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

SEEDS CW/FM Analyzer
by Mineo Wakita 26 Apr '08

26 Apr '08

We are available a new analyzer at Nihon University site. http://cubesat.aero.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp/english/index.html http://cubesat.aero.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp/english/blog.html http://cubesat.aero.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp/download/Downlink_Code_for_Distributi…

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Re: FT817 service manual, repair or parts
by David Donaldson 26 Apr '08

26 Apr '08

I will admit publically I toasted my 817 and took 6 months and $500 to fix. I spent the money in order to prove I could fix it. There are more voltages then the 12 and 5 volt. There is 9V TX, 9V RX and regulators on the both the main board and the PA board (but not the module). To save the list my painful story I will contact you directly with my hints. Others my have simular help. I need to get to a real computer other then this moble phone.... Dave WB7DRU Burnsville ,MN US Sent with Wireless Sync from Verizon Wireless by DAVE DONALDSON-Burnsville MN Amateur radio: WB7DRU Navy Mars: NNN0AXK ---- Original Message ---- From: "Pieter Kotze" <PKotze(a)csir.co.za> Date: 4/25/08 2:32 am To: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subj: [amsat-bb] FT817 service manual, repair or parts Hello all Managed to kill my 817 some time ago with a power spike from a dodgy power supply. Found some burnt components and tracks on the main board next to the ribbon cable leading to the front panel and LCD. This prevented the 12V from reaching the front panel. Did a small mod to get the 12V around this burnt track. Still no switch on from the 817. Then found another burnt component, the 5V regulator next to the power switch on the front panel PCB. Temporary replaced the 5v surface mount with a 7805 regulator, but still no joy. Beginning to think that a lot more must have been damaged by the power spike. Anyone out there got more of a service manual to try and track the fault? Otherwise anyone got an 817 that has damage elsewhere from which I could try and swop subparts / PCB to get mine working again? Regards Pieter ZS1PK -- This message is subject to the CSIR's copyright terms and conditions, e-mail legal notice, and implemented Open Document Format (ODF) standard. The full disclaimer details can be found at http://www.csir.co.za/disclaimer.html. This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. MailScanner thanks Transtec Computers for their support. _______________________________________________ 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 --- Get FREE High Speed Internet from USFamily.Net! -- http://www.usfamily.net/mkt-freepromo.html ---

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FS: Kenwood TS-811
by Jack 26 Apr '08

26 Apr '08

I have for sale a very nice TS-811 I bought new and used for satellite activity. I plan to attend Dayton Hamvention and will bring it along for inspection by anyone interested. Please contact me off list for additional info. hr_gear at charter.net See you at Dayton.

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AMSAT Web Update: Multiple CubeSat Launch April 28
by JoAnne Maenpaa 26 Apr '08

26 Apr '08

Hello everyone, The AMSAT Web page http://www.amsat.org has been updated to provide summary information about the multiple CubeSat launch on April 28. Scroll to the bottom of the page for this information. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service

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CUTE1.7+APDII
by Mineo Wakita 26 Apr '08

26 Apr '08

CW Telemetry Checker Ver 0.5 Beta http://lss.mes.titech.ac.jp/ssp/cute1.7/index_e.html Screen shot http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/80426cut.jpg de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: Using an 817 on AO-51
by John Marranca, Jr 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Likewise, I too, use nothing more than an FT-817ND...but I don't use automation for Doppler Correction. The 817 is quite adept at making QSOs via Satellite. (Next project: Making satellite contacts with a 2AT and a 4AT) John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Re: FT817 service manual, repair or parts
by Henk, PA3GUO 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Hi Pieter, I had the same 2 yrs ago ... including smoke from within :-( All the el.cap's in the 12V input line exploded. They are rated only 16V or so, and there is NO protection at all inside the 817 for wrong polarity or too high voltage. As soon as you apply ~16V it's most likely damaged big time (!) At first I hoped only the C's, then the 5V regulator, but it turned out to be the main CPU that was dead. Felt also quite hot. The main CPU is located at the front PCB. You hardly see it. It tried here in the Netherlands at the local Yeasu, for a new front PCB or new front, but they didnt want to help (or offer it at the price of a brand new 817). Then I got help from Yaesu in the UK. Very friendly, and the shipped it I believe for something like 50 dollars. In any case much less as 500..600 for a new 817 ! On trick after that was to de-solder the old CPU and get the new one in. And: I got an old part, so have only 2 colors for the display, and I miss that 3rd bright nice color. Well, anything better as no 817. (wife would NOT allow spending again 600$ due to stupid me applying too much voltage to a new toy :-)) Hope this helps & Hope your CPU is NOT dead. ps1: I now have 2 diodes in the power supply cable to prevent wrong polarity. ps2: I do not complain about the 817, everything comes at a price, more safe/secure DC input design would have resulted in a higher price ! ps3: try a front from another HAM to trace down if you have the same issue. ps4: I also had to remove a C in the HF Amp, also that one caused a short. Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo ==================================== Hello all Managed to kill my 817 some time ago with a power spike from a dodgy power supply. Found some burnt components and tracks on the main board next to the ribbon cable leading to the front panel and LCD. This prevented the 12V from reaching the front panel. Did a small mod to get the 12V around this burnt track. Still no switch on from the 817. Then found another burnt component, the 5V regulator next to the power switch on the front panel PCB. Temporary replaced the 5v surface mount with a 7805 regulator, but still no joy. Beginning to think that a lot more must have been damaged by the power spike. Anyone out there got more of a service manual to try and track the fault? Otherwise anyone got an 817 that has damage elsewhere from which I could try and swop subparts / PCB to get mine working again? Regards Pieter ZS1PK

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TS-2000X question
by i8cvs 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Hi All, I got advise that the quality of modulation on 23 cm for the TS-2000X in SSB is not so good as in 2 meters and 70 cm. Any experience ? Tanks and 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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Dish position pulse counter
by Phil 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Thank you for reading this. While looking for something to do recently, I came across a project that I was working on four years ago. It's the basis of a PIC controller for a home-built satellite dish rotator. It's taken me the better part of a week to figure out what it's all about and I now remember one of the problems that slowed the pace of the project. I'm wondering if it's worth the effort of continuing. The PIC was counting pulses reasonably well from the elevation jack but was not always accurate because of noise pulses from the motor. I expect the larger azimuth rotator motor will produce even more hash. An accurate pulse count is important so as not to accumulate a large error towards the end of a satellite pass. Constant stopping and starting would probably add extra pulses too. Do home TV dish pointers use shielded cable to take the position pulses back to the controller? It's not something that I can test myself because my satellite gear is in storage more that 1100km from where I live. I'm having second thoughts about the pulse counting scheme and I'm beginning to think that the tried and proven ten-turn pot method might be more fool proof. Has anyone else had any success, or otherwise, with pulse counting? It's an interesting project but it might be impractical. Regards, Phil.

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AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

We would like to welcome the following to the satellite community. They have made their first satellite contact and are now members of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club. University of Florida, Gator Amateur Radio Club, W4DFU The following have earned the AMSAT Sattelite Communications Achievement Award Clyde de Rossett, KI4CKT #462 University of Florida, Gator Amateur Radio Club, W4DFU #463 The following have earned the AMSAT South Africa Satellite Communications Achievement Award Dimitrios Pallis, SW1JGW #US120 University of Florida, Gator Amateur Radio Club, W4DFU #US121 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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rs-22
by Robert Smith 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Aloha All I have copied RS-22 off and on over the last year. About the same time I read the AMSAT postings re: battery loss etc., I fired up SATPC32 and saw that the bird was almost directly overhead Honolulu (my QTH). I ran outside with my HT and Arrow and received a strong distinct signal. The time was 0833Z (1030p Honolulu time). Accordingly, although the sat. may be experiencing difficulties she was "op normal" under eclipse conditions this evening. My curiousity is now up however and I listen more frequently over the next several days. Aloha from Honolulu. robert NH7WN

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FT817 service manual, repair or parts
by Pieter Kotze 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Hello all Managed to kill my 817 some time ago with a power spike from a dodgy power supply. Found some burnt components and tracks on the main board next to the ribbon cable leading to the front panel and LCD. This prevented the 12V from reaching the front panel. Did a small mod to get the 12V around this burnt track. Still no switch on from the 817. Then found another burnt component, the 5V regulator next to the power switch on the front panel PCB. Temporary replaced the 5v surface mount with a 7805 regulator, but still no joy. Beginning to think that a lot more must have been damaged by the power spike. Anyone out there got more of a service manual to try and track the fault? Otherwise anyone got an 817 that has damage elsewhere from which I could try and swop subparts / PCB to get mine working again? Regards Pieter ZS1PK -- This message is subject to the CSIR's copyright terms and conditions, e-mail legal notice, and implemented Open Document Format (ODF) standard. The full disclaimer details can be found at http://www.csir.co.za/disclaimer.html. This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. MailScanner thanks Transtec Computers for their support.

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RS-22 not heard
by David 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Hello All, Just had a listen for RS-22 on 435.352 but didn't hear anything. Anyone know of its current status? 73 de David VK5DG

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Re: Dish position pulse counter
by Steve harrison 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

Hi Phil, Just a thought regarding pulse counting of the jack (Actuator arm). Feed DC to the reed switch and then detect it with an opto coupler with the appropriate series resistor. Then count the pulses from the output transistor of the opto-coupler. This will stop the false counts from noise etc. I would be very interested in your results with this project as pulse counting has lots of merit as an accurate position sensor. Regards, Steve. VK2XDE

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Any PSLV CubeSat Launch Coverage ?
by Keith N4ZQ 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

To anyone in the know, is there going to be any live Internet coverage of the PSLV CubeSat Launch in a few days? Maybe a live web cast or at least an IRC chat room? I would appreciate the URL if there is any. Cal Poly has had great success with it's chat room during their pre launch, launch and post launch activities. Keith N4ZQ _____________________________________________________________ Click here to find answers for Love, Problems, and what your Future holds. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4sufAlIMJRZIPwUryVQQAT…

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Delfi-C3 launch date confirmed!
by Mark L. Hammond 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

Just read this: http://www.delfic3.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=71 "Launch date confirmed The launch provider has officially announched a launch date and time: April 28th at 03:53 UTC. All clocks are counting down and preparations for the launch are in progress!" Congratulations to the team! I bet they are excited beyond belief :) 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Thanks for the 817 info
by WB2LLP 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

Keith and Ronald, Thanks for the information and pointers to the information. Normally I use an IC-W32A in the driveway or front yard and I wanted to try it with the 817 also. I had forgotten about the example on page 77 of the 817 manual. With all this help, it should be simple. 73 de WB2LLP Gene

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Tickets to Dayton Banquet
by Martha 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

This is a reminder that you MUST pay for your banquet ticket before May 12th. Giving me your name only will not hold a ticket. I understand it is difficult since the store is down but you need to call the AMSAT office. The number is 301-589-6062. -- 73- Martha

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O7 23apr08
by Dave Guimont 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

O7 beacon on 145.972 +/- doppler, S9 signals in San Diego at 1830z.... Mode B loud and clear the entire pass, ~50 watts ERP.. 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Re: Using an 817 on AO-51
by Angus 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

All my sat QSO's are done with a single FT817 and its no problem with any of the FM sats, very simple to set up, and any one with the FT817 should use the FT Commander software for easy setting of the 817 memorys. regards Gus M0IKB -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 3464 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len

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UT1FG/mm report
by Robert Turlington 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

Hi All yesterday Yuri UT1FG/mm was in KO19 and today in JO85 ,off the coast of Sweden I think, so he must have left St Petersburgh a few days ago heading out of the Baltic then through the English Channel out into the Atlantic and then to South AmericaRegards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Be a superhero and win! Play the Iron Man Mashup Game http://www.ironmanmashup.co.uk

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LVB Tracker Assistance
by Joel Kandel 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

I'm looking for assistance from anyone who is successfully using the LVB Tracker with the UBS RS-232 simulator drivers, either SatPC32 or Nova tracking software, and preferrably a TS-2000 xcvr. I'm also using a G-5400 rotor. Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Joel Kandel, KI4T

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Re: Using an 817 on AO-51
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

In a message dated 4/23/2008 9:42:22 PM Central Daylight Time, wb2llp(a)optonline.net writes: > My memory says that someone wrote a very nice article on using an FT-817 > with satellites and used AO-51 as an example. However, I can not remember the > magazine that contained the article and can not find the note that mentioned > it. Hopefully there is someone whose brain has more working cells than > mine, can tell me where the article is located. > > TNX es 73 de WB2LLP > Try the Summer 2007 issue of CQ/VHF. The cover photo shows a set of Field Day Satellite antennas. The article is not about 817's in patricular, but two of them are used as the basis of a complete multimode satellite station. I do use the FT-817 on all of the FM birds as well for demonstrations. It works quite well and, as someone else pointed out, the setup instructions for this are in the back of the FT-817 manual. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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CubeSats Preliminary TLE
by Mineo Wakita 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

SEEDS 1 XXXXXU 08XXXXXU 08119.17465972 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 0000X 2 XXXXX 97.9533 178.9040 0004500 6.0427 209.0053 14.7954000000001X Cute-1.7 II 1 XXXXXU 08XXXXXU 08119.17374537 .00000091 00000-0 00000-0 0 0000X 2 99999 97.9419 179.0062 0011471 292.3990 277.6939 14.7828229200001X Preliminary TLE 1 00000U 00000C 08119.17443982 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 0013 2 00012 97.9497 178.9014 0004270 015.5590 198.2466 14.79780033 00004

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UISS-SatGate
by Mineo Wakita 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

[How to SatGate using UISS only] I could satgate many data to findu.com: http://www1.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi?absolute=1 Please see my web: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/uisssate.htm Thank you very much, Dany/LU4EG and Guy/ON6MU. de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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