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

POLLUX TLM - via remote station
by Fabiano Moser 08 Aug '09

08 Aug '09

Today I decoded POLLUX telemetry, by remote station control, from my job. Works FINE! Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[10:22:40] SYST 748737 0 0 33 0 fffe 1530 0002 1460 0015 1448 001a 04d8 000d 04e0 ffff ffff 0156 08c4 0fbe 0038 -- 73 Fabiano Moser CR7/PY5RX ARISS-PORTUGAL (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Representative at Teleconference and Portugal Telebridge Coordinator. AMRAD/AMSAT-CT http://www.amrad.pt/ariss.php "There is no great talent without great will. (Honoré de Balzac)"

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PCSAT report 2009-08-08
by Rob Hardenberg PE1ITR 08 Aug '09

08 Aug '09

Hello, Received some readable packets from pcsat: !S 08:44:23 !W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE/1: !S 08:44:23 !T#010,063,065,061,072,214,11111111,0001,1 !S 08:44:24 !PCSAT-11>BEACON,SGATE/1: !S 08:44:24 !T#003,064,059,131,232,215,11111110,0010,1 !S 08:46:17 !W3ADO-1>APRS1/1: !S 08:46:17 !Default LT1 73 Rob PE1ITR http://www.pe1itr.com

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New satellite rigs?
by John Geiger 08 Aug '09

08 Aug '09

Is anyone hearing any rumors of new satellite rigs on the horizon (pun intended)? The TS2000 and Icom 910H are hitting 9 years on the market, and Yaesu isn't currently marketing a satellite rig. 73s Jon AA5JG

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[keps] Satellites Added to AMSAT KEPs
by Randy 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

-----Original Message----- From: Randy [mailto:RSwart1@twcny.rr.com] Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 7:26 PM To: 'amsat-bb(a)amsat.org' Subject: FW: [keps] Satellites Added to AMSAT KEPs I also asked them to add them to their satellite pass prediction page.. Randy - N2CUA -----Original Message----- From: keps-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:keps-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Ray Hoad Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 11:34 PM To: AMSAT KEP Subject: [keps] Satellites Added to AMSAT KEPs Pollux Catalog Number 35693 and CASTOR Catalog Number 35694 have been added to the AMSAT KEPs this week. I am not sure of the Catalog Number for Dragonsat (BEVO-1 and AGGIESAT-2) because AF Space Command had not yet listed in recent launches. Does someone know the Dragonsat Catalog Number?

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FW: [keps] Satellites Added to AMSAT KEPs
by Randy 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

I also asked them to add them to their satellite pass prediction page.. Randy - N2CUA -----Original Message----- From: keps-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:keps-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Ray Hoad Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 11:34 PM To: AMSAT KEP Subject: [keps] Satellites Added to AMSAT KEPs Pollux Catalog Number 35693 and CASTOR Catalog Number 35694 have been added to the AMSAT KEPs this week. I am not sure of the Catalog Number for Dragonsat (BEVO-1 and AGGIESAT-2) because AF Space Command had not yet listed in recent launches. Does someone know the Dragonsat Catalog Number?

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Receiving ISS Packet
by w6zkh＠comcast.net 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

I am having a problem receiving packets from ISS. Good signals, data LED lights, but nothing shows on the screen. If I monitor normal 2m packet freq or APRS channel, I have no problems. I am monitoring the 145.825 mhz freq and I guess it is still 1200 baud, not 9600? Anyone with any ideas. I would eventually like to set up a station to operate there. John W6ZKH DM06

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uhf amp
by Jerry 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

Hi: I,m in a need of a manual for a TE Systems RF power amp Model 4410G . I would settle for a copy or schematic. Jerry w0sat

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AO-51 (Aug 7-09)
by Gregory Dober 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

Haven't been on in a few days and saw that Gould did some software uploads. Before I rip my system apart to troubleshoot, is the bird on a lower power level? Usually those 32 degree passes over the Midwest for me are not difficult to hear. Today, I could hear it but barely audible. Getting the ladder ready! Thanks and 73 Greg N3MVF

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Re: Acer Aspire One & SatPC32
by claryco＠aol.com 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

Hi Tim, I'm curious about what "symptoms" you're experiencing with your Aspire One, which I'm also using. ? In my case, during the short time I had available?to use SatPC32 with mine netbook just before leaving the country, I found that the Doppler corrections from the program were slow in keeping up with what the satellites were actually doing. That is, once I had a station tuned in on the 70cm freq, the?corrections would kick in at the right intervals as I'd set them, but the corrected?downlink freq would soon be off a bit following the next correction. (The downlink freq displayed on SatPC32 matched what the rig's display showed, so the rig and program are talking fine.) With each correction applied, the disparity between the new downlink freq and what I?was actually hearing would quickly widen. Soon, I would have to manually re-tune the station again to clarify the signal; the uplink?seemed to follow my hands on?changes though, so that seemed to be a functional "band aid". There's one issue on my end that may figure in. My FT-817ND is at Yaesu for a warranty repair, so I'm currently limited to half duplex only with my FT-897D. With that single-rig config, I can't use a rapid correction interval because the rig switches VFOs at the specified intervals (currently set at 50 cycles), and I lose my RX capability for a noticable amount of time, say about a half second each time. The VFO switches become more frequent as the bird passes overhead of course, so it's a trade off. I've been stuck in Bahrain for the better part of a week while waiting for the military hop that goes to Diego Garcia where my ship is located. My rig is on the ship waiting for me, so it'll be a few days?before I can try anything new. With luck, my 817 will be shipped to me while I'm at VQ9 and I'll be able to go full duplex with a much faster Doppler interval setting. 73 for now, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Manama, Bahrain -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Fri, Aug 7, 2009 6:34 am Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 387 Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 12:21:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Tim Lilley <n3tl(a)bellsouth.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HRD software question To: david.barber(a)dbelectronics.co.uk, "Simon $HB9DRV$" <simon(a)hb9drv.ch> Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <484785.88782.qm(a)web180213.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Simon, ? I will be thrilled if you are able to get the Doppler-tuning function to work with stability on a netbook with an Intel Atom processor driving an 8.9-inch screen (the one built in to my Acer Aspire One). :) ? Tim - N3TL --- On Thu, 8/6/09, Simon (HB9DRV) <simon(a)hb9drv.ch> wrote: From: Simon (HB9DRV) <simon(a)hb9drv.ch> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HRD software question To: david.barber(a)dbelectronics.co.uk Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 2:47 PM Well, When I get to this stage I will offer to help anyone using teamview - I did this yesterday with a beta-tester in Holland and in just a few minutes found a serious resource leak. The main problem with netbooks is the graphics chip isn't too fast, but I do have some poor code in the satellite tracking anyway :) My general aim is to be able to run HRD 5.0 on a netbook driving a 24" display. Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Barber" <david.barber(a)dbelectronics.co.uk> > That's excellent news, most encouraging.? Wish I was able to do more to > assist. _______________________________________________ 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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ande keps
by Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

DRAGONSAT 1 35690U 09038B 09217.97658609 .00019083 00000-0 10072-3 0 76 2 35690 051.6416 050.8490 0005305 104.3300 255.8301 15.80669917 1027 ANDE DEB (POLLUX CYLIN) 1 35691U 09038C 09217.59842416 .00029864 00000-0 15710-3 0 67 2 35691 051.6403 052.8229 0003389 052.3170 307.8122 15.80440083 932 ANDE DEB (CASTOR CYLIN) 1 35692U 09038D 09217.59817003 .00052966 00000-0 27257-3 0 82 2 35692 051.6401 052.8230 0003644 045.0060 315.1255 15.80641538 931 ANDE POLLUX SPHERE 1 35693U 09038E 09217.59911989 .00017271 00000-0 93597-4 0 71 2 35693 051.6411 052.8302 0003607 057.3899 302.7417 15.80180157 935 ANDE CASTOR SPHERE 1 35694U 09038F 09217.97925578 .00009761 00000-0 55030-4 0 89 2 35694 051.6417 050.8709 0004425 058.6932 301.4497 15.79973262 997 ANDE DEB (AVIONICS DECK) 1 35695U 09038G 09217.97914313 .00023078 00000-0 12428-3 0 74 2 35695 051.6422 050.8703 0004561 058.4233 301.7212 15.80084491 998 -- Nigel A. Gunn, 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA. tel +1 937 825 5032 Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF), e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pigs QRP Club International #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK 0182, MKARS, ALC, GCARES, XWARN.

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ANDE-2 frequencies
by Henk, PA3GUO 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

>>> Please note this is not a formal statement of the ANDE-2 owners <<< My observation, confirmed by Mike, DK3WN, is that for best results the following downlink frequencies should be assumed: POLLUX: 145.826 MHz 1200 bd AFSK CASTOR: 145.828 MHz 1200 bd AFSK Henk, PA3GUO

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Is HRD Version 5 Released yet?
by Randy 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

Is HRD Version 5 Released yet? Randy - N2CUA "" Gotcha! You are correct. maybe the independences that were discussed with 5.x will take care of that problem. It would be nice to bring up just the satellite portion only. I have been so use to using WISP32 since my SATGATE days that I use it most of the time except on my newer radios. HRD indeed is very good and looks even more promising for the future. I have downloaded the 5.x beta version but have yet to install it to see how it does. Regards, Reid, W4UPD""

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Update on my Saturday DM54/DM55 trip
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 07 Aug '09

07 Aug '09

Hi! I'm working on plans for Saturday, and looked at my maps again. Since some are interested in working different counties, I wanted to correct an item from my earlier e-mail. I will be in Arizona's Navajo County, not Apache County, on Saturday. I will only be a few miles/km from the Navajo/Apache county line, the Petrified Forest National Park, and parts of the Navajo Nation reservation, but not in the park or on that reservation. Barring problems on Saturday, I still plan on being at the DM54/DM55 grid boundary for the passes I referenced in the earlier e-mail. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Elk on tower
by Jerry Felts 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

How far away from the mast on my tower should I mount my Elk?? The mast is 2" steal anf the lk will be mounted horiz at a 15 deg angle. -- Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/ http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

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Elk antenna on tower
by Jerry Felts 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

I didn't mean this as a joke but it seems everyone took it as a joke. I will try not to askany more questions here. -- Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/ http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

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Re: Elk antenna on tower
by Rodney Waln 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

if you have any question or need any help with anything, i am only 150 miles from you, or email me or get a hold of me on the SD link system, no joke, Rodney kc0zhf

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HRD software question
by Randy 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

I just downloaded HRD and am having trouble figuring out How to look at more than one satelite at a time in the Satellite part of the program. TIA 73, Randy N2CUA

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DJ-G7T experiences
by Alan P. Biddle 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

After a nearly 2 month wait, my rig came in recently. The good news is that they are coming through with the current firmware and manual. The manual is "OK" but lacks an index making things hard to find, and does not include all the menu items. Fortunately, after you get comfortable with the logic, it is easy to figure them out. The computer programming software is available so far only in Japanese, but they claim the English version will be available Real Soon Now. For normal operations, the RX and TX audio are excellent, and the wideband receive is useful, or at least fun. As with most HTs, the stock antenna could stand to be replaced, and has been. Packet works well, and the VOX simplifies interfacing. On the downside, the receivers are both less sensitive than they should be. In comparison with an ancient Icom HT with exactly the same specs, using the same antenna and location, marginal repeaters which are close to full quieting on the Icom are noisy and largely unreadable on the Alinco. More importantly for satellite use, the sub band which you must use for RX is significantly noisier. I use an ARR preamp. With it on, pointing to clear sky with an Elk antenna, I get 2-3 S-units of noise on the main RX. Using the sub RX, it is full scale, and actual readability is poor in comparison with the main RX. This is independent of whether the wideband RX function is on or off. Attenuators off of course. ;) I have had the impression that some of the old AMSAT hands at portable operation have been less than impressed, and so far that has been my experience. It will be interesting so see if there are any helpful firmware updates. While a disappointment so far for satellite use, I do expect to use this as my main HT for normal operations once the English programming software becomes available. Anybody have an experiences to share, hopefully positive? Alan WA4SCA

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Fantastic photo of ISS+Endeavor in front of the sun!
by Tom Clark, K3IO 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

/Thierry Legault/ is a French amateur astronomy who is well-known for his incredible astronomical photos. Hr has posted a great photo of the ISS in front of the sun during the recent Endeavor visit: http://legault.club.fr/iss_endeavour_transit.html He also grabbed an image of Atlantis + HST in front of the sun: http://legault.club.fr/atlantis_hst_transit.html. In this posting, he also describes his technique with photos he made during a recent Florida visit along with answers to some FAQ. Enjoy! -- 73, Tom

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Re: Elk on tower
by Rodney Waln 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

hi, i would say about about 6" to one foot should be good, from the longest element horizontal or 6" vertical mounting, all jokeing aside, Rodney kc0zhf

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Re: Elk on tower
by Reicher, James 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

You may do it on the tower, but here in Missouri, we usually mount our Elk over the fireplace. :) 73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. -----Original Message----- Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 11:23:11 -0600 From: Jerry Felts <nr5ajerry(a)gmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Elk on tower To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <21baf9ff0908061023o343d3c3ax8c71451893599770(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 How far away from the mast on my tower should I mount my Elk?? The mast is 2" steal anf the lk will be mounted horiz at a 15 deg angle. -- Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/ http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

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Re: Fwd: Launch your own satellite for only 8k
by G0MRF＠aol.com 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

In a message dated 06/08/2009 08:44:08 GMT Standard Time, Richard(a)g3rwl.demon.co.uk writes: I'm surprised no-one else has done the math on this. The website says they'll launch 30 tubesats on a flight. 30 x eight grand comes out just under a quarter million US dollars - and they say this will cover *all* associated services as well as the launch. I find it rather hard to believe that even the launch vehicle would only cost US$240K per flight. -- 73 Richard W L Limebear G3RWL g3rwl(a)amsat.org FOC # 1188 30 x 0.75 kg is almost no payload. Presumably the rest of the cost is covered by a primary payload or lager better more expensive TubeSats. If their idea for frequency allocation is typical of the rest of their planning, I suspect this is just vopourware which will never fly. David

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HRD software question
by Randy 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

I just downloaded HRD and am having trouble figuring out How to look at more than one satelite at a time in the Satellite part of the program. TIA 73, Randy N2CUA

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Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net Tonight August 06 8 PM On N2EYH-L
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

Hello everyone. It's time once again for the Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net on Echolink node N2EYH-L or on the Mt. Beacon repeater overlooking Beacon New York on 146.970 PL 100. My apologies to anyone who tried to connect by Echolink during our last net. Due to technical difficulties we were not able to connect with Echolink. I have been assured we will be connected tonight. Please join us and share your satellite communications knowledge with the group. Hope to hear you there. 73 Gary WA2AQH

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Where to post telemetry data
by Randy 06 Aug '09

06 Aug '09

Hi guys .. I managed to get a few packets of telemetry data from Pollux yesterday. Not to mention a whole lot of ISS packet activity .. Where do I submit this data ?? On the website? or FTP it somewhere? Still new to all this, but eager to learn. Randy - N2CUA PS anyone have time to spend on the phone with me to answer a gazillion questions?

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