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

trip east
by Brock Thomsen 10 Feb '08

10 Feb '08

W6GMT BROCK THOMSEN WINTER QTH SUMMER QTH 1721 MELODY LANE PO BOX 222 BAKERSFIELD CA MARCELL MN 93308 56657 The trip east 2008 Hi all I will again make my annual migration from the SJV in California to the great State of Minnesota. The planned departure date is the 24th of March. I am posting early so that other's can make requests for needed grids or States. Right now I am thinking of the southern route across AZ and NM then north through KS, NB, and SD but I am open to suggestions. Last year I made 160 contacts in 11 grids and 6 states hope to do better this year 73 Brock

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Re: 1.2 upconverter?
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 09 Feb '08

09 Feb '08

Look at these sites. http://www.w6pql.com/l_%26_s_band_lna.htm http://users.innercite.com/kj6ko/forsale.htm#KJ6KO%20Stuff%20For%20Sale GL Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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Re: 1.2 upconverter?
by Karl Sandstrom 09 Feb '08

09 Feb '08

Try these web sites for 1.2GHz transverters: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/ http://www.ssbusa.com/ham.html Karl R. Sandstrom, K5MAN Greenwell Springs, Louisiana k5man(a)amsat.org, k5man(a)arrl.net

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Re: FCAL & Quakesat
by Mineo Wakita 09 Feb '08

09 Feb '08

Hello Chris, Today, I could decode KISS beacon from QuakeSat every 10 seconds. QuakeSat Feb 7, 2008 07:41-07:56 UTC 16:41-16:56 JST 436.675 MHz KISS 9600 bps FSK 45 deg > QuakeSat Sun Jan 10 15:00:37 1988 > QuakeSat Sun Jan 10 15:00:47 1988

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Australian Reciprocal Licensing Changes
by Trevor 09 Feb '08

09 Feb '08

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced changes to the Amateur licence. Among the changes they now permit the Encoding, for the purpose of Obscuring the meaning, of control signals for Amateur Satellites or unattended stations. >From WIA News: ---- This is Michael Owen VK3KI President of the Wireless Institute of Australia. Today I am able to tell you of 3 major decisions made last Thursday by the ACMA board. In short, the news is that ACMA has made the Determination to amend the Amateur LCD to make the last of changes foreshadowed in the Outcomes published in May 2004; ACMA has issued the Class Licence allowing visiting amateurs to operate in Australia without any other Australian licence, which is hopefully the last steps from our end before Australian amateurs can operate in the CEPT countries on the basis of their Australian Advanced licence, and finally ACMA has announced who has been successful in submitting its expression of interest in the amateur examination management, certificate and certain call sign functions outsourcing. Those are the headlines. Now, for a little detail. The amendments to the LCD are quite extensive. Let me try and summarise the major changes: The prohibition on the connection of automated systems to a public telecommunications network, which includes the Internet, has been removed. Foundation licensees cannot make such connections, but Advanced, Standard and Repeater licensees can, but now must "implement reasonable measures to ensure that only appropriately licensed person access the station." New, and not foreshadowed in the ACA Outcomes, is an obligation on Standard and Advanced licensees (but not repeater licensees) to warn a person connected to an amateur station from a public telecommunications network that they can be heard by others. Now, signals encoded for the purpose of obscuring the meaning may be used for controlling a satellite or an unattended amateur stations or in emergency operations. The AX call sign will be able to be used on Australia Day, Anzac Day and World Telecommunication day without doing more. A number of matters are made clear for the Foundation licensee. At last, 10 watts may be used for all permitted modes. But a Foundation licensee cannot allow a person who is not an amateur to use his or her transmitter, or operate his or her station in automatic mode or computer controlled mode or operate his or her station directly connected to a public telecommunications network. The obligation for all stations in a net to identify all stations every 10 minutes is relaxed for emergency networks, so that one station may identify all stations every 30 minutes. There is now a clear requirement that a person operating through a repeater must be licensed to operate on the repeaters output frequency. As foreshadowed in the Outcomes paper, the Amateur LCD now defines limits to spurious emissions, in fact the ITU limits already applying to the amateur service. A new and rather complex definition of "operate" defines how an amateur station may be used by someone who is not an amateur. The Amending Determination comes into effect the day after it is registered, probably next Monday or Tuesday. I hope that a copy will then be available on the WIA website. I have also written a paper that describes in more particular terms the changes, and that is already available on the WIA website. In probably 3 or 4 weeks a consolidated version of the Amateur LCD incorporating these amendments will be published. That will be a lot easier to read, and something everyone will need to have. The next major piece of news is that the ACMA has issued a class licence to allow visiting amateurs to operate in Australia for up to 90 days using their home call sign followed by the suffix VK followed by "portable" and then the location of the station, without doing anything more. That class licence comes into effect on 14 February. There are 5 levels of visitor licence, 3 matching the Australian Advanced, Standard and Foundation licenses, a VHF licence, and finally, in effect, a 146 to 148 FM licence. The privileges of each level are set out in the class licence. ACMA will publish on its website a table showing equivalencies to the Australian visitor levels for different overseas licences. This class licence for visiting amateurs is, we hope, the final step before CEPT allows Australian Advanced licensees to operate a in the CEPT countries, some 32 countries mainly in Europe, using their Australian call sign, without doing more. The WIA will let everyone know immediately CEPT has allowed Australian amateurs to operate under what is called TR 61 01. I hope that a copy of the Class Licence will also be available on the WIA website next Monday or Tuesday. All of these changes mean that extensive changes are currently being made to the ACMA website, but they won't all be in place immediately. Please be patient. Now the final piece of news. As you know, the WIA has repeatedly expressed its concern that its role as the manager of the amateur examination system has not been secure. Finally, last year the ACMA advertised for expressions of interest to provide the examination management function, to issue certificates, and certain call sign functions. The WIA has been advised that its expression of interest met all the criteria published by ACMA for the tasks, and that ACMA will now negotiate the terms of a contract with the WIA to cover these matters being outsourced. Together, these three matters are of great importance to Australian amateurs, with now only one matter outstanding, that is for CEPT to accept that VK licensees can operate in the CEPT countries as we will allow their licensees to operate after 14 February. ---- Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/HOMEPAGE/PC=HOME ACMA Amends Amateur LCD http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2008/20080208-3/index.php The New Australian Amateur Radio Regulations http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2008/20080208-3/documents/The%20New%2… 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 --------------- __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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Re ISS D700 msg in AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 71
by joe cassano aka jmario 09 Feb '08

09 Feb '08

I'm curious to learn what organization owns/controls the D700 that is on the ISS and how, where, when, and by who decisions are made and implemented regarding switching the D700's mode of operation. I understand the D700 shutdowns for safety reasons, its use as a educational tool to connect school children worldwide with NASA, its availability as a recreational device for interested ISS residents, and the fact that having astronauts watching over and tweaking the D700 is near or at the bottom of the astronaut's task list. I have never understood how the non-shutdown, non-school D700 time is allocated and who does the allocation. Joe Cassano K3FMA > Message: 6 > Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 07:05:16 -0800 (PST) > From: MM <ka1rrw(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS may be off the air during the Shuttle Mission > To: "Auke de Jong, VE6PWN" <sparkycivic(a)shaw.ca>, AMSAT-BB > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, Nate Duehr <nate(a)natetech.com> > Message-ID: <700075.84809.qm(a)web56413.mail.re3.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 . . . > Now that the D700 has been tested for 5+ days in Cross > Band repater, its time to find a laptop and start > running some Slow Scan TV from ISS again. > > > www.marexmg.org > > 73 Miles >

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ISS rptr
by Luc Leblanc 09 Feb '08

09 Feb '08

Signals on the cross band repeater is very choppy. Is it a problem? As i far i can remember i never hear the ISS downlink so choppy. Is the COR system is activated with audio in the signal or only by the carrier? Thank's "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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oscar 16 and hamsat
by Thomas McGrane 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

greetings to the group Many thanks to everyone for configuring oscar 16 for phone operation. Pretty good SSB reception with the preamp. On another note, I invite everyone to try HAMSAT or VO-52. It has a spectacular 2 meter SSB signal that can be received on an all-mode rig without a preamp. All you folks that want a linear transponder should be using this bird to keep in practice for future HEO's. Over the past 3 years since the launch of ECHO, I have purchased used UHF and VHF all-mode rigs and built antennas. Basically I'm "Gearing" up for P3E and Eagle. 73, pat

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For Sale My Backup Sat. Station
by PAUL5VAS＠wmconnect.com 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

1-Icom IC-451 70Cm all mode 1-10Watts out W/mike,ac&dc power cords,manual and box it came in. $240.00 + shipping #2- Kenwood TR-9130 2meter all mode 25W Hi 5W low W/mike, power cords, and manuals $235.00 + shipping #3 Klitzing Electronies 70Cm power amplfier 10W in 100W out W/ power cord and manual $ 235.00 + shipping #4 Landwehr PreAmplifier mast mount 70Cm W/ power unit and manula $ 95.00 # 4 Mirage PreAmplifier mast mount 2 Meter W/ power unit and manula $ 95.00 = shipping #5 Drake 2880 New in the box W/ power uint and preamplifier $ 50.00 + shipping Will make deal on all Call 318-390-7944 or Email at paul5vas@wmconnect Thank You Paul K5VAS </HTML>

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Seeking satellite partner in Minsk, Belarus
by andy thomas 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Hi G0SFJ will be at liberty in Minsk, Belarus on Sunday 20th April for possible portable operation on SO-50 and AO-51 as EW/G0SFJ/P. It looks like licensing is possible, but is there a Belarus ham out there who would meet me please? If so please contact me direct at <callsign> AT amsat.org many thanks 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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APRS
by John Hackett 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

From: postmaster(a)mail.hotmail.com To: archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 03:25:42 -0800 Subject: Delivery Status Notification (Failure) This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification. Delivery to the following recipients failed. glasbrenner(a)minspring.com --Forwarded Message Attachment-- From: archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com To: glasbrenner(a)minspring.com Subject: APRS. Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 12:25:42 +0100 Hello Drew, Frei Island is located out of the footprint of the ISS, Pacsat, and AO-27 is invariably switched off by the time it gets up here ... therefore, the APRS mode has never been a viable propasition for me. I was just reading Bob's WB4APR many web pages re: APRS and he refers to ECHO (now AO-51) frequently ... mentioning the APRS system. I can't recall seeing AO-51 in the V/U (J) mode for APRS operations. Bob gives the "impression" that this mode can always be operated regardless of which other mode the satellite is in. Is this true? ... and can AO-51 *ALWAYS* be used as an APRS sat ???. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Re: AO-51 from Hawaii
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Jeff-What will be your downlink frequency be? I have good access to KH6. I will be looking for you. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -------------- Original message -------------- From: Jeff Mock <jeff(a)mock.com> > Thanks so much for all of the replies. I wasn't up to date on the > schedule for AO-51. I made my first contact from Hawaii this evening > (Thursday) and I'm quite thrilled. I'll try again Friday evening during > at least one of the two passes visible from Hawaii. > > jeff > AD6EO > > Armour, Randy (ITS) wrote: > > Jeff, > > > > I'm not in Hawaii, but think I know why you may not have heard anyone. > > Tuesday, Wednesday and today (Thursday) the uplink frequency is > > 1268.700M MHz. I doubt very many people have 1.2 Gig equipment, > > especially the limited number of potential users in Hawaii. > > > > A0-51 should be back in V/U mode soon (if not already), so you should > > have better luck on the next few passes. And.. You can actually talk > > back with a W32A! > > > > Here is the AO-51 schedule through February. > > > > Randy- KI4LMR > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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Satellites and D710 auto tune
by Robert Bruninga 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

>> [We] still use the APRSData program for sending >> out satellite Alerts daily here in Michigan >> to show when AO-51 or ISS are in view. >> These show up in real time on the front panel >> of all local APRS radios in the mobiles so that >> mobiles do not need tracking programs to know >> when to work the birds. > > The same functionality is also in Digi_ned ... Yes, these alerts help all mobiles in an entire city to see when a bird is in view with not only the direction and distance to the bird but more importantly the frequencies and doppler. Just tune and operate. See the details at the bottom of this page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/localinfo.html In fact, you can even configure your D700 with Voice module to speak these alerts when the satellites come into view. It sure beats lugging around a tracking computer on your long commute. Bob, WB4APR

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Re: AO-51 from Hawaii
by Jeff Mock 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Thanks so much for all of the replies. I wasn't up to date on the schedule for AO-51. I made my first contact from Hawaii this evening (Thursday) and I'm quite thrilled. I'll try again Friday evening during at least one of the two passes visible from Hawaii. jeff AD6EO Armour, Randy (ITS) wrote: > Jeff, > > I'm not in Hawaii, but think I know why you may not have heard anyone. > Tuesday, Wednesday and today (Thursday) the uplink frequency is > 1268.700M MHz. I doubt very many people have 1.2 Gig equipment, > especially the limited number of potential users in Hawaii. > > A0-51 should be back in V/U mode soon (if not already), so you should > have better luck on the next few passes. And.. You can actually talk > back with a W32A! > > Here is the AO-51 schedule through February. > > Randy- KI4LMR >

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FW: Re ISS D700 msg in AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 71
by Bauer, Frank H. (GSFC-590.0) 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Joe, The D700 is owned and controlled by ARISS--Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. ARISS is an international working group of volunteers with delegates from AMSAT-International and the National Amateur Radio organizations. In the USA this is AMSAT-NA and the ARRL. The ARISS team works with the 5 regonal space agencies (NASA, CSA, JAXA, ESA, and Roscosmos/Energia) to develop and operate the amateur radio equipment on board ISS. In 1996, NASA asked the amateur radio community to develop a working group to provide a single amateur radio voice to the space agencies...the result was ARISS. The ISS crew use the ham radio equipment at their discretion on their free time. Like you and me, they have many choices on how to spend their free time, including reading books, watching movies, talking to their families and using the ham radio. Some crew members only use ARISS on their free time to talk to children at schools. Others are more into ham radio...they support the school contacts and will talk to hams on the ground. There are several future crew members in the fall time frame that have expressed significant interest in using the ARISS equipment for general QSOs. We will keep you informed as their flight nears. Thank you very much for your interest in ARISS. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS International Chairman AMSAT-NA V.P for Human Spaceflight Programs From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org on behalf of joe cassano aka jmario Sent: Thu 2/7/2008 5:51 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re ISS D700 msg in AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 71 I'm curious to learn what organization owns/controls the D700 that is on the ISS and how, where, when, and by who decisions are made and implemented regarding switching the D700's mode of operation. I understand the D700 shutdowns for safety reasons, its use as a educational tool to connect school children worldwide with NASA, its availability as a recreational device for interested ISS residents, and the fact that having astronauts watching over and tweaking the D700 is near or at the bottom of the astronaut's task list. I have never understood how the non-shutdown, non-school D700 time is allocated and who does the allocation. Joe Cassano K3FMA > Message: 6 > Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 07:05:16 -0800 (PST) > From: MM <ka1rrw(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS may be off the air during the Shuttle Mission > To: "Auke de Jong, VE6PWN" <sparkycivic(a)shaw.ca>, AMSAT-BB > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, Nate Duehr <nate(a)natetech.com> > Message-ID: <700075.84809.qm(a)web56413.mail.re3.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 . . . > Now that the D700 has been tested for 5+ days in Cross > Band repater, its time to find a laptop and start > running some Slow Scan TV from ISS again. > > > www.marexmg.org > > 73 Miles >

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Congratulations!!
by Frank H. Bauer 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

All, I would like to extend my congratulations to the ARISS-Europe team on today's successful launch of our newest on-orbit hardware delivery---additional ARISS antennas!! The antennas are mounted on the European Columbus module which flew inside the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The ARISS-Europe team have been working hard and diligently for over 5 years to realize this outstanding milestone. The team faced numerous challenges, including some very severe environmental testing to get approval to fly these antenna systems. I would like to thank Gaston Bertels, ON4WF for his outstanding leadership on this project and Dr. Pawel Kabacik at the Wroclaw University of Technology in Poland for his efforts in the antenna design and testing. And I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to this project through their volunteer efforts, financial contributions and/or in-kind contributions. YOU helped us develop, test and fly these antennas. For more information on the ARISS antennas, see: http://www.ariss-eu.org/ 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS International Chairman AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs

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FW: Re ISS D700 msg in AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 71
by Bauer, Frank H. (GSFC-590.0) 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Joe, The D700 is owned and controlled by ARISS--Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. ARISS is an international working group of volunteers with delegates from AMSAT-International and the National Amateur Radio organizations. In the USA this is AMSAT-NA and the ARRL. The ARISS team works with the 5 regonal space agencies (NASA, CSA, JAXA, ESA, and Roscosmos/Energia) to develop and operate the amateur radio equipment on board ISS. In 1996, NASA asked the amateur radio community to develop a working group to provide a single amateur radio voice to the space agencies...the result was ARISS. The ISS crew use the ham radio equipment at their discretion on their free time. Like you and me, they have many choices on how to spend their free time, including reading books, watching movies, talking to their families and using the ham radio. Some crew members only use ARISS on their free time to talk to children at schools. Others are more into ham radio...they support the school contacts and will talk to hams on the ground. There are several future crew members in the fall time frame that have expressed significant interest in using the ARISS equipment for general QSOs. We will keep you informed as their flight nears. Thank you very much for your interest in ARISS. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS International Chairman AMSAT-NA V.P for Human Spaceflight Programs From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org on behalf of joe cassano aka jmario Sent: Thu 2/7/2008 5:51 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re ISS D700 msg in AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 71 I'm curious to learn what organization owns/controls the D700 that is on the ISS and how, where, when, and by who decisions are made and implemented regarding switching the D700's mode of operation. I understand the D700 shutdowns for safety reasons, its use as a educational tool to connect school children worldwide with NASA, its availability as a recreational device for interested ISS residents, and the fact that having astronauts watching over and tweaking the D700 is near or at the bottom of the astronaut's task list. I have never understood how the non-shutdown, non-school D700 time is allocated and who does the allocation. Joe Cassano K3FMA > Message: 6 > Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 07:05:16 -0800 (PST) > From: MM <ka1rrw(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS may be off the air during the Shuttle Mission > To: "Auke de Jong, VE6PWN" <sparkycivic(a)shaw.ca>, AMSAT-BB > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, Nate Duehr <nate(a)natetech.com> > Message-ID: <700075.84809.qm(a)web56413.mail.re3.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 . . . > Now that the D700 has been tested for 5+ days in Cross > Band repater, its time to find a laptop and start > running some Slow Scan TV from ISS again. > > > www.marexmg.org > > 73 Miles >

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Re: [SPAM] gpredict help
by George Henry 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

It was version 0.6.1-1ubuntu1, from Ubuntu's hamradio package repository. I removed it and installed 0.8.0-2 from debian.org, and it seems to work fine. Thanks. George, KA3HSW -----Original Message----- >From: Andrew Rich <vk4tec(a)people.net.au> >Sent: Feb 7, 2008 1:59 PM >To: George Henry <ka3hsw(a)earthlink.net>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: RE: [SPAM] [amsat-bb] gpredict help > >+ Permissions stop things from running > >You don't have a permissions problem. > >+ If it is not visible - check what version you have > >It may have been planned. > >I know I grabbed the latest and the update now fails, but the background >update works. > >Do you have that option ? > >Contact the programmers they are very helpfull. > >Cheers

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Re: AO-51 Easy Passtimes...
by Clint Bradford 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

> For the upcoming Satellite Simulated Emergency Test, remember > that pass times for AO51 repeat every 5 days, so you can > estimate pass times from your mobile at any time for a few > months using the table below taped to your dashboard... Bob, I'd wager yours is a very unique - and exciting - vehicle to ride in... (grin) Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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gpredict help
by George Henry 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

I've just started playing around with Ubuntu linux, and installed gpredict 0.6.1-1ubuntu1 using the Add/Remove progams package installer, as a user with system administration rights. According to Synaptic Package Manager, all of the dependencies are met and the installation is not broken. I can run gpredict, but there is no Update TLE option visible from the file menu. What did I do wrong? Is this one of those crazy permissions issues I've heard about? George, KA3HSW

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Arrow 146/437-10WBP Antenna
by Clint Bradford 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

I have secured an AMSAT member deal from HRO on the Arrow sat antenna with duplexer: Model 146/437-10WBP for $125.95. That's about $10-15 off suggested retail. Offer good through February. Contact me off list for the particulars. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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AO-51 from Hawaii
by Jeff Mock 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

I'm on vacation in Hawaii this week. I brought an Arrow-II and an Icom W32A hoping to get a few AO-51 contacts. The past two evening passes I haven't heard anyone else using the satellite. Is there anyone in Hawaii using the satellite? jeff AD6EO

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AO51 Easy Passtimes and SSET
by Robert Bruninga 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

For the upcoming Satellite Simulated Emergency Test, remember that pass times for AO51 repeat every 5 days, so you can estimate pass times from your mobile at any time for a few months using the table below taped to your dashboard: EASTERN Standard Time 07Feb 13Feb 19Feb 25Feb 02Mar ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 0835 0800 0720 0820 0740 0855 1950 1910 1830 1930 1850 2010 Just locate the column with the date closest to today's date and then move right or left the number of days to today's date. The table wraps around both ways. Passes will be as shown local time. For example, when the SSET begins on 9 Feb, the morning passes are at 0720 and 0855 EST, etc. There are three other similar tables for each time zone on the SSET page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/sset.html There are also tables for each time zone for GO32 on the GO32 APRS Operations page. http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/GO32-ops.html The purpose of the SSET is to demonstrate your ability to get a message out from your mobile or portable station via one of the Amateur Satellites. For the APRS satellites, PCSAT-1, ARISS, and GO32, not only should you then receive your Email message back to you, but your message and position/status should also appear on the PCSAT/GO32 or ARISS Web pages: http://pcsat.aprs.org http://www.ariss.net Good luck. Bob, WB4APR

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Re: Can someone point me to a simple S-bandhelixconstruction
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Michael, I have built antennas from the sites of G6LVB and N4WYK all with PVC. Here are some good websites for 2.4GHz helix antennas. 1. http://webpages.charter.net/n4wyk Click on satellite website, then click on "2401MHz Helix" above the picture of the antenna. 2. http://ve2zaz.net/ Select 2.4 GHz helix. 3. www.g6lvb.com/ Select quadruple helix for AO-40. 4. www.qsl.net/ve3cvg/antennas/2400/ 5. http://members.aol.com/k5oe A site for good reading and links. If I can be of any help, please email me. 73, Mike K9QHO

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TLM comparison.
by John Hackett 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Hello folks, Could the recording of what is believed to be Prospero X-3 on the Amsat-UK website on 137.560Mhx in fact be from one of the Orbcomm satellites ?. Just a thought. Easily checked, by running the free Orbcomm software and having a listen to the telemetry. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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I havn't gotten a ROUND TUIT yet.
by John Hackett 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Hi Thomas, Thank you. I've got it all sorted out now. In fact, I suspect that which Amsat-UK have on the video as X-3 may well have been an Orbcomm satellite on 137.560Mhz ... but I may be wrong ... I havn't gotten around to checking the TLM yet. I have the Orbcomm software so it should be easy to compare. I put the X-3 keps into NOVA and InstantTRACK so it will be relatively easy to check - when I have time. Thanks again for the X-3 keps. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com From: th.frey(a)vtxmail.ch Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 11:05:59 +0100 Subject: Re: [eu-amsat] A lot! of felines ... or ... Cat: Nr: 05580 John Hackett schrieb: > Hello Folks, > Does anyone know where I might obtain keps for object > nr: 1973 583A, catalogue nr: 05580 ??. Hello John Here is your set: 1 05580U 71093A 08035.91733844 .00000129 00000-0 24102-4 0 7288 2 05580 082.0434 342.4015 0548957 143.7064 220.2679 13.89539227815329 But the object nr. doesn't match ! > > My first shot was Celestrak but the page refused to accept the > previous password it used to. > > (There is no facility for 'remembering' an old password). > > It's simply too much faffing around creating a new identity. > > Any suggestions and I'd be most grateful. At Celestrak you don't need a password. > > This is the first 100% British satellite launched 35 years ago. > There's a video on the Amsat-UK website showing that it's still > transmitting. > > It was also known as Prospero X-3. > > USELESS INFORMATION DEPT: > > Prospero? ... Aye!, the Duke of Milan in William Shakespeare's ... ' > The Tempest' ... read the play and you'll understand why the satellite > was christened thus. > > 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > From: archie.hackett@hotmai l.com > To: g7hia(a)btinternet.com > CC: john(a)manchester.ac.uk; allan_gm1sxx(a)hotmail.com > Subject: Cat: Nr: 05580 > Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 01:28:29 +0100 > > Hello John, > Re: the Prospero X-3 satellite. > > It's object nr: 1973 583A, catalogue nr: 05580. > > I've listened to the Amsat-UK website audio recording and noted > the frequency as 137.560 WFM ... but I can't find any keps anywhere!. > > Any ideas where I might find current keps ??. > > I tried the CelestTRACK website but it refuses to accept my > password since I last checked in a year ago. > > The Wikipedia page noters that it was decomissioned long ago but > that it's still transmitting ... with an estimated life of 100 years. > > Interesting power situation there ... nuclear based ??. > > If I could find the keps I could have a listen. Any other 'secret' > info ??. > > 73 John 2 <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> > > Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Regards, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA __________________________________________________________ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/ __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (2) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 1 New Members Visit Your Group Sell Online Start selling with our award-winning e-commerce tools. Yahoo! Groups How-To Zone Do-It-Yourselfers Connect & share. Move More on Yahoo! Groups This is your life not a phys-ed class. . __,_._,___

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A lot! of felines ... or ... Cat: Nr: 05580
by John Hackett 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Hello Folks, Does anyone know where I might obtain keps for object nr: 1973 583A, catalogue nr: 05580 ??. My first shot was Celestrak but the page refused to accept the previous password it used to. (There is no facility for 'remembering' an old password). It's simply too much faffing around creating a new identity. Any suggestions and I'd be most grateful. This is the first 100% British satellite launched 35 years ago. There's a video on the Amsat-UK website showing that it's still transmitting. It was also known as Prospero X-3. USELESS INFORMATION DEPT: Prospero? ... Aye!, the Duke of Milan in William Shakespeare's ... ' The Tempest' ... read the play and you'll understand why the satellite was christened thus. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> From: archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com To: g7hia(a)btinternet.com CC: john(a)manchester.ac.uk; allan_gm1sxx(a)hotmail.com Subject: Cat: Nr: 05580 Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 01:28:29 +0100 Hello John, Re: the Prospero X-3 satellite. It's object nr: 1973 583A, catalogue nr: 05580. I've listened to the Amsat-UK website audio recording and noted the frequency as 137.560 WFM ... but I can't find any keps anywhere!. Any ideas where I might find current keps ??. I tried the CelestTRACK website but it refuses to accept my password since I last checked in a year ago. The Wikipedia page noters that it was decomissioned long ago but that it's still transmitting ... with an estimated life of 100 years. Interesting power situation there ... nuclear based ??. If I could find the keps I could have a listen. Any other 'secret' info ??. 73 John 2 <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

2 1

LVB tracker display problem - solved
by Fer IW1DTU 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

I changed the 2x16 LCD and now LVB works fine. Thanks Howard and all for advises 73 Fer Hello Wondering if someone can help. I just finish to build an LVB tracker for a friend of mine. All works fine with NOVA but during a satellite pass the display stuck as in the picture: http://it.geocities.com/supertrackmoon/lvb_display.jpg All other functions are OK and the tracker is still tracking the satellite. A quick restart (power off / power on) and display works again but after some minutes it is again stuck. It seems just only a display problem. Same behavior with other satellites passes. I built a couple of LVB units and I have been using an LVB tracker with NOVA for years without problems. Any ideas ? Fer IW1DTU

2 2

Can someone point me to a simple S-band helix construction article?
by Michael A. Tondee 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

I can find plenty of information on helices and the theory involved with them but a lot of it seems to be contradictory and confusing.. I've found very general guideline type articles but what I haven't found yet is a simple step by step construction article from start to finish. I'd like to construct one using pvc pipe as the helix form if possible as it is readily available but I even find varying opinions on the suitability of that material. Are the dimensions really not that critical as has been stated in some articles? I was thinking of using schedule 40 1 and a quarter or 1 and a half inch diameter white PVC pipe. I could really use some simple formulas as my old brain starts to smoke when I see equations involving algebra and pi. Been way to long since high school! hi hi. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ

4 4

QSL Card via ISS Repeater is valid
by JA0CQP 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Hi, All, JAMSAT (Japan-AMSAT) is in honor to announce that a QSL card on the QSO via ISS Cross Band Repeater is of course valid for the Award " JAMSAT 5 Stars Award" application. Get JAMSAT Award ! S. Murakami - JAMSAT Award section JA4GVA madoguchi(a)jamsat.or.jp

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AO-51 L band
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Hello I heard myself the last pass over the US. Very low elevation from Seattle. The first time on satellite L band, looking for contacts next pass. Receiving on 70cm. S band rx is down, long story. Do we adjust doppler with the higher frequency. Or keep it on 1268.7Ghz. -- 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT member 28498 Seattle

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Programming help needed
by Bob McGwier 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

AMSAT Engineering needs experienced help programming MPS-430. This processor will be in a Cubesat. It would be my preference for us to use FreeRTOS on it but this is not a decision I will mandate if adequate reasons for not following this path can be provided. Email me directly. Bob

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AO-51 schedule updated
by Andrew Glasbrenner 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

I updated the AO-51 schedule text page last night at : http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php . Update: February 3, 2008 The AO-51 committee has completed a schedule for February. We will continue the V/US repeater mode that began on January 25th for all of February, except on Tuesdays through Thursdays when we will switch to L/US. This pattern will repeat every week in February except that the mode switch from V/US to L/US on Tuesday the 12th will be delayed until Wednesday the 13th to accommodate a School Roundup event at Two Rivers School in North Bend, Washington. The S-band downlink may be temporarily suspended for WOD telemetry download without notice. Generally this will only be for one pass per day. Regarding the graphic schedule...the software that does the schedule will not allow for the proper display of the current modes. Please refer to this page for mode change information. February 2008 AO-51 (AMSAT Echo) Schedule February 1 until February 29, subject to modification February 1 - February 4 FM Repeater, V/US Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 5 - February 7 FM Repeater, L/US Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 8 - February 12 FM Repeater, V/US Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 13 - February 14 FM Repeater, L/US Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 15 - February 18 FM Repeater, V/US Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 19 - February 21 FM Repeater, L/US Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 22 - February 25 FM Repeater, V/US Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 26 - February 28 FM Repeater, L/US Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM February 29 - TBD FM Repeater, V/US Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlinks: 435.300 and 2401.200 MHz FM 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Ops

2 1

All the facts are wrong but
by Bob McGwier 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

Sent from Express News TEHRAN, Iran - Iran launched a research rocket Monday and unveiled its first major space center, which will be used to launch research satellites, state-run television reported. The report said the rocket was the first launched by Iran "into space." But analysts have expressed doubts about similar technological achievements announced by the country in the past. Iran launched its first domestically built rocket last February, which did not reach orbit level. "The first Iranian rocket Explorer-1 was fired into space," reported state TV, which showed live images of the event at the space center, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad issuing the launch order. "With the launch, Iran has joined the world's top 11 countries possessing space technology to build satellites, and launch rockets into space." The report did not specify the altitude reached by the research rocket. Space is considered to begin at 60 miles above ground. Ham radio satellites - the lowest flying satellites - orbit between 100-300 miles, while communication, weather and global-positioning satellites fly between 250-12,000 miles up. Some Western experts also have raised the possibility that Iran's space program may be a cover to more fully develop its military ballistic missiles, a prospect many find troubling at a time when the U.S. and others worry Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. Before the launch, Ahmadinejad opened the space center, which includes an underground control station and space launch pad, according to state TV. By ALI AKBAR DAREINI Associated Press Writer

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Explorer I - recordings
by Roy 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

I have been asked if any of the Explorer I recordings were still available in WAV, etc format. There is one posted at http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php. Select the "Select a Topic" drop down menu and scroll down to "Sounds from the first satellites." There are a few recordings there with the info about the recordings. One of them is the Explorer I telemetry. You will hear several constant audio tones with one of them shifting between two tones. There was a geiger counter on board that counted cosmic ray particles according to the info I have read. After a certain number had been counted the tone shifted and after another quantity had been counted it shifted back again. The 108 mHz antenna was a six element colinear arrangement consisting of six half waves (wire elements) suspended over a 13x13 ft wooden frame covered with chicken wire laying on the roof of my house. This oriented it up about 75-80 degrees above the southern horizon. No tracking. The satellites had to fly through the main lobe of the antenna pattern. The receiving arrangement was a modified TeCraft (I think) converter with a 6BQ7 TV RF amplifier front end feeding an National NC-300 Amateur band receiver. Not very good as noise figures go today but pretty good for 1958. I still have all of the original reel to reel tapes, some of their contents transferred to cassette tape. -- Roy

2 2

Fw: FM narrow mode for DOPPLER.SQF file (for ISS)
by Charles Reiche 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

For anyone that has a 910 and satpc32, here is a chat I had with DK1TB. Charlie N3CRT ----- Original Message ----- From: Erich Eichmann To: Charles Reiche Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 4:12 AM Subject: Re: FM narrow mode for DOPPLER.SQF file Hi Charles, at present SatPC32 can't switch the IC-910H to FMN. The manual mentions only a CAT command for FM (cmd 4), but no command for FMN. Meanwhile I know that there are undocumented commands that switch the IC-910H to FMN (cmd 5 sub cmd 2. I have just tested that and it works (with the IC-821H and other Icom radios this command doesn't work at all). So, I think, I can modify the program with the next update and include the special FMN command for the IC-910H. 73s, Erich, DK1TB ----- Original Message ----- From: Charles Reiche To: dk1tb(a)amsat.org Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:21 AM Subject: FM narrow mode for DOPPLER.SQF file Im am learning the ins and outs of your fine program, but I have run into a stumbling block... I have an Icom IC-910h connected via a rigblaster PNP. My file entry for ISS voice mode reads as follows: ISS,145800,437800,FM,FMN,NOR,0,0,Cross band repeater The sub band refuses to go to Narrow mode. If I turn off CAT I can manually enter the sub band and press and hold the FM button to enter Narrow mode but this gets reset to FM on the next tune cycle. I have also tried setting both bands to FMN, without sucess. Is your program capable of setting this mode on my Icom? I am using version 12.6 Thanks Charlie N3CRT

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Dispelling a myth
by john heath 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

If you do some reaserch into the British Blue Streak and Black Arrow programms you will see that at the time Britain was well ahead of its competitors. Money and politics sank the project. If you are interested in further reading get, A Vertical Empire, The History of the UK Rocket and Space Programme by C.N. Hill. ISBN 1-86094-269-9 73 John G7HIA PS/ no connection with the author or the publisher, just enjoyed the book.

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Re: Looking for contact info for KB9KTD
by Joe 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

grrr also no good, this guy has 4 e mail addresses out on the web and all do this,, ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors ----- <kb9ktd(a)centurytel.net> (reason: 550 5.1.1 <kb9ktd(a)centurytel.net>... User unknown) grrr Joe WB9SBD Gary Schuchardt wrote: > Joe > > I found this information on my Ham Call software. > > David J Huber, KB9KTD > 1122 Wilson St > Onalaska, WI 54650 > USA > > Class: Technician > > Previous Call: Previous Class: > > Issue Date: 06-06-1995 Expires: 06-06-2005 > Process Date: 10-09-1999 Birth Date: 06-11-1960 > > Web site lookup count: 9 as of 14 Mar 2004 > E-Mail: kb9ktd(a)centurytel.net <mailto:[email protected]> > Web Site: > (Double-click the e-mail address or web site) > > Latitude: 43d 52' 36" N Longitude: 91d 13' 14" W > Distance: 1501.57 km., Long path: 38572.49 km. > Heading: 307.3, Long path: 127.0 > > Grid Square: EN43jv Time Zone: -6 > County: La Crosse Area Code: 608 > > > I hope this helps you. > > Gary > N0EZH > > -------Original Message------- > > From: Joe <mailto:[email protected]> > Date: 2/4/2008 2:08:07 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Looking for contact info for KB9KTD > > The address on QRZ is bad, as well as the one on his web page,, > > anyone? > > Joe WB9SBD > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]>. 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 > > >

1 0

Dispelling a myth.
by John Hackett 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

I was rather amused at a question I received the other day ... "Why wasn't Great Britain involved in space?" ... like America, Russia, Japan, India and China. Errr ... I wonder if the words Jodrell Bank, Blue Streak, Woomera ... and in more modern times, SSTL would mean anything to the person who asked the question. How about the "other" magician ... MERLIN - (anno 2008) ... MERLIN = Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network. MERLIN operates at frequencies from 151Mhz to 24Ghz. At 5Mhz the resolution of MERLIN is better than 50 milliarcseconds, (quote) ... "somewhat greater than that of the Hubble telescope" ... (unquote). Oh, I'd say Great Britain 'is' involved in space. Perusal of the JODRELL BANK web pages ought to dispel any myths as to whether the 'Limey's' are involved in space or not. The Lovell telescope - (76m) - is the centrepiece of an impressive array of dishes on my old stomping ground at Holmes Chappel - it is also available with it's own "live" web pages. If "precision" - (space tracking) - is your thing I'd suggest you check out the parameters ... where "error" is quoted as ... 0.0000 in azimuth and elevation ... and the diameter of the main dish is *only* 76 meters. The Russians asked the 'mad professors' at Jodrell Bank to help track Sputnik way back in 1957 ... was that early enough to justify a 'presence' in space exploration?. It wasn't just the Germans who messed about with RADAR and clandestine radios in the war, you know. I can tell you ... when you start getting 'whacked' on the head by V1 rockets chucked at you from Germany, you start taking an interest in 'space'. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Re: A considerate operating practice on FM (one channel) satellites, Europe take 2
by OZ1MY 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

Hi all, Thanks for the many positive replies. More than one says that it would be a good idea to have the article translated for the different national magazines in Europe. Tonight I will update the article and hope that at least one radio amateur in each European country will volunteer to translate from my English to the necessary language - and try to get it in the national magazine. Just send me an e-mail direct and you will get the article. The offer is not limited to Europe :-) By the way I like the FM satellites and use them. 73 OZ1MY Ib

10 19

ANDE Award Arrived to Argentina
by Gustavo Carpignano 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

Hi folks, got my ANDE award today and is it ever nice. 73 Gustavo,LW2DTZ --------------------------------- Yahoo! Encuentros Ahora encontrar pareja es mucho más fácil, probá el nuevo Yahoo! Encuentros. Visitá http://yahoo.cupidovirtual.com/servlet/NewRegistration

1 0

Automatic doppler tracking of DSB
by James Whitfield 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

I am trying to find out if there has been any development of a frequency tracking system to compensate for doppler shift, or at least find a person or organization with which to discuss concepts. I tried to contact AMSAT about this more than a week ago, but there has been no response. I have tried to contact AMSAT again, and decided to try this bulletin board as well. It started when I read that AO-16 had been placed in a test mode with an FM uplink and DSB downlink. I remembered a diagram of a double sideband suppressed carrier ( DSB ) demodulation technique that used a variation of a phased locked loop to recover the frequency and phase of the original carrier. I realized that it should be able to track the "original carrier" through the doppler shift caused by the relative motion between the satellite and the receiving station. I decided to find out more about the concept. I was not able to find any reference to the technique having been used with satellites, but I believe the system is called a Costas Receiver, or perhaps is refered to as a Costas Loop. If someone knows if this was used for doppler frequency tracking, please let me know where I can get more information. If there is a person or organization that would be better suited to my inquiry, I would like to know that as well. Thank you. James Whitfield n5gui

5 5

PacComm RF Modems
by Stargate 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

Hi all, I have 3 PacComm RF modems that I'm trying to figure a good use for. I looking for any information regarding them such as programming, interesting ideas to use them for, ect.... These look like they were AVL units since they have a GPS receiver board inside them and a Midland 70-201BD UHF data/voice transmitter as well. There are 3 units with the model numbers.... 1. "Base station" (no GPS receiver in this one) 2. "Head" 3. "Tail" Here are a few pictures.... http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ool9/paccomm/paccomm1.jpg http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ool9/paccomm/paccomm2.jpg http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ool9/paccomm/paccomm3.jpg http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ool9/paccomm/paccomm4.jpg http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ool9/paccomm/paccomm5.jpg I have SOME information on reprogramming the Midland radio's inside but I'm still trying to find the schematic for the programming adaptor/cable. I've located the ACC900 software and some schematics for the Midland data radio but I haven't found anything for the complete PacComm unit or the radio programming adaptor yet. Does anyone have any information thay can be provide about these? These might make great APRS units if I can figure them out. The Midland radio's have "9.6kb mod" written on them so they must have already been modified for that speed. From what I have read, the Midland radio's can be used up to 19k2. I have talked with PacComm and they are looking for information for me but I thought someone here might be knowledgeable about them. I hooked them up to my serial port and they seem to take a few common packet commands. Any interesting ideas or help/info would be appreciated very much! Thanks, RoD KD0XX

1 0

Looking for contact info for KB9KTD
by Joe 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

The address on QRZ is bad, as well as the one on his web page,, anyone? Joe WB9SBD

1 0

First contact
by truckwiz 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

HI, I finally got to hear the ISS for the first time, they where talking to a guy from South Dakota. Now I have the bug. Brian

3 2

SSTL Wins Canadian Deal (from Satellite Today)
by Eric Rosenberg 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

Congratulations to Martin, Jeff and SSTL! Eric W3DQ Washington, DC ------------------------------ SSTL Wins Canadian Deal February 1, 2008 [Satellite Today – 2-1-08] Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) won a contract from MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) to deliver a satellite platform as part of the Sapphire space object surveillance program, SSTL announced Feb. 1. The two-year program is part of a contract from Canada's Department of National Defence valued at 65 million Canadian dollars ($65.2 million). The contract has options that cover mission support, operations and maintenance. The mission will provide a satellite-based resident space object observing service that will provide accurate tracking data on deep space orbiting objects. Sapphire will feature a space-based data collection platform for continuous surveillance of man-made objects in medium- to high-Earth orbits (6,000 to 40,000 kilometers). The data collected will be processed by a ground-based system and the results will be used to update the U.S. Satellite Catalogue used by North American Aerospace Defense Command and Canada to provide space situational awareness. ----------

2 1

Re: mentpor help
by Jonathan Wagner 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

The problem is, besides probably being cost prohibitive, you blow your 250mW power budget out of the water with the FPGA. Using Actel's Power Calculator spreadsheet and the specs from the ARM7 IP Core datasheet, you're looking at a worst case of 543 mW with just the core in the 250k gate version and up to a watt in the bigger versions. That said, thanks for the input. The team needs this kind of input to guide them in their decision processes. Jonathan Wagner Office: (337)993-0778 Cell: (337)781-1513 Nick Pugh wrote: > Thanks for responce. Would you be willing to get on a web x conference > with the team? > > nick > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* G0MRF(a)aol.com <mailto:[email protected]> > *To:* quadpugh(a)bellsouth.net <mailto:[email protected]> ; > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]> > *Cc:* zpan(a)louisiana.edu <mailto:[email protected]> > *Sent:* Sunday, February 03, 2008 5:54 PM > *Subject:* Re: [amsat-bb] mentpor help > > Hello Nick. > > Alternatively, you may be able to implement the microprocessor > functions in radiation tolerent FPGA from Actel. > > 200 - 300k rads seems to be the limit. > > http://www.actel.com/products/milaero/rtaxs/default.aspx > > Thanks > > David > > > In a message dated 03/02/2008 17:05:24 GMT Standard Time, > quadpugh(a)bellsouth.net <mailto:[email protected]> writes: > > This processor is planed to fly on the CAPE II satellite on > 2009. It is anticipated that this will involve two one hour > session a month via WEB X. We are seeking those have skill in > designing fault tolerant microprocessors and he have knowledge > how high energy particles effect memory chips. > > >

1 0

PCSAT
by Andrew Rich 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

Is PCSAT active only in sun ? The amsat website says its is down, My data streams says it is up 04/02/2008 19:14:57 TA1D>CQ,W3ADO-1*,qAo,G4HYG-1:=4104.14N/02859.67E-73 via sat NO-44 .. kadri {UIV32} 04/02/2008 19:14:38 DG4BR>APU25J,W3ADO-1*,qAo,TA1D:=5309.56N/00727.87E-Op: Alfred {UIV32N} 04/02/2008 19:14:03 W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE,qAo,TA1D:T#015,098,091,049,126,214,11111111,0010,1 04/02/2008 19:13:38 DG4BR>APU25J,W3ADO-1*,qAO,SP7THR-5:=5309.56N/00727.87E-Op: Alfred {UIV32N} 04/02/2008 19:13:02 W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE,qAO,SP7THR-5:T#014,097,086,091,124,214,11111111,0001,1 04/02/2008 19:12:36 TA1D>CQ,W3ADO-1*,qAO,SP7THR-5:=4104.14N/02859.67E-73 via sat NO-44 .. kadri {UIV32} 04/02/2008 19:12:03 W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE,qAo,TA1D:T#013,017,129,079,023,214,11111111,0000,1 04/02/2008 19:10:16 TA1D>CQ,W3ADO-1*,qAO,EA4EKH-6:=4104.14N/02859.67E-73 via sat NO-44 .. kadri {UIV32} 04/02/2008 19:10:07 PCSAT-12>BEACON,SGATE,qAO,EA4EKH-6:T#011,096,084,100,112,214,11111111,0010,1 04/02/2008 19:10:02 W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE,qAO,EA4EKH-6:T#011,096,088,048,125,214,11111111,0010,1 04/02/2008 19:09:03 W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE,qAO,EA4EKH-6:T#010,095,086,088,119,213,11111111,0001,1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

1 0

Really nothing
by Dave Guimont 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

Wow! This BBS is turning into a mutual admiration society.. Hope we get back to amateur satellite radio! 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

3 2

Sat DX
by Clare Fowler 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

Of the 227 countries I have worked on satellite my most memorable one was with HC8/XE1KK (Galapagos) on UO-14. UO-14 was a single channel FM bird with an altitude of about 800 km. The distance from my QTH to there is 3277 miles which by itself is no record. I had worked Ramon on 10 meters and I mentioned I spent most of my time on satellites. He immediately came back saying he was working sats from there and he would love a contact with me. I looked at Instant Track and found we had a mutual window for about 3 minutes the next day with a max elevation of about 3 degrees for each of us. As well the path would be over North America in the afternoon with lots of activity for QRM. I didnt have much hope I would hear him let alone make an exchange. However we managed to do just that. I have his card dated 27 Mar 2002 Clare VE3NPC

1 0