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

Re: Suggestions for Mode L antenna
by Greg D. 13 May '08

13 May '08

Hi Ron, I built the helix because they are fairly tolerant of slight differences in materials and assembly dimensions. I am by no means a precision builder, so this seemed right for me. I have an ICOM 1271A in the shack, which is supposed to put out about 10 watts. This goes to about 5 feet of RG-214 (I think - it's the 50 ohm stuff that looks like RG-8, but has better shielding), to a box outside where there's supposed to be a lightning arrestor. That's on my list of things-to-buy-soon... Right now the arrester is just an N-N barrel connector. That feeds about 60' of Andrew hardline (LDF4-50A) up to the roof, where there is another barrel connector and another about 5' of that RG-214 to go around the antenna rotor to the antenna itself. At 1.2 ghz and 50-odd feet, I expect that hardline is going to be a requirement. Or you could mount a power amp and pre-amp at the other end of the coax, along with power and sequencing logic. The hardline I got was a trade from another ham who worked, I'm guessing, in the CATV, Telephone, or similar industry. I got something like 180 feet of it in trade for a short 70cm antenna, enough for 3 runs to the roof. There was a bit of a kink in the middle, so that run is on a lower band :-). Ask around, you might be able to scrounge up something. Good luck, Greg KO6TH ---------------------------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 07:50:44 -0500 > From: rnutter(a)networkref.com > To: ko6th_greg(a)hotmail.com > CC: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Suggestions for Mode L antenna > > Greg: > > Thanks for your option. My antenna building abilities havent been the > best, so I am looking at commercially made antennas. > > What type of coax/feedline should I use ? I will probably have the run > under 50 ft. I would hope I dont have to use hardline as that will > probably be very expensive with the price of copper. As I get close to > the antenna, should I shift over to a different type of coax/feedline so > that I can rotate the antenna to track AO-51 ? > > Ron > KA4KYI > > Greg D. wrote: >> Hi Ron, >> >> I've done ok on AO-51 with a homemade helix. See http://home.wavecable.com/~ko6th at the bottom of the page. I also have watts in the shack, but a full az/el rotor system. I don't know how sharp the pattern is for the helix, so I don't know how effective a fixed elevation system will be. But from the reports I've received, the 10 watts and my 60' of hardline with about 7 feet of RG-214 at each end seems to be quite adequate. >> >> Good luck, >> >> Greg KO6TH >> >> ---------------------------------------- >>> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:49:23 -0500 >>> From: rnutter(a)networkref.com >>> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Suggestions for Mode L antenna >>> >>> I am considering purchasing the 1.2 ghz module for my IC-910H. For my >>> satellite work, I have my antennas angled at about 20 degrees since I >>> dont have an az/el rotor. This setup worked reasonably well with Mode S >>> this weekend. What are my chances to be able to work Mode L with this >>> kind of setup ? Also, I would appreciate any suggestions for an antenna >>> that I could use. With only 10 watts, I am not expecting a great signal >>> but I would hope to have at least a readable signal. Also, would >>> appreciate any suggestions as to coax/feedline that I should look at >>> buying ? >>> >>> 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 >> >> _________________________________________________________________ >> Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. >> http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh… >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch when you're away with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refres…

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 239
by John Kopala 13 May '08

13 May '08

Ron, Been there, Done that. I am using a Directive Systems Looper antenna for 1.2 GHz. With the setup I have, I chose a 6 foot long version with a 30 degree beamwidth rather than the 12 foot long antenna. It works quite well when AO-51 is put in L/U mode as was done several months back for channel B. You can check out my satellite antenna setup on QRZ. I am using the IC-910 with the 1.2 GHz module. Works great. Figure about half of your output will ever reach the antenna. I selected Belden 9913F7 ultraflex cable which is ideal for my installation. Keep the runs as short as possible. Probably better, if it works for you, would be LMR-400 or 600 or hardline. For a given length CP Yagi, the gain of the antenna is going to increase as the frequency increases (more elements, etc) and beamwidth of the antenna is going to become more narrow. So pointing the antenna accurately becomes a more significant factor. It's time to go out and buy the elevation rotor. You'll find that it is worth every penny you put into it. A beamwidth of 30 degrees on 1.2 GHz gives the half power points as 15 degrees either side of the antenna position. You don't really want to be 15 degrees off. You want to keep the satellite well within the main lobe of the antenna. At 1.2 GHz, starting with 10 watts, figure half of that gets to the antenna. You don't want to throw away half or all of what's left because the antenna isn't pointed at the satellite. Elevation control will also reduce your power requirements on all of your uplinks. Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:49:23 -0500 From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Suggestions for Mode L antenna To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <4827A223.6020304(a)networkref.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed I am considering purchasing the 1.2 ghz module for my IC-910H. For my satellite work, I have my antennas angled at about 20 degrees since I dont have an az/el rotor. This setup worked reasonably well with Mode S this weekend. What are my chances to be able to work Mode L with this kind of setup ? Also, I would appreciate any suggestions for an antenna that I could use. With only 10 watts, I am not expecting a great signal but I would hope to have at least a readable signal. Also, would appreciate any suggestions as to coax/feedline that I should look at buying ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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AO-51 mode V/S
by Jesse Morris 13 May '08

13 May '08

Did anyone have a problem with the 145.88 uplink last week? For some reason the uplink wiped out my downlink. I had not had the problem before. I probably am the only one it affected since I have a different down converter set up than most. I use one of K5GNA converters with the original LO crystal. I convert the 123.2 Mhz IF to 29.2 Mhz. I have examined all the obvious harmonic/image/IF combinations but haven't hit on anything I think should be a problem. BTW - In response to some of the questions about antennas - I am using a 21 turn helix and had very good signals on the downlink. I did not observe much fading. I do have a DEM preamp ahead of the downconverter. Glad to get a chance to check the 2.4 Ghz receive system. 73 de Jess - W4MVB

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Re: Operating from Baffin Island
by Hans Johnson 13 May '08

13 May '08

Hi Doug, and all.. Unfortunately, our client was forced to back out of the project, and as such the trip is canceled. :( Sorry to get everyone's hopes up. Regards, Hans On Mon, May 12, 2008 at 5:08 PM, Douglas C. Papay <dpapay(a)chartermi.net> wrote: > Hans, > > Ok on dates, I will be listening to all evening passes for you from Baffin > Island through the evening of the 14th. > > Try to stay warm & hope to hear you on the bird. > > Thanks & 73, > > Doug KD8CAO > > > > At 02:21 PM 5/10/2008, you wrote: > > It will be especially tough because it's still 20F there, and all I have > is a whip. :o > > Anyhow, my best bets will be either the evening of the 12th and 14th, or > evening of the 13th. I'll have to look at the passes to see what I can hope > to hit. > > Good luck, and I hope to talk to you soon. > > Regards, > > Hans > > On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 5:53 PM, Douglas C. Papay <dpapay(a)chartermi.net> > wrote: > Hans, > > Thanks in advance for attempting to put Baffin Island on-the-air. I hope > to work you on AO-51 during the 1st half of the week (May 12th-14th)--I'm > heading to Dayton on the 15th. I will look for you during the evening > passes, since this is when I will be available. This will be a new Canadian > province via satellite for me if we make the contact, in addition I'm still > looking for Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and > Yukon Territory. > > It's not going to be easy with a half-duplex radio & whip antenna, but as > I'm sure you know, AO-51 gets very quiet when it gets up over Canada, so > this is to your advantage. > > 73, > > Doug KD8CAO > Zeeland, MI USA > > > > At 04:09 PM 5/2/2008, you wrote: > Hi All, > > Just thought I'd drop a note saying that between May 12 and 16, I will be > in > Pond Inlet, Baffin Island (Grid Square FQ12AQ). While I will be there on > business, I will be bringing my TH-F6A, and will attempt to work AO-51 in > my > spare time. Unfortunately, I don't think I can get an arrow antenna or > other hand-held beam in time, so I'll be stuck with a whip. > > Anyhow, I would appreciate any tips or suggestions for this endeavour, and > look forward to the experience. > > Regards, > > Hans Johnson > VA7HAS > > --------------------------------------------- > Hans Johnson (hjohnson(a)sfu.ca) > B.ASc, Computer Engineering > Simon Fraser University > > ... Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes. -- Anonymous > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.7/1411 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 > 8:02 AM > > > > > > -- > --------------------------------------------- > Hans Johnson (hjohnson(a)sfu.ca) > B.ASc, Computer Engineering > Simon Fraser University > > ... Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes. -- Anonymous > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.14/1425 - Release Date: 5/9/2008 > 12:38 PM > > -- --------------------------------------------- Hans Johnson (hjohnson(a)sfu.ca) B.ASc, Computer Engineering Simon Fraser University ... Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes. -- Anonymous

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no sigs at 2345 on ao-27, not 2145
by w0dxz＠aol.com 13 May '08

13 May '08

OOOps, sorry?? ( thanks for the correction Patrick)I meant I heard no stations at the pass at 2324,,, this afternoon on ao-27,,, did any one work or hear anything?? Did a pidgeon bust my beam? Bob

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ao-27?
by w0dxz＠aol.com 13 May '08

13 May '08

I heard no stations on the most recent pass, at 2145Z,,, on AO-27... amI missing something? Bob W0DXZ

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Registration for Dayton Banquet
by Martha 12 May '08

12 May '08

The following people have registered for the AMSAT/TAPR dinner: Melvin Musulin - 2 Jeff Kelly - 2 Larry Dietrich Joe Prokop Brian Gaffney-2 Bob Lumpkins-3 Robert Kunz Bernard Barnes-2 Scott Cowling-2 Hardmans-8 Mark Kilmartin See you at Dayton! -- 73- Martha

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Re: HRD problem
by andy thomas 12 May '08

12 May '08

Thanks to exteremely fast responses by Simon and David, I am now ok again. The problem, for future reference, was caused in satellite mode on HRD by ADD - ing a second text file with a different name and different keps for the same object number. Dunno why I did that! I went to the / .../ satellites subfolder and deleted the new file - now ok. thanks to all 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Re: Just starting (back) up
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 12 May '08

12 May '08

Sebastian-Currently the best SSB/cw satellite (my opinon) is AO-7. http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php 432 up and 145 down, from your QTH you can even "see" a piece of Europe, where there is a lot of activity. I use an old IC-251A and an IC-451A radios. You really don't need a lot of power. If money is an issue these old radios are just fine. The FM satellites are ok if all you want to do is swap grid squares, whereas on AO-7 you can actually have a conversation. For future HEO satellites you will need 70cm/2M at very least. Good luck! 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Sebastian <w4as(a)miamisky.com> > About 10 years ago or so, I owned a Yaesu FT-736R, and used AO-10, > UO-16 and a few others. I had a lot of fun. Family and job > obligations, as well as several hurricanes later (I'm in South > Florida), I ended up getting out of radio for many years. > > Now, things have changed. I'm disabled, so I was able to retire early > (49 years old). I can't do any tower work, or antenna work anymore, > so I have to rely on a friend. > > I kept my old AOP-10 antennas, my Yaesu G-5400B rotor, and I currently > have an Icom IC-746 (non-pro) and a Yaesu FT-8800. > > I plan to put back up my AOP-10 antennas, and work the FM birds. > > So here is my question. Considering the equipment I have right now, & gt; and the birds that are currently up; is it worth it for me to get a > satellite radio at this time? I'm interested only in voice. > > Should I even consider the old 736R, or go for the newer IC-910H. I > loved the 736R, but they still demand a lot on eBay; and it's an old > rig, which I'm not sure there are still parts available from Yaesu in > the event it requires service in the future. It's also a relatively > low powered rig, compared to the IC-910H, and even my IC-746. > > The IC-910H is expensive, however it's a current model, and puts out 4 > times the power of the 736R. But it's about 40% higher in price than > a 736R. > > Are there any birds planned for the near future which will require 440 > SSB? I would appreciate any thoughts as to which direction I should > go (I hope I have posted this in the right list). > > 73s de W4AS. > _______________ ________________________________ > 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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ham radio deluxe - sudden failure
by andy thomas 12 May '08

12 May '08

Tonight, after contact with the seeds website (may not be relevant) I can't run HRD in satellite mode, gives me a run time error. Abnormal program termination. # it reads from the ICOM ok. Runs fine on W2K, but no satellite mode. anyone any ideas? andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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