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

Internet Routers in Space
by Timothy J. Salo 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

I found an interesting story about Cisco's Internet Routers in Space (IRIS) project. "Cisco's new-market ambitions extend into orbit" <http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/070709-ciscos-new-market-ambitions-ex…> Cisco's router will be hosted by Intelsat IS-14. (Is this the platform on which AMSAT had hoped for a ride?) In my view, AMSAT has perhaps two good stories that might warrant cheap or free launches: education (developing the next generation of space scientists and engineers) and research (in this case, IP in space). I believe that the proposed Advanced Communications Package (ACP) had a strong research story to tell. The ACP, like Cisco's IRIS project, probably would have been an IP router in space (a view I articulated in my 2008 AMSAT paper, although the general idea had been mentioned earlier, I think). I claim that the ACP project could have provided the basis for a story about the relevant and cutting-edge research that the project would have enabled. The story might have been competitive enough to, for example, win support via the DoD Space Test Program (I wrote a Symposium paper about that, too). Or, maybe we could have teamed with Cisco. (Obviously, we have built a lot more satellites than has Cisco...) The primary point being that I believe that organizations with money are more likely to fund a research project, than our usual alternatives (e.g., emergency communications [there is a ton of bandwidth in orbit these days, to mix metaphors], developing skilled radio operators [who needs them?], contesting ["you want a really expensive satellite to do what???"], or fostering international understanding [in the age of the Internet]). But, to take advantage of these [alleged] opportunities, we need to get much better at creating and telling a research story. And, this would require a dramatic (perhaps impossible) cultural change for AMSAT. Voice communications would no longer be the primary motivation or justification for a project; it would merely be a nice side-effect. I suppose that the real difference between AMSAT's ACP and Cisco's IRIS is that Cisco has a development team and has more money to pay launch fees. But, maybe AMSAT could have been a subcontractor... -tjs

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ANDE-2 TLM
by kc8ran＠cox.net 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

I left the equipment running on autopilot today. Here's the TLM data captured (times in EDT/UTC-4) Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[12:47:42] SYST 257037 0 0 33 0 001f 1280 ffff 1150 0185 1158 0005 0e30 0030 0cb0 ffff ffff 0156 08d2 0fbc 0038 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=121 >[12:48:21] MEMS 257070 2.58 2.57 2.45 16.09 15.993 13.990 -0.885 -0.554 -1.666 -8.20 -17.96 14.32 20.15 21.15 20.44 2.60 35 25 38 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[12:48:48] SYST 257103 0 0 33 0 0000 12e0 002a 11b0 0028 11b8 0024 0ea8 0137 0d10 ffff ffff 0158 08d4 0fbe 0038 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=120 >[12:49:27] MEMS 257136 2.58 2.57 2.45 16.09 15.993 14.06 -0.667 0.446 -2.557 -7.99 -24.89 -12.95 20.37 21.17 20.52 2.60 36 15 28 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[12:49:54] SYST 257169 0 0 33 0 0184 1330 000c 1228 0030 1200 003a 0f00 0004 0d98 ffff ffff 0156 08d4 0fbe 003a Fm KD4HBO-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=139 >[12:50:16] SYS 252330 65535 0 30 0 fff6 0ca0 ffd1 08b0 fe43 1178 ffdb 0dc0 ffdf 0ec0 ffc4 0ee8 13.7 5.0 10.4 .71 0.76 1.79 11.06 8.19 8.19 53 33 40 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=116 >[12:50:33] MEMS 257202 2.58 2.57 2.45 16.09 16.09 14.221 -0.665 0.889 1.884 -6.55 3.06 -17.04 20.56 21.17 20.75 2.60 5 17 58 Fm KD4HBO-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=140 >[12:50:46] SYS 252360 65535 0 30 0 fff5 0ce0 ffc8 08e0 fe48 11a0 ffe2 0df0 ffd6 0e88 ffb5 0f10 13.7 5.0 10.4 .58 -1.03 1.44 11.06 8.76 8.19 54 36 35 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=122 >[16:00:51] MEMS 268620 2.58 2.57 2.45 16.556 16.887 14.884 -0.770 0.667 -1.887 -8.03 -20.53 -17.83 20.97 21.65 21.01 2.60 14 55 14 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[17:35:54] SYST 274329 0 0 33 0 0009 17d8 0029 1638 0017 1690 0019 1298 01ae 1110 ffff ffff 0156 08d2 0fb8 003c Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=105 >[17:36:33] MEMS 274362 16.556 16.887 14.884 -0.775 0.01 -2.886 -7.99 -26.62 -1.97 21.09 21.71 21.01 2.60 37 31 19 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[17:37:00] SYST 274395 0 0 33 0 0032 1840 00f4 16b8 001a 16e8 fffe 12e0 0028 1170 ffff ffff 0156 08d4 0fc0 003c Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=103 >[17:37:39] MEMS 274428 16.556 17.118 15.00 -0.772 0.992 0.222 -7.62 -7.52 -21.35 21.14 21.76 21.27 2.60 35 19 3 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=117 >[19:10:03] MEMS 279972 2.58 2.57 2.45 16.771 17.118 15.115 -0.991 -0.01 3.05 -6.61 12.05 7.28 21.49 22.00 21.53 2.60 39 12 19 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[19:10:30] SYST 280005 0 0 33 0 0044 1960 007a 17d8 0011 17e8 0012 13c8 0020 12a0 ffff ffff 0156 08d2 0fb8 003c Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=120 >[19:11:09] MEMS 280038 2.58 2.57 2.45 16.771 17.334 15.115 -0.993 -0.557 -1.119 -8.95 -13.99 14.58 21.40 21.88 21.47 2.60 44 2 9 Fm POLLUX-1 To CQ Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=101 >[19:12:42] SYST 280137 0 0 33 0 000d 19f0 fffe 1870 014e 1888 0005 1438 0015 1300 ffff ffff 0156 08d2 0fbc 0038 Joe KC8RAN

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Question Re: Itar
by Dave Marthouse 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

I have been reading the messages regarding the Indian heo satellite. What exactly are the Itar rules? Please fill me in. Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmart(a)pure.net

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Indian high-orbit satellite?
by Bruce Robertson 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

The AMSAT India newsletter has some great news: their proposal for Hamsat II requests that ISRO provide an elliptical or MEO orbit! Moreover, they're also asking for space on a geosynchronous bird. I suppose the latter would not necessarily benefit those of us in North America, but it would provide a fine emergency service to Asian regions and provide a pioneering example for other AMSAT groups. 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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Kudos from K4DLG
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

Hey everyone, Dave, K4DLG, has asked me to post the following because he is unable to get posts through to the BB. >From Dave: ____________________________________ I just want to take a moment to thank a number of folks that have been adding much enjoyment to my satellite operations lately. Wednesday I found an envelope in my mailbox with a bunch of QSLs from Jim (ND9M) confirming QSOs in 13 different grid squares with 6 of them "new ones" for me along the East coast from Delaware to Florida. I recently logged 5 new squares with contacts with Patrick (WD9EWK) in AZ and UT. A few weeks ago I received some QSLs from Doug (KD8CAO) providing me some new contacts into upper MI. In addition there has been Gail (KB0RZD) adding to my collection in the midwest with many new grids, and John (K8YSE) with his trip to DE helping those that needed DE for WAS or just for an additional grid worked. Rob (KD4ZGW) is always "popping up" somewhere in the US and always willing to provide a contact to anyone making the trip. Last year Allen (N5AFV) provided me with some great contacts to some very wet grid squares while operating /MM from a cruise ship. There have been others which I have missed, but none the less their efforts are appreciated. These guys armed with their laptops, GPS units, handheld antennas, radios, and maps take off into remote country and areas to provide us with the enjoyment of working a new grid. Then when they return they have to face a pile of QSL requests from folks like me wanting to confirm our new contacts. They spend a lot of time and money with nothing in return except the thanks from those of us that have benefited from their efforts. There have been other posts recently publicly thanking these guys but I just wanted to chime in and add my thanks for some great contacts with some great guys! I just took a break from writing this note to go work AO-27. I didn't expect much because of the short pass and the fact that it was a low pass to the East of me, however, much to my surprise and good fortune I made a contact with Nick (KB1RVT) working from FN54! Thanks Nick, you made my day! Guys, I just want to add my sincere thanks and appreciation to your efforts and desire to help enhance the amateur radio hobby for a great many of us that enjoy working the "birds"! I hope someday the conditions will allow me to pack up a radio and trek off into some area where I also can provide some contacts in a new area and provide some QSLs for others. However, in the meantime, thanks to those of you that are currently spending time to better the hobby for all of us! Thanks! 73, Dave - K4DLG

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ANDE-2: for those that do not have equipment :-)
by Henk, PA3GUO 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

For those that unfortunately lack equipment today, and read all our enthousiastic emails; Here is how the ANDE-2 satellites (Castor & Pollux) sound at 145.825 MHZ FM: http://www.pa3guo.com/ande2_demo_02aug2009.mp3 Pollux: at T=1 and T=28 seconds, Castor: at T=14 and T=44 seconds. When the mp3 file is replayed, MixW will decode the 2 Pollux and 2 Castor frames as indicated in this screenshot: http://www.pa3guo.com/ande2_demo_02aug2009.jpg If you have MixW installed, you can play the mp3 in any player and decode the data realtime, just as if you are a ground station yourself ! Cool ? Certainly ! Next step: connect an antenna to your 145 MHz FM radio and you're live. Final step: insert your data in the APRS network and you help the team ! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com

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ANDE-2 Deployment
by Robert Bruninga 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

The two ANDE satellites (Castor and Pollux) will be deployed from the Space Shuttle now that it has separated from the ISS. Both satellites will be transmitting on 145.825 MHz. Castor will transmit telemetry every 30 seconds. Pollux every 33 seconds. Both are transmitting 1200 baud AX.25 packet Telemetry. Most of the info is on the website: https://goby.nrl.navy.mil/ANDE. Other than that, I don't have much detail information since this was built by a different team than our original ANDE project. The amateur payloads were developed by the Amateur Radio Club at the Naval Research Labs and got a ride on the ANDE spheres like we did a few years ago. Bob, WB4APR

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Nova with LVB Tracker
by Fabiano Moser - PY5RX 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

Hello, Can someone help me about my track system? My LVB interface still keep tracking the satellite after LOS, I looked at Rotator Setup where you have to put MINIMUM ELEVATION TO TRACK and I set to "1". but NOVA and LVB interface still keep tracking the satellite active. Anyone have the same problem than me? Can you help me please? Thank you so much, 73 Fabiano Moser CR7/PY5RX ARISS-Portugal (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Representative at Teleconference and Portugal Telebridge Coordinator. AMRAD/AMSAT-CT AMSAT-LU http://www.amrad.pt/ "There is no great talent without great will. (Honoré de Balzac)" "Não existe um grande talento sem uma grande vontade"

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Re: Youtube video of ANDE-2 deployment from STS-127 (Henk, PA3GUO
by Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

You might well be correct. Some of the objects have changed position Mike Rupprecht wrote: > Nigel, > > > > according to this observation (42 deg pass) I would confirm the > following TLE > > > > Object F – 35694 – POLLUX > > Object G – 35695 - CASTOR > > > > Nevertheless there is a HF difference of 2 KHz between both satellites. > > See the graph here: http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=6721 > > > > 73, Mike > > DK3WN > > > > VHF spectrum – SDR-IQ + FT-736R ( IF 13.68 MHz)-> > http://www.dk3wn.info/digital.shtml > > > > > > > > -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- > Von: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] Im > Auftrag von Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF > Gesendet: Freitag, 31. Juli 2009 19:32 > An: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Betreff: [amsat-bb] Re: Youtube video of ANDE-2 deployment from STS-127 > (Henk, PA3GUO > > > > OK. My final guess: > > > > DRAGONSAT > > 1 35690U 09038B 09211.97009835 +.00095697 +00000-0 +49101-3 0 00059 > > 2 35690 051.6383 081.9986 0005201 088.2863 271.8760 15.80461110000070 > > > > POLLUX > > 1 35694U 09038F 09212.09684002 .00018233 00000-0 10000-3 0 15 > > 2 35694 051.6419 081.3443 0004070 034.2707 325.8955 15.79865842 60 > > > > CASTOR > > 1 35695U 09038G 09212.09685471 .00018189 00000-0 10000-3 0 17 > > 2 35695 051.6403 081.3604 0003663 041.2160 318.9652 15.79815987 63 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.38/2274 - Release Date: 07/31/09 05:58:00 > -- 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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Aug 2nd, 2009, low elevation pass still decoded
by Henk, PA3GUO 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

New experience: My last pass of today for ANDE-2 had only 8 degrees max. elevation. And - my station did still decode 2 packets from Pollux ! During the day, with the higher elevation passes, RF link was not alway much better (read, I just get normally a few more packets) This is the same as yesterday and same as with the ANDE-1 mission; low elevation passes sometimes give very good quality RF links. 17:01:57 !POLLUX-1>TELEM>CQ:SYST 257895 0 0 33 0 0021 1818 0052 1668 002e 16b8 013c 1390 0161 11f0 ffff ffff 0156 08d2 0fbe 003a 17:05:15 !POLLUX-1>TELEM>CQ:SYST 258093 0 0 33 0 000e 1958 01ac 1788 0020 17a8 0011 1420 0007 1310 ffff ffff 0156 08d2 0fbe 003a Keplerset looks OK, as start/stop times of hearing the sats match the predicted passes. I can hear Pollux from/till 1 degree elevation. (hear is not the same as decode :-)) Henk.

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