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

70cm to 10m down converters
by Mike Miller 09 Apr '09

09 Apr '09

I thought the 70cm to 10m down converter was an interesting work around for the Kenwood TS-2000 birdie problem. I looked at the Hamtronics web site and it appears that the 70 cm down converter isn't available. So who sells a reasonably priced 70 cm to HF down converter? I found quite a few intended for ATV with VHF TV outputs. Mike kc9doa

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Arrow Antenna
by Michael J Finn 09 Apr '09

09 Apr '09

Would the Arrow antenna work well for a fix rotor antenna? Or is it just for HT's. Those that use the Arrow antenna, how do you like it, and how well does it really work? What HT's are used for it. Thanks mike ____________________________________________________________ Don't work harder, work smarter. Get info on an Online Bachelors here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTL9zbwbC59vBOM4I8eRXJ1laK…

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Re: Arrow Antenna
by Clint Bradford 09 Apr '09

09 Apr '09

>> ... Would the Arrow antenna work well for a fix rotor antenna? Is is not the most rugged of Yagis for external mounting. Its beauty is its ability to be broken down quickly for transporting. And remember: if you have the model with the duplexer bult into the handle, max power is 10W. Otherwise, max power is 150W. The Laird/Cushcraft AR-270B is a much more durable dual-band Yagi for external mounting. >> ... Those that use the Arrow antenna, how do you like it ... It is the ultimate commercially-made FM sat antenna for low-power operations. >> ... how well does it really work? Magnificently. >> ... What HT's are used for it ... Any 2M or 440 HT can use it. And if you get the model with the duplexer built into the handle, you can use dual-band HTs and your Arrow to easily work the FM birds. I use the Yaesu FT-60R HTs during my presentations and demos. Clint Bradford Work AO-51 With Your HT: http://www.k6lcs.com

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EM90-91-92-93 Operation
by John Papay 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

Greetings: I was able to operate mobile and then portable from a few grids on the way back to Ohio from Florida on April 1st. If you worked me on AO-51 in EM92 or EM93, you should receive a card in the mail shortly. No return card is necessary. I used the Arrow antenna with my Kenwood mobile strapped around my neck and a small UPS battery for power. The EM92 operation took place at the MM47 Rest Area on I-95 northbound in South Carolina. We had one person ask my XYL about the antenna etc.; they thought I might be tracking animals! At some point I was sending my grid as EM82 but I was really operating from EM92. Sorry for the confusion. I logged 12 stations including HI8LAM, WP4CNU and YV6BFE. The EM93 operation took place at the MM123 Rest Area on I-26 westbound just south of Columbia, South Carolina. There were a lot of trees in the way at this stop and it was getting dark. I worked 11 stations from here. The operations from EM90 and EM91 were made on AO27 while driving on I-95 in north Florida and in East Georgia respectively. I was just using my Larsen dual band antenna on the trunk lid but at a certain time during the pass, stations were loud and clear. I worked 6 stations in each of those grids. If you worked me in EM92 or EM93 you also got cards for these grids. If you only worked me in EM90 or 91 and need the card, please email me and I'll put one in the mail to you. No return cards are necessary. As many of you know, I operated from Florida from January through March using a portable setup (Kenwood V7A, UPS battery and Arrow antenna) in EL96 and EL98. I also made a few contacts at the Stuart Florida Hamfest (EL97) on March 21st, demonstrating satellites for a few interested hams. In addition I operated through my home station in EN91 using a remote control setup over the internet. If you need cards for any Florida contacts, just email me and I'll send them to you. If you need cards for EN91, please send an SAE or SASE to my qrz.com address. Working grids on the satellites can be both challenging and rewarding. The ARRL VUCC award is the most prestigious VHF/UHF award on the planet. It's the DXCC of the VHF/UHF world. It requires paper QSL cards at the moment, however, the ARRL is working toward making LOTW compatible with VUCC/Grids. You can chase new grids from your home station and then work from a grid away from home and give others that new one they have been seeking. When you travel, think about taking your rig and a portable antenna. If you get the opportunity to operate from a rare grid, you will find it very rewarding. If you hear someone operating from a rare grid, work them and then give them the frequency; they might be there for only one pass and have made a big effort to operate from a remote location. There will be plenty of time to work the regulars when the satellite is not busy. We have a two week period coming up where AO51 will not be in a V/U FM mode. Why not try SO50 (use a PL tone of 67.0 Hz), and AO27 during this time. You never know when a new grid might show up there. SO50 can be a little difficult since it is subject to deep fading, but it is very workable during most portions of the pass. AO27 has a very strong signal and is generally on when over the US. Check the schedule for AO27 on their webpage http://www.ao27.org/AO27/listing.shtml If you are reading the amsat-bb and happen to live in a rare grid, please try to get on now and then. Many of us will be very happy to work you. Hint: Delaware has not been heard from in a very long time! 73, John K8YSE EN91 k8yse(a)amsat.org

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Out of the Office
by Martha 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

I will be out of the AMSAT office on Friday, April 10th and Monday, April 14th. -- 73- Martha

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ARISS Contact between Parkside Community Collee and Charles Simonyi
by Ciaran Morgan 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

Folks, I have finally managed to sort the video of the UK contact with Charles Simonyi that happened on 30th March 2009. http://www.it-sparkles.co.uk/ARISS/Parkside/Parkside.aspx - there are links to wmv, mov, mp4 and mpeg versions Howard G6LVB has also made the following video available http://www.g6lvb.com/ParksideCut.wmv (138MB). Regards Ciaran Morgan M0XTD

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NA1SS SSTV captures from last week
by Joe Veldhuis 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

SSTV pics received from April 2 to April 7: http://www.electroblog.com/na1ss_sstv/ The first two pics were received with MultiPSK. After seeing how poorly it worked (maybe the config needs more work), I switched to MMSSTV for the rest. Equipment was an Alinco DR-1200 connected to a 17ft colinear vertical mounted 25 feet above ground using about 75 feet of RG-6 feedline. Computer was a Dell Latitude CPxJ laptop running Win2K (my only non-Linux machine). Located at 42d59'40" N / 86d7'26" W. Hope to see more SSTV from the ISS soon, but for now I'd be happy to have the digipeater back. -Joe, N8FQ

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Help
by Billy Simpkins 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

I need help in identifying stuff I have. Shortly after 911 my life changed in such a manner I did not ham in any fashion. I was on the birds till A0-13 went down. I was in the process of updating to the microwave stuff using barbeque grills as reflectors, etc. I want to get back on the birds and am just overwhelmed with the advancements and new designations of bands etc. I am trying to set up a station from the ground up and use what I had back "when".. My questions: 1. I have a K5GNA 2.4 ghz converter/preamp? What is IF frequency? 2. Can anyone tell me the approx diameters of the more popular patch feeds. I have one that I obtained from some one in Colorado that made them. It is three mounted together with the larger one being about 2 ft.. Would 2 feet be about right for 70 cm? I am reasonable sure that the smaller one is 2.4 ghz., it is about 2.5 inches in diameter. What is your guess of the middle ones frequency. 3. Does anyone know where Landwher preamps can be tested. I have a 2mtr and 70cm but I do not have instructions and markings on them has faded. 4. I have a TS2000 with the 1.2 ghz module. I have never really used this radio. I haven't had a chance but it was purchased when they first appeared on market. What do I need to get on the birds to fully use this radio 5. Is there a supplier that has full line of amateur satellite antennas. 6. Are guys having good luck with the tracker box sold by Amsat. Thanks so much KF0CK, Billy

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Re: Arrow Antenna Az-El Mounting
by John W Lee 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

Guys, I also tried this basic setup with a single Arrow. My "regular " antenna is 14 elements on 2 meters, 20 elements on 435. The Arrow worked pretty good, actually! Not as well as the big beams but plenty good for LEO work. Just remember they are only good for about 100 watts or so, I think. 73 John K6YK On Wed, 8 Apr 2009 09:08:14 -0700 (PDT) Nader Omer <st2nh(a)yahoo.com> writes: > > Hi Mike.. > > See the nice photos of using Arrow antenna with a rotor at G6LVB HJ > Long great website. > http://www.g6lvb.com/ultimate_arrow.htm > > Nader , st2nh > www.st2nh.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > ____________________________________________________________ Let great B to B marketing solutions propel your brand to new heights! Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTMPaBhqHybME2yXaDW350yABU…

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BPL Interference
by Luciano G Nachif 08 Apr '09

08 Apr '09

Yes, it on the way to Brazil. I heard it few days ago... I know this is off topic but has anyone on this board ever had BPL interference on satellites or HF bands? If so, how did you get rid of it? I'm terribly sorry our representatives haven't done enough for us but they will realize by the time BPL starts interfering to military and other essential communication needs. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. 73, Luciano PT9KK Brazil

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