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

IC706MKIIG and SatPC32
by Patrick Farcon 20 Jun '10

20 Jun '10

I am relatively new to satellite work and want to venture into the linear satellites. I hope that is the correct term for it. I was reading in the AMSAT journal about half duplex operation however I am having a difficult time imagining how that would work. Are there any recommended references I could look up to get more familiar with that and how it works. Would I be able to work the linear satellites with my Icom706MKIIG and SatPC32? I realize it would take practice and finesse as opposed to using a full duplex rig but I would be willing to give it a try. Any suggestions or help would be great. I could be contacted here or off list as well. Thanks and 73, Pat N2VYT

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FW: [ans] ANS-171 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 20 Jun '10

20 Jun '10

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-171 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. This is your chance to join in the ranks of AMSAT. There is still an opening or two for someone to step in and assist with the ANS editing process. If you are interested, please drop a line to Gould Smith, WA4SXM(a)amsat.org. There are many other volunteer slots and you can find them in the advertisement in the AMSAT Journal. It takes many helpful hands to keep our group well oiled. (ed.) Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * Last Call For Speakers * BOD Nominations Announced * AO-51 Field Day Schedule * Lunar Lander Cubesat Poposed * 1675-1710 MHz Weather Satellite Band Under Study for Re-Allocation * Name That Satellite * Hudson Valley, NY SatCom Net on Thursday * ARISS Status SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.01 Last Call For Speakers AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.01 Hi All, This is the final 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*, with a beginners session on the afternoon of Friday 30th. AMSAT-UK invite speakers, about amateur radio, space and associated activities to this event, details of which, can be found at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/32/42/ As this is a late call, the submission of a paper is not required but any PowerPoint or similar material can be made available online, afterterwards. 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 Likewise if anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other information to G4DPZ. 73 Dave G4DPZ [ANS thanks Dave, G4DPZ, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.02 BOD Nominations Announced AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.02 It is my pleasure to announce that the following have been nominated to serve on the AMSAT Board of Directors for two year terms: Tom Clark, K3IO Lou McFadin, W5DID Tony Monteiro, AA2TX Gould Smith, WA4SXM Candidates will be afforded the opportunity to have statements of their qualifications and positions circulated to the membership. In accordance with the bylaws of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the ballots will be mailed no later than July 15th, and must be returned no later than September 15h to be counted. Since there are four candidates for three seats, the three candidates having the greatest number of votes will be elected to full terms. The forth candidate will serve as an alternate until the next annual election. Alan Biddle WA4SCA AMSAT Corporate Secretary [ANS thanks Alan, WA4SCA for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.03 AO-51 Field Day Schedule AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.03 AO-51 Operations Team Announces Field Day Schedule It's that time of year again; summer and Field Day! Each year the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as an emergency preparedness exercise. The event takes place during a 24-hour period on the fourth weekend of June. For 2010 the event takes place during a 27-hour period from 1800 UTC on Saturday June 26, 2010 through 2100 UTC on Sunday June 27, 2010. Those who set up prior to 1800 UTC on June 26 can operate only 24 hours. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur satellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event. AMSAT-NA VP Operations, Drew KO4MA says the AO-51 Command Team and Operations Group has announced the AO-51 configuration for Field Day: June 21 10:40Z - June 24 09:35Z FM Repeater, V/S to allow testing of V/S station equipment prior to Field Day: Uplink: 145.880 Mhz FM Downlink: 2401.200 Mhz FM June 24 09:35Z - June 27 06:40Z FM Repeater, V/U Please observe the 1 QSO per repeater Field Day rule Uplink: 145.920 Mhz FM, PL 67Hz Downlink: 435.300 Mhz FM June 27 06:40 - June 27 22:00Z FM Repeater, V/S Please observe the 1 QSO per repeater Field Day rule Uplink: 145.880 Mhz FM Downlink: 2401.200 Mhz FM AMSAT Field Day rules and scoring instructions are available on-line at: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/awards/amsatfd.php Read the latest AO-51 Command Team and Operations Group News on-line at: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php [ANS thanks the AO-51 Operations Team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.04 Lunar Lander Cubesat Proposed AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.04 Lunar Lander CubeSat Proposed In a story first reported in the European EE Times, Vermont Technical College, Norwich University, St. Michael's College, and the University of Vermont are working together to land a CubeSat on the moon. (EE Times http://tinyurl.com/22vuz7q) The team is currently working on initial designs for the spacecraft, with the aim of achieving further NASA funding in June 2011. Primary funding for this effort is being provided by the Vermont Space Grant Consortium under NASA grant. In the current phase of the program The Vermont CubeSat project, led by Professor Carl Brandon of Vermont Technical College aims to launch by 2015. It is developing the first CubeSat that can be launched from a geostationary orbit to successfully land on the moon. The CubeSat electronics are based on a Texas Instruments (TI) MSP430 processor and the software will control navigation, communications, scientific ins- truments, camera and the CubeSat's propulsion system. SPARK, a new high level programming language and toolset designed to support the development of mission critical software will be used for the moonbound cubesat. SPARK was adopted for the CubeSat project be- cause of Vermont Technical College's experience in using SPARK and the related Ada programming language in developing mission critical control systems for a project to create Arctic sea ice monitoring buoys. Both the CubeSat and buoy systems face similar challenges in terms of coping with inhospitable conditions and the impossibility of fixing any soft- ware bugs when deployed. The proposed lunar lander will be a single unit CubeSat (10*10*10 cm) with four mini-thrusters on the bottom to maximize control and manoeu- vrability. Two potential options for propulsion are being examined - a bi-propellant booster or a Xenon powered ion drive booster. The Xenon thruster can also be used for a triple CubeSat that would go to and orbit the moon. [ANS thanks EE Times and the SouthGate ARC News for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.05 1675-1710 MHz Weather Satellite Band Under Study for Re-Allocation AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.05 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.05 1675-1710 MHz Weather Satellite Band Under Study for Re-Allocation The ARRL has picked up on a news item in regards to the National Broadband Plan (NBP) recommending that the FCC should make 500 MHz of spectrum available for broadband use within the next 10 years, including 300 MHz between 225 MHz-3.7 GHz for mobile use in the next five years. One of the first slices of spectrum being eyeballed includes the 1675-1710 MHz band utilized by weather satellites. The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has engaged in discussions with the National Telecommunications and Information Ad- ministration's (NTIA) Office of Spectrum Management to begin examining various frequency bands that may be suitable for mobile broadband use. NTIA has preliminarily identified the 1675-1710 MHz band for such use and is examining the impact on its incumbent federal users of the weather satellite products. The FCC issued a Public Notice (ET Docket No 10-123) on June 4, 2010, seeking information to help better compre- hend the current use of the 1675-1710 MHz band by non-federal entities and better understand its potential utility for broadband. The full story can be found on the ARRL web site: http://tinyurl.com/29zv8a6 [ANS thanks the ARRL Letter for June 17, 2010, Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA for the above information] /EX ----- SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.06 Name That Satellite AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.06 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.06 Name that satellite SA-AMSAT is inviting radio amateurs to propose a name for its CubeSat project which was announced at the recently held Space Symposium. The project name should be a single word in any of South Africa's official languages and reflect the spirit of the project. A good example is the name given to the around-the-world-balloon project which is called "lalela", the Zulu word for "listen". The winning entry will receive a satellite handbook. Entries should be sent by e-mail to saamsat(a)intekom.co.za. SA-AMSAT's web page is at: http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ The closing date is 15 July. [ANS thanks SA-AMSAT, SARL, and SouthGate for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.07 Hudson Valley, NY SatCom Net on Thursday AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.07 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 20, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.07 Hudson Valley SatCom, NY Net on Thursday The next "HV Satcom" group net is Thursday June 24 8PM (EDT) (Or 2400 UTC), with an echolink Node of N2EYH-L, & the repeater used is "146.970 (Pl 100; 600 down), & for more info: www.hvsatcom.org 73,.Stu (WA2BSS) (Director;Mt. Beacon ARC) [ANS thanks Stu, WA2BSS, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-171.08 ARISS Report AMSAT News Service Bulletin 171.08 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. June 14, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-171.08 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report June 14, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact Asahi Manabiya, located in Owariasahi, Aichi, Japan, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, June 23 at 12:48 UTC. Asahi Manabiya is a volunteer club with approximately 50 members. It hopes to pique children's interest in natural science including electrical and electronic phenomena through this ARISS activity. 2. Astronaut Caldwell-Dyson Speaks with ISIS Andrea Ponti via ARISS On Monday, June 7, students from ISIS Andrea Ponti in Gallarate, Varese, Italy, linked up with on-orbit astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF via an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. An audience of more than 250 students, teachers and visitors, located in several classrooms and connected by multimedia screens, were present for the contact. ARISS mentor Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF introduced the event and ARISS activities with a presentation via phone line. The event was distributed via webcast and was covered by the local media and newspapers. This contact was the final event of several cross-curricular activities involving different school subjects including Science, History, Geography, Math, Information Technology and English. 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On June 11, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1713 included a short story titled, "Radio from Space: Astroham Congratulates WIA on its 100th Anniversary." The article is about Tracy Caldwell-Dyson's ARISS contact during the WIA's anniversary dinner in which she sent greetings and talked about the advancements in communications over the years. A link to the audio is provided. To view the article, see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt 4. Astronaut Training Status Astronaut Tom Marshburn, KE5HOC is scheduled to receive ARISS basic operations training on July 12. [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, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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HO-68 Schedule -20-27 June 2010
by Alan Kung 20 Jun '10

20 Jun '10

UTC: 20 June 2010 ================================ 16:10...Turn On--FM/PACSAT India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 16:55...Turn Off 18:00...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 18:45...Turn Off 22:05...Turn On--FM/PACSAT NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 22:50...Turn Off 21 June 2010 ================================ 00:55...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,NA,North Asia 01:40...Turn Off 01:49...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:04...Turn Off 02:45...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,NA,North Asia 13:30...Turn Off 17:45...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,Europe,NA 18:30...Turn Off 22 June 2010 ================================ 23:35...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,NA,North Asia 00:20...Turn Off 00:40...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,NA,North Asia 01:25...Turn Off 03:20...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia, East Asia, South Asia 03:36...Turn Off 09:45...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,Asia,Europe 10:30...Turn Off 12:25...Turn On--FM/PACSAT NA,Europe,Africa,South America 13:10...Turn Off 17:25...Turn On--FM/PACSAT India,Middle East,Europe,NA 18:10...Turn Off 18:55...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,Europe,NA 19:40...Turn Off 23 June 2010 ================================= 02:58...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:14...Turn Off 11:10...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 11:55...Turn Off 13:55...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 14:40...Turn Off 17:10...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,Europe,NA 17:55...Turn Off 23:00...Turn On--FM/PACSAT NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 23:45...Turn Off 24 June 2010 ================================= 02:43...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:58...Turn Off 06:15...Turn On--FM/PACSAT NA,North Asia,Middle East, Europe,Africa 07:00...Turn Off 09:10...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 09:55...Turn Off 13:35...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Europe,NA,South America 14:20...Turn Off 16:50...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:35...Turn Off 18:40...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,Europe,NA 19:25...Turn Off 22:40...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 23:25...Turn Off 25 June 2010 ================================ 02:26...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:42...Turn Off 10:40...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:25...Turn Off 13:20...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Europe,NA,South America 14:05...Turn Off 16:35...Turn On--FM/PACSAT India,Africa,Europe,NA 17:20...Turn Off 22:25...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,Africa,NA, Europe,North Asia,East Asia 23:10...Turn Off 26 June 2010 ================================ 01:15...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,NA,North Asia 02:00...Turn Off 02:09...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:25...Turn Off 10:25...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:10...Turn Off 13:05...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Europe,NA,South America 13:50...Turn Off 16:15...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Africa,Europe,NA 17:00...Turn Off 27 June 2010 ================================ 23:55...Turn On--FM/PACSAT South America,NA,North Asia 00:40...Turn Off 01:57...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:12...Turn Off 05:25...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,Europe,Africa 06:10...Turn Off 12:45...Turn On--FM/PACSAT Europe,NA,South America 13:30...Turn Off 16:00...Turn On--CW/SSB India,West Asia,Africa,Europe,NA 16:45...Turn Off 17:50...Turn On--CW/SSB India,West Asia,Africa,Europe,NA 18:35...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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first of a kind sat contact
by D. Craig Fox 20 Jun '10

20 Jun '10

Fellow sat-ops, last night I had the supreme pleasure of completing my first EME contact. (Yes, THAT satellite) It was with JR3REX . We were working JT65B on 144.122. I was in normal mode- ie, no "deep search" mode or signal averaging (for those who run this mode).The reason I am posting this is to remind those having SSB capabilities on VHF/UHF, that even modest equipment will allow such contacts. I was running only a 13 el cushcraft yagi with az/el (although not really needed once the moon is low), and a TE amp putting out about 375w. I used the TE's built in preamp. Ground wave gives a significant signal boost when the moon is low. Also, this satellite requires no sophisticated tracking. Anyway, I invite one and all to give it a try. 73s Craig N6RSX NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you.

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DN83/84 on SO-50 ay 1420 UTC
by John Neeley 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

I will attempt the 1420 UTC pass this morning on SO-50. Just worked the AO-51 pass with some difficulty with electrical noise in the area but still made contact with 6 stations. I am in grids DN83/84 South of Rapid City, SD. GPS shows this campground right on the line, so 2 grids for one.. Anyone needing these grids, just email me or send a card to home listed on QRZ.com., no SASE required. Trip has been pretty good with good and bad weather. Terrible winds in Wyoming at +60mph.... not fun when pulling a trailer. Weather here this morning is 45 and sunny, and NO WIND... I am "hit and miss" on passes, so bear with me. If you hear me on, then call me... 73 de John W6ZKH

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Kenwood TM-255A Question & comment
by Stuart Balanger 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

*Hi All, I have a Kenwood TM-255A All mode 2 Meter rig, & want to aqqire the companion Tm-455A, & know that there is a 6 Pin plug that interfaces w/ the computer, I want to use the "455A for listening to the "Birds", & am using a homemade 2meter "Squalo amtenna, & when i was sick w/ the flu 2 yrs. ago used the Kenwood TM-731a to listen to 1 side of a School comtac, & the "bug" bit me! Also,have loaded & installed "PCsat32 software into my "Os" Windows XP pro, & it loaded in very nicely,w/ no problems! Barring any unforseen curcumstances, hope to be @ the "AMSAT weekend Sympoium in Oct. @ Chicago, * more than likely will take the "Lake shoreLTD." out, & meet some of you! 73,.Stu (WA2BSS) PS Also the next "HV Satcom" net is Thursday June 24 8PM (EDT) (2 Days b4 Field Day Weekend Starts), & more info:www.hvsatcom.org *

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Out of Office
by Martha 18 Jun '10

18 Jun '10

I will be leaving the office around 11:00 am and taking the rest of the day off! -- 73- Martha

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Re: AMSAT Board of Directors Candidates
by G0MRF＠aol.com 18 Jun '10

18 Jun '10

In a message dated 16/06/2010 22:09:24 GMT Daylight Time, vlfiscus(a)mcn.net writes: Why does everything always have to be FM all the time. KB7ADL But doesn't Arissat-1 include a linear transponder ?? David

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satpc ?
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Jun '10

18 Jun '10

Trying to get another computer with satpc for field day. I get" Ungultige Gleitkommaoperation" marching across the screen. wazup? 73 Bob W7LRD

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AMSAT info to the mobile
by Robert Bruninga 17 Jun '10

17 Jun '10

Are you promoting AMSAT activities to area mobiles? Now that there are 3 Kenwood and 4 Yaesu radios with front-panel APRS displays, and TT4, OT2, HAMHUD and other add-on displays to older radios, the Ham community is starting to finally see what APRS was always about - the desimination of local/relevant/real-time ham radio activities and information to other operators. It was not about vehicle tracking! It is an information sharing channel so that everyone can see everytrhing happening on ham radio in the area. This means INFO that is pushed to the front panel of APRS radios and operators: * Locally reecommended Travelers Repeater * Local Echolink or IRLP Freq, tone and codes * Local NETS or Meetings planned or in progress * Location of next HAMFEST (drive right to it) * Azimuth, elevation, freq and doppler of any AMSATS in view * Bulletins and Announcements, Weather alerts. * and many more. So, if you are doing *anything* AMSAT related and you want people within your area to see your activity, then you should be posting an APRS AMSAT object so that everyone will see it. For example, HAMFEST Objects are posted up to 2 weeks in advance and so everytime someone gets in his car, or drives through the area, he will be alerted to this coming hamfest on the front panel of his radio. We should be doing this for AMSAT activities too. Even if you are just doing a demo in a parking lot. Send it out on APRS and everyone in the county will see what-when-where and why. I have prepared a web page to show you how to post these objects: www.aprs.org/hamfest.html But it is like any dead band. If no one is posting these objects, then there is nothing to see. That's why we call it "amateur radio operating", not "sitting" or "listening". If you don't post these objects, who will? This is just part of the larger APRS Information Initiative to push relevant info TO visitors and mobile operators. See www.aprs.org/localinfo.html Bob, WB4APR

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