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

ARISSat-1 - Battery Failure
by Clint Bradford 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

RadioSkaf's Alexander, RA3WOK, just wrote me that they do, indeed, suspect battery failure of the ARISSat-1. Investigation and plans for deployment continue. "According to preliminary information the problem is a failure of the battery ... " "In the near future, batteries will be on Earth. It cannot be kept on the ISS." "The situation will improve in June and July, when scheduled launching of ARISSat-1." Clint, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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TW4000 modifications
by John Geiger 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

Here is a question about a blast from the past. Can a Kenwood TW4000 be modified to receive from 430-440mhz to cover the satellite portion of the band? 73s John AA5JG

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Re: K5OE QRV Caribbean MM 11-April to 16-April
by K5OE 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

That was good fun, making over 200 contacts from wet grids. It was a little frustrating that I couldn't control the ship and I was sometimes in grid locations I didn't predict :-) I missed most of the late-night SO-50 and early-morning AO-51 passes due to the need to sleep and I typically only had AO-27 for about 5 minutes. The detox starts today and I am off alcohol and red meat for a few days. Contacts were made in: EL28, EL36, EL35, EL34, EL44, EL43, EL51, EL52, EL62, EL60, EL54, EL55, EL45, EL46, EL47, EL37, & EL29. Again, no QSLs are needed: just send me an email request (k5oe at amsat dot org) with your QSO date/time (and mailing info) and I will confirm my log and send you a QSL. Please wait until 18 April to send requests for a QSL card and give me a few weeks to get them made and mailed out. If you want LoTW, I am happy to oblige, but no promises on how long it will be before I get around to updating the file(s) and you need to tell me exactly how you coded the contact (I find very few succesful satellite QSLs using LoTW). 73, Jerry, K5OE --- original message -- Subject: [amsat-bb] K5OE QRV Caribbean MM 11-April to 16-April From: K5OE <k5oe@xxxxxxx> Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 11:07:11 -0400 (EDT) I will be QRV aboard the Carnival Ecstasy from late on 11-Apri-2011 till early on 16 April-2011 (CDT). This is a family holiday (10 of us), but I will work as many FM satellite passes as our hectic schedule allows. This trip crosses grids between Galveston and Yucatan/Cozumel and I expect to be the most active on 12 April and 15 April (days at sea). Per IARP rules I will be signing HP/K5OE/MM while at sea and XE/K5OE/P while in Mexico. No QSLs are needed: just send me an email request (k5oe at amsat dot org) with your QSO date/time and Iâ€™ll confirm and send a QSL. Please wait until 18 April to send requests for a QSL card. Special thanks, again, to Allen, N5AFV, for his excellent, detailed how-to guides (http://www.qsl.net/n5afv/cruise.html) and to the AO-51 command team for leaving AO-51 in mode V/U. 73, Jerry, K5OE

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satellite average elevation
by Bob- W7LRD 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

I saw on this bb a site or note that shows the overall average elevatation. As I remember it elevation is surprisingly low for most passes. Where can I find it? 73 Bob W7LRD

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Subject: Re: Verticals & Such on SSB Birds
by Richard Lawn 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

I too am always looking for ideas as I get older and know downsizing is sooner rather than later forcing me to move and shed my M2 rotatable pair. I've been slowly working on building double Moxon's for 440 and 2 meters both using #6 copper wire and trying to measure very carefully. Another list serve participant suggested I tried these as they have worked well for him and better than other stationary antennas he has tried. Next up for me when I have time is to try your Quadrifilars and I have another article or two on construction suggestions. My one big question is how did you get the #6 wire to solder? I use a gun and inevitably the joint breaks. What's your secret? Torch? Rick W2JAZ

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Re: ISS Packet using AGWPE
by John Marranca, Jr 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

QUOTE: "4. An AX.25 hard-connection to the RS0ISS-11 Packet PBBS (C RS0ISS-11) is not recommended over highly populated areas." Couldn't have said it BETTER myself, JoAnne. Sadly, some folks JUST DON'T GET IT. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr -PBX Technician- BN Systems, Incorporated Orchard Park, NY (716)406-7130

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NCIS:LA
by Tom Busch 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

I really enjoyed last night's NCIS: Los Angeles. Space entrepreneurs, microsats, and the usual mayhem. Tom WB8WOR

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for sale
by Gerry 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

VE4GTB Echo November 19 is shutting down. It’s been a great run from the days of AO10, AO40, up to AO51. Over the years have made many contacts and good friends, several who are now silent keys. I will be listing items for sale during the next few weeks. Starting with the following: TNC7 Multi dual speed TNC 1200/9600 Bd RS232/USB also 38.4kbaud modem $175.00 Keps 13LNC72-DB dual IF output 2.4GHZ low noise P-HEMT downconveter Input frequency……………2400-2402 MHz Output frequency A…………144 - 146 MHz Output frequency B………….434 –436 MHz $150.00 Uni Track 2003 $125.00 Track- Box $100.00 Although the Canadian Dollar is higher in value will take US$ at par. I can be reached off list at ve4gtb(a)mts.net Gerry VE4GTB We’ll meet again, don’t know where don’t know when. But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.

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ARISSat-1 Failure to Transmit
by Peter Portanova 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

Hello, I don't possess any "inside information" on what the cause was of ARISSat-1 not to be heard, however I have a theory. We know that Packet transmission's ended and began soon after the posted times for ARISSat to be powered on/off, this action was done because they agreed that the satellite "woke up". The power on sequence for ARISSat-1 is visual, meaning that if their was a battery failure they would not have seen the satellite power up. If we believe that this occurred a possible reason for not hearing the satellite was that it was connected to the wrong antenna, and seeing the coax in this area it is conceivable that this might be the cause. I know we will learn what actually occurred, at some point, it's our priority not theirs, perhaps we can have a contest, "pick the cause" and the winner can win a good night's sleep in a motel of their choice, satellite equipment not permitted. 73's Pete WB2OQQ

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Carrying Arrow Sat antenna on airplane
by Bill Photinos 16 Apr '11

16 Apr '11

Has anyone had any issues trying to carry an Arrow Sat antenna as a carry on on a airplane? Am going to be doing some traveling and would like to take it along to make some contacts. 73, Bill - W4RVN

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