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

Re: New Ham antenna to be installed on the ISS Columbusmodule tomorrow,
by Cor 26 Nov '09

26 Nov '09

On this photo you see the new 2&70cm ham radio antenna which was funded by AMSAT-NA and made by volunteers. http://iss.ontwikkel.nl/ISSPICS/newhamantennebig.jpg On this photo you see an ISS crew member installing the AIS (Automatic Information System) ship tracking antenna. http://iss.ontwikkel.nl/ISSPICS/isscolumbusbig.jpg Both antenna's areinstalled on the ISS Columbus module. Thanks to Lou McFadin (W5DID), Amsat-NA, ESA and all the people who worked on this project. 73's Cor PD0RKC Ham Radio In Space: http://iss.ontwikkel.nl

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Satellite QSO distance records
by Kevin Groth 26 Nov '09

26 Nov '09

I was searching through the net to try to find out QSO distance records for some of the LEO sats such as AO-27, AO-51, SO-50, etc. Anyone know where that info may be found or does anyone have a personal record of your furthest contact? I was looking through my HRD logbook and so far, KL4E on AO51 in BP51fh (Alaska) to my QTH in EM12hv (Texas) is my personal record at 3016 miles. It just got me thinking. Kevin N9EME EM12hv Fort Worth, Texas, USA

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Logging programs
by Bob Herrell 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Hi all, Is there a logging program that will log satellite contacts (grid square and satellite) as well as keeping track of the grid squares worked so you know if it is a dupe? I have not been able to find anything that will do it. Thanks 73, Bob AJ5C EM36 __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4637 (20091125) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com

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Logging programs
by Bob Herrell 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Thanks to all who answered. I have used several of these programs, Logic 8 is my main logger. I guess I need to learn how to massage them to do what I am looking for. Thanks and see ya on the birds. 73, Bob AJ5C EM36 __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4637 (20091125) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com

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re UO-11 heard
by David Giles 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Hello All, Just to confirm Ray Hoad's message, just heard UO-11 buzzing away over the west half of VK at 2009/11/26 0003 UTC. 73 de David VK5DG

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Iceland!!
by Bob- W7LRD 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Hello all AO-7 fans I just recently worked Ari-TF3ARI. After several emails and a few false starts we connected on old AO-7. The footprint from TF will cover most of the U.S.! Another good reason to get on old AO-7! I'm sure he will eventually get to meet most of the "regulars". 73 Bob W7LRD Washington State AMSAT area coordinator

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Report on AO-51 38k4 packet session
by Mark L. Hammond 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Hello All, During the period November 16 - November 19, 2009 AO-51 was configured as follows: 38k4 BBS, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz 9k6 FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz 38k4 FM According to my records, the 38k4 packet mode had not been used in more than 3 years! In order to facilitate the high speed packet testing, the satellite was configured such that TXB (435.300) was OFF and TXA (435.150) was set to between 2.05-2.15 W output. During last 12 hours of the period the baud rate was reduced to 9600. The bird performed nominally during this period. Interested parties can always peruse the whole orbit telemetry data from AO-51 at: ftp://ftp.amsat.org/amsat/telemetry/ao51 Several users reported activity during this mode, and we appreciate your feedback. Additional 38k4 packet testing at lower transmit power levels may occur in the future; the reduced power output should permit simultaneous operations of TXA and TXB so that voice operations can continue during the testing. On behalf of the command team, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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AO-51 mode change
by Andrew Glasbrenner 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

We just enabled the 1268.700/435.150 repeater for the holiday weekend in the US. Power on the 435.3 transmitter is now 550mw, and 435.15 is 490mw. Enjoy! 73, Drew KO4MA

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[Fwd: First Satellite contact AO-51]
by Gordon JC Pearce 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

J.D. Smith wrote: > Just made my first satellite contact using AO-51, using handheld and arrow Feels *good*, doesn't it? Welcome to the club. You just sent a message into space, and got it back again. Handheld QRP satellite operation is a lot of fun. If only there were more LEO FM birds... (tongue slightly in cheek) Gordon MM0YEQ

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Polarity Switch Question
by David Wing 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Getting really close to having everything installed and working on the roof! May get to work some birds later today if the XYL doesn't corner me with housekeeping chores in preparation for tomorrow. One of the antennas that I'm putting up is an old Cushcraft 30 element 440 with a polarity switch. I have not been able to find any documentation on this antenna and I wonder if there is an easy way to determine if the antenna is set up for RHCP or LHCP. Clearly feeding 12v to the switch will change the polarity but I'm wondering if there is an easy way to determine what the default setting is before the switch is energized. 73, David K6CDW

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