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

Vucc and other $
by Ellis Foley 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Return Mail to wa1rks(a)yahoo.com I have been a league member since 1972,and am on the verge of not being that.I see no justification for the monies that have been passed on to the members on a lot of things. I dub it poor management on their part.We seem to be getting less and less provided for us. Things that used to be free. I do all the awards, collect cards for all of them. For my own satisfaction. I will not pay those exorbitant fees ! Fixed incomes don't allow for such extravaganza's and I think it hurts all way round. As far as previous explanations,? you can put lipstick and a dress on a pig, its still a pig! My 2 cents worth.

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Android Sat Control
by Jeff Davis 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

SSTL using Android handsets to control satellites, conquer the final frontier. http://engt.co/esR2EK 73, Jeff KE9V

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more uploads by WD9EWK to LOTW
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Hi! After a few hours of watching TV and crunching lots of data files, I now have a total of 7796 satellite QSO records in LOTW, with 985 QSLs from those. This is about 12.7% of my QSO records being confirmed already. Even one of my first two satellite QSOs from 2000 was QSLed as I uploaded data! As for a satellite VUCC for me from the Phoenix area (generally centered on DM33xp/DM43ap), I have 90 grids confirmed toward that just from my LOTW uploads. I'm not sure if I can get to 100 without others joining in and uploading their QSOs, but it's a good start. I still have over 2100 QSOs to upload, and those will have to wait for another night. I hope to have those uploaded by the end of this week. If you think you should have a QSL with me and you don't see it in your LOTW account, please e-mail me directly. I'll be happy to look at things on my side. Now, time for bed.... 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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help with pcsat32 - predictions wrong -e verything else is correct
by zach hillerson 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

I recently downloaded pcsat32 and find it pretty amazing. I have verified that the keps are current and the time and coordinates are all correct. The program also shows all of the sats that I track in the proper place. When i click the countdown, these times are correct as well. However, when i try to get a prediction through WinAOS, the times are off by approx. 15 minutes and the coordinates for the pass are wrong. I am comparing the satpc32 results to both amsat and satscape. Any ideas what might be causing this? I'd love to find a solution! Thanks, Zach KJ4ZVV

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TubeSats: a victory?
by George Henry 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Well, it appears that someone got through to Interorbital Systems: as of today, they are no longer including a transceiver in the TubeSat kit, the TubeSat web page clearly states that licensing is required, and "for information about commercial operations from space", directs viewers to contact the FCC. (They're still a little technically borderline on some of their info, but WAY better than claiming that they're license-free!) They even include a link to the IARU Amateur Satellite Specification document (under "information about obtaining the required amateur radio frequency allocation"). Interestingly, the price hasn't changed... George, KA3HSW

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Re: Cell Phone based Sats
by Trevor . 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

--- On Mon, 24/1/11, Ron Overdrive <ronoverdrive(a)tehfurry.com> wrote: > If successful it may open the door to more homebrew amateur > satellites by simplifying the construction and possibly lowering > the cost. I'm also interested in seeing how the Pulse Plasma Thrusters on this satellite perform. 73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio Email/RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email Your News To: editor at southgatearc.org Or Upload At: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news_1.htm ----

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Re: [VHF] Re: Re: VUCC costs
by Tim Marek 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi Randy... I spent weeks and weeks over 2 years hand typing ALL of my old paper logs (HF and VHF) into a database program and kept it updated fairly regular till 2006 or so... My old database didnt work well under the then latest version of windows and it became a project that fell by the wayside.. 2 years ago I sorted that file (100,000+ records) based my my callsign, then on the grid I was in at the time... I took all the DM09 contatcts and dumped them into LOTW. That filled in my DXCC, and WAS files fairly well for HF and VHF... I then gathered up all the Cabrillo submission files from them to now, signed them individually, and sublitted them to LOTW as well. With the advent of LOTW VUCC support, I am now converting ALL my files(sorted by call then location) into individual files, converting them into the propper format, digitally sign, and then upload them into LOTW. At that point, ALL of the data from my various ham radio efforts will then be backed up at LOTW, and... in a position to be of use to me (and others) for many years to come. No one said it would be easy to get up to speed... Nothing worthwhile ever is... you assumed I have done it all electronically from day one... I HAVE NOT! What I did do was the hard work of hand typing them all in (and yes it sucked) but now all that hard work is showing me that it was all well worth it. 73s de Tim - K7XC - DM09nm... sk ----- Original Message ----- From: "Randy" <hamradio(a)oz.net> To: "Tim Marek" <K7XC(a)charter.net> Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 8:40 PM Subject: Re: [VHF] Re: [amsat-bb] Re: VUCC costs > Hi Tim: > I agree LoTW will be a great thing for VUCC, especially for future, > computer-logged contacts where uploading to LoTW is simple. But I wonder > about older QSOs. I guess if you have lots of computer-logged QSOs and > can convert them into VUCC compatible files easily, sure why not go ahead. > But even for those, and especially for old paper logged QSOs, I wonder. > > For one thing, if somebody really wanted your QSL in the past (for VUCC or > anything else) they would have already exchanged paper cards. And for > another thing, I find that for my operating from CN74 and CN75, at least, > I only get requests for cards from maybe 10% of the QSOs I make, > indicating that nobody really cares about QSLs for the vast majority of > QSOs, even from a semi-rare grid like CN74/CN75. > > Of course for an even rarer grid there would be some increase in QSL > interest. But really, unless you are one of the extremely rare breed of > operator that can see the possibility of actually getting ALL grids for > FFMA in their lifetime, one grid is as just good as another, rare or not. > > So I guess my point is, as a by-product of computer logging of future > QSOs, LoTW will be really great. Especially for operators that make large > numbers of contacts each year. But as far as everyone hustling to put all > their old QSOs in LoTW it seems like a lot of collective work with very > little payback except to a very few. > > Randy, W7HR > Port Orchard, WA > > >> >> Personally, I dont understant why everyone isn't getting setup right now >> to dump their logs online to (at the very least protect those rare and >> precious contacts from being lost forever) and collect those contact >> credits w/o lifting a pen to paper or licking a single stamp... >> >> 73s de Tim - K7XC - DM09nm.... sk >> >> PS: I have been pushing LOTW for years to make this happen. Its not >> perfect, but compared to the old ways, its a VAST IMPROVEMENT! > > > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1202 / Virus Database: 1435/3400 - Release Date: 01/24/11 >

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Anyone going to Palm Springs CA hamfest on Saturday (29th)?
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

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/

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Cell Phone based Sats
by Ron Overdrive 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12253228 Considering how powerful smart phones have gotten I'm happy to see someone take the chance to see how well a cell phone holds up to LEO situations. If successful it may open the door to more homebrew amateur satellites by simplifying the construction and possibly lowering the cost. Just thought I would share even though it seems like its yesterday's news. ~73, AC2RF Ron

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VUCC GREED at ARRL
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Awards/VUCCRULE1a.pdf WA4HFN Damon

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Re: FO-29 (USA Evening Passes)
by David Palmer 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

I live on the USA west coast, and often work the evening passes (0200z - 0600z) of the FM and Linear sats. Sometimes it's just me on there, sometimes there are others, but it's definitely a lot quieter than the daytime passes! 73 de Dave KB5WIA / CM88 2xFT817ND > I was wondering if anyone has been/going to be making any latenight > contacts on the FO-29?

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Mobile Phone as Part of Satellite
by David Barber 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

May be on interest. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12253228 ********

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VUCC QSO costs
by Jeff Yanko 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi all, Not sure is this was brought out into the open but I think it clarifies just about everything we've been questioning. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Awards/VUCCRULE1a.pdf 73, Jeff WB3JFS

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Re: FO-29
by Bob- W7LRD 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Kevin I worked "myself" the whole pass. The satellite covered the western half of the country. 73 Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Deane" <summit496(a)live.com> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 9:24:32 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] FO-29 Hello, I was wondering if anyone has been/going to be making any latenight contacts on the FO-29? Rookie Kevin KF7MYK _______________________________________________ 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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FO-29
by Kevin Deane 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has been/going to be making any latenight contacts on the FO-29? Rookie Kevin KF7MYK

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Tracking with parallel to USB converter
by Wayne Estes 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

I want to use my HalloRotor parallel-port rotor interface with a new PC that doesn't have a parallel port. Has anybody had success using a parallel-to-USB converter with a parallel port rotor interface? In the past I used a parallel-to-USB converter and Windows device manager decided that it was a "USB printer", not LPT2. Is there a model of parallel-to-USB converter that Windows recognizes as a LPTx ? Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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Echoes of Apollo Call for Student Investigators & Adult Engineering Mentors
by JoAnne Maenpaa 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

I received this request too late to include in this week's ANS-023 bulletins so I'm forwarding the message to the amsat-bb to help get the word out. Please send your replies directly to Pat: apolloeme(a)gmail.com -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Echoes of Apollo Call for Student Investigators & Adult Engineering Mentors Pat Barthelow, AA6EG of the Echoes of Apollo Project (the folks who brought us the 70cm Arecibo EME activity) is working with kids on the Google Science Fair. The students and adult mentors have devised a simple experiment to measure the distance to the moon using Moon Bounce. Pat has several EME stations committed and is looking for more tech- nical support. He is also looking for additional young Co-Primary Investigators (Age 13-18) to participate. Time is of the essence. Reply directly to: apolloeme(a)gmail.com Pat says the students will develop the experiment, lead, analyze. Adults are needed to nurture, guide, mentor with these goals in mind: + Key a CW transmission or alternatively, send an audio impulse via microphone to EME TX. + Starting the time clock on the impulse transmission whether Audio "Clack" or CW key. + Recording for Science Fair presentation, using Multimedia video/audio eqiupment in the Moon bounce Station. + Stopping the clock when the audio/RF does RT to moon (~2.5 Seconds) and returns, and is demodulated by Moon bounce RX and presented at Audio speaker terminals. + Pre-measure station delays in TX and RX to develop a constant for internal equipment delays. + Measuring the EME interval as closely as possible, with simple equipment, say, to millseconds. Probably take the Multimedia video/ audio to a Video editor, to measure delay, digitally. + Compare distance to the moon in the NASA, or US Naval Observatory databases for their actual distance to moon, at the moment of the experiment. + Student analyzes for errors, error sources, discusses return signal distortion, due to doppler, Libration, pulse stretching, due to spherical moon, etc. + Student suggests follow up experiment, to minimize measurement errors, or assuming more sophisticated equipment became available. QUESTION: For an analog RX to audio output, what would be the best way be to measure the internal propagation delay in an [Analog, Digi- tal] receiver, from the time of arrival of the RF at the Antenna con- nector to demodulated output [Analog, Digital] at the speaker, or computer screen. For analog receivers, is the internal RX propagation delay, in order of: microseconds? Milliseconds? For Digital receivers? Best Regards, Pat Barthelow, Echoes of Apollo apolloeme(a)gmail.com

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Delfi-C3 1000 days in orbit
by wouter weggelaar 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Hi All, Today is the 1000th day in orbit for Delfi-C3. The downlink is still ok and telemetry shows no big degradations. This means Delfi-C3 is still in good health. Apart from the problems with the transponder and some occasional resets and lockups, scientific data is still being received. Also, this data is still forwarded by radio amateurs to our server. Once again our big thanks for receiving Delfi-C3 and your continued support of the project. 73 On behalf of the Delfi-C3 team Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG

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Fw: UPDATE: DELFI C3 Close Approach
by Peter Portanova 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

For your observation and information.. 73- Pete WB2OQQ www.massapequanyweather.com http://www.qrz.com/db/WB2OQQ? > > The United States Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) has updated a > predicted conjunction between DELFI C3 (SCC# 32789) and SCC# 28811. > > Primary Object: DELFI C3 (SCC# 32789) > Secondary Object: SCC# 28811 > Time of Closest Approach: 24 JAN 2011 13:39 UTC > > Overall miss distance: 339 meters > Radial (dU) miss distance: -117 meters > In-Track (dV) miss distance: 309 meters > Cross-track (dW) miss distance: 82 meters > > Primary Radial Error (U): 10 meters > Primary In-track Error (V): 98 meters > Primary Cross-track Error (W): 7 meters > > Secondary Radial Error (U): 10 meters > Secondary In-track Error (V): 62 meters > Secondary Cross-track Error (W): 4 meters > >

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Offtopic: Daiwa NS663PA Schematics
by PE0SAT 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Hi, Thanks for reading. I had to replace a LM358 in a Daiwa NS663PA SWR/power meter and now I have to align the pep circuit. Is there someone that can send me a copy of the schematics or maybe the alignment method? 73 Jan PE0SAT

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AMSAT-BB Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500 Digest, Vol 6, Issue 45
by Louis House, KD5GM 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Hi Bill, I am using the LVB tracker with the G-5500 and controlling them with the SatPC-32 software. My experience with this system has been very pleasing, straight forward and plug & play. The documentation for the LVB is excellent and the same is true for SatPC-32. Setting the calibration between the LVB and the G-5500 was a snap, with very easy to follow instructions. Supporting AMSAT by purchasing the LVB is icing on the cake. My 2 cents. Best wishes, LOUIS, KD5GM in EL29kq CW, The original digital mode AMSAT #37061: FIST #3606 >>> Message: 18 >>> Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:20:10 -0500 >>> From: "Bill Gillenwater" <k3sv(a)pa.net> >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500 >>> To: "AmsatBBS" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>> Message-ID: <5E846EAFD8F649CCAAB7DDDDFD2B51A8@billpc> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>> >>> OK, a newbee question about interfacing rotors. I have a Yaesu 5500 >>> and I run PCSat32. What do I need between the rotor and the >>> computer? I would like a few options. Do I need the Yaesu 232 >>> interface box or will a generic box do the job. If a generic box >>> will work, which are the best for satellite work with PCSat32? >>> >>> Tnx 73 Bill K3SV >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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oscar 11
by jerry 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

I attached an m wav recording of Oscar 11 on the morning pass . This is what I usually hear on a good pass . Is there packet signal in there ? I've tried psk and afsk but never get a print ? Thanks Jerry WB5LHD

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SatPC32 Cat doppler problem
by Richard Ferryman 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

I find SatPC32 is failing to read doppler information for some satellites although the doppler.sqf entry seems correct. The CAT window show no CAT data and the 'Data Line' at the bottom shows the last line of doppler.sqf. Any ideas? Thanks de Dick G4BBH

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Re: SwissCube BFSK decoded
by Mineo Wakita 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Hi Mike, Thanks for your suggestion. I used TNC emulation of MixW3 and OnlineKiss+. And I got three kiss, hex, and dump files. I corrected about DownlinkForwarder at the latter half of the next page. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/swiscube.htm I will correct it a little more later about how to grab a housekeeping data in this page. JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: VUCC QSO costs
by k6yk 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Donno about VUCC, but I have done a DXCC endorsement using some LOTW confirmations and a couple of cards. I did the on=line thing with the LOTW and sent the cards in with my check for the LOTW confirmations, the endosement and return postage for my 2 cards. It worked! 73, John K6YK On Sat, 22 Jan 2011 17:44:51 -0500 Sebastian <w4as(a)bellsouth.net> writes: > Although I already have VUCC satellite (#200 wow!), for those that > don't yet what happens when you have enough confirmed grids via both > paper cards and LoTW? > > Will card checkers go to the trouble of looking at your LoTW account > and compare them to the paper cards, or should the paper cards go to > ARRL for credit towards VUCC? > > 73 de Sebastian, W4AS > > > > ____________________________________________________________ Globe Life Insurance $1* Buys $50,000 Life Insurance. Adults or Children. No Medical Exam. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d3b91caecfb7d98ae1st02vuc

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EM06/EM07/EM16/EM17
by Tyler Nicholas 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Hello all, I will be at the four corners of EM06/EM07/EM16/EM17 tomorrow (1/22) afternoon starting around 2100z. I can only get to 2 grids at a time, so I think I will do EM06/EM07 and EM16/EM17. I will be in EM06 when I am not at the corner, so there's a possibility I will be on other sats this weekend. ------------------------------------ Here are the passes that I can be on: EM06/EM07 AO-51 21:30Z - 21:44Z FO-29 21:54Z - 22:13Z (look for me around 435.870 +-10) EM16/EM17 AO-51 23:08Z - 23:23Z FO-29 23:39Z - 23:59Z ------------------------------------- 73, Tyler Nicholas K5TDN

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SwissCube BFSK decoded
by Mineo Wakita 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

I decoded SwissCube BFSK signal which was received by JA0CAW on 20 Jan 2011 over Japan. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/swiscube.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500
by Bill Gillenwater 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

OK, a newbee question about interfacing rotors. I have a Yaesu 5500 and I run PCSat32. What do I need between the rotor and the computer? I would like a few options. Do I need the Yaesu 232 interface box or will a generic box do the job. If a generic box will work, which are the best for satellite work with PCSat32? Tnx 73 Bill K3SV

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Re: Rotor Interface
by Liz & Tony Buckland 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hi Bill, Also have a look at Fox Delta kits for there ST2 Interface, extremely good and a fair price. http://www.foxdelta.com/products/st2.htm 73 de Tony ZL3HAM >Message: 18 >Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:20:10 -0500 >From: "Bill Gillenwater" <k3sv(a)pa.net> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500 >To: "AmsatBBS" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <5E846EAFD8F649CCAAB7DDDDFD2B51A8@billpc> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >OK, a newbee question about interfacing rotors. I have a Yaesu 5500 >and I run PCSat32. What do I need between the rotor and the >computer? I would like a few options. Do I need the Yaesu 232 >interface box or will a generic box do the job. If a generic box >will work, which are the best for satellite work with PCSat32? > >Tnx 73 Bill K3SV

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Remote Lan/Wan Rig Display
by Stefano Simonetti 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hi to all, I use my rig 5km far from its installation using a 2.4GHz wireless Lan "bridge". I have two computers one in each location running Ham Radio Deluxe server/client. Audio is transferred via two voip lan phisycal phone, that direct calls each other or via a voip PBX (another small pc) on my lan. Rotator is controlled via hrd rotator module that connects to a virtual serial port over the lan connected via a lan to serial converter to a homebrewed LVB tracker (remote site). The aim would be to try to eliminate the computers to control the rig. The remote rig is TS2000 and the things would be done if I would purchase the RC2000 display that connects to the serial port. But I would like to investigate, before to try myself, if some one have ever deal with that, to make a rig controller via serial link (that is easy to bridge over the lan), using the built in protocol. any idea? 73 de IW1RDZ-Steve

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VUCC QSO costs
by Jeff Yanko 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hi all, I was just looking over the VUCC award application and noticed that they now charge 20 cents per QSO. Is this fee only applicable if cards are sent to HQ for submission or in general even if you take them to a card checker? Thanks in advance! 73, Jeff WB3JFS

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AO-7
by Bob- W7LRD 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hello Check out the log for AO-7 http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php you will notice how much activity it gets from our European friends, as compared with the U.S. From many parts of the U.S some good DX can be had. Even from way over here in Seattle I can work a "piece" of Europe. Given the age of AO-7 I consider every QSO a gift. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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Re: TS-2000 Questions!
by K5OE 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Stu, >*I have received & have set up the Kenwood TS-200 >& have a little problem, the initials "TNC" on the >digitial display indicatethe the internal "TNC" is >on \, & was wondering how dow I turn off the Internal "TNC"? You determine whether you want the TNC "assigned" to the MAIN transceiver or the SUB receiver: menu 46. Then turn on/off packet function: menu 55. You should see the PKT initials in the top right of the display. MAIN is normal. >Also, can listen to the Mt.B eacon "97" repeater, >but can't get the offset to work! Set repeater offset on: menu 43 (no indication on the display). Also, don't forget to set a tone, if needed (TONE button & FUNC+TONE button). >All help greatly apprieated! 73,.Stu (WA2BSS) In the future this will work by bluetooth and voice command, just like the Ford/Microsoft Sync in my truck and all you will have to do is say to your TS-2020, "97 repeater" and it will know all the other settings :-) 73, Jerry, K5OE ... and to continue the recent bragging: VUCC Satellite #88 WAS Oscar #276 DXCC Satellite #286

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UO-11 Decode with mixw look
by CA3SOC Raul Romero 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Tnx Web JE9PEL http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/uo11mixw.htm Raul Romero 9-7190753 ce3soc(a)gmail.com

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LVB Tracker
by John Papay 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

There have been a lot of great comments about the LVB Tracker. I will add one that hasn't been made. I used the LVB Tracker, assembled by WB8CXO, on my Satellite Grid Expedition around Lake Superior in August 2010. It drove a G5400b rotor on a tripod mounted in the bed of my F150. The rotor which supplies power to the LVB tracker through the DIN plug in the rotor control box was powered by an AC inverter. That inverter was powered on/off hundreds of times during the 5000 mile trek, on paved and on dirt/gravel roads. I had calibrated the LVB Tracker before we left and I never had to re-calibrate it during the entire trip. It worked flawlessly under the most demanding conditions. You don't want to be fiddling with your equipment when you are on an expedition. There is enough going on that demands your attention without having to make adjustments. SatPC32 worked every time and the rotor never missed a beat. A few hundred operators have some pretty rare grids confirmed thanks to these great products (and my XYL W8ZJB for letting me work the birds during our 5 week vacation). Both SatPC32 and the LVB Tracker are sold by AMSAT. Buying them helps AMSAT and gives the buyer bulletproof software and hardware so you can concentrate on operating. When you purchase them it's a win-win situation. 73, John K8YSE

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Re: LOTW
by k6yk 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Got a bunch from you Patrick! I have over 4000 QSO's uploaded to LOTW for satellite. Less than 100 confirmations so far, but some are coming in each day. And only 11 countries confirmed out of about 86 worked! Even the 6 meter stuff is disappointing! There are a lot of 6 meter DXCC QSO's being made every year, and so far about only 10 or 12 confirmed on 6 via LOTW, and most of those I already had with real QSL's. 73, John K6YK On Sat, 22 Jan 2011 09:10:55 -0700 "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" <amsat-bb(a)wd9ewk.net> writes: > Jim, > > There is no notification if a QSO record does not > match in LOTW. You can run queries on the LOTW web page > to see which QSOs matched and those that aren't matched > with the other station, and that is it. If people > start posting that QSOs are in LOTW (or eQSL, for those > using that), then others could quickly see if there > are new QSLs. > > LOTW will happily take QSO records that have the proper > information and signed by the TQSL program - even if > none of the QSO records are a match with anyone else. > Hopefully you will see more QSLs from me in LOTW soon. > > 73! > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > > On 1/22/11, Jim Bennett <jlb3nn(a)bellsouth.net> wrote: > > I have been using LOTW and eQSL for over a year now. And it > appears some > > are just entering their contacts now since it supports VUCC. I > enter my > > contacts manually and sometimes I make a mistake when transferring > from > > paper to electronic. So if anyone gets a rejection of my call, > don't > > hesitate to drop me an email. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jim > > > > KE4KOL > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > ____________________________________________________________ Globe Life Insurance $1* Buys $50,000 Life Insurance. Adults or Children. No Medical Exam. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d3b1b5a43a1adca8c2st01vuc

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Re: TS-2000 Questions!
by PA3GUO 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hi Stu, Congratulations on your Kenwood TS2000 ! Being an owner myself for almost 10 years, I know you are gonna love it. Now, since it has such an awfull lot of features, you will have many, many more questions. My recommendation is to sign up for Yahoo groups - friendly people that will help you out ! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KenwoodTS-2000/ -- Henk, PA3GUO

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Re: VUCC card cost
by k6yk 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

I Believe that is true. Seems like it cost me about $13 last time I sent for an endorsement. Mine are all done with real cards (So far!). The last endorsement was about 450 cards! Many little stickers! 73, John K6YK Sat VUCC #10 On Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:19:18 +0000 (UTC) wa4hfn(a)comcast.net writes: > Looks like the volunteer card counter does all the work for FREE and > the ARRL gets the spoils > WA4hfn > _______________________________________________ > 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 > ____________________________________________________________ Globe Life Insurance $1* Buys $50,000 Life Insurance. Adults or Children. No Medical Exam. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d3b18205b56dd3b74est06vuc

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Re: Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500
by Bob- W7LRD 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hi Dave et al Another advantage with the LVB tracker is all the $$$ goes to AMSAT (satellites ain't cheap). Good support can be had from Gould and Scott (he builds them), as well as many satisfied users. 73 Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Webb KB1PVH" <kb1pvh(a)gmail.com> To: "Bill Gillenwater" <k3sv(a)pa.net> Cc: "AmsatBBS" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2011 9:08:09 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500 I'm using the ERC-R, it's a little cheaper than the LVB Tracker, and I had it at my door in a week. http://www.schmidt-alba.de/English/english.html Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Jan 22, 2011 11:04 AM, "Bill Gillenwater" <k3sv(a)pa.net> wrote: > OK, a newbee question about interfacing rotors. I have a Yaesu 5500 and I run PCSat32. What do I need between the rotor and the computer? I would like a few options. Do I need the Yaesu 232 interface box or will a generic box do the job. If a generic box will work, which are the best for satellite work with PCSat32? > > Tnx 73 Bill K3SV > _______________________________________________ > 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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ARRL VUCC
by Jim Adams 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Got my ARRL VUCC Satellite #209 today. Nice large certificate too. Woo hoo! Jim Adams - K0BAM Ridgway, Colorado

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LOTW
by Jim Bennett 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

I have been using LOTW and eQSL for over a year now. And it appears some are just entering their contacts now since it supports VUCC. I enter my contacts manually and sometimes I make a mistake when transferring from paper to electronic. So if anyone gets a rejection of my call, don't hesitate to drop me an email. Jim KE4KOL

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VUCC card cost
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Looks like the volunteer card counter does all the work for FREE and the ARRL gets the spoils WA4hfn

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WiSP DDE Doppler correction in SPLIT mode, TS-2000
by sq7dqx＠poczta.onet.pl 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hallo I found possibility of Doppler correction in TS 2000 split mode. Very usefull during ISS/ARISS contacts. Here is short description: http://www.enduro.idl.pl/TS_2000_soft/ts2000.htm Matt SQ7DQX

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nanosail over Europe, aftenoon - no receive
by Matt 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hallo Did anybody received NANOSAIL over Europe today aftenoon? Maybe my 70cm receiving set up has poor sensitivity. SQ7DQX

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VUCC Sat
by mlolmsted＠fuse.net 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Congrats. from #124 Merle, AA4QE

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ISS ground digi
by Andrew Rich 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Perhaps one of the smart guys that make TNC"s from uP can include some search and replace code in the digi path ? Add another option "Satellite SGATE DIGI" Search for "SGATE" replace with "WIDE2-1" or preserve the "SGATE" as well. Maybe a satellite "robot" can be made like I did years ago with a PIC chip It listened for "SGATE" to come in on the serial line , (ie satellite in range) and the TX for 10 minutes every minute then went back to sleep. Maybe we need to launch a satellite that "triggers" ground stations, and then relays the list ? The ground unit could be considered a "transponder" itself. Maybe the sat could have some smarts and "POLL" heard ground stations ? Maybe the ground transponders could have a "lock" light. I see the ground device as being a simple radio and a uP style TNC Just a few ideas. The best satellite I liked was dove i thnk its was ? Just straight packet down ? What would be cool is a satellite that sends it position LAT and LON. Andrew VK4TEC ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Rich To: TAPR APRS Mailing List Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2011 9:06 AM Subject: Re: [aprssig] ISS ground digi I was hoping to get get away with a solar remote site DIGI_NED needs a PC ? ----- Original Message ----- From: Ray Wells To: aprssig(a)tapr.org Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2011 8:47 AM Subject: Re: [aprssig] ISS ground digi Andrew, Have you looked at DigiNed? It has great flexibility. Ray vk2tv On 22/01/11 09:40, Andrew Rich wrote: Hello I need a hand I would like to onwards digi the ISS beacons and also beacon via ISS But I would like to do it via a DIGI and it MAY be on another frequency. I can work out the frequency bit, thats fine. It the downlink path I am having issues working out. ISS only have SGATE How do you make the "go further" than just "SGATE" How can you turn RS0ISS-4>CQ,SGATE:>ARISS - International Space Station (BBS/APRS on) into RS0ISS-4>CQ,SGATE,<another digi>, <another digi>:>ARISS - International Space Station (BBS/APRS on) Perhaps a simple cross band VF repeater might be the trick ? Get around the packet path issues ? - Andrew - _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)tapr.org https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)tapr.org https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)tapr.org https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

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WiSP DDE Doppler correction in SPLIT mode, TS-2000
by sq7dqx＠poczta.onet.pl 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Hallo I found possibility of Doppler correction in TS 2000 split mode. Very usefull during ISS/ARISS contacts. Here is short description: http://www.enduro.idl.pl/TS_2000_soft/ts2000.htm Matt SQ7DQX

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Re: ARRL VUCC
by Loren 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Congratulations Jim. Keep up the good work! 73 Loren k7cwq

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Re: restating LOTW question *** HO-68?
by Bill Dzurilla 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

Never mind, LOTW already works with HO-68, just needed to update my config.tq6 file. Thanks to all who replied. 73, Bill --- On Fri, 1/21/11, Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > From: Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: restating LOTW question *** HO-68? > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Friday, January 21, 2011, 3:19 PM > And what about HO-68? I also > asked a year ago and got the same answer that Joe did. > But it still seems impossible to upload HO-68 QSOs to LOTW, > comes back as "Invalid". > > 73, Bill NZ5N >

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Video: very low bitrate digital voice communications
by Bruce Robertson 22 Jan '11

22 Jan '11

I'm sure many of you are very interested in the current state of Codec2, the open-source, low-bitrate voice codec that is being led by David Rowe VK5DGR. If so, I'd like to draw your attention to the following video that ZL3IN and I made over the past weekend, which comprises the actual audio of our first meeting over the Internet, using codec2 bitstreams. I hope you'll agree that this alpha-level software is very usable right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k-nhHE6CrI Our conversation was conducted using a bash script that I wrote to provide simple codec2 voice communication over the Internet. Since October, I've been spending what would normally be my ham time working on that, or trying to help improve the c2 performance on low-power CPUs. Codec2 could be very important to AMSAT's future. Running currently at 2500 bps, and aiming for 2400 bps with FEC, it could make satellite voice communication comprise a smaller bandwidth, offering less demanding downlink systems. Because it is open source, the codec could even be implemented in the satellite, perhaps to provide voice-encoded telemetry for a FUNcube-like project of the future. The Codec2 site is http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?page_id=452 The source files of my conversation with ZL3IN, and many ancillary c2 materials are available on my blog: http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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