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

Re: BoD Elections
by Dee 29 Aug '09

29 Aug '09

See my snips... -----Original Message----- From: Timothy J. Salo [mailto:salo@saloits.com] Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 9:48 PM To: Dee Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] BoD Elections > There are no "secret" happenings - it is all out in the open. Have you actually been to a Board meeting? Have you heard the pitch about how you can't talk about anything that you hear during the meeting? I assume that the chair still gives this pitch at the beginning of the Board meeting. >>>Yes, I have been. I have not heard any statement of secrecy(unless relevant to legal proceedings). If a negotiation is ongoing for a launch and they do not want it to be interfered with until it has been exhausted or come to fruition, I will honor such a request. The full minutes of what is said and discussed is published for all to see. Again, the BOD meeting is open for all to attend that are interested enough to find out actions items being passed around. If you attended a board meeting, did you feel welcome? Or, did you feel merely tolerated. Did the Board reserve a room just large enough for the board members? Did you have to go find your own chair, if you wanted to sit? Did you feel that you could eat any of the food that was left over after the Board ate? >>> I felt welcomed at any that I was present for. Some on the board finally put a face to the name and call. I certainly did not know many officers except for what I read about them in the mailings. I agree that there is limited space since they really don't expect a large turnout at a BOD meeting. (Most is dull, not exciting information but it gives you an idea of procedures and good information to bring back to local groups via presentations) I don't go for the food. AMSAT cannot accommodate a free lunch for onlookers. I once asked for a copy(of an agenda) at a Board meeting. You would think I was asking for the keys to their bank account. >>> They had copies when I attended-probably a result of you asking for one. Do you have confidence that you are even aware of all of the meetings of the board? >>>Their monthly phone conferences are summarized in the AMSAT journal or on the BB or via the ANS. In my view, the Board employs a number of subtle techniques to prevent the membership from knowing about, much less discussing, the activities of the Board. >>>As in any organization, we elect the board to act on to do lists - investigate - perform reality checks and disseminate information about our organization because most of us cannot offer time and energy to do so. Besides having your ideas heard, I don't think that members are permitted to speak at board meetings, unless invited. >>>Ideas from the general membership are presented at the annual meeting. While attending one BOD meeting, I was asked "and what & why are you here?" I promptly told them I was there to "observe and absorb" information for my many presentations to local Radio Clubs asking me to attend meetings - part of my Area Co-coordinator Job in NJ - Personally, I like to hear about any HEO projects, my favorite subject. --Timothy, once again, attend this years Symposium with a renewed interest and what you feel should be changed, attempt change. We are only 40 years old as a group and finding the level you wish AMSAT to be at can directly be in your grasp. Grab a pen (Equivalent to a computer I guess) and volunteer for something that we need to have happen - see the Journal! -tjs 73, Dee, NB2F

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Re: BoD Elections
by rwmcgwier＠gmail.com 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

We don't need legal counsel, we already have a surplus with ITAR and reclaiming our property. I join joanne, I am sick of lawyers and whining malcontents, and want to have fun with this. Bob N4HY LM ------Original Message------ From: JoAnne Maenpaa Sender: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org To: amsat bb Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections Sent: Aug 28, 2009 7:37 PM > now, what are you doing to help the organization? I'm going to enjoy helping AMSAT where ever I can despite voices on the internet telling me how immoral or how illegal it might be. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org _______________________________________________ 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 Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Re: BoD Elections
by Barry A. Baines 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Tim: After reading your note, Tim Liley's and Dee's, I'd like to comment on your e-mail. The July/August 2009 issue of the AMSAT Journal does contain the minutes of the 2008 Board Meeting in Atlanta. Our editor, Ed Long is finalizing the issue and it should be to the printer in the very near future. While the minutes provide a summary of the BOD actions taken in October 2008, we've already publicized key actions and steps taken in previous distribution of information. Further, much has happened in the past 10 months, so while the minutes may be interesting to review, please keep in mind that the minutes do not reflect the current status of the organization. There are no other formal 'meeting minutes' or 'committee minutes' to be published. No 'official meetings' where the BOD has taken official votes or made decisions that require documentation have taken place since the 2008 AMSAT Symposium. The BOD (including the Board Alternate) does meet informally each month to be briefed on the status of activities of the corporation. For example, I have kept the Board fully informed of the status of our actions on ITAR. However, minutes are not kept since no votes have been taken. This same information is later provided in ANS bulletins or in my 'Apogee View' column published in the AMSAT Journal. BTW, these teleconferences now include the two individuals running for the Board for the first time since it is clear that the entire slate of five candidates will end up being elected to the Board or serve as the next Board Alternate. By including these individuals in the current BOD teleconference, they will be more fully prepared to assume their new duties in September following announcement of election results. Likewise, there are monthly teleconferences of the senior leadership team, but no minutes are kept because these are tactical meetings. The Engineering Task Force meets regularly but no minutes are formally taken. Keep in mind that this group was appointed by the President, not the Board. Engineering Task Force Chair Bill Ress, N6GHZ has published material in the AMSAT Journal regarding activities of the Task Force. Please keep in mind that AMSAT has widely distributed information on the state of the organization through a variety of means. If you want to review AMSAT's situation and evaluate the actions of various individuals before making a decision on the Board, you might: -Read the candidate's statements -Review the articles in the past year of AMSAT Journal, including Apogee View, articles on SuitSat-2 and ITAR, etc. -Review past ANS bulletins which have provided information on AMSAT activities/accomplishments -Review the videos available on the AMSAT Website of the various AMSAT presentations given at Dayton. These presentations provide complete coverage of the current status of AMSAT as of Dayton, the status of SuitSat-2, ARISS, and operations. Go to: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/videoNews.php Lastly, the entire AMSAT leadership, including the current board members and prospective board members, is available to answer member questions or address concerns. The-mail addresses of the current leadership team are listed on the masthead of the AMSAT Journal. The AMSAT website 'officers page' provides a mechanism for sending comments to specific board members and officers. The candidate's statement that I wrote for this year's BOD election includes my AMSAT alias e-mail address. There are no restrictions on individuals contacting our volunteers in leadership positions. Note that two of the five candidates are current BOD members, two of BOD candidates have not previously served on the Board, plus one additional individual is the current Board Alternate. All of these candidates can be contacted by their AMSAT e-mail aliases as well. Regards, Barry Baines, WD4ASW President-AMSAT On Aug 27, 2009, at 4:40 PM, Timothy J. Salo wrote: > Hi, > > I still haven't returned my ballot for the AMSAT Board of > Directors election, in part because I don't feel that I > have really good information on which to make a decision. > I would like to vote for a Board that will be effective and > strengthen the organization. It is particularly important > to select the best possible board because, in my view, AMSAT > is an organization in serious trouble. But, I would prefer > to base my vote on the recent accomplishments, recent > positions during board meetings, and explicit near-term > objectives of the candidates. I would prefer to not simply > use a blunt strategy of voting against all incumbents and for > all challengers. Unfortunately, I don't feel that I really > know much about the activities of the individual board members. > > To remedy this, I suggest that the close of the BoD elections > be postponed until at least thirty days after the following > have been published: > > o A list of all Board meetings held over the last year > o Minutes from all of these Board meetings > o Minutes from all AMSAT committee meetings of the last year > > We can certainly have a discussion about the appropriate > level of transparency for the Board and its committees, and > whether the Board is meeting those objectives. Here is what > the D.C. statutes under which AMSAT is incorporated have to > say on the matter: > > Each corporation shall keep correct and complete books and > records of account and shall keep minutes of the proceedings > of its members, board of directors, and committees having any > of the authority of the board of directors; ... All books and > records of a corporation may be inspected by any member having > voting rights, or his agent or attorney, for any proper purpose > at any reasonable time. > > -tjs

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Fw: Re: BoD Elections
by Gould Smith 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Gould Smith To: Rocky Jones Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 7:17 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections I expected this. The board did vote to spend money at the last board meeting as documented, we haven't had the need to approve anything since then. I have said my piece. I will go do something productive. Gould, WA4SXM ----- Original Message ----- From: Rocky Jones To: gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net ; Amsat BB Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 6:50 PM Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections Gould thanks for your reply (I guess it was to me since you quoted my post) > This business of nit-picking and taking things out of context is not > productive. Certainly not of my time. my " BS" detector goes up when someone starts like that and then proceeds into a long sort of explanation anyway. It is an attempt to legitimize the question before you answer it. And it is one reason AMSAT NA is in trouble. I made a statement that you felt you needed to answer...but you also needed to take a cheap shot. You folks are "so busy" wow. must be one of those 16 hour people (and yes that is sarcastic) anyrate this caught my eye. > > The Board can vote at any meeting or teleconference with the appropriate > number of members present. The Board strategizes and directs and the > Officers implement. There has not been a need for the Board to vote on > anything. > The Board has guided and directed the Officers to do many things over the > last year. These have all been reported to the membership as tasks > undertaken. did you run this past a lawyer? What you have just admitted to is making substantive decisions by the board and other operations folks at Amsat, which doubtless include spending money...without any recorded vote or any ability to view the individual board member stand or any valid record of it that can be seen by the "members" of the organization. And NO what you claim is reporting to the membership through an infrequent magazine...wont do it. Indeed you just admitted to doing what the person who started this thread was concerned about. I dont know about the District of Columbia, but if AMSAT were a Texas organization (and Amsat is much like the community association I headed in how it is organized) then you have just admitted to a violation of law. I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV, but the organization desperately needs one. Robert WB5MZO Life member Amsat NA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. Find out more.

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FO-29 status 29Aug2009 #1
by Mineo Wakita 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

CW from FO-29 are transmitted now only over Japan. Please wait a little more time to come to hear CW all over the world. FO-29, 22:07-22:25UTC 28Aug2009 (07:06-07:25JST 29Aug2009), Mel 54deg HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 57 65 99 9C F0 70 EA EA F1 EF EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 58 65 99 9C F0 88 EA E9 F0 EF EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 57 65 99 9C F0 80 EA E9 F0 EF EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 00 05 25 00 24 01 81 56 65 99 9C F0 86 EA E9 F0 EF EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 00 05 25 00 24 01 01 58 65 99 9C F0 90 EA E8 F0 EF EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5A 65 99 9C F0 71 EA E7 F0 EF EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5C 65 99 9C F0 74 E9 E7 F0 EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5D 65 99 9C F0 90 E9 E7 F0 EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5D 65 99 9C F0 9D E9 E7 F0 EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5C 65 99 9C F0 81 E9 E7 EF EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5E 65 99 9C F0 83 E9 E6 EF EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5E 65 99 9D F0 82 E9 E6 EF EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5F 65 99 9C F0 76 E9 E6 EF EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5E 65 99 9C F0 98 E9 E6 EF EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5D 65 99 9C F0 62 E9 E5 EE EE EB HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 5A 65 99 9C F0 83 E9 E5 EE EE EA HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 57 65 99 9C F0 7F E9 E5 EE EE EA HI HI 22 E2 88 D5 8F 09 05 25 00 24 01 01 56 65 99 9C F0 C3 E9 E5 EE EE EA Another program, fo29cwte.exe Ver3.10 http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/90829f29.jpg http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/90829f30.jpg http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/90829f31.jpg http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/90829f32.jpg http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/fo29cwte.zip JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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10 GHz and 24 GHz systems?
by Robert Bruninga 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Looking for some educational 10 and 24 GHz modules... We want to use some in our satellite labs to teach students about microwaves. Some nice off the shelf laser comms modules may also be included. We have funds, so want to get something that is readily available and reproduceable, not one-of-a-kind. Thanks Bob, Wb4APR

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GJTRACKER Version 2.0 Now Available
by Lance Collister 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Hello! While I was operating as E51SIX on 6m EME and had no internet, I sure missed the great world maps on the ON4KST chat pages, which show the moonrise "terminator" as it moves across the earth. So, since I wanted to make sure to have that capability next time when I am out on DXpedition without the internet, I added that capability to GJTRACKER. Version 2.0 of GJTRACKER is now available, and includes a fairly detailed world Field Locator map to show what parts of the world can see the moon (or any other celestial object). This feature is accessed by selecting the "Real Time" mode when you run the program. The GJHELP.pdf file has been updated to reflect the new addition to the Real Time window: http://bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.zip The map redraws itself every minute. Sorry, but it is not currently a user-sizable map. The screen size setting of 1280x768 pixels on my laptop is just big enough to show the entire world map at once. CU on the moon! GL and VY 73, Lance -- Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX) P.O. Box 73 Frenchtown, MT 59834 USA QTH: DN27UB TEL: (406) 626-5728 URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj 2m DXCC #11, 6m DXCC #815

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FO-29
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Signals from FO-29 have been reported over Japan. see: http://oscar.dcarr.org/ Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589

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FS: SSB SP-2000 Superamp for 2m, working but rusty
by Bill Dzurilla 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

I have for sale an SSB Electronics SP-2000 Superamp mast-mounted GaAsFET preamp, 1 1/2 years old. Rated at 200w VOX, 750w PTT. It has Hi-Q helical coils & helical filters and is one of the best preamps for DXing, satellites, meteor scatter, and EME. More info at: http://www.ssbusa.com/gaasfet.html Reviews at: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4156 (4.8/5) The preamp works OK, but for some unknown reason it is rusty. The preamp is contained in a weatherproof case but water must have gotten in somehow. I cleaned up the circuit board with Q-tips and alcohol. Photos available. The SP-2000 sells new for $310 plus shipping. You can have this one for $150 shipped anywhere USA. Also would offer the SP-2000 plus cash for a 2m preamp system capable of handling 1.5 kw. I recently bought a Lunar Link and discovered the rust issue when I took the preamp down. 73, Bill NZ5N

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I: Re: FO-29 status 28Aug2009
by Francesco Grappi 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Well Done !! Thank you very much to all commander team For their effort !! Long life to FO-29 !! 73" Frank IW4DVZ > -----Messaggio originale----- > Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] Per > conto di Gary "Joe" Mayfield > Inviato: venerdì 28 agosto 2009 15.46 > A: 'Mineo Wakita'; roi(a)optonline.net > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Re: FO-29 status 28Aug2009 > > Hurray! --- Three cheers for our Japanese friends! > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On > Behalf Of Mineo Wakita > Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 7:46 AM > To: roi(a)optonline.net > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] FO-29 status 28Aug2009 > > Command Station succeeded in transmitting a command to FO-29. > > FO-29, 12:00-12:15UTC 28Aug2009, Mel 46deg > HI HI 22 E2 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 5B 65 99 9C F0 5D E8 E9 EA E9 > EA > HI HI 22 E2 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 5A 65 99 9C F0 8D E8 E9 EA E8 > EA > HI HI 22 E2 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 59 65 99 9C F0 8E E8 E9 EA E8 > E9 > HI HI 22 E2 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 52 66 99 9D F0 8B E8 E8 EA E8 > EA > HI HI 22 E2 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 4E 65 99 9C F0 80 E8 E8 EA E8 > E9 > HI HI 22 E2 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 47 65 99 9C EB 71 E8 E8 EA E8 > E9 > HI HI 22 22 88 D1 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 01 84 66 78 83 8F E7 E8 E9 E7 > E9 > HI HI 22 22 88 D5 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 01 82 66 78 82 89 E7 E8 E9 E7 > E9 > HI HI 22 22 88 D5 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 01 84 66 78 82 62 E7 E8 E9 E7 > E9 > HI HI 22 22 88 D5 8F 08 05 25 00 24 01 01 01 83 66 77 81 8E E8 E8 E9 E7 > E9 > > fo29cwts.exe Ver2.4 update > > CW can be available from FO-29 only over Japan now. You are simply > copied by Copy & Paste into the upper window of this program. It is > insignificant whether the blank character exists between the CW values. > And you can analyze them max 50 lines. The CW telemetry values are > calculated and are shown graphically in an accustomed method. > The individual decoded data are saved additionally into a text file. > > http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/90828f29.jpg > http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/fo29cwts.zip > > JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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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