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

Fargo Hamfest
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

Thanks for all the help! Due to Mother Nature the Fargo Hamfest has been postponed until August 1st. 73, Joe kk0sd

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FT-736R SERVICE MANUAL
by books47925＠mypacks.net 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

Hello All, Does anyone know of a source for a Yaesu FT-736R Service Manual? My old rig still works great, but I would like to try to find a copy of the service manual. I recently read a post about stabilizing the frequency of the FT-847, and I thought that maybe I can make my old FT-736R even better. Thank You for any information on a source. 73 & Happy Easter! Steve KB8VAO

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Pre Amps
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

Jerry check out _www.advancedreceiver.com_ (http://www.advancedreceiver.com) Great pre amps and great people to deal with. **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001)

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Re: NO-44 and ISS
by Bob Bruninga 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

> I remember that you asked us NOT to > digipeat via W3ADO-1. From time to time > I listen to NO-44 and note that the > batteries pretty weak. Only some > packets (from always the same European > station) come through... Good question. We ask people to never use automatic unattended beacons via W3ADO-1. Especially when we are trying to recover PCSAT (3 times a year in the winter time), then we need every possible mA of current to try to get command link. Then we make many postings asking users to not digipeat via W3ADO-1. But when PCSAT is mostly dead, the command station does not try to recover, so human attended users may use it if they want. But everyone must remember that PCSAT is a PACKET digipeaterr and it needs TEN times the current during TX than it does for the receiver and CPU. This is why you can hear PCSAT attempt to TX a packet, but it cannot even maintain that current for even 1 second, so the packets die before the end of the second and it cannot be decoded. AND that packet attempt has consumed TEN times the current it needs to operate. So the only successful packets will be AFTER a long period of silence. That is why we ask that ONLY human operators MANUALLY transmit a packet ONLY when they think they have a chance at a digipeat. It is a game of skill with one bullet. Not a game of shotguns... EACH attempt at a packet kills the spacecraft for 10 times longer and prevents others from using it. So we do not want any unattended periodic beacons from users that KILL the satellite when they are not even there to listen. The problem is, that there is only enough solar energy on a good noon-time pass for maybe 2 or 3 packets TOTAL during the pass. And that is only if they get lucky and transmit after a long period of silence when no one else attempts it. Of course, asking everyone to share (not transmit) so that one person can get lucky (and transmit) is a hard problem in human nature. And especially over densly populated areas like Europe. See the "tragedy of the commons". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons So, yes it is ok. But no one will be successful if everyone tries. Hope that helps. Bob, Wb4APR >-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- >Auftrag von Bob Bruninga > > It is easy to see. Each of these two satellites > have an automated APRS web page where you > can literally *see* the activity up to date. > You can see the last packet heard by anyone, > and you can see who heard it. And you can see > whree they are. > > For ISS, see www.ariss.net > For NO-44 see http://pcsat.aprs.org > > Each packet heard is shown, sorted by how > long ago it was heard. If you click on > the station, you can see what sat-gate heard > it an injected it into the system. The SATgate > is the callsign immediately after the QAO or > QAR or QAS construct. You can then see where > they are by entering their call into the > http://map.findu.com/CALL > >Looking at the ARISS page right now at 9:27 PM Mountain time, you can see >that about 8 stations have been heard today (about 5 or 6 hours ago) and >that those are the only ones that have been heard then since 9 days ago. So >it looks like you might be lucky. This tells us that the crew on ISS did >turn on packet mode about 6 hours ago, and 10 people got through. ANd this >is the first time it has been on in 9 days. > >Now, click on KN6NS-1 for example, and you can see in his packet: > >KN6NS-1>S3PQSX,RS0ISS-4*,WIDE3-3,qAS,KD8CAO-6:'-_l -/]ok > >That he was digipeated by RS0ISS-4* (the ISS callsign) and his packet was >heard by KD8CAO-6 and injected into the APRS internet where this web page >then saw it and put it on this web page. The ISS signal is strong. It is >black and white. If it is ON, then you will hear it on ANY base station >antenna. When it is off, no one will hear it. > >Now, it has been 5 hours since the last station heard, but this does not >mean it is back off. Just look at the orbit. Where is ISS now and where >has it been for the last 5 hours. Maybe it has not been over any active ham >country. So it -could- still be on. > >BUT on the other hand. If you can -see- on your tracking program that the >ISS has passed over the USA or Europe in the last few hours, and you do >-not- see any packets on the web page, then it is safe to conclude that the >system is presently off. > >Similarly, you can look at http://pcsat.aprs.org > >and see that about 8 statiosn were heard today, >7 a day ago and so on, on down. But PCSAT (NO44) is not black and white: > >1) it is totally dead in the dark >2) it is barely alive in the light >3) it is ONLY strong enough to complete a 1 second user packet relay >usually when it passes right under the sun. >4) and only in the northern hemisphere where the best solar panels face >"up". >5) and it is 10 times weaker than ISS so you will only hear it if it is high >in the sky at your location. >6) therefore the only successful stations are usually under the satellite >about mid-day. And there is a two month or so cycle as to where that is >occuring on any given day... >7) and these will not get to the web page, unless there is also a satgate in >the footprint to relay it to the APRS internet and hence to that web page. > >SO, those two web pages give you the global bird's eye view live as to what >is happening with those birds. sleuthing out this info can give you a good >feel what is going on. > >Good luck. >'At least now you know the ISS does work. Or at least it did 5 hours ago >today... > >Bob, Wb4APR

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Rotator Yaesu G-5400B
by Vincenzo Mone 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

Hi Folks, sorry for the OT message. I own the rotator Yaesu G-5400B which are a Azimuth and elevation rotators. I had enclosed with the pack when I bought it an "L" bracket. Unfortunately due to maintenance I have lost the Bracket. Please is there anybody which own one and can pass me all the measures So I can build a new one? I need the measures of the "L" bracket and the right Positions of the holes to fix the two rotators. Any help will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance I want to thanks to Jim K6CCC and Stan W1Le for their replies but the problem is that They have the "U" bracket while I need the measurements for the "L" Bracket. The rotator was bought in the far 1990 and it was received with the "L" bracket and The Elevation rotator has just 4 holes on one side while the new one has 2 holes on On the bottom of the two sides. 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 *************************************** ***** GSM +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** SMS +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** FAX +39 328 7244294 ***** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** ***************************************

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SO-50 from North-West Scotland, next week?
by Gordon JC Pearce MM3YEQ 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

I'm going to be in IO67 square for a chunk of next week, if anyone wants a QSO. It's unfortunate that it coincides with AO-51 being in a not-very-useful mode, so I'll probably only be on SO-50. Maybe the ISS crew will fire up their crossband repeater? Gordon

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NO-44 and ISS
by Dave 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

I live in CO and have not been able to hear anything from these sats. I understand they may be quiet right now but I'm wondering if anyone in CO or surrounding states has been receiving any data? I would love to get something working. Thanks, Dave Mynatt Program Director ======================== http://sciencecenter.no-ip.org <http://sciencecenter.no-ip.org/> SID ID: S-0258 APRS Tier II Server @ http://pueblo.aprs2.net:14501 LAT: 38'16.278" N LON: -104'40.537" W Alt: 1460m DM78qd // KA0SWT

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 168
by Michael J Finn 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

To those of you who use HT's for A0-51 with a arrow antenna, I am thinking of trying this out. I need some advise on a Good HT to use for AO-51 can anyone help. thanks mike ____________________________________________________________ Getting the lowest homeowner insurance rate? Click here to compare quotes from top companies. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTIoQEKmcxzs7TixlJSDuUQ7db…

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Re: FS: Icom IC-910H w/1.2ghz, AG-1200, 25, 35 Mast Pre's, Kenwood TM-D710 APRS, More!
by Les Rayburn 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

Updates. Thanks everyone! From: Les Rayburn Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 12:43 PM To: VHF Contesting Reflector ; vhf(a)w6yx.stanford.edu ; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org ; TM-D710_TM-V71(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: FS: Icom IC-910H w/1.2ghz, AG-1200, 25,35 Mast Pre's, Kenwood TM-D710 APRS, More! Maybe with the IRS bill this year, so I need to sacrifice some great gear. Wanted to offer these direct to the VHF/UHF & Satellite community before placing them on Ebay. Can accept Paypal (first choice), or money orders. My ebay feedback rating is over 380 (all positive) and I've been a member since 1997, so you can buy with confidence. Also, have no fear, I'm not getting out of VHF/UHF, I'll just be working with some of my older radios. I will be off 1.2ghz until I can afford a replacement unit. KJ6KO 1.2ghz Amp & Power Supply ----------------------------------------------------------------- SOLD! ICOM IC-910H VHF/UHF/SHF Transceiver --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Used one year. Non-Smoker. Original box, instructions, hand mic, etc. Has 1.2ghz 10 watt unit installed and working great. UT-106 DSP unit is included in original box but not installed yet. Clean, and ready for action. $1,250 SOLD! AG-25, AG-35, & (RARE) AG-1200 Mast Mounted Pre-Amps ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Designed to work with the IC-910H. These have never been mounted outside (I have attic mounted antenna array) so they're super clean. Connect to the feedline from the IC-910H, powered and switched by the rig, no sequencer needed. The AG-1200 is no longer made, and very hard to fine. $500 for the set of three LOCAL HAM IS LOOKING AT THEM IN THE MORNING. IF HE DOESN'T WANT THEM, I'LL SELL THEM IN ORDER OF E-MAIL TIME RECEIPT. TWO BUYERS ON E-MAIL SO FAR. Kenwood TM-D710A Transceiver ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is Kenwood's new APRS dual band rig. It features dual band receive/TX, with complete APRS functionality. This is the perfect rig for rovers as it displays your exact grid square location in real time. No more guessing as to where you're at. Unit comes complete with GPS antenna, and call cabling. Original box, instructions, etc. Latest firmware is already installed too. It's literally "plug and play". Never used mobile other than a brief test. I was waiting to install it in the new truck. Extension kit is included. Original box, instructions, etc. $500 TWO BUYERS VIA E-MAIL. OFFERING THEM IN ORDER OF TOR. WAITING TO HEAR FROM BUYER #1 NOW MFJ 269-PRO Antenna Analyzer (HF, VHF, UHF) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Perfect for tuning those Yagis, this unit has never been used outdoors. Includes leather carrying case, slug kit, rechargeable batteries, and AC power supply. Covers HF, 6 Meters, 2 Meters, and 432mhz. Also can be used for public service frequencies, etc. since it's the "Pro" unit. Includes "no tip" stand which makes it much easier to work with than other MFJ tuners. Instructions included. $250 LOCAL HAM IS LOOKING AT. IF HE PASSES, I'LL SELL IN ORDER OF TOR OF E-MAIL. SIX BUYERS SO FAR. Please reply directly to: Les Rayburn, N1LF (n1lf(a)arrl.net) Thanks, & 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF EM63nf 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114

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Re: NO-44 and ISS
by Bob Bruninga 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

> I live in CO and have not been able to hear > anything from these sats. I understand they > may be quiet right now but I'm wondering if > anyone in CO or surrounding states has been > receiving any data? I would love to get > something working. Dave, It is easy to see. Each of these two satellites have an automated APRS web page where you can literally *see* the activity up to date. You can see the last packet heard by anyone, and you can see who heard it. And you can see whree they are. For ISS, see www.ariss.net For NO-44 see http://pcsat.aprs.org Each packet heard is shown, sorted by how long ago it was heard. If you click on the station, you can see what sat-gate heard it an injected it into the system. The SATgate is the callsign immediately after the QAO or QAR construct. You can then see where they are by entering their call into the http://map.findu.com/CALL Looking at the ARISS page right now at 9:27 PM Mountain time, you can see that about 8 stations have been heard today (about 5 or 6 hours ago) and that those are the only ones that have been heard then since 9 days ago. So it looks like you might be lucky. This tells us that the crew on ISS did turn on packet mode about 6 hours ago, and 10 people got through. ANd this is the first time it has been on in 9 days. Now, click on KN6NS-1 for example, and you can see in his packet: KN6NS-1>S3PQSX,RS0ISS-4*,WIDE3-3,qAS,KD8CAO-6:'-_l -/]ok That he was digipeated by RS0ISS-4* (the ISS callsign) and his packet was heard by KD8CAO-6 and injected into the APRS internet where this web page then saw it and put it on this web page. The ISS signal is strong. It is black and white. If it is ON, then you will hear it on ANY base station antenna. When it is off, no one will hear it. Now, it has been 5 hours since the last station heard, but this does not mean it is back off. Just look at the orbit. Where is ISS now and where has it been for the last 5 hours. Maybe it has not been over any active ham country. So it -could- still be on. BUT on the other hand. If you can -see- on your tracking program that the ISS has passed over the USA or Europe in the last few hours, and you do -not- see any packets on the web page, then it is safe to conclude that the system is presently off. Similarly, you can look at http://pcsat.aprs.org and see that about 8 statiosn were heard today, 7 a day ago and so on, on down. But PCSAT (NO44) is not black and white: 1) it is totally dead in the dark 2) it is barely alive in the light 3) it is ONLY strong enough to complete a 1 second user packet relay usually when it passes right under the sun. 4) and only in the northern hemisphere where the best solar panels face "up". 5) and it is 10 times weaker than ISS so you will only hear it if it is high in the sky at your location. 6) therefore the only successful stations are usually under the satellite about mid-day. And there is a two month or so cycle as to where that is occuring on any given day... 7) and these will not get to the web page, unless there is also a satgate in the footprint to relay it to the APRS internet and hence to that web page. SO, those two web pages give you the global bird's eye view live as to what is happening with those birds. sleuthing out this info can give you a good feel what is going on. Good luck. 'At least now you know the ISS does work. Or at least it did 5 hours ago today... Bob, Wb4APR > > >Thanks, > > > >Dave Mynatt >Program Director >======================== >http://sciencecenter.no-ip.org <http://sciencecenter.no-ip.org/> >SID ID: S-0258 >APRS Tier II Server @ http://pueblo.aprs2.net:14501 >LAT: 38'16.278" N >LON: -104'40.537" W >Alt: 1460m >DM78qd // KA0SWT > > > >_______________________________________________ >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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