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

ITAR vs cooperation? or bull..dozer;)
by Luc Leblanc 08 Sep '09

08 Sep '09

>From AMSAT-NA web page who was updated: 23 Aug, 09 excerpt: AMSAT Files CJ Requests with US State Department "AMSAT's involvement with P3-E halted in 2006 due to concerns over possible ITAR violations." Did anyone can explain why is it possible to say "AMSAT's involvement with P3-E halted in 2006 due to concerns over possible ITAR violations" when i wrote about the memorandum (see below) on February 22 2007 as this paper has been signed prior to February 2007 in 2006? Even if ITAR does not apply to information related to general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles that is commonly taught in schools and colleges or information that is (legitimately) in the public domain. Nor does it apply to general marketing information or basic system descriptions. (see below) How the cooperation between AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-DL and AMSAT-UK stopped in 2006 when theses 3 gentlemens Peter DB2OS for AMSAT-DL, Rick W2GPS for AMSAT-NA, Jim G3WGM for AMSAT-UK signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation the same very year??? They where surely not all out of their mind in 2006 or it is something else? And why asking in January 2009 3 years later for a V'oluntary Disclosure' (Not a VOLUNARY a typo on the AMSAT web page) when most of the amateur ham stuff is already in the public domain area? It is the same as if you are speeding and you go back to your police station 3 years later telling them you violate the law 3 years ago!!! or is it a way to justify their inaction refusing to get any blame? What it is the most intriguing is the time frame and the fact they relate the cooperation stopping to ITAR in 2006 when they signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation at the same time? There is something here who does not added up. Could be it is a way to try hiding their poor management past years record? or something we should ask to Gomez Addams or to his lovely pale skin and a Gothic appearance wife Morticia Addams? It is a lot of good questions to be ask at the next AMSAT-NA symposium Board of Directors general meeting in October? Memorandum of Understanding between AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NA AMSAT-DL for the last five years has been building the P3-E spacecraft to be launched into a HEO and intended as a replacement for previous P3 satellites. It's purpose is to facilitate communication between radio-amateurs worldwide and at the same time to test and verify technologies and procedures needed for the P5-A mission to Mars. AMSAT-DL to this day has invested about 500,000 Euro into this project. AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-UK wish to contribute to the P3-E project, primarily with the goal to have the launch of P3-E as early as possible in order to give to their respective members the use of the communication services provided by P3- E. It is recognized that the capability of AMSAT-DL to raise funds limits the speed of the development of P3-E. In order to make a launch possible in 2008, AMSAT-DL has an immediate need of 40,000 Euro and an estimated need of ~200,000 Euro prior to the actual launch-date. AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-UK wish to help with the raising of these requirements by providing 30,000 Euro (AMSAT-NA) and 10,000 Euro (AMSAT-UK) in the near future. Furthermore, they wish to contribute by raising additional funding as the actual launch arrangements materialize. In order to achieve an effective cooperation in the funding effort and the construction and launching of P3-E, the following details to implement the cooperation are agreed: 1. The three AMSAT organizations will closely coordinate their activities and monitor progress of the project by frequent mutual consultations on the telephone. To this end the three parties will hold nominally a monthly telephone conference to review the status of the project and to identify problem areas. At this time the three organizations will be represented by Rick, Jim and Peter at these telephone-conferences. 2. According to need, the three organizations agree to hold sufficiently frequent meetings in person to review the project status. These meetings are assumed to be desirable with a frequency of 6-12 month between them. 3. It is understood by all three organizations that procuring a timely launch for P3-E is one of the bigger challenges of the project. AMSAT-DL is concentrating major efforts of procuring a launch with Arianespace, while AMSAT- NA is trying to develop a launch opportunity within the USA. All parties recognize that major progress in funding is contingent on a firm launch agreement. All parties further recognize that a timely construction and integration of P3-E is critically dependent on all parties giving highest priority to fulfilling their respective commitments. 4. All three organizations understand that funding progress is dependent on effective information dissemination worldwide. To this end the three organizations reiterate their mutual agreement that each organization can publish all P3-E related publications of the other two organizations in their respective public organs without special permission. Furthermore, each organization is free to prepare 'official' statements about the project, but these publications must be agreed with the project management of P3-E (AMSAT- DL) prior to publication. Requests for agreement to publish will be sent to Peter (or another person chosen by him), who will use best efforts to respond within 7 days with an answer. With other publications by individual authors no such agreement is necessary provided that the context makes it is clear that the publication is not an official declaration by the project management or AMSAT-DL. 5. AMSAT-DL reiterates that the operational use of P3-E will be primarily to provide amateur radio communication services. But all parties also understand that the spacecraft is a dual service satellite, and that AMSAT-DL retains the right to occasionally reduce the provision of amateur radio services if work towards P5-A requires this. A-DL will use due diligence to minimize the impact of the P5-A requirements on the provision of amateur services. For AMSAT-DL For AMSAT-NA For AMSAT-UK Peter DB2OS Rick W2GPS J Jim G3WGM _________________________________________________________________________________ Just check here for the proof http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/200702/msg00394.html _________________________________________________________________________________ The ITAR public domain exclusions § 120.11 Public domain. (a) Public domain means information which is published and which is generally accessible or available to the public: (1) Through sales at newsstands and bookstores; (2) Through subscriptions which are available without restriction to any individual who desires to obtain or purchase the published information; (3) Through second class mailing privileges granted by the U.S. Government; (4) At libraries open to the public or from which the public can obtain documents; (5) Through patents available at any patent office; (6) Through unlimited distribution at a conference, meeting, seminar, trade show or exhibition, generally accessible to the public, in the United States; (7) Through public release (i.e., unlimited distribution) in any form (e.g., not necessarily in published form) after approval by the cognizant U.S. government department or agency (see also § 125.4(b)(13) of this subchapter); (8) Through fundamental research in science and engineering at accredited institutions of higher learning in the U.S. where the resulting information is ordinarily published and shared broadly in the scientific community. Fundamental research is defined to mean basic and applied research in science and engineering where the resulting information is ordinarily published and shared broadly within the scientific community, as distinguished from research the results of which are restricted for proprietary reasons or specific U.S. Government access and dissemination controls. University research will not be considered fundamental research if: (i) The University or its researchers accept other restrictions on publication of scientific and technical information resulting from the project or activity, or (ii) The research is funded by the U.S. Government and specific access and dissemination controls protecting information resulting from the research are applicable. (b) [Reserved] PS. Did any one ever heard of any report about the memorandum and the way it works since 2006? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

2 1

World space week
by Luc Leblanc 08 Sep '09

08 Sep '09

Just to inform our AMSAT'S about this event! It will be a great media platform even more if ISS can be activated (Cross band repeater or direct crew contact) during this period October 4 to 10. What is World Space Week? It is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10. These dates commemorate two events: * October 4, 1957 -- Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration * October 10, 1967 - The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Where and how is World Space Week celebrated? It is open to all. Government agencies, industry, non-profit organizations, teachers, or even individuals can organize events to celebrate space. This week is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of World Space Week Association and local coordinators in many countries. Information on the many locations and countries that celebrate World Space Week can be found here. What are the benefits of World Space Week? * Educates people around the world about the benefits they receive from space * Encourages greater use of space for sustainable economic development * Demonstrates public support for space programs * Excites children about learning and their future * Promote institutions around the world that are involved in space * Fosters international cooperation in space outreach and education How can schools participate? This event is ideal for teachers to promote student interest in science and math. A free Teacher's Activity Guide is available here. To encourage participation, World Space Week Association gives various educational awards each year. What can I do for World Space Week? There are many ways to get involved: * Volunteer for World Space Week Association * Organize an event directly * Help expand and coordinate World Space Week * Encourage teachers and students to do space-related activities More on: http://www.worldspaceweek.org/ "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

1 0

Help with Renesas uController board
by William Leijenaar 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

Hi AMSATs, After using the MSP430 types in my latest transponder designs I am now playing with some Renesas uController board, which I bought in Japan. It is more to get a feeling of these controlers for possible future projects. I don't know if it is only me, but it always costs me days work to get my first program run on a new controler, because the software doesn't want to upload my few bits program into this chip... The same now with my renesas H8/300H HD64F3062BF testboard. It works well with the demo program, which has a .MOT file that I can upload via the USB connection. When I make my own code, I can not get it to make the .MOT file, so nothing to upload. Any Renesas guru that might know how I can get it to convert to a .MOT file ? My kind regards, William Leijenaar, PE1RAH ---

1 0

Special Event Coinciding with AMSAT Symposium
by Frank H. Bauer 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

All, Those of you into Edgar Allan Poe.there is a special treat if you come to this year's symposium. The famous poet is celebrating his 200th birthday this year. He lived in Baltimore for several years and died and was buried in the city. And there is a Poe Museum at the Baltimore house he lived in before his death. The year-long commemoration of Poe will culminate with a recreation of his funeral that occurs around the Symposium dates. Poe died on October 7, 1849. There will be a recreation of a wake for Poe from noon to 11 pm at the Poe House. This will be followed up with a mock-funeral for Poe on Sunday October 11 (12:30 and 4:30). John Astin (Gomez Addams from the Addams family fame) will officiate the funeral services. If you want more information on this, go to the following web sites: www.nevermore2009.com www.poebicentennial.com www.annabelleetavern.com This "all Poe" tavern was named after one of Poe's last poems.a virtual shrine to Edgar Allan Poe with his poetry covering the walls. www.westminsterhall.org Where he is buried.and where a mystery man dresses in black leaves a bottle of cognac and three red roses on Poe's birthday. If you didn't know it before, now you know why the Baltimore Football team is called the Ravens... 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO 2009 AMSAT Symposium Co-Chair

1 0

Selling 910H
by Gordon Bousman 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

I just listed my 910H on eBay in case someone is interested in it. It has the 1200 mHz module installed along with two UT-106 DSP modules and comes with two Icom masthead pre-amps (144 & 440). Gordon NW7D

1 0

More Good Sympoiusm Airfares
by Frank H. Bauer 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

All, Those interested in attending the AMSAT Symposium in Baltimore this October, I just got a notice that Airtran has a sale to and from BWI until September 17. $39-119 with a 10 day advance purchase. Sign up now to get the best fares before they are taken by others. Airtran does charge for checked luggage. We will be posting the Symposium agenda this week. For planning purposes, the BoD meeting starts Thursday morning and runs until noon Friday. The symposium starts at 1 pm Friday and runs until noon Sunday. The AMSAT annual meeting with be Saturday afternoon. And there will be an ARISS ops meeting (all are invited) on Sunday. The 40th anniversary celebration is Friday night and the Banquet is Saturday night. I hope to see you in Baltimore. We expect to have a great time. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO

1 0

Selling 910H
by Gordon Bousman 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

I just listed my 910H on eBay in case someone is interested in it. It has the 1200 mHz module installed along with two UT-106 DSP modules and comes with two Icom masthead pre-amps (144 & 440). Gordon NW7D

1 0

FN00 tomorrow 9/8
by Chris Lemon 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

Hello All, I should be on the air tomorrow 9/8 from FN00 Pennsylvania. Weather permitting, I should be able to work the 1719Z SO-50 pass, 1743Z AO-27 pass, and the 1920Z AO-27 pass. I may be early enough to work the 1538Z SO-50 pass, but I'm not counting on it. As always, subject to change by weather and work requirements, but I'll give it my best shot. Chris KB9CL

1 0

TNC's for satellite work
by John 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

All, I'm in the process of setting up a simple 'earth station' for satellite work. One facet I am interested in is digital mode. Thus my question: will a Rigblaster Plus work as a TNC, or must I buy a dedicated TNC? My shack is rather small, and I'd rather have one box that would do two things vs. two that do one thing. Rig is an Icom 706MKIIG, which has the data port for packet. Assuming that the answer to the question I pose in the first paragraph is "no, a rigblaster won't serve as a TNC", are there recommendations for TNC's? From reviewing the literature they all seem to have about the same functionality, so I wonder if the $200 Kantronics unit will give as good service as would the $540 Timewave PK232. Thanks! John KC9IKB

1 0

DJ-G7T reviews
by w6zkh＠comcast.net 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

Thanks to all who have replied to my request for reviews on this HT. Concensus looks like it isnt worth a hill of beans for satellite work, and I appreciate all comments. Sure wish I hadnt sold that W32 years ago !! Tnx again, John W6ZKH

1 0