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

Antenna Question
by Joel Black 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

Happy Independence Day. Does anyone recognize the following antennas? I purchased them years ago and they were part of a system I never installed. Over the years, one of the elements has been damaged and, even though I can fix it myself, I'd like to know who made these. Doggonit, I cannot upload to my webpage (something else yet to figure out). Suffice it to say, my description may not do the antennas justice. There are two of them, a 2m and 70cm made out of sched 40 PVC. They appear to be a "turnstile" type antenna with two aluminum elements at the top and two at the bottom 90° out of phase from each other (top and bottom). In other words, if looking at a compass, the top two elements would be at N and S, the bottom two at E and W. This is the same on both antennas as they are a matching set. These antennas were in an old QST, but I have since gotten rid of all those magazines and cannot find the article online. Any ideas or suggestions? Tnx, Joel, W4JBB

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Subject: Re: Antenna Question
by Mike Ryan 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

QHTenna was back for a little while in 2008 but is again no longer making antennas for Amateurs. This is the last website. http://www.qhtenna.com I have a pair of his antennas. They were your basic turnstile (no reflector ) made of aluminum rods and PVC. They did the job as omnis go and I'm still using them. Like most omnis a preamp greatly improves the experience. My primary antennas for LEO Sats now are the WAVJB cheap yagis. 8 element 440 and 3 elements 2M all on same boom at 15 degrees fixed elevation. I went with PVC instead of wood construction as it was easier to weather proof. As for other omnis, QST also recently (Nov 2008) reviewed a QFH (quadrifilar) from antennas.us and really liked it. Its more expensive than a turnstile. QFHs have a good reputation for performance and a bad reputation for construction, particularly on 440. I tried several times to build one to no avail though I've managed to build functional Eggbeater and Moxons. The Eggbeater (no reflector) performed about the same as the turnstile. The Moxon was fantastic over 30 degrees or so but pretty poor below that. Made sense since its similar to a 2 element beam pointing at the sky. I rather had my eye on the antennas.us model but havent gotten around to buying one yet. Mike WB1AAT ---------------- Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:54:28 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)pacbell.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question To: amsat bb <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, George Henry <ka3hsw(a)att.net> Message-ID: <237207.42610.qm(a)web80606.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 The product review is in the August 2004 QST. If you have access to the reviews page you can find it under the "Q" listings by manufacturer. Jim? KQ6EA --- On Sat, 7/4/09, George Henry <ka3hsw(a)att.net> wrote: From: George Henry <ka3hsw(a)att.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question To: "amsat bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 8:51 AM Sounds like the "QHTennas", made by N4QH.? Reviewed in QST in 2005, then he stopped producing them just a few months later. Near as I could figure out, they are a conventional turnstile design, but with the 2 dipoles separated by the length of the phasing line, and no reflector. George, KA3HSW

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Re: Antenna Question
by Jim Jerzycke 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

The product review is in the August 2004 QST. If you have access to the reviews page you can find it under the "Q" listings by manufacturer. Jim KQ6EA --- On Sat, 7/4/09, George Henry <ka3hsw(a)att.net> wrote: From: George Henry <ka3hsw(a)att.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question To: "amsat bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 8:51 AM Sounds like the "QHTennas", made by N4QH. Reviewed in QST in 2005, then he stopped producing them just a few months later. Near as I could figure out, they are a conventional turnstile design, but with the 2 dipoles separated by the length of the phasing line, and no reflector. George, KA3HSW ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joel Black" <jbblack(a)charter.net> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 9:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Question Happy Independence Day. Does anyone recognize the following antennas? I purchased them years ago and they were part of a system I never installed. Over the years, one of the elements has been damaged and, even though I can fix it myself, I'd like to know who made these. Doggonit, I cannot upload to my webpage (something else yet to figure out). Suffice it to say, my description may not do the antennas justice. There are two of them, a 2m and 70cm made out of sched 40 PVC. They appear to be a "turnstile" type antenna with two aluminum elements at the top and two at the bottom 90° out of phase from each other (top and bottom). In other words, if looking at a compass, the top two elements would be at N and S, the bottom two at E and W. This is the same on both antennas as they are a matching set. These antennas were in an old QST, but I have since gotten rid of all those magazines and cannot find the article online. Any ideas or suggestions? Tnx, Joel, W4JBB _______________________________________________ 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: Antenna Question
by R. Chastain 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

Oh My! Somebody else has my warped sence of humor:-) Just ask my granddaughter. I goof with her all the time with stuff like this. Like when she asks to get on the computer and I tell her she will break it if she does:-) RoD KD0XX --- On Sat, 7/4/09, David - KG4ZLB <kg4zlb(a)googlemail.com> wrote: > From: David - KG4ZLB <kg4zlb(a)googlemail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 11:28 AM > How can you upload a web page if you > have your "dog on it" ? Move the > dog first then try! ;-) > > Happy 4th all! > > 73 > > -- > David > KG4ZLB > www.kg4zlb.com > > > > > Joel Black wrote: > > Happy Independence Day. > > > > > > > > Doggonit, I cannot upload to my webpage (something > else yet to figure > > out). > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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AMSAT Forum videos from Dayton Hamvention
by Stephen E. Belter 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

Videos of the six presentations at the AMSAT Forum at the 2009 Dayton Hamvention are now on the AMSAT website. Click on this link http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/videoNews.php or go to the AMSAT website and click on AMSAT Video News about halfway down the page in the left column. The presentations are: 1. Richard Garriott's forum talk (mislabeled on the web site as the Banquet presentation, actual length about 15 minutes) on his visit to the ISS. 2. AMSAT Status report, Barry Baines, WD4ASW 3. SuitSat-2 Project Status, Gould Smith, WA4SXM 4. Satellite Operations Status, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA 5. ARISS Status, Will Marchant, KC6ROL 6. Columbus Module Antennas, Lou McFadin, W5DID 73, Steve, N9IP -- Steve Belter seb(a)wintek.com

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SuitSat-II question
by Greg D. 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

Hi folks, I just watched the video of Gould Smith talking about SuitSat-II. Nice job. But it left me wondering... With a new battery, solar cells, custom electronics package, switches, and antennas, what is the Suit itself needed for? At least in the original SuitSat, we used the battery pack (I think), and even that's being replaced. Don't get me wrong, the use of the suit is a marketing master-stroke. But am I right that it's basically only there for support (both mechanically and politically)? Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ SkyDrive™: Get 25 GB of free online storage. http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_SD_25GB_062009

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Re: Kenpro-Yaesu 5400 5600B question
by John Kopala 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

Bennett, I may be a little off on the following since I do not have a schematic for the G-5400, but here goes: The KR-500 elevation rotor did not have limit switches and the run cap was in the control box. The G400 did not have limit switches and the run cap was in the control box. The KR-500 and G-400 were combined to make the G-5400 which did not have the computer interface in the control box and did not have limit switches or run caps in the rotors. The G-5400B added limit switches and the run cap to the elevation rotor, but not the azimuth rotor. The G-5500 added limit switches and run caps to both rotors plus the special cable connector on the rotors. The G-5600B is the same as the G-5500 but with the screw type terminal strips on the rotors. I will send you PDF files for the KR-500, G-400, G-5400B/G-5600B, and G-5500 in a separate email. If you get 5500 rotors, I understand the connectors are rather pricey. The addition of the limit switches requires that the run cap be located in the rotor rather than the control box. Otherwise the motor would not run once a limit switch was opened. Placing the run cap after the limit switch provides the phase shifted voltage/current necessary to reverse the motor when the switch is opened. John Kopala N7JK Good day sat-guys: I have an old Kenpro G5400 without computer interface and a newer Yaesu G5600B control box. What are the differences in the motors between these 2 series other than the limit switches? In case of the control boxes, I see the G5400 has starter motor caps, but the G5600B control box doesn't. The old motors didn't work with the 5600B box until I added a starter cap to both the AZ and EL motor lines. I am planning to use the 5600B box with LVB tracker- any other issues? What do I need to do to use my old motors with the G5600B? Or, anyone have 5500 motors that they wish to sell? Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks, Bennett ko2ok

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The Moon is our Future
by MM 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

Theoretically we may have a free ride to the Moon for an Amateur radio repeater! In the past, the flight to the moon for a Amateur radio project has been cost prohibitive. We just could not afford to pay for the ride to the Moon. NASA is going to the moon with unmanned landers. NASA is open to the idea of flying some public service projects to the moon on their landers. Now there exists the possibility of getting a free ride to the moon, curtsy of NASA. What we need are the following: A stable club with funding to build a simple transponder project. A plan for a simple transponder (KISS no complex P3E). A link budget plan for a Moon transponder. One theory: We need a simple Mode-J transponder (2-meters up, 440 down). Low power consumption. Assume minimal antenna gain from the Lander (3 dBd on each antenna) Assume transmitter power 5-10 watts. Questions: What’s the link budget? How much gain will be needed on earth for such a setup? Can we build a working mockup in 1 year or less. The Moon is within Reach. Let’s Go for IT. Miles WF1F MarexMG.org --- On Wed, 7/1/09, Jack K. <kd1pe.1(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: Jack K. <kd1pe.1(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Rebuttal - Re: Unused sats > To: kg4zlb(a)gmail.com, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 4:46 PM > I have to disagree in the strongest > of terms about disregarding HEOs "for > now" which in essence will mean to become forever. Until, > or unless, we > could come up with something along the lines of a "Cell" > system of leos, we > are missing one of the major advantages of Satellites and > that is almost > guaranteed communications for long periods (several hours) > at a time... I am > in no way denigrating LEOs as they have their place, but in > the major schema > of things HEOS will and always have rule given the state of > communications > art... > > I understand the desire to "do something" but I suggest > that the major > thrust should be directed at getting a transponder on the > moon (or Mars) or > some more KISS type HEOs up... Cubesats can take care of > themselves if we > do, Heck I would even join in and participate in something > like I just > mentioned, I just can not get excited about "Contest style" > contacts with a > 5-12 min window most of the time... I do that on 2 meters > scatter all I > want, > > DE Jack - KD1PE > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "David - KG4ZLB" <kg4zlb(a)googlemail.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 4:09 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Unused sats > > > > All good points but forget the HEO's for now - we just > need a good > > source of regularly launched easy sats in LEO to > augment the few working > > birds we have and replace what we have to as they fall > out of the sky or > > just stop working. > > _______________________________________________ > 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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(no subject)
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 03 Jul '09

03 Jul '09

It looks like I have a copy of VR-85. Please let me know if you need a copy. I'll have to fire up the C-128. I need to check it out anyway. Mike (K9QHO)

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Re: Moon can cost less than HEO/GEO
by Armando Mercado 03 Jul '09

03 Jul '09

Greetings, First of all, I appreciate the efforts of the dedicated few of AMSAT that actually go out and make things happen. You don't hear "Thank you" often enough. Being this early in the idea phase, there are a lot of questions and unknowns. What frequencies to use and what the link requirements will be can all be worked out. The bigger question for me is if the moon is a good platform for an amateur transponder. No doubt it is technically doable. If the decision is based only on launch availability--It's the moon or nothing at all--then to the moon we go. But let's all understand what we are getting into. To the best of my knowledge, NASA does not now have an unmanned lunar lander mission that has been approved, although there is a lander planned in the greater scheme of things. Perhaps someone could direct me to some current information. The last I knew, the plan called for a lander referred to as RLEP-2. It was going to be a lander/rover powered by RTG's with a 1 year mission to explore Shackleton crater near the moon's south pole. The cost was going to be in the $400-$750 million range. The launch vehicle was going to have excess capacity so it was proposed that 3-4 mini satellites be deployed in lunar orbit to do remote sensing AND provide a communication link for the lander. So, if this is the mission we are talking about putting our transponder on, it sounds like we won't hear it on earth once the rover drives into the crater. Putting our transponder on one of the mini satellites sounds like a better plan. Again, I had difficulty finding current information on NASA's unmanned lunar lander plans. The last I read anything about RLEP-2 was that it was in serious trouble because of cost and was going to be sharply cut back. If our NASA host spacecraft will take care of all the housekeeping and provided free power, then a low cost transponder sounds like something we can do (although AMSAT-NA currently does not have a satellite lab--we may need to contract out the transponder work). We just need to understand we will not have control of the on/off switch (the repeater on the ISS or the Planetary Society's microphone on the Mars Phoenix lander for example). The days of getting a free launch is over, and it is too bad the Intelsat ride share idea did not pan out for us. As I have said before, I am not opposed to a transponder on the moon, I just have a lot of unanswered questions. Thanks again to the dedicated few at AMSAT that make things happen. Armando, N8IGJ >Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 18:14:59 -0700 (PDT) >From: MM <ka1rrw(a)yahoo.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Moon can cost less than HEO/GEO >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: <228402.31352.qm(a)web56404.mail.re3.yahoo.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 >High orbit launch prices >I can?t afford that and I do not know anyone at Huges, so I am looking into >the piggyback options. Let some other company pay the big bucks for the >flight >and navigation and just tag along for the ride.

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