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

Research project
by Reid Crowe 05 Apr '10

05 Apr '10

I'm trying to figure out who, if anyone, activated FQ56 (Thule) before me. Does anyone know, or know of past Greenlandic operators? 73, Reid N0RC

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AO-7 Mode C? (Or other reason for varying signal strength?)
by Bill Dzurilla 05 Apr '10

05 Apr '10

Hi folks, Since starting my effort to work Europe on AO-7, I've found that the very low elevation sigs vary significantly on different passes. Some mornings I can easily hear my downlink and start working Europe at 0.7 degrees elevation, while other days I can't hear myself until 5 degrees elevation, after the window to Europe has closed. Not sure if this is due to band conditions, satellite polarization, obstructions at certain positions, operator error, local noise, or what. Today I spoke with another experienced AO-7 op and he had an interesting theory: on the bad days (when I don't hear my downlink until 5 degress), the sat is in Mode C (lower power). This seems to make sense, because there does not seem to be any middle ground -- I start hearing my downlink at either 0.7 degrees or 5 degrees, never at 2-4 degrees. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Are we able to predict when the sat will be in one mode or another? Or any other explanation for the signal strength variations? 73, Bill NZ5N

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wanted
by w3vvp 05 Apr '10

05 Apr '10

Any body have a 2304 transverter for sale. Please reply off bb. Thanks George.

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AA5UK/KH6 BL02ic schedule for April 5th
by Adrian Engele 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

All my time in Kauai is rapidly coming to end. Here are the last passes I will to to get on today: April 5: AO-51 02:05 UTC VO-52 06:28 UTC FO-29 06:53 UTC. I am sorry I cannot make the FO-29 passes at 03:26 and 05:07. I will be out for the evening for a last dinner. Thanks again for the great contacts and effort to work me under difficult wind, rain and static noise conditions. Tomorrow I will be heading back to Oahu for a couple of days. More than likely I will not be operating as there are mountains to the North and many hotels blocking possible the path to the satellites. Aloha from Kauai. 73, Adrian AA5UK/KH6

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Re: Research project
by Reid Crowe 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

James, KK6MC and Ron, W6QZ have both mentioned John Browning, W6SP (SK) as working satellites from Thule. Does anyone have more information on his operation from here? On 4/4/2010 7:11 PM, James Duffey wrote: > Here is a web reference to W6SP operating Oscar 7 in 1978: > > < http://jplarc.ampr.org/calling/1978/nov/nov78.html> > > It is truly amazing what Google will turn up. - Duffey > > > > -- > KK6MC > James Duffey > Cedar Crest NM > > > > > >

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AO-51 mode change
by Mark L. Hammond 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

Hi All, AO-51 was changed a bit early today, at 21:10 UTC 4 April. It is currently in "normal mode", with 435.300 (145.920 uplink) running about 480 mW (and 435.150 running about the same). We hope to catch up on some telemetry during this week. If we don't need any telemetry, it is likely that we'll increase the power on 435.300. The schedule for the rest of the month should be posted soon--sorry for the delay. Beginning with May 2nd, periods of eclipse return to AO-51. We'll have to watch the satellite carefully and make some modifications to what we've been doing over the last several months. More details as we get closer to the eclipses... 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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AO-07 pass
by Dads 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

I was on this last pass on AO--07 at 15;40 Z. I tried to call CQ no answer. I heard k8yse with a good down link, I gave him a call but no answer. I had a good downlink too. Do some people have receive problems ?? 73 Jerry w0sat

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3W6C: sat operating plan now online
by Michael Lipp HB9WDF 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

Please visit the 3W6C website for the planned activity on satellite: http://www.3w6c.qrv.ch/frequencies/?L=0 73 de hb9wdf, Michael

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Low AO27 Hawaii footprint
by Robert Smith 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

Aloha all... I will take about a 30 minute trip at noon. >From 22:23:28 thru 22:27:28 there is a low pass (1 deg) "over" Hawaii extending to the western boundary of those states bordoring the Mississippi to the west. 51 workeked well at this elev. a month ago. 27 may be rought but I will give it a try if anyone is interested in the attempt. Happy Easter to everyone. And of course, 73. respectfully, robert NH7WN Honolulu

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SATPC32-FT-736R Interfaces?
by Allen Vinegar 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

OK, it looks like something may have gone bad with my interface. What CAT interfaces are people using with an FT-736R and SATPC32 on their computers and are happy with? Many thanks! Al W8KHP

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Message from Shanghai Expo 2010
by William Leijenaar 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

Hello AMSATs, I am sending my greetings to all of you from Shanghai, where I participate at the Ham Radio Expo. It was a great experience to get in contact with the Chinese hams and to promote my linear transponder and also explain more about amateur satellites (which is still not very known to most hams here). I have given a presentation on the first and also on the second day. Twice, as there was a great interrest among the hams to get some more information about the satellite topic :o) I am sure there will be some more hams interrested in amateur satellites at this side of the globe... Unfortunatly I didn't see to many foreign hams, but I was lucky to meet Masato Shibayama, JA7JZS of the Japanese Amateur Satellite Association. We had a nice talk about satellites, and exchanged some new ideas. I also met one Dutch HAM, PA0RWH, which was also nice so far away from home :o) For the ICOM fans I also checked for the new IC-9100 but it was not presented at this ham expo. The only thing the ICOM people could tell me is that it might be available at the next year expo, which is quiet some time to go... Many 73 from Shanghai, William Leijenaar, PE1RAH

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Innovation in Amateur Radio + CubeSat Nanorack opportunity
by Trevor . 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

Innovation in Amateur Radio - an new exciting project http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2010/innovation_in_amateur_radio.htm New flight opportunity for CubeSats http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2010/cubesat_flight_opportunities.htm Columbus Module Update http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2010/ariss_columbus_update.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio Email/RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email Your News To: editor at southgatearc.org Or Upload Using Form At: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news_1.htm ----

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Question about WISP/TNC3s/FT-847
by PE0SAT 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

Who can help me with the following setup: I trying the combination of FT-847, WISP and TNC3S to work together. For satellite guidance I use SatPC32 (Doppler and Rotor controle) I've connected the TNC3S via the Packet connector to the FT-847 When I try to connect for example HO-68 using WISP. I find that WISP is trying to connect but the TNC3s isn't switching the PTT. The STA led on the TNC3s is activated but no Push to talk is activated on the FT-847. When I use the TNC3s without SatPC32 active on a simplex frequentie every work fine. Somebody any idea? The following version and hardware are in use: - PC P4HT 3.0 GHz and 2G memory - Yaesu FT-847 - microHam USB Interface III - Windows XP Professional SP3 US - SatPC32 12.8a - WISP (GSC V2.03, MsgMaker V2.10a, MsgView 2.00b, MSPE V2.01a, Procmail V2.00g,Updkeps V2.00c View-Dir V2.00e)

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AA5UK/KH6 operation from Hawaii
by Tim - N3TL 04 Apr '10

04 Apr '10

At 0331 UTC on April 3, AA5UK/KH6 and I made a quick CW contact on FO-29 – from his vacation location in BL02ic and my home in EM84ha. According to the Tiny Locator program from ON6MU (http://users.belgacom.net/hamradio/tinylocator.htm), our contact covered 7,399 kilometers/4,621 miles. Adrian’s commitment to activate Hawaii – during a vacation trip with his significant other – enabled me to put state No. 50 in the satellite log. He did the same for several others – among them Rick, WA4NVM; George, WA5KBH; Alex, KC7MG; Damon, WA4HFN; Matthew, KC7EQO; and Dave, KN4OK. I believe I speak for all of them when I offer my sincere thanks to Adrian for what I suspect he found was a fun – but, ultimately, Herculean – effort. Thanks, too, to Domenico, I8CVS, for his April 2 post to the AMSAT-BB about FO-29 currently being at or very near apogee during passes from north to south. That prompted me to look into whether we might have a chance on this satellite. During the contact, Adrian had about 2 degrees elevation with the satellite rising at his location; I had 1 degree with the satellite descending here in northeast Georgia. We worked the contact like one in a DX pileup on HF – brief and to the point! We tried unsuccessfully on AO-7 during three different Mode B days. The elevations were roughly the same as what we had on FO-29. However, FO-29’s Mode J configuration enabled each of us to use higher power on the 2 meter uplink than we could on AO-7’s Mode B uplink, on 70 centimeters. I suspect that made the difference. Our stations were identical, and included Yaesu FT-857D radios for transmit; Yaesu FT-817ND radios for receive; and the Elk 2M/440L5 log periodic antenna. All four radios were battery-powered. Thanks again to Adrian for making the significant time and effort to activate Hawaii as much as he has on this trip. Thanks to Dale (KL7XJ), Craig (KL4E) and Joe (AL1F) for activating Alaska so often on FM and linear satellites. Thanks to all of the satellite operators in most of the lower 48 who make their states available so often. And thanks to the rovers who have activated lower-48 states that have proved tough (Delaware immediately comes to mind), and for so many rare grid squares. In particular, many of us owe significant debts of gratitude to Patrick, WD9EWK; John, K8YSE; and Jim, ND9M. Finally, thanks to everyone else who takes the time and makes the effort to activate so many places. 73, Tim – N3TL Athens, Ga. – EM84ha

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Thanks! RARSFest quick wrap-up
by Mark L. Hammond 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

Hello Alan WA4SCA and John K8YSE, Thank you both for the SO-50 contacts at the Raleigh Hamfest (RARSFest)! I appreciate your sharp ears and return calls. It made the demo successful. The location wasn't great (tall metal buildings!) but the biggest problem was a setting on my radio that I FINALLY figured out. Somehow, some way at Dry Tortugas the 2M uplink on my FT-817 had been changed from the rear SO-239 (which I use with the Elk) to the front BNC connector...it explains why I had no success on the boat ride from the island to Key West and why I couldn't work anybody during my first pass attempt on AO-27 today. Glad to figure that bugger out! I had the 435 band going to the right connector, but since the 2M band was "hidden" because of split memory channels it took me a while to figure it out. I was transmitting into a BNC connector without any antenna--hi hi. The hamfest was well attended with many out of town hams in the area because of the Easter weekend. The weather was great (warm), and the RARS club is always a great host. They donate the booth (with power) and take good care of us. Thanks go to Chuck K4HF and RARS! 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 5, Issue 148
by Roy 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

Be sure your TNC-3S is setup for full Duplex, otherwise as long as WiSP hears a data carrier from the satellite it will not assert PTT. Also, in the Satellite Setup, TNC Settings Tab, be sure that "Test for Smack TNC" is not checked. There is a bug in this test and it was never implemented. What switch settings do you have set on the rear of your TNC-3S? Roy -- W0SL On 4/3/2010 7:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Question about WISP/TNC3s/FT-847 (PE0SAT) > 2. Re: Question about WISP/TNC3s/FT-847 (Nader Omer) > 3. Request for a sked via FO-29 (i8cvs) > 4. HO-68 pass recording? (Andrew Glasbrenner) > 5. *Possible* activity today (April 3) from Raleigh, NC Hamfest > (RARSFest) (Mark L. Hammond) > 6. Re: *Possible* activity today (April 3) from Raleigh, NC > Hamfest (RARSFest) (Mark L. Hammond) > 7. Fwd: *Possible* activity today (April 3) from Raleigh, NC > Hamfest (RARSFest) (Mark L. Hammond) > 8. Question using Kenwood Tm's-255& 731 (Stuart Balanger) > 9. HO-68 Schedule - 04-11 Apr 2010 (Alan Kung) > 10. Help!! (Allen Vinegar) > 11. AA5UK/KH6 BL02ic QRV on HO-68 at 18:55utc (Adrian Engele) > 12. Re: Help!! (Erich Eichmann) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 22:12:58 +0200 > From: "PE0SAT"<pe0sat(a)vgnet.nl> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Question about WISP/TNC3s/FT-847 > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID:<20100402201258.955CB230B2(a)ns.vgnet.nl> > Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 > > > Who can help me with the following setup: > > I trying the combination of FT-847, WISP and TNC3S to work together. > > For satellite guidance I use SatPC32 (Doppler and Rotor controle) > > I've connected the TNC3S via the Packet connector to the FT-847 > > When I try to connect for example HO-68 using WISP. I find that WISP is > trying to connect but the TNC3s isn't switching the PTT. The STA led on > the TNC3s is activated but no Push to talk is activated on the FT-847. > > When I use the TNC3s without SatPC32 active on a simplex frequentie every > work fine. > > Somebody any idea? > > > The following version and hardware are in use: > > - PC P4HT 3.0 GHz and 2G memory > - Yaesu FT-847 > - microHam USB Interface III > - Windows XP Professional SP3 US > - SatPC32 12.8a > - WISP (GSC V2.03, MsgMaker V2.10a, MsgView 2.00b, MSPE V2.01a, Procmail > V2.00g,Updkeps V2.00c View-Dir V2.00e) > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 14:07:16 -0700 (PDT) > From: Nader Omer<st2nh(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Question about WISP/TNC3s/FT-847 > To: amsat bb bb<amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID:<783644.43965.qm(a)web51405.mail.re2.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Hello Jan?& All > ? > It looks like a (ports)?com conflict !! > Drive the Rig and the Rotor by any old PC! > and use?a fast PC for? WiSP. > ? > 73's Nader > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 23:43:27 +0200 > From: "i8cvs"<domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Request for a sked via FO-29 > To: "AMSAT-BB"<amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID:<000001cad2ae$3196f680$0201a8c0(a)tin.it> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" > > Hi All, > > Owing of her excentricity FO-29 is actually at the apogee 1322 km over the > atlantic ocean during the south bound orbits. > > Tomorrow april 3 during revolution 67303 I will be looking for Canada from > 21:05 to 21:08 UTC and for the east coast of USA from 21:08 to 21:15 UTC > > If someone is interested to contact my grid JN70ES (Naples-Italy) please > look for me on CW or SSB at 435.840 MHz +/- Dopppler > > For QSO agreements and more detailed calling procedure please write to me > off line. > > Tanks > > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:22:03 -0400 > From: Andrew Glasbrenner<glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] HO-68 pass recording? > To: Amsat-BB<amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID:<4BB6A64B.6030202(a)mindspring.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Did anyone happen to grab any audio of HO-68 this pass after about 0205 UTC? > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sat, 03 Apr 2010 05:31:24 -0400 > From: "Mark L. Hammond"<marklhammond(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] *Possible* activity today (April 3) from Raleigh, > NC Hamfest (RARSFest) > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID:<0xX91e0041e3qRF05xXAE4(a)gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hi All, > > Today Robert N0QFQ and I will be hosting an AMSAT table at the Raleigh Hamfest--RARSFest. > > There is a possibility that we'll do a demo or two, depending on circumstances. > > If we are active, please listen for "N8MH portable" from FM05 during the following passes (time is UTC): > > 03.04.2010 AO-27 17:47 18:00 13 22 130 - 003 > 03.04.2010 SUNSAT (SO-3519:14 19:29 15 50 003 - 205 > 03.04.2010 AO-27 19:26 19:40 14 38 186 - 338 > > > 73, > > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sat, 3 Apr 2010 08:20:18 -0400 > From: "Mark L. Hammond"<marklhammond(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: *Possible* activity today (April 3) from > Raleigh, NC Hamfest (RARSFest) > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: > <y2j5d8cecfe1004030520uc773efa8k659f226f5d9e2c1f(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Okay, of course I meant to find passes for SO-50, not SO-35 :) > > There are 2 SO-50 passes that we might be able to work: > > 16:20utc > 18:00utc > > Maybe we can put the hamfest on the air... > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > On Sat, Apr 3, 2010 at 5:31 AM, Mark L. Hammond<marklhammond(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> Today Robert N0QFQ and I will be hosting an AMSAT table at the Raleigh Hamfest--RARSFest. >> >> There is a possibility that we'll do a demo or two, depending on circumstances. >> >> If we are active, please listen for "N8MH portable" from FM05 during the following passes (time is UTC): >> >> ?03.04.2010 ?AO-27 ? ? ? ?17:47 18:00 ? ?13 ? 22 ?130 - 003 >> ?03.04.2010 ?SUNSAT (SO-3519:14 19:29 ? ?15 ? 50 ?003 - 205 >> ?03.04.2010 ?AO-27 ? ? ? ?19:26 19:40 ? ?14 ? 38 ?186 - 338 >> >> >> 73, >> >> 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 >> >> > > > -- Roy

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Help!!
by Allen Vinegar 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

I have been inactive for awhile but am now ready to get back on the birds. In the meantime I changed from an older computer running Windows 2000 to a newer, faster one running Windows XP Pro. I am using SATPC32 with a Yaesu FT-736R and a LVB Tracker with a Yaesu 5500 AZ/EL rotor. Things are set up as far as I can tell the same as they were before. My rotor control works but the cat control doesn't. I am hoping there is some little thing I did before that I am forgetting to do now. PLEASE, any ideas? Al, W8KHP

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AA5UK/KH6 BL02ic QRV on HO-68 at 18:55utc
by Adrian Engele 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

HO-68 will be in FM mode over KH6 BL02ic in a bit. I will be on the satellite and it will be last opportunity to work me on FM on that satellite before my departure. I expect this to be a very busy pass since it is a Easter Weekend and many people will be on the satellite. I will do what I can to pull out calls until 19:05 UTC when the satellite switches off over KH6. I will not be giving out my grid to allow more users to work me, so when I acknowledge your call do not give me your grid. If I have acknowledged you and have I moved on;don't call me again just send me an email confirming your grid. I want to get as many contacts to have an opportunity to work KH6 on this pass. Aloha Adrian AA5UK/KH6 BL02ic email aa5uk at yahoo dot com

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HO-68 Schedule - 04-11 Apr 2010
by Alan Kung 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

04 Apr. 2010 ================================ 16:15...Turn On--SSB/CW India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 17:00...Turn Off 18:05...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 18:50...Turn Off 05 Apr. 2010 ================================ 01:00...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,NA,North Asia 01:44...Turn Off 01:50...Turn On--SSB/CW North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:05...Turn Off 02:50...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,NA,North Asia 03:35...Turn Off 19:35...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,NA 20:20...Turn Off 06 Apr. 2010 ================================ 00:45...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,NA,North Asia 01:30...Turn Off 01:39...Turn On--SSB/CW North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:54...Turn Off 02:30...Turn On--SSB/CW NA,South America,North Asia 03:15...Turn Off 11:05...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,Oceania,Asia 11:50...Turn Off 17:30...Turn On--SSB/CW India,Middle East,Europe,NA 18:15...Turn Off 19:00...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,NA 19:45...Turn Off 07 Apr. 2010 ================================= 01:20...Turn On--SSB/CW North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:35...Turn Off 11:20...Turn On--SSB/CW Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 12:05...Turn Off 12:35...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,Oceania 13:20...Turn Off 18:40...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,NA 19:25...Turn Off 23:05...Turn On--SSB/CW NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 23:50...Turn Off 08 Apr. 2010 ================================= 02:52...Turn On--SSB/CW North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:07...Turn Off 06:30...Turn On--SSB/CW NA,North Asia,Middle East, Europe,Africa 07:05...Turn Off 11:00...Turn On--SSB/CW Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:45...Turn Off 16:55...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:40...Turn Off 18:45...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,NA 19:30...Turn Off 09 Apr. 2010 ================================ 00:10...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,NA,North Asia 00:55...Turn Off 02:36...Turn On--SSB/CW North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:51...Turn Off 10:45...Turn On--SSB/CW Oceania,Asia,Europe 11:30...Turn Off 18:25...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,NA 19:10...Turn Off 22:30...Turn On--SSB/CW NA,Asia,Oceania 23:15...Turn Off 10 Apr. 2010 ================================ 01:20...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,NA,North Asia 02:05...Turn Off 02:14...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:30...Turn Off 10:30...Turn On--SSB/CW Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:15...Turn Off 18:10...Turn On--SSB/CW Africa,Europe,NA 18:55...Turn Off 11 Apr. 2010 ================================ 01:00...Turn On--SSB/CW South America,NA,North Asia 01:45...Turn Off 03:46...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 04:12...Turn Off 07:15...Turn On--SSB/CW North Asia,Europe,Africa 08:00...Turn Off 10:10...Turn On--SSB/CW Oceania,Asia,Europe 10:55...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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Question using Kenwood Tm's-255 & 731
by Stuart Balanger 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

*Hi all, & Happy Easter/Passover, Does anyone have info on how to put a Kenwood TM-255A &a TM-731A for use on the Satillites? Also was wondering if someone can make me a CD of "Ham Radio Deluxe"? I can't seem to be able to download the software from their home page, & my s-mail adddress is good in QRZ.com Thanks,.&73,.Stu (WA2BSS) *

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*Possible* activity today (April 3) from Raleigh, NC Hamfest (RARSFest)
by Mark L. Hammond 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

Hi All, Today Robert N0QFQ and I will be hosting an AMSAT table at the Raleigh Hamfest--RARSFest. There is a possibility that we'll do a demo or two, depending on circumstances. If we are active, please listen for "N8MH portable" from FM05 during the following passes (time is UTC): 03.04.2010 AO-27 17:47 18:00 13 22 130 - 003 03.04.2010 SUNSAT (SO-3519:14 19:29 15 50 003 - 205 03.04.2010 AO-27 19:26 19:40 14 38 186 - 338 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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HO-68 pass recording?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Apr '10

03 Apr '10

Did anyone happen to grab any audio of HO-68 this pass after about 0205 UTC? 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

Request for a sked via FO-29
by i8cvs 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

Hi All, Owing of her excentricity FO-29 is actually at the apogee 1322 km over the atlantic ocean during the south bound orbits. Tomorrow april 3 during revolution 67303 I will be looking for Canada from 21:05 to 21:08 UTC and for the east coast of USA from 21:08 to 21:15 UTC If someone is interested to contact my grid JN70ES (Naples-Italy) please look for me on CW or SSB at 435.840 MHz +/- Dopppler For QSO agreements and more detailed calling procedure please write to me off line. Tanks 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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Re: Question about WISP/TNC3s/FT-847
by Nader Omer 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

Hello Jan & All It looks like a (ports) com conflict !! Drive the Rig and the Rotor by any old PC! and use a fast PC for WiSP. 73's Nader

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Delfi-C3 Close approach warning
by wouter weggelaar 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

Hi All, While Delfi-C3 is rapidly approaching her second birthday on 28th of April, the team got a warning from The United States Joint Space Operations Center about a close approach of COSMOS debris and Delfi-C3. Today at 14:49 UTC the two objects will approach each other almost heads on with a difference velocity of 15km/s (yes, kilometers a second!). Fortunately, the predicted distance between the objects will be 492m, so they will miss each other. Although these close approach warnings were given to other satellites as well, and the chance that something really happens is very small, we would like to encourage people to listen for Delfi-C3 and send in telemetry. Please have a look at the mission operations page at http://www.delfic3.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid=1… for frequency info and the latest RASCAL downoad. **PLEASE NOTE** Due to Delfi-C3s habit of sometimes switching off from science mode, you might hear nothing while Delfi-C3 is fine. Don't panic! but please do listen the orbits after and post your findings on http://oscar.dcarr.org Thanks on behalf of the Delfi-C3 team, Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG Delfi-C3 Mission Operations

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FS Complete satellite station.
by Dave Aitch 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

I will be un-subscribing from this list on the 4th April. Any further replies regarding the items I have for sale should got to daveocn(a)googlemail.com please. Cheers, Dave. G1OCN. AMSAT UK 5766

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Re: Arrow and EME?
by Oscar Diez 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

Hi folks, I think it should be possible to work at least the three big guns out there: W5UN, KB8RQ and RN6BN. With their huge antenna arrays they can hear very low power EME stations. 100-150W into the arrow should work theoretically with those three stations if moon condx are favourable. The best thing is to hang around in the JT65 EME chat under this address: http://www.chris.org/cgi-bin/jt65emeA Usually you only need to wait there till the big guns announce a CQ call there with their used frequency. You can then also take the advantage of realtime communication via this website to arrange a sked in realtime with them and they will keep their ears open for you, hi The "QRPp EME record" so far for RN6BN by the way was working LZ1BB using a 4el. DK7ZB yagi with only 40W into antenna....thus Arrow should work also when power over 100W is used. I can occasionally work down to 8 yagi stations in JT65B mode using a 6el. DK7ZB Yagi and about 130W into Antenna (160W Brick-AMP minus cable loss) For example I worked EA6VQ on Mallorca Island with his 8x17el. M2 array with my relatively small antenna. I can sometimes decode down to 2 yagi high power stations on JT65B RX mode if moon condx are good...but 2-way QSO is not possible with those small counterparts. Here some links from other EME QRPers: http://www.ok2kkw.com/00000104/eme.htm (used 4el. yagi And 100W) http://www.dj7al.de/12906.html (used 4el. F9FT yagi and 200W) http://www.dj7al.de/11026.html (same station testing only HB9CV 2el. and 200W) And here is a nice tutorial to get started in JT65B mode EME operations: http://www.vhfdx.net/jt65bintro.html Best 73 de Oscar DJ0MY

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XE2BSS @ DM30 update - 2 April
by Patrick STODDARD 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

Hi! After some equipment issues, Alex XE2BSS was able to get on a weatern AO27 pass yesterday afternoon and work a few stations. He plans to try AO27 and SO50 today and possibly Saturday, before returning home to California. Alex also mentioned his location is grid DM30wr. His station is a full-duplex-capable IC-Z1 and an Elk log periodic. Good luck and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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New APRS Rocket Antenna concept needed
by Robert Bruninga 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

I need someone interested in adding quadrature 2 meter antennas to the outside of a 10" diameter sounding rocket by middle May... This launch is going to space (100 miles up) from White Sands on a sounding rocket to then come back down by parachute. Antennas cannot stick out far (maybe an inch?) but can be bent back along the surface. Temperatures will approach 800F during the 10 minute flight. G' forces will be huge. The payload will be (what else) an APRS trackign system and 2-way APRS communications transponder. So, if anyone wants to take on this antenna, lemme know. All I need is the detail design and analysis. The machining is paid-for. Oh, it also needs quadrature GPS antennas, but that can just be a pair of 1.5" monopoles... Bob, WB4APR

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FM on VO-52
by Håkan H 02 Apr '10

02 Apr '10

Hello! It is the firsth of April but i was very surprised to hear a russian station on VO52 with downlink in FM?? is this something new or have i missed something? It was a callsign and clearly a call via satellite. downlink on 145.925mhz. 73 Hakan SM7WSJ

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Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net Tonight 8PM EST ON N2EYH-L
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Sorry for the late notice again. It was posted earlier in the week. Please join us for the net. 73Gary WA2AQH

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Real-time satellite QSO maps
by Gabriel - EA6VQ 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Just a quick note to let you know that DX-Sherlock now provides satellite-specific real-time maps and QSO lists. Have a look at http://www.vhfdx.info/spots/map.php?Frec=SAT <http://www.vhfdx.info/spots/map.php?Frec=SAT&Map=W2L> &Map=W2L I hope you like it. 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ

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Re: Arrow and EME?
by Idle-Tyme 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

the best was neither vert or horizontal, and continously changing, well slowly changing faraday rotation. plus why would you want to aste n extra 3 db if you have it to be used? Joe WB9SBD The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 4/1/2010 2:27 PM, Mark Lunday wrote: > Would this also be accomplished in "poor man's design" by simply having one > yagi vertical and one horizontal? > > > Mark Lunday > WD4ELG > Greensboro, NC - FM06be > wd4elg(a)arrl.net > http://wd4elg.net > http://wd4elg.blogspot.com > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Idle-Tyme > Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 1:53 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arrow and EME? > > Another very important thing is polarity. > the ability to change polarity can easily me a completed QSO or one > where not a peep was heard. > > In the late 80's early 90's I had a small station of 4 eight element 2 > meter yagis. I think they were a W1JR design? > > anyway I mounted them in a way that i could rotate them in polarity also. > > It was amazing I never thought i could do moonbounce with them but just > for kicks was listening down at the bottom of the band one day and heard > someone CQing and wortking someone off he moon. of course it was W5UN. > but a random call when he finished and we had a complete QSO in the log > with no repeats solid exchange both ways! > > what make this amazing was I was using a kenwood TS700 rig into a old > KLM (remember KLM amps?) a 70 watt one that was tired and only putting > out about 35 watts, into a run of rg 213 50 feet to the antenna, no pre > amps at all. and on CW by ear! no filters either just the standard 2.XX > whatever wide filter. > But the polarity made all the difference! In horizontal mode i heard > NOTHING. but somewhere inbetween H and V he wa solid copy and he had no > problem hearing me too. > > I eventually went on to work about 30 other stations as small as other 4 > yagi stations. The ability to make polarity changes is a GIANT advantage! > > Joe WB9SBD > > The Original Rolling Ball Clock > Idle Tyme > Idle-Tyme.com > http://www.idle-tyme.com > > On 4/1/2010 12:11 PM, Mark Lunday wrote: > >> I have been doing some reading on this also. Although I have not yet made >> any EME contacts, I have been uncovered the following: >> >> 1. Moonrise/moonset will enhance signals because of ground reflections, >> something like 6 dB. Many folks intentionally use moonrise and moonset >> attempts for this reason. >> >> 2. Mast mounted pre-amp is essential >> >> 3. Higher frequencies need more gain (so I have been told). But the 440 >> > MHz > >> part of the arrow antenna should have a LOT more gain than the 2 meter >> > part. > >> 4. Low loss coax is very important, esp at VHF. Keep the runs short and >> > use > >> something equiv to LMR 400 (50 foot of the good stuff is probably under >> $100, and worth it. >> >> 5. Definitely try to set up a sked with W5UN. If you can hear him, then >> > you > >> are halfway there! >> >> 6. Monitor websites like http://www.chris.org/cgi-bin/jt65emeA >> >> 7. 2010 appears to be a promising year for EME, here is a good calendar: >> http://www.vhfdx.net/w5luu.html >> >> >> Mark Lunday >> WD4ELG >> Greensboro, NC - FM06be >> wd4elg(a)arrl.net >> http://wd4elg.net >> http://wd4elg.blogspot.com >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >> Behalf Of MM >> Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 8:37 AM >> To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Arrow and EME? >> >> Arrow Antenna and EME: >> >> It is possible to work Earth Moon Earth with an Arrow Antenna. >> >> Of course, it is. You just need to make a schedule with someone on the >> other side of the link with enough Antenna Gain. You also need to be >> running the new digital text messaging mode called JT65B >> >> Link for JT65 >> http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/ >> >> Definitions: >> In this document I will refer to all antenna gain values based on the >> > number > >> of elements. >> >> Example: A Single half-wave Dipole = 0 dBd >> Elements 2 = 3 dBd >> Elements 4 = 6 dBd >> Elements 8 = 9 dBd >> Elements 16 = 12 dBd >> >> The Arrow antenna (Model 146/436-10) has 3 elements on the 2-meter band, >> > so > >> its maximum theoretical "Element Gain" is 4.5 dBd. >> >> With the invention of the JT65 protocols, thousands of Amateur Radio >> stations running a Single Yagi 2-meter antennas, now have access to the >> > Moon > >> and EME contacts. >> >> To make a contact on Moon bounce, the "Total Antenna Gain" from both >> stations is added up and will need to be in the approximate range of >> > 25-30 > >> dBd. With this gain and the average transmitter power of (100-400 watts) >> you will have a 10-20+ percent chance of completing a 2-way EME JT65B >> > link, > >> with another station. >> Note: There are many other factures used in EME gain calculations. For >> simplicity, we will just focus on the antenna Gain. >> >> The amount of Total Antenna Gain required depends on the mode you wish to >> use. The wider the mode, the more gain that is required. The mode JT65B >> > is > >> a very narrow mode and requires less gain. I am not going to go over all >> > of > >> the details of JT65 in this article, look it up. >> >> Gain required by mode: (All values are approximate) >> >> JT65 28-30 dBd (1-Yagi + 4-Yagi) >> CW 30-40 dBd (4-Yagi + 4-Yagi) >> SSB 40-50 dBd (8-Yagi + 8-Yagi) >> FM 60-70 dBd (16 + 24) Guess >> >> >> The Mode JT65B requires approximately 30 dB of Total Antenna Gain for an >> > EME > >> contact. >> If we assume the average 12-element 2-Meter Yagi has 10.5 dBd (round to 11 >> for easy math) of "Element Gain", then the more Yagi's you stack, the >> > more > >> gain you will have. In EME lingo, 1x12 means, you have One Yagi, with 12 >> elements, 4x12 means you have a stack of 4 yagis with 12 elements each >> > (48 > >> elements total) and an approximate gain of 17 dBd. >> >> 1-Yagi = 11 dBd >> 2-Yagi = 14 dBd >> 4-Yagi = 17 dBd >> 8-Yagi = 20 dBd >> 16-Yagi = 23 dBd >> 32-Yagi = 26 dBd >> 64-Yagi = 29 dBd (W5UN) >> >> >> A Single-Yagi station (11 dBd) calling a 4-Yagi (17 dBd) station will >> > have > >> approximately 28 dBd Total Antenna Gain. The 4xYagi stations are very >> common on JT56B EME. >> >> Let's go back to the Arrow Antenna: >> >> We need 30 dBd of total antenna gain. >> The Arrow antenna has 4.5 dBd. >> The Arrow also has a Maximum power limitation of 150 watts (10 watts if >> > hand > >> held). >> >> If you are running the maximum 150 watts on your Arrow antenna, you >> > should > >> be able to work stations with 32 to 64 Yagi's. There are not very many 64 >> Yagi stations out there, however Dave W5UN has been active on JT65 EME >> recently. >> >> If you want more of a challenge, you can try QRP at 5 watts and your Arrow >> antenna. >> Reducing you power from 150 watts to 5-10 watts, will reduce your >> performance by 12 db. >> To compensate for the reduce power, you will just need to find a station >> with a bigger antenna. >> >> There is another big gun on EME. Two weeks ago, Arecibo was on EME, >> > running > >> CW, working EME stations on the 440 band. The antenna used at Arecibo is >> > a > >> simple 1,000 foot dish. The actual gain for 2-meters is not known, >> > however > >> I will assume it is more than 64-Yagi's. >> >> http://www.naic.edu/ >> >> So here is your chance. Make a schedule with Arecibo and go for QRP, EME, >> with a held Arrow antenna, or if you know of any good contacts at Arecibo, >> send me the data and I'll try to arrange a schedule and try it from my >> station. >> >> Other Hardware: >> A good Receiver Preamp (similar to ARR) >> http://www.advancedreceiver.com/ >> >> A good SSB 2-meter Transceiver (the best ever made Yaesu FT-736R) >> http://www.xs4all.nl/~ketel/ham/ft736.htm >> >> Good Coax (RG-8 coax is 11 Millimeter coax. That is ok for 50' EME runs, >> for longer runs use 12+ Millimeter coax) >> >> 73 >> >> WF1F >> www.marexmg.org >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > > >

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AA5UK/KH6 Update >>> Where is everybody?
by Adrian Engele 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Folks, I know we have had some atmospheric issues that have made recent passes difficult at best. I am still trying to help a few of you on some low angle passes to get KH6 into your logs. Having said that I am seeing very little activity on the SSB satellites. Last night I again worked several satellites and all I heard was my own voice calling CQ during every pass. Today I worked three passes FO29, VU52 and HO28. I only had one CONUS operator and one KH6 contact on HO28. Very disappointing. So either there is little interest in KH6 or there are timing issues. I am not sure why there is so little participation. I will look at the coming passes until April 4th which will most likely be the last day I operate from Kauai. If I don't start hearing more operators I will shut down early and work on enjoying my vacation. Again sorry for another rant session but the lack of activity frankly puzzles after all the emails and sked requests that I have received over the last 6 weeks. Those operators that have worked me will be the few to get a KH6 card once the log is checked and I go to the printers. Remember "If it was easy, we would all be doing it", under the conditions I have been working under: wind, rain and heavy QRN it has been very challenging these past few days. Aloha from AA5UK/KH6

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Replies please...
by Dave Aitch 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

A few days ago I put some satellite equipment up for sale. I have replied to all interested parties directly. Having not heard anything back from the various directly who wanted just about every item that was mentioned, I would appreciate a yes, no or an offer, please. Cheers, Dave. G1OCN AMSAT 5766 Portland. Dorset.

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OX/N0RC active from FQ56
by Daniel "Nick" Kucij 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

OX/N0RC, Reid was active on HO-68 from FQ56 this morning. We completed a FM QSO at 1544 UTC, just before HO-68 shut-off. He expects to be active on the next HO-68 FM pass with AOS at his location at 1720 UTC. 73 Nick KB1RVT

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OX/NØRC/P active from Thule on HO-68
by OZ1MY 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Hi all, He was active on HO-68 (XW-1) on the pass with AOS here in Copenhagen at 1527 UTC. The next pass looks good for Europe and NA. HO-68 is scheduled to be in FM (Voice) from 1705 to 1750 UTC. Good luck and have a nice Easter all. 73 OZ1MY Ib

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XE2BSS @ DM30 update
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Hi! Alex XE2BSS called me a few minutes ago, to say he did not make it out to the DM30 area in time for the AO-27 and SO-50 passes yesterday. He is now there, and plans to be on from DM30 starting with the AO-27 pass around 2029 UTC this afternoon. He may get on the SO-50 pass that is also around the same time, but will make an effort to be on AO-27 without the PL tone when it comes on. Good luck, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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AA5UK/KH6 Schedule for 4/01/2010
by Adrian Engele 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Tentative schedule for 4/1/2010: FO-29 @ 17:03 UTC VO-52 @ 18:48 UTC FO-29 @ 18:52 UTC Looking for JA's UA's Alaska HO-68 @ 19:28 UTC SSB FO-29 @ 04:22 UTC VO-52 @ 07:08 UTC FO-29 @ 07:56 UTC tentative Looking for JA's UA's Alaska All passes are subject to weather conditions due to heavy winds expected for next several which is causing QRN on 2m downlinks. Aloha. 73, Adrian AA5UK/KH6

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Thanks to AA5UK/KH6 for the FO-29 QSO tonight!
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Hi! Thanks to Adrian AA5UK/KH6 for the FO-29 QSO this evening! It was nice to work another station from Hawaii. I have worked Hawaii a few times, and I worked the grid Adrian has been working from (BL02) a few times last fall when Ron W6ZQ went out there. This was my first non-FM satellite QSO with Hawaii, and it was fun despite being out in my normal "home QTH" (Phoenix city park on the DM33xp/DM43ap grid boundary) well after local sunset. On that FO-29 pass, I heard a few stations blindly calling for Adrian even though he was somewhere else on the downlink. Even if he is trying to work around a particular spot on the downlink, be ready to tune around to find him. For much of that FO-29 pass, he was about 10 kHz below the center of the downlink. Adrian is the rare DX on these passes, and there is more to a transponder's downlink than just the 5 to 10 kHz around the center of the downlink. Adrian will be out there for a few more days before heading home, so if you have a shot to try working him - go for it! 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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XE2VAS @ DM31, tomorrow through Sunday 4/4
by Patrick STODDARD 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

Hi! Uriel XE2VAS will be driving to Puerto Penasco, better known in English as Rocky Point , tomorrow morning. This town is on the north end of the Gulf of California, an hour south of the Arizona border, in grid DM31. Uriel will have FM gear with him, and hopes to work SO50 and AO27 between tomorrow and Sunday. Please use standard international phonetics and digits when calling XE2VAS, as Uriel is not fluent in English. I am the QSL manager for XE2VAS, so please send me the QSL requests with SASE if you would like a QSL card from Uriel. Good luck and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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