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

Re: [amsatindia] Re: [VUHams] VU2MKP Silent Key
by Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG] 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

It is sad and shocking to know that Robert is no more. I remember meeting him many times and will continue to remember him as a humble and fine human being. He was a life member of AMSAT INDIA and has advised and shared his inputs during the design of VO-52. He was also one of the early VU station on the AO-40 and other satellites. Photograph of Robert in his shack can be viewed by visiting http://www.amsatindia.org/images/photogallery/VU2MKP.jpg May his soul rest in peace. Nitin [VU3TYG] www.amsatindia.org > _____ > > From: amsatindia(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Mani VU2WMY > Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 2:32 PM > To: vuhams(a)yahoogroups.com; AMSAT-INDIA; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; > CQ_VU(a)yahoogroups.com > Subject: [amsatindia] Re: [VUHams] VU2MKP Silent Key > > It is a shocking and a very sad news. It is a bit difficult for me to > accept that OT Robert is no more with us. He was truly an inspiring, > humble and a fine human being. His technical knowledge is par with > excellence. Rather, it is difficult to express in words about him. We > really lost a man with a strong determination and a man who stood as > an inspiration to us forever. I along with my family and club members > express our Heart felt condolences to the bereaved family. May his > Soul Rest in Peace. We miss you Robert. > > Mani, VU2WMY > Secretary & Station-In-Charge > Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC > ISRO Satellite Centre > Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017. > Phone:(O)91-80-2508 2054/2192/2537 > Mobile: 91-80-98803 41456 > E-mail ID: wmy(a)isac.gov. <mailto:wmy%40isac.gov.in> in > vu2wmy_mani@ <mailto:vu2wmy_mani%40yahoo.com> yahoo.com > isrohams@yahoo. <mailto:isrohams%40yahoo.com> com > > Quoting Gopal Madhavan <gopal.madhavan@ <mailto:gopal.madhavan%40gmail.com> > gmail.com>: > > > I have just got the very sad news from VU2RCR Chandru, that our friend > > Robert Kohli VU2MKP became a silent key in Bangalore just a few minutes > ago > > in a hospital where he had been admitted a few days ago. > > > > > > > > For those of us fortunate people who knew Robert, he was a truly > > remarkable individual who in spite of his disabilities managed to do many > > things we would be happy to just attempt. He was an example of what can be > > done in spite of such severe handicaps. > > > > > > > > Being paralyzed from the neck down, he could only use his head and mouth > to > > control his motorized wheel chair and it was a common sight for him to > drive > > around the streets of Bangalore, visiting friends, going to restaurants > and > > even shopping for radio components for his radio projects. > > > > > > > > He was an avid radio amateur, controlling the radio and associated > > equipment, all with plastic rods held in his mouth. He operated the > computer > > also in this fashion and even made computer drawings on antenna designs > etc > > which he shared with friends- my satellite antennae were home brewed from > > drawings he sent me. > > > > > > > > He was a keen DXer and had friends all over the world, on HF and > satellites > > also. When AO 40 was operational he made several hundreds of contacts. > > > > > > > > Robert was Life member of ARSI and took an active part in all activities. > He > > attended several ham fests and knew many, many hams all over VU and the > > rest of the world. > > > > > > > > He had recently constructed a home for himself in Bangalore in which the > > shack was on the first floor and had made a ramp from the ground floor to > > use his wheel chair to go to the first floor, so keen was he on amateur > > radio. > > > > > > > > Ham radio has lost a great operator who guided many hams and was a source > > of inspiration to many of us. > > > > > > > > - we will miss you Robert. > > > > > > > > May his soul rest in eternal peace > > > > > > > > Gopal VU2GMN > > > > > > > > Gopal Madhavan > > > > "Shreyas Apartments" > > > > 128 (old 63) Greenways Road > > > > R A Puram > > > > Chennai- 600 028, India > > > > Tel: +91 44 2493 7724/ 42303129 > > > > Mob: +91 94440 18452 > > > > E-mail: gopal.madhavan@ <mailto:gopal.madhavan%40gmail.com> gmail.com > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > __._,_.___ > > > > > > > > > Messages in this topic (3) > > > > Reply (via web post) > | > > Start a new topic > > > > > Messages > | Files > | Photos > | Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) > Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional > > > Visit Your Group > | > > Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | > > Unsubscribe > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Recent Activity > > > > > > > > > > Visit Your Group > > > > > > Give Back > Yahoo! for Good > Get inspired > by a good cause. > > > Y! Toolbar > Get it Free! > easy 1-click access > to your groups. > > > Yahoo! Groups > Start a group > in 3 easy steps. > Connect with others. > > > > > > . > > > __,_._,___ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________

1 0

Re: [VUHams] VU2MKP Silent Key
by Mani VU2WMY 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

It is a shocking and a very sad news. It is a bit difficult for me to accept that OT Robert is no more with us. He was truly an inspiring, humble and a fine human being. His technical knowledge is par with excellence. Rather, it is difficult to express in words about him. We really lost a man with a strong determination and a man who stood as an inspiration to us forever. I along with my family and club members express our Heart felt condolences to the bereaved family. May his Soul Rest in Peace. We miss you Robert. Mani, VU2WMY Secretary & Station-In-Charge Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC ISRO Satellite Centre Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017. Phone:(O)91-80-2508 2054/2192/2537 Mobile: 91-80-98803 41456 E-mail ID: wmy(a)isac.gov.in vu2wmy_mani(a)yahoo.com isrohams(a)yahoo.com Quoting Gopal Madhavan <gopal.madhavan(a)gmail.com>: > I have just got the very sad news from VU2RCR Chandru, that our friend > Robert Kohli VU2MKP became a silent key in Bangalore just a few minutes ago > in a hospital where he had been admitted a few days ago. > > > > For those of us fortunate people who knew Robert, he was a truly > remarkable individual who in spite of his disabilities managed to do many > things we would be happy to just attempt. He was an example of what can be > done in spite of such severe handicaps. > > > > Being paralyzed from the neck down, he could only use his head and mouth to > control his motorized wheel chair and it was a common sight for him to drive > around the streets of Bangalore, visiting friends, going to restaurants and > even shopping for radio components for his radio projects. > > > > He was an avid radio amateur, controlling the radio and associated > equipment, all with plastic rods held in his mouth. He operated the computer > also in this fashion and even made computer drawings on antenna designs etc > which he shared with friends- my satellite antennae were home brewed from > drawings he sent me. > > > > He was a keen DXer and had friends all over the world, on HF and satellites > also. When AO 40 was operational he made several hundreds of contacts. > > > > Robert was Life member of ARSI and took an active part in all activities. He > attended several ham fests and knew many, many hams all over VU and the > rest of the world. > > > > He had recently constructed a home for himself in Bangalore in which the > shack was on the first floor and had made a ramp from the ground floor to > use his wheel chair to go to the first floor, so keen was he on amateur > radio. > > > > Ham radio has lost a great operator who guided many hams and was a source > of inspiration to many of us. > > > > - we will miss you Robert. > > > > May his soul rest in eternal peace > > > > Gopal VU2GMN > > > > Gopal Madhavan > > "Shreyas Apartments" > > 128 (old 63) Greenways Road > > R A Puram > > Chennai- 600 028, India > > Tel: +91 44 2493 7724/ 42303129 > > Mob: +91 94440 18452 > > E-mail: gopal.madhavan(a)gmail.com > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >

2 1

CW is still alive and well
by K8KFJ＠aol.com 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

I thought I'd check for activity on a late evening FO-29 pass tonight as I hadn't listened for quite sometime. I heard two 9 land stations who had the pass entirely to themselves. They were obviously good friends as one of them indicated his spam filter had probably eaten the other station's email who had sent pictures. They agreed to go to the Land Line after the pass indicating they probably lived fairly close to each other. I did wonder though where everyone else was on tonight's pass. I probably should have tuned around more and may have missed some other QSO's. Anyway, it was great hearing CW being utilized. The doppler however kept me quite busy at that frequency as I'm not using software. Just two ears and a pencil. I've got to cobble something together and get on the air soon. Especially since I know there are some good CW ops such as the two fine gentlemen I heard tonight. 73, Gary -K8KFJ- AMSAT #32574 Sat VUCC #125 **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221322977x1201367197/aol?redir=htt… JunestepsfooterNO62)

2 1

VU2MKP Silent Key
by Gopal Madhavan 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

I have just got the very sad news from VU2RCR Chandru, that our friend Robert Kohli VU2MKP became a silent key in Bangalore just a few minutes ago in a hospital where he had been admitted a few days ago. For those of us fortunate people who knew Robert, he was a truly remarkable individual who in spite of his disabilities managed to do many things we would be happy to just attempt. He was an example of what can be done in spite of such severe handicaps. Being paralyzed from the neck down, he could only use his head and mouth to control his motorized wheel chair and it was a common sight for him to drive around the streets of Bangalore, visiting friends, going to restaurants and even shopping for radio components for his radio projects. He was an avid radio amateur, controlling the radio and associated equipment, all with plastic rods held in his mouth. He operated the computer also in this fashion and even made computer drawings on antenna designs etc which he shared with friends- my satellite antennae were home brewed from drawings he sent me. He was a keen DXer and had friends all over the world, on HF and satellites also. When AO 40 was operational he made several hundreds of contacts. Robert was Life member of ARSI and took an active part in all activities. He attended several ham fests and knew many, many hams all over VU and the rest of the world. He had recently constructed a home for himself in Bangalore in which the shack was on the first floor and had made a ramp from the ground floor to use his wheel chair to go to the first floor, so keen was he on amateur radio. Ham radio has lost a great operator who guided many hams and was a source of inspiration to many of us. - we will miss you Robert. May his soul rest in eternal peace Gopal VU2GMN Gopal Madhavan "Shreyas Apartments" 128 (old 63) Greenways Road R A Puram Chennai- 600 028, India Tel: +91 44 2493 7724/ 42303129 Mob: +91 94440 18452 E-mail: gopal.madhavan(a)gmail.com

1 0

FS: FT-847, FC-20 tuner, inrad VOX, DTMF mic
by Eric Fort 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Selling my FT-847 and all accessories (see subject - FC-20 tuner, VOX, DTMF mic) to get caught up on bills that must be paid by Friday. Price of $921.37 +ship (or local southern california delivery good 'till Friday 12JUN2009 12:01 AM pacific standard time. After that I may hold out for more. Anyone want to help out and get a good deal. I've seen a package like this go for as much as $1300. To sweeten the deal I'll even throw in a computer and tracking software complete with display if you buy before the end of the week. Eric AF6EP

1 0

Another satellite-receiver option
by Jerry Clement 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Hi Guy's It's been more than several years since I last posted to the bb's. I recently have become active on the sats again and must say that I am enjoying myself. I wanted to comment as to another radio that I have used in combination with my 817 for working the ssb birds. I use a Icon R20 for the downlink radio which is a terrific performer. Photos of me using this combination with a arrow antenna, may be seen on my website: www.stormchaser.cjb.net click on: handheld satellite. The other thing you will notice in these photos, is that I am using vox on the 817, which allows me a free hand for adjusting doppler on the 817. I am very pleased with this combination, although the R20 is a all band receiver only. Jerry VE6AB www.ve6ab.blogspot.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4139 (20090608) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com

3 2

IC-910H low audio problem.
by Kostas Ioannidis 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

According to the IC-910H manual, pin number 8 at the mic connector is audio output (which varies according to af control). I connected a pair of headphones at the pin but the audio is way to low and cannot be used for listening. Is it normal? I thought that it was designed for this purpose. Am I missing something in the menus? Thanks in advance! 73 de SW1IXP, Kostas Ioannidis

1 0

Another satellite-receiver option
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Hey everyone, Over the weekend, I had a chance to do some more testing and experimenting – this time, with a Kenwood TH-F6A HT. My sincere thanks to Ed, N4ALE, who loaned me his TH-F6A for the weekend. I picked it up Friday afternoon and returned it Sunday afternoon, giving it a pretty good workout in the interim – well, part of it. I can’t tell you how it performs on AO-27, AO-51 and SO-50 because I never tried it with any of our FM satellites. In fact, I never keyed the radio’s transmitter. Instead, I focused on its receiver. The TH-F6A proved to be a capable receiver for use on AO-7, FO-29 and VO-52. If you have an all-mode radio that will operate in CW and SSB on the UHF and VHF bands, you can use the HT as your receiver for a full-duplex station that will work our linear-transponder satellites. For the record, I believe the current-production all-mode transceivers that are NOT full duplex include two Icom models (IC-706MKIIG and IC-7000) and three Yaesu models (FT-817ND, FT-857D and FT-897D). Anyone with one of these rigs and the Kenwood can do what I did last weekend. Just add antennas, or a duplexer and a dual-band antenna. There are plenty of workable options, including a good number of homebrew antenna designs to consider. I started out Friday evening just listening because I discovered I needed an adapter to connect my headphones to the receiver jack on the radio, which takes a 2.5 mm connector. Full-duplex contacts in SSB wouldn’t happen until I had that, so I connected my Elk and configured the radio’s B-Band to receive SSB in the 2 meter and 70 cm pass bands. It’s easy to set up, and the fine-tuning feature permits tuning steps in CW or SSB as low as 33 Hz. I chose 100 Hz, which worked well. Switching from CW to SSB took only a few seconds. Through the evening, I copied AO-7 on multiple passes to the east and west of my location, and had reception below 4 degrees at the end of the passes, which was encouraging. Just before 03:00 UTC Friday evening, I had a VO-52 pass that reached a maximum elevation of about 70 degrees here. I copied practically the whole pass, hearing K8YSE work AA5PK and KB1PVH, and also clearly copying CW from W8IJ. Here’s the fun part about that pass – I was standing in my driveway, using a Diamond SRH-789 telescoping whip for an antenna. Having the ability to copy pretty much the whole pass with just a whip helped me to see that the TH-F6A probably would do OK as a satellite receiver. After picking up the headphone adapter I needed Saturday morning, I started working passes. Using an SMA-to-SO239 adapter, I connected the HT to the Elk using a Diamond duplexer. I used either a Yaesu FT-857D or a Yaesu FT-817ND as my transmit radio. The earliest afternoon pass of AO-7 hit 3.8 degrees maximum elevation here, but I heard my CW signal and called CQ a few times with no answer. The next pass of AO-7 was well over 30 degrees here, also to my east. I worked N3TE in CW, then switched to SSB and moved up the pass band for a voice contact with K3SZH. By then, AO-7 was descending to my north, so I switched back to CW and started calling CQ – primarily to see how long I could hear myself through the HT on the downlink. I was thrilled when K4YYL called me. When we finished that contact, AO-7 was at 2.6 degrees elevation according to the computer. I should mention here that I was manually tuning for Doppler throughout the weekend, which also gave me a chance to use various software packages as my “guides” for finding myself at the start of a pass. Ham Radio Deluxe’s Satellite Tracker, Orbitron and SatPC 32 all proved very helpful. After launching one of the programs and getting the Doppler tuning on screen, I just followed their lead and found myself quickly, then stayed where I needed to be – evening tuning up and down the pass band to call others I heard. On the next pass of AO-7 (the last of Saturday evening for me), I worked K4YYL again – this time in SSB, and this time using an FT-817ND at 5 watts out for my transmitter. Think about that – a fully functional all-mode satellite station that I could fit in a day pack with room to spare! FO-29 later Saturday evening was frustrating only inasmuch as there weren’t many folks around. The first pass here hit less than 20 degrees maximum elevation to my east, and I called CQ in CW without a contact. The next pass was about 70 degrees maximum elevation, and I talked to myself for the first 2/3 of the pass before switching over to VO-52, which was also in range at about the same time. K9QHO and I had a nice contact in SSB. Sunday morning, I only wanted to get some contacts on FO-29 because I promised to return the radio that afternoon. I worked Dave, W8IJ, and Leo, W7JPI, in SSB. Seven contacts in all, covering all three CW/SSB satellites and both modes, and all of them using the Kenwood HT as my receive radio. I could have made additional contacts if the satellites – especially FO-29 – had been busier on the passes I worked. A lot of AMSAT members do demos for radio clubs and other groups from time to time, and I decided to post this report on the TH-F6A with that in mind. I know that many who do demos often schedule them to coincide with passes of the FM LEO satellites – and there’s nothing wrong with that. But AO-7 and AO-51 often make evening passes, for example, that are within 30-40 minutes of each other. It occurs to me that letting folks hear satellite contacts in CW and SSB over a satellite that has completed more than 156.000 orbits might be pretty cool – especially when you can note that anybody in the group who has an HT like this one and an all-mode VHF-UHF radio can work AO-7 with the right antenna(s) and a little practice. I looked around on the Web after returning the HT to Ed, N4ALE, and learned that Alinco, AOR, Icom and Yaesu all offer HT-style receive-only radios that are all mode, like the TH-F6A. I suspect any of them could serve as an all-mode satellite receiver, too, although I haven’t tested any of them. I hope to have that chance moving forward. I like the TH-F6A because it also can double as a full handheld station for the FM satellites, albeit in half-duplex. I know that’s not the recommended way to go, but I and many others are, collectively, proof that it can be done effectively and without totally wrecking a pass. I hope all the manufacturers soon will have at least one full-duplex-capable HT in their lines – and that those radios will have all-mode receive on at least one band, like this Kenwood. In the meantime, I encourage those of you with this little radio to experiment with it as a receiver for AO-7, FO-29 and VO-52. I suspect you’ll be satisfied with its performance. 73 to all, Tim – N3TL

5 5

Where can I find a current listing of satellite modes by band?
by Jim Reisert AD1C 08 Jun '09

08 Jun '09

Where can I find a current listing of satellite modes by band? I searched the AMSAT.ORG web site but could not find a list. I found an old FAQ from 1994 but it only has a half-dozen modes listed. I want something like this: Mode A - 2m up / 10m down Mode B - 70cm up / 2m down Mode J - 2m up / 70 cm down I'm trying to help debug some logging software with ARRL LoTW and want to make sure we have it all right. Thanks & 73 - Jim AD1C -- Jim Reisert AD1C/Ø, <jjreisert(a)alum.mit.edu>, http://www.ad1c.us

3 4

Re: Dual Band (144/430) antenna.
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 08 Jun '09

08 Jun '09

Look at: www.cubex.com "Scorpion 88" 8el 2M, 8 El 70cm quad "Yellow Jacket -46" 4 el 2M, 6 el 70 cm quad Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589

1 0