October 2009 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: Question regarding WISP and operating satellite BBS
by Mark L. Hammond 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Shamai, What you are seeing is a problem that has a vareity of solutions. There is not one program that does everything you need to do! So, you may have to run more than one program at a time. I run SatPC32 to control my rotators and radio VFOs AND I also run WISP to run the PBBS software and to schedule other programs to run for specific satellites. So, I run both programs all the time. For GO-32 KISS reception, try using Mike DK3WN's excellent software ONLINE KISS+ to capture a KISS File and then decode it with his TECHSAT-1B (GO-32) Telemetry Beacon Decoder. You can download both here: http://www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml There are other solutions to our problem (using Wisp and WispDDE for frequency control). But I much prefer SatPC32 for radio/rotors and WISP for TNCS and scheduling programs. For example, with GO-32 you can have Wisp run the ONLINE KISS+ software instead of the PBBS MSPE program. It is just a configuration matter. I hope that helps! 73, Mark N8MH ___________________ Hi all I am trying to download telemetry from GO-32 in KISS mode, and later on, I would also like to operate the AO51 BBS. I tried two ways. In both there is something missing... I hope someone will be able to give me some advise...: Way #1. With SatPC32. SatPC32 provides good tracking capabilities. I get automatic receiving frequency control via CAT, including Doppler compensation, and I get automatic antenas control via the LVBTracker. However, I am missing a software to capture the KISS information in a file, and will also need to work with the PACSAT protocol for the BBS. Way #2. With WISP. I succeeded to get the antennas rotor control working by WISP, but so far I could not learn how to control the transceiver frequencies, and also to automaitcally switch from receive to transmit for sending packets and requests to the satellite. I have an ICOM IC910H and a Kantronic 9612Plus TNC. My PC is a laptop with only USB ports..., no RS232. I am using USB to RS232 converters, but I don't think i can access hardware pins of the DB25 after the converters, for the T/R control. Thanks & 73, Shamai 4Z1WS -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

1 0

NF
by Fitri Rahmawati 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

hi, sorry I'm new how exactly NF at Yaesu FT-847 transceiver for UHF 437,325 mhz ( 69 cm ) ? Thank's Fitri Rahmawati - Indonesia

2 1

AO-51 L/S?
by Bob- W7LRD 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Hello Gents I would like to request a "somewhat" consistent L and / or S mode availability on AO- 51. A recent post by John-K8YSE correctly explained that long term L/S availability is almost counter productive. If we define that by the number of operators to pass ratio. There are a few of us L/S holdouts mostly from AO-40 (sobsob). If we could plan that for say three days (or whatever) at a given date we can expect those modes, and be ready. Right now it appears to be a month to month variable decision with nothing definitive. If there were more availabilty and chit-chat about L/S modes it might inspire others to try it. AO-51 is the only testbed for varied L/S modes. The only way I have for "tweeking" my S band gear is to put a -35Dbm signal source at the end of my driveway and tweeking my equipment and antennas. Real world evaluation is always the proof of success. 73 Bob W7LRD

8 8

"Final" Symposium Agenda Posted
by Frank H. Bauer 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

All, We have posted the "Final" Agenda for the 2009 AMSAT Symposium, including the presentation schedule. I call it "Final" because everything is subject to change. We are still looking for some volunteers for the following responsibilities: 1) Paper Session Chairs (introduce speaker, time presentation, use the "hook" if paper runs long) for the 5 paper sessions 2) AV table support (1 hour commitment or more during paper presentations) 3) Registration table (1 hour commitment or more) 4) Poster session Chair/security (1 hour commitment or more and only when the poster session is open to the public) If you are interested in supporting any of these, e-mail me directly (ka3hdo(a)comcast.net) and let me know what interests you and what dates/times you would like to support. We can really use your help on this as it is a critical element of making the 2009 symposium a success. And for those who have not done it already..please sign up for the symposium. We have a fantastic program planned. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO 2009 AMSAT Symposium Co-Chair

2 1

New APRS satellite programme
by andy thomas 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

I saw this software at the UK national hamfest this weekend: http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/aprs_messenger.htm I'm sure it will have an application - see SAT (no Ack frames) mode/ Also a piece of easy compatible APRS hardware. i have no connection to the company but it seems to me to be an interesting bit of kit. 73 de andy G0SFJ

2 1

Re: Arrow Diplexer loss + Arrow v Elk
by Wayne Estes 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Jeff Yanko wrote: You mention about the Elk's F/B ratio. I've noticed the same thing on the Arrow. A while back, before the new diplexer, I contacted a local about 15 miles away, he was running about 2 watts and no matter which direction I turned the beam, the signal strength never changed. Hmmm. Wayne replies: If your area is hilly you could be receiving reflections from the hills. I'm surrounded by hills. The local repeaters are south of me, behind a hill. The repeater signals are strongest when I point my antennas to the northeast, at a big hill. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

2 1

SAT PC32 / AO-7 Mode B
by Randy 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

I made a couple contacts on AO-7 Mode A just fine And when you click on CAT and look at the freq selections For Mode A it matches the cheat sheet AMSAT sent me. However that's not the case with MODE B freqs .. Doesn't match the chart.. And I cant seem to make a contact. ( still ) I have the CAT cable hooked up and SAT PC32 setup ( thanks to Tim, N3TL ) And as I mentioned, Mode A worked fine.. Did something happen to the sat to shift that ? Or is it for some other Reason that it doesn't match? Randy - N2CUA PS .. Try not to beat me up to bad here...

1 0

question
by w3vvp 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

I have a log periodic covering 50mhz to 1.3ghz. 360 rotation w/no obstructions,55ft up on tower. If I put a duplexer on feed line using a 2000x would this be suitable to work VO-52??? Thanks George

2 1

AO-07 Doppler entry SatPC
by joe barkley 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Hi All, Fairly new at all this and I believe I hit something wrong in my CAT menu for AO-07 and changed the Doppler settings. What are the proper values for the Doppler file now for it to properly track. Thanks Joe KI4TZ

2 1

HAM RADIO UNIVERSITY- 2010
by Peter 04 Oct '09

04 Oct '09

Hello All, I'm looking for an Astronaut as a keynote speaker, I know it's a long-shot, but this Board has solved many problems! The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, I'm a member, will be hosting Ham Radio University on January 10, 2010 at Briarcliffe College,1055 Stewart Ave,Bethpage, NY 11714. They plan to have about 300 people in attendance the presenters will be spreading Ham Radio Knowledge and Know How. My talk "Jump into Space with an HT" will probably be a highlight.... LOL If anyone has any contacts that may help us please let me know, off line, thank you. 73, Pete, WB2OQQ

2 1