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

HRD+FT-847+G5500 need usb controler
by Raul Romero 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

any have info for controler to yaesu rotator over usb need Economy unit Tnx Raul CA3SOC --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Are you still wasting your time with spam?... There is a solution!" Protected by GIANT Company's Spam Inspector The most powerful anti-spam software available. http://mail.spaminspector.com

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High LEO for cubesat?
by Bruce Robertson 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Much of the debate on the board here arises from our common desire to see the launching of satellites with a larger footprint. A fine analysis of one approach to this is the video and ppt of David, G0MRF, discussing his ideas for a bird that reaches the financial sweet spot, between LEO and HEO, a 'middle earth orbit, or MEO. http://www.batc.tv/vod/AMSAT-UK_MEO.flv and http://www.uk.amsat.org/2009/2c_Bowman-MEO.pdf He points out that a bird at 7000 km altitude is beyond the inner radiation belt and yet has a pass duration of 90 minutes and a footprint diameter of over 13,000 km. Here's the great thing, though: it is possible to do an orbital transfer from LEO to MEO. David points out some difficulties, though: VLSI electronics components are not as tolerant of radiation than others, and the attitude control of the second burn might be tricky. Another approach (also gleaned from David's rich harvest), which would be even more simple, and perhaps within the realm of a 3x cubesat, would be to raise a typical cubesat from its 650km altitude to the 1400km or so that has made AO-7 so popular. An elliptical orbit, requiring only one 'burn' might even be seen as an advantage. As David says, it would allow for the bird eventually to be deorbited, but it would also mean that periodically the bird could be used with very simple antennas for local communications, and on other occasions would require a better groundstation affording a wider footprint.Using DH2VA's propulsion spreasheet, I see that delta_v for one half of a Hohmann Transfer Orbit from 650 to 1500 is 212 m/sec ish. Since my understanding of the HTO is that it comprises two burns, one creating an ellipse, the second turning that ellipse into a circle, I've assumed that that number is about right for an elliptical orbit with the final altitude. Using David's http://g0mrf.com/MEOSAT.htm, I gather that the Isp of a cold-gas thruster is about 60 sec, which should be enough to get the necessary delta_v above. And then there's the transponder. With William PE1RAH's transponder board in hand, and the work about to be done on FUNCUBE (not to mention Delfi C3 and NE3T), we should have a very good idea of what can be achieved with linear transponders in small LEO vessels. With one or two of the cubes dedicated to thrust, we'd have lots of solar panel area. What about a software transponder vs. hardware transponder shootout with respect to volume and power requirements? Could a software transponder include the modulation/demod of a suitable digital mode, allowing less elaborate stations to work the bird at apogee? Anyway, that's the sort of fun one can have with the materials that David has provided. >From a promotional standpoint, a project that aims to provide the functionality of AO-7 could highlight the remarkable success of that bird and at the same time point out the new opportunities and challenges in space. 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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Re: lvb tracker circuit -- xtal?
by Stefano Simonetti 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

Thanks Allen, my unit is not really a new unit that does not run, it is a homebrewed unit on a what we call "1000 fori" board (a board with holes that you have to wire). Today I changed Xtal with a 4.433.... and tried the in circuit programming (picprog procedure). Finally, when I understood how the reset button must be used, I succeeded in program the pic. Rs232 communication seems to answer something to the command C+ENTER, but what I receive are characters without sense. At this point I think the only thing wrong is the not exact frequency of my XTAL. No LCD yet. I add also Howard to email, in case he would be so kindly to comment even on a homebrewed LVB board. Ciao, Stefano. ________________________________ Da: Allen Fugelseth <allen(a)cruzio.com> A: Stefano Simonetti <iw1rdz(a)yahoo.it> Inviato: Lunedì 24 agosto 2009, 1:37:19 Oggetto: RE: [amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? I don't know. I had a problem with mine not working after I upgraded it. I had an earlier revision and I wanted to upgrade it to the latest and greatest. I sent the PIC and the revised hex file from G6LVB on his web page. to a friend. My friend has the capability to program PICs. He reprogrammed it, but the circuit wouldn't work. It wouldn't oscillate. So I wrote to G6LVB describing my problem and he sent back what I sent to you. In my case I had a working unit, but I broke it with the new upgraded version hex code. G6LVB sent me the additional code as I sent to you. My friend added the code and the PIC worked. I think the main problem was that the oscillator input to the PIC wasn't set. Apparently it must be done in the first four bits sent to the PIC. This gets the PIC clock input receiving the clocking signal and the PIC runs. The PIC can be configured to use an xtal, RC, and one or two other clock inputs. With the xtal the PIC can be configured to provide an oscillator with the 4 MHZ xtal. I could ask my friend what FPW=on is. I am not any kind of an expert here. I have learned all of this by talking with smart people. I had to go to G6LVB. Don't be afraid to email him and inquire. He seems to be a friendly guy and willing to help. I take it that your unit is new and hasn't worked yet. My friend is Harold Hallikainen, WA6FDN. He is at Hallikainen.org. He is another nice guy. He is one of my resources for knowledge of these things. Harold programmed my PIC externally. Howard expected these to be programmed with his software, but I don't remember why I originally didn't program it that way. Maybe I couldn't get it to work for me. Harold priginally programmed my PIC. I believe we also had the configure problem then also. I remember trying diffrent xtals and maybe capacitors. The prblem turned out to be these first four configuration bits. If you take a look at the data sheet for the PIC I think you will find something about these config bits. I/m sorry that I could not have been more help here. 73, Allen WB6RWU -----Original Message----- >From: Stefano Simonetti [mailto:iw1rdz@yahoo.it] >Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 1:54 PM >To: Allen Fugelseth >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? > > >thanks Allen, I tried now with the configuration you wrote. > >In IC-PROG I've set: > >Osc: XT >Write enable: WRT OFF >Fuses: >WDT:disable >PWRT (Power up timer):enable (this you call PUT) >Boden:disable (this is BOD) >LVP: disable >CPD (code protection data):disable (this is data EE prot) >CP (code protection): disable >BDM (background debugger mode): disable (this is BDG) > >But what is FPW=on ? I could not find in IC-Prog, even if at the end, with this configuration, IC-prog gave the exact config word: 3F31. > >Now, the cases are 2: > >1) there is a big mistake in my circuit, apart the xtal, that I cannot see... >2) FPW that I did not recognize in Ic-prog, makes the difference, even if the configuration word is exact (strange I think). > >What do you think? > >Stefano. > > > ________________________________ Da: Allen Fugelseth <allen(a)cruzio.com> >A: Stefano Simonetti <iw1rdz(a)yahoo.it> >Inviato: Domenica 23 agosto 2009, 0:48:09 >Oggetto: RE: [amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? > >I had this problem. The problem was at the begining of the program in the >first instruction, the program needs to tell the PIC to use a xtal osc as a >clock sourece. The PIC will use maybe four kinds of time bases. RC. xtal, >etc. A ham friend was programing the PCI externally for me and I had to go >to Howard to get a solution. The following is what he told me. After my >friend WA6FDN added some code, the PIC worked fine. > >Hi Allen. > >Normally, you don't program it with a PIC programmer, it is programmed in >situ using the picprog.exe program on my website >http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/LVBTracker/PicProg.exe and run from the >command line of a Windows PC using a real (not USB emulated) serial port. >This sets the correct configuration bits: way back in 2001?? When I >originally did the tracker, there was no Hex file example provided by >Microchip that included the config bits, so I hard wired them in the >programmer. > >If you really do want to program the PIC outside of the tracker, then the >correct bits to set are: > > // Osc=XT, WDT off, PUT on, BOD off, LVP off, FPW on, DBG off, data >EE prot off, CodeProt off > au16Data[0x2007]=0x3F31; > >[stolen form the picprog.c source code!] > >I hope this helps you. >Allen WB6RWU > > > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org]On >Behalf Of Stefano Simonetti >Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 2:45 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? > > >Hi, I have problems in making the LVB tracker circuit run. > >I have built the LVB tracker ver. PCB v1.2, Firmware v0.7, Programmer v0.2, >Documentation v1.9, 7 Dec 2004, by G6LVB. > >The firmware was flashed successfully with IC-PROG v 1.06B, a >homebrewed interface for LPT, and an old PC with LPT1 running win98. > >The LVB circuit requires a 4 MHz XTAL for the PIC 16F876A. > >I tried with a 10MHz, and a 3,5795MHz as I haven't a 4MHz. No success. No >LCD, no serial communication at all. > >Does anybody know if the problem could be in having installed a >different xtal (i.e.: does the firmware takes care about the frequency of >the clock?)? > >Regards, Stefano Simonetti (IW1RDZ) - Italy. > > > >_______________________________________________ >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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23Cm Up converter
by IK1ZQJ Mario 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hello Folks, To work in uplink on the L band without a dedicated radio able to transmit at 1269MHz an upconverter is needed, probably with if input is in 70cm. Someone can suggest me how to use or build? I'm analyzing this way to save money instead of the station upgrade with a new radio. Thank you in advance. Mario IK1ZQJ

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For sell: Kenwood TS-790A with 1.2ghz and extras
by R. Chastain 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi all, I'm selling my Kenwood TS-790A with 1.2ghz module, voice module, matching SP-31 external speaker, and (NIB) IF-232 computer module. I'm basically selling most of my gear due to failing health. Great full duplex satellite rig! I have the original box for the radio but I'm not sure if I have the speaker box. I do have the manual but it's a bit dog eared from use. Sorry, but I will not seperate the package. Cosmetically, I would rate the radio an 8+ on a scale of 10 only because of a very small scratch on the far right side of the display. If you didn't know it was there you wouldn't know it. It's really not worth mentioning but I try to decribe everything the best I can. Also the plastic carrying handle on the side has been romoved by a previous owner. The screws are still there but the handle has been removed. Electrically, the radio is a 10. NO problems whatsoever. It meets or exceeds all manufacturers ratings. Will sell all for $1300.00 plus shipping. Thanks for looking, RoD

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Alinco DJ-580 charger, Mr. Stenzel's message
by Earl Deason 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi, I was searching Google for the EDC-24 Alinco charger, and your message below came up. So happens, my DJ-580T EDC-24 charger has failed, and I can't find one anywhere. All I need is the trickle charger, and new chargers are > $50. If it still works, I will pay postage plus $10 for your trouble. Do you still have it? Thanks, Earl Deason K4YTK Huntsville, Alabama p.s.- my message to Leroy Stenzel has bounced, so trying to reach him thru AMSAT contact. thanks Leroy Stenzel lstenzel at bellsouth.net Tue Jun 16 08:52:09 PDT 2009 • Previous message: [amsat-bb] Re: CP6 Decoding • Next message: [amsat-bb] Garmin GPS12 data and power cable • Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] My Alinco DJ-580 met with a terrible accident and is no longer with us. Seriously, the radio was destroyed in a freak mishap. I have the following accessories that I will send to you free if you can use them: Alinco EDC-43 12-volt power cable assembly Alinco EDC-24 battery charger for ni-cad batteries Alinco floor plate (battery cover) for use when operating the radio without batteries EarTalk remote microphone and earpiece with PTT for the DJ-580 I will send to the first request I receive - respond direct to me - not thru BB. I'll let you know when they are gone.

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KCT Card
by Peter Gibson 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi Have a KCT Card with tuner looking for a new home With box, manual and disk. Thanks for reading Pete

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unknown signal?
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

I was just monitoring a signal at 435.795 MHz +/- doppler, that I can't identify. It seems to be some sort of modulated carrier. Does anyone know which satellite this might be? It lasted from about 18:45 UTC until 18:56 UTC. Dave, AA4KN

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Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
by Daniel Schultz 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

The worldwide amateur radio community must interface with one unified voice to the various space agencies that form the ISS partnership. The ARISS organization, whatever its flaws may be, was created by the efforts of a lot of hard working hams in many countries to provide that interface. Without it ham radio would have no access to the manned space program, and as a child of the 1960's who grew up with the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions, I am thrilled that we hams have such access. I could easily imagine a world where this was not allowed. The fact that we are able to launch anything to the ISS, given the astronomical value of every kilogram of payload mass on the Progress or the Shuttle, and every minute of astronaut and cosmonaut time on orbit, is truly amazing. The recent complaints on the BB remind me of the hams who bash the ARRL without understanding that without the ARRL, amateur radio would have been abolished long ago by the powers that be. We hams need to understand that whatever disagreements exist between us are not nearly as serious as the external threats to our amateur radio avocation. Whatever your beef is, please work within the organization to make it better, and not tear it down in public view. Writing “open letters” addressed to the world’s space agencies is not helpful to this effort or to your fellow hams. Moving on another amsat-bb thread, AO-40 was designed and built to take advantage of what turned out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to launch a very large amateur payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Had we chosen not to build it, I can imagine lots of people complaining on amsat-bb about how Amsat management had dropped the ball and squandered an amazing launch opportunity. The presence of exotic transponders on AO-40 is not what caused its failure. The 24 GHz payload was contributed by an Amsat member organization and was built because they believed strongly enough in its value that they committed their effort and their funds to get it built. There were transponders on AO-40 to serve every interest, from VHF to UHF to S-band to millimeter wave. Hams MUST push their technical limits and explore new frontiers, it is one of the reasons amateur radio still exists. Critics cried about the "complexity" of the S-band downlink and then some clever hams took some cheap off the shelf TV down converters, made some slight mods to retune the input frequency, and got a lot of hams active with 2.4 GHz receive capability for very little money. I agree with the letter in this month's QST (September issue, page 24), suggesting that those who complain that the amateur radio has gotten "too technical" might better enjoy reading People Magazine instead. Dan Schultz N8FGV

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TM-D710A VFO tuning question
by Jeff Yanko 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi all, If anybody is using the Kenwood TM-D710A dual band radio for FM satellite use, please contact me off -BB. I have a couple of questions. 73, Jeff WB3JFS Las Vegas, NV DM26

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symposium schedule inquiry
by Joseph Armbruster 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

I'm considering attending the Amsat symposium this year for the first time. From this website, it looks as if the main dates are from 9-11: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2009/index.php I am trying to plan out the dates I will attend but i'm not clear as to what is happening on each day. When will the official presentations / talks schedule be posted? Thank You, Joseph Armbruster KJ4JIO

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S Band Activity 08/2009
by John Papay 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Many of you have no idea what goes on when AO51 is in the S band downlink mode. Until this past week, I was in the dark as well. Who operates S band and what is it like compared to the more popular V/U mode? What kind of equipment does it take to get on S band. If you don't have S Band equipment, should you invest in some? Are you going to work anybody new or perhaps a new grid? After a week of making q's and listening to 29 passes of S band, there is some data and observations to share. A lot of people are using the K5GNA setup. My setup was quite different. The antenna used was a Hyperlink Technologies (now L-Com in Florida) 18dbi Wifi Panel Antenna. It is well made and comes with stainless mounting hardware including a 2-1/2" U-bolt that will fit most any mast. It's about 2" thick and 14"x9" rectangular. Price is $50, not bad for a well made weatherproof outdoor antenna. The Down East Microwave preamp kit and outdoor housing for it is about $85. The outdoor box is as expensive as the preamp kit itself. It was mounted on the antenna with a 7' 9913 pigtail. The 45' of coax into the shack is 3/8" Andrew Heliax. In the shack is a Drake 2880 down converter with a new crystal from G0MRF to get the output on 145 MHz. Both the preamp and the downconverter are powered through the coax so you need two power inserters. I used a second radio for the IF so that there was no chance of transmitting into the downconverter. Doppler is about =/- 55 KHz from horizon to horizon. You can see what it looks like on the tower on my qrz.com page. Click the image to enlarge. At first I was disappointed because I am used to hearing 435.300 down to the horizon in most directions. It didn't happen with S-band. But after listening to other stations, it was apparent that my setup was hearing better than most. There has been discussion about the slow roll of AO51 and that is certainly apparent, however, I could not hear much below 6 degrees, ever. Maybe a bigger antenna would help out, but those that were active didn't seem to have any better receive capabilities so it makes you wonder. Now for the activity data. Below is each pass that I operated or listened to and the stations I worked (with an asterisk) or ones that I just heard (no asterisk). 8/16/2009 2245Z (first S-Band mode pass) KC9ELU* KJ4MC KD8CAO* 8/17/2009 0036Z KC9ELU* N6PAA W7LRD 8/17/2009 1053Z KC9ELU* 8/17/2009 1234Z VE2DWE* KC9ELU* KD8CAO* KB2M* W8KHP N5ZNL* 8/17/2009 2359Z W8KHP* N5ZNL* VE2DWE* W7JPI* K5WH* W7LRD* K9QHO* 8/18/2009 1151Z WB8OTH* W7JPI* N5ZNL* W8KHP* 8/18/2009 1331Z K9QHO* W7JPI* 8/18/2009 2128Z WB8OTH* KC9ELU* W8KHP 8/18/2009 2305Z W7JPI* KC9ELU N0JY* W8KHP* N5ZNL K9QHO KD6IRE? XE2BHL 8/19/2009 1116Z KC9ELU 8/19/2009 1252Z WB8OTH* XE2BHL* KC9ELU* 8/19/2009 2230Z W8KHP* VE2DWE* 8/20/2009 0006Z N5ZNL/P* N5UXT* N0JY* VE2DWE* W8KHP* WB8OTH W7LRD* 8/20/2009 1213Z KC9ELU* KB2M* W8KHP* N5UXT* N5ZNL 8/20/2009 1353Z AI7W* W7JPI* KC9ELU WB6QVU? 8/20/2009 2153Z NO STATIONS HEARD 8/20/2009 2326Z W7JPI W8KHP K9QHO W7LRD WHISTLER 8/21/2009 0111Z 2 DEGREE PASS, NOTHING HEARD 8/21/2009 1145Z N5ZNL* KB2M* 8/21/2009 1314Z KC9ELU* N5UXT* W7JPI* 8/21/2009 2246Z KG4ZLB* WB8OTH* N0JY* W8KHP* AK5V* 8/22/2009 0029Z AK5V* KB2M N0JY* W7LRD* 8/22/2009 1053Z KC9ELU* KB2M* 8/22/2009 1234Z KC9ELU* W7JPI* K8KHP* 8/22/2009 2207Z KC9ELU* 8/22/2009 2347Z WA5KBH* WD9EWK* N5ZNL* XE2BHL* KC9ELU* 8/23/2009 1156Z W2NBJ* KC9ELU* WA4SCA* 8/23/2009 1332Z KC9ELU* W7JPI* N5UXT* XE2BHL 8/23/2009 2127Z KC9ELU* N1RCN* Mike, KC9ELU was on vacation this past week and was the most active station on S-Band. It was interesting to compare our reception and have airtime to discuss it. The only new guys I'm aware of were myself and N1RCN who got things working on the very last S-Band pass. Drew, where were you? Some have been asking for more S Band, but if you take a look at the activity, it pales in comparison to what we have in the V/U mode. The last AO51 V/U pass tonight (8/25/2009 0007Z max elevation 17 degrees to the west for me) had at least 23 stations on it. More were trying. It's a Monday night! I never heard more than 8 stations on any S-Band pass, and there were plenty with just one, two or three. If you have AO40 equipment laying around, you might be a good candidate for S band. But unless you are prepared for a very high dollar investment/qso, you probably won't be buying S-Band equipment to work the few stations that get on that mode. If you want to do L/S, there will most likely be even less activity since making noise on 1.2GHz is even more expensive. (When L/S comes on, I'll have another report.) My antenna system could be improved but there's not much point in spending more effort and putting more windload on the az/el rotor to hear down to the horizon. We need to balance the interests of everyone and that is understood. We need some V/S or L/S from time to time. I'm not sure, however, that an entire week should be devoted to it considering the usage. Maybe a few days at a time would make more sense. You work on your equipment and get ready for the three day period. If your setup doesn't work, you figure out why and get on the next time. Shorter sessions would focus the activity rather than spread it out over a week's time. We should do things that will interest new people in working satellites. V/U is the entry level for newcomers and we should make that available as much as possible. There are other FM birds, but nothing compares to what AO-51 does to attract new hams to satellite technology. It's signal level, available time/pass and morning/evening pass schedule over the US are ideal. There is a lot of debate over what we should be doing for the future. But it is as important to debate how we should use the resources we have available to us right now. My hope is that this post will inspire some constructive comments and discussion on this subject. John K8YSE

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Fw: Searching for k3PGP
by i8cvs 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi Kevin, My email to you at kevin.j.smith(a)comcast.net has been rejected by your provider and so here is my replay to you. 73" de i8CVS Domenico ----- Original Message ----- From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> To: "Kevin Smith" <kevin.j.smith(a)comcast.net> Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 11:08 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Searching for k3PGP > Hi Kevin, N3HKQ > > Tank you for your help. > I have the emai address of John K3PGP john(a)k3pgp.org and my letters > to him are not rejected and the problem is that he do not answere because > probably he don't open the post. > By the way if you can do someting I will be very happy because I need to > talk with him about technical problems. > > Best 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kevin Smith" <kevin.j.smith(a)comcast.net> > To: "'i8cvs'" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 4:48 AM > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Searching for k3PGP > > > > Domenico, > > > > Perhaps you know of K3PGP's website. http://www.k3pgp.org/index.htm > > Unfortunately he leaves no telephone number or email address. He seems > very > > protective of his privacy. > > > > Kevin Smith > > N3HKQ > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On > > Behalf Of i8cvs > > Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:43 PM > > To: AMSAT-BB > > Cc: K3PGP - John > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Searching for k3PGP > > > > Hi All, in the list > > > > I am in need to contact the very popular EME'r John J. Yurek K3PGP but I > got > > no answere to many email send to my friend. > > If someone lives close to Irvin, PA 15642 and know him please let me know > if > > is still there or not. > > > > Tanks for any help. > > > > 73" de > > > > i8CVS Domenico > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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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Fw: Searching for k3PGP
by i8cvs 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi Kevin, Your comcast.net don't like my tin.it ! 73 de i8CVS Domenico ----- Original Message ----- From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> To: "Kevin Smith" <kevin.j.smith(a)comcast.net> Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 11:16 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Searching for k3PGP > Hi Kevin, N3HKQ > > Tank you for your replay. > > I have the address of John that is correct and also his email john(a)k3pgp.org > but he do not answere to any of my letter because I suppose he is not > opening the post ! > > By the way since you leaves 25 km from him I am sure that you can help me ! > > Tanks and 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kevin Smith" <kevin.j.smith(a)comcast.net> > To: "'i8cvs'" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 4:35 AM > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Searching for k3PGP > > > > Domenico, > > > > I do not know John Yurek but I live about 25-km away from him. I looked > him > > up in the telephone directory and found the following address: > > > > John J Yurek > > 3513 Route 130 > > Irwin, PA 15642-1699 > > > > This is the same address as listed at QRZ.com but unfortunately there is > no > > telephone or email listings. I'll keep looking around for anything and > let > > you know if I find anything useful to you. > > > > PS: I suppose you tried k3pgp(a)arrl.net? > > > > 73, > > > > Kevin Smith > > N3HKQ > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On > > Behalf Of i8cvs > > Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:43 PM > > To: AMSAT-BB > > Cc: K3PGP - John > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Searching for k3PGP > > > > Hi All, in the list > > > > I am in need to contact the very popular EME'r John J. Yurek K3PGP but I > got > > no answere to many email send to my friend. > > If someone lives close to Irvin, PA 15642 and know him please let me know > if > > is still there or not. > > > > Tanks for any help. > > > > 73" de > > > > i8CVS Domenico > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 Heard...sort of
by David Wing 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

So, after dismal results on the FO-29 passes this morning and reading other reports of the bird not being heard, I jumped on the 0409 UTC North American pass this evening to try a few things. I found that I could hear my self whistling but it was very distorted and fairly low audio. I had to turn up to 50W to hear things although at apogee (41 degree) was able to just barely hear a distorted whistle when I was pushing 10W. At apogee and 50W I *might* have been hearing myself do a 1-2 count repeatedly but I'm not sure.whistling definitely was coming through but was distorted and raspy (like a torn speaker) Anyway, not sure if this info is helpful or not but wanted to report it. 73 David K6CDW

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Crushcraft A 270-10s
by Jerry Felts 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

What are your feelins towards the Crushcraft A270-10s duel band yagi?? Is the Elk a better ant? I need to get something on the tower soon. -- Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/ http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

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Searching for k3PGP
by i8cvs 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi All, in the list I am in need to contact the very popular EME'r John J. Yurek K3PGP but I got no answere to many email send to my friend. If someone lives close to Irvin, PA 15642 and know him please let me know if is still there or not. Tanks for any help. 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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AO-51 update
by Andrew Glasbrenner 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Tonight I turned on the SQRX receiver and the 1268.700 BBS uplink, and lowered the power on the 435.300 transmitter to compensate for the extra power the receiver uses. Currently 435.150 is at 400mw, and 435.300 is at 700mw. Together the transmitters are drawing 1.06 amps continuously. I've seen the comments about running the S downlink for a week every month. Thanks for the input, and please remember to send those suggestions to the ao51-modes(a)amsat.org address as well. In the past we have tried to run at least a week per month of S downlink, except when circumstances demanded otherwise. Over the next 9 months we will be trying several new things, sometimes on short notice. Please keep an eye on the AO-51 webpage at http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php, ANS news bulletins, posts to AMSAT-BB, and AMSAT on Twitter for updates and information. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Thanks for certificates
by andy thomas 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Am overwhelmed with certificates!! My AMSAT-India VO-52 certificate arrived a couple of weeks ago, and if I didn't thank publicly then, my apologies, and thanks now. My ARISS-25 anniversary certificate arrived today, courtesy of Christophe, merci!! And (for those who know Wash.DC) please pass on my thanks to NW3DC for their W3A certificate, celebrating the inauguration of the 44th US President, all greatly appreciated, paricularly for the reasons I wrote on my QSL card! Finally for those who enjoy reading stories to kids, I hope you enjoy mine on: http://www.russiatoday.com/Art_and_Fun/Space_Contest.html 73 de andy G0SFJ

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FO-29
by David Giles 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hello All FO-29 silent over VK. Looks to be in full sunlight for the entire pass to me. Perhaps its got too hot. 73 de David VK5DG

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I: FO-29 problems ?
by ps8rf ps8 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Nothing heard over South America. Elv 63.2°. What is happening!? 73 Piraja, PS8RF _________________________________________________________________ Deixe suas conversas mais divertidas. Baixe agora mesmo novos emoticons. É grátis! http://specials.br.msn.com/ilovemessenger/pacotes.aspx

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Re: Discussion of Amsat
by N0JY 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Well I certainly stepped in it last night, so I'd like to respond to a few and state more clearly the reasoning behind the thoughts I so briefly expressed in that email. Having done so, I will return to a passive mode on this subject. My statement about the "silent majority" is based on what I know from experience, be it with an organization or a population. I did not intend in any way to say that no one should express an opinion. It was a subjective observation, and if I am wrong, I would have no problem admitting it. I am thoroughly familiar with the internet, having used it for the last 15 years or so. The reason I became interested in it was because of the wealth of information exchange available. Else I wouldn't have been reading and participating in Amsat-bb. In answer to Bob WB5MZO's question, I don't know if Amsat membership is growing or shrinking. I don't feel that it has any direct bearing on what I believe anyway. I simply know that I am a member. So here's my reasoning. I surely don't have the ability to build or orbit a satellite. Amsat does, so I joined way back when and now contribute to the President's Club and in sharing the message of the organization and satellite activities to my local club and friends. Not having grown up in the "gotta have it now" generation, I appreciate the fact that so many satellites have been successfully launched and available, that it is in fact rocket science to make that happen, and that Amsat still works to stretch the capabilities so that there is room for both average and higher skills operating frequencies and techniques. I grow by overcoming challenges, and learning on the way. I operated AO-51 mode V/S this past week with a homebrew attempt at a CP patch feed on the K5GNA BBQ dish, and it didn't work quite like I had thought it would, so I use the experience to improve that capability, I didn't just give up and go back to the easier V/U mode. I made some friends on the air during that week that have been very helpful in considering the situation and remedies or alternatives. I'm very glad that Amsat made it possible for me to have the S band available for use and learning. Since 1983 I have been interested in amateur radio satellites, I started out by simply listening to AO-10 and working some of the satellites in mode A until I finally got a house to set up a station, in 1993. I became active on many of the satellites but AO-13 was the most intriguing as I developed my skills, because it increased the challenge and therefore my knowledge and skill with the equipment and operating procedures. One humorous (to me) memory is of a truly "long path" QSO of about 72,000 km between myself and a station in a town about 20 miles away! Of course the DX possibilities were the real fun. I got some time on AO-40 too and although it was short, it was well worth it. Yes, I will still look forward to a new HEO. Whenever it happens. That's where I'd like to see things go. If I won the lottery, I would like to be able to help make that launch happen. In the meantime, I'll take what the men and women who can do it, give me. With pleasure. And I believe that the advancements of trying the SDR and such on SuitSat-2 are the right thing to do. We won't get better if we don't try it. They may lead to some neat stuff in the next HEO (whenever it happens). But if an HEO never happens again before I die, well I'm not gonna quit Amsat and I'm not gonna quit working satellites. I think about an analogy here with my local club. The big project now is to have a balloon launch. It's a lot of work, a lot of risk, relatively expensive (in the club bank account perspective) and I personally am not that charged up about it. But, the majority of the club is so I simply "get out of the way". I'm not going to tell them what I think we should be doing instead, and I'll contribute to the project if I can in a meaningful way. So that's where I'm coming from. And I appreciate the opinions of anybody else written here on the -bb. That doesn't necessarily mean I agree with them, but I will read them. I don't expect everyone (or even a small number) to agree with me. Nor should anyone else who voices their own, in my opinion. I plan to continue to contribute monetarily to Amsat, and in the next few years as I approach (hopefully early) retirement, volunteer my skills in project management, software requirements, and software testing if they can be of any help. Thank you for your time. Jerry N0JY

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I: FO-29 problems ?
by Francesco Grappi 25 Aug '09

25 Aug '09

Hi Ib, The same over Italy, nothing heard .... I checked all transponder passband .......no signal detected... (fingers crossed).... 73" Francesco IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] Per conto di OZ1MY Inviato: lunedì 24 agosto 2009 21.31 A: AMSAT-BB Oggetto: [amsat-bb] FO-29 problems ? Hi all, FO-29 seems to be OFF ? There are reports on http://oscar.dcarr.org to indicate that. During a pass with AOS at 1910 UTC here in Copenhagen with a max. elevation of 30 degrees, I heard no signals from FO-29. There was some noise at 435.850 MHz (corrected for doppler shift) in the start of the pass - but that was all ? It may be something local. I did check 435.910 MHz as well - and no signal. Has anyone heard anything ? 73 OZ1MY Ib _______________________________________________ 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: High LEO for cubesat?
by Pete Parisetti 24 Aug '09

24 Aug '09

Hey! Where do I send my money? As far as my technically-challenged understanding goes, G0MRF's argument is very solid - it sounds bloody good and I don't understand why nobody's working on something of that sort already. I, for one, would be quite glad to make a financial contribution to such a project, and I'm sure many others would as well. So - where's the catch? This, as I understand, is different from the recently announced AMSAT India project, and seems to me even more feasible: three cubesats... What is holding us back? Who could take the lead? Best. Pete -- ___________________________ Pete Parisetti MM0TWX - HB9DSU for music, ham radio and more visit http://www.hb9dsu.com

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FO-29 nothing heard over Europe 21:11 UTC 24/Aug
by Fabiano Moser 24 Aug '09

24 Aug '09

Nothing heard just now, over Lisbon. 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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