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

Re: lvbtracker (or other) and AlfaSpid rotors?
by Ryan Caron 08 Feb '10

08 Feb '10

I don't have experience with 3rd party controllers but the position reporting is fundamentally different. Instead of potentiometers indicating the present az/el, there are just pulses indicating when the motors have traveled a degree. So a little more work is associated with keeping track of the heading, and I haven't heard of a compatible 3rd party controller, but I don't foresee modifying one to do so as particularly challenging. On 2/7/10 10:12 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Message: 5 > Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:34:13 -0400 > From: Bruce Robertson<ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] lvbtracker (or other) and AlfaSpid rotors? > To: AMSAT-BB<amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: > <49657a761002071334n17015d9cm9de43e37134395f2(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > The Alfa Spid price list > http://alfaradio.ca/docs/AlfaSpid_Price_June15_2009.pdf indicates that > the az/el rotor alone is about $600 (CAD) cheaper than the rotor with > controller. I understand that this controller is a very nice piece of > kit, and many are quite pleased with, for instance, its mouse > interface. However, that additional charge moves the purchase from the > 'maybe one day' to the 'no way Jose' column. > > So I'm wondering if anyone has experience with third-party controllers > to operate the Alfa Spid rotors. Are they electrically similar to > other rotors, or is the proprietary controller absolutely necessary? > > 73, Bruce VE9QRP > -- http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com

1 0

ND9M Road Trip Update
by claryco＠aol.com 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

We'll try to hit the DM86/DM87 and DM75/DM76 grid lines during the AO27 and AO51 passes tomorrow (Monday) and continue the southbound trek along 104W. We're currently holed up near the New Mexico border where we've got a few inches of fresh snowfall and looking for up to several more overnight. Predictions don't sound that bad though. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Trinidad, CO / DM77

1 0

EM80
by Andrew Glasbrenner 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

I'll likely be portable in EM80 tomorrow night and Tuesday. If someone needs EM80 on satellite, drop me an email and I'll look out for you. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

n3fjp logging + eqso + ADIF format - please help
by Michae J. Wolthuis 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

I really like n3fjp logging that everyone here recommended. I have not been able to get eqso to upload though. It keeps telling me bad mode. Can anyone who is using this software and eqso tell me what are you entering for your AO-51 contacts in Band and Mode? I tried 2, 2M and SAT J in Band and tried SAT, FM and FM (SAT) in Mode to no avail. Maybe I need to enable a field or something? I have read the whole manual from the website and it doesn't really talk about entering satellite contacts. Thanks for any help, I really want to get my whole log uploaded to eqso. Thanks, Mike Kb8zgl

2 1

Re: n3fjp logging + eqso + ADIF format - please help
by jeffk13057＠yahoo.com 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

Are you talking about EQSL? I'm not familiar with EQso. 73 Jeff WB2SYK ------Original Message------ From: Michae J. Wolthuis Sender: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] n3fjp logging + eqso + ADIF format - please help Sent: Feb 7, 2010 20:19 I really like n3fjp logging that everyone here recommended. I have not been able to get eqso to upload though. It keeps telling me bad mode. Can anyone who is using this software and eqso tell me what are you entering for your AO-51 contacts in Band and Mode? I tried 2, 2M and SAT J in Band and tried SAT, FM and FM (SAT) in Mode to no avail. Maybe I need to enable a field or something? I have read the whole manual from the website and it doesn't really talk about entering satellite contacts. Thanks for any help, I really want to get my whole log uploaded to eqso. Thanks, Mike Kb8zgl _______________________________________________ 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 Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

1 0

lvbtracker (or other) and AlfaSpid rotors?
by Bruce Robertson 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

The Alfa Spid price list http://alfaradio.ca/docs/AlfaSpid_Price_June15_2009.pdf indicates that the az/el rotor alone is about $600 (CAD) cheaper than the rotor with controller. I understand that this controller is a very nice piece of kit, and many are quite pleased with, for instance, its mouse interface. However, that additional charge moves the purchase from the 'maybe one day' to the 'no way Jose' column. So I'm wondering if anyone has experience with third-party controllers to operate the Alfa Spid rotors. Are they electrically similar to other rotors, or is the proprietary controller absolutely necessary? 73, Bruce VE9QRP -- http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com

2 1

HO-68 Schedule - 07-21 Feb 2010
by Alan Kung 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

07 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 19:25...Turn On South Africa, Europe, NA 20:10...Turn Off 23:00...Turn On South Africa,South America,Europe, NA,North Pole,North Asia 23:45...Turn Off 08 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 13:42...Turn On South Asia,East Asia,North Asia 13:54...Turn Off 19:10...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA,North Pole,North Asia 19:55...Turn Off 09 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 00:20...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia, North Pole 01:05...Turn Off 02:59...Turn On FM/Digital Transponder North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:09...Turn Off 15:10...Turn On South Asia,India,Middle Asia,Europe,NA 15:55...Turn Off 18:50...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 19:35...Turn Off 10 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 01:45...Turn On South America, NA,North Asia 02:30...Turn Off 02:44...Turn On FM/Digital Transponder North Asia, East Asia,South Asia 02:59...Turn Off 11:00...Turn On Oceania, South Asia, East Asia, North Asia,Europe 11:45...Turn Off 16:40...Turn On India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:25...Turn Off 20:05...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:50...Turn Off 11 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 02:27...Turn On FM/Digital Transponder North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:42...Turn Off 03:40...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia, Middle Asia,India 04:25...Turn Off 16:25...Turn On India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:10...Turn Off 19:50...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:35...Turn Off 12 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 02:05...Turn On FM/Digital Transponder North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:19...Turn Off 10:20...Turn On Oceania,South Asia,East Asia,North Asia 11:00...Turn Off 16:15...Turn On India,Middle Asia,Europe,NA 17:00...Turn Off 19:30...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:15...Turn Off 13 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 01:54...Turn On FM/Digital Transponder North Asia,East Asia, South Asia 02:09...Turn Off 14:30...Turn On NA,South America 15:00...Turn Off 16:00...Turn On India,Middle Asia,Europe,NA 16:45...Turn Off 19:20...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA,North Asia 20:05...Turn Off 14 Feb. 2010, Linear Transponder ======================================= 01:37...Turn On FM/Digital Transponder North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:52...Turn Off 08:40...Turn On Europe,Africa 09:20...Turn Off 19:15...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:00...Turn Off 15 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 00:25...Turn On South America, NA 01:05...Turn Off 03:03...Turn On North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:18...Turn Off 06:10...Turn On NA,North Asia,Middle East,Europe,Africa 06:55...Turn Off 15:25...Turn On Middle Asia,India,Europe,NA 16:10...Turn Off 18:45...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 19:30...Turn Off 16 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:55...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 02:35...Turn Off 11:00...Turn On Oceania,South Asia, East Asia,North Asia,Europe 11:40...Turn Off 15:25...Turn On NA,South America 15:55...Turn Off 16:50...Turn On India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:35...Turn Off 20:15...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 21:00...Turn Off 17 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 02:24...Turn On North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:39...Turn Off 10:45...Turn On Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 11:30...Turn Off 15:10...Turn On Europe,NA,South America 15:40...Turn Off 18:30...Turn On India,Middle East,Africa,Europe,NA 19:15...Turn Off 20:10...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:55...Turn Off 18 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 02:17...Turn On North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:32...Turn Off 03:10...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 03:55...Turn Off 10:25...Turn On Oceania, South Asia, East Asia, North Asia,Europe 11:10...Turn Off 16:15...Turn On India,Middle East Asia,Europe,NA, 17:00...Turn Off 19:40...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA, 20:25...Turn Off 19 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:54...Turn On North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:10...Turn Off 02:50...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 03:35...Turn Off 14:35...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia,Europe 15:05...Turn Off 19:35...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 20:20...Turn Off 23:20...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia,East Asia 24:05...Turn Off 20:00...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA,North Asia 20:45...Turn Off 20 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:34...Turn On North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:49...Turn Off 02:35...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 03:20...Turn Off 08:45...Turn On North Asia, Europe,Africa 09:25...Turn Off 19:05...Turn On Africa,Europe,NA 19:50...Turn Off 21 Feb. 2010, FM/Digital Transponder ======================================= 01:27...Turn On North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:41...Turn Off 02:20...Turn On South America,NA,North Asia 03:00...Turn Off 08:30...Turn On North Asia,Europe,Africa 09:10...Turn Off 11:25...Turn On Oceania 11:40...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

2 1

Re: Best rotor interface?
by Angelo Glorioso III / N5UXT 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

Now that's funny!! (( creator of the LVB tracker /G6LVB )). Anyhow, I have two of them and they are great. Would highly recommend them from Amsat NA . Purchasing one supports amsat. 73 de Angelo ----- Original Message ----- From: "Howard Long" <howard(a)howardlong.com> To: "'Dee'" <morsesat(a)optonline.net>; "'Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez'" <ea1jm.fran(a)gmail.com> Cc: "'Amsat BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 6:12 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best rotor interface? Yes, I can vouch for it being rather good too. 73, Howard G6LVB -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dee Sent: 06 February 2010 22:05 To: 'Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez' Cc: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best rotor interface? I've used the LVB Tracker... You can find the unit for sale at the AMSAT website. This way you can have a great interface and make a donation to AMSAT at the same time... http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php 73, Dee, NB2F -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 4:50 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Best rotor interface? Hello all, I'm looking for a interface for my Yaesu G-5500 rotor. I have seen the ones from funkbox (Winrotor USB interface) and the one from EA4TX, but I need your opinios, which you consider the best? The winrotor is usb and the ea4tx is to plug in the pararell port without any box.I prefer the usb but I don't know, to be honest, which is the best and more compatible.please, any light is welcome. Regards, Fran, EA1JM _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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

4 3

AO-27 Event Timing
by Rowland Archer 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

About a month ago the events that turn AO-27 on and off seemed to be timed so it would be on as it passed over North America. More recently, for the passes I check (more than 10 degrees here in NC), it seems like according to schedule on www.ao27.org, the "ON" time is when the bird has pretty much finished its pass. For example, right now at 1858, the footprint of AO-27 neatly covers much of the US and Canada, yet according to the website the next "ON" event is at 1906, one minute before I lose the satellite completely. Is this intentional or "just the way it is?" Does it slowly cycle the ON time so it is ON for passes in different parts of the world? 73, Rowland K4XD

2 1

Re: AO-27 Event Timing
by George Henry 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

The listings on the AO-27 website are not correct at this time.... this happens every once in a while, where the website gets out-of-sync with the satellite for some reason (it's about 7 minutes behind right now). If you use the Java schedule lister instead, written by my son, you will get accurate listings. The lister is available to download at http://sites.google.com/site/ao27satellitescheduler. Many users here on the BB will vouch for its accuracy. George, KA3HSW ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rowland Archer" <rarcher(a)tourstar.net> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 1:05 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-27 Event Timing > About a month ago the events that turn AO-27 on and off seemed to be > timed so it would be on as it passed over North America. More > recently, for the passes I check (more than 10 degrees here in NC), > it seems like according to schedule on www.ao27.org, the "ON" time is > when the bird has pretty much finished its pass. > > For example, right now at 1858, the footprint of AO-27 neatly covers > much of the US and Canada, yet according to the website the next "ON" > event is at 1906, one minute before I lose the satellite completely. > > Is this intentional or "just the way it is?" Does it slowly cycle the > ON time so it is ON for passes in different parts of the world? > > 73, > Rowland K4XD >

1 0

FO-29 working well
by Rowland Archer 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

I heard myself very well on FO-29 this morning even when it was a good distance out -- but didn't hear anyone else. I'm not using much power and pretty basic antennas so it seems to me the bird is working well. If you've left it off your standard list of satellite passes to check out, try putting it back on. Would be good to have some more company there. 73, Rowland K4XD

1 0

LVB Tracker and Kenpro
by n4hy 07 Feb '10

07 Feb '10

Thanks to all who answered my (incomplete) email. It is clear to me now that my Kenpro 5400-A, which has an external control on the back, can be made to work with the LVB tracker. After the 2 feet of snow melts, I will be refurbishing the rotator where needed. I am hoping this and the antenna deployment coincides with the arrival of my U/V full duplex 60w on both bands, transverter block arrives from Flex and I get back on satellites again. 73's to all and thanks again for the answers. Bob N4HY -- (Co)Author: DttSP, Quiktrak, PowerSDR, GnuRadio Member: ARRL, AMSAT, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. “Our beds are empty two-thirds of the time. Our living rooms are empty seven-eighths of the time. Our office buildings are empty one-half of the time. It’s time we gave this some thought.” -- R. Buckminster Fuller Active: Facebook,Twitter,LinkedIn

2 1

Re: News of Satellite Operations From Alcatraz Island NA-167
by Rafael Valdez G. 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

For Grid chasers the locator of Alcatraz is DL48at 73 Rafael XE2RV -----Original Message----- From: JoAnne Maenpaa <k9jkm(a)comcast.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 05:32:49 To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] News of Satellite Operations From Alcatraz Island NA-167 The February 5, 2010 MakeMoreMilesonVHF Newsletter reports on an item posted on many DX sites worldwide for North American satellite operators to be on the lookout for the Alcatraz Island DXpedition NA-167 On The Air February 11-14, 2010. Near Bahía Kino, Alcatraz Island is located approximately 29N/113.5W in the Mexican State of Sonora, on the Gulf of California. Yahir Omar, XE2JA will be active as XE2JA/XF1 from Alcatraz Island (NA-167) on 11-14 February. He plans to operate SSB and RTTY on 80-15 meters as well as via satellite (AO-51, AO-27, & SO-50). QSL via EA5XC (direct or bureau); Mexican stations can go via XE2IVY Further information can be found at either http://www.dxciting.com <http://www.dxciting.com> and at http://xe2ja-xf1.blogspot.com <http://xe2ja-xf1.blogspot.com> >From various sources including, 425 DX News, and the MMMonVHF News- letter. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal _______________________________________________ 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 <http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb>

1 0

News of Satellite Operations From Alcatraz Island NA-167
by JoAnne Maenpaa 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

The February 5, 2010 MakeMoreMilesonVHF Newsletter reports on an item posted on many DX sites worldwide for North American satellite operators to be on the lookout for the Alcatraz Island DXpedition NA-167 On The Air February 11-14, 2010. Near Bahía Kino, Alcatraz Island is located approximately 29N/113.5W in the Mexican State of Sonora, on the Gulf of California. Yahir Omar, XE2JA will be active as XE2JA/XF1 from Alcatraz Island (NA-167) on 11-14 February. He plans to operate SSB and RTTY on 80-15 meters as well as via satellite (AO-51, AO-27, & SO-50). QSL via EA5XC (direct or bureau); Mexican stations can go via XE2IVY Further information can be found at either http://www.dxciting.com and at http://xe2ja-xf1.blogspot.com >From various sources including, 425 DX News, and the MMMonVHF News- letter. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

1 0

20-year Li-Ion Packs
by Clint Bradford 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

Japanese research and development firm Eamex claims to have found a new way to increase the typical average life of a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. Eamex's new technology will allow the demanding batteries to sustain over 10,000 recharges over the course of 20 years. http://tinyurl.com/20yrbatt I remember just a few years ago how thrilled we consumers were with 1200-1400mAH in NiMH AA cells. Now we have twice that capacity ... It's very exciting seeing both consumer and commercial-grade battery technology mature. Clint, K6LCS

4 5

LVB
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

And G6LVB said: "Yes, I can vouch for it being rather good too. 73, Howard G6LVB" I never thought that watching an AO-40 demo in the parking lot of the Dayton Hamvention could be informative but also humorous. I remember it very well, and it's good to know you still have that humor. It's good to hear from you. All the best from Indiana. Mike K9QHO

1 0

Endeavour Set - 1:39AM PST
by Clint Bradford 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

Endeavour is scheduled to launch very early on Sunday morning - on what will be the first of a final five planned shuttle missions before the shuttle program is retired. CNN begins live coverage at 4:30AM Eastern for the anticipated 4:39AM launch. And NASA TV, of course, is running now. Clint, K6LCS

1 0

Re: Best rotor interface?
by Gkcarr 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

I sitto the LVB Tracker! Grat! We sure have good folks who volunteer an awful lot for us thru AMSAT! Tnx guys. 73 George WA5KBH EM30 -----Original message----- From: "Angelo Glorioso III / N5UXT" n5uxt(a)hotmail.com Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:52:27 -0600 To: "Howard Long" howard(a)howardlong.com, "'Dee'" morsesat(a)optonline.net, "'Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez'"ea1jm.fran(a)gmail.com Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best rotor interface? > Now that's funny!! (( creator of the LVB tracker /G6LVB )). > > Anyhow, I have two of them and they are great. Would highly recommend them > from Amsat NA . Purchasing one supports amsat. > > > > 73 de Angelo > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Howard Long" <howard(a)howardlong.com> > To: "'Dee'" <morsesat(a)optonline.net>; "'Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez'" > <ea1jm.fran(a)gmail.com> > Cc: "'Amsat BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 6:12 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best rotor interface? > > > Yes, I can vouch for it being rather good too. > > 73, Howard G6LVB > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Dee > Sent: 06 February 2010 22:05 > To: 'Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez' > Cc: Amsat BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best rotor interface? > > I've used the LVB Tracker... > You can find the unit for sale at the AMSAT website. This way you can have > a great interface and make a donation to AMSAT at the same time... > http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php > 73, > Dee, NB2F > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Fco. Jiménez-Martín Sánchez > Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 4:50 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Best rotor interface? > > Hello all, > > > > I'm looking for a interface for my Yaesu G-5500 rotor. I have seen the ones > from funkbox (Winrotor USB interface) and the one from EA4TX, but I need > your opinios, which you consider the best? The winrotor is usb and the ea4tx > is to plug in the pararell port without any box.I prefer the usb but I don't > know, to be honest, which is the best and more compatible.please, any light > is welcome. > > > > Regards, > > Fran, EA1JM > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 >

1 0

AO-7 435.100 beacon on
by Andrew Glasbrenner 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

at 23:11Z. RTTY is slightly audible, no idea if it is decodable or not. 73, Drew KO4MA

3 3

ANS-038 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-038 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * FO-29 Status Update * AMSAT Activities at Orlando Hamcation * First call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2010 * Satellite Presentation at Palm Springs Desert RATS Meeting * ARISS Status - 1 February 2010 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-038.01 FO-29 Status Update AMSAT News Service Bulletin 038.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 7, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-038.01 The JARL FO-29 command team reported on the status of FO-29 this week. After long eclipse periods caused a negative power budget on FO-29 in early November, 2009 which took it off the air temp- orarily the command team switched the satellite from continuous operation to scheduled operations. This allows the command team to monitor the state of the battery charge aboard the spacecraft and adjust operations as required. Since the last commanded power up of the analog transponder on January 27, 2010 the command team has received reports worldwide which indicate that FO-29 has been able maintain continuos oper- ation. The power budget aboard the spacecraft is improving as the eclipse periods decrease. If the power budget decreases too much the satellite will auto- matically power down. The JARL command team requests telemetry reports (either direct or posted via the amsat-bb) from stations that may have data from January 27 to January 28. Additionally, if you find the transponder is off during a scheduled ON period please report this to the command team as well. JARL places no restrictions on the use of FO-29 during scheduled operation periods except to remind satellite ground stations to transmit with as low as uplink transmitter power as possible. [ANS thanks thanks Yutaka Murata, JA1COU and the JARL command team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-038.02 AMSAT Activities at Orlando Hamcation AMSAT News Service Bulletin 038.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 7, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-038.02 AMSAT will once again have a major presence at the Orlando Hamcation (http://www.hamcation.com),which takes place next weekend, 12-14 FEB at the Central Fairgrounds, 4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando. AMSAT Team leader for Hamcation, Dave Jordan, AA4KN, reports that AMSAT will have a booth at the same location as in prior years (Booth 83 and 84) in the main commercial area. A satellite station will be operating and satellite demonstrations are planned. Stop by the booth to get a list of scheduled satellite passes on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. Those who have attended Hamcation in past years will remember the satellite antenna trailer maintained by the Lake Monroe Amateur Radio Society (LMARS); this will be in operation again this year by AMSAT. An AMSAT Forum is scheduled from 1000-1100 on Saturday morning in the 'Bubble Buildiing.' Presenters will include: AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW AMSAT Chief Scientist and Board Member Tom Clark, K3IO AMSAT VP-Operations and Board Member Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA ARISSat-1 Program Manager and Board Member Gould Smith, WA4SXM, and ARISS Hardware Manager and Board Member Lou McFadin, W5DID Presentations will cover a variety of topics, including an AMSAT Status report which will discuss AMSAT's strategic direction and focus on LEO satellites, an update on current satellite operations, and an update on ARISSat-1 which is expected to deploy from the International Space Station in late 2010. In addition to the operational satellite station, ARISSat-1 RF hardware will be demonstrated at the booth. AMSAT members and others are also encouraged to stop by the AMSAT booth to ask questions and meet with members of the AMSAT Leadership Team. [ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-038.03 First call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2010 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 038.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 7, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-038.03 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. [ANS thanks Dave, G4DPZ, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-038.04 Satellite Presentation at Palm Springs Desert RATS Meeting AMSAT News Service Bulletin 038.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 7, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-038.04 AMSAT area coordinator Clint Bradford, K6LCS, will be presenting his "Working Amateur Satellites With Your HT" multimedia session at the February 16, 2010 meeting of the Desert RATS of Palm Springs. All are welcome to attend. "Tentatively, we'll have a workable pass of AO-51 at 5:37PM that evening," Clint reports. If you would like to show up early, Clint will be working the satellite from the Jack-in-the-Box parking lot at 2591 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, and monitoring the 146.940- 107.2 repeater. Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Desert RATS meeting starts at 7PM Palm Springs Corporate Yard 425 N. Civic Drive Palm Springs CA 92262-0331 Attendees should download Clint's four-page tutorial and radio programming matrix before the meeting from ... http://www.work-sat.com And Clint welcomes pre-presentation questions - call him at 909-241-7666, or send email to clint(a)clintbradford.com [ANS thanks Clint, K6LCS, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-038.05 ARISS Status - 1 February 2010 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 038.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 7, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-038.05 1. JAXA Astronaut Participates in ARISS Contact with Boy Scouts On Thursday, January 28, JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP conducted an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Boy Scouts visiting the Morioka Children's Museum of Science in Morioka, Iwate, Japan. The children asked questions such as, "What is done to avoid collisions with space debris?" and "Why don't artificial satellites fall on the earth?" Through this activity, the youth learned about the ISS, satellite orbits and amateur radio. 2. Moscow Aviation Institute Experiment Activated Cosmonaut Maxim Suraev activated the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI-75) experiment onboard the ISS on Wednesday - Friday, January 27 - 29. Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images of Earth and the ISS were downlinked to ground stations. Images received were archived to the ARISS SSTV Gallery. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/SSTV/ 3. ISS Ham Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session has been scheduled with Expedition 20/21 astronaut Frank DeWinne, ON1DWN on Thursday, February 4. The feedback provided will help ARISS update program operations. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

1 0

EME
by w3vvp 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

I would like to make a BUD into an eme dish. I have both a mesh & solid 10 ft dishes. Which is best? Would someone point me to a site for information on how to do this. What rotors needed etc/ Thanks. George

1 0

New Lindy's QRV
by Edward Cole 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

Just a note that I copied HO-68 beacon yesterday on my new Lindenblad antennas. I have updated the webpage: http://www.kl7uw.com/LBant.htm I am only running mode-VU with the "Lindys" because the UHF antenna has a preamp and the VHF one does not. My directional satellite array is not quite QRV; needs cables connected in shack. They have full capability for modes; VU, UV, US, VS, LU, LS So I will not be on AO-7, VO-52, or FO-29 quite yet. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com 500-KHz/CW, 144-MHz EME, 1296-MHz EME DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ======================================

3 3

AO-51 L/V nor working
by Luc Leblanc 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

Since the first Feb 6 pass there is only a carrier on 435.150 and it looks like the L band receiver is not switch on? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

3 2

Re: AlfaSpid RAS & Predict
by Ryan Caron 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

Despite EasyComm 2's similarities to GS-232, modifications to Predict's source code haven't been successful in controlling the RAS rotator; are all the AlfaSpid users here on Nova / SatPC32 / Orbitron? I gave Alfa Radio a call yesterday and they said that the controller appears to flicker when viewed under florescent lighting, so once I check that under a good old incandescent it should be fine. I also picked up one of MFJ's variable voltage supplies, so it is a simple matter to observe how the controller does not enjoy lower voltages. The flicking I'm talking about is much faster and subtle; the multiplexing theory from earlier is a good one. Ultimately I will run off of a stepped-down AC, probably with a variac thrown in. I've always wanted the ability to throttle rotations; the start-stop motion has always irked me. Makes the long yagis shake. I'm looking forward to putting a small (~6ft) dish on this thing, but right now the focus is a yagi array (4x 440CP42UG, 2x 2MCP22). I don't have the heavy-duty version. Picked it up from Hy-Gain since the exchange rate to Canada is not, shall we say, favorable right now. 73, Ryan KB1LKI On 2/6/10 12:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Message: 7 > Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:15:32 -0500 (EST) > From: books47925(a)mypacks.net > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AlfaSpid RAS& Predict > To: John Heath<g7hia(a)btinternet.com> > Cc: Amsat<amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: > <15590894.1265483732218.JavaMail.root(a)elwamui-rubis.atl.sa.earthlink.net> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Hi John, > Are you using this rotor system for an array of antennas > or a big dish? If a dish, how large? I noticed their rotors at > Visalia last year. But didn't ask the reps their thoughts > about turning a 12 to 16 foot dish. I know there are two > versions, I think one is heavy duty. Not sure which one > you are using. Thank You for any additional info. > 73, > > de KB8VAO, Steve

1 0

This amateur has had enough of amsat-bb...
by Mark VandeWettering 06 Feb '10

06 Feb '10

> Only serious business instead of amateur stuff... Again amateur radio apparatus is left on the extreme right lane and probably soon in the > ditch if the ISS amateur radio apparatus is not put back in service soon! I asked this question about an hundred times: why they don't put > the ISS cross band repeater on? It can run unattended and there is no risk the batteries get down as those in the camera. It will also send > the QRP'er away off the other sat as the ISS repeater is very very easy to hear and work too. > Great promoting asset collecting floating dust in space. Wow, you never know when your threshold will be reached, but this is mine. This list never seems to miss an opportunity to complain about the state of affairs, but always seems to miss opportunities to actually do anything positive. I've reached my personal limit of grouchery. Complain all you want from your position in the ditch, I'm hitting the road. 73 Mark K6HX

3 2