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

AMSAT Field Day 2009 Rules
by Bruce 08 May '09

08 May '09

Once again we are approaching the 4th full weekend in June and that means Field Day. I have posted the AMSAT 2009 Field Day rules on my website in both pdf and doc formats. http://www.amsatnet.com/2009fd.pdf http://www.amsatnet.com/2009fd.doc It will appear in the May/June issue of the AMSAT Journal and at http://www.amsat.org (soon). 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Compass: High Definiton video showing beacon activation
by Henk, PA3GUO 07 May '09

07 May '09

Group, To encourage experimenting with Compass-1, here is a short video showing how to request a CW beacon of Compass-1. Actually it is a full High Definition (HD) video, taken with a CANON HV-30 camera, edited, and uploaded to Vimeo. Have a look and let me know how you experience this (download time, picture quality, etc.) http://www.vimeo.com/4515104 Henk, PA3GUO ---------------------------------------- We are happy to announce three DTMF commands to the whole community in order to say THANK YOU. Uplink frequency: 145.980 MHz FM, DTMF tones These are as follows: **35## - request a test beacon CW **36## - request a test packet 1k2 AFSK FM (UI-Frame) **60## - request a housekeeping frame in 1k2 AFSK FM (KISS frame) Every command will be confirmed with a short "beep" on the CW frequency. * frequency for CW beacon is 437.275 MHz * frequency for packet radio is 437.405 MHz See here for COMPASS decoding software http://www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml We'd be happy if you send us your received data to compass1cubesat(a)googlemail.com If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask us.

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Surface mount techniques
by Dave Guimont 07 May '09

07 May '09

This post in response to some questions here a while back..I've updated my site, and perhaps the following will assist: http://tinyurl.com/wb6lloOscar They all start with SurfMt....... Again, questions directly to me.. 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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demo
by Nick 07 May '09

07 May '09

I would like to demo echolink to a ham class of 6th graders at 23:30 tonight on w5exi-r node 370324. If you have a few minutes for the demo please reply to this email Thanks nick

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RE: [amsat-bb] Â Equipment/Software
by Mark L. Hammond 07 May '09

07 May '09

Hi Mike, Glad to learn of your developing satellite station! You are doing it "right"... One very important item missing from your list: low noise mast mounted preamps! I really love my Advanced Receiver Research 160W mast mounted preamps for 2M and 70cm. I'll take a shot at some of your questions, responses below: ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" <sar911(a)bellsouth.net> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 8:50:11 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Â Equipment/Software Okay, I am starting to build my station after playing around with the portable. So far I have acquired an IC-910 with 1.2G, power supply, G-5500 AZ/EL rotor, M2 2MCP14 and 436CP30 antennas. To finish I have the following questions. 1. What radio, rotor and tracking software are you using and why? (I am using Orbitron right now) SatPC32. It does it all, and does it remarkably well. There is a cost to license, but ALL of the money goes to AMSAT-NA (if you puchase there--THANKS Erich DK1TB!) 2. What interface are you using for an IC-910H and why? Not applicable, have a TS-2000X. 3. What interface are you using for your G-5500 rotor and why? The AMSAT LVB Tracker, because of cost, packaging, ease of use, proceeds go to AMSAT-NA (Thanks Howard G6LVB, Mike WB8CXO, and Gould WA4SXM!) 4. What are you using for the radio side for 2.4G? Either the TS-2000X or the TS-790A, with a self modified Transystem downconverter to 2M 5. What antenna are you using for 1.2G? 20-turn WIMO helix 6. What antenna are you using for 2.4G? A 32" DH satellite dish with G3RUH patch feed, DEM preamp Thank you in advance for your time and help. 73 Mike I hope the information is helpful---and don't forget the preamps :) -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Out of the AMSAT Office
by Martha 07 May '09

07 May '09

I will be out of the office tomorrow. -- 73- Martha

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Dayton Room
by Martha 06 May '09

06 May '09

If I don't have a taker for the "AMSAT" room at Dayton by close of business tomorrow, I will cancel it. -- 73- Martha

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Satellite funding sources!
by Luc Leblanc 06 May '09

06 May '09

It seems that money is available and it is advertised publicly! I don't know if AMSAT-NA is aware of it? interested in it? sensible to it? able to refocused quickly their goals if any remains? Is a joint support offer to some researchers can be something to be explore? But in the mean time amateur are bystanders spinning their wheels on ice... Here is the text: Please be advised that the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) includes revised guidelines to implement the mentoring provisions of the America COMPETES Act (ACA) (Pub. L. No. 110-69, Aug. 9, 2007.) As specified in the ACA, each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals. Proposals that do not comply with this requirement will be returned without review (see the PAPP Guide Part I: Grant Proposal Guide Chapter II for further information about the implementation of this new requirement). Beginning in 2009, NSF expects to launch two to three P-PODs every year, accommodating at least as many (two to six) individual satellite missions. This solicitation covers proposals for science missions to include satellite development, construction, testing and operation as well as data distribution and scientific analysis. More details at :http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf09523 "-" "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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AMSAT Journal -Vol 32 - No3
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 06 May '09

06 May '09

Hi all, Received the latest issue of the "AMSAT Journal" in the post today here in Wales -UK. Congratulations and many thanks to all for the efforts in producing another very well documented edition, it is a pleasure to read the contributions once again.. I enjoyed looking back at "The First Decade". It also brought back many memories not just on the satellites but of all of those that played a key role for Amsat in the decade. As I reached the concluding article on P3E and the - "continued on page 27". I turned back the pages and had to smile to my self as a thought went through my mind. The concluding para on page 27 was adjacent the final para on the progress and process on "ITAR" The thought that had crossed my mind was - "BACK TO THE FUTURE". I trust all will be well and wish all Good Luck in this respect. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat - UK Amsat NA

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Happy Birthday HAMSAT
by Bató András 05 May '09

05 May '09

Gentlemen, A group of Hungarian satellite enthusiasts are celebrating the fourth birthdy of HAMSAT by tracking it on all orbits today and makingas many Qs as pssible. Let us say thank you for all your endeavours in giving birth to this succesful bird. Best regards from HA2RD, HA5WH, HA5CH and HA6NN

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Cellphone Pass Predictions
by Pedro Converso 05 May '09

05 May '09

New facility to get satellite pass predictions on your cellphone available. (if your cellphone can do to Internet) Navigate to lu7aa.org.ar with your cellphone or mobile and select your closest location. You will get local time ordered predictions for popular birds, including DUration in minutes and maximum Elevation in degrees. List will show next passes from now on and up to a week in advance. List obtained will look as: * lu7aa.org.ar * Sats @ local time San Francisco, USA MON 4-MAY SATEL HH:MM DU EL ===== ===== == == RS-22 10:05 14 65 VO-52 10:07 11 18 NA-17 10:48 15 73 FO-29 10:49 16 35 AO-07 11:38 14 8 ... Sats Frequencies ARISS PK:145.825 FM DU:145.800 FM .... This list was developed using KB5MU ITpass program and Internet appl. by LU7ABF. Data & Keps updated twice daily. This free facility is at test, could be handy when you are in travel, planning your operation, or just to know which birds are coming. Comments/suggestions welcome. 73, lu7abf, Pedro Converso Lu7abf(a)amsat.org.ar www.amsat.org.ar

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Happy Birthday HAMSAT
by Prathap Kumar 05 May '09

05 May '09

Amsat India wishes HAMSAT a very happy 4th birthday. Thank you ISRO and all those made it possible. Best 73 Pop VU2POP Secy Amsat India

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Yaesu G5500 rotor trouble.
by N1HOQ 04 May '09

04 May '09

Hello group, I have a 6 year old G-5500 rotor on my portable SAT setup and upon setting it up tonight, I found that the EL rotor has ceased to work. AZ works fine. Checked the screw-on connector, checked the controller, etc. The rotor makes a clicking sound when the control is engaged, and a humming noise until released. At least the rotor is mounted only 6 feet off the ground, hi,hi. Any ideas before major surgery would be appreciated. TIA Shawn - N1HOQ #33948

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Quadfilar Construction
by Dave Guimont 04 May '09

04 May '09

Solder diagram for QuadfilarConstruct.zip can be found in QuadTopDiag.jpg: http://tinyurl.com/wb6lloOscar Questions directly to me please.... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Dayton Reminder
by Martha 04 May '09

04 May '09

Please remember that the cutoff date for AMSAT/TAPR banquet tickets is May 11th. Please use the AMSAT store to make your reservations so I will have a "paper trail". Also, I still have one room left for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Please call me at 301-589-6062 ASAP -- 73- Martha

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Re: Cellphone Pass Predictions
by Pedro Converso 04 May '09

04 May '09

Cellphone pass predictions is available now for most of cellular phones. Function is trying to detect if called from a cellular device/mobile or not in order to serve pass predictions. As there are quite different brands and devices, some could not yet be screened appropriately. If access is not going as it should, please email to lu7abf(a)amsat.oprg.ar which device is being used to add it. Thanks in advance, hoping help 73, Pedro Converso Lu7abf(a)amsat.org.ar www.amsat.org.ar

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Re: How satellites could 'sail' home
by Trevor . 04 May '09

04 May '09

Alternatively commercial satellites could incorporate an Amateur Radio payload that would work on solar power only and thus extend the mission life for 35 or more years. There is an opportunity for Amateurs here. 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Mon, 4/5/09, Tony Langdon <vk3jed(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: Tony Langdon <vk3jed(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: How satellites could 'sail' home > To: kg4zlb(a)gmail.com, "amsat bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Monday, 4 May, 2009, 12:14 AM > At 02:00 AM 5/4/2009, David - KG4ZLB > wrote: > > > >From "Auntie" (or the BBC for anyone not from > England!) > ><http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8029899.stm> > > Hehe, that could get confusing for us, as we call our ABC > (Aussie > equivalent of the BBC) "Auntie". :) > > 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL > http://vkradio.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 >

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Re: Cellphone Pass Predictions
by clintbrad4d＠earthlink.net 04 May '09

04 May '09

Please let us know when this service is available ... Because the URL you cite merely goes to a one-option page, and that option goes to your country's non-English AMSAT site.

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Dayton Reminder
by Martha 04 May '09

04 May '09

I still have 1 room left for our hotel - The Hampton Inn at Fairborn. If you are interested, please call me ASAP. This is due to a cancellation. The days are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also, if you have not registered for the AMSAT/TAPR, please do so by May11th. All registration need to be done on the AMSAT store. If you have any questions, please call me at 301-589-6062. -- 73- Martha

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CPX Data Decoder Software Available
by Jason Anderson 04 May '09

04 May '09

So the CPX Data Decoder software is now available for download now at http://moredbs.atl.calpoly.edu Follow the link and click the 'Download' menu option. This will take you to the download page where you can download the software for your computer. You will still need to have your own tracking software to control the rotors and radio as our software simply links onto the output of your TNC. Launch night will hopefully go as follows. The rocket carrying CP6 will launch on May 5th between 20:00 and 23:00 EDT. Minutes later the rocket will kick out our CubeSat into orbit. Due to safety reasons, our satellite will turn on 4 hours after it is deployed and will start to beacon every 2 minutes. Each beacon is 6 seconds long and contains 4 seconds of CW followed by 2 seconds of a 1200 baud AX.25 packet. Unfortunately for tracking purposes, tuning will still be a minor issue as it was with our previous satellites (work is being done on our next generation Comm system which will hopefully make this issue disappear). The best way to combat our transceiver frequency drift is to start with the calculated frequency and adjust the radio frequency manually as soon as you hear a beacon. This is part of the reason why we have 4 seconds of CW before the AX.25 data packet. One trick it to tune the the CW signal to 1200 Hz on a waterfall display (something like MixW if you have it) which happens to line up the frequency to decode data packets. Hope everyone is up for a small challenge :). As for the TLE required to track our satellite, we have created a very rough predicted TLE. We are told we will receive the actual TLE 4 hours after the launch occurs which is approximately when our satellite will start to beacon. We will be posting the updated TLE as soon as we receive it on the CP6 information page found at http://polysat.calpoly.edu/CP6.php We will also announce the updated TLEs in the CubeSat IRC room which can be found at Server: irc.freenode.org Room: cubesat If you have any questions regarding the software or trying to contact CP6 please feel free to ask. Thanks for such a great initial response and I wish you all happy satellite listening. - Jason Anderson, KI6GIV

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JPL tour
by Tim Goodrich 03 May '09

03 May '09

This weekend, JPL was open to the public for tours. I wanted to go, but they turned me away because I had a dog in the car (going hiking afterwards). Did anyone go and can you post pictures and a description of what they had? Thanks, Tim KI6VBY

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Cal Poly's CP6 Satellite Launching May 5th
by Jason Anderson 03 May '09

03 May '09

Hi Fellow Amateurs, Cal Poly's next satellite, CP6, is scheduled to launch on May 5th between 20:00 and 23:00 EDT. We would be more than happy if everyone who is interested could listen for CP6 as it comes over your locales. We will be providing a CPX Data Decoder program which will show you all of your decoded data as well as forward those packets to us at Cal Poly. I will be sending out another email in a few days regarding how to download the program. Also to note, we will be in the IRC chatroom at 'irc.freenode.org' in the 'cubesat' room before, during, and after the launch. Thanks! CP6 Satellite Link Information ------------------------------ Frequency: 437.365MHz Modulation: FSK (but uses LSB cheat to make AFSK) Radio Mode: LSB (neccesary for LSB cheat) Baud Rate: 1200 baud Beacon rate: 1 beacon every 2 minutes - Jason Anderson, KI6GIV PolySat, Software Team Lead California Polytechnic State University

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Re: Yaesu G5500 rotor trouble.
by w4upd 03 May '09

03 May '09

I tried once, but the last reply never came through AMSAT-BB yet. So I'll answer yours directly which also answered a previous one on getting the parts. I believe your G5500 uses the same elevation (G500b) as my G5400 late model. Also it probably has limit switches in the rotator which will prevent the down from working until it went up a bit. Mine still has a bad motor (actually the armature due to my own fault). As long as it draws current and the lamps dim on the UP selection, the motor itself is probably still good. ********* RESEND ******** I find this hard to believe unless its related to the G5500. I just got done ordering stuff from Yaesu for my G5400/G500b elevation rotator. Unfortunately, the IPB I had with my rotor was for the G500a and the parts were wrong and I had to send them back. They did give me credit for the returned parts as well. I have a bad motor and they one they sent was for the G500a and was $85.00 However, its size kept it from being close to being able to be used. When I checked the G500b IPB and gave them the part number, it was $207.17!!! So I said forget it. I'd figure a way to fix it. The cap you can get anywhere if that is all that is wrong. Mine had over a pint of water and as such rusted and dried and packed the grease keeping the motor from working. I suspect you have little choice but to take it apart and confirm the problem. Again, unless it is due to being a G5500, I had no problems getting parts from Yaesu as recently as last month. Regards, Reid, W4UPD AMSAT #17002 > I find this hard to believe unless its related to the G5500. I just > got done ordering stuff from Yaesu for my G5400/G500b elevation > rotator. Unfortunately, the IPB I had with my rotor was for the G500a > and the parts were wrong and I had to send them back. They did give me > credit for the returned parts as well. I have a bad motor and they one > they sent was for the G500a and was $85.00 However, its size kept it > from being close to being able to be used. When I checked the G500b > IPB and gave them the part number, it was $207.17!!! So I said > forget it. I'd figure a way to fix it. > > The cap you can get anywhere if that is all that is wrong. Mine had > over a pint of water and as such rusted and dried and packed the > grease keeping the motor from working. I suspect you have little > choice but to take it apart and confirm the problem. Again, unless it > is due to being a G5500, I had no problems getting parts from Yaesu as > recently as last month. > > Regards, > > Reid, W4UPD > AMSAT #17002 > > > Kevin Schuchmann wrote: >> Hi Alan and Shawn, >> FYI about a month ago I attempted to get that cap from Yaesu and they >> said they >> no longer sell it by itself, you either buy it with the motor or find a >> 3rd party >> replacement. >> 73 >> wa6fwf >> >> >> >>> If everything checks, then it is _probably_ the 100 uF phase shift >>> capacitor >>> you can see between the windings in the schematic. You can get a >>> replacement from Yaesu for $10-15 including shipping. Replacing it is not >>> hard, but it is very tedious and messy. Unlike other versions, the G-5500 >>> has the capacitor in the motor housing rather than the control box. >>> >>> I had exactly the same symptoms you describe, and it was the capacitor in >>> my >>> case. >>> >>> Good luck, >>> >>> Alan >>> WA4SCA >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.15/2093 - Release Date: 05/02/09 14:23:00 >> >> >

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 210
by Michael J Finn 03 May '09

03 May '09

Dear Sat members. I am looking to get incontact with anyone who is currently working pacsats. I am new to sats and want to learn more. Please email wb7qxu(a)juno.com if you can help ____________________________________________________________ Click to learn about options trading and get the latest information. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTIzQYuCQgwoJ7SLjPvGq4VMvY…

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G-5500 Rotor trouble
by N1HOQ 03 May '09

03 May '09

Hello group, Well, looks like I have to crack open the case. I swapped the AZ and EL cables with the EL rotor, and no luck, same result. Still making the click noise when engaging the UP control, the motor(?) still hums away (sounds like 60 Hz), but no movement. Last resort now , open it up and hope to catch all the bearings, hi. Since it seems Yaesu wont sell the capacitor sans motor, are there any know sources, or just look at Allied, Mouser etc.? Thanks for the help - Shawn N1HOQ.

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