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

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:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] 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:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] 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. 07 Feb '10

07 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 07 Feb '10

07 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 07 Feb '10

07 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