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

Desensitized Receiver Issues
by Zachary Beougher 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Hi All, I have a friend who is experiencing receiver sensitivity issues when he tries to transmit into the birds using his IC-V82 and IC-U82 and Arrow II antenna. When he transmits on 2m the 440 downlinked is wiped out. I have never had this issue before, so I don’t really know the easiest solution to it when using 2 HTs. Could someone please pass along some tips on how to resolve this issue to me, and I will forward them on to him? Thank you! Zack KD8KSN

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Fw: SATPC32
by Jack Barbera 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

need a little help.Is it possible to add addition Sats to track?Go from 12 to18 or 24.If not could it be added to the wish list? Thanks Jack WA1ZDV

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Office Closed
by Martha 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

The AMSAT office will be closed on Monday, January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. -- 73- Martha

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Re: HO-68 Not Heard
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Hi all, Thanks to Alan & Mike for the acknowledgement and update regarding HO-68 problems. Apologies to all for my spelling mistake by the way - I stated that I had checked out my equipment using "VO-53" - It should have course read as VO-52. The brain with age and my keyboard abilities have declined ! Ken Eaton GW1FKY

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HO-68 Status
by Alan Kung 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

In this week I received many reports from all over the world about faults of HO-68 telemetry beacon. After we analyzed situation of the satellite, we think that the software of payload management MPU was not running properly, the communication of onboard data bus between payload management MPU and the satellite management unit was stopped because of the software crashes. It led to the beacon problem and abnormal switch of transponder. Today we switched the satellite into safety mode at 0300Z , turn off most of onboard units, and then we re-powered up at 0440Z, the satellite was back to normal operating mode, so far the beacon operates normally. We will not upload command to the satellite for transponder operating skeds of next week, we will monitor continually in next week. Please send your report if you find any abnormal operation of HO-68. 73! Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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VUCC Satellite now supported on LOTW
by Bill Dzurilla 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Finally! Just activated this morning. Go to your LOTW account, click on Awards, and in the lower left hand corner you will see Create New VUCC Award Account. Create the account and you will immediately see your confirmed satellite (and other VHF-UHF) grids. 73, Bill NZ5N

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Shack Changes - FS IC-910H plus Accessories
by David A. B. Johnson 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Hi, I'm upgrading the shack so have an IC-910H with the following accessories for sale: CR-293 : Crystal unit UX-910 : Band Unit 2 x UT-106 : DSP units Power Cable Icom Hand Mic Original Box and Manuals CT-17 : Interface The rig is about 9 years old and is still in regular service on all modes. Shipping to the UK/Europe only. Please contact off-line 73 - Dave, G4DPZ

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Re: Desensitized Receiver Issues
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Zack, You can use a duplexer/diplexer on the 70cm side. http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/ Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Jan 14, 2011 9:53 AM, "Zachary Beougher" <zack.kd8ksn(a)hotmail.com> wrote:

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Re: Zack's Setup
by Clint Bradford 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

>> ... having a hard time with the Arrow ... stuck the duck on, and I can get into all the repeaters fine ... Check out Arrow ops on both 2M and 440 - and see if there might be a short or problem with either of the gamma matching elements. Are there any connectors or jumpers between the Arrow's leads and your equipment? If so, check their integrity. It just sounds like it's going to be a simple fix, Zack! Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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Re: VUCC & LoTW
by k6yk 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Well, it's not that easy... You need to have (at least) all the "regular" QSO info. Then you need to have the following in your ADIF: Examples: <sat_name:5>AO-27 <prop_mode:3>SAT <band_rx:4>70CM I have some (not all that many!) satellite QSO's confirmed on LOTW for the DXCC countries. I've been sending in my logs for about 5 years. 73, John, K6YK On Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:02:10 -0800 "Ted" <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> writes: > > > Boy, after playing with this on LOTW, we may need an 'owners > manual'. I > created a 'VUCC Satellite' account and uploaded my entire HRD > Logbook: > > Prior to the upload, I added a 'propagation' field to the log and > did a bulk > edit to add 'sat' to each FM contact in my log (you can choose > another field > to search, but since I don't log anything on FM other than the sats > that > works for me). > > Uploaded the log to LOTW. Nothing shows under the 'VUCC Satellite' > account. > (note: when I created just a pure VUCC account, several contacts > showed up > as FM contacts) > > So, Im guessing we need to find out which ADIF fields are necessary > in a log > upload to make the LOTW happy... > > THAT is above my pay grade, so I hope to see some good answers from > the > group when I wake up tomorrow.. > > 73, Ted, K7TRK > > FYI.from LoTW site: > > "Jan 13, 2011: VUCC award support is now live -- Under the Awards > tab you > will find a VUCC button. The VUCC <http://www.arrl.org/vucc> is > ARRL's > award recognizing VHF, UHF, and SHF work and counts Maidenhead grid > squares." > > > Is this a good thing or ??? do we need to set up anything different > in an > HRD Logbook to make this work ?? questions, questions.. > > 73, Ted K7TRK > _______________________________________________ > 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 > ____________________________________________________________ Refinance Rates at 2.8% $160,000 Mortgage $434/mo. No Hidden Fees- 3.1% APR! Get a Free Quote http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d2fb57be1d1cc2f81est02vuc

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Satpc32 one pass short
by Rodney Waln 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

hi all, i have had to reload my computer do to an HD failure :-( after everything was reloaded i got to Satpc32, i have the most recent keps jan 06 2011 loaded but one of my computers that i was running as a backup has some satellites orbits different, times are also the same just the pass numbers are different, example AO-51 pass 35385 on one and pass 34386 on the other, i would be great full for any help kc0zhf

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AO-7 Mode change
by Scott Armstrong 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Saw a post a few days ago regarding AO-7 Mode change. Today 13 Jan, 2011 the mode changed from A to B at 23:28z. Seems like it is getting later as time progresses. Last time I noted a changes was back in late Novenber at about 23:23z and in mid December at 23:25z. Scott AA5AM

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Re: HO-68 Not Heard
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

Hi all, I can report the same experience in respect of HO-68 beacon on two of the morning passes over here in the UK. Sorry I did not report it initially until I had confirmed my equipment was OK on passes of VO-53, we had lots of rain over the past two days so needed to be sure that I was not making an incorrect report. Ken Eaton GW1FKY

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(no subject)
by John Hackett 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

Friends, Unbeknown to me, my computer was compromised with a Trojan. I have now run a complete scan for viruses and Trojans. The computer is now clean. I apologise for any inconvenience caused - even though it really isn't my fault. I have *Always* had a recommended antivirus program installed. I now have Spybot installed permantently as well. It *DID* show and delete the problem. Again, my apologies for any inconvenience. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Another Youtube
by Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

Here's one. Sort of on topic. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KZrFC988Thc KB7ADL

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HO-68 Not Heard
by John Papay 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

I did not hear HO-68 on 12Jan on the afternoon North America passes. This morning 13Jan it was not heard at 1408 UTC either. The beacon appears to be off as well. Let's hope this is not a serious problem. Anyone else have the same experience? 73, John K8YSE

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Re: HO-68 Not Heard
by K5VGU Duane Vigue 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

70-80 degree pass for me today @ 1600 UTC - Nothing heard on or around the posted beacon frequency of 435.790 ( CW mode ) for the duration of this pass. 73. Duane, K5VGU Wetumpka, AL EM62wm ---------- Original Message ---------- From: John Papay <john(a)papays.com> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] HO-68 Not Heard Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:20:54 -0500 I did not hear HO-68 on 12Jan on the afternoon North America passes. This morning 13Jan it was not heard at 1408 UTC either. The beacon appears to be off as well. Let's hope this is not a serious problem. Anyone else have the same experience? 73, John K8YSE _______________________________________________ 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 ____________________________________________________________ Obama Urges Homeowners to Refinance If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Obama's Refi Program http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4d2f254b3933ad1f60st05duc

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(no subject)
by John Hackett 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

http://www.bio-nature-sans-frontieres.com/catalogue-bio//images/mywork.html

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HO-68 and SO-67 Trouble
by Giacobbe Lauser 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

So, I've been trying to use SO-67 and HO-68 for a few days now, and I have had no luck. For equipment, I've been using a Yaesu FT-60R programmed with the primary frequencies and two secondaries programmed on either side for Doppler shift. My antenna is an ELK 2m/440cm. Now, I know SO-67 has been down, but all the passes I've tried have been after that satellite was supposedly "repaired" and back on schedule. Nada. Not even quieting in the receiver. HO-68 has been a similar bust. I checked the schedule posted from Alan and highlighted the ones that were supposedly on for FM/PACSAT over NA and heard nothing. The latest pass I tried was at 17:58 UTC 89 degrees straight overhead, but still I heard nothing and it was supposed to be on. I know my receiver is working, because I checked all my programmed frequencies, and I have been able to work AO-27 and AO-51 in the past few days, and I heard the ISS Packet beacon several times as well. Now that I think of it, I haven't heard SO-50 either. Any thoughts? I've had better luck on the weaker sats with my mobile and a short whip than I have with this ELK antenna. What gives? - Jake, K3UAZ

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Re: Yaesu FT-8800
by Clint Bradford 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

Great for sat work - like Patrick mentioned. For portability, I have installed mine in an ice chest ... photos at ... ttp://tinyurl.com/cooler-radios Clint Bradford, K6LCS

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Palm Springs HamFest Jan 29
by Clint Bradford 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

The Desert Rats and Palm Springs DX Club HamFest is coming up January 29 ... and the club just released the "special edition" newsletter. AMSAT is all over the newsletter! From the front page article to the brochure of the event ... AMSAT's presence will be there! Newsletter posted at ... http://tinyurl.com/RATS-2011 Clint, K6LCS

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Re: Zack's Setup
by Clint Bradford 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

ZACK >> ... the issue was the 2m coax ... PHEW! I'll re-call my FedEx shipment to you with my Motorola test equipment ... (grin) I have learned that MANy times the SIMPLEST of things in a multi-part equation are notorious for being the culprits ... Clint, K6LCS

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TH-D7A Transmit Issues - Or Maybe Arrow Issues????
by Zachary Beougher 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

Since we are on the subject of satellite equipment, I have a question: I was on AO51 a bit ago, and I was able to get in okay at the beginning using the THD7A for transmit, but as the pass went on it was impossible for me to get in, even when there was dead silence. I tried the D7 afterward (using the Arrow like I would for a pass) on a couple local repeaters, and I was having a hard time getting into them, when usually I could hit them with a duck. I pulled the Arrow off and stuck the duck on, and I can get into all the repeaters fine. Keeping all of that in mind, I went back to the Arrow and put a THG71A on in place of the D7 (same battery that was in the D7), and I could hit the repeater okay. I put the D7 faceplate back on, and it would not work. With the above information, I am getting indications of both an issue with the radio and/or Arrow. Any ideas as to what the issue might be???? Zack KD8KSN

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Re: TH-D7A Transmit Issues - Or Maybe Arrow Issues????
by Zachary Beougher 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

I did an additional test since my last email....... I tried two different radios (D7 and G71) using the same battery and I CANNOT get into the local repeater now. I came inside the house, put the duck on, and I can hit the repeater fine. This would narrow it down to an issue with the Arrow. Does anyone have any ideas what might cause these symptoms? I have not changed anything with it. Zack KD8KSN From: Zachary Beougher Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 5:29 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: TH-D7A Transmit Issues - Or Maybe Arrow Issues???? Since we are on the subject of satellite equipment, I have a question: I was on AO51 a bit ago, and I was able to get in okay at the beginning using the THD7A for transmit, but as the pass went on it was impossible for me to get in, even when there was dead silence. I tried the D7 afterward (using the Arrow like I would for a pass) on a couple local repeaters, and I was having a hard time getting into them, when usually I could hit them with a duck. I pulled the Arrow off and stuck the duck on, and I can get into all the repeaters fine. Keeping all of that in mind, I went back to the Arrow and put a THG71A on in place of the D7 (same battery that was in the D7), and I could hit the repeater okay. I put the D7 faceplate back on, and it would not work. With the above information, I am getting indications of both an issue with the radio and/or Arrow. Any ideas as to what the issue might be???? Zack KD8KSN

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Re: Yaesu FT-8800
by Edward R. Cole 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

At 12:17 PM 1/12/2011, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: >Hi Zack! > > > I don't mean to be the odd guy on the block, but I do not like the 8800 for > > satellite work. I enjoy the full duplex function, and it is very easy to > > maneuver through the frequencies/bands using the mic, but I do not like the > > receive sensitivity. Every time I have tried to use it for > satellite work I > > feel like I fight it the entire time trying to get a strong > signal. I can't > > exactly make a very accurate judgment on it either since I have > only used it > > a few times. > >Don't apologize for posting an opinion. As you mentioned with your >TH-G71As, there can be differences between two of the same model >of radio. > >I bought two FT-8800s a year or so ago. One is in Mexico with an Elk >antenna I left down there, and the other one needs to have those knobs >replaced. The 8800 is my backup to that IC-2820H I mentioned in an >earlier post as my full-duplex FM satellite radio. The sensitivity could >be a little better, but I'm happier with it than other radios like my >DJ-G7T. I probably should send it off to Yaesu to get those knobs >replaced, and then try it again on the FM birds. > >73! > > > > >Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK >http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Just reading the mail. I wonder if anyone uses the TM-700 or TM-710 for satellite? Are they duplex? They are supposedly the mobile mate to the TH-D7 and new TH-D72. Looking at them for potential future use on both APRS and Sat as a mobile. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service

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Elk vs Arrow
by Clint Bradford 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

>> ... The Arrow does not publish any gain numbers ... >> ... ELK publishes the normal numbers you would expect ... Now, after reading previous posts the past day on this, the FIRST thing that comes t mind is whether or not the writer got his antenna as a freebie as he demeans other antenna alternatives ... AND I WISH NONE OF US HAD TO THINK LIKE THIS. Because a writer here wrote a mini-review of the Elk, and stated it was "very impressive" as compared to the Arrow. I have to tip my cap to him for his honesty - he apparently (and hopefully!) won't let "availability of freebies" sway his opinion of actual performance. But another AMSAT member is "impressed" with receiving free equipment - which is being shown to cloud the truth as to performance between competing equipment. Some think Arrow's owner is "arrogant" in that he didn't commission a formal test on the gain of his antennas. On the other hand, those of us that have used them know that they work. I had an engineer client purchase one from me back when I worked for HRO about five years ago. He was standing outside, waiting for me to open shop the next morning, carrying his Arrow to return. "This cannot possibly work," he adamantly exclaimed. "It is engineered all wrong. I want a refund." Because i had recommended the product due to me own personal experience with them, part of me wanted to professionally "challenge" him and learn more about his overnight experience with the Arrow. But seeing how determined he was about it being "engineered all wrong," I changed my thinking to, "Hey, I can purchase it myself at a "open item" discount." And I did. And it is the VERY SAME antenna I use to this day for demos and presentation. BUT - back to the last few messages. What should we all learn? Unfortunately, we now have to think "behind the scenes" when we read felow AMSAT members' product reviews. We're seeing the fact that some vendors give away products has been able to sway and taint honest reporting. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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Elk vs. Arrow - redux
by Clint Bradford 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

>> ... asked Arrow if they would give some support, they said NO ... >> ... asked ELK for a donation and they gave him an Antenna to raffle ... I'd hate to have us swayed by whether or not someone received a freebie from a manufacturer as we recommend equipment. When I give products away at shows, they are usually paid for - by me. Do I ask for "dealer cost" pricing? Sure. Do I ask for freebies from smaller concerns? Usually not. Yes, there's some "behind the scenes" spitefulness because some firms don't give away lots of products at every hamfest they're asked to. But those who are asking are, for the most part, not small business owners, nor have any clue as to what profit margins are involved nor have had the responsibility of running such a small, specialized business. And my judgement and pronouncements during presentations - and on the Web - are never "tarnished" nor clouded. I'm never put in the position of stating nor writing, "Well, I use XYZ because ABC didn't send me a sample." Anyone who knows me knows I carry my "modified" Arrow antenna with me for presentations and demos. But what did I purchase in Sam Ramon last quarter at the ARRL hamfest? An Elk (ANOTHER Elk) from Ray. I use 'em both. I prefer one over another due to my own first-hand experience the past several years with several models. No one can state that "Clint recommends this-and-that 'cause he got it free." It's rather liberating being able to be 100% honest with one's audiences. You're beholden to no one. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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ELK Antenna
by Peter Portanova 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Ron, My Pleasure, this is their site, http://www.elkantennas.com/ feel free to talk with Ray the owner and you can mention my name and that you read my posting as a result of Ham Radio University, if you have an interest. I always used an Arrow antenna, by default, until Tim, N3TL was invited to do a Satellite Forum, he asked Arrow if they would give some support, they said NO! He never used an ELK but asked them for a donation and they gave him an Antenna to raffle. He then purchased an ELK and began to do many side by side tests and the ELK was very impressive at AOS/LOS and it seemed to respond very well to the polarization changes as we twisted it. The Arrow does not publish any gain numbers on the antenna, some have come up with their own values but not official, ELK publishes the normal numbers you would expect, good luck and most of all Enjoy the Satellites, NOW, nothing is forever! 73- Pete WB2OQQ www.massapequanyweather.com http://www.qrz.com/db/WB2OQQ?

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Atlanta
by Michael Chen 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Hey, I am going to visit Atlanta and stay there for about a week. Hope to see some AMSAT folks there. Michael Chen, BD5RV/4 AMSAT-China: http://www.camsat.cn ----------------------------------- Twitter: http://twitter.com/bd5rv Email: michael.bd5rv(a)gmail.com MSN: bd5rv(a)jsdxc.org Skype: michael-bd5rv

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Fw: WB2OQQ
by Peter Portanova 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Hello, I don't use LOTW for Satellite logging, however I logged quite a few contacts, thank you, during HRU, Sunday. I would like to upload the file to LoTW however I would like to know the exact header for the adi files so the SAT contacts will be properly added to LoTW and eQSL, thank you. 73- Pete WB2OQQ www.massapequanyweather.com http://www.qrz.com/db/WB2OQQ?

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AO-51 SSB uplink
by Howie DeFelice 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

What if we tried using SSB on the uplink and FM on the downlink as an experiment sometime. If the uplink passband was left a little wide, several stations could still be intelligible at once, assuming they weren't on the exact same frequency, not to mention a cw signal or two off to the edges. The DSP between the ears can work pretty good at separating signals sometimes. Not a good mode for handheld operation but may be worth a try just to see how well it works.. Howie AB2S

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Re: Protocol
by mlolmsted＠fuse.net 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Having been a ham for over fifty years and having worked most modes of operation, including chasing DX and even satellite back in 1979, I totally agree that working AO-51 can get frustrating. However, if you think the mess on AO-51 is bad, try working a rare dx expedition sometime. Talk about pile-ups! As for protocols, I think I've read this same protocol discussion in just about every ham mag. and no one has come up with a workable solution that solved the problem. People are individuals and they tend to do what they want to do. I really wish I had a workable, amiable solution, but I don't, sorry. However, I don't recommend the Frequency Policemen idea, they generally just tend to make everyone more upset and the confusion gets even worse Now I'll get off my soap-box. Thanks, Merle, AA4QE

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SSB via satellite (was Re: Protocol)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Hi Gordon! > Because AO-51 is the most reliable satellite in terms of actually > finding and working it. SO-50 seems to be almost impossible to lift, > and the linear transponder ones require extremely expensive radios. You > can work AO-51 with an el-cheapo dual-band handie and a homebrew > antenna, and you can work /P really easily because you don't need a > rotator or satellite tracking software. SO-50 isn't impossible, but your receiver and antenna system need to be able to deal with weaker signals than you hear from other FM birds. SO-50 is transmitting at 250mW, and it gets regular workouts on passes over here. AO-51 is now running with more power on the downlink than usual, which will make the difference between it and SO-50's downlink more noticeable. PL tones are also mandatory on SO-50, to turn it on (transmit briefly with 74.4 Hz) and to talk through the satellite (67.0 Hz). > I'm not going to rush out and buy a VHF/UHF SSB rig just to work the odd > pass, especially since I've never heard anyone on the linear birds. I > don't know if VO-52 works - I've never even heard its beacon - and AO-27 > is only ever enabled over the US, making it useless for most of the > world. It would be great to attempt a QSO through AO-7 but again I'm > not going to go and buy a rig that costs as much as a car to do it. I would not characterize a Yaesu FT-817ND and Kenwood TH-F6A (outside North America, TH-F7) as "extremely expensive" radios. Sure, these two radios are more expensive than a single 2m/70cm FM HT, even more expensive than the new TH-D72A HT, but not like the prices were on all- mode 2m and 70cm gear were in years past. I regularly work the linear birds with either two FT-817NDs or one 817 and a TH-F6A receiving the downlink. With an FT-817ND, you also get a radio capable of QRP HF and 6m operation. The 817s have been in production for a decade, so you could also look at picking up a used 817 (or two) to try SSB on the birds. The 817s have a CAT control port on them, so they can be controlled with software like SatPC32. Two 817s can be controlled by SatPC32, if you are looking for an all-mode full-duplex satellite ground station with those radios. Besides an 817, you could also look at radios like the IC-706Mk2 or Mk2G, IC-7000, FT-857, FT-897, etc. You'd need a larger battery to run them than you would an 817, but all of these are capable of being used for SSB satellite work. VO-52's beacon is just a carrier on 145.936 MHz. It is on all the time, and the VO-52 downlink is easy to copy. It is a great satellite for someone interested in starting out on SSB via satellite. AO-27 is available on daylight passes over the Northern Hemisphere, not just over North America. If the web site is accurate, you can get an updated schedule for AO-27 for the upcoming 24 hours at: http://www.ao27.org/ You can also download a program that shows when AO-27 will be on for any particular date from: http://sites.google.com/site/ao27satellitescheduler/ The SSB birds are not as busy as the FM birds, but you can find activity on them. Many will work SSB with computer-controlled radios or antennas/rotator, but I - and others - do this without the benefit of computer control. It may be "old school", but with practice it is possible. If you are looking to work these birds from a portable station, that is entirely possible. I do that all the time - at hamfests, parks, from the back of my truck, with my gear laid out on the roof or trunk of a rental car, wherever I happen to be. All of my satellite station, excluding antennas and items deemed unsafe in a carry-on bag for air travel, fit in an old laptop bag. The antenna and other stuff go in a duffel bag that gets checked for air travel. You don't get the numbers of QSOs on an SSB bird that you might on AO-51, but I have fun with it. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Yaesu FT 8800
by waf3153＠aol.com 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Does anyone on the reflector have any experience with? the Yaesu FT8800 for satellite operation?? Any information will be appreciated. Thanks ,?Buff WB2SIH FN31DD

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 6, Issue 19
by Mike Rupprecht (mobil) 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Llll/oopppptrttpoo ----- Ursprüngliche Nachricht ----- Von: John Elliott <jaellio(a)gmail.com> Gesendet: Mittwoch, 12. Januar 2011 07:52 An: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Betreff: [amsat-bb] Reooo: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 6, Issue 1o9 ip If anyone is using HRD with y-R controller to a Yaesu 5500 rotator. Can they contact me direct at jaellio(a)gmail.com and assist me to get minett working ??. Regards John Elliott VK3CVF _______________________________________________ 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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IR3UEF D-Star repeater 145.800 (!)
by f6htj＠aol.com 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Oh, I forgot that one: http://www.jfindu.net/dstarlh.aspx?rptr=IR3UEF 73 de Michel F6HTJ

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programming an ID800 to work the FM birds
by Ray T. Mahorney 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

is there an easy way to do this short of programming the up and down link frequencies into separate memory channels? in other words can the radio handle a split that broad on one memory channel? Ray T. Mahorney WA4WGA

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I: Re: IR3UEF D-Star repeater 145.800 (!)
by Francesco Grappi 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

...And about others still active ? 73" Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] Per conto di Alain De Carolis Inviato: martedì 11 gennaio 2011 18.35 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Cc: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Re: IR3UEF D-Star repeater 145.800 (!) Good news: the repeater on 145.800 has been deactivated http://www.issfanclub.com/node/30266 I would like to publicly praise ARI for this wise decision 73's Alain IZ6BYY/WW3WW _______________________________________________ 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: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 6, Issue 19
by John Elliott 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

If anyone is using HRD with ERC-R controller to a Yaesu 5500 rotator. Can they contact me direct at jaellio(a)gmail.com and assist me to get mine working ??. Regards John Elliott VK3CVF

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Re: Ao51 Protocol ?
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Domenico, I8CVS said: "To solve the above problem the only way is to use satellites with linear transponder like VO-52. OSCAR-7 and FO-29 with several QSO on CW and SSB at the same time without QRM in the same passband." ------------------------- These multiple QSOs at the same time can also be full duplex. 73, Mike Williams, K9QHO

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Re: SASI Satellite Tracker Software
by Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

At 04:48 PM 1/10/2011 -0500, wb2llp(a)optonline.net wrote: >Vince, > >Is there further information, and possibily the code available for SASI? >Now we have to resurrect FODTRACK. > >73 de WB2LLP All I know is IntantTrack worked with the Kansas city Tracker and the TSR for SASI uses that to communicate, but through the parallel port. Someone here must know the KC tracker protocol. Not sure about how the TSR communicates with the SASI hardware, and I've never looked inside it. Probably a couple of memory locations to store the AZ & EL locations from an A to D converter, and some way to send commands to control left right up & down. KB7ADL

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SAT Protocol
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

WHY NOT TELL THE BAD OPERATOR WHAT THEY ARE DOING WRONG MEMTOR THEM , TEACH THEM HOW TO OPERATE. EVERYONE IS RUNNING AROUND THE PROBLEM. TELLEM HOW TO ........ The 1000 and 5000 contact thing is a big part of the problem. Maybe the AMSAT floks need to address it first ! I have made calls to stations that I needed for a new grid contact only to hear someone jump on and call someone for another THANKS FOR THE CONTACT. That sucks and is a problem. We can work SSB birds and should but the FM birds is where we need to clean up. Its our job to tell the bad op, so lets start telling them PLEASE no more comments on the subject TAKE ACTION send them an email or send them a note in the mail and be nice about it. WA4HFN

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Humor or is it
by Howard Kowall 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7kirdtdI1c Just a little Vid I cam across concerning ham radio is it humor or not Howard VE4ISP

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Mode-S uplinks
by Edward R. Cole 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

In the process of re-building my wind-damaged satellite antenna array and got thinking about the mode-S sats. I will be installing a 8dBic (RHCP) patch antenna (bought from L-Com) and have two different Drake downconverters to chose from depending on what the uplink band is. I am guessing that AO-51 is the only S-band sat available, currently. I have 435 and 123 MHz IF's for S-band converters depending on whether the uplink is VHF or UHF, respectively. So the question is whether mode-US or mode-VS is the norm on AO-51. I can install both downconverters with a coax switch and run two IF coax lines, but it would be simpler to have only one. Especially, since installation is at a current +3F temperature. I am installing a downsized array from what I had up: using 2/3 of my 436CP42 which I call my "436CP26", a M2-2m7 yagi, and the patch. I am not re-installing the 33-inch S-band dish or the 1268 loop-yagi this winter. The dish was probably what caused the support mast to bend over (65mph winds get some credit). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service

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Sat protocol
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Maybe now would be a good time for someone to write an artical for QST on how to work the birds! Perhaps send an email to the new satellite ops explaining to them proper way ( BE A MENTOR ) Something needs to be done thats for sure WA4HFN Damon em55

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FS Kuhne 23Cm 0.7 dB, 35 dB gain preamp
by David A. B. Johnson 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Hi, Never been used. MKU LNA 232 A2 Selective preamplifier, NF typ. 0.7 dB, Gain >35 dB, incl. 23cm notch (1250 MHz notch) N-Type connectors Please contact off-line for details. 73 - Dave, G4DPZ

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GO-32
by jerry 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Thanks Mike ( DK3WN ) Recieved this this afternoon . I think I can safetly say it is GO-32 . Guess I need the software to decode it when it comes over .My station is not much , surprised I get this much . I use UISS set at 9600bps to capture the signal . Thanks again . Jerry WB5LHD GO-32-------01/10/2011 Fm VLK-12 To -11 <I R0 S0 pid=0 [DAMA] [EAX25]>[17:56:59]

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Re: WB2OQQ @ HAM RADIO UNIVERSITY TOMORROW
by Peter Portanova 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Mark, I too am glad we connected today on HRU's W2V special event call, exchanging grids with you could not have been planned any better. I had 65 "satellite students" in my presentation today and 17 braved the 22 degree wind chill for the passes. I then explained to them who N8MH is and just happened to bring with me some of your detailed and educational details, of the last few days, on how you and the other command team members are managing AO-51 during the eclipses, they were thrilled with that information. and now want your autograph! Thank you Mark for helping me make my time at HRU good for AMSAT! 73- Pete WB2OQQ www.massapequanyweather.com http://www.qrz.com/db/WB2OQQ?

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Re: satellite protocol and HO-68
by Tom Schuessler 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Hello all, Been doing the FM satellite passes now for 7 months and have been reading the thread on satellite operating protocol that has been making the rounds the last day with interest. I have a thought worth mulling over I think, especially as we attempt to attract more hams to our niche of the hobby. My comment about satellite protocol has to do with how HO-68 is used when in the FM/PACSAT mode. The power level competition between the FM folks and the packet folks make for a very challenging environment for most operators, especially the handheld guys like me. The packet folks have a right as do the FM folks and I am sure there is as much frustration amongst Packet satellite operators as is experienced by the average FMer. If I had the resources to do SSB/CW I would gladly be using that mode when it comes around on HO-68 but that is not in the financial game plan for now. Don't get me wrong, I am much appreciative of the China AMSAT folks for championing a very serviceable bird for all to use. I just wonder, especially for us in NA, if we could work out some sort of gentlemen's agreement that would help mitigate some of the competition on FM/PACSAT weeks. Maybe since CA AMSAT seems to in general work a week of SSB and then a week of FM, we could work it so that in a given month, the first weeks non SSB passes would be strictly FM voice and then the second non-SSB week would be purely Packet. This would take some definite spreading of the word through this and other media and would also take some level of discipline by the two sides to maintain the lines of demarcation. Such an effort though would probably go a long way to make an "Easysat" much more enjoyable for all. What you all think? Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5hyp(a)arrl.net

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AO-51
by Carl Rimmer 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

I have to agree with the others regarding the mis-use of AO-51. I don't get on there every pass but the other day was ridiculous. I thought it was CH19. There is absolutely no respect. Another gripe I have are those who work every pass and contact the same people each pass. That makes it very crowded. I would suggest listening for new calls and grid squares. As the satellites get more and more publicity, new people will be coming on board. Perhaps there operating skills are not as good as yours, but they have a right to make contacts. Check your log books and if you have worked someone, give another person a chance to work them. There were several new calls for me the other day but it was so bad that I just shut it down. Is ham radio joining the ranks of the general populous and losing our civility? It sure seems like it. 73, W8KRF

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