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

My rotators
by Bob McGwier 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

I have a Kenpro 5400 (with the plug in the back of the box). Is anyone using LVB Tracker with that unit? It is going up right after some refurb and a thaw here. Bob N4HY -- (Co)Author: DttSP, Quiktrak, PowerSDR, GnuRadio Member: ARRL, AMSAT, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. "the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles" Kerouac Twitter:rwmcgwier Active: Facebook,Myspace,LinkedIn

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SSTV via FO-29
by PE0SAT 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Hi Bill, I did receive your SSTV via FO-29. Signals where load and clear. Visit http://www.ham.vgnet.nl/?Home:Blog:Feb_2010 to see on of the images I decoded with MMSSTV. 73 Jan - PE0SAT

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HO-68 In a good shape today!
by Nader Omer 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

HI ! Directory downloaded after i've uploaded 3 messages. http://st2nh-blogger.blogspot.com/2010/02/ho-68-3-msg-uploaded-directory.ht… 73' Nader

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Propulsion for Cubesats
by Rich Dailey 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

An interesting article on ionic propulsion for cubesats that I thought might interest the BB. http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2010/cubesat-01115.html Rich, N8UX

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First call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2010
by David Johnson 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Hi All, This is the first call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2010 which will be held at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, UK (same venue as in 2009) on *Sat 31st Jul and Sun 1st Aug 2010* AMSAT-UK invite speakers, about amateur radio, space and associated activities, for this event. They are also invited to submit papers for the "Proceedings" document which will be published at the same time but printed papers are not mandatory. We normally prefer authors to present talks themselves rather than having someone else give them in the authors' absence. We also welcome "unpresented" papers for the Proceedings document. Offers of talks should be submitted as soon as possible; the final date for full documents to be received is late-June 2010 in order that the "Proceedings" document be available to participants. Submissions should be sent *ONLY* to G4DPZ, via the following routes: e-mail: david.johnson AT blackpepper.co.uk SnailMail: QTHR from www.QRZ.com AMSAT-UK also invite anyone with requests for Program Topics to submit them as soon as possible to G4DPZ. Invitations for any papers on specific subjects will be included in the future call. Likewise if anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other information to G4DPZ. 73 Dave G4DPZ

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doppler comp. for FT-736R
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Can anyone suggest the best way to acquire doppler compensation for a Yaseu FT-736R? Dave, AA4KN

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W1PEA (SK)
by books47925＠mypacks.net 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Hello Satellite Friends, It is with deep regret that I report on the passing of a dear friend. W1PEA,Judd Bodycote passed away this morning. Judd was active on the satellites for than 25 years. 73 es RIP W1PEA(SK) de KB8VAO,Steve

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Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net Tonight Feb.04 At 8 pm EST On Echolink N2EYH-L
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Hello all. It is time again for the HVSG Net tonight at 8 PM EST on Echolink at N2EYH-L or the Mt. Beacon ARC repeater 146.970 pl 100 on your dial. We have had four Amsat Area coordinators check in for the last two nets. I think that's just fantastic. So we have a wealth of knowledge on the net to answer any questions you may have. Please join us on the net tonight.

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I: doppler comp. for FT-736R
by Francesco Grappi 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Hi Dave, SatPc32 73" Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di n4csitwo(a)bellsouth.net Inviato: giovedì 4 febbraio 2010 6.36 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] doppler comp. for FT-736R Can anyone suggest the best way to acquire doppler compensation for a Yaseu FT-736R? Dave, AA4KN _______________________________________________ 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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Alaska Finally
by Angelo Glorioso III / N5UXT 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Finally worked Alaska tonight: KL4E in BP51 02/04/2010 0402 Now that is what I call stretching it. 73 de Angelo

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OMID and Safir " DECAYED"
by Luc Leblanc 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Things are going fast on this site http://www.n2yo.com/browse/?y=2009&m=2 Both appears "decayed"? (YYYY-MM-DD) Status OMID 2009-02-02 DECAYED SAFIR 2 R/B 2009-02-02 DECAYED "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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AO-51 L/U mode
by w4upd 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Well, tried to work AO-51 tonight during my 2232utc pass, but was unsuccessful. I did hear WO3T (FN00) during the pass and was the only one I heard. Sounds like this mode (once you over come the transmit problems) will be a great quiet mode to work. I didn't really think I'd get into the bird with 10 watts and a discone antenna but thought I'd try. Looks like its time to get a good 1.2ghz antenna and get it installed when I get my arrays put back up. Anyways, thought I'd let Carmen know he wasn't whistling in the wind and that some one did hear him. Sounds good. Really need to get the uplink antenna going here. Reid, W4UPD

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Modern logo !! AMSAT sites need a similar one !!
by Nader Omer 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

So modern the flash logo of this DX news website. http://dx-world.net/ I Hope AMSAT sites world wide created a similar logo (with space and satellites it wll be more atttractive ) 73,Nader http://st2nh-blogger.blogspot.com/

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FO-29 Status
by Yutaka Murata 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

JARL announced the status of FO-29 on Jan 29th at JARL WEB in Japanese. This is English translation. ------------------------------------------- The present conditions (January 29, 2010) of FUJI3 (FO-29) FUJI3(FO-29) has been stopped the continuous operation and moved to planed schedule operation because it can not have enough battery charge current from beginning of November. The command of JTA (an analog transponder) ON has been sent for a confirmation examination from the control station at 11:33 on January 27th(UTC). JH1EKH/1, JR8LWY, VK5HI have reported to us that "FO-29 still works" . There is a possibility that FO-29 has been working consecutively after we sent transponder ON command on January 27. It is thought that the electricity income and expenditure is improved by the decrease of the shade rate, and the transponder is working continuously. If someone has information of telemetry or other working status related from January 27th 11:30(UTC) to 28th 19:20(UTC), Please send it to JARL technical section. In addition, when FO-29 battery power is lower than setting value, a transmitter becomes OFF automatically by UVC. If you find the transponder is getting off, please send the information of transponder off time and date to JARL technical section. Please use FO-29 without restriction but use proper uplink power. ------------------------------------------------ Thanks JARL command team. Yutaka Murata JA1COU

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FS - 23cm M2 antenna
by David - KG4ZLB 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

I have an M2 23CM22EZ antenna for sale, 16dbd gain, 28dB front to back. It will take 600 watts (!), and survive 100mph winds, overall length is 63 inches which is about 5 and bit feet in old money. And that was where the problem was; 5 and a bit feet was just too long for my available space so I ended up buying one of Bob's (W7LRD) most excellent helicals. So its never been in the air, just gathering dust in my garage. Looking at HRO, it seems that maybe M2 have superseded this model with the 23CM22EZA which retails for a whopping $185! Any interest on here before I fleaBay it at the weekend! Let me know off board; I have photographs that I can send you! 73 -- David KG4ZLB www.kg4zlb.com

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HO-68 Not Heard ?
by Andre' v Deventer 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Hi, I noticed the beacon info showed for 5 cycles before switch on ( 18h45 UTC) that temp was 21C . FM and DIGITAL was active normal for 13 mins 23 sec after switch on. There after beacon still on and reported xponder on but silent and temp was now 25 and 26C ? Wonder if this was a "tempreture" output shutdown ? 73 andre zs2bk

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Recommended TNC
by Michael Wolthuis 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Can anyone point me to the recommended TNC for adding to an FT-847 for digital satellite work? Are there special modifications needed? What connector does it use on the FT-847? Thanks, Mike kb8zgl

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Visit with ND9M @ Arrow Antenna Factory
by Jack K. 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Hello all, I just returned from a Visit to the Arrow Factory here in Cheyenne where I live. Silly me, so close by and I have never visited them once before. The purpose of the visit was to meet ND9M (Jim) + Lovely wife and Chauffer to have an eyeball QSO and watch him operate on AO-27 from the parking lot as well as take a tour of the plant.. What impressed me most at Arrow was all of the machinery is made and designed by themselves, and trust me it is pretty impressive as well as mostly microprocessor controlled. Anyone can make an antenna, but to design the machinery to make the antenna parts is a skill few possess. They build a quality product and stand behind their product... I did ask why no corner reflectors any more and was informed a lot of hams have trouble putting them together... I guess it does pay to read the instructions. As the appropriate time for AO-27 approached we all sashayed into the parking lot where in a very short period of time Jim had the equipment set up and soon ND9M was waving his handheld Arrow dual band antenna knowingly in the SSWerly skies... Soon, contest style, he was making contact after contact. He and his wife have been on the road for some time activating grid squares, those of you who keep up on this sort of thing and count grids should give him an ATTA BOY for his efforts. As the bird disappeared over the horizon it was time to pack up and put things away, I was allowed to wind up the headset cord and a coax... So I can I participated in the event... It was fun thanks Jim for the call and if you get back this way again, plan on some more time here so I can pick your brain a little bit. DE Jack - KD1PE http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=kd1pe*&terra=4

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Re: Recommended TNC
by Edward Cole 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Having owned a FT-847 since 1998, I can. For 1200-baud packet it merely requires connecting a std TNC (I use a KPC-3+) to the 6-pin mini-Din packet connector (plug available from many Radio Shacks) on the back of the radio. Page-17 in the operators manual shows how. You can also connect 9600-baud audio-output from pin-6. Back in the AO-40 days I used Mix-W2 as a sw modem and connected to pin-6 for audio into the computer soundcard. 38k4 requires some radio modifications to tap wide bw ckts inside the FT-847. I never played with 38k4. Setting modulation for Packet without a deviation meter is harder (pin-1 on the radio). I use my FT-817 for packet, now. Nice thing is the connector on the radio is pin-compatible with the FT-847, so I could use the same TNC/radio cable. The FT-817 has packet mode available in menu so you can preset your mod levels by mode and by channel. Note: I may have my new "Lindy's" operational later today. Hooking up the preamp power and T/R relays wiring in the shack. Probably give AO-51 a try for my initial "return" to satellites. I also have my M2-436CP42, LY2345 (1.2-GHz Loop Yagi), 33-inch dish (2.4-GHz Rx), and a M2-2m7 yagi for hard-core satellite work (they also require wiring in the shack to be QRV). All those antennas have T/R relays, preamps and 432, 1268 have amps at the tower. So I am (about to be) ready for P3E! You can view these on my website: http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW At 10:06 AM 2/2/2010, you wrote: >Hi Mike, > >You probably should specify which type of packet you are interested in >working; an answer to your question depends on that. > >For 1200 baud packet, you can use just about anything, including some >software solutions (MixW, for example). Or, one of many MFJ TNCs you >find at hamsfest or on eBay. > >For 9600 baud packet, you'll need to be more careful in your search. > For 38k4, you need to be even MORE selective, as there aren't many. > >If you want a TNC that does all three--1200, 9600, and 38k4-- you >might consider a KPC-9612+ TNC. Never owned one myself, so I can't >comment. > >For 9600 and 38k4, my personal choice is the Paccomm Spirit-2 satellite model. > >I've never owned or operated the FT-847, so I can't comment on that >part of your question, either. But one thing's for sure--38k4 packet >requires modification of any radio currently in (or out!) of >production (well, except for the Icom PCR-1500/2500). > >73, > >Mark N8MH > > > >On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 1:37 PM, Sean Cavanaugh <seanc(a)unixgeeks.ca> wrote: > > On 02/02/2010 11:12 AM, Michael Wolthuis wrote: > >> Can anyone point me to the recommended TNC for adding to an FT-847 for > >> digital satellite work? Are there special modifications needed? What > >> connector does it use on the FT-847? > >> > >> Thanks, > >> Mike > >> kb8zgl > > > > I can't speak to any specific "recommended TNC", but I've been using my > > old PacComm Tiny-2 MK2 for years. It uses a 5-pin DIN (think ancient > > AT-style keyboard connector) and I connected it the packet port on my > > FT-847 (6-pin mini-din, like the slightly newer PS/2 keyboards) and have > > copied the ISS using this. The connections were fairly trivial to make > > following the manuals for the radio and TNC. > > > > Years ago I used the same TNC with my old radio shack HTX-242 to post > > messages to the BBS on the Mir. > > > > With a different TNC, I could also do 9600, but I don't have that > > capability at the moment. I'd think most any TNC should work. > > > > -- > > Sean - VA5LF > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > >-- >Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > >_______________________________________________ >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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Good News Allan ZS1LS !! BUT for how long it wll stay?
by Nader Omer 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Hi Allan ZS1LS Good news!! So HO-68 still hold messages ( at least some). But for how long HO-68 wll hold these messages ? ?this is the main question! I Hope other station sharing with their downloaded Dir info! I'm still confused !! You mention in you previous post : > (I then switched to voice mode with PL=67 Hz, and then tried again >and the directory came screaming down) ! do you mean the tone was on when you request the Dir??!! The HO-68 've shut down at Orbit #653 before AOS here (kk56gp)!! two other station from South Africa heard HO-68 on same pass as mention at http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php, plus your BBS Posting at 18:45 UTC (tnx for photos) Mike dk3wn confirm absent of FM/DIG mode too. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/48hour/msg77829.html Most propable due to programming error !!! Thanks again Allan Regards Nader / ST2NH /EX

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HO-68 Not Heard ?
by Nader Omer 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

HO-68 Not Heard Orbit #653 18:52 - utc Mode FM/Packet CW TLM ok scheadule:- 02 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder 18:45...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 19:30...Turn Off 73's Nader

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Free Terminal Emulator query results
by Charlie -K3VDB- 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Hi Fellows;.....First, I want to thank all who replied to my query. I got lots of suggestions regarding a Free Terminal program. For Andy W5ACM: Thanks for sending me the two Hyper Term files, I had previously tried that method with out success. Think Win7 64 would just not play nice with it. However, Kevin W5ACM sent me a link to TERMINAL. Thanks Kevin. http://sites.google.com/site/braypp/terminal It booted and talked to my LVB Tracker "out of the box", even the default comm stuff was set correctly. ie; I was able to calibrate the LVB with the rotator in no time. Not sure if I could program the EPROM if I would of had to. When I get time I plan to look at the program called PUTTY as some of you suggested. From the looks of it, it is more of a full featured program. Again, thanks to all Charlie K3VDB

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HO-68 Schedule - 01-07 Feb 2010
by Alan Kung 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

31 Jan. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 19:20...Turn On South Africa, Europe, NA 20:05...Turn Off 23:05...Turn On South Africa,South America,Europe, NA,North Pole,North Asia 23:50...Turn Off 01 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 02:35...Turn On South Pole, South America,NA,North Asia,North Pole 03:20...Turn Off 11:40...Turn On Australia,New Zealand,South Asia, East Asia,North Asia,Europe 12:25...Turn Off 19:05...Turn On South Africa,Europe,NA,North Pole,North Asia 19:50...Turn Off 02 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 00:30...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia, North Pole 01:15...Turn Off 04:20...Turn On South America,NA,Middle Asia 05:05...Turn Off 15:15...Turn On Australia, India,South Asia,Europe,NA 16:00...Turn Off 18:45...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 19:30...Turn Off 03 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 00:20...Turn On South America, NA,North Asia 01:05...Turn Off 03:45...Turn On South Pole,South America, NA North Asia, North Pole 04:30...Turn Off 13:10...Turn On Australia, South Asia, East Asia,North Asia 13:26...Turn Off 16:55...Turn On India,Middle East Asia,Europe,NA, 17:40...Turn Off 04 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:40...Turn On South Pole,South America,NA,North Asia 02:25...Turn Off 01:55...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 02:40...Turn Off 03:45...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 04:30...Turn Off 10:50...Turn On Oceania,South Asia,East Asia,North Asia 11:35...Turn Off 16:35...Turn On India,Middle Asia,Africa,Europe,NA 17:20...Turn Off 20:00...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA,North Asia 20:45...Turn Off 05 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:25...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 02:10...Turn Off 03:15...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 04:00...Turn Off 12:37...Turn On Oceania,South Asia, East Asia, North Asia 12:52...Turn Off 16:15...Turn On India,Middle Asia,Europe,NA 17:00...Turn Off 19:45...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:30...Turn Off 06 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:10...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 01:55...Turn Off 10:15...Turn On Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 11:00...Turn Off 16:00...Turn On India,Middle Asia,Europe,NA 16:45...Turn Off 19:25...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA,North Asia 20:10...Turn Off 07 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 00:50...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 01:35...Turn Off 01:47...Turn On South Asia,East Asia, North Asia 02:02...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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HO-68 WiSP directory download success
by Allan Saul 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Hi, Just something I noticed on the 1845 Ho-68 pass. For 2 days I have been trying to download the directory without success. I uploaded 3 files now, but still couldn't get the directory. I then switched to voice mode with PL=67 Hz, and then tried again and the directory came screaming down. Very odd indeed. There are some screen shots here. http://www.rfdesign.co.za/default.asp?pageID=785423593&filePath=D:\SoftPage… 73' Allan ZS1LS

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Re: HO68 2Feb2010 0427z FM/DIG ( something worng with BBS)
by G0MRF＠aol.com 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

In a message dated 02/02/2010 07:06:47 GMT Standard Time, st2nh(a)yahoo.com writes: Hi John and All For sure there is something wrong with HO-68 BBS!! last nighth 1st feb at 19:30 utc Orbit #640. I've posted 2 messages and again the directory was EMPTY!!!!! I've notced this since last week! But I got no answer !! 73 Nader Hi Nader I saw your question last week, and the response that said the messages will stay for 5 days. But I wonder if the messages are lost when the BBS is switched off? Perhaps there is a timer to remove them after 5 days if it's left running. But at present I don't recall seeing any message lasting more than an orbit. Thanks David G0MRF

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