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

AMSAT-UK website
by John Heaton 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Greetings, Over the weekend the AMSAT-UK website will be going offline for a while. The reason is that this side of the building has been undergoing a lot of changes with some of the older offices revamped for their new occupants. The offices have been rewired, and the mains are being switched off to most of this part of the building whilst the new offices are connected. The work is planned for this weekend but I don't know exactly when and for how long. Hopefully the system that the AMSAT-UK website is on will reboot itself, if not will it have to wait till I get in on Monday. I'f its down, don't bother trying to send me email as my email system will be off as well. Bye for now, John John Heaton, G1YYH AMSAT-UK #5701 http://www.phers.co.uk/ Skype: g1yyh-mac or g1yyh-ppc -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.8 (Darwin) iEYEARECAAYFAkk5V3EACgkQDwhbGQHPUt2/OACgmNKONhQXfEH2FNvegjmcZMF7 wT4AmwR/E9v0GfUy8NYDPcQj2TExTsSI =6Zx5 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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A great day in the Satellite Lab!
by Robert Bruninga 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

A great day in the Satelliite Lab! Not only did we hear ISS, and Command up PCSAT, but also on today's last day of class, we distributed 5 LABsats throught the campus in undisclosed locations hanging on strings so that the students had to use Telemetry, and Command, and then the imager and sun/magnetometer sensors to align the comm links and then activate the on-board cameras to see where they were. They were scored on how well they could align their best solar panel to the sun, and how well they could change attitude to use the camera. The first link on this LABsat web page has this final 4 page lab (a word doc): www.aprs.org/labsats.html that summarizes the experiments. Just a lot of fun on the last day of class. Over the semester they incrementally assemble various components of these TNC based satellites going through 33 lab periods and exercises culminating in this final operations scenario. The icing on the cake was that today was also the first day of PCSAT return to full sun, and also hearing the ISS crew on voice all during the same lab. But PCSAT did not hold, and died on the next orbit for the next class. We will resume restoration attempts tomorrow. These LABsats use nothing more than a KPC-3 TNC for all telemetry, command and control, and an $88 Alinco HT for comms. They use $75 2.4 GHz TV cameras for their imaging experiments. Bob, WB4APR USNA Satellite Lab

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de ND9M Maritime Mobile / grids MK21 & MJ39
by vq9jc＠gimail.af.mil 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

Hi Nader, The 11/1528Z pass was not available to me at my QTH in MK14. The only pass I could use last night was at 11/1348Z and faced to the east. (No sigs then either!) Today, I should be in grid MK21 for the SO-50 pass at 12/0647Z. This pass looks to your direction so we may have a chance. Tonight, my ship should be in MJ39 for the AO-51 pass at 11/1447Z which also favors your area. ------- Original Message ------- >From : nader omer[mailto:st2nh@yahoo.com] Sent : 12/11/2008 6:29:25 PM To : vq9jc(a)gimail.af.mil Cc : Subject : RE: Re: de ND9M Maritime Mobile / grid MK16 HI Jim I was on ao-51 15:28 z with hz1am waiting for you may you had a busy day anyhow i wll looking for you tomorrow best 73 st2nh

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DO-64 telemetry - Primary server down ?
by Tim Tuck 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

Hi all, Is anyone experiencing difficulty connecting to the primary repository server at IP address 83.138.144.157 ? I just noticed my RASCAL program has over 700 packets queued up for it! the secondary seems fine. thanks Tim -- VK2XTT :: QF56if :: BMARC :: WIA :: AMSAT-VK :: AMSAT

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ARISS and PCSAT status
by Robert Bruninga 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

At about 2015z, here is what I am seeing on ISS and PCSAT: ISS is doing well on 9600 baud on 145.825. A nice amount of activity. Looking at the live downlink on www.ariss.net it is easy to see that we do have some good 9600 baud Igates passing the 9600 baud data into the APRS system. Over the last 4 hours I see these IGates: qAS,KD8CAO-7 qAR,K7MT-1: qAR,K7OFT-10: qAS,PA3GUO: qAR,ST2NH: qAS,DF9CP: qAR,PD0RKC: After 7 years, PCSAT is not waking up as bright and chipper as before. For the third day, we got control, but this time, she did make it through a full orbit. Last telemetry packet was T#212 or 212 minutes of uptime. We have DIGI OFF while it recharges. BUT, as of this writing, we have not seen anything on its web page downlink for over 4 hours. Either we do not have enough Igates on 145.825 1200 baud, or it has crashed again. It is easy to see on http://pcsat.aprs.org. If the telemetry number is above 90 then it has run a full orbit since the last re-start. When we change the callsign from NODIGI back to PCSAT-1, then it will be open for digipeating. Details on www.aprs.org/pcsat.html When PCSAT returns to user service, please review the user-service-agreement on www.aprs.org/pcsat/contract.txt particularly we do not want to see any unattended beacons cluttering up the ISS/PCSAT channel on 145.825. Let the live users communicate. If any dual-hop opportunities arise, the best PATH to use is VIA ARISS,ARISS since both satellites support that alias, and both satellites will do their callsign-substitution if successful. The normal APRS path of WIDE2-2 will also work, but last time I tried it, the RS0ISS did not insert it's callsign, so you had no proof that it went via ISS. SO use ARISS,ARISS for possible two hops. Best place to look is at AOS on the west coast (if the one person in Hawaii is actually transmitting) and at LOS on the east coast if the geometery of a conjunction will get to Europe. Bob, WB4APR

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OLPC XO wireless connectivity
by Robert Bruninga 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Some of you have the One-Laptop-Per-Child (OLPC) XO laptop. Since this laptop is designed to be wireless, Jack Zielke, KG4GJY has written a small client app for it that will link it into the global APRS network whenever it is in range of WIFI. See the web page: http://aprs.org/APRS-OLPC.html This is just part of the Universal Amateur Radio Text Messaging initiative that suggests that all wireless devices, cell phones, palm devices and laptops, (basically any communications device in the hands of a ham radio operator), can be used for call-sign-to-callsign universal text messaging. See the www.aprs.org/aprs-messaging.html web page. This way any ham can text message any other ham anywhere, anytime using any device. A great way to provide connectivity when Hams need to communicate. We hope other authors will write other applications for other devices.. Sorry for the cross post, but I know hams on both lists that purchased the XO's and are wondering what to do with them. Bob, WB4APR

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VRS 2008
by Gunther Meisse 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

The Audit firm is going to start the 2008 Audit January 15, 2009 in an attempt to get it out in a more timely manner. To that end, I need to ask all of you to submit your VRS volunteer time reports to the web site prior to December 31 of this year. I have work to do on that data and need the first couple weeks in 2009 to get that done.. SO, PLEASE SUBMIT ANY UNREPORTED VOLUNTEER TIME SPENT FOR AMSAT ASAP... Thanks and have a great holiday season. Regards, Gunther Meisse AMSAT Treasurer.

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Re: AO-51 2300z pass
by Allen Vinegar 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

I picked up the Fire Dept as well. It is on my recording of the pass. Al W8KHP

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UK Moon mission gets green light + Sat Freqs
by Trevor 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

UK Moon mission gets green light http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2008/uk_moon_mission_go_ahead.htm Cavtat 08 decisions on the Amateur Satellite Service http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2008/satellite_service_cavtat_deci… 73 Trevor M5AKA --------------- Daily Amateur Radio RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email your news items to: editor at southgatearc.org News On Your Website: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/index.htm News On Your PC: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/newsreader.htm Upload Your News: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm ---------------

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AO-51 uplink changed to 145.880 MHz
by Gould Smith 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

As of 2340Z, 9 Dec 2008 the 145.92 uplink to the main FM repeater on AO-51, has been changed. This change was due to interference on uplink frequency. V/U FM Repeater Uplink 145.880 MHz Downlink 435.300 MHz 73, Gould, WA4SXM for the AO-51 command team

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Re: 9600 baud+ sound card
by nader omer 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Hi Peter The audio isolation transformers (1:1) or the optical IC may be prevent flow of 9k6 baud data in some interfaces ( Notice I said may be). Use direct wires between radio data socket (pin 9600) to PC soundcard mike input or line input (I'm using mike input). Also take the sound (data!) direct from your PC to data pin. Make sure your radio at 9600 Key your rig using any interface (for sure use only the key line, Audio direct connected as mention above) Setup AWGPE for 9k6 UISS software doesn't want any additional setup Best 73 de Nader,st2nh www.st2nh.com

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Technical question regarding the long term performance of nylon in space
by Graham Shirville 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Hi all, I think this is a new one! It has been suggested that the nylon "fishing line" that is sometime used on space craft to retain a deployable item like an antenna or sensor will decay quickly in space due to radiation and out gassing destroying its structure. This might mean that the usual "hot" knife type cutter system could be redundant if quick release is not a mission requirement. Does anyone have any data on this or know if any research has been done? thanks Graham G3VZV

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Maritime Mobile in the Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean
by vq9jc＠gimail.af.mil 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Greetings all, I'm enroute on a merchant marine ship from the Persian Gulf to Diego Garcia (in grid MI62) and am QRV on AO-51 and SO-50 with a Kenwood TH-6FA and Arrow-2. I haven't heard any activity on these birds during the evening passes but given the region I'm in and the gear I'm using, that may not be all too surprising. Available SO-50 passes tend to occur during my work hours, so I can only try to be on for those. I should be in grid MK14 at the next available AO-51 pass at 11/1350Z. We're due to arrive at Diego Garcia around 16/0300Z. While I'm at Diego Garcia (scheduled to be there until April 2009), my ship will do various short term (1 to 3 days) events but should remain in grid MI62 or neighboring grids for most of the time I'm there. 73 for now, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC

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Re: AO-51 L/U mode just fine
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Drew,Jim etc I will make an effort to be on L/U mode tomorrow (12/11) during the afternoon passes over the U.S. I have 70W on 1.2Ghz but current antenna is 22 el. yagi with no elevation ability. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> > I was on a few minutes this AM...same thing. I did hear VE3NPC at the > beginning of the pass, but that was it. > > 73, Drew > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "DeYoung James" > To: "amsat-bb" > Cc: "Jim DeYoung" > Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 6:13 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 L/U mode just fine > > > > Greetings, > > > > Just a reminder for those with L/U capability the AO-51 control team put > > the second system in L/U mode again after the reset last month. I have > > been full quieting talking to myself two evenings in row using my 10-watts > > and 10-elem. cheap yagi on L-band. I sound really good, btw, hi, hi. L/U > > on through the 14th, hope to hear someone else... > > > > 73, N8OQ, Jim, FM18lu > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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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AO-51 2300z pass
by Dave Webb 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Toward the end of that pass I heard what sounded like a Fire Dept. doing a nightly test with an announcement, just wondering if anyone else could hear it. Dave KB1PVH

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AO-51 L/U mode just fine
by DeYoung James 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Greetings, Just a reminder for those with L/U capability the AO-51 control team put the second system in L/U mode again after the reset last month. I have been full quieting talking to myself two evenings in row using my 10-watts and 10-elem. cheap yagi on L-band. I sound really good, btw, hi, hi. L/U on through the 14th, hope to hear someone else... 73, N8OQ, Jim, FM18lu

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ISS on 9600baud
by Bob Herrell 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

I was finally able to digipeat thru the ISS today (AJ5C-3) using only my Kenwood D700 and a vertical antenna. I have not been able to decode anything using UISS and my IC-910H. 73, Bob Herrell, AJ5C

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AMSAT-BB Azimuth predictions true or magnetic north
by Call Sign 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

I have asked so many Hams, a few pilots and mariners, here locally and none of them know the answer to my question, I know this body will have it; First off, I know that the difference between magnetic north and true north is not that much and is not affecting my success on my hand held Arrow II antenna that much, as it probably has the least amount of directivity that a beam antenna can have. However, I have been using a compass, therefore using magnetic north and in the interest of better understanding what I am doing, I just want to know, for sure. So......... when we get these azimuth degrees in the pass prediction charts, saying where we will acquire the signal, its high point and the loss of the signal; do these degrees relate to magnetic or true north? Second part, are there any reporting birds that differ in which of those two, that are being used and is the answer the same for the International Space Station? Thanks in advance for your response! Rich KI6RRQ

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Uni_trac and Vista
by John Price 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Has anyone been successful running the Uni_trac serial port version software with Windows Vista? The comport is not an issue with the Bifo BF-810 converter cable but the software that came with the Uni_Trac just crashes the laptop. No joy with that. 73's << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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9600 baud+ sound card
by Peter 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Hi All, Has anyone had any success receiving 9600 baud using the Tigertronics, SignaLink sound card with AGWPE and UISS. I believe I have it configured correctly, the only problem might be the audio isolators in the sound card that might not allow the signal to pass. If this setup has worked for you, I would appreciate any insights, thank you. 73, Pete, WB2OQQ

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Re: Spacecraft Magnetic Attitude
by Clint Bradford 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

> www.aprs.org/attitudes.html Fascinating data! Clint Bradford P.S. - The very first phrase of the text, "Magentic Stabilization," had me looking for my scientific dictionary, Bob! (grin)

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Spacecraft Magnetic Attitude
by Robert Bruninga 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

To see a plot on the sky of the orientation of a magnetic stabilized satellite (PCSAT, ECHO, etc) see this page: www.aprs.org/attitudes.html This might be useful for those folks with hand-held antennas. I prepared it several years ago, but stumbled across it today while looking for the location of the Earth's magnetic pole. I found an interesting plot that shows the Earth's magnetic "dip pole" moving very fast these days, almost 5 degrees in 10 years! But unless you ever travel the arctic, I guess your boy scout compass will be good for the rest of your life anyway... Bob, Wb4APR

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soundcard is ok with ISS 9k6 packet
by nader omer 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

HI all I succeded to work ISS packet mode at 9k6 using AWGPE and UISS softwares and a soundcard for more info see my webpage link http://www.st2nh.com/internationalspacestation-iss Also see my experment with AO-51 9k6 telemetry and GO-32 9k6 telemetry by softwares and a soundcard http://www.st2nh.com/satellites 73,Nader,st2nh www.st2nh.com

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Re: AO-51 Uplink Frequency Change
by Clint Bradford 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Should we consider this a permanent change - or a temporary one? Clint Bradford -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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PCSAT little joy
by Robert Bruninga 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

PCSAT not useable. No joy today. Like yesterday, on the first ascending pass, we got a successful logon and restore commands, but they did not hold to the next rev. Again, I almost got in on the second pass, but a QRM packet took the energy I was hoping for. Third pass to the NW was too high in latitude so she was already dead. Will try again tomorrow. The only time we can get in is on an ascending pass, with some solar sun on the south panel, and this only occurs on an ascending pass, in the local morning in the Northern Hemisphere, in the winter, between the latitudes of about 30 to 40 deg and only when the orbit's ground track is in line with the terminator. Because PCSAT is magnetically stabilized, the angles work out just right only for a few minutes a day a few days per winter. Below that latitude there is not enough sun on the bottom panel (faces down in the southern hemisphere). Near that latitude there is some southern sun on this panel, but above that latitude, the best solar panel is pointing to space. Bob, WB4APR

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ESEO -The European Student Earth Orbiter - development gets underway
by Graham Shirville 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Hi all, The ESA Education website now has this interesting page concerning the ESEO satellite mission: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Education/SEMYQ2STGOF_0.html Slightly greater technical information is also available on the AMSAT-UK website here: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/677/68/ We are not able to be more precise at this time as detailed discussions about the communications sub-system have still to take place - hopefully we will have some firm decisions within a few weeks so that design, development and manufacture of the hardware can commence quickly. We promise to keep information about this project flowing as much as we can. best 73 from the AMSAT-UK team! Graham G3VZV

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Re: AO-51
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

KO4MA sez: > Notice the Doppler curve is different between the three on the right. As I see it, the one in the center of those three ( (435.881) indicated as almost exactly in position to translate via AO-51 to the 145.92 downlink..) is already more like ~2 min past TCA (at the base line). I would expect anything coming out of FO-29's transponder to show the same dopppler rate as the other signals, say the beacon at 435.795 ... Unless it was going thru yet another satellite first ..!.. Or possibly not going thru FO-29 at all, but heard direct from a 2nd bird. SO-50 was just ahead of AO-29 on that pass. Hummm... Even tho the AO-51 uplink has already been changed, I may try and grab a waterfall tonite centered on 435.850 ... Just to see if there are two different doppler rates again. Very Interesting . . . /;^) -- <- 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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SINAD Vs. Noise Figure Testing
by Stan W1LE 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Hello The Net: Upon the suggestion of Domenico, I8CVS, I conducted some tests to compare SINAD to Noise figure testing. Noise figure testing was performed using a HP8970B with 346 noise source on a ARR preamplifier, one of their switched units, model SP144VDG. Performance was optimized at 144 MHz. for a noise figure of 0.9 dB and gain of 25 dB. The preamp was added before the IC-910H, which was set to 144.000 MHz in a SSB (USB) mode. SINAD , SIgnal + Noise + Audio Distortion testing allows a complete receiver to be tested from the RF input port, thru the IF's and demodulation to audio. For SSB mode testing I injected a low level RF carrier, (~ -120 dBm), no modulation, into the preamplifer with RX. I tuned the RX frequency to 1000 Hz less than was actually injected. example: for a RF of 144.000 MHz, I tuned the RX, in a SSB (USB) mode, to 143.999 MHz. SINAD instruments use a 1000 Hz tone for further processing. Connecting the audio output to a SINAD meter, in my case a Helper Instruments, Inc. model Sinadder Linear 5, I was able to get a SINAD reading from the meter. While monitoring the SINAD meter, I tweaked the preamplifier tuning and could not improve the original SINAD measurement. Conclusion: If the noise figure is optimized, the SINAD measurement will also be optimized. An additional test was performed, adding a fixed 10 dB BNC attenuator after the preamplifier and before the RX. The SINAD measurement did not change. This indicated that at least 10 dB of excess gain was present and can be eliminated. It is always best to minimize system gains to maximize the ability to handle strong signals and to reduce higher order intermodulation distortion. Minimize system interstage gains until the system SINAD sensitivity or the noise figure is slightly degraded. In this example, if I was able to reduce 10 dB of excess gain, this would result in lowering the 3rd order intermodulation distortion by 30 dB . !!! I hope this helps folks to consider SINAD testing of their system, to verify performance. Stan, W1LE FN41sr Cape Cod

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ISS 9600 changed to 145.825MHz
by Mineo Wakita 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

ISS 9600 digipeat changed to 145.825MHz from 145.800MHz. JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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info
by w3vvp 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

I'm looking for a 903 transverter w/144 if. Dem is only place I have found one SSB does not have one. Does any one have one for sale or know of any place that sells them. I hope this is not to far out of line for the BB. Any info greatly appreciated. George

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ARISS Queries--Answered
by Frank H. Bauer 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

All, The ARISS team has had a number of queries on several topics. It is hoped that this e-mail will answer these for you. 1) 25th Anniversary of Ham in Space Special Event Certificate---Many have asked how to receive the special certificate and what qualifies you for the certificate. Qualification: Those that have had 2 way communications with the ISS on Voice, Packet (APRS), or through the voice repeater. And those that have heard the ISS from space in any of the ARISS operations modes (Voice, SSTV, School Contact, Voice Repeater, Digital). Valid dates to qualify for certificate: November 30 to January 15. Receiving the Certificate: A) Please note on your QSL the ARISS mode of operation (e.g. SSTV, voice, school, etc) and whether the contact with you was 1 way (receive only) or 2 way. B) Send your SASE to the normal ARISS QSL volunteer distributor in your area of the world. C) On the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words "25th Anniversary Certificate" D) Make sure your envelope is big enough to accept an 8.5 by 11 inch certificate and includes the proper postage. E) Go to www.ariss.org if you do not know where to send your QSL and please use one of the standard international QSL distributors that are noted on the Web page. Important note: We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors in bulk AFTER the event is over. (This saves workload and money). So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the event closes on January 15. 2) Richard Garriott QSL Card---there are have several queries about the final results of Richard Garriott's flight and how the QSL cards will be handled. QSO Results: Richard made over 500 voice QSOs during his flight, clearly more than any single ham has made on-orbit during a short duration mission. And he sent down about 1000 SSTV images during his flight. QSL Card: Those that had a QSO with Richard can receive an ARISS QSL card using the normal ARISS process. (See www.ariss.org). Richard Garriott is also planning a personal card which is in development. Once it is developed, they will be shipped to the ARISS international QSL distribution volunteers for distribution. The current plan is that those that have already sent in for an ARISS QSL card will also get a Richard Garriott personal card once it is available. If you made a contact with Richard, have not sent in your QSL, and would like Richard's personal QSL card, please stand by for QSL distribution instructions until the QSL card is ready. The distribution of this special QSL will parallel how we are distributing the 25th Anniversary Certificate. 3) SSTV Operations Web Site---The ARISS team appreciated the special web page support from UC Berkeley. They allowed us to use their server to support SSTV operations during the Richard Garriott's flight. This was a temporary solution. The web site is currently down while we move the web pages from the Berkeley site to the AMSAT server. This should be completed in the next few days. You will see a follow-on e-mail with details on connecting up to the SSTV Operations server. We thank you for your patience. On behalf of the ARISS International team of volunteers, I thank you all for your interest and participation in the ARISS Program. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman

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Re: SINAD Vs. Noise Figure Testing (Stan W1LE)
by RFI-EMI-GUY 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Stan; Thank you for sharing your results for those of us who have SINAD meters but cannot afford a noise figure meter. I also thought your statement: "An additional test was performed, adding a fixed 10 dB BNC attenuator after the preamplifier and before the RX. The SINAD measurement did not change. This indicated that at least 10 dB of excess gain was present and can be eliminated. It is always best to minimize system gains to maximize the ability to handle strong signals and to reduce higher order intermodulation distortion." is very appropriate for radio system designers. I work in the land mobile radio field and many of the trunked systems use tower mounted preamplifiers with excess gain. The use of an attenuator between the preamplifier and the multicoupler to control IMD is often overlooked, misunderstood, and as you demonstrated may have a tremendous impact on the performance of a radio system. Thanks for sharing this. -- 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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Fw: AO-51 uplink changed to 145.880 MHz
by Raul Romero 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

its ok up 145.880 up 435.300 DW 73 Raul CA3SOC > "Are you still wasting your time with spam?... > There is a solution!" > > Protected by GIANT Company's Spam Inspector > The most powerful anti-spam software available. > http://mail.spaminspector.com > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gould Smith" <gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 8:45 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 uplink changed to 145.880 MHz > > >> As of 2340Z, 9 Dec 2008 the 145.92 uplink to the main FM repeater on >> AO-51, has been changed. >> This change was due to interference on uplink frequency. >> >> V/U FM Repeater >> Uplink 145.880 MHz >> Downlink 435.300 MHz >> >> 73, >> Gould, WA4SXM >> for the AO-51 command team >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Frequency Stabilized Local Oscillators
by Stan W1LE 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Hello The Net: Steve Hicks, N5AC, is designing frequency stabilized local oscillators that can be used in the (Down East Microwave Inc.) DEMI transverters or RX only, block down converters. Frequency stability is achieved by locking to a external 10 MHz house reference standard which could be a GPS disciplined oscillator, a OCXO, or a compact Rb reference oscillator. The Trimble Thunderbolt GPSDO is a very popular 10 MHz reference. We could use your help in disclosing what RFs and IFs you are using for present and proposed satellite transponders. Then we can calculate the local oscillator frequencies needed for the DEMI transverters. This stabilized LO can be used in place of the DEMI standard MICROLO pcb. The MICROLO pcb is used on transverters 900 MHz and higher. Most will use a "low beat" RF/IF mixer scheme, but if you use a "high beat" mixer scheme, let us know. A new design by Steve will allow factory programming for 256 different frequencies, in memory. Just change the jumpers for the pre-programmed LO freq you need for your satellite application. The objective of this inquiry is to determine what those 256 programmed frequencies should be. The DEMI transverter uses 2 pcbs, the MICROLO pcb and the transverter pcb. The transverter pcb multiplies the LO from the MICROLO pcb then mixes it. The transverter pcb LO multiplier on the 2,304 band is X2, for 3,456 MHz band is X3, for 5,760 MHz band is X5, for 10,368 MHz band is X9 Examples: (low beat mixer scheme) 2,401.0 MHz RF, RX only, block down converter with a 145.0 MHz IF output, low beat, 2,401.0 - 145.0 = 2,256.0 MHz, divided by 2 = 1128.0 MHz 2,400.0 - 432.0 = 1,968 MHz, divided by 2 = 984.0 MHz 2400.0 - 50.0 = 2,350.0 MHz, divided by 2 = 1,175.0 MHz 2439.0 - 144 = 2,239.0 MHz, divided by 2 = 1,147.5 MHz 3,400.0 MHz RF downlink with a 144 MHz IF: 3400.0 - 144.0 = 3256.0 MHz, divided by 3 = 10.85.333 MHz 3,400.0 - 432.0 = 2,968.0 MHz, divided by 3 = 989.333 MHz 5,668.0 MHx RF uplink with a 144 MHz IF: 5668 - 144 = 5,524 MHz 10,451.0 MHz RF downlink with a 144 MHz IF, LO = 10,451.0 - 144.0 = 10,307.0 MHz, divided by 9 = 1145.222 MHz for a 432 MHz IF, 10,451.0 - 432.0 = 10,019.0 MHz, divided by 9 = 1,113.222 MHz 10,386.0 MHz RF for terrestrial ops, 145.0 MHz IF, 10,368 - 145 = 10,223 MHz, divide by 9 = 1,135.888 MHz 10,368.0 MHz RF with 144.0 MHz IF, 10,368 - 144 = 10,224 MHz, divided by 9 = 1,136.0 MHz Look to: http://www.n5ac.com/blog/?page_id=19 for the N5AC products Look to: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/A32.htm for more details on the synthesized LO pcb I will summarized your RF/IF combinations. (Hopefully there are not too many typos here) Stan, W1LE FN41sr Cape Cod

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Re: PCSAT restoration maybe
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

WB4APR sez: > We restored PCSAT on the first orbit this morning at 1315z, but > it did not hold. On the next pass at 1500z, the one-good shot > at a restoration was consumed by someone still digipeating via > W3ADO-1 and his packet took all the power, and our logon was > unsuccessful. Looks like maybe a couple of 'unattended' beacons . . . Maybe someone has an email address or phone number for these guys .??. They obviously have not gotten the word. (raw packets via http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi?absolute=1 ) 20081209163914 : KB0VBZ]SYSWUS,W3ADO-1*,qAS,KC0WIF-1:`r[Rl `/]=SYSWUS 20081209163710 : KB0VBZ]SYSWUS,W3ADO-1*,qAR,WM5Z-1:`r[Rl `/]=SYSWUS 20081209163435 : KB0VBZ]SYSWUS,W3ADO-1*,qAS,W7XZ-6:`r[Rl `/]=SYSWUS 20081209163424 : W3ADO-1]BEACON,SGATE,qAS,W7XZ-6:T#002,138,136,136,137,214,11111111,0001,1 20081209163023 : W3ADO-1]BEACON,SGATE,qAS,W7XZ-6:T#001,030,089,055,028,214,11111111,0000,1 20081209145842 : W3ADO]APRS,W3ADO-1*,qAR,KI4HDU-2:Ping...# 1 20081209145645 : VE3FFR]APRS,W3ADO-1*,SGATE,WIDE,qAR,KI4HDU-2:=4416.01N/07629.01W- (UIV32N) 20081209145532 : KB0VBZ]SYSWUS,W3ADO-1*,qAR,NK8X-3:`r[Rl `/]=SYSWUS 20081209145437 : KB0VBZ]SYSWUS,W3ADO-1*,qAR,K9DRX:`r[Rl `/]=SYSWUS 20081209145131 : KB0VBZ]SYSWUS,W3ADO-1*,qAR,XE1KK-1:`r[Rl `/]=SYSWUS 20081209132317 : NODIGI]BEACON,SGATE,qAo,VE2DMA:T#020,159,160,061,209,214,00110111,0111,1 20081209132121 : PCSAT-11]BEACON,SGATE,qAR,KC2APG-1:T#005,136,054,056,063,215,00110111,0000,1 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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AO-51
by Michael Heim 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

For the last week or 2 there seems to be a constant carrier on AO-51. I'm hearing people getting into the bird, but I cannot, even when running 50 watts into my little 3 element yagi. Is someone trying to jam this thing ? Only notice it on AO-51. Mike, kd0ar Amsat 36924

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RE : seed II
by nader omer 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

HI Ed - KC9GWK I used Hamscope to decode CW ,HRD for Doppler correction with homebrew CI-V Then I decode the received TLM text by DK3WN's seed II decoder software http://www.dk3wn.info/sat/afu/sat_seeds.shtml You need to type the received TLM at input line to get the sat status. Take a look at my experiment at http://www.st2nh.com/satellites I hope this will help 73 -Nader - st2nh

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Re: ISS 9600 succeeded in digipeat
by Mineo Wakita 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

We confirmed ISS 9600 digipeat over Japan. The frequency is 145.800MHz, not 145.825MHz ------------------------------------ ISS 145.800MHz simplex 9600bps G3RUH UNPROTO VIA RS0ISS-5 ------------------------------------ JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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San Diego plane crash was near us
by Phil Karn Jr KA9Q 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

That F/A-18 that went down in San Diego yesterday crashed about 870 m due west of us (Miramar is to the east). We're fine. I took some pictures of the area and put them on my website at http://www.ka9q.net/San_Diego_Fighter_Crash These are just of the surrounding neighborhood, not the site itself. But they give a sense of scale to this thing. I've never seen so many firemen, policemen and pieces of emergency equipment in one place before. 73, Phil

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PCSAT restoration maybe
by Robert Bruninga 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

PCSAT web page: http://www.aprs.org/pcsat.html We restored PCSAT on the first orbit this morning at 1315z, but it did not hold. On the next pass at 1500z, the one-good shot at a restoration was consumed by someone still digipeating via W3ADO-1 and his packet took all the power, and our logon was unsuccessful. We have one more command pass chance for today at 1640z. Please we ask all users to not use the W3ADO-1 digi callsign until we get in and get a positive power balance. We only get ONE chance per orbit, and it must be a morning orbit, if that one packet is unssuccessful, the big logon response from PCSAT if it is not successful on the very first packet, then there is not enough energy left for retries. It dies and we do not get to try again until the next orbit. Thanks Bob, WB4APR

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Newbie question about mounting Lindy's above HF Hex Beam
by Gordon Bousman 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

I'm beginning the construction of the 2 Meter and 70 cm EZ-Lindy antennas to get myself launched into working satellites. I'd like to mount them 3' to 5' above my HF Hex-beam in order to get them as high as possible (other mounting options such as a tripod & short mast on top of my garage do not get the Lindy's as high). I will mount the ICom 2 Meter & 70 cm pre-amps on the Lindy's as well. Does anyone see that exposing the pre-amps (or my new 910H) with as much 300-400 watts of near-field HF would be detrimental? Normally I would not operate HF and SAT at the same time however the 910H might be turned on and in receive mode during HF transmissions. Any thoughts about the wisdom (or not) of this proposed Lindy mounting? Thanks, Gordon, NW7D

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SEEDS II
by Ed Tump 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Folks, I was able to receive and record some telemetry audio from SEEDS II (CO-66). I have the software now that will decode the "written" data but do not know how to process the audio. Has anyone done this before? Thank you, Ed KC9GWK

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Re: 9600 baud packet tests (ISS and PCSAT)
by ryan woods 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

hey bob its ok we all make mistakes i would love to try the uhf 9600 via pcsat. i have always wanted to try that from the time i have tried pcsat. it will be fun. 73 kd8atf Fort Ashby wv FM09om

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D-STAR repeater problems in Copenhagen
by OZ1MY 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Hi all, During December and during the last large activity on the ISS, some of us here in Copenhagen have had problems with a D-STAR repeater on 145.7875 MHz. Do any of you have a measurement of the spectrum of the D-STAR transmissions ? The theoretic spectrum should be more than 60 dB down on 145.800 MHz,but that does not seem to be the case. Including doppler the downlink from ISS is 145.796 MHz, when it is going away from us to the East, which is the direction of the repeater :-( Personally I am just 6 km away from the repeater with no obstructions on the pass from it. To avoid flames - no I have nothing against D-STAR :-) 73 OZ1MY Ib

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ISS 9600 Success @ 10.52 UK Pass
by David Barber 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

I managed to get digipeated via the 9600 system during the 10.52utc UK pass. System is operating on 145.800MHz not .825 as publicised. Regards David G8OQW

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AO-7 Mode A Antenna?
by Sebastian 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

I have a Yaesu FT-847 which is dedicated for satellite work, so I don't have any HF antennas connected to it. I'd like to know from those on the group who are (were) using AO-7 Mode A (10 meter receive), what type of antenna you are using? I really don't want to get a directional antenna for several reasons. Also, is it possible to receive Mode A without the use of an external preamp? 73 de W4AS Sebastian

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RECHERCHE TRANSISTOR...
by Tim Goodrich 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Je pense que vous trouvez des informations ici. http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=178270 Tim KC2DDS -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 4:31 AM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 639 Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb(a)amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..."

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Re: D-STAR repeater problems in Copenhagen
by G0MRF＠aol.com 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Hello Ib. Interesting allocation for D-Star. -60dB at 145.800 may sound suitable, but in practice what matters is how many dB down it is at 145.800 minus one half of the bandwidth of your IF filter. Ball park......... So -4kHz of doppler and -7.5kHz for a narrow FM filter gives your receivers bandpass down to 145.7885 MHz just 10k above the D-Star Which means the two are probably going to overlap. 73 David In a message dated 07/12/2008 20:34:56 GMT Standard Time, oz1my(a)privat.dk writes: The theoretic spectrum should be more than 60 dB down on 145.800 MHz,but that does not seem to be the case. Including doppler the downlink from ISS is 145.796 MHz, when it is going away from us to the East, which is the direction of the repeater :-( Personally I am just 6 km away from the repeater with no obstructions on the pass from it.

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Re: LOTW Satellite name for ISS ?
by Karl Sandstrom 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

The ISS is not a satellite. Satellite is an unmanned object the receives and retransmits but the ISS is manned. When you make a contact with them, your signal is not retransmitted. It terminates at the station. Seems like the crossband repeater would be an exception but I can find no evidence that it is. Karl R. Sandstrom, K5MAN Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

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Jamaica - FK18 and FK08 possibly on sat this coming weekend
by Bill Dzurilla 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Listen for me from FK18 and (less likely) FK08 on 12/12-14 Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning. No promises, but I'll be there on business and will try to work a few AO-51 and SO-50 passes with an HT and Arrow antenna. 73, Bill NZ5N

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