October 2010 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

LVB Tracker USB serial port driver for Windows 7 x64?
by Bill Bordy, NJ1H 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Has anyone located a driver for the LVB Tracker internal USB to serial port adapter on Windows 7 x64? If not, has anyone reverted to the serial port connection on LVB Tracker and used an external USB to serial port adapter successfully with SatPC32 on Windows 7 x64? I have an Edgeport multiple USB to serial port that has drivers for Windows 7 x64 that I will use if I have to. I would prefer using the LVB Tracker with its USB to serial adapter if someone has another solution. 73, Bill NJ1H

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AO-16 telemetry 3 Oct 2010
by Mark L. Hammond 01 Jul '16

01 Jul '16

Hi All, Here is a quick AO-16 update. On Sunday I turned AO-16 long enough to get some telemetry packets. The satellite would remain on for less than one minute after being commanded on. A quick test of the "bent pipe" voice mode repeater was successful. . The "hardware watchdog timer problem" is still evident; as expected, spacecraft temperatures are insufficient to keep the transmitter ON (needs to be above 15 deg C). Orbit projections suggest that satellite illumination conditions will not result in increased temperatures for nearly 10 years. Command stations do periodically turn AO-16 "ON" to check on its condition and see if the hardware timer problem has "automagically" fixed itself (which in not anticipated, but who knows...). AO-16 telemetry 3 Oct 2010 1838 utc PACSAT MBL Telemetry Decoder Ver. 1.3 (c) Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN =============================================================================== (average values) +10V Battery Bus : 0.00 V Battery Charge Reg : 0.55 mA Base Temp : 9.07 °C PSK RF Out : 1.90 W +5V RX Bus : 4.87 V +8.5V RX Bus : 8.49 V +10V RX Bus : 11.24 V Here is another teaser :) Several months ago I commanded the AO-16 S-band transmitter ON; it too remains functional (albeit weak), and was received by me, Drew KO4MA, and Alan WA4SCA. 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Call for Papers--2007 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference
by Ford, Steve, WB8IMY 16 Jul '12

16 Jul '12

Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the 26th Annual ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference to be held September 28-30, 2007 in Hartford, Connecticut. These papers will also be published in the Conference Proceedings (you do NOT need to attend the conference to have your paper included in the Proceedings). The submission deadline is July 31, 2007. Please send papers to: Maty Weinberg ARRL 225 Main St Newington, CT 06111 or you can make your submission via e-mail to: maty(a)arrl.org Papers will be published exactly as submitted and authors will retain all rights. 73 . . . Steve, WB8IMY ARRL

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Re: EggBeater
by Bill Dzurilla 29 May '12

29 May '12

Steve, I have both a commercial and a homebrew Eggbeater and am disappointed with both, especially in light of its rather high price. Connected to my IC-7000 via an ARR mast-mounted preamp, performance is far less than with an HT and an Arrow. Guess an omni can't cut it, at least not from my QTH. Maybe if I could get it up higher, clear of all roofs, it would do better. I can make contacts at relatively high sat elevations, but can do just as well with a $10 dual band ground plane. My friend has an Eggbeater and the same preamp at a clearer QTH, and he hears substantially better, down to 10 degrees elevation in some directions. Good luck and 73, Bill NZ5N > > Hi Steve, > > > > It is surprising to read that you are not hearing > anything. I have > > repeatedly used a 2m and 70cm Eggbeater for the sats > and have had no > > problem hearing things. No pre-amp. > > > > I was using a short cable (e.g. less than 10 meters). > The rigs I > > used were a FT-736r (deaf) and a FT-847 (so-so). > > > > 73, > > > > Dave

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FW: Re: The Moon is our Future
by Dave 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

We have met the enemy and they are us. WE need to do something. Yes, $15m is outta reach, but isn't there a cash prize for the first on-commercial moon landing? Dave DM78qd // KA0SWT If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners.-- Johnny Carson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Davis Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 9:35 AM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Moon is our Future On Thu, Jul 02, 2009 at 06:48:51AM -0600, Jack K. wrote: > communications anyway) and move forward... We can put up all the leos > we want, but until someone makes something like B. Bruninga's cell > concept work, we are only going to have more of the same, We don't > need more of the same! I couldn't agree more - we don't need more of the same. If I want to sit back and have a two hour rag-chew with someone on the other side of the planet I will use Skype or my cell phone! Dreaming about what *might* be in space is a fun exercise. Actually doing something about it requires sending things to LEO because reality has dictated that's as far as we can afford to go. How's about we use some of that frustrated *imagineering* to come up with interesting new concepts at LEO? We don't need any more FM repeaters buzzing overhead, but what about more cameras downloading HD images, scientific payloads that monitor the ongoing climate change, payloads to study the Earth's magnetic field, etc. etc. Our own 'Twitter' messaging network from space...? The Apollo 13 creed of "failure is not an option" has completely infected the brains at AMSAT and this list. You want something at HEO or on the moon, cut a check for $15 million dollars and let's get on with it. Been waiting since 1996 for another AO-13 and I am getting too old to keep waiting. AMSAT is becoming completely irrelevant as it strives without success for the impossible mission and exhibits a shocking amount of leadership malfesance as it stubbornly refuses to recognize and adapt to realities in the launch business. I know, I know maybe NEXT year someone rich will die and leave us a boatload of cash. Or the bankrupt US government will suddenly cough up a billion dollars for some orbiting emergency communication system. In the meantime we have to stifle the truth because it might blow yet another *secret* deal that's in the works and *almost* a done deal, so let's not complain publicly and ruin it. Heard the stories, heard the lies, got all the t-shirts and ball caps. Whatever. -- Jeff, KE9V AMSAT-NA member since 1994, Skeptic that we will ever go back to HEO since 2002 _______________________________________________ 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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FM Birds
by Arlon Nelson 19 Nov '10

19 Nov '10

Hi All Been away awhile, I'm wondering what FM satellites are being used now. Thanks, Nels W0TUP North Dakota DN98if

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FO-29 status?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 01 Nov '10

01 Nov '10

I'm really missing FO-29. Do any of our Japanese members have an update as to the situation? 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: station add help
by PA3GUO 01 Nov '10

01 Nov '10

Hi Jack I have a Kenwood TS2000, which is very similar to the IC910. For this discussion one important difference, the TS2000 has a build in TNC, which can be used on either bands & sat mode. Many years I simply connected that build-in TNC to my PC and used Alogger under Windows (via RS232) for packet. Mostly ISS APRS, but also to command RAFT, ANDE, etc. Two years ago I bought a 2nd hand PK96, external TNC, which I connect to the TS2000 (ACC plug) and PC (RS232). Works fine. It allows me to use the build in TNC on one band and the PK96 on the other band. Also, when I use the build-in TNC, I cannot use CAT (doppler) access. So to do AND doppler compensation (HRD) AND packet I need the external TNC. Also with the PK96 I use ALogger. Another option is to feed the audio to MixW, and create a virtual link in SW: connect MixW to Alogger, then you can set up an APRS Satgate without hardware TNC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSFVTN2KKog shows how ISS APRS is decoded by MixW. Audio can directly be decoded by MMSSTV for SSTV (both TX/RX). A SW only solution gets you running for SSTV. I did SSTV over HO68 this way: http://www.pa3guo.com/ho68_sstv_dec30_007.jpg One year ago I added an interface between the radio & PC, to decouple them physically (for 20+ years I was 'unsafe'). For this I use a kit from http://www.ezkits.eu/. This is insurance only, it doesn't add anything new. Then, I use HRD for Doppler control, but it can do much more including decoding of many digital modes. When you connect the audio of the IC910 to a PC and run MixW you are operational to receive APRS already ! Maybe start there and extend then step by step. (oh, you then can also decode 9k6 from AO51) Success ! Henk -- Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com ============================== I'm in the process of adding digital mode to my satellite station which consists of IC910 radio using SATPC 32 12.8A. I will be using a Signalink USB & would like to know if this is the way to go. I will be using it for packet, digipeater, SSTV.etc. Two programs that I'm looking into using are MIXW & or mltimode. I would appreciate any suggestions or help about moving foreword with this configuration. Thanks for any input. Jack WA1ZDV

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AO-7 Mode A antennas
by John Neeley 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

I notice, looking at the logbook on the AO-7 website that the Europeans utilize Mode A alot more than use here in NA. Since the downlink frequency is in the upper 10 meter band, and I wondering what antenna they are using for receive? I have tried dipoles, horizontal loops, G5RV, etc to pretty much zero luck in hearing the bird, even with close passes. Any info would be appreciated.. John W6ZKH

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AO-51 schedule
by Andrew Glasbrenner 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

Here is the November schedule for AO-51. This month we are catching up on several requests for L, S and even 38k4 BBS time. In January AO-51 leaves continuous illumination for many years and many of these modes may not be possible due to power budget and battery condition. However, if we find these modes underused this month, we may modify the schedule as we go. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations October 31 (late UTC) FM Repeater, L/SU Uplink: 1268.705 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlinks: 2401.200 MHz FM*and* 435.300 MHz FM (at low power!) November 4 (late UTC) FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 Baud PBBS Operations, L/U Uplink: 1268.705 MHz FM at 9600 baud Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM at 9600 baud November 14 (late UTC) 38k4 Baud PBBS Operations, L/U Uplink: 1268.705 MHz FM at 9600 baud Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM at 38,400 baud November 18 (late UTC) FM Repeater, L/SU Uplink: 1268.705 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlinks: 2401.200 MHz FM*and* 435.300 MHz FM (at low power!) November 21 (late UTC) FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 Baud PBBS Operations, L/U Uplink: 1268.705 MHz FM at 9600 baud Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM at 9600 baud

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Re: AO-7 Mode A antenna
by James Jipping 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

Good Afternoon, All: Ever have someone tell you to read and read, again any email you write before you send it ?? After church today, I went to get my email, and saw what I sent to "you all". DAH! A correction or two concerning that successful antenna. The one I described was used with marginal success. The one that really worked the best was in fact four slopping dipoles (at 45 degrees to the tower) , one for each directional side of the steel tower --- N, E, S, W, attached to the tower at about 40 feet up. Two relays gave me antenna selection at the tower so I could have only one feed line to the shack. I regularly worked all the AO and RS satellites is all directions. Mode A to Hawaii was a real challenge, but I did it often. Good Luck Jim Jipping, W8MRR

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SO67 Schedules
by Hans van de Groenendaal 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

For updates on SumbandilaSat SO67 and operating schedules visit www.amsatsa.org.za. Week One of every month covers the Americas, week 2 Europe, week 3 Middle East/.India, week 4 Japan and Australasia 73 Hans ZS6AKV

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Re: AO-7 Mode A antenna
by James Jipping 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

Back to the "Good Ole Days". The best antenna I ever had to receive sat signals on 10 meters was a pair of crossed dipoles at an angle of 45 degrees to the steel tower. It worked very well in several configurations. The two dipoles were: 1. Just tied in parallel. Impedance matching was a little bit of a concern 2. I tried a pair of impedance matching stubs much like that used for circular polarized antennas for 2 m and 70 cm. 3 I tried a pair if relays that allowed me to select any pair of the four legs for some sort of directivity using the tower as a "reflector" I used this configuration for all the old AMSAT and Russian mode A birds with with much better than avearge success. Helpful ?? Hope so! Jim Jipping, W8MRR AMSAT # 5512 Low number translates to old geezer

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Re: AO-7 Mode A antennas
by Daniel "Nick" Kucij 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

Jeff: I have not used an external 10M preamp yet, but I just got an ARR from another op, so I'll be giving it a try. So far, I've used my FT-847 and the internal preamp. It has not been as consistent as Mode B, but when the 10M signal is coming in, reception is usually fair to good. I have noticed quite a bit of QSB at times, so it's worth being patient. Nick KB1RVT

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Re: AO-7 Mode A antennas
by Daniel "Nick" Kucij 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

I've had recent Mode A success into Europe (Germany, France and Italy), using a cut-down Radio Shack CB magmount whip. It's stuck on to a large metal serving tray "borrowed" from the kitchen. I hide it behind an easy chair in a corner of the shack. 73 & GL! Nick KB1RVT

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rotor parts
by Dads 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

Hi : Does anyone have any interest in Alliance rotor parts ?? I have over 20 boxes of various rotor parts in there original boxes. I will also throw in a few new CDR parts all for $100.00 Jerry w0sat

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station add help
by Jack Barbera 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

I'm in the process of adding digital mode to my satellite station which consists of IC910 radio using SATPC 32 12.8A. I will be using a Signalink USB & would like to know if this is the way to go. I will be using it for packet, digipeater, SSTV.etc. Two programs that I'm looking into using are MIXW & or mltimode. I would appreciate any suggestions or help about moving foreword with this configuration. Thanks for any input. Jack WA1ZDV

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Interference
by Aquilino Torres 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

Mr. Larry: Good afternoon, this same 145,800 khz FM interference occurs in Bogotá Colombia, there are several telephones in service, brand SENAO, which are sold freely without control of the communications authorities Personally I can not work as an amateur radio on ISS 145,800 kHz FM frequency, sometimes the case with the satellite AO-51. Amateur radio frequencies are occupied by squatters, such as taxi companies, hotels, among others, however that writing and recordings have been made known to the authorities of Control communications, but so far has resulted in a eradication of these pirates. Aquilino Torres HK3Z

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KD8KSN/p EN80/EM89 this Afternoon
by Zachary Beougher 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

I have made a last-minute decision to operate from the EN80/EM89 gridline this afternoon. I will be on the AO27 pass at 1946z and AO51 at 2040z. There is a very, very slight chance I will NOT be on AO27 at 1946z, but that is a very remote chance. 73! Zack KD8KSN

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RCI-SE G5500 Interface
by Dean Maluski 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

Trying to setup Sat32PC, I have a G-5500 rotor and using an RCI-SE control board. I have been using Linux gpredict and hamlib to control rotor OK but wanted to try Sat32PC so trying setup a system. ARSWIN says I'm at 45 degrees when antennas are actually at 90 degrees. If I tell ARSWIN to go to 90 degrees antennas will then be at 180 degrees. Nowhere in setup can I find something to correct this.

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Activando EK44
by David Maciel 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

Hola grupo por cuestiones de trabajo me encuentro en Tapachula,Chiapas, intentare activar EK44 desde Aquí, no puedo asegurar los pases exactos porque no traje el mejor equipo para hacerlo ni el GPS, pero me gustaría poder contactar con alguien para poder informar de mis salidas, si alguien tiene BlackBerry será mas fácil para mi avisar, si puedo mando un Email mas adelante, si alguien quiere contactar en el BlackBerry mi PIN es: 2276D6AD. Si el tiempo lo permite y encuentro posición y el punto para EK45 también lo podre activar para ustedes, saludos y estamos en contacto..... Hi group for work I am in Tapachula, Chiapas, will try to activate EK44 >From Here, I can not ensure accurate passes because I did not bring the best equipment to do so, or GPS, but I would like to contact someone to report my departure if anyone has BlackBerry (Only XE) will be easier for my warning, if I can send an email later, if anyone wants to contact in my BlackBerry PIN is: 2276D6AD. If time permits and meeting point for position and EK45 also be activated for you, and are in contact greetings ..... XE3DX - 4B3DX David Maciel xe3dx(a)amsat.org www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ Amateur Ham Radio POR FAVOR, si vas a reenviar este e-mail: - Borra mi dirección. - Protege a quien(es) se lo envías,colocando la(s) dirección(es) en la casilla CCO (con copia oculta). ¡Gracias!

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UO-11 Back On
by Armando Mercado 29 Oct '10

29 Oct '10

UO-11 is back on, heard at 0303UTC over the central US. My satellite program shows UO-11 in eclipse during this pass. 73 Armando, N8IGJ

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Radio Interference on ISS
by KI6RRQ 29 Oct '10

29 Oct '10

Yep Larry, I'm in San Diego, CA, I hear them on the ISS down link all the time, I have tried to tell them in English that they were on a satellite downlink but they don't speak English and I am usually on an HT so they are not hearing me. I will try to bring my digital voice recorder with me, next time to see if I can capture a call sign. 73 Rich KI6RRQ "Last year in Mexicali Mexico we spot a company that uses ISS down link freq 145.800 Mhz to communicate on simplex, as soon as we get their phone number by monitoring for a few days we give them a courtesy call and they politely agree to change their operating freq. I did not record the audio from this pass but would like to get it to see if we can get more details. 73's Larry KI6YAA"

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K0BAM/p Next 3 Days
by Zachary Beougher 29 Oct '10

29 Oct '10

The below information came from Jim, K0BAM regarding his traveling plans the next few days.... The weather is nice, so I'm gonna do some wandering in the next few days. Today DM67 (11,000 ft) San Juan County, CO - I'll be on AO-27 @ 2015 UTC and AO-51 @ 2300 UTC Saturday DM57 (10,000 ft) at San Miguel and Deloris Counties CO - AO-27 @ 1946 UTC and 1926 UTC; AO-51 @ 2219 UTC and 2300 UTC Sunday DM58 (5,000 ft) Delta County, CO - AO-27 @ 2100 UTC; AO-51 @ 2317 UTC. 73! Zack KD8KSN

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"6HE" beacon?
by PY2ZX 29 Oct '10

29 Oct '10

Hello, During latest Comprida Island expedition (GG64, IOTA-SA-024) we heard a strange CW signal "6HE" at 144,470 MHz, CW, pointed aprox. 60 ~ 70 degrees, to the ocean toward Rio de Janeiro. Does anyone has heard anything like that? Seems like a radio buoy but I never listen it on 2 meters. Any ideas? The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy98eqXrq-k Flavio PY2ZX

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