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

1984 Orbit Magazine now online
by Phil Karn Jr 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Ralph, W0RPK, has sent me the last of his batch of scanned AMSAT Orbit Magazine from the early days of AMSAT. This batch takes our collection up to issue 19, November-December 1984. For those of you who may not remember, that was a very interesting chapter of AMSAT history beginning with the loss of Phase III-A in May 1980, the launch of the University of Surrey's first spacecraft UoSAT-Oscar-9, the continued determination of the Phase III team, and the successful launch of AO-10 in the summer of 1983. I personally got involved with AMSAT right after the Phase III-A loss. so I have some pretty fond memories of those years. 73, Phil

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yease ct-62
by Nick Pugh 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Does anyone on the list know where I can get a schematic of a Yaesu CT-62 cat interface cable? Thanks nick

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newbie
by Tim Goodrich 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Hi all, I'm Tim, KC2DDS, operating from Torrance, CA (Los Angeles area, DM03). Although I've had my license since I was 17 (1997), I'm just now getting back into things and especially satellites. My absence from AR probably has something to do with needing a break after 4 years of active duty in the Air Force where I maintained and operated the 27 radios aboard the E-3 AWACS J (making contacts on SATCOM systems is much easier using military equipment on dedicated frequencies and geosynchronous satellites than it is using a 5w HT and a handheld antenna on a hamsat!) Here's the chronology of the last week, which may sound familiar to some: Last Friday: Built a UHF Yagi which enabled me to hear signals Saturday: Listening wasn't enough, so I went to HRO and bought an Arrow dual band antenna so I could transmit Sunday and Monday: Made my first contacts Anyway, I just wanted to write to introduce myself. Hope to make contact with you all eventually. Tim KC2DDS

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AMSAT power point presentation wanted
by Mike McConnell 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

I am going to do a 20-minute or so presentation on Ham Radio to my local Kiwanis club. They saw an article in the local newspaper a couple weeks ago after I was able to speak with Owen Garriott. They thought it would be interesting to learn a bit about satellites. I wonder if there is anybody out there who already has a power point presentation concerning AMSAT & SAT operations that I could use. Thanks Mike McConnell, Ph.D. W0PD AMSAT #36792 ARRL#0001168388

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EZ-lindenblad info
by francesco messineo 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Hello all, I have read with great interest the AA2TX article about an easy way to build the lindenblad antenna for 2m satellite band. I have some questions for the ones who actually use these antennas. I'm thinking about a portable setup for a three weeks operation in IS0 at the end of december. How does the antenna perform on LEOs? I've always used small yagis handeld with great results, but this setup is quite unsatisfactory for winter operations. How problematic is the fixed circular polarization of the lindenblad? And finally... does anyone have tested dimensions for a 70 cm easy-lindenblad design? I'm particularly interested in cw operations on AO-7 by the way. Thanks in advance and best 73 Francesco IZ8DWF

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AO-16 update 3 December 2008
by Mark L. Hammond 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Hello All, As expected, over the last few days AO-16 has started to again experience "shutdowns". Thanks to your updates at the very handy webpage at http://oscar.dcarr.org/ it seems that the first shutdown occurred between 28 Nov 2008 2030 UTC and 29 Nov 2008 0615 UTC. So far I've restarted the bird three times, and each time it appears to stay up for a day or more. We can expect the situation to worsen, as the eclipse periods get longer and the satellite temperatures continue to go down. We've been warning you :) Get those AO-16 contacts in now! I'll try to restart AO-16 as my schedule allows. Your reports to the OSCAR Satellite Status page by KD5QGR are very helpful; it helps me know when the bird is down so that I can do my best to restart it. Based on the times of the passes lately, it's difficult to be available when the bird is above the horizon. If the birds is operational in voice mode, you should clearly hear the "not-so-repressed carrier" on the downlink. Special request--if you do not hear the carrier, please do not transmit to AO-16, as your transmissions make it difficult to command the satellite. And, if you hear the "hummmming" of the PSK transmitting, again please do not attempt to transmit to the bird; it's likely that I have restarted the bird and need to collect telemetry before configuring it into voice mode. Thanks to all you faithful AO-16 operators! Current operational mode for AO-16 (as available!): Mode FM Voice Repeater ( Downlink is DSB) Uplink : 145.9200 MHz FM Downlink 437.0260 MHz SSB 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] AO-16 Command Station

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Re: EZ-lindenblad info
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

In a message dated 12/3/2008 12:51:07 PM Central Standard Time, mryan301(a)comcast.net writes: > Subj: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: EZ-lindenblad info > Date:12/3/2008 12:51:07 PM Central Standard Time > From:mryan301@comcast.net > To:Pughkeithd@cs.com > Received from Internet: > > > > Thanks for the response. Are the Proceedings on line? A quick scan of the > AMSAT site didnt come up with anything obvious. > > > >> -------------- Original message -------------- >> From: Pughkeithd(a)cs.com >> In a message dated 12/3/2008 9:13:40 AM Central Standard Time, >> mryan301(a)comcast.net writes: >> >>> Subj: [amsat-bb] Re: EZ-lindenblad info >>> Date:12/3/2008 9:13:40 AM Central Standard Time >>> From:mryan301@comcast.net >>> To:amsat-bb@amsat.org >>> Received from Internet: >>> >>> >>> >>> I have the article and it seems that it only provides details and specs on >>> a 2M version. Did I miss something or is there anotehr place to get specs >>> for 70 cM? >>> >>> WB1AAT >>> >>> --- On Tue, 12/2/08, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> wrote: >>> >>> >From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> >>> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: EZ-lindenblad info >>> >To: "amsat" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>> >Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 5:55 PM >>> >Is the article available on line? I don't keep paper >>> >publications. >>> > >>> >john heath wrote: >>> >>Hi< BR>>> >>> >>I built the AA2TX 70 cms Easi Lindenblad exactly to >>> >the dimensions in >>> >>Tony's article. >>> > >>> >-- >>> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> >>> >>> >Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (have also held KC8NHF, M0NHF, >>> >9H3GN) >>> >1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 >>> >5032 >>> >e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www >>> >http://www.ngunn.net >>> >Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, >>> >Flying Pig #385, >>> > Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, >>> >AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC >>> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >> The latest 70 cm version of this antenna can be found in the Proceedings of >> the 2007 AMSAT-North America Space Symposium and Annusl Meeting. The >> original 70 cm version was in the 2006 Proceedings. I believe the new version >> has also been published in the AMSAT Journal, but I can't remember the issue. >> >> 73 - Keith, W5IU >> > The AMSAT Proceedings are not on line; however, they are available on a DVD from AMSAT. This 2007 DVD includes a wealth of other information as well. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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GO-32 recovery status
by Alan 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Thank you Shlomo for this update and yes, we all wish Ronni a speedy recovery. > -----Original Message----- > From: Shlomo [mailto:4x1as@iarc.org] > Sent: December 3, 2008 9:57 AM > To: ve4yz(a)mts.net > Subject: GO-32 > > Dear Alan, Please inform all users of GO-32. > Ronni who is the head of the ground control station of GO-32 > making recovering after a severe medical event. So all of the > users will have to wait and wish him a fast recovery. > > Shlomo 4x1as 4x1as(a)iarc.org 4x1as@amsatorg >

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Re: EZ-lindenblad info
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

In a message dated 12/3/2008 9:13:40 AM Central Standard Time, mryan301(a)comcast.net writes: > Subj: [amsat-bb] Re: EZ-lindenblad info > Date:12/3/2008 9:13:40 AM Central Standard Time > From:mryan301@comcast.net > To:amsat-bb@amsat.org > Received from Internet: > > > > I have the article and it seems that it only provides details and specs on a > 2M version. Did I miss something or is there anotehr place to get specs for > 70 cM? > > WB1AAT > > --- On Tue, 12/2/08, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> wrote: > > >From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: EZ-lindenblad info > >To: "amsat" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > >Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 5:55 PM > >Is the article available on line? I don't keep paper > >publications. > > > >john heath wrote: > >>Hi > >> > >>I built the AA2TX 70 cms Easi Lindenblad exactly to > >the dimensions in > >>Tony's article. > > > >-- > ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> > >Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (have also held KC8NHF, M0NHF, > >9H3GN) > >1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 > >5032 > >e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www > >http://www.ngunn.net > >Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, > >Flying Pig #385, > > Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, > >AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC > ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> > _______________________________________________ > 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 > The latest 70 cm version of this antenna can be found in the Proceedings of the 2007 AMSAT-North America Space Symposium and Annusl Meeting. The original 70 cm version was in the 2006 Proceedings. I believe the new version has also been published in the AMSAT Journal, but I can't remember the issue. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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Re: EZ-lindenblad info
by mryan301＠comcast.net 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

I have the article and it seems that it only provides details and specs on a 2M version. Did I miss something or is there anotehr place to get specs for 70 cM? WB1AAT --- On Tue, 12/2/08, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> wrote: > From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: EZ-lindenblad info > To: "amsat" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 5:55 PM > Is the article available on line? I don't keep paper > publications. > > john heath wrote: > > Hi > > > > I built the AA2TX 70 cms Easi Lindenblad exactly to > the dimensions in > > Tony's article. > > -- > <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> > Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (have also held KC8NHF, M0NHF, > 9H3GN) > 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 > 5032 > e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www > http://www.ngunn.net > Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, > Flying Pig #385, > Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, > AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC > <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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GO-32 still down
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

GO-32 is still just transmitting periodic beacons that look like they might be from the bootloader. Anyone have contact with the command stations? 73, Drew KO4MA

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AMSAT at Mesa AZ hamfest, Saturday (6 December)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Hi! I, along with Larry W7LB and Gerry VE4GTB/KD7MDB, will have an AMSAT table at the Superstition Amateur Radio Club hamfest in Mesa, Arizona, this Saturday (6 December 2008). The hamfest is at Mesa Community College, in the parking lot facing Dobson Road between Southern Avenue and the US-60 freeway (exit 177). Officially, the hamfest runs from 6am until 2pm (1300-2100 UTC). More information about the hamfest is available at: http://wb7tjd.org/hamfest/ During the hamfest, we will do on-air demonstrations on AO-51 (1421 and 1602 UTC passes), VO-52 (1724 UTC pass - look for me around 145.910-145.915 MHz on the downlink), and SO-50 (1843 UTC pass) using my call WD9EWK. Please give us a call, if you are on any of these passes. I will send QSL cards to all stations making a contact with WD9EWK during these demonstrations. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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CO-66 in digital mode
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Just copied a pass of SEEDS II in 1200 baud telemetry mode. Wow was it strong! I was using MixW, so I caught a wav file if anyone is interested. I haven't quite figured out how to read the telemetry yet. Packets were addressed JQ1YGU>JQ1YGV>UI,?,F0: 73, Drew KO4MA

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Pico transponder
by RFI-EMI-GUY 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

William; This is wonderful! Can you share complete specs with the AMSAT-BB? How do you think the multi carrier IMD performance will be? W Will kits or assembled boards be available? Cost? I can see a lot of applications! Imagine if we could convince all the hams who are private pilots to have one of these installed onboard their private planes? Can it accept a coherent reference oscillator from GPS? Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 00:52:18 +0100 From: William Leijenaar <pe1rah(a)hotmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Pico transponder To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, <pe1rah(a)hotmail.com> Message-ID: <BAY116-W163B84CEB7C852D2CB85DC90010(a)phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hi AMSATs, Just got one of my latest transponder designs out of the prototype status and into final status. I made a small presentation in video format. I'm new to the video world so I'm sorry for the shacky picture and low resolution... I'm trying to get that better next time. Its a small video clip for an even smaller radio... Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZcaXRFC914 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P

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Orbit magazines 1-16 now online
by Phil Karn 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Thanks to Ralph Wallio, AMSAT Orbit magazine issues 1-16 are now all online at http://www.ka9q.net/newsletters.html 73, Phil

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Pico transponder
by William Leijenaar 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Hi AMSATs, Just got one of my latest transponder designs out of the prototype status and into final status. I made a small presentation in video format. I'm new to the video world so I'm sorry for the shacky picture and low resolution... I'm trying to get that better next time. Its a small video clip for an even smaller radio... Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZcaXRFC914 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

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Landwehr 2m preamp GaAsFET?
by Dave hartzell 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Does anyone know what the Landwehr pre-amps used for the GaAsFET? I don't see any markings on the device, and one of the former resellers (Radio Dan) doesn't know either... Thanks and 73, Dave AF6KD

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Re: MMIC for LEO preamp?
by Rod Adkins 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

I have built a number of DEM pre-amp kits I am fortunate enough to have the loan of a Noise measuring set - & have found that the tuning for lowest noise & highest gain are often WAY apart My input would be - if you have no way to measure noise performance, buy the ready-built preamp - I have also gone this route, & been very satisfied (usual disclaimer) Re MMICs - I have built a large number of these for various freqs & purpose, using DEM PCBs Besides the poor NF, these amps are VERY broadband, totally unsuitable for head-end preamp (IMHO <g>) Rod Adkins WI6M nr San Diego 17917 Lyons Valley Road Jamul, CA 91935 > [Original Message] > From: Curt Nixon <cptcurt(a)flash.net> > Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: 11/26/2008 7:19:46 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] MMIC for LEO preamp? > > SO...now I have made a few contacts on AO-51 and SO-50. Now I need to > get better ears. > > I have a very simple mode J setup using a couple of old mobil rigs--the > rx unit is an IC 2350H. 10 el cheap yagi through 60ft of LMR400. > > I'm considering options for a mast preamp for rx only. I'll be using a > diplexer for desense ahead of it, and eventually add coaxial switching > so I can use TX. > > I'll feed with power through extra wire in rotor cable. > > Looking at the Hamtonics, DEMI kit and a hombrew from scratch. > > 1. Any experiences with the DEMI units as kits? > > 2. with there relatively high NF, are the MMIC devices like the ERA > series, at all appropriate for simple mast preamps for entry level > application? > > Thanks to all. > > Curt > KU8L > _______________________________________________ > 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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getting predict compiled (under osx 10.4)
by Eric Fort 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

KD6BD n KB5MU de AF6EP, First of All I'd like to thank you for contributing your time, effort, and resources to the creation and support of predict for satellite tracking and vocalizer for osx respectively Presently I see http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/predict.html mentions it working under osx but I see no link to source that will compile under osx. Maybe the following hints could be included in the readme of a future release, or even better have ./install figure out which unix you are compiling for and get the necessary stuff (bearing in mind the remaining questions below) I downloaded the linux tarball from http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/predict.htmlfor use on my mac powerbook G4, running OS X 10.4.11. As stated no source file is directly available there for OSX. When I first attempted ./configure it couldn't find the c compiler. once I hard coded the osx location of gcc (/usr/bin/cc) into ./configure it attempted to compile only to fail looking for soundcard.h (not quite sure why predict needs a sound card)....ok the voice anouncements could be nice on my mac and I did find vocalizer for mac at http://www.mustbeart.com/software/MacVocalizer.html and replaced vocalizer with that but ./install still had the define for soundcard.h so it bombed again. It FINALLY compiled, though complained of not finding a soundcard after completely removing the include for soundcard.h from install.c. 2 questions at this point: How do I get it to not complain about not having a soundcard? How do I get it to use the verson of vocalizer for the mac referenced above? Is there a means to easily call another external program instead of vocalizer when an event happens? (ultimately I'll be building a sat gateway based around predict and asterisk under linux and it would be nice to have predict trigger voice synthesis or playback within asterisk) Please reply all, or at least to the amsat-bb (Whom, I cc'd) so all may benifet. Thanks, Eric AF6EP

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Third week as a satellite newbie
by Bryan Green 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Greetings, all: Bryan KL7CN/W6 here in CM98fn. Two weeks ago, I posted here my first week's experience as a satellite newbie. After three weeks, it's still fun. I know this because it's 6:00 in the morning in California, and I just came back inside after standing out on the sidewalk in the bitter 40-degree cold -- and yes, I can hear the chuckles from the Midwest but that's very cold for here. I was out there the foggy dark dregs of night talking into my now- beloved IC-W32A VHF/UHF handheld radio and even more beloved tripod- mounted Arrow antenna. I met with WB9YIG, K8CXM, my co-conspirator WA4NVM, and WB9L for an early-morning club -- the FM satellite enthusiast's club! I scribbled down their callsigns and the callsigns of the others I heard into my little Moleskine notebook, all by the light of my cell phone -- an ironic choice of illumination. I waved at the couple of early-morning commuters who drove by with wide eyes and dropped jaws. They must think I am as crazy as the fellow down the street who shovels dirt around his grassless yard. What else could explain a grown man pointing a TV-antenna-looking-thing at at the sky while listening intently into a pair of iPod headphones attached to it, and all while carefully taking notes and occasionally talking into a microphone -- in the middle of the night? I suppose the craziness of it appeals to me most. It's the frontier! It used to be unusual to have conversations with people from other countries; now it's common -- the Internet changed that. And it used to be unusual to carry around a small radio for the purpose of communicating with your friends; now it's also common -- cell phones changed that. And, as well, it used to be unusual to send short computer-based messages by wireless to your posse; now it's popular with young people the world over -- texting changed that. But talking to your friends using low-earth-orbiting satellites tracked by hand -- who does that? Crazy people, that's who: amateur radio operators! -- bag

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SSTV Active
by David Barber 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

SSTV active during 14.30utc European pass. Looks as if batteries on VC-H1 may be discharged. No picture just blue background and NA1SS callsign. David G8OQW

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ARISS and Echolink
by Scott McKee 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

We have a scheduled ARISS school for next Tuesday, 09 December and would like to do an Echolink feed. I would appreciate any comments from those that have done so for this event. My concern in feeding the audio from a professional mixer into the PC line input. Any special experiences or suggestions would be great. 73, Scott, NT5SM Trustee: Austin Elementary Radio Club - K5AUS

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ICOM IC-910 Owners, HELP
by Dave Guimont 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

I've misplaced my IC-910 manual, and I need pin numbers for the 8 pin ICC-1 to connect my radio to my computer sound card so I can use MixW. I can read the pin numbers. One of them must be ground, and the other pin number for output to the sound card... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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2.4Ghz up converter
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Hello I am looking for an up-converter to 2.4Ghz from 2 meters preferably. I only need less than one watt for testing purposes. Should anyone have one they would care to part with or a recommended one, please let me know. Any information or recommendations are appreciated. I will be adjusting antennas with a Bird 43 meter and a 250Mw slug. As always thankyou in advance. -- 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT member 28498 Seattle (AO-7 regular)

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ISS SSTV
by David Barber 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Could someone ask the guy's up there to turn the camera round for some internal shots when over Europe in the dark please? Thanks. David G8OQW

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Wanted: UHF Amplifier
by K & R Yoksh 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Hello, I may be in the market for a UHF power amplifier. Please reply off-list to my email: k0kn at amsat dot org with make and model, specs, condition, and particularly price. My satellite setup now is capable of 5 to 20w output on UHF. I'm thinking that a 100w amplifier would meet my needs. Thanks.. 73. Kyle K0KN

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Satellite Computer Logging Program Help
by Keith N4ZQ 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Can anyone recommend a computer logging program that will read BOTH VFO's and input them into the correct columns of the logging program. My Logger32 program doesn't seem to be able to do that in either Sat Mode or plain old Split Mode for my Yaesu FT-847. It only reads the main VFO, which is the RX Frequency in the default Sat Mode. Hoping to find a logging program that won't require me to edit each and every Sat QSO after the fact. Keith N4ZQ ____________________________________________________________ Domain Registration - Click Here http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6rx9SmzOpamaGvq4HuWBy4STM…

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Re: [Mep-dev] Re: Re: BBsat Call for ideas
by Robert Bruninga 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

> Okay,... What would be necessary to > start/construct a ground station access > point to route satellite images/data/ > telemetry to the internet?... > Is that something desirable? Yes! The following addressess the AX.25 packet downlinks: If you look at a pass over the USA, it might only take 4 good OSCAR class ground stations in the four corners of the USA to provide pretty good coverage of all passes of all satellties... BUT, tracking horizon-to-horizon requires beam antennas, tracking and computer control plus doppler. Yes, this needs pretty good automated "full OSCAR class" stations. *However*, what we have been pushing for years is to simplify this down to a simple receiver and OMNI vertical antenna so that more people can contribute, and fewer stations have to wear out their tracking systems and moving parts and all of that complexity. With an OMNI vertical, there are all kinds of advantages: 1) No moving parts 2) No Tracking 3) No Doppler tuning (U only hear the center of pass) 4) No tower needed (doesn't need to see horizon) 5) No Beams, no elevation, no Azimuth concerns 6) Short coax and no pre-amp required usually 7) You still get "10+ dB gain" to the satellite! 8) Any Radio, and any TNC connected to any APRS client software can then become just a permanent satgate 24/7/365 with no wear-and-tear The reason this works is that the Vertical Antenna is only concerned with gain above 30 degrees and does not have to have the high-gain antenna required to work the horizon where the satellites are 6 to 10 dB weaker. A 19.5" vertical 3/4 wave whip antenna over a ground plane at roof or even backyard level that only needs to see the sky above 30 degrees will give you almost 7 dB gain at all angles over about 25 to 30 degrees and can usually get to the shack with less than 20' of coax. Plus the satellite is 6 to 10 dB closer, so in effect you will hear satellites (above 30 degrees) just as good as the OSCAR class stations (do at the horizon). The downside that compensates for all these advantages is the fact that LEO satellites are only above 25 degrees or so less than 25% of the time. BUT, WE COMPENSATE for that by getting MORE volunteer ground stations. But this is EASIER because all it takes is a radio, a TNC, and a non-tower mounted vertical whip (19" over a ground plane gives good gain on 2 meters and almost 7 dBi gain on UHF above 25 degrees). This is why we invite all small packet-relay satellites to share our 145.825 MHz downlink (after coordination via the IARU of course). The more ground stations, the better reliability, and the the more satellites, the better continuity for packet mobiles and portables. These omni-SATgates all feed into the global APRS system which feeds many live internet sites and also anyone who wants to mine the downlink via a telnet connection. Each ground station only needs to capture a few packets when it is under the satellite, the other dozens of ground stations collect the packets over other areas, and the continuous stream going into the internet is available to all (with all dupes eliminated). That's what feeds these web sites: http://www.ariss.net for the ISS downlink http://pcsat.aprs.org for the other APRS satellites And many others such as findu.com, and oaprs.net and aprs.fi The more the merrier! Now for the upcoming 9600 baud downlink experiments by the ISS, we will need these OMNI ground stations to set their radio TNC's to 9600 baud for the duration of that experiment. Bob, Wb4APR > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > To: "'Michelle'" <w5nyv(a)yahoo.com>; "'Timothy J. Salo'" > <salo(a)saloits.com>; > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 11:41 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [Mep-dev] Re: Re: BBsat Call for ideas > > > Def: MEP = Microwave Experimentation Project > > > One of the stated intentions of MEP > > is to continue the digital ground station > > work that was begun in support of ACP. > > While MEP is intended to be deployed as a > > terrestrial system, the model is based off of ACP. > > For what it's worth... the issue of high-gain antenna pointing > among terrestrial users is being taken care of with an APRS > packet that will indicate to everyone on the net, where each > person's microwave antenna is pointing live. This can allow for > automatic antenna tracking during terrestrial ops. See > http://www.aprs.org/info/microwave-exp-proj.txt > > > We preserve the idea of a multiple access payload in the > > "groundsat", which will be a mountaintop repeater instead of > > in orbit. We are using the same bands, with the only > > difference being a shift off the satellite sub-bands. We have > > taken advantage of a greatly improved link budget by > > orienting the system to high-definition video for terrestrial > use. > > > > For satellite use, we would be able to support some number of > > voice channels, depending on the payload. > > > > We are open invitation and welcome anyone at any level who > > would like to participate. > > > > Our current phase is exploratory. We're beginning to > > transition to analyzing requirements, and then we'll design, > > implement, test and verify. > > -Michelle W5NYV > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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need link to current predict source code
by Eric Fort 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Where can I download the latest predict source code that will compile under centos, debian, and osx 10.4? Thanks, Eric AF6EP

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Re: Selling "free" software.
by Clint Bradford 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

You can contact eBay security and open a case with them for copyright infringement and/or the use of your images and text without your permission. eBay took my case last month very seriously, and it was resolved in less than three days. Clint Bradford, K6LCS

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IC 910 connections
by Dave Guimont 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Tnx to all that provided me with info regarding 910 connections...There were quite a few, and answered each individually, but just in case I missed someone.. It has been over 20 years since I've done anything other than cw,ssb or FM...on the satellites... Now to learn the intricacies of MixW again!! The cubesats look like fun.... Any simple way to get the latest MixW up and running??? 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Re: TS2000X vs. 910H ?
by Bill Dzurilla 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Gordon, Both are nice rigs and are far more than "starter rigs". You have cheaper options if your only interest is satellites. The TS-2000 has a birdie on the downlink frequency of AO-27 (currently inoperative) and SO-50 (one of the 2 currently working FM birds), which is a substantial negative for satellite work. But I assume you are more interested in the linear birds, as both the TS-200 and the 910H are overkill for the FM birds (a dual band HT would suffice for these). The 910H performs a bit better on VHF/UHF than the TS-2000, it has higher power on 70cm (75w v. 50w), and it is less expensive by a couple of hundred bucks. By its very 160m-23m nature, the TS-2000 makes a few compromises that lessen its performance on individual bands, but it is a nice rig, as thousands of satisfied users will attest. It might have a higher resale value, because there's a much larger market for HF rigs, although there has been speculation about Kenwood's commitment (or lack thereof) to its ham radio product line. The TS-2000 would be a nice backup for your Pro 3 on HF. Check the reviews on eHam, the TS-2000 has a slightly higher average rating (4.5 v. 4.1): 910H - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1274 TS2000 - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1249 Good luck and 73, Bill NZ5N If you are near a ham store, twirl the dials on both and see which feels better. Don't think you will be disappointed with either one. 73, Bill NZ5N ************************ I'm just about to get started in working satellites and debating between two rig options: Kenwood TS2000X and the Icom 910H. I already have an HF rig (Icom 756Pro-3) so don't really need the HF features of the TS2000X but otherwise it seems very comparable to the 910H especially when you consider that all the options for the 910H are standard in the TS9000X. Price-wise, they both seem to be in the same ballpark (when you add most options to the 910H). If you were just getting starting out in satellites, which rig would you choose? Thanks, Gordon NW7D

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ISS SSTV
by Scott Schmautz 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

I'm assuming they are using 145.800? Scott/WB2UZR -- Bertrand Russell - "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."

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ISS SSTV Active
by David Barber 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

ISS SSTV active today during the 12.35 and 15.38 passes over Europe. System appears to be set to automatic with a 2 minute delay between pictures. David G8OQW

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ISS - SSTV @ 18:35 UTC over North America
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Hey everyone, The ISS continued in SSTV on this pass over me in EM84. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 QRP-ARCI Member No. 5547 ARRL Member No. 0007027180 Athens, Ga. - EM84ha

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SumbandillaSat launch date
by Andrew Glasbrenner 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Here's a short blurb including a launch date for SumbandillaSat. The reader comments at the end of the article don't paint a rosy picture unfortunately. http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-11-25-sa-to-launch-r25m-satellite-weather-… 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: STS-9 W5LFL audio tapes
by Hartmut Paesler 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

> Does anyone know if any of these tapes are still around ? > I've heard bits and pieces, but I've always wondered if I ever actually > made it through the brief pile-ups and into his audio log ... > I know I heard him on several passes and called him back, I was mobile. > Seems the first pass or two, it was not that busy - I heard more acks later. Alan, have a look at http://www.dd1us.de, menu item "sounds from space", there is (amongst lots of others) a STS-9 recording of Dec 4th 1983. 73 Hartmut DL1YDD

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TS2000X vs. 910H ?
by Gordon Bousman 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

I'm just about to get started in working satellites and debating between two rig options: Kenwood TS2000X and the Icom 910H. I already have an HF rig (Icom 756Pro-3) so don't really need the HF features of the TS2000X but otherwise it seems very comparable to the 910H especially when you consider that all the options for the 910H are standard in the TS9000X. Price-wise, they both seem to be in the same ballpark (when you add most options to the 910H). If you were just getting starting out in satellites, which rig would you choose? Thanks, Gordon NW7D

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