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

Source of Mode S downconverters ?
by Ronald Nutter 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

I am looking to get another Mode S downconverter. I remember seeing one from Italy I think that could convert to either 2m or 440 for the converted signal but cant find the link anymore. I exchange emails with K5GNA but he is out of stock and may not have anymore for a while. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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Re: A)-7
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

HelloBob Start here http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php The easy way to see which mode it is in is check the latest log entries. Mode B is the most popular with stronger signals. The semi operational part means it is only on when in sunlight. It doesn't take a lot of sunlight for it to function. There a great bunch of guys on there. You can actually have a conversation, and I've several three ways. The satellite automatically switches between A and B at about 0145Z. I was told how and why but I don't remember (senior moment). Give it a try, there's also the potential for a little DX (check out the footprint). I look foward to chatting with you. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -------------- Original message -------------- From: w0dxz(a)aol.com > I hear Leo and the guys talk about AO-7,,, I want to try it, what is the? most > popular mode on AO-7?? Where should I begin with that bird? > > I see where it lists? AO-7 as semi operational, what does that mean? > Bob W0DXZ > DM-33 Sun City AZ > _______________________________________________ > 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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IR3HST active on VO52 today
by Robert Turlington 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

Hi All I worked special event station IR3HST:-6th Region 1 European HST (High speed Telegraphy) Championship this morning 18/04/08 at1051 utc Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Amazing prizes every hour with Live Search Big Snap http://www.bigsnapsearch.com

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Re: Source of Mode S downconverters
by Rm2642＠aol.com 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

I use a DEM product 2400-144 here. Used it for AO-40 operation. _http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/cat-frame.htm_ (http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/cat-frame.htm) Ron n6paa **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)

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WD9EWK from DM34/DM35/DM45, Saturday (19 April)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

Hi! On Saturday, 19 April 2008, I will be helping the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club (W7YRC) as they support the Spotlight on the Stars event by the Prescott (Arizona) Astronomy Club. This is a week-long event, and the Saturday activity will be at the Prescott Public Library in downtown Prescott (215 E. Goodwin Street, grid DM34sm). The YARC will have a table with information related to amateur radio, and I will add satellite-related information to their efforts. This event will take place between 10.00am and 12 noon (1700- 1900 UTC). The library is on a hill, and the hill along with the library building prevent any view of the eastern sky unless a satellite has an elevation of 40 to 45 degrees. This will limit my activity to one on-air demonstration, an AO-51 pass at 1548-1603 UTC to the west for anyone showing up early. I may be on the earlier AO-51 pass at 1410 UTC from somewhere in the Prescott area in grid DM34 with a better view of the eastern sky, to test my radio gear before going to the library. After this event, I plan on making a long loop through northern Arizona on my way home. I am hoping to park on the DM34/DM35 boundary for the afternoon AO-27 passes at 2121 and 2302 UTC somewhere north of Prescott. After that, I will head to a point between Williams and Flagstaff near Interstate 40 to be on the DM35/DM45 boundary for the evening AO-51 passes around 0120 and 0259 UTC. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: Source of Mode S downconverters ?
by Angel Peláez, EA4DUT 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

Hi Ron, the manufacturer you refer to is Keps communications. Try on this page http://www.keps.it/ I don't know if there is a dealer or retailer at US, but I'm sure that they will be very happy to help you. Best 73. EA4DUT, Angel ----- Mensaje original ---- De: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> Para: amsat-bb <amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org> Enviado: jueves, 17 de abril, 2008 19:00:39 Asunto: [amsat-bb] Source of Mode S downconverters ? I am looking to get another Mode S downconverter. I remember seeing one from Italy I think that could convert to either 2m or 440 for the converted signal but cant find the link anymore. I exchange emails with K5GNA but he is out of stock and may not have anymore for a while. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Ron KA4KYI _______________________________________________ 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 __________________________________________________ Correo Yahoo! Espacio para todos tus mensajes, antivirus y antispam ¡gratis! Regístrate ya - http://correo.yahoo.es

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Suggested mode S antennas for K5GNA downconverter
by Ronald Nutter 17 Apr '08

17 Apr '08

I am trying to come up with a portable sat station that can fit in a briefcase. I have the dipole and reflector antenna that K5GNA sells for his downconverter but I am looking for something compact that can fit in the briefcase and the reflector cant. I have thought about the G3RUH patch antenna but that is a little pricey for me at this point. Are there any other antennas that someone can suggest that I try for this quest ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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A)-7
by w0dxz＠aol.com 17 Apr '08

17 Apr '08

I hear Leo and the guys talk about AO-7,,, I want to try it, what is the? most popular mode on AO-7?? Where should I begin with that bird? I see where it lists? AO-7 as semi operational, what does that mean? Bob W0DXZ DM-33 Sun City AZ

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orbitron + ft-847 help
by Auke de Jong, VE6PWN 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

I have a couple of questions regarding how to use Orbitron with my Yaesu FT-847. I have just started experimenting with this setup and I have got it operating under PC control via the serial port, using a null-modem cable(recommended) and comm rate of 57600 baud. The first question is: when trying to listen to linear transponder equipped satellites like VO-52, I find that I am forced to tune the receiver by typing in the frequency in Orbitron, and then the radio tracks that frequency. This makes searching the transponder extremely difficult. What I am hoping to accomplish is that I can tune the receiver with the VFO, and have the computer only handle the RATE of doppler-shift, and keep the transmitter co-ordinated in order to avoid having to "find my downlink" whenever transmitting. My radio can co-ordinate TX/RX on it's own via it's "satellite" features, but it can't compensate for doppler since it doesn't know the KEPS, obviously. Every time I try to use the VFO dial on my radio, it shifts, and then the PC takes over and puts the receiver back to where orbitron tells it to be. is this issue unique to me, or am I doing something wrong? The second question is: can the PC-controlled tuning of the transciever be "smoothed-out" so that while listening to CW while doppler shift is rapid, the radio takes smaller, and more frequent steps, thus avoiding hugh shifts in received audio frequency which makes deconding impossible. It seems to be updating about once per second, and I can't find any settings in orbitron to have an update period shorter than this. Ideally, I would like the period to be about 5 to 10 times per second. Again, I think I must be doing something wrong, but I have spent some time already, and have failed to see the solution. Thanks, Auke de Jong VE6PWN DO33go Edmonton, AB

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UTiFG/mm report
by Robert Turlington 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

Hi All worked Yuri UT1FG/mm this morning at 1012utc on VO52 in KO08 sailing along the Baltic and making his way towards St Petersburgh (very nice city the Venice of the North) Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Get Hotmail on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 now! http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

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Re: SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question
by John Kopala 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Ron, First make sure that you have selected VO-52 and it is the currently active satellite. The satellite you have selected will be listed on the top bar of the program window and highlighted on the screen. Next click on CAT in the menu bar to open the CAT Tuning window. The window should display one line, "135900/435250 USB/LSB" Click on the C-, which changes to C+, just below your QTH location in the upper left, for CAT operation. I suspect you are already doing all of this correctly. When you put SATPC32 into CAT mode (C+) for VO-52, the following should happen: - The IC-910H should switch to Normal satellite mode. - The Upper band on the radio should switch to VHF, USB, 145,900,000 minus doppler correction (assuming rising satellite). - The Lower band on the radio should switch to UHF, LSB, 435,250,000 plus doppler correction. Check the last 3 items before proceding. I sometimes have to repeat the C+, C-, C+ steps before the radio and SATPC32 synch up. - When you key the microphone, the lower UHF band should transmit - VO-52 is U/v, UHF uplink, VHF downlink, opposite of AO-51... - While transmitting, you can adjust the uplink or the downlink in the CAT window to get the pair tuned properly. Once that is done, you can tune up and down the translator bandwidth to find other stations. I hope this helps. If not email me directly with a step by step discription of what is happening. John Kopala N7JK From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <4804DD4D.3020303(a)networkref.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed I am trying to learn how to use SatPC32 for Doppler correction on the SSB birds. I have run into a "brick wall" in terms of how it is operating that is giving me some fits. When I put SatPC32 into CAT mode, the radio shifts into the appropriate frequencies but it wont transmit on the right band. When I press the M/S to swap the displays around so that it will transmit on the correct band, the radio stops adjusting to what is shown on the SatPC32 display. Can someone point out what I am doing wrong or do I need to change to one or more of the config files in SatPC32 ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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Re: SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question
by Ronald Nutter 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Erich: Will take a look at this and see what happens. Also looking at this to manage the doppler shift with AO-16. Turning on AFC for the FM birds takes care of it with them. Thanks, Ron Erich Eichmann wrote: > Hello Ron, > In menu "Setup", "Radio Setup" check the option "Satellite mode". > In Menu "Setup", "Options" check the Activate-at-Start option "CAT > control". > In both menus save the changes. > When you restart SatPC32 it should switch the IC-910H into satellite mode. > With FO-29 the radio should transmit on the VHF band. With VO-52 or AO-7 it > should transmit on UHF. > Let me know if that doesn't work. > 55 + 73s, Erich, DK1TB > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ronald Nutter" <rnutter(a)networkref.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 6:52 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question > > >> I am trying to learn how to use SatPC32 for Doppler correction on the >> SSB birds. I have run into a "brick wall" in terms of how it is >> operating that is giving me some fits. >> >> When I put SatPC32 into CAT mode, the radio shifts into the appropriate >> frequencies but it wont transmit on the right band. When I press the >> M/S to swap the displays around so that it will transmit on the correct >> band, the radio stops adjusting to what is shown on the SatPC32 display. >> >> Can someone point out what I am doing wrong or do I need to change to >> one or more of the config files in SatPC32 ? >> >> Thanks, >> Ron >> KA4KYI >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Re: SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question
by George Henry 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

1) In the Radio setup, do you have the "Satellite Mode" box checked? 2) You must enter the appropriate radio address in 2 columns... also, what baudrate are you using and what have you entered for the CAT delay? (Print out the radio hints for Icom users, found under the "?" menu, and use them as a checklist.) I am surprised that you are having difficulty with SatPC32 and the 910H - my setup has played together beautifully from day one. 73, George, KA3HSW -----Original Message----- >From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> >Sent: Apr 15, 2008 11:52 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question > >I am trying to learn how to use SatPC32 for Doppler correction on the >SSB birds. I have run into a "brick wall" in terms of how it is >operating that is giving me some fits. > >When I put SatPC32 into CAT mode, the radio shifts into the appropriate >frequencies but it wont transmit on the right band. When I press the >M/S to swap the displays around so that it will transmit on the correct >band, the radio stops adjusting to what is shown on the SatPC32 display. > >Can someone point out what I am doing wrong or do I need to change to >one or more of the config files in SatPC32 ? > >Thanks, >Ron >KA4KYI

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ESEO Project Update April 2008
by Trevor 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

An update on the ESEO project can be seen at http://www.uk.amsat.org/ Further information should be available in time for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium which is being held at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England from Friday 25th to Sunday 28th July, see http://www.uk.amsat.org/Colloquium/ AMSAT-UK publish a quarterly newsletter OSCAR News and you can join online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subscription/ 73 Trevor M5AKA ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! For Good helps you make a difference http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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SatPC32 and ICOM 910H question
by Ronald Nutter 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

I am trying to learn how to use SatPC32 for Doppler correction on the SSB birds. I have run into a "brick wall" in terms of how it is operating that is giving me some fits. When I put SatPC32 into CAT mode, the radio shifts into the appropriate frequencies but it wont transmit on the right band. When I press the M/S to swap the displays around so that it will transmit on the correct band, the radio stops adjusting to what is shown on the SatPC32 display. Can someone point out what I am doing wrong or do I need to change to one or more of the config files in SatPC32 ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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GB5OSO Qsl cards
by Robert Turlington 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

HiAll can any one confirm if they have received there GB5OSO Qsl card via the bureau yet. I had a note from one station that he had not received his in a recent batch from his bureau,thanksRegards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Win 100’s of Virgin Experience days with BigSnapSearch.com http://www.bigsnapsearch.com

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AO-51 L-band off for ~24 hours
by Andrew Glasbrenner 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

The L-band uplink to the AO-51 bulletin board will be off for ~24 hours or so for some testing. Sorry for any inconvenience. 73, Drew KO4MA

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GO-32 Uplink
by James Denneny 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

I have had recent problem with GO-32 BBS uplink on 145850. Uplinks on 145900 and 145930 are working well. Anyone else notice a problem with 145850? Jim K7EG

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Re: Suggested mode S antennas for K5GNA downconverter
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Lest we not a forget a fairly short helix 5-10 turns. Would probably be good enough for AO-51. Depending on ones construction methods, it could be fragile. They are easy to build and fairly "forgiving" 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > > I am trying to come up with a portable sat > > station that can fit in a briefcase. I have the > > dipole and reflector antenna that K5GNA sells for > > his downconverter but I am looking for something > > compact that can fit in the briefcase and the > > reflector cant. > > See my foldable S-Band 1 meter dish Portable: > http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ao40ant.html > > You can make it out of simple aluminum roof flashing. > > Bob, Wb4APR > > _______________________________________________ > 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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Re: SWR meter on 910H??
by George Henry 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

-----Original Message----- >From: w0dxz(a)aol.com >Sent: Apr 14, 2008 9:02 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] SWR meter on 910H?? > >I know this sounds? question idiotic, but,,, sometimes you just have to admit you can't solve a problem, and ask for help. > >I cannot figure out how to measure SWR with my IC-910H... does it not have an internal SWR meter? I'm using external meters. I can't believe you can't measure SWR with this rig. > >Help... >Bob W0DXZ DM33 >_______________________________________________ The 910H does not have a built-in SWR meter. Does ANY rig that can provide preamp power over the coax have one? Personally, I have never found an internal SWR meter to be as convenient to use, nor as accurate as, an external meter. 73, George, KA3HSW

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SWR meter on 910H??
by w0dxz＠aol.com 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

I know this sounds? question idiotic, but,,, sometimes you just have to admit you can't solve a problem, and ask for help. I cannot figure out how to measure SWR with my IC-910H... does it not have an internal SWR meter? I'm using external meters. I can't believe you can't measure SWR with this rig. Help... Bob W0DXZ DM33

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2x6 elements DK7ZB and polarization switch finished
by Henk, PA3GUO 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Hello ! Just want to share with you some results of the past months: In November I built an DK7ZB 2x6 elements beam for 145MHz: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/dk7zb.html This website contains why and how I created this antenna. Lots of pictures of the construction details are included. Also it includes a bunch of measurements (SWR, Impedance). By now this has become my main 2 meter antenna. This month I finally finished the polarization switch: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/polarizer.html Suggested by Rob, PE1ITR, I re-used a design by SM5BSZ. Now I can select either horizontal, vertical, RCHP or LHCP. With the 2x6 elements in 'X' position this is a great solution. Also here detailed measurements, with help of the miniVNA of Rob. Especially for LEOs with fast changing polarization and deep QSB circular polarization is comfortable. Please let me know if any questions ! 73, Henk http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo

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Re: Suggested mode S antennas for K5GNA downconverter
by Ronald Nutter 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Sorry I should have been a little more specific. I have some travelling coming up and am trying to come up with a combination of equipment that will fit in a Pelican 1490 case that should be able to go through airport security with a minimum of hassle. Ron KA4KYI Jim Wright wrote: > Would a larger briefcase/toolbox help? A metallic tool box may be what you need to mount it all to and serve as its transport, also. > > Just a thought. > > 73, > Jim WA4IVM > > > > From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> > Date: 2008/04/13 Sun PM 06:02:40 CDT > To: amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Suggested mode S antennas for K5GNA downconverter > > I am trying to come up with a portable sat station that can fit in a > briefcase. I have the dipole and reflector antenna that K5GNA sells for > his downconverter but I am looking for something compact that can fit in > the briefcase and the reflector cant. I have thought about the G3RUH > patch antenna but that is a little pricey for me at this point. Are > there any other antennas that someone can suggest that I try for this > quest ? > > Thanks, > Ron > KA4KYI > _______________________________________________ > 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, GO-32 APRS new address
by Mineo Wakita 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Hi Steve K4HG, The 'www1' of new page, not 'www': http://www1.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi?absolute=1 is working very nice for ao51, go32, pcsat. Thank you.

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swr-antenna question
by w0dxz＠aol.com 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Finally got my satellite antenna system set up, using with my IC-910H. Works well on 144mhz, good PO, good SWR.? But on 432,,, I have good PO but NO reading on the SWR meter. As I tune up and down the band, PO goes up and down, as I get? near or far from resonant freq.? Power Out goes up and down as I tune up and down the band, but I get NO reading on the SWR meter.? Using an older CushCraft 416TB, circular right, I think. I expected either a good SWR reading,? (hopefully) or a bad reading, but I get NO SWR reading. My only thought is how it is wired, for R circular. I am hesitant to run much power until I determine the SWR. Any ideas as to why I get NO SWR rreading on 432 antnna? Seems to hear OK, I can hear local repeaters, etc. Not sure what is going on. The meter is good, I checked that, SWR reads OK on another? radio/antenna. Bob W0DXZ DM33 Sun City AZ

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