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

Re: AO-51 V/S
by DOMINICK INTERDONATO 10 Sep '10

10 Sep '10

You can use a cheap wi-fi directional antenna and they are available from most computer wharehouses at great prices. Dee, NB2F On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 9:13 AM, Matt Patterson wrote: > Hi, > > Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. It looks like I have > found a downconverter. Next question... Does anyone have any ideas > on a cheap and easy homebrew antenna? Would a "cantenna" work for a > small portable setup? I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible as > AO-51 isn't in this mode very often. > > 73 Matt > W5LL > > _______________________________________________ > 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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Re: Latest AMSAT Journal
by DOMINICK INTERDONATO 10 Sep '10

10 Sep '10

Please understand that we must be politically correct at ALL times. (Nuts) Of course I am kidding. I wanted to add my 2cents to this thread since I know you all and no one thinks anything nefarious is happening. With ALL volunteer organizations with our "HUGE" budgets, things get left behind or not even thought about. I, for one, believe that AMSAT does some things better than most other organizations and also leaves things to be desired in other areas. If we keep in mind the ultimate goal of satellite communications for "us" hams, we will keep our group moving in the right direction(no, not the political right). Cheers to all you volunteers. 73, Dee, NB2F On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 12:07 AM, Rick Tejera wrote: > Ed, > > I understand fully. I'm the editor of my Astronomy Club's newsletter, > A much > smaller publication than the Journal and I've experienced everything > you > have as well. > It's important to balance all the things in life and as I've mentioned > to > folks, it's a hobby and life likes to throw higher priorities in your > way > more oft than not. > I'm sure all appreciate your efforts. > > Once I get a few bucks stashed off, I'll send my check in to join > AMSAT. And > I've got an article Idea for you. > > 73 > > Clear Skies > > Rick Tejera > Editor SACnews, > Public Outreach Coordinator > Saguaro Astronomy Club > Phoenix, Arizona > www.saguaroastro.org > saguaroastro(a)cox.net K7TEJ > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] > On > Behalf Of Ed Long > Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 20:01 > To: gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com; andres(a)msu.edu; AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Latest AMSAT Journal > > > Everyone, > > First - sorry for the slow response to this thread. Seems like > everything I > do is late!!! > > Second - the Journal delays are due to a number of factors. The two > greatest > factors are a lack of publishable articles and me. I frequently have a > lack > of enough articles to produce a full issue on time. So I delay > publication > until I can get enough content to publish an issue. Secondly, I have a > real > job and busy life and I frequently have to travel. (Ask Barry how many > times > he's called me and I was in England or China or some far away place > like > that.) That prevents me from working on the Journal and that delays > things > sometimes. I try my best to get the Journal to you on time, but it > seems > that most times I am unsuccessful. > > The plan is to send the Journal to the printer the first week of the > second > month shown on the cover. For example, the January/February issue > should go > to the printer the first week of February. The printer should get it > into > the mail the week after that so that you would receive the issue mid > to late > February. That should hold true throughout the year. Unfortunately it > doesn't happen that way very often, thus the delays. AMSAT certainly > is NOT > delaying the Journal - I am - for the reasons above. > > So I apologize for the delays. I do try to provide you with a quality > Journal with a variety of interesting and informative articles. Thanks > to > the great people that contribute to the Journal and my associate > editors, > Bill Hook and JoAnne Maaenpaa, we eventually get there with each > issue. > Despite the fact that I've been late, we have NOT completely missed > any > issues. > > I hope this explains things a bit. I know it's not acceptable, but we > try to > do the very best we can. BTW - the July/August issue went to the > printer > last week so it's running late too. This delay was due to me this > time. > Houston was HOT!!! > > Ed Long > WA4SWJ > Editor, The AMSAT Journal > ---- > > > >> From: gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com >> To: andres(a)msu.edu; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:09:23 -0500 >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Latest AMSAT Journal >> >> Steve, >> >> I believe AMSAT is sending the Journal, and I don't remember >> claiming >> they weren't. I also know it quite often doesn't get here. It is >> the > only >> piece of regularly scheduled mail I have trouble with. I suspect the > postal >> service is having problems between me and AMSAT. I was just checking >> to > see >> if that has happened again. The answer I got leads me to believe it >> is > too >> soon to tell with this issue of the magazine. I asked the original > question >> simply because it is very difficult to know when you were supposed to >> get >> something you didn't get :-) >> 73, >> Joe kk0sd >> >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] >> On >> Behalf Of STeve Andre' >> Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:30 AM >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Latest AMSAT Journal >> >> On Saturday 28 August 2010 00:24:10 Gary "Joe" Mayfield wrote: >>> Gould, >>> >>> Please don't take my message the wrong way. I love the >>> journal, > but >>> have had MANY delivery issues. I have yet to receive the May/June > issue. >>> >>> 73, >>> Joe kk0sd >> >> Joe, >> Don't assume that AMSAT didn't send it to you 'till you've verified >> it > with >> them and they think they had a problem. >> >> I've had delivery issues on things too, and it is the fault of the >> Post Office. Your local PO can range from fantastic to wretched, and >> here in >> Ann Arbor MI, it seems like we're more towards the wrong end of the >> scale. One issue of QST had a completely mangled front cover, so bad >> that I called the PO here and complained. The response was... "Oh.". >> Lansing MI on the other hand, has such an efficient system that a >> letter mail to my home town of Ann Arbor *gets there faster* than the >> same thing mailed *in* Ann Arbor in most cases. >> >> So when the ham mag you've been waiting for looks like a war refugee, >> or has been AWOL for 1 week+, think about the system that carries it >> to you. Note: This is not a rant against the USPO--I support it, but >> I >> think >> it needs help, and I don't think that money is the answer. >> >> --STeve Andre' >> wb8wsf en82 >> _______________________________________________ >> 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

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AO-7 footprint stretching (again)
by Bob- W7LRD 10 Sep '10

10 Sep '10

Trying to stretch the footprint on AO-7 mode A is a most masochistic endeavor. I have been collaborating with JH1BCL PM96ng to my qth in CN87wk (Seattle). At 7719km a stretch for mode B, painfull for mode A. This evening I coppied a piece of Shige's call. If the sunspots ever get going there may be some propagation on 10M and which might help the downlink, shades of RS-15. Too bad the JA's can not operate 432. If anyone has entered this painful are na, let me know. I must remember, "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it". 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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AMSAT Journal
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 10 Sep '10

10 Sep '10

What is the most recent AMSAT Journal? When did it show up at people's QTH? Thanks and 73, Joe kk0sd

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thanks to K8YSE for so many grids!
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 09 Sep '10

09 Sep '10

Hi! Now that John K8YSE is back home after a month or so on the road, it's time to say THANK YOU!!!! Thanks for all the grids, so many that may not have been on the air in many years - if ever. In looking through my log, preparing to send my QSL request to K8YSE, I logged QSOs with K8YSE and K8YSE/VE3 in a total of 22 different grids. All but 2 of those are new grids for my satellite log. If all of this matches up with John's log, this will probably be the motivation to finally write out a satellite VUCC application. Whenever you settle down at home, John, I'm sure there would be interest in hearing about your many thousands of miles motoring around Lake Superior and those very remote places in northwestern Ontario. Thanks again for all your work on the road! 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Upcoming ARRL West Coast Conventions
by Clint Bradford 09 Sep '10

09 Sep '10

Attendees of the upcoming West Coast ARRL regional conventions will be subjected to my AMSAT "Work the Sats with your HT" spiel ... Watch the registration lobbies' bulletin boards for times of passes to be worked outside the entrances ... September 17-19 http://www.sandarc.net/Convention2010/index.html ARRL Southwestern Division Convention, San Diego, California K6LCS' presentation - Saturday, 9AM October 15-17 http://www.pacificon.org/ ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California K6LCS' presentation - Saturday. 10AM Clint, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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Oct 16-17 JOTA in Victorville
by Clint Bradford 09 Sep '10

09 Sep '10

We need someone to demo/work the birds in Victorville, CA on either (or both!) Sat and Sunday, October 16-17 in Victorville, CA. I cannot do it - I'll be demo'ing/presenting in Sam Ramon at PACIFICON. Anyone available for some high-energy FUN with the Scouts? Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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DM63/DM64??
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 09 Sep '10

09 Sep '10

Hi! It appears that many operators are lacking either or both of these grids in central New Mexico (I need both of them). I see these grids as unconfirmed on a few of the maps at K8YSE's satellite web page. These grids are not difficult to reach, being along the I-25 freeway that runs north to south through that state. Even though those two grids are some distance from me, I have been thinking about making a long run out to them and (probably) operating from both on the grid boundary between them in the next month or two. Possibly as part of another trip in that general direction, or maybe as a separate road trip just for these grids - I have not decided that yet. I'm not sure if I would add other grids in with these two if I go out there. That would depend on how much time I have for a drive out there. Comments? Interested in working those grids? Please e-mail me directly, not through the -BB, with any feedback regarding a trip to those grids. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: AO-51 mode V/S
by Bob- W7LRD 09 Sep '10

09 Sep '10

Hello Matt There were a lot of converted MMDS converted downconverters from the the AO-40 (sobsob) days. I have a couple I dearly cling to, with hopes of a future HEO. There are some commercial ones from Keps, SSB http://www.ssbusa.com/modes.html . and few others. These can be a bit pricey. Try to find a AIDC 3731 downconverter by Transystems. These were converted and sold by K5GNA again back in the AO-40 (sobsob) days. They were an excellent dc and reasonably priced. Once a dc is procured a tv type 18 inch dish with a 5 turn helix feed in front of it makes a super antenna. A simple 8-16 turn helix is another option as well as yagi antennas used for wifi are effective. There a many ways to work this problem. If we had a HEO in the works this bb would be flooded with information, with lots of deals. Good luck with your efforts. Mode S on AO-51 is fun to experiment with. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Patterson" <mattpatt(a)1starnet.com> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2010 8:19:22 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 mode V/S I'm wanting to try this mode but haven't had much luck finding a downconverter. What does everyone use? Any leads as to where a downconverter can be purchased would be much appreciated. 73 Matt W5LL _______________________________________________ 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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revision 1 - AO-51 schedule for September through early October 2010
by Mark L. Hammond 09 Sep '10

09 Sep '10

Hello All, Shortly after posting this I realized I got something wrong--given the times of passes, mode changes are going to occur late in a given day (usually 2100-2330 UTC range), using UTC dates/times (not the very early hours of the next UTC day). So I have revised the schedule information below to reflect this. Schedule changes should happen Sunday evenings, Eastern Time (that hasn't changed). Another note--when the L-band uplink is active, most users report a better experience using a frequency tuned a few kHz "higher" than the published frequency of 1268.700 MHz. Try something in the 1268.703 to 1268.708 MHz range...and experiement for best uplink! ________________________________ Revision 1--9/9/2010 Here is the AO-51 schedule for Sept. and early October. Thank you for your requests. We'll continue the mode starting October 4 through the AMSAT Symposium and beyond. We'll post more information after we see how the bird performs during the coming weeks. Notes: 1) As always, the schedule for the 435.150 transmitter is subject to change so that command stations can download telemetry files for analysis. 2) "late UTC" and the mode change dates below translate into schedule changes occurring over the eastern coast of the US on Sunday evenings. 3) the schedule is subject to change based on the real power budget we experience. September 12 (late UTC) FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 Baud PBBS Operations, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM at 9600 baud (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM at 9600 baud September 19 (late UTC) FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM FM Repeater, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM September 26 (late UTC) FM Repeater, V/S Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 2401.200 MHz FM 9k6 Baud Telemetry, U Uplink: none Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM at 9600 baud October 3 (late UTC) FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM (no PL tone) Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 Baud PBBS Operations, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM at 9600 baud Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM at 9600 baud On behalf of the AO-51 Operations and Command Teams, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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