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

HF satellite?
by Robert Bruninga 08 Jun '09

08 Jun '09

We are considering an HF transponder for our next long range CUBESAT mission planning. It can have three modes: 1) APRS 1200 baud for command and control and APRS on 145.825 2) PSK-31 multi-user SSB uplink on 29 MHz and FM down link on 145.825 3) 29 MHz uplink and 24 MHz downlink SSB transponder We will welcome someone in the AMSAT community that wants to contribute to mission 3, the HF transponder. We tried the #2 PSK-31 mission on PCSAT2 and RAFT, both failed due to HF antenna deployment problems. Now we are going to try again... Bob, WB4APR

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Re: ... talking HF satellites: RS-15 is still transmitting !
by G0MRF＠aol.com 08 Jun '09

08 Jun '09

What an interesting piece of work on RS15 ! I notice that the graphs for 2009 on the 'solar elevation' page predict that RS15 is in, or shortly will be in, a period of permanent illumination. Perhaps another good example of a satellite with working solar panels that would have benefited from some form of hardware to bypass the command and control circuits when they failed and put the satellite into transponder mode. Thanks Henk David G0MRF In a message dated 07/06/2009 15:59:11 GMT Standard Time, hamoen(a)iae.nl writes: My set-up is really marginal: just a TS2000 connected to a simple 14MHz dipol. ... then: I came across this website, very nice ! http://www.newearth.demon.co.uk/sat/rs15-bbc.htm Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com

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... talking HF satellites: RS-15 is still transmitting !
by Henk, PA3GUO 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

Triggered by the discussions on HF satellites ... I did give RS-15 a try this morning and yes, I could hear it ! Still very weak during a 45 degrees elevation pass. The next pass was higher, but then I didn't hear anything. Click here for a screen shot, you will see the recorded signal of RS-15. http://www.pa3guo.com/rs15_beacon_pa3guo_07june2009_0812utc.jpg My set-up is really marginal: just a TS2000 connected to a simple 14MHz dipol. ... then: I came across this website, very nice ! http://www.newearth.demon.co.uk/sat/rs15-bbc.htm Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com

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NORAD TLE file from several GPS positions of a satellite
by SALAH 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

Can anybody tell me how to build a NORAD TLE file from several GPS positions of a satellite? Is there any VB6 code to do this? 73's CN8XS

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unknown packet signal information
by David J 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

Tim and Mike, Thanks for letting me know it was NO-44. I wasn't tracking it nor setup to demodulate the mode either. Dave

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Re: Homebrew Log Periodic for 2 Meters
by Stephen E. Belter 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

> There was a question recently about homebrewing an Elk type antenna. > For those interested, the October 2001 QST had an article for > homebrewing a 6 element 2 meter log periodic antenna by L. B. Cebik. > If you are an ARRL member, you can get the article from their web > site. Although not mentioned in the article, it should also work on > 432 MHz on the third harmonic, but no performance figures are given. > -- Euffey I had a brief conversation with Kent, WA5VJB, at Dayton this year. Our discussion turned to log periodic antennas and operation at the 3rd harmonic. Kent said that the elements need to be "swept" forward in a herringbone pattern for proper operation on the 3rd harmonic. For an example, look at a standard VHF television (log periodic) antenna. The elements of the antenna are quarter-wave for channels 2 through 6, and three-quarter wave on channels 7 through 13. Rather than being perpendicular to the boom, the elements are swept forward. Steve, N9IP

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unknown packet signal
by David J 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

I'm in Orlando, Florida. Can someone let me know which satellite I just received around 20:54 UTC on 145.825 MHz running packet? Dave, AA4KN

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Re: RS12/13 Merry Christmas / HNY Message
by Tony 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

James, > I don't think the errors are errors at all, but the result of > translating cyrillic spelling I thought it might have something to do with translation. > If I remember correctly, R3X was the robot on board. Thanks for the info James... Tony -K2MO ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Duffey" <jamesduffey(a)comcast.net>

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Re: HF satellite?
by K8KFJ＠aol.com 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

In a message dated 6/5/2009 7:39:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, dxdx(a)optonline.net writes: > The RS 12/13 CW robot was a lot of fun too -- have a few recordings Hey Tony ... was that the Russian bird that automatically issued you a QSO number once you made the contact??? 73, Gary -K8KFJ- **************Stay connected and tighten your budget with a great mobile device for under $50. Take a Peek! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1221845911x1201401556/aol?redir=htt…)

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Homebrew Log Periodic for 2 Meters
by James Duffey 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

There was a question recently about homebrewing an Elk type antenna. For those interested, the October 2001 QST had an article for homebrewing a 6 element 2 meter log periodic antenna by L. B. Cebik. If you are an ARRL member, you can get the article from their web site. Although not mentioned in the article, it should also work on 432 MHz on the third harmonic, but no performance figures are given. -- Euffey

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RS13/12
by Bob Cutter 06 Jun '09

06 Jun '09

Another HF would be nice. I had a good start on WAS with RS12/13. 73, Bob KIØG

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Attack rotor.
by Steve Bluemel 06 Jun '09

06 Jun '09

Hey everyone, I have decided to take some great advice and mount my Elk on a rotor in the attack. I have been told 30 degrees is good, but how do i orient it to be the most reliable? When i work the Elk by hand, i keep turning it to keep a good signal. I think you all know what im asking.. Any advise would be appreciated 73! Steve, KI6OQU.

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K5D DXpedition
by K8KFJ＠aol.com 06 Jun '09

06 Jun '09

Can someone please remind me of the name and callsign of the sat op who operated from Desecheo. Many thanks. 73, Gary -K8KFJ- West Virginia Sat VUCC #125 **************Mortgage rates dropped. Record lows. $200,000 for $1,029/mo Fixed. LendingTree® (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222627882x1201465404/aol?redir=htt… sp%3Fwhereto%3Dpromopagev3%26promo%3D00279%26loan%5Ftype%3D2%26source%3D2889 570%26esourceid%3D2889570%26800num%3D1%2D800%2D289%2D3915%26AdType%3D2)

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Re: HF satellite?
by Mike Rupprecht 06 Jun '09

06 Jun '09

Simon, ... it works. I made some test with G3PLX over PCSat-2 some years ago. See here: http://www.dk3wn.info/sat/afu/sat_pcsat2.shtml On the other hand - it should be a challenge and a change for new modes on satellites. 73, Mike DK3WN -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] Im Auftrag von Simon (HB9DRV) Gesendet: Freitag, 5. Juni 2009 18:16 An: bruninga(a)usna.edu; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Betreff: [amsat-bb] Re: HF satellite? Hi, Sounds interesting - but PSK-31 and Doppler may be problematic - will this be a linear transponder or... ? Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > 2) PSK-31 multi-user SSB uplink on 29 MHz and FM down link on > 145.825 _______________________________________________ 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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New Satellites Frequencies
by Vincenzo Mone 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

Hi folks, is it possible to know the Downlink and if any uplink frequencies and modes for these new birds: TACSAT-3 PHARMSAT HAWKSAT1 CP6 AEROCUB3 And also what to hear, if Packet at 1200 or 9600 baud ecc Or voice or any other mode? Thanks in advance. 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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AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

We would like to welcome the following to the Satellite Communicators Club for making their first satellite contact. Michael Klomfass, DH5MK Michael McMahan, KC9NXP Steve Rish, K8SAR The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement Award. Ham Operator, Your Call #500 Who will receive #500? Stay tuned, possibly coming in a week, two weeks, could be soon. If you have not sent in for your award yet, now is the time to do it. The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Sexagesimal Communications Award. John Papay, K8YSE, #148 Michael Klomfass, DH5MK, #149 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* 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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Other Sat ants
by Jerry Felts 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

I was wondering is there a small 144/435 antenna? I'm open to ideas, trying to come up with something simple cheap and fast. It would be put at the 20ft level on my tower. At 25 ft level is a 9 el M2 2m yagi but its not at a angle. I like the Elk cause it only has one feedline but would not want to mount it outside permanently. -- Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota www.freewebs.com/nr5a http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/ http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

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Chniese Hamsat
by jcowens1＠comcast.net 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

I haven't been following the satellite news lately and wonder what the status is of the impending launch of a Chinese Hamsat that I read about a while ago. John Owens - N7TK

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SatPC32 question
by ANTHONY JAPHA 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

Hi everyone, There must be an easy way to load Keps from a file on a 3 1/2" floppy, but what is it? (No internet on this laptop, but a floppy drive.) I have 1 USB port that I hope to use for rig control, Where can I find a proper driver for a USB flash drive that the laptop won't recognize? I think this laptop (Dell Inspiron 3800) was made before these flash drives became fashionable. Many tnx and 73, Tony, N2UN LM 183

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MRO vs AO-51 reboot problem and new sun cycle?
by Luc Leblanc 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

Is it possible the MRO and AO-51 software reboot problem are related to the new emerging sun cycle? >From NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory >Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission >after an unexpected rebooting of its computer Wednesday evening, June 3. >The spontaneous reboot resembles a Feb. 23 event on the spacecraft. Engineers concluded the most likely cause for that event was a cosmic >ray or solar particle hitting electronics and causing an erroneous voltage reading. It's could be not the lack of voltage but an erroneous voltage reading who triggers AO-51 to reboot? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Re: Other Sat ants
by Jim Jerzycke 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

While this may be heresy to some, I've used my terrestrial "weak signal" 2M and 70cm antennas many times for satellite QSO's. The 2M antennas is an M2 2M9, and the 70cm antenna is an M2 420-50-11. Each has an SSB USA preamp powered up the coax from my FT-847. They both work very well for weak signal use, and are mounted using a 4' mast extending out of the rotator mounted at the top of a 5' tripod (2M above the 70cm) on the roof of a large 2 story commercial building. I'm sure it helps that I have a 360* clear view for many wavelengths at 2M/70cm. The beamwidth of both antennas is roughly 35*, and I have NO problem picking up the satellites at 0*, and keeping good copy to 30* elevation, which is enough to keep me amused on the satellites when I want to operate. I guess the "moral" to my story is to not fret over having less than optimal antennas, and to get on the birds, or to at least try to listen for them. Just make sure whatever you're using can HEAR them before you try and transmit, and always use a preamp and good coax. 73, Jim KQ6EA --- On Thu, 6/4/09, Jerry Felts <nr5ajerry(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: Jerry Felts <nr5ajerry(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Other Sat ants > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 3:50 PM > I was wondering is there a small > 144/435 antenna? I'm open to ideas, > trying to come up with something simple cheap and fast. It > would be > put at the 20ft level on my tower. At 25 ft level is a 9 el > M2 2m yagi > but its not at a angle. I like the Elk cause it only > has one feedline > but would not want to mount it outside permanently. > > -- > Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota > www.freewebs.com/nr5a > > http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/ > > http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.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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Elk Antenna ?
by harry＠gunship.org 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

Guys, I want to mount the Elk dual band 144/440 antenna up on my 85' tower. Can I get away with a fixed elevation of about 30 degrees and horizontal polarization? I recognize that this is a compromise, but I'd like to avoid the additional complexity of dealing with an azimuth rotor. Any thoughts appreciated. 73 de harry, W6DXO

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Re: Card checkers in Florida
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Jun '09

04 Jun '09

Sebastian, Don, W3AZD, lives less than a mile from me, just off the Nob Hill Rd. exit (Exit 3) on I-595 in Broward. He is an ARRL checker and would be happy to check your cards. Tell him I sent you. 73, Bill NZ5N (now in Europe as OM9ACA)

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Re: Elk Antenna ?
by Clint Bradford 04 Jun '09

04 Jun '09

>I want to mount the Elk dual band 144/440 antenna up on my 85' tower. Consider Loc-Tite(tm) for all of the elements ... I'd rather see you mount a more durable, meant-to-be-mast-mounted dual-bander - like a Cushcraft unit. Clint Bradford 909-241-7666 ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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Re: Elk Antenna ?
by Bruce Robertson 04 Jun '09

04 Jun '09

On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 9:58 AM, Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: >> I want... a dual band 144/440 antenna on my 85' tower. >> Can I get away with a fixed elevation of about 30 >> degrees and horizontal polarization? > > Three facts say that 30 degrees is the wrong angle. > > 1. The amount of time that LEO satellites are above 30 degrees > is less than 20% of all view times. > > 2. You don’t need gain when satellites are above 30 degrees > because they are much closer and 6 to 10 dB STRONGER. > > 3) You DO need gain at the horizon where they are 6 to 10 dB > WEAKER. > > So putting the beam at 30 degrees is counterproductive to LEO > satellite reception, you will be giving up 3 dB where you need > it most!. > > The answer is to elevate it to 15 degrees. Once again, Bob's advice is very good. I followed it when I began satellite operations, and it was quite helpful. Some further notes: 1. This pertains to shorter, and therefore wider beamwidth, antennas only.Fortunately, these are quite acceptable to communicate with LEO satellites. 2. You needn't be too fussy about the exact angle. 30% is too high, but you'll probably not notice the difference between 12 and 17, for example. 3. With a tower that high, you must include low noise preamps at the top of the tower. The ones from Advanced Receiver Research and SSB USA are highly regarded on this list.With that much cable between you and the antenna, you will be better off with a simple 1/4wave vertical and a preamp than you would with these antennas and no preamp.

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