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

AO-51 Schedule for September
by Andrew Glasbrenner 06 Sep '08

06 Sep '08

Sorry for the delay on the schedule being posted. The reload has taken up most of our volunteers available time this week. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations September 2008 AO-51 Schedule September 1 - September 7 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 BBS and Telemetry Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM September 8 - September 14 FM Repeater, L/S Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 2401.200 MHz FM FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM September 15 - September 21 College Radio Night is September 18! FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 BBS and Telemetry Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM September 22 - September 28 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM FM Repeater, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM September 29 - October 5 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 BBS and Telemetry Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM

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Re: PC Sat 2 29MHz RX.
by Bob Bruninga 06 Sep '08

06 Sep '08

> ...I wondered if you discovered the > cause of failure of the HF RX on PCSAT-2? Yes, the HF antenna broke cleanly at the base where the Integration team had made two SHARP right angle bends in the metal with a pair of pliers to make it fit better prior-to-deployment. A right angle bend in a brittle berillium copper was a dumb thing to do, but it was done without my oversight by the ISS integration team. So the only thing holding the "tape-measure" antenna together was the kapton tape. (no conduction). Even that snapped off in the astronauts hand when she prepared to fold it back into its case during the final EVA for return to earth. So not only did we not have an HF antenna, we also did not have one of the polarizaions of the 2m links either... This was evident in some of he fading on the downlink. Bob > Just wondered if there was a lesson to be learned, > or if there was a piece of technology that I should > avoid. >

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CUTE-1.7+APDII Earth Movie #2
by Mineo Wakita 06 Sep '08

06 Sep '08

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/cut17ap3.htm#bottom JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: AT&T DSL??
by Michael Heim 06 Sep '08

06 Sep '08

I have it. I've not had a problem whatsoever with RFI or anything for that matter. Michael Heim Chief Engineer, Forever Broadcasting New Castle PA WKST WJST WWGY 814-671-0666 Chapter Chair, SBE-122 ARS KD0AR ----- Original Message ---- From: Perry Yantis <pyantis(a)earthlink.net> To: Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2008 6:42:28 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] AT&T DSL?? Has anyone on the BBS had any experience with AT&T's DSL Internet service???? I will be using a Apple IMac computer and the people here in town don't seem to know anything about a Mac computer. I would also like to know if upgrading to DSL will cause any interference on my TS2000???? Perry WB8OTH _______________________________________________ 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: Time to Register
by Allen Vinegar 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Is there a preliminary program so that we can see how each day is set up? This would help in making travel arrangements and hotel reservations. Thanks. Al W8KHP

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AO-51 is operational again
by Gould Smith 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Both the AO-51 repeater and the BB are active again. The software crashed during the start procedure of the PL tone task late Wed night. The command team has reloaded the software and setup the repeater and the BB. We will be coming out with a schedule for September shortly. 73, Gould, WA4SXM

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AMSAT Board Meetings
by Frank H. Bauer 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

All, Please recognize that all board meetings are open to all. Attend and enjoy!! I have been an AMSAT member since 1981 and have seen the board minutes in the Journal for as long as I can remember. Yes, it does take a few months to get these in the Journal.but that is mainly to ensure accuracy for the members. If you want to get the details of the board meetings, I suggest you either attend the meeting (and hear it in real time) or get the journal. Those that volunteer to transcribe the board minutes from the tapes spend a lot of their personal time in getting the minutes accurate. I thank them for their outstanding support to AMSAT. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO

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Items posted for sale
by Bill Bruno 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Many of the items I posted for sale are sold. SOLD are: Th-D7AG HT, MMF-200-7 Filter, Both lengths of rotor cable, One length of 1318FX Coax with UHF connectors, Both Duplexers. STILL AVAILABLE: All the Th-d7ag accessories previously listed, One 100' length of 1318FX coax with "N" connectors, and Unitrac 2003 hardware and software and cable for TS2000. Thanks all Bill KB2RC Amsat 6986

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Presentation @ Prescott AZ, 4 September 2008 - report
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Hi! I gave a satellite-related presentation last night for the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club in Prescott, Arizona. The club meeting had a good turnout, about 60 people. Even though AO-51 was not available for a demonstration I hoped to do before the meeting, it was still a good evening for talking about satellites and AMSAT. Thanks to the club for inviting me up there and for the good time last night. Even though I returned to Phoenix much later than I had originally planned, it was fun. And thanks to those who were prepared to work that AO-51 pass during my demonstration. Having some stations standing by for those passes ensures a good show for the audience. Have a good weekend, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Duplexers for sale
by Bill Bruno 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Comet CF-4160, 3 N connectors, $20 Diamond MX-72H 1 N connector, and 2 cables w/N connectors. $25 Please contact me off list if interested. Bill KB2RC Amsat 6986

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Coax and rotor cable for sale
by Bill Bruno 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

>I have, in good condition > 2 100' lengths of Cablexperts 1318FX ultraflex coax. One with N > connectors > and the other with UHF connectors:. > 2 approx. 90' lengths of Cablexperts #1806 18 AWG 6 conductor rotor cable: > For sale at less than half the original cost. > 1318 coax $55 each, rotor cable $25 each plus shipping actual cost. > The coax weigh approx 10# each coil and the rotor cable approx 8# each > coil. plus the weight of packaging. > Please contact me off list if interested. > Thanks > Bill KB2RC AMSAT 6986 >

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Kenwood TH-D7A(g) accessories & Unitrac 2003 for sale
by Bill Bruno 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

TH-D7A G HT Accessories Kenwood BC-19 Rapid Charger .....................$35 Kenwood SMC-34 Speaker mic.......................$20 Kenwood HMC-3 Headset with VOX/PTT.......$25 Unitrac 2003 hardware, software and cable for Kenwood TS-2000.......$195 If interested please contact me off list Bill KB2RC Amsat # 6986

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AO-51
by David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

Is AO-51 currently off ?? Thanks -- *David* *KG4ZLB/MØZLB* *www.kg4zlb.com <http://www.kg4zlb.com/>* *www.mØzlb.com <http://www.m0zlb.com/>*

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Re: sun noise and other natural noise sources
by Michael Heim 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

Thank you, Domenico for the information, A lot of reading and study on this is in order. I'm probably different from many microwave ops, as I started high and am working down in frequency, hi. well, sort of, as I was on 1296 before I was on 10 GHz. I used the sun noise calculations that you gave, Domenico, as referred to me by another microwave op (for 10 GHz). Basically he directed me to a website, of which I do not remember, but you were quite correct, I measured 5-6 dB on 10 GHz using my 60 cm offset fed dish. I am still relatively new to 10 GHz, being only active since last summer. Without doing a lot of study, (of which I plan to do anyway, when I get the time to do so), you answered my question, and that is no, I will not see enough of a change in the noise floor (when aimed at the sun) with the antenna gain that I am using to be able to measure, however I should see an increase in the noise floor when aiming at a warm body, ie the earth, or perhaps some object such as a tree, building, etc. Anyway, that's what I was looking for, a way to test what I have using simple means (and my not having a calibrated signal source). I HAVE checked the converters using a signal source at a friend's shack, but the unit with the antenna attached we couldnt, of course make a meaningful measurement. So I know the frequency is correct, not an image, and the LO is calibrated well enough that I shouldnt have any problem finding the bird once it comes online in mode S. So I will consider that if I point from cold sky to earth, if I see a change in background noise, things are probably working. Michael Heim Chief Engineer, Forever Broadcasting New Castle PA WKST WJST WWGY 814-671-0666 Chapter Chair, SBE-122 ARS KD0AR

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FWD: Release of NASA solicitation for Missions of Opportunity proposals (SALMON AO)
by AB2VY 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

-----Original Message----- > From: NSPIRES-HELP [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 10:13 AM > To: esmde(a)listsrv.nasaprs.com > Subject: NASA releases solicitation for Missions of Opportunity > proposals > > Stand Alone Mission of Opportunity Notice (SALMON) Announcement of > Opportunity (AO) > > NNH08ZDA009O, entitled "Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice > (SALMON)" is being released by the National Aeronautics and Space > Administration (NASA) on September 3, 2008. This Announcement of > Opportunity (AO) solicits investigations that address the science > objectives of the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD) astrobiology, > lunar science, and planetary science programs and the Exploration > Science Mission Directorate's (ESMD) fundamental space biology > program. > > SALMON is an omnibus AO that is comprised of several independent > proposal opportunities. Three proposal opportunities are being > released for the SALMON AO. Two related proposal opportunities are > being released for the ROSES-08 NRA. The three SALMON opportunities > are: > > 1. Focused Mission of Opportunity (MO) to provide an in-situ dust > detector investigation for the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust > Environment Explorer (LADEE). Notices of Intent (NOIs) to propose > due September 24, 2008. Proposals due November 4, 2008. > > 2. Partner MOs in lunar and planetary science. NOIs due October 15, > 2008. Proposals due December 2, 2008. > > 3. Small complete MOs in astrobiology and fundamental space biology. > NOIs due October 15, 2008. Proposals due December 2, 2008. > > Simultaneous with the release of the SALMON AO, NASA will release > two amendments to the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth > Sciences > 2008 (ROSES-08) NASA Research Announcement (NRA) (NNH08ZDA001N). > > 1. U.S. Participating Scientists in lunar and planetary science. > NOIs due October 15, 2008. Proposals due December 2, 2008. > > 2. U.S. Participating Scientists in Earth science. NOIs due October > 15, 2008. Proposals due December 2, 2008. > > Participation is open to all categories of organizations (U.S. and > non-U.S.), including educational institutions, industry, not-for- > profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development > Centers (FFRDCs), NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory > (JPL), and other Government agencies. Upon the AO release, the > full text of the AO and all appendices will be available > electronically at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/. A preproposal > conference will be held in Washington,DC for all the solicitations > except the LADEE solicitation; see http://salmon.larc.nasa.gov/ for > details. > > Direct questions specifically regarding this solicitation to: Dr. > Carlos A. Liceaga; Program Executive for Missions of Opportunity; > Mail Stop 7F25; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; > Washington, DC 20546-0001; TEL: (757) 846-5880; E-mail: > salmonao(a)nasa.gov (subject line to read "SALMON AO"). Giulio AB2VY (ex KC2OTB) c/o Toms River NJ AMSAT-NA member 36417 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Poco spazio e tanto spam? Yahoo! Mail ti protegge dallo spam e ti da tanto spazio gratuito per i tuoi file e i messaggi http://mail.yahoo.it

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sun noise and other natural noise sources
by Michael Heim 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

I am working on an S-band receive setup. I currently operate X band terrestrial, and used sun noise as a test of my receive equipment there. It is quite weak on 10 GHz. Noise from the earth (aimed at the ground) is many times stronger. Aiming at trees, buildings, etc produce substantial noise on 10 GHz. The question I have is... Can I use the same techniques on 2.4 GHz? Of course antenna gain is lower, but noise figure should be fairly close - 1dB or so.... I have 2 units for 2.4 I'm testing. one has an integral yagi antenna, supposedly about 16dB gain. The other has an N connector, of which I have not designed an antenna for it yet. So, the question is... is sun noise stronger, weaker on 2.4 than on 10 ghz? If equipment is functioning properly should I be able to detect the sun? I actually didnt think about trying to hear a tree on it, but they should also be noise sources on that band as well. Michael Heim ARS KD0AR

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OLPC PACKET READY YET?
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

Hi folks, was wondering if anyone heard the latest about the OLPC and someone making some software so we can use them for packet. also was wondering if any software is out there that will let me use the OLPC with a telnet program. thank you in advance. kc8gkf

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Spanish on A0-27
by Rick - WA4NVM 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

Hi Everyone, Can anyone give me a correct explanation of the Spanish voices on the birds? Mainly A0-27 I heard Mexican Cab Co., etc. That does not sound correct. Just sounds like a conversation piped into the bird uplink. I might loose a few micro seconds of sleep tonight if I don't find out soon! Thanks for any help, Rick - WA4NVM

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presentation and AO-51 demonstration, tomorrow (Thursday, 4 September)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

Hi! I will visit the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club in Prescott AZ: http://www.w7yrc.org/ tomorrow evening. I will give a satellite-related presentation during the club's regular monthly meeting that starts at 1900 local (Friday 0200 UTC). About 30 minutes before the meeting, there is an AO-51 pass that covers much of North America. If the satellite is on and the weather is good, I will be doing a demonstration as WD9EWK from outside the club's meeting site. If you hear me on, please feel free to give me a call and say "hello" to those who are listening to the demonstration. Prescott is in Yavapai County and grid DM34. It is approximately 100 miles/160km north of Phoenix, in the mountains with an elevation of one mile (5280 feet/1609m). I was in Prescott for this club's hamfest in late May, and have made several trips to this grid in the past few months. Besides my trips, there has been some satellite activity from this area. I will send QSL cards for all contacts made during the demonstration. There will be no need for you to send me a QSL card or SASE to receive my card. Thanks in advance, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: Information request
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

The article is in the September/October 2000 issue. I built the project, but it was not a complete success somewhat of a disappointment. I am modifying the circuit, etching a new PCB, and going to try it from a different design approach. The mini-circuits VCO, and power divider cost $50.00 for these two devices. They can be ordered online with a credit card. If I can help you with anything, please email. Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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Re: LEO DX RS-6 and RS-8
by John W Lee 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

I haven't checked for distance, but I did work a JA on one of those RS's and a couple of UAO's. 73 JOhn K6YK On Tue, 2 Sep 2008 22:22:57 -0500 "Andy MacAllister" <w5acm(a)swbell.net> writes: > I have been looking through my QSO info on and off, for a while now, > digging > for my QSO to Germany via AO-7B, in the early 1980's. It hasn't > surfaced > yet, but I did run across two QSL cards from DC9ZP for contacts from > my > previous QTH in Pearland, Texas to Sorup, Germany via RS-6 and RS-8 > in 1982. > Manfred calculated the distance to be 8262.23 km. My calculation is > more > like 8225 km. > > Has anyone been working up DX lists for RS-6 and RS-8? > > 73 de Andy W5ACM > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > ____________________________________________________________ Click for free home mortgage rates from top companies. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m36kGt4ESfTNBvHT9jm7jLAf…

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How best to park your satellite antennas
by Graham Shirville 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

Hi all, I cannot remember this question being discussed before! If you have a nice array of VHF and UHF antennas - 2 stacked X 8 foot long yagis one ach band plus a 2 foot S band dish, is it best from wind loading and other reasons to park it: vertically pointing straight up (the dish has a hole at the bottom) pointing to the horizon towards the prevailing wind somewhere else? I know that at SSTL in Guildford they are usually parked pointing straight up but I have never been able to find anyone with a really good explanation for doing so. If you look at 193.51.07.114 you can see the sort of array that I am talking about! Many thanks Graham G3VZV

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LEO DX RS-6 and RS-8
by Andy MacAllister 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

I have been looking through my QSO info on and off, for a while now, digging for my QSO to Germany via AO-7B, in the early 1980's. It hasn't surfaced yet, but I did run across two QSL cards from DC9ZP for contacts from my previous QTH in Pearland, Texas to Sorup, Germany via RS-6 and RS-8 in 1982. Manfred calculated the distance to be 8262.23 km. My calculation is more like 8225 km. Has anyone been working up DX lists for RS-6 and RS-8? 73 de Andy W5ACM

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Worked FO-29!
by John Marranca, Jr 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

Greetings all..... Just wanted to brag a bit to mention that I worked W9VNE on FO-29 during the Labor Day weekend. I was transmitting CW, and heard Jim/W9VNE returning to me in SSB. TNX Jim. For what it's worth, FO-29 can be heard at less than 5 degrees. What a GREAT SIGNAL! Can't wait for my CT62 cable! 73 de KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Information request
by Jim Sanford 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

All: 4 or 6 years ago, there was an article in the Journal regarding a 2.4 GHz antenna tuning aid. As I recall, it was basically a return loss bridge, with an included VCO, and a DC or meter output. I'd like to revisit that article, but have not yet found it in a quick scan of tables of contents from my collection. Does anyone remember when that article was published? I'd appreciate a pointer; probably have the issue, just can't figure out which one. Thanks & 73, Jim wb4gcs(a)amsat.org

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