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

Re: Antenna Analyzer
by Tom Clark 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

In addition to the other alternatives described by WA4SCA, Let me also suggest another nice VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) -- the Mini-VNA and Mini-VNA PRO made in Europe and available in the US from http://www.w4rt.com/ and Gigaparts (http://www.gigaparts.com/gpsales/1002/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZW4-MINI… <http://www.gigaparts.com/gpsales/1002/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZW4-MINI…> and http://www.gigaparts.com/gpsales/1002/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZW4-MINI… <http://www.gigaparts.com/gpsales/1002/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZW4-MINI…>). I got my Mini-VNA PRO last year at Dayton from W4RT and I find it to be a most interesting widget. It is a full 2-port VNA covering the entire 0.1-200 MHz range. It is intended to be used with a Windoze computer (my Lenovo Netbook is more than adequate) and normally connects via USB. The USB port provides DC power, either to run the unit or to charge its internal LiPO battery. It is battery powered and can also interface via a wireless Bluetooth serial port. One nifty thing here -- you can put the entire VNA at the feedpoint of an antenna (very useful with an HF wire), hoist it into the air and measure the intrinsic feedpoint impedance with NO cables attached, making all measurements using the wireless Bluetooth connection. Another useful additional function is that the PRO has two independent DDS generators, one associated with each port. They can be programmed to use as separate programmable test oscillators. The Mini-VNA and PRO are of German origin and marketed by Wimo: http://www.wimo.com/cgi-bin/verteiler.pl?url=instrumentation_e.html&p=miniv… <http://www.wimo.com/cgi-bin/verteiler.pl?url=instrumentation_e.html&p=miniv…>. There is a nice writeup on the original Mini-VNA in the British magazine Practical Wireless (http://www.wimo.com/download/testreport_minivna_practical_wireless-dec-07.p…) that describes use of the VNA. 73, Tom K3IO

1 0

Re: Antenna Analyzer
by i8cvs 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Hi Art, KC6UQH If you are satisfied with an antenna VSWR in the order of 1.5 : 1 then you don't need an antenna analyser but only a VSWR meter. An antenna analyser must be able to measure with accuracy the real part and the imaginary part of the impedance i.e. the resistive and the reactive part of the impedance Z = R +/- jX For example the same antenna VSWR of 1.5 : 1 can be obtained with an antenna impedance having the following values and all of them are laying over the same VSWR circle of the Smith Chart Z1 = 38+j13 ohm Z2 = 66+j16 ohm Z3 = 58- j20 ohm Z4 = 34- j0 ohm Since the same VSWR can be found over a VSWR circle then the values of the impedance giving the same VSWR are infinite values. The MFJ-269 analyser make acceptable R +/-jX measurements only up to 30 MHz but fail to measure accurate resistive and reactive part of the impedance above 30 MHz and in other words it is not a respectable antenna analyser. Why to wast money to buy an antenna analyser to measure wrong values of Z= R+/- jX if been happy with only the value of the VSWR you need only a VSWR meter ? 73" de i8CVS Domenico > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Art McBride" <kc6uqh(a)cox.net> > To: "'i8cvs'" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>; "'Pete Rowe'" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com>; > "'AMSAT BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "'Howard Kowall'" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 7:38 PM > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > > Domenico, > > For most Amateur Radio work a VSWR of 1.5:1 is adequate. I personally have > never expected MFJ products to be in the League of Anristu, HP and Rohde > and Swartz. > MFJ is a yard stick, the others are a micrometers > Art, > KC6UQH > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of i8cvs > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 9:41 AM > To: Pete Rowe; AMSAT BB; Howard Kowall > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > Hi Pete, WA6WOA > > I do not recommend the MFJ-269 antenna analyser because it is very > inaccurate particularly on 435 MHz > I have compared the MFJ-269 with several professional network analysers > and I have found that at most the MFJ is usable up to 30 MHz maximum > because above 30 MHz the inaccuracy on the real part and the imaginary > part of the impedance reading becomes absolutely unacceptable. > > My MFJ-269 was purchased as new but connecting to it a professional > 50 ohm termination good up to 12 GHz the VSWR shown at 435 MHz > was 1.1 > > I have sent back my MFJ to the factory for inspecting and calibration but > I belive that the above instrument was a very bad affair for me and will > be a bad affair for all that intend to use the analyser above 30 MHz. > > Be happy with your MFJ-269 even if dreaming while sleeping I am sure that > my message made you suspect a wrong real part and a wrong imaginary part > on your impedance reading ! > > Best 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Pete Rowe" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com> > > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "Howard Kowall" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 4:45 PM > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > > > > > Hi Howard > > I wouldn't be without my MFJ-269 analyzer. It is very accurate and a > > handy size. Highly recommended. (no, I don't own stock in MFJ) > > One word of caution: mine (and maybe there is something wrong with mine) > > draws some power from the batteries with the power switch OFF. So I take > > one of the batteries out when not in use. > > > > 73, > > Pete > > WA6WOA > > > > --- On Sun, 3/6/11, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> wrote: > > > > From: Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Analyzer > > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 6:16 AM > > > > Hello to everyone > > I am seriously thinking about buying an antenna analyzer,I build enough > > antennas to justify buying one.I enjoy building HF,VHF,UHF antennas of > > all flavors.The standard swr bridge is just not cutting it anymore.So I > > guess what I am looking for is one that will do 3mhz to 500mhz,nice to > > have computer interface but not a priority.I have seen a few on the > > internet but its nice to get some user input,rather then the sales > > pitches. > > Thanks to all who read and reply in advance > > Howard > > VE4ISP > > _______________________________________________ > > 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

Antenna Analyzer
by Howard Kowall 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Hello to everyone I am seriously thinking about buying an antenna analyzer,I build enough antennas to justify buying one.I enjoy building HF,VHF,UHF antennas of all flavors.The standard swr bridge is just not cutting it anymore.So I guess what I am looking for is one that will do 3mhz to 500mhz,nice to have computer interface but not a priority.I have seen a few on the internet but its nice to get some user input,rather then the sales pitches. Thanks to all who read and reply in advance Howard VE4ISP

4 7

Sat Programs for IPAQ ?
by Ted 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

I just ran across our 'retired' IPAQ Pocket PC (how far we have come, right?.) Anyway, is anyone aware of any programs that might work on this thing to at least display a sat track. I thought it might be useful if it were nailed to my Arrow or at least in a shirt pocket.. Any help appreciated Ted, K7TRK

1 0

Re: Antenna Analyzer
by Clint Bradford 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

First, befriend a Motorola technician at your local Moto dealership - if you haven't already. And you really have two price-point options: about US$400 for an MFJ-269, or a true piece of bench service gear at about US$5000. If you get an MFJ-269, "use" your contact with a real service tech to "compare" results. There was an issue with QC on the MFJ-269 (SOURCE: Personal experience, as I sold them for a couple of years). So - if you get a good one - or one with consistent results, you'll really enjoy it. Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666

3 2

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 6, Issue 142
by Louis McFadin 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

Try an AEA VIA Echo. A lot more than the MFJ but worth it. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 6, 2011, at 15:00, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: AO-51 and L/U PacSat BBS Mode (Mark L. Hammond) > 2. Re: Antenna Analyzer (Pete Rowe) > 3. AO7 on Mode A (John Geiger) > 4. SATPC32 ISS Showing weird operation (Marc Tessier - VE3TES) > 5. Re: Antenna Analyzer (i8cvs) > 6. Re: Antenna Analyzer (Art McBride) > 7. Re: Antenna Analyzer (Pete Rowe) > 8. Re: SATPC32 ISS Showing weird operation (Alan P. Biddle) > 9. Re: SATPC32 ISS Showing weird operation (Greg D.) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:08:14 -0500 > From: "Mark L. Hammond" <marklhammond(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 and L/U PacSat BBS Mode > To: "Bob Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu>, <APBIDDLE(a)mailaps.org>, > "'Vincenzo Mone'" <vimone(a)alice.it>, "'Amsat - BBs'" > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <Fr8H1g00156cfur05r8HJ4(a)gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > You can guess my answer... > > Yes :) > > We make every attempt to keep the digipeater ON when the BBS is on. In fact, I think the default from a full reload of the satellite is DIGI ON. > > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > At 09:30 AM 3/6/2011 -0500, Bob Bruninga wrote: >> You can guess my question... >> Is UI digipeat enabled? >> >>> It is definitely harder to access on the L uplink >>> than on the rarely used V uplink, but it does work. >> >> Bob, WB4APR >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 07:45:06 -0800 (PST) > From: Pete Rowe <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Message-ID: <934887.34524.qm(a)web161211.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Hi Howard > I wouldn't be without my MFJ-269 analyzer.? It is very accurate and a handy size.? Highly recommended. (no, I don't own stock in MFJ) > One word of caution: mine (and maybe there is something wrong with mine) draws some power from the batteries with the power switch OFF. So I take one of the batteries out when not in use. > > 73, > Pete > WA6WOA > > --- On Sun, 3/6/11, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> wrote: > > From: Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Analyzer > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 6:16 AM > > Hello to everyone > I am seriously thinking about buying an antenna analyzer,I build enough antennas to justify buying one.I enjoy building HF,VHF,UHF antennas of all flavors.The standard swr bridge is just not cutting it anymore.So I guess what I am looking for is one that will do 3mhz to 500mhz,nice to have computer interface but not a priority.I have seen a few on the internet but its nice to get some user input,rather then the sales pitches. > Thanks to all who read and reply in advance > Howard > VE4ISP > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 16:09:50 -0000 > From: "John Geiger" <aa5jg(a)fidmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO7 on Mode A > To: "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <0F53FE515CD94CF4B09A0FBA80DCE95D@acer61a4596bd3> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Has there been much activity on Mode A recently? > > 73s John AA5JG > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 12:21:24 -0500 > From: "Marc Tessier - VE3TES" <ve3tes(a)cogeco.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 ISS Showing weird operation > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <76D433D9E1B9470F923E1374E863F790@ve3tespag9ezp9> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hello group, after finally getting my SSB part of the station fully operational, I then moved on to getting my packet operations up and running , and with great success, one wee problem, I have noticed this when tracking the ISS, I am able to still digipeat off the station even long after it is supposed to be beyond the horizon according to my Satpc32 ISS software. My keps are up to date via the Satpc32 software, is there a error due to the large amount of mass now docked on the ISS? or have the keps not be uploaded in a timely fashion to the server I get my keps from?... > > Run down of my operation conditions here are as follows... > > Radio - Kenwood TS2000 > Software SATPC32 + Satpc32 ISS > PC - Dell P4 2.4Ghz CPU with internet connection > > Is there another method of getting my keps to show more accurate tracking of this big bird?... > > Regards, > > Marc Tessier - VE3TES > ve3tes(a)cogeco.ca > Grid FN25pa > > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5930 (20110306) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 18:40:56 +0100 > From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > To: "Pete Rowe" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com>, "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, > "Howard Kowall" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Message-ID: <000001cbdc25$e41875a0$0401a8c0@b3o7f1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hi Pete, WA6WOA > > I do not recommend the MFJ-269 antenna analyser because it is very > inaccurate particularly on 435 MHz > I have compared the MFJ-269 with several professional network analysers and > I have found that at most the MFJ is usable up to 30 MHz maximum because > above 30 MHz the inaccuracy on the real part and the imaginary part of the > impedance reading becomes absolutely unacceptable. > > My MFJ-269 was purchased as new but connecting to it a professional > 50 ohm termination good up to 12 GHz the VSWR shown at 435 MHz > was 1.1 > > I have sent back my MFJ to the factory for inspecting and calibration but I > belive that the above instrument was a very bad affair for me and will be a > bad affair for all that intend to use the analyser above 30 MHz. > > Be happy with your MFJ-269 even if dreaming while sleeping I am sure that > my message made you suspect a wrong real part and a wrong imaginary part > on your impedance reading ! > > Best 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Pete Rowe" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com> > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "Howard Kowall" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 4:45 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > > Hi Howard > I wouldn't be without my MFJ-269 analyzer. It is very accurate and a handy > size. Highly recommended. (no, I don't own stock in MFJ) > One word of caution: mine (and maybe there is something wrong with mine) > draws some power from the batteries with the power switch OFF. So I take one > of the batteries out when not in use. > > 73, > Pete > WA6WOA > > --- On Sun, 3/6/11, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> wrote: > > From: Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Analyzer > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 6:16 AM > > Hello to everyone > I am seriously thinking about buying an antenna analyzer,I build enough > antennas to justify buying one.I enjoy building HF,VHF,UHF antennas of all > flavors.The standard swr bridge is just not cutting it anymore.So I guess > what I am looking for is one that will do 3mhz to 500mhz,nice to have > computer interface but not a priority.I have seen a few on the internet but > its nice to get some user input,rather then the sales pitches. > Thanks to all who read and reply in advance > Howard > VE4ISP > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 10:38:32 -0800 > From: "Art McBride" <kc6uqh(a)cox.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > To: "'i8cvs'" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>, "'Pete Rowe'" > <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com>, "'AMSAT BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, "'Howard > Kowall'" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Message-ID: <D4644327646E4B25BA81B47CB6463BDB@KC6UQH> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Domenico, > > For most Amateur Radio work a VSWR of 1.5:1 is adequate. I personally have > never expected MFJ products to be in the League of Anristu, HP and Rohde and > Swartz. > MFJ is a yard stick, the others are a micrometers > Art, > KC6UQH > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of i8cvs > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 9:41 AM > To: Pete Rowe; AMSAT BB; Howard Kowall > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > Hi Pete, WA6WOA > > I do not recommend the MFJ-269 antenna analyser because it is very > inaccurate particularly on 435 MHz > I have compared the MFJ-269 with several professional network analysers and > I have found that at most the MFJ is usable up to 30 MHz maximum because > above 30 MHz the inaccuracy on the real part and the imaginary part of the > impedance reading becomes absolutely unacceptable. > > My MFJ-269 was purchased as new but connecting to it a professional > 50 ohm termination good up to 12 GHz the VSWR shown at 435 MHz > was 1.1 > > I have sent back my MFJ to the factory for inspecting and calibration but I > belive that the above instrument was a very bad affair for me and will be a > bad affair for all that intend to use the analyser above 30 MHz. > > Be happy with your MFJ-269 even if dreaming while sleeping I am sure that > my message made you suspect a wrong real part and a wrong imaginary part > on your impedance reading ! > > Best 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Pete Rowe" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com> > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "Howard Kowall" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 4:45 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > > Hi Howard > I wouldn't be without my MFJ-269 analyzer. It is very accurate and a handy > size. Highly recommended. (no, I don't own stock in MFJ) > One word of caution: mine (and maybe there is something wrong with mine) > draws some power from the batteries with the power switch OFF. So I take one > of the batteries out when not in use. > > 73, > Pete > WA6WOA > > --- On Sun, 3/6/11, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> wrote: > > From: Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Analyzer > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 6:16 AM > > Hello to everyone > I am seriously thinking about buying an antenna analyzer,I build enough > antennas to justify buying one.I enjoy building HF,VHF,UHF antennas of all > flavors.The standard swr bridge is just not cutting it anymore.So I guess > what I am looking for is one that will do 3mhz to 500mhz,nice to have > computer interface but not a priority.I have seen a few on the internet but > its nice to get some user input,rather then the sales pitches. > Thanks to all who read and reply in advance > Howard > VE4ISP > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature > database 5929 (20110305) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature > database 5931 (20110306) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 10:45:27 -0800 (PST) > From: Pete Rowe <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca>, > i8cvs <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > Message-ID: <601661.85707.qm(a)web161218.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Thanks Dominico > I have also compared my unit with an HP network analyzer and have found the readings to be quite acceptable for amateur work.?? Mine reads 1.0 :1 into a precision load up to 170 MHz.? Indeed, it reads 1.1:1 at UHF and that is just fine for my measurements. Rarely do I see an antenna match less than 1.1:1. > > 73, > Pete > > > --- On Sun, 3/6/11, i8cvs <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> wrote: > > From: i8cvs <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > To: "Pete Rowe" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com>, "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, "Howard Kowall" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 9:40 AM > > Hi Pete, WA6WOA > > I do not recommend the MFJ-269 antenna analyser because it is very > inaccurate particularly on 435 MHz > I have compared the MFJ-269 with several professional network analysers and > I have found that at most the MFJ is usable up to 30 MHz maximum because > above 30 MHz the inaccuracy on the real part and the imaginary part of the > impedance reading becomes absolutely unacceptable. > > My MFJ-269 was purchased as new but connecting to it a professional > 50 ohm termination good up to 12 GHz the VSWR shown at 435 MHz > was 1.1 > > I have sent back my MFJ to the factory for inspecting? and calibration but I > belive that the above instrument was a very bad affair for me and will be a > bad affair for all that intend to use the analyser above 30 MHz. > > Be happy with your MFJ-269 even if? dreaming while sleeping I am sure that > my message made you suspect a wrong real part and a wrong imaginary part > on your impedance reading ! > > Best 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Pete Rowe" <ptrowe(a)yahoo.com> > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "Howard Kowall" <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 4:45 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer > > > Hi Howard > I wouldn't be without my MFJ-269 analyzer. It is very accurate and a handy > size. Highly recommended. (no, I don't own stock in MFJ) > One word of caution: mine (and maybe there is something wrong with mine) > draws some power from the batteries with the power switch OFF. So I take one > of the batteries out when not in use. > > 73, > Pete > WA6WOA > > --- On Sun, 3/6/11, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> wrote: > > From: Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb]? Antenna Analyzer > To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 6:16 AM > > Hello to everyone > I am seriously thinking about buying an antenna analyzer,I build enough > antennas to justify buying one.I enjoy building HF,VHF,UHF antennas of all > flavors.The standard swr bridge is just not cutting it anymore.So I guess > what I am looking for is one that will do 3mhz to 50

1 0

AO7 on Mode A
by John Geiger 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

Has there been much activity on Mode A recently? 73s John AA5JG

1 0

AO-51 and L/U PacSat BBS Mode
by Vincenzo Mone 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

Hi Folks, I am trying the bird on: 9k6 BBS and Telemetry. Does it work? With the MSPE I can just receive numbers like: B:44253341 What does it mean? I am trying to request the DIR on 1268.700 MHz, but I do not get any response. On the upper side of the MSPE program often I can read: Frames Heard from PACB-1 I am asking this because I would like to see if my system still works. Is there any other Bird that I can use the 1.2 GHz Band? Any help will be really appreciated Thanks in advance. 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 *************************************** ***** GSM +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** SMS +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** FAX +39 328 7244294 ***** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *************************************** 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ********************************** ******* GSM +39 338 9749786 ******* ****** SMS +39 338 9749786 ****** ***** FAX +39 328 7244294 ***** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *********************************

4 3

Logbook software?
by Bryan Green 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

What's the favorite logbook software for satellite work? I've asked a few prolific ops privately but am curious in public. It seems to me that the usual suspects for HF work are not adequate for the roving grid hoppers among us. The one thing it seems software could do nicely is automate the (now possible) LotW upload and reconciliation. I'm not much of a Linux desktop user, but I do use both Mac and Windows. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance, and obligatory apologies to the OTs for repeating a question. :) Bryan Green KL7CN Usually /W6 in CM98fn 408-836-7279

4 3

TS2000 and satpc
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

Has anyone experienced the TS 2000 Tone jumping to 1750Hz while using SAT PC? WA4HFN Damon

2 1