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

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

28 Aug '09

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

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Low cost Japanese launch vehicle
by Howie DeFelice 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

With all the recent discussion about launch costs, I thought this would be of interest: Details of New Japanese Cost-Cutting Launch Vehicle Leaked August 27, 2009 | Satellite Today | Staff Writer [Satellite TODAY 08-28-09] The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is spending $213 million to develop a small launch vehicle in 2010 to reduce satellite launch costs by two-thirds, according to Nikkei reports, released Aug. 27. JAXA is working with The Japanese Ministry of Science and Technology and IHI Corp. on the project. The new three-stage rocket will be 24 meters in length and 2.5 meters in diameter at its widest section – less than half the size and carrying capacity of JAXA’s H-2A launch vehicle. The rocket will be able to carry payloads as heavy as 1.2 tons and use solid fuel for all three of its stages. JAXA claims that, since it will not have to fill up with liquid fuel, using solid fuel will cut down on the time that the rocket will need to prepare for liftoff once it arrives at the launch site. Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has a similar business model and mission in the United States. Falcon-1, SpaceX’s smaller launch vehicle, uses liquid fuel and costs between $8 and $10 million per launch. JAXA’s new rocket would bring competition into Asia’s discount launch vehicle market, as China is also looking to provide cheaper launch services through its Long-March vehicle. According to reports, the rocket will cost $32 million to produce and launch – less than a third of H-2A’s price tag. Falcon-1 missions currently cost between $8 and $10 million per launch. The first liftoff is expected to take place as early as fiscal 2012 and will most likely be used to send space research and solar system satellites into orbit. Eventually, the new rocket may carry a landing vehicle for Japan’s Moon exploration project, targeted for 2020, the agencies said in the reports. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:O…

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Update on EM96, EM98 & EM99
by R M Patterson 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

As I am about to start my trip it's raining in NE Ohio and the WX forecast for WV & western VA, where these grids are located is not good. I still plan to be "on location" to try work 'em, but I don't relish getting my radio and myself drenched. So, bottom line: The WX makes the activation of EM96, EM98 & EM99 [scheduled per previous msgs] "iffy" today. The forecast for EM94 early tomorrow morning is better. I'll do my best! 73! Rick 'GI

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BoD Elections
by Timothy J. Salo 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

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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ARISS 25th Anniversary Certificate
by Tim - N3TL 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Hey everyone, Can someone who is or was involved with ARISS during the 25th Anniversary event please contact me off the BB? I was excited to recive my 25th Anniversary Certificate today - until I opened it. It confirms an SWL report, and I submitted proof of a 2-way contact with another amateur over the repeater. The certificate is very nice, but I'd like to inquire about getting a certificate that actually confirms what I claimed (a claim that included the other station's QSL and mine) - a 2-way contact. Thanks in advance for any help. 73, Tim - N3TL

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Water as a rocket fuel
by John Heath 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Thanks to Bob for starting an interesting thread. On boeard electrolysis of water to produce Hydrogen/Oxygen rocket fuel. An most interesting paper on the subject at https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/236614.pdf It does work in space. Could it get us from LEO to MEO? Since Bob is a can do guy I will follow this one with great interest, way to go Bob. 73 John G7HIA

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"best" rotators
by Randy 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Whats everyone using for their az / el rotors and What do you think of them and how trouble free have they been? I still have to get one .. And its lots of dollars so I wanted it to Be dollars well spent .. All I have see is the yaesu ones so far that run with the computer in the drivers seat. Are there other brands that do the same thing ?? Like Wilson , etc .. Thanks .. v/r 73 Randy - N2CUA

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Re: WD9EWK cards arrived today!!!!!!
by Allen Vinegar 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Thanks Patrick, mine arrived today! Quite impressed with your personal postage stamp!!! 73, Al W8KHP

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Activation of EM94 (SC)
by Rick 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Hi guyz. In private e-mails a couple of folks have indicated that they need grid EM94 in South Carolina. I'm going to get a very early start on Saturday, 08/29/09, so as to be in EM94 to try to hit the AO-51 pass @ about 11:19Z. I think it'll work. (Yea, I know that's *really* early, but the next pass I could hit won't be until mid-late afternoon -long after I need to be at my destination.) I plan on being there absent unforeseen circumstances, e.g., rain. Pls QSL as per previous message. 73! Rick 'GI

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Re: FO-29 examination operation
by Mineo Wakita 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Hi, you wrote: > Is there a place where amateurs can have a look at what the status is of > the planned actions? Sorry, this examination of FO-29 operate only over Japan. I will announce it again if this examination for restoration succeeds. JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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FO-29 examination operation
by Mineo Wakita 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

A trouble occurs on FO-29 CW and Transponder now. The control station tries for restoration hard. They say as follows. We plan the next test use until Monday. 28 Aug, 12:03 UTC 28 Aug, 22:10 UTC 29 Aug, 21:15 UTC 30 Aug, 22:05 UTC We may not turn on a transmitter by the influence such as buildings depending on a direction of AOS at the time of the schedule. The amateur station who wants to use the transponder please perform uplink after hearing the CW telemetry of FO-29. FO-29 doubles with a receiver for communication without being equipped with the receiver for exclusive use of the command. When many stations do uplink during command work, please understand it because it takes many time when we turn on the transponder. JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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FO-29 Still Silent
by David Wing 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Anyone have any word on what's up with FO-29 ? Still not heard on the 27-Aug 0404 Northamerican pass

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DM19 Activated Aug 17
by Mark Spencer 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

I will activate grid DM19 (smack in the middle of NV) on August 17th during the 2130Z AO27 pass (approximate). (It must be a rare grid because even WD9EWK says he needs the grid!) There is a ghost town out there that I will visit on my way to AZ. I'll be on my HT and an ARROW. If you need a QSL for the contact, just send me an e-mail, I'll confirm with the log and send you a card. No need for SASE or return card. I have a shameless request. I only need New Hampshire to complete my WAS satellite. Anyone in NH interested in setting up a schedule on any bird, any mode? I have a granite challenge to me east (a mountain) that limits the pass opportunities to reach the east coast, but I know I can because I have confirmed contacts with the rest of New England. Hope the DM19 grid will increase your totals. 73, Mark Mark Spencer, WA8SME ARRL-The national association for Amateur Radio Education and Technology Program Coordinator mspencer(a)arrl.org http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ 530-495-9150

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Re: Suitsat 2 to ISS ( don't care )
by Randy 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

I keep hearing that it is dead ( the thread ), but someone it keeps going .. :( ""Either we make history, or we complain about it. The choice is ours! This thread is dead!"" Cant speak for everyone, but I think its gone waaay past the dead horse Stage. And is not doing much for the list as when I see anymore posts On it I just skip over it.. Can we please let it go and agree to disagree? v/r Randy - N2CUA

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PE1RAH Linear Transponder at JARL Ham Fair
by Tim - N3TL 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Hey everyone, If you're interested in seeing the linear transponder that William, PE1RAH, displayed in Tokyo, you can see it here: http://www.onjapan.net/2009/hamfair/img_3659.jpg 73 to all, Tim - N3TL

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Azimute pointer on a G-5600 gives a wrond value
by PE0SAT 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Hello thanks for reading, I recently acquired a Yaesu G-5600 and experience the following: When I turn the azimuth antenna, then the pointer gives an other value than when I don't turn the antenna. It lookes that the load on the powersupply causes the pointer to indicate a different value then when there is no load. Is this a known problem? And is there a way to solve this problem? Thanks in advance, PE0SAT - Jan

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AO27 life expectancy
by John Geiger 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Given that AO27 is 16 years old, how much more life are we expected to get out of it? Have their been any estimates or predictions made recently? 73s John AA5JG EM04to

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Activation of EM91, EM96, EM98, & EM99
by rick.k8gi＠gmail.com 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Hi folks. If anyone is interested, I am going to activate the following grids on an upcoming trip: 08/28/09, 1840Z SO-50 EM98-EM99 (WV) 08/28/09, 1935Z AO-27 EM99 (WV) 08/28/09, 2308Z AO-51 EM96 (VA) The only reasons I can think of why I won't be "there" are traffic-related. :<( During the period 08/30 through 09/11 I'll be in EM91 (GA) and will try to activate that grid a couple of times while there. E-mail me if you need that grid and I'll send out a private message to give the interested parties the "heads-up." QSLing: If I already have your card from the QTH where you work me, I don't need another one. If not, kindly send me yours via mail. The only time I need a SASE is if *you* require one from others. Otherwise, if I don't need your card, just send me an e-mail with the QSO data (including the grid from which where I worked your stn) and I'll be pleased to drop mine in the snail-mail to you! I'll mail the QSL cards no later than the week of 09/14/09. 73! Rick 'GI

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Alinco DJ-G7T programming cable
by Alan P. Biddle 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Hi, Sometime back, while my rig was on back order, I asked if anyone had used Icom programming cables with it. My rig finally arrived, as did shortly thereafter new firmware and most recently a memory cloning program. With that, I have been able to test both the Icom OPC-478 and the RT Systems CT-29A cables. (Both need a stereo 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm adapter, plus the EDS-10 adapter which breaks out the Alinco connector to separate microphone and earphone connectors.) In both cases, I have found that they work perfectly for both memory management and firmware upgrade. If you already have a similar cable, you can probably get by with a $4 adapter from RS rather than a new $55 cable. Unfortunately, the DJ-G7T is not so far proving to be an adequate satellite rig, but that is another issue. Alan WA4SCA

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downconverter and tracking
by Jerry 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

I have a Drake downconverter with a patch feed for 2.4 Ghz I used it every day on AO- 40 I also have a AEA ST-1 tracking system If interested contact me off line. Jerry w0sat W0sat(a)msn.com

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