January 2011 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: QSL Information
by Zachary Beougher 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

Hi Ron, According to his QRZ page under the "detail" tab, he responds to direct only - no eQSL or LoTW. I don't know how current that info is, so things may have changed. I am planning on sending a request along with an SAE and IRC to his Germany address, and we will see what happens. I am forwarding this to the BB just in case someone else has heard different. 73! Zack KD8KSN -----Original Message----- From: Ronald Oldham Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 4:21 PM To: kd8ksn(a)amsat.org Subject: QSL Information Hi Zack... You completed a contact with PJ6/DL7VTX ( Grid FK87 ) today on the AO-27 pass around 19:13 UTC. Do you have any QSL information on this station? Any info would be appreciated. 73, Ron - N8RO

1 0

SO-50 PAVE/PAWS Interference
by Giacobbe Lauser 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Is anyone else in Northern California having interference on the SATS from PAVE/PAWS, particularly on the downlink for SO-50? I notice some S3+ modulated noise blocking all weak signals. If I'm lucky, I hear the Sats at S3, so the noise is really squashing at least that Sat and others on passes to the north. - Jake, K3UAZ

2 1

So I am not the only one...
by Kevin Deane 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

I agree 100%. I am still pretty new at this, I also have trouble finding up to date sites. So a friend of mine let me have like half of this site and I get to put whatever I want on it, and he does practically all the work! all I have to do is keep it updated. Easy right? So if anyone has information they would like to contribute please e-mail me or post it on the forum @ nvllrc.org, theres just an article I wrote and a bunch of relevent links at the bottom so far. I have lots of time to keep it up to date and will put whatever you guys want on there!!! I put that AO-51 pdf on there. Anyway, if you guys arent against the new and young guys. I am trying to make it so people dont make the same mistakes I did, like cloggin up the passes with calls when I had no ears. Stuff like that. You know the way you guys want it done not just guesswork and trial and error. So not that anyone will do it but at least there will be one site with usefull info and you dont half to go through old posts, or ask for new post and whatever please help!! Still excited, Kevin KF7MYK

3 2

International Space Station
by Ted 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

I thought this link was interesting Space Station Look at what happened from 1998 until 2008. In just ten years it has grown and grown. Watch the pieces come together as they are sent up from Earth. This is the International Space Station (ISS) Assembly diagram, piece by piece. I had no idea the Space Station had grown to this size. <http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htm> click here

1 0

TLE's for new satellites
by Bob Bruninga 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

RAX, OREOS, NANOSail-D, I feel dumb asking this, 1) Because we see these questions everyday here and I ignore them all 2) I assume they just have not looked on celestrack But now I went to get TLE's for the recent launches and I'm getting nothing. AMSAT web pages have nothing on them. CELESTRAK has nothing. Or I can't find them. I've spent 2 days getting ready for a student lab searching for individual pages (if you can find them). But it seems to be extraordinary that people with satellite pages: Never put the object number RIGHT UP FRONT once they are launched. Some (FAST-1 and FAST2) list TLE's with object numbers in the 90xxx range which I assumed were just pre-launch predictions. Then I have to cut and paste and fight all the checksum problems. For decades, I have always just gone to CELESTRAK and everything was there. Clearly I'm having a brain freeze. STK even has no satellites in its database above 36xxx. What happened while I was asleep? Thanks Bob

3 2

Re: Yaesu 530
by Tyler Nicholas 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Hi Zach, I found my FT-530 on QTH.com and it had a charger and a battery with it. There's one on eBay right now that looks to be ok. I would just watch eBay, QRZ, QTH, and eham for some to pop up. The FT-530 has a good receiver and hears great when you are transmitting on 2m. Another feature that makes satellite operation on the FT-530 a breeze is the sub tune feature. It allows you to leave 70cm as the active band for tuning with the VFO while the PTT button transmits on the 2m side. This makes things so easy because you never have to switch bands back and fourth all the time to adjust your downlink frequency. Tyler Nicholas K5TDN Sent from my iPhone On Jan 27, 2011, at 9:03 AM, zach hillerson <qstick333(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Thanks for your response to my query regarding duplex vs. 2 ht. I agree with you that a singular, well performing duplex ht is ideal. If I could find a used duplex I would much prefer that to spending $500 on a new Kenwood. I'm wondering where you managed to find your Yaesu 530? Do you think posting a WTB on QRZ is a decent way to go about looking? > > Finally - is the 530 the preferred duplex ht? > > Thanks for your great post and help, I appreciate it. > > Zach Hillerson > KJ4ZVV > >

2 1

Now that LOTW has caught up with my uploads...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Hi! It looks like LOTW took about 5 minutes or so after I shut down last night to get the rest of my uploads processed. The numbers now stand at 9911 QSO records, with 1332 QSLs (13.4% confirmation rate). I also had to adjust the ruleset for my VUCC "account" based on activity in and around Phoenix, since it was picking up at least a couple of QSOs I know would be outside the 200km limit in the VUCC rules. I'm now at 87 grids confirmed for my Phoenix-area activity, based on LOTW QSLs. Not enough for a VUCC application solely on LOTW QSLs, but not bad considering VUCC just became an option through LOTW. I spent almost as much time last night getting the last 2100 QSOs uploaded as I did the other evening working on the larger part of my log, since I had more station locations to define. I made 60 uploads in total last night. Some of those locations only had a handful of QSOs, and a couple had exactly one QSO. I had to redo a couple of uploads, since I fat-fingered the grids for a couple of the station locations (locations at 4-grid intersections - ones that really need to be done carefully). I also found that I had to upload some QSO records again, so I could have a station's call with "/P" after it. I expect this will probably be the main reason I won't see some QSLs; not having the appropriate indicator added to a station's call. This is not a big deal, as I can make a new QSO record and quickly go through the process to upload the additional record. If you think there should be QSLs with any of my calls that you are not seeing, please e-mail me directly so we can take a look at specific instances. Once SO-67 is supported by LOTW, I can upload those QSOs. Then my complete satellite log will be there. I will upload my future satellite activity to LOTW periodically, and hope to go through my logs to get 6m activity and possibly other contest logs I have in electronic form up there. And, soon, save enough pesos to make my initial satellite VUCC application, plus a lunch for my friendly card checker as he goes through all of those cards. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

Re: W6RO QSL & VUCC
by John Papay 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Jeff, Here's the VUCC rule on the grid square: 7(b) For the convenience of the Awards Manager in checking cards, applicants may indicate in pencil (pencil ONLY) the grid locator on the address side of the cards that DO NOT clearly indicate the grid locator. The applicant affirms that he/she has accurately determined the proper location from the address information given on the card by signing the affirmation statement on the application. For more proof, you can simply use qrz.com. In the case of W6RO, it does not show the actual location of the ship but you can do so by using the google map for grids and find the ship on the satellite view. This will spot the lat/long and translate into a grid square. You only have to certify that you have determined the correct grid square; you don't have to prove it to the card checker. It's always good to go right to the rules when there is any question. Don't assume that the card checker always knows them. You will find that you will get other cards over time that don't have the grid square on them. Simply determine what the grid square is and follow the rule above. It's always a good idea to print out the VUCC rules and take a copy with you when you get your cards checked. 73, John K8YSE

2 1

ND9M/MM Voyage - VQ9-W4 via Panama
by Clary, James T, Civilian 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Greetings from the Indian Ocean! My merchant marine ship is enroute from Diego Garcia (grid MI62) to Charleston, SC (FM03) and is taking the Pacific route this time. I've got the FT897D and FT817ND with the Arrow-2 with me, and I'll be QRV from quite a few wet grids along the way. Unfortunately, my XYL Cori isn't along for the ride; she's at home recovering from shoulder surgery and getting ready for our next road trip. The grid fields that I expect to travel through while enroute to the Left Coast and hopefully operate from include: MI, NI, OI, OJ, PJ, PK, QK (24 hours at Guam), QL, RL, RM, AM, BM, CM. and DM. My job is seven days a week for four months straight, which is why I get long vacations for those long road trips! The downside is that I have to miss passes that occur during the normal daytime working hours. I can sometimes get away at key pass times, so AO27 and HO68 (when it's QRV again) are possible, but can't be predicted. Another downside is that with an easterly voyage of this length, we'll be going through a lot of time zones. (We're currently at GMT +6.) We'll go through 10 time zones before we hit the USA, and at an average of a time zone every three days (and losing an hour of sleep each time as well as gain a day somewhere along the line), the body will start to adjust to the new time just when we have to set clocks ahead again. It's going to get old very fast! The majority of passes that I'll be on will be in the late afternoon and early evening, so AO51, FO29, and AO7 Mode B will be the focus. Early morning AO7 passes will occasionally be on the plate too. Likewise, I should be on late evening VO52 passes but likely only once we've crossed the Int'l Date Line into the eastern Pacific. I have to set up on the ship's helicopter deck that normally has no lighting and isn't patrolled. The ship is very, very safe, but since we're at sea, I have to pay extra attention to wherever I am outside on the decks especially after dark. My LED headband lamp up gives me pretty good light up there, but it would be way too easy to disappear over the railing, and it's a big ocean! We'll be off the coast of southern California by the end of February and should be there for about 10 days before we resume our voyage towards Charleston. Our route will then take us through the Panama Canal and northward around Cuba towards Jacksonville (EM90) for another stop at the end of March; after a week or so there, we'll finish the trip with a quick run to Charleston where I'll sign off the ship in April. Cori will meet me at the ship, and we'll head home to Panama City, Florida. I've applied for my IARP permit for Panama so that, barring unforeseen regulations, I'll be able to operate whatever passes occur as we transit the Canal. It's way too early to know if we'll actually stop at Panama, but I'll be ready with the gear to operate from the country itself for those who need DXCC credit. I'm cut off from the internet for the next three months, so I will not have access to my regular AOL e-mail account. Any queries or sked suggestions should be sent to me at the following shipboard address for now: james.t.clary.civ(at)msc.navy.mil. The address obviously has a lot of dots, but they have to be in there to get through. As always, I'll send regular updates on my trip's progress to the BB. CU on the birds! 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid NI02

1 0

WD9EWK LOTW uploading - finished!
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Hi! I just finished uploading my satellite QSOs into LOTW. Except for any SO-67 QSOs, they are now all in LOTW. The server is still processing a few of my uploads with over 600 QSOs remaining, but it now has 9277 of mine. Of those, 1230 are QSLs, a confirmation rate of 13.2%. My "VUCC account" in LOTW for my WD9EWK activity in and around Phoenix shows 96 grids confirmed. If a few more QSLs can be had from the remaining uploads LOTW still needs to process, I may have enough to use LOTW for my initial satellite VUCC application. I'll take a look in the morning, to (hopefully) see that the rest of my uploads have been processed. At one point in the past hour, I received a strange error message in my browser when trying to see my LOTW activity. Too many users - after midnight local time (0700 UTC)! Oh well.... Time for bed. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

W6RO QSL & VUCC
by Jeff Yanko 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Hi all, After making my submission to VUCC Satellite, yes it was still "a go" to get this award after the surprise fees were implemented. I was told by the local card checker that the W6RO, Queen Mary, QSL was not valid due to the fact that the grid, DM03, was not to be found anywhere on the card. After looking over the card myself again, he was correct. It had all of the QSO data and the information about the Queen mary but the DM03 grid was no where to be found. Not sure if anybody else had this problem with their checker, etc. but my card checker caught it very well. I never thought to look for the grid since most cards have them on it. So if you have a W6RO waiting to be submitted and it doesn't have the grid printed on it from the person filling out the QSL, don't bother sending it in, it will be considered invalid. Upon learning about this from my card checker, I dropped the organization who operates and maintains the W6RO station and told them the situation. Hopefully, they will include the grid square on their cards in the future. DM03 is not exactly an easy one to work since most of it is in water. 73, Jeff WB3JFS

2 1

Net Statistics
by Clint Bradford 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Although I've been involved on the 'Net for over 20 years, in no way do I claim to understand it all. Here's a site that shows the status of several Internet resources ... engrossing statistics ... and YES, I do have a source of caffeine (coffee pot) in the home office. http://www.internetpulse.net/ Clint

1 0

Stardust-NExT Probe Spots Comet Tempel 1
by B J 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011-029&cid=release_2011-029… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

FW: Re: HO-68 Status
by Kevin Deane 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

From: summit496(a)live.com To: clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: HO-68 Status Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:08:41 -0800 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2010/ho68_schedule_2301.htm I just found this one... I will be on this weekend maybe we could try a prearanged attempt on some of the birds? Kevin KF7MYK > From: clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net > Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:30:39 -0800 > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HO-68 Status > > >> ... Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. > > Just to be absolutely clear and accurate, the AMSAT page refers us to the official page of the project. It is the HO-68 project team's non-updating that is to be "faulted," and by no means AMSAT's. > > I mean, if the actual project's site isn't being maintained ... we cannot fault those who point to it. > > Sorry, John ... I just answered another message elsewhere that "demeaned" AMSAT for no legitimate reason ... Clint gets a little defensive at times ... (grin) > > Clint, K6LCS > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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

2 1

FW: 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht
by Kevin Deane 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

From: summit496(a)live.com To: qstick333(a)yahoo.com Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:01:37 -0800 Hello I too am recently addicted, I dont know exactly what you are using, I do not have a duplex rig, and am reluctant to get one considering all the controversy, and real full duplex and so on. I do know that ANY dual band antenna and ANY dual band and duplex whatever you are compromising. Try and cram everything in one rig and one antenna one coax.... It is just not as good as 2 seperate stations period. Unless you are gonna spend all kinds of money on one of those dream radios, you know? I wrote an article on my attemps and failures starting out with the sats, >>> nvllrc.org <<< FM Satellites section. A friend of mine made a little web site recently and let me put sat stuff on there. It is brand new so dont expect much, but I put all the usefull info I had at the end of the story, I will be adding a bunch of stuff this week that I found. What we use is in there, I think we spoiled ourselves with fairly good equip to start out. It is definately not great but works really well. So anyway, just thought I would give you my 2 cents. I find it really nice to have a totally different radio, ant, coax, for the receive, I can hear all the birds clear as day! But we need another SSB rig to work the big boy sats, I am dying to do that! I will be on this weekend, I didnt get your call so I dont know how far you are but I would love to try a pre aranged contact??? New Guy Kevin KF7MYK DM09 > Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:19:40 -0800 > From: qstick333(a)yahoo.com > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht > > Good afternoon all - > > As I am officially hooked after my first week of operating the satellites, I am trying to gain a bit better operating setup. I love the arrow and tripod that I am using and find the Yaesu FT60 to be perfectly suitable. I am thinking that operating duplex would be a big help so that I will know if I am making it into the hectic afternoon passes of AO51. I'm not thrilled with having extra stuff to lug in and out, front yard and back etc... but I want to do what's best for making contacts. > > Is there a group consensus of whether 1 HT that is true duplex or running two HT's is a better formula? I's love to hear your thoughts, > > Zach > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

1 0

Re: Antenna Observations/Question
by John Becker 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

a coat hanger will "some what" work also. But I really guess that age old saying of - " you get what you pay for " Best sums it up. In a "Dirty Harry" voice - "do you want it to just work or work great?"

1 0

Re: UKuke-1 Announcement
by G0MRF＠aol.com 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

That is good news. Also, I see bids are being solicited from anyone / any team who would like to form the official U-Kube ground station for the 1 year duration of the mission. There are a list of 20 requirements for the ground station at: _http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/20701.aspx_ (http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/20701.aspx) Two are fairly easy. 1) Must have full amateur radio license. 2) Antenna must have RH and LH polarisation. 73 David In a message dated 26/01/2011 17:33:32 GMT Standard Time, g.shirville(a)btinternet.com writes: Sorry this time WITH the relevant link! _http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx_ (http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx) ----- Original Message ----- From: _Graham Shirville_ (mailto:g.shirville@btinternet.com)

1 0

Re: HO-68 Status
by Clint Bradford 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

>> ... Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. Just to be absolutely clear and accurate, the AMSAT page refers us to the official page of the project. It is the HO-68 project team's non-updating that is to be "faulted," and by no means AMSAT's. I mean, if the actual project's site isn't being maintained ... we cannot fault those who point to it. Sorry, John ... I just answered another message elsewhere that "demeaned" AMSAT for no legitimate reason ... Clint gets a little defensive at times ... (grin) Clint, K6LCS

1 0

HO68 status
by John Geiger 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. 73s John AA5JG

1 0

ARISSAT-1
by jcowens1＠comcast.net 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

What is the projected active date for ARISSAT-1?? John Owens - N7TK Celebrating over 50 Years in Ham Radio No. 1 Honor Roll

4 4

VUCC FEE
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

My division director recommends email your concerns to Dave Patton (nn1n(a)arrl.org) and copy their Division Director as well so lets flood them Im looking to AMSAT for new awards WA4HFN Damon

2 1

Re: APRS via Satellite
by PA3GUO 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

And this is how it looks like in the dark, in passes when it is dark outside, but when ISS is still 'flying' in sunligth: you hear & see ISS on your THD7 ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSFVTN2KKog (best seen in HD, as ISS is a bright, yet tiny little dot moving in the sky) Henk, PA3GUO >> Which APRS satellites are active and may be reached >> with a Kenwood THD-72? I'm trying to get some people >> interested in our hobby. > Well, the easiest and best is the ISS. Your normal terrestrial APRS >settings should work just fine. > >Just listen on 145.825 during mid-day in the Northern Hemisphere and you >can't miss it. I hear it every day. Of course it is moving earlier about >20 minutes a day, so use your tracking program to give you exact times. > >Bob, WB4APR

1 0

UKuke-1 Announcement
by Graham Shirville 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

Sorry this time WITH the relevant link! http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx ----- Original Message ----- From: Graham Shirville To: amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:42 PM Subject: Re: AMSAT-UK - Next Cttee Mtg 26 March Hi All, Here is some good news just released by the UK Space Agency about the UKube-1 project. You will see that the FUNcube system is formally part of the project. Whilst the release does not mention the FUNcube linear U/V transponder function during evenings and weekend, this functionality will be included in the same way that it is planned for the actual FUNcube-1 cubesat itself! The FUNcube development team is looking forward to the extra challenge of producing two sets of everything in the very short timescales required by both projects:) best 73 Graham G3VZV

1 0

Re: AMSAT-UK - Next Cttee Mtg 26 March
by Graham Shirville 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

Hi All, Here is some good news just released by the UK Space Agency about the UKube-1 project. You will see that the FUNcube system is formally part of the project. Whilst the release does not mention the FUNcube linear U/V transponder function during evenings and weekend, this functionality will be included in the same way that it is planned for the actual FUNcube-1 cubesat itself! The FUNcube development team is looking forward to the extra challenge of producing two sets of everything in the very short timescales required by both projects:) best 73 Graham G3VZV

1 0

Re: nano sail
by PA3GUO 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

Hi Jerry, That was O/OREOS: http://www.pa3guo.com/ooreos.html Try to catch some of it its packets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=NL&v=Qh6lH5vqw-Y (freq mentioned in this video is wrong, it is 437.305) Decoder of the telemetry is here: http://www.dk3wn.info/files/ooreos.zip Henk, PA3GUO > Just heard a packet signal on 437.305 - 437.300 . Did not print so don't know which sat it was . That was 15 minutes ahead of fast1 but was in the LOS path best I could tell . Didn't see anyother sat with that downlink anywhere close . Maybe NanoSail still ticking ?

1 0

Palm Springs HamFest - Handouts
by Clint Bradford 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

For this weekend's Palm Springs HamFest, I have prepared a couple handouts. One is an "Intro to AMSAT"newsletter with membership form, the other an ARISSat-1 Update / Band Plan. Please feel free to use/adopt either for your projects and appearances. Both are posted at ... http://tinyurl.com/ps-handouts ... or, if your system doesn't like "re-direction" commands, http://preview.tinyurl.com/ps-handouts Clint, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

1 0

HO-68 Pass Heard
by Giacobbe Lauser 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

I thought I would give a listen for the HO-68 beacon this evening, and even though I don't have CW on the FT-60R, I knew that you could listen low and hear a bit of the signal on the FM side bleeding through. Sure enough, I heard a weak, high-pitch CW identifier repeating itself waaaay down in the noise about S1 on 435.775 mHz at 0437 UTC. I caught "J1SA" pretty clearly with several pauses thrown in afterward before the repeat, confirming later that the call is B"J1SA"-11. Pretty cool! - Jake, K3UAZ Martinez, CA CM88wa

1 0

LOTW & VUCC Discussion
by John Papay 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

We now know more about the VUCC fee changes than we did when the discussion started thanks to comments by Bill Moore and others. As someone stated, the sticker shock has everyone upset. If the costs of the VUCC program justify what is being charged, there's not much you can do about it unless you find someone in addition to Yaesu to sponsor the program. The money has to come from somewhere. As Americans, we are painfully aware of what happens when you spend more than you take in. The League should have been adjusting rates over the years. The Post Office, our government and businesses all do this gradually to avoid a rebellion. If this had been done, we wouldn't be having such a big outcry right now. I think the other problem with how this was done involved notification. Announcing that effective today, the cost for VUCC submissions is going up drastically, was not a good move. Rolling out the costs for LOTW VUCC submissions is one thing, but including the traditional filing rates as part of it without publishing an "effective date" ahead of time is another matter. It wasn't well thought out. Now that it is done, how do we proceed from here? I think there are two main issues that can be looked at by the Directors. They control what happens at the League. My Director has been very responsive to things that I have brought to him. I hope your Director is equally as responsive. Just make sure that when writing to them that you don't rant. State the facts and be specific as to what you want them to do. The first thing they should look at is the cost of the VUCC program. Bill Moore has suggested that they don't even break even considering everything involved. Ask your Director to get the numbers and validate the claim. Any evaluation should include monies derived from the website. Yaesu sponsors LOTW but it is unclear as to what extent they do. There may be other sources of funding as well. As a subset of the cost, ask your Director to find out why hybird applications are part of the DXCC LOTW program but are not provided for in the VUCC program. After all, it's the same system. I would expect that we will always be submitting some cards along with LOTW matches. Most of the cost of a paper submission is subsidized by the card checkers. It takes a lot of time to scrutinize a card to find the Grid. After the initial application, only the Grid numbers are sent to the ARRL. A typist can enter 4 character grids into a computer very quickly. Callsigns, date, time, band, etc. are not entered for VUCC. If you send your cards to the ARRL and a paid employee has to go through the cards, the cost is significantly higher than if a volunteer does it. Hybrid applications for a single filing fee should be part of VUCC as they are now for DXCC. The ARRL Membership was not given a warning about the fee increases. Establishing the fees for LOTW VUCC is one thing. Increasing the fees for paper submissions should have had an effective date into the future. This would allow those who were on the verge of filing the opportunity to do so at the current rate. Ask your Director to have the old paper fees reinstated until say, May 1st. This will give the applicants and the volunteer card checkers some time to process everything. If the new fees are found to be reasonable they go into effect after that date. I have been licensed for 50 years and prior to getting my license I was involved with ham radio for more than 10 years. I attended many club meetings with my older cousin. The topic of dissatisfaction with the ARRL was always a big deal. The hams talked about it all the time. But if you think that we would be where we are now with Ham Radio if the ARRL had not been there representing our interests, you are sadly mistaken. Radio spectrum is always in demand. You can't make more of it. You can digitize and process till you are blue in the face but there is never enough spectrum. Cellphones sound lousy because they don't have enough bandwidth. But we put up with it because they are portable and there is no other choice given the number of users. If the ARRL had not been there for us, we would all be on 80 meters. The League is our voice. If you don't like what they are doing, contact your Director or run for the position yourself. Ham Radio is a hobby but there are costs involved. You can choose what you want to spend. No one is forcing you. But do consider that we need the ARRL to preserve ham radio into the future. It takes money to run the organization and we are up against others who have very deep pockets. Supporting the ARRL makes good sense as does supporting AMSAT. They are our advocates. 73, John K8YSE

4 3

Re: VUCC costs
by mlolmsted＠fuse.net 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

Nice explanation of the costs for VUCC in the Jeff Yanko blog. However, I did not see what happens with LOTW submisions. If the cost of awards keep going up, maybe the ARRL should offer award insurance as well as equipment insurance. Just a thought. :>) Merle, AA4QE

12 15

Antenna Observations/Question
by Richard Lawn 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

I've been on the birds off an on for years. I have an M2 cir. polarized pair at home QTH and am looking into a more modest installation for a summer cottage. I've built the K5OE eggbeater imitations and founds them to be only fair.I could by M2 eggbeater pair but I'm trying to do this on less $. I also have an Arrow antenna which I've tried some with a HT with only fair results. Any other suggestions out there? Mount the Arrow more permanently but at a fixed elevation and use a simple rotor to change azimuth? How about a homebrewed quagi? Any suggestions appreciated. Rick W2JAZ

3 3

Road Trip
by Jim Adams 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

I'll be portable working AO-27, AO-51 and SO-50 from DM58 and DM69 for the next few days. Can't really say what passes, but will work as many as possible from my 10,000 foot perch. Jim Adams K0BAM Ridgway, Colorado

1 0

Re: Anyone going to Palm Springs CA hamfest on Saturday (29th)?
by herr＠ridgenet.net 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

Yep, I'm going...Mike WA6ARA >Hi! > >I'm planning on making the trek across the desert to attend the hamfest >at Palm Springs CA on Saturday (29 January). I have not decided on >whether to drive over Friday evening after work, or set out early >Saturday morning. Unlike most hamfests I attend, this one won't open >up until 0930 local (1730 UTC), so a true day-trip over there and back >is a possibility. Are there any other satellite operators - besides >Clint K6LCS, who will have an AMSAT table at the hamfest - be there? > >73! > >Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK >http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

Satellite Imagery
by Clint Bradford 26 Jan '11

26 Jan '11

President Obama will use the phrase, "this is our generation's Sputnik moment," during his State of the Union Speech tonight, 9PM EST / 6PM PST. Clint, K6LCS

1 0

Re: LOTW & VUCC Discussion
by John Papay 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

The cost for "credits" for LOTW DXCC filings is: 0-49 $.25/each 50-99 $.225/each 100-249 $.20/each 250-499 $.175/each 500- $.15/each LOTW for VUCC is $.16/credit no matter how many you submit. If you submit 100 credits for DXCC, it's $20 for the qso's. If you submit 100 credits for VUCC, it's $16 for the qso's. These numbers are for endorsements rather than initial applications. The debate as to the cost of DXCC vs. VUCC using LOTW is a good one. The Directors should look at that when they validate the fee schedule. 73, John K8YSE

2 1

APRS via Satellite
by Luciano Gasparini 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Which APRS satellites are active and may be reached with a Kenwood THD-72? I'm trying to get some people interested in our hobby. Comments are welcomed! 73, Luciano PT9KK

2 1

Re: reply from arrl on new vucc fees
by Bob Herrell 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

From what I read from Bill Moore's post, the ARRL has got their last penny out of me. Charging per QSO is absurd, especially if you have already had your cards checked by a ARRL Card Checker. _Eg: If someone has a first time ever Satellite VUCC with 250 QSOs the fees would be: ? $7.00 for the application $50.00 for 250 QSOs @ $0.20 each $12.00 for the certificate $1.00 for paperwork/sticker return ? His total would be $70.00_ I find that totally unacceptable. Yes, I know awards are getting expensive, but I think the ARRL is getting a bit GREEDY. I think I will continue working for the AMSAT Awards and forget about the rest. I agree, AMSAT needs to have an AMSAT WAS and AMSAT VUCC Award. My ARRL Satellite VUCC came with the word "Satellite" typed on the certificate. Whatever happened to the term "OSCAR WAS" or "OSCAR VUCC"? Sorry to rant, but I am getting feed up with the antics of the ARRL. And yes, I am a member. It's time to let your ARRL Leadership know your feelings. 73, Bob Herrell AJ5C

2 1

reply from arrl on new vucc fees
by Bruce 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

okay, here is what bill moore, nc1l, the head guy for the arrl awards has to say about the new structure for the awards. note at the bottom, if you are submitting your first ever award with 50 lotw and 50 cards, you must submit two separate applications and two separate fees. this is self explanatory (don't shoot the messenger). 73...bruce ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "Moore, Bill, NC1L (ARRL Awards Branch)" <nc1l(a)arrl.org> To: bruce paige <kk5do(a)arrl.net> Sent: Mon, January 24, 2011 6:14:19 PM Subject: RE: National Association for Amateur Radio Website Form Hi Bruce: Here is how the new fees work: First, for VUCC there is no Hybrid application like there is for DXCC and WAS. For paper applications: $7.00 application fee Each QSO is $0.20 $1.00 postage $12.00 for each certificate LoTW Applications: $5.00 application fee Each QSO in LoTW is $0.16 $1.00 for paperwork postage $12.00 for each certificate Eg: If someone has a first time ever Satellite VUCC with 250 QSOs the fees would be: $7.00 for the application $50.00 for 250 QSOs @ $0.20 each $12.00 for the certificate $1.00 for paperwork/sticker return His total would be $70.00 If he has LoTW and Paper both categories would apply above since we do not have hybrids anymore. Basically, the application fee went down and other fees were adjusted. Regards If someone needs 100 for a first time ever and they have 50 LoTW and 50 paper, they would do each application, separately, and the fees for each application apply as noted above. Bill Moore NC1L Awards Branch Manager ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio™ 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: (860) 594 0234 Fax: (860) 594-0346 email: dxcc(a)arrl.org DXCC Web Site: www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc Blog: http://www.arrl.org/awards-blog

6 5

ARRL VUCC
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Don't the people who work at arrl hq draw a pay check? Then why do we have to pay for there services for a piece of paper. How much does a VUCC award cost and how much does it cost arrl to print the little endorsments ? WA4HFN Damon

1 0

nano sail
by jerry keeton 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

?Just heard a packet signal on 437.305 - 437.300 . Did not print so don't know which sat it was . That was 15 minutes ahead of fast1 but was in the LOS path best I could tell . Didn't see anyother sat with that downlink anywhere close . Maybe NanoSail still ticking ? Jerry WB5LHD

1 0

Posting of e:mail
by Merle Olmsted 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Bill, My sincere apologies for forwarding your response to my e:mail without your approval. It was posted for the sole purpose of trying to help explain the cost of the VUCC award. It was my mistake, please accept my apology. Merle, AA4QE

1 0

Re: Arissat bpsk1000 software?
by Gould Smith 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Hello Jeff and BB, The BPSK-1000 downlink is transmitted in SSB mode. I sounds like a "shusssch", higher pitch than the 400 bps growl. It is difficult to tune by ear. So the CW signal was moved close to it so the CW signal could used as a tuning signal. Plug the audio from an SSB receiver into the computer soundcard MIC/LineIn socket. The PC//Mac software display contains a dotted line that you use to tune your receiver until the CW signal bump lines up with the dotted line and the software will decode the BPSK-1000 signal as well as the CW. The BPSK data is composed of 5 packets. TLM Experiment packet 1 of 5 TLM Experiment packet 2 of 5 TLM Experiment packet 3 of 5 TLM Experiment packet 4 of 5 TLM Experiment packet 5 of 5 TLM Experiment packet 1 of 5 ... We will have more about this as the developers get the first version ready for people to look at, we hope soon. We will also have an Internet data stream running for people to practice using the software. 73, Gould, WA4SXM ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeff Yanko" <wb3jfs(a)cox.net> To: "Gould Smith" <gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net> Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 2:17 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Arissat bpsk1000 software? > Hi Gould, > > Question. I've read the ARISSAT articles in both QST and AMSAT Journal > and understand the BPSK 1000 beacon. However, what mode will the beacon > be transmitting in? SSB, FM? Looking forward to your reply. > > > 73, > > > Jeff WB3JFS > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gould Smith" <gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net> > To: "Vince adams" <vinoul(a)hotmail.com>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 8:02 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arissat bpsk1000 software? > > >> Hello Vince and BB, >> >> Thanks for your interest. >> >> We have working software to demodulate and decode the BPSK-1000 signal >> for >> both the PC and Mac. We got a live stream of realtime data running over >> the >> Internet last weekend. >> The developers are refining the software and we expect to make this >> available soon. >> >> 73, >> Gould, WA4SXM >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Vince adams" <vinoul(a)hotmail.com> >> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "Vince adams" <vinoul(a)hotmail.com> >> Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 9:53 AM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Arissat bpsk1000 software? >> >> >>> >>> I have been reading about the upcoming Arissat-1 mission and have found >>> lots of good information. However, I have been unable to find any links >>> to the bpsk-1000 software that will be used for telemetry. All of the >>> articles I have read say that the software will be available before the >>> suit is deployed. But if I read correctly, this is coming up fairly >>> soon. >>> Any info would be appreciated. >>> >>> 73 Vince N9VN >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >>> program! >>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > >

1 0

Re: VUCC Costs
by John Papay 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

The new fee schedule has brought forth a lot of comments. Twenty cents a card seems like a lot of money but consider how much you spent to get that card. An SASE with a stamp on it plus the stamp for sending it here in the US costs you $.88. If you send for a DX card to countries other than Canada and Europe, it's $.98 for the postage and an IRC costs $2.10. If you are lucky, you will get a DX card back for $3.08. If you're not lucky, you'll send for it again hoping to get a reply. Then there's the cost of the cards to add in, maybe $.10 each, and the envelopes, hopefully self seal so the other guy doesn't have to spend time moistening and sealing it. Maybv So after you spent all that money to get the card, spending another $.20 to submit it for VUCC doesn't seem all that bad.

3 5

Re: AMSAT VUCC and WAS
by k6yk 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

One other organization that I can think of has already done this for WAS, DXCC, and maybe other awards, I can't remember them all right off-hand. MARAC, the Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club (I think!) has a mobile WAS, and Mobile DX award. The DX award is given in steps of less than 100 countries. They're nice award certificates, the cost is reasonable. Maybe their process would be a good example for AMSAT to follow? 73, John, K6YK On Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:59:28 -0800 Larry Teran <ki6yaa(a)gmail.com> writes: > That will be a great idea! and support for AMSAT > > On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 4:11 PM, <wa4hfn(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > > Maybe we all can talk AMSAT into offering a WAS and VUCC I would > be nice to > > see an AMSAT WAS on the wall > > WA4HFN Damon > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > ____________________________________________________________ Mortgage Rates Hit 2.99% If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Gov't Refi Programs http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d3f1631a91b3f89fst01vuc

1 0

Fwd: RE: VUCC awarsd fees
by Merle Olmsted 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

This was in reference to my e:mail asking why the rates for VUCC were much higher than DXCC.. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: VUCC award fees Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:30:42 -0500 From: Moore, Bill, NC1L (ARRL Awards Branch) <nc1l(a)arrl.org> To: <mlolmsted(a)fuse.net> Hi Merle: Actually, the VUCC fees are more close to what it costs to process an application. Most don't realize that for an average DXCC application (+/- 100 cards) the cost is about $40. VUCC, like DXCC, involves manual data entry just like DXCC and the time to process is costly and time-consuming. You'll notice that LoTW VUCC processing is less than the manual processing. Using LoTW is what we would like to see as it is less costly and no manual data entry by staff is required. I believe this is the first ever price adjustment for VUCC since the start of the program in 1983. Had we done it gradually over the years it may have been easier to deal with. We discussed this for some time before we made the change. The fees are not meant to make money or break even. All the fees ever do is minimize losses, just like DXCC. Regards Bill Moore NC1L Awards Branch Manager ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio™ 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: (860) 594 0234 Fax: (860) 594-0346 email: dxcc(a)arrl.org DXCC Web Site: www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc Blog: http://www.arrl.org/awards-blog

2 1

Arissat bpsk1000 software?
by Vince adams 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

I have been reading about the upcoming Arissat-1 mission and have found lots of good information. However, I have been unable to find any links to the bpsk-1000 software that will be used for telemetry. All of the articles I have read say that the software will be available before the suit is deployed. But if I read correctly, this is coming up fairly soon. Any info would be appreciated. 73 Vince N9VN

3 2

AMAST WAS and VUCC
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

OK everyone in favor of supporting AMSAT having a W.A.S and a VUCC lets contact AMSAT with the request.I should have an effective start date WA4HFN Damon

3 2

LOTW and eQSL
by Bill Dzurilla 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

I agree with Jack and Tim, LOTW is great (albeit more complicated than it needs to be). For those who do not like the fees and complexities of LOTW, I'd like to remind everyone of eQSL, which is a cheaper and simpler supplement to LOTW. It's simpler because most logging programs will automatically upload your QSOs to eQSL, you don't have to do a thing. It's cheaper because it's free. The eQSLs are not valid for ARRL awards, but they are valid for CQ Magazine awards and for eQSLs own awards. The eGrid Sat award may be particularly interesting to those on this list. It requires 75 confirmed grids for the basic award. The certificate is free to download, or you can get a nice plaque, if you are willing to pay $85 for it. I use and recommend both eQSL and LOTW. 73, Bill NZ5N > From: "Jack/W6NF" <vhfplus(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [VHF] Re: Re: VUCC costs > To: Tim Marek <K7XC(a)charter.net> > Cc: "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, > VHF REFLECTOR > <vhf(a)w6yx.stanford.edu> > Message-ID: > <AANLkTi=u=NB2_0wDjgUiM1jY52qzNm3oGfePTXWS83Kc(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Yes, I agree with Tim wholeheartedly. > > Paper cards are nice (I have a few from my Novice days in > 1957) but I, like > many others, cannot afford the expense. I *do* QSL 100% > when a card is sent > to me but LoTW is fine, too. To summarily reject LoTW, to > invoke Mr. Spock, > not logical ;>)

1 0

Re: VUCC Costs (re-send with corrections)
by John Papay 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

The new fee schedule has brought forth a lot of comments. Twenty cents a card seems like a lot of money but consider how much you spent to get that card. An SASE with a stamp on it plus the stamp for sending it here in the US costs you $.88. If you send for a DX card to countries other than Canada and Mexico, it's $.98 for the postage and an IRC costs $2.10. If you are lucky, you will get a DX card back for $3.08. If you're not lucky, you'll send for it again hoping to get a reply. Then there's the cost of the cards to add in, maybe $.10 each, and the envelopes, hopefully self seal so the other guy doesn't have to spend time moistening and sealing it. Maybe you bought one of those stamps that say QSO Verified by (Callsign) at $25. Then there are special airmail envelopes, one slightly smaller than the other from Plum. It's starting to add up. If everyone would use LOTW for satellite qso's, the savings would be impressive. No postage, no cards, and just a $.16/card to get credit for the grid. But cards are nice to receive; much more personable and they sometimes have other useful info. So after you spent all that money to get the card, spending another $.20 to submit it for VUCC doesn't seem all that bad. 73, John K8YSE

5 4

AMSAT VUCC and WAS
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Maybe we all can talk AMSAT into offering a WAS and VUCC I would be nice to see an AMSAT WAS on the wall WA4HFN Damon

5 4

LOTW Grid vs. Call
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Apparently I was doing something wrong. I now see the same station from different grid squares for a couple of calls. I believe it is working just as it should. 73, Joe kks0d

1 0