ARISS News The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) printed 4 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) news items in its January 2009 issue of QST. Under "Media Hits" (page 12) is a lengthy paragraph about how the media coverage for Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, was very prolific. A story on pages 59-60 is about Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, a student at Georgia Tech who's a ham and was quite interested in ARISS. She was friends with a ham teacher at a middle school near her middle school; the teacher had applied for an ARISS contact. The story is called "DXpedition to Planet Mars" and is about Andrea's involvement in the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). It says at the end that she wants to be an astronaut. Two columns under "Happenings" (page 63) are titled "Richard Garriott; W5KWQ Back on Terra Firma" which is about Richard and ARISS. It carries two pictures - one of the students in Austin who contacted him during his mission in space and the other is a photo of Richard. "Grants Focus on the Future of Amateur Radio" (page 95) covers three groups that won ARRL Foundation grants. One grant was given to the Eagle Scouts of Indiana who took part in an ARISS contact at the Space Jamboree 2008. The grant received was used to fund equipment for electronic building projects at the Space Jamboree which helped scouts complete the electronics merit badge. The equipment also served other regional and national scout gatherings to introduce amateur radio. Another group that received an award was the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum which is scheduled for an ARISS contact on December 27. The money received funded a ham station (and antenna) in the museum lobby. 7. ARRL and AMSAT Articles on ARISS Special Event The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ran a Web story about the 25th anniversary of ham radio in space. It includes the latest news covering the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) special event. See: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/12/18/10509/?nc=1 The ARRL also issued a W1AW bulletin on the same subject and an article was published in the ARRL Letter. See: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/08/1219/ [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

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ELK or ARROW
by Jim Danehy 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

the Arrow antenna has been critiqued by Kent Britain, WA5VJB http://wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf he says that some have measured the Arrow for gain on 435 mhz @ 4 dbi (isotropic) . . . . and that further analysis showed that for the element lengths used on 435 mhz that it peaks at 457 mhz and not 435 mhz . . . Kent is a well respected VHF/UHF antenna person who has plenty of credibility . . . Kent opines that the Arrow, as built does not have its elements insulated from the boom. It uses dimensions for insulated elements . . . so much for the Arrow . . . . Now for the ELK : a local friend of mine owns an Arrow and he uses it successfully. He bought an ELK and attempted to compare the Arrow and the ELK . . . . he could not make an across town QSO on 435 mhz from his second story window with the ELK , so he sent the ELK back for a refund . I have worked and exchanged QSLs with several hundred satellite users . . .the majority of the folks that have worked and QSLed me (close to 250 + ) have been using either the Arrow or ELK based upon the information on their cards. So they are popular. Are they optimum ? A lot of anecdotal information would seem to say NO . . . Thirty-five years ago I worked Oscar 6 with a homebrew 2 mtr yagi that probably was worse than either the Arrow or Elk but I worked YV and KL7 from Indiana on CW with about 15 watts to the 3 elements which my XYL waved around at my directions . . . not any more . . .what do I use these days : a pair of circular polarity yagis on 10 foot booms manufactured by M Square . . . . Folks ask what should they buy ? Maybe a Ford or maybe a Chevy . . . neither is a Cadillac . . . . Jim W9VNE

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Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna (Trey Brown)
by Mike Ryan 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

I have both. I started with the ELK due to the cheaper price as it does dual band without a duplexer. I've been very happy with it and its currently in my back yard on a rotor (its cold outside this time of year). For comparison, I bought the Arrow 5 months ago. Contrary to N3TL'd very respetable and valued comments, the Arrow does seem to do better for me, holding a signal a little lower in the sky. No leaps and bounds, but noticeable. I'd sum it up like this: Elk + cheaper all around + can be easily set up for permanent use + easier to aim due to wider beam width. Log periodic are like this. + smaller and very fast setup/teardown + one connector for dual band. - no handle for handheld use . You have to make one, but it's extremely easy to do. And no threads for tripod. - inconvenient if using 2 rigs. Must but a separate duplexer. Arrow + copies a few degrees (just a few) lower than the Elk at my QTH + convenient built in handle and built in threads for tripod - narrower beam width - have to "aim" better. - not easily set up for permanent use. No simple mount and you wouldn't want to leave that "in handle" duplexer outside - Can easily use for 2 rigs. Just don't use the duplexer (if so equipped) and plug into the separate UHF and VHF Mike WB1AAT -------------- Original message from "Trey Brown" <palintheus(a)gmail.com>: -------------- > I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering > purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and > opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have > been. > > http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm > http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html

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Re: Elk vs. Arrow
by Clint Bradford 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

>> ... the Elk out-performs my Arrow consistently ... For AO-51 and SO-50, the Arrow seems to "capture" the birds noticeably better than the Elk for me. The Arrow makes the Elk feel "sloppy" in comparison ... just my first-hand observations. Clint Bradford -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Edward Cole 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

Kauto, I completely agree. I do not use PL-259 at work except for some Marine radio equipment. Motorola mobile has gone to the mini-UHF and cellular is mostly TNC. Base stations and repeaters are all N-connectors as are the duplexers. All my antennas have N connectors as do the hardline runs. What I hear from local hams is "its too hard to assemble N connectors" to which I say "hogwash" (a US term meaning ridiculous). N connectors only require soldering the center pin which normally is gold plated. PL-259s require "tons of heat" to solder the shield which risks melting the center insulator of the coax. I have more instances of shorted PL-259 connectors. MY DEMI xvtrs all are equipped with N-female and BNC connectors for RF connections. It seems that mostly ham radios made in Japan come with SO-239 (female) connectors...and I would say this is because US hams are requesting them on their equipment (or have in the past). My FT-847 has one N connector for 70cm but the other bands are all SO-239. I added two sma connectors for separate Rx antennas on 2m and 70cm. All my mw gear use either N, TNC, or sma's.......so??? 73, Ed - KL7UW At 02:32 AM 12/27/2008, Kauto Huopio OH2LFM wrote: >I have an Elk myself, bought originally for emergency prepardness ops. >Have tried >with satellites couple of times - with very favourable results. One >odd thing - why >PL-256 connectors are still used in 2m/70cm equipment sold in US? We >have a saying >that PL-256 is a screwable banana plug connector.. at 70cm, loss is >already noticeable. > >Why the ham radio equipment industry can't supply equipment with appropriate >connectors like N on rigs and antennas to US market? In Europe, N is >the way to go >on yagis, amps and rigs on 2m and 70cm gear. > >--Kauto OH2LFM > >-- >Kauto Huopio OH2LFM - oh2lfm(a)srali.fi >Hansakallionkuja 12 A 1, 02780 Espoo, Finland >Tel. +358-40-5008774 (gsm) >_______________________________________________ >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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FT 847/SYMEK F-IFD installed and TNC3S on EBAY
by wgravett＠juno.com 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

Hi HAM Satellite enthusiasts Mark it on your calendar!. On Jan 5th, 9:00pm PST, I am listing the above mentioned equipment with a low reserve on ebay. The SYMEK TNC3S is equipped with a 9.6k and a 38.4k modem. The FT-847 is maxed out with a voice synthesizer, 500hz cw filter, and 2.5khz SSB filters . You can process satellite pictures with this set-up. If you want a terrific deal or know some one who wants to get into satellite communication in a first class way, here is the opportunity. I will be selling some more ham satellite stuff on ebay and will keep you informed when it goes on the block. Best 73 and a Happy '09. Bill, W5PGZ ____________________________________________________________ Click here for free information on how to reduce your debt by filing for bankruptcy. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw22U6CbwaM6XKTobQu85BjbJ9s…

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Re: reminiscing about a long ago
by richard＠g3rwl.demon.co.uk 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

James W8ISS wrote: I am wondering how many of us had relatives that did something during those fun times? No relatives, just lil ole me. I was mixed up in the manned space flight comms network in the Gemini days of the 1960's. NASA's comm links to various places came through London and I worked for the British Post office in the control centre for overseas telegraph comms but we did NASA voice as well as teletype and telemetry too via our wireless stations - to their tracking stations in Kano (Nigeria), Canary Islands and Tananarive (Madagascar). I even had a special desk which was staffed 24 hours a day during a manned flight. Still have tapes from the voice network for some of the Gemini missions (haven't played them for years). Nasa's London comm switching centre was in the same building and there was a multi-rack computerised message switch there. One night shift I stuck a label on the side of it that said "made by slave labour in the Soviet Union". The (American) Station Director had a sense-of-humour failure over that one (remember this was in the 1960's) but I don't think they ever found out who applied the sticker. 73 Richard G3RWL

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Re: Earthrise - add
by Reicher, James 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

Seeing this link brought tears to my eyes. At the time the tapes were made, I was the tender age of three, but I still have a very close connection with those images and with the tapes. My grandfather, Walter Lyons, an electrical engineer with RCA, helped develop the technology used in taking the images from the Lunar Orbiter and Surveyor series and converting them into radio waves and into the data found on these tapes. Although he never was licensed as an amateur, he was one of my inspirations for becoming a ham. Unfortunately, he passed away 2 years before I earned my ticket. 73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO (ex-N8AU) Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:36 -0900 From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Earthrise - add To: Joe Fitzgerald <jfitzgerald(a)alum.wpi.edu> Cc: Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <200812252030.mBPKUbv8086213(a)hermes.acsalaska.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 04:25 AM 12/25/2008, Joe Fitzgerald wrote: >Rocky Jones wrote: > > I think that the first black and white photo of Earthrise over > the Moon...was from one of the Lunar Orbiters... I think 5... > > > > > > >There was a nice story recently about a recent restoration of that photo >...http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-111408a.html > >-Joe KM1P >_______________________________________________ >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 I am amazed at times how my own past resurfaces. One of my duties at Goldstone from 1974-1976 was to manage the tape backup for data received from spacecraft like the Voyagers and Pioneers that flew by Jupiter, Saturn (and the outer planets after my time), and other missions. It was sort of an unwanted task handed off on me. But I took it serious and devised a record system to keep track of when they were recorded and so they would be retained for the required time period. These were backups as the prime data had been transmitted to the mission scientist. These were held a minimum of 30-days in case of any bad data in the originals. I started stacking them in an unused office but in time they ended up in the climate-controlled "basement" of the 64m DSS-14 Control Building. They ended up being kept much longer than 30-days. I'm guessing these reel tapes were made by the same recorder as mentioned in the article. Isn't it fantastic that the old Lunar tapes were recoverable! 2009 will be my 30th anniversary of leaving Jet Propulsion Lab to move to Alaska...tempis fugit! The, then new, Hydrogen Maser Master Clock was installed in this same room. It was used for precise timing of VLBI experiments, which previously required calibration by the famous "flying clock" or the x-band Moon Bounce timing system (ask Dick, K6HIJ). Not only Goldstone, but Madrid, and Canberra stations required to be on the same accurate time (ask Tom Clark about that). As the New Year approaches we reflect on the past. Thanks to those who recently found those articles. Merry Christmas and Happy New year! 73, Ed Cole - KL7UW (& Janet)

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Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Trey Brown 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have been. http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html -- Trey -- N5THX They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

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Re: 4A1DXXE via FM satellite this weekend
by Allen Vinegar 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

I agree it sounds like chaos. I have already worked 4A1DXXE on 20M CW yesterday and 20M RTTY today, so it will be nice to work them on satellite as well. Al W8KHP

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