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

PayPal Widget
by Zachary Beougher 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

Hi All, Can anyone give me some tips on why I cannot get the AMSAT-NA PayPal widget to work on my blogspot page (see the link)? BlogSpot does accept HTML and Java script, and I have tried codes from a few different sources but it still does not work. I don’t know if it matters or not, but when I go to retrieve the code from one of the widgets, I put my name in (KD8KSN), my website (BlogSpot in this case), and the URL (http://kd8ksn.blogspot.com/), and when I hit “get HTML” it gives an error saying that the URL is invalid. I removed the website name and URL since they are optional, and I was then able to get the code. Zack KD8KSN

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Re: Contest - AMSAT-NA Wins!
by Clint Bradford 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

This is FUN! I have answers from at least three continents so far! Some are incomplete answers ("I think that is the sister of so-and-so ... "). A couple entries are missing the inclusion of an approximate DATE that the photo was taken ("I am not sure, Clint, but it was LONG time ago ... (grin) ). Keep your answers coming in - We should have a declared winner by the weekend! Clint, K6LCS http://tinyurl.com/K6LCS-CONTEST

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Sat32PC Question
by Paul Delaney - K6HR 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

I am using SatPC32 with WispDDE and all was working fine before an unexpected shutdown on my PC. I think some files were corrupted. When I uninstall both programs and reinstall them I notice the previous settings are still there. Can anyone tell me where the files are located? I'd like to remove them so I can install from scratch. As these programs are running now they no longer tune the radio. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Paul Delaney - K6HR paul.hamradio(a)verizon.net http://k6hr.dyndns.org:8080

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New ham station on the ISS
by Armando Mercado 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

Hello, ISS has a new operating position in the Columbus module. ISS On-Orbit Status 04/26/11 "...Cady (Coleman) prepared for and completed the installation of a new amateur/ham radio station in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory). Later in the day, Cady checked out the radio's audio for proper functioning by talking with a ham operator on the ground. [Activities involved first retrieving all necessary hardware from stowage and setting it up in COL, then installing the VHF Ericsson Transceiver station at the ER3 (EXPRESS Rack 3).]" http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/index.html Armando, N8IGJ

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Re: DJ-G7 for LEO
by Andrew Glasbrenner 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

Big thumbs down, as the full duplex desenses very badly. Nice radio otherwise, but stinks for satellite. I bought one of the first hundred, and have kept up with the firmware updates. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Bill Acito <w1pa(a)hotmail.com> >Sent: Apr 23, 2011 9:27 AM >To: "AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] DJ-G7 for LEO > > >Anyone using (first hand) one of these for FM LEO's? I have read that the sub-band >(when running full duplex) may not be as sensitive? How well does it work? > >Bill W1PA > >_______________________________________________ >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: DJ-G7 for LEO
by Clint Bradford 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

> ... I read the QST review and the author said "no issue" ... QST's reviewers disappointed me with that mis-statement, as well as recently calling the Wouxun HTs "dual-receive" units - which they most definitely are NOT. Clint, K6LCS

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Re: DJ-G7 for LEO
by Andrew Glasbrenner 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

Desense. Your FT-530 will whip it in any test you try I'm sure. In my opinion, and after 10+ years of heavy FM LEO operation, the FT-530 is the finest HT for satellite work ever made. The receiver is sensitive but good with intermod, it's true full duplex, 5 watts, and has that wonderful sub-band tune feature. I don't recall specifics, but I remember thinking the QST review really missed the boat on the G7. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Bill W1PA <w1pa(a)hotmail.com> >Sent: Apr 27, 2011 8:40 AM >To: "AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: DJ-G7 for LEO > >Drew, > >Is it just de-sense, or lower sensitivity on the sub-band? I have one on >loan I am going to try (A-B compare to my FT-530 with the Arrow), as soon as >I find a SMA-BNC adapter in my shack. > >I read the QST review and the author said "no issue" except for same-band >sub-band, but he is not an experienced LEO user (as he stated in the >review). > >Bill >W1PA > >-------------------------------------------------- >From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> >Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 6:47 AM >To: "Bill Acito" <w1pa(a)hotmail.com>; "AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org" ><amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DJ-G7 for LEO > >> >> Big thumbs down, as the full duplex desenses very badly. Nice radio >> otherwise, but stinks for satellite. I bought one of the first hundred, >> and have kept up with the firmware updates. >> >> 73, Drew KO4MA >> > > >_______________________________________________ >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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AO-51 reported down 27 April 2011 1200utc
by Mark L. Hammond 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

Hello AO-51 Users, We are receiving reports that AO-51 is down. It will be several hours until a command station is in the footprint. We'll do try and get it active as soon as possible. 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Fw: RESOURCESAT 2 Close Approach Message
by Peter Portanova 27 Apr '11

27 Apr '11

Good Morning, FYI 73's Pete WB2OQQ Subject: RESOURCESAT 2 Close Approach Message > Sir/Ma'am, > > The United States Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) has identified a > predicted conjunction between RESOURCESAT 2 (SCC# 37387) and SCC# 34301. > > Primary Object: RESOURCESAT 2 (SCC# 37387) > Secondary Object: SCC# 34301 > Time of Closest Approach: 27 APR 2011 10:35 UTC > > Overall miss distance: 154 meters > Radial (dU) miss distance: -151 meters > In-Track (dV) miss distance: 1 meter > Cross-track (dW) miss distance: 36 meters > > Primary Radial Error (U): 3 meters > Primary In-track Error (V): 9 meters > Primary Cross-track Error (W): 4 meters > > Secondary Radial Error (U): 11 meters > Secondary In-track Error (V): 44 meters > Secondary Cross-track Error (W): 15 meters > > Please reply to this message to acknowledge receipt of this close approach > notification. > > It is possible to provide another estimate using owner/operator ephemeris > data. If the satellite operator is interested please have them reply to > all > addresses listed in the Cc line. Email is the preferred method of > communication. > > Thank you for your time and assistance. Please contact us if there are > any > questions. > > Very Respectfully, > > JSpOC Orbital Protection Team > Joint Space Operations Center > Vandenberg Air Force Base, California USA > Comm: 1-805-605-3533 > Fax: 1-805-605-3507 > JSpOCSpaceCorrespondence(a)vandenberg.af.mil > > NO WARRANTIES: The United States provides the enclosed Space Situational > Awareness (SSA) services or information "as is" and makes no warranty, > either express or implied, as to the condition or suitability of the > information and services, nor its fitness for a particular purpose. > > IMMUNITY: The United States, any agencies and instrumentalities thereof, > and > any individuals, firms, corporations, and other persons acting for the > United States, shall be immune from any suit in any court for any cause of > action arising from the provision or receipt of SSA services or > information, > whether or not provided in accordance with 10 USC 2274, or any related > action or omission. >

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Arrow Antennas
by Clint Bradford 26 Apr '11

26 Apr '11

Spoke with Allen Lowe the past few days. He has formally passed the baton of Arrow Antennas to fellow ham, Tim Chapman - KB7MDF, for the future of Arrow Antennas. Allen needs more time to devote to the recovery of his lovely wife from her health problem of last year. He will not disappear entirely - his "hand" will still be on the products for a few years. My personal experience began with Arrow Antennas began as a mere consumer six or seven years ago, then quickly a "devotee" (OK, "groupie"), then one who exclusively uses my Arrow for scores of satellite presentations and demonstrations the past few years ... (During my AMSAT presentations, I hold up my Arrow, and tell the audience a little story ... "This is my setup. And this antenna, faded purple as it is." (I have a six-year-old unit, but purchased a pair of new elements from Allen recently - to show what a new one looks like, versus my beloved faded purple unit) "This antenna was actually sold to a client when I worked at Ham Radio Outlet a few years ago. The gentleman who I sold it to was waiting for me to open up the shop the next day. "This cannot possibly work," he declared. "It is engineered all wrong ... " " Well, Tim, part of me wanted to pry into the guy's problem, and find out what his true problem was. BUT - the OTHER part of me thought: "I can purchase this returned item myself at a greatly reduced price ... " And I did. I cheerfully refunded the client his money. Immediately bought it myself. And use it to this day for ALL my demos and presentations. In my wanderings 'round the 'Net, detractors of Arrow Antennas' product line seem to fall into these categories - 1. Arrow doesn't give away products for us as raffle prizes at our ham fests. My reply? SHAME ON THOSE who demean a small business owner's decision to produce a high-quality product at a reasonable price, and not give 'em away to all who ask. I include this "shame" on many AMSAT members - I am an AMSAT area coordinator and benefactor myself - but have been irritated with fellow AMSAT members' attitude display towards Arrow the past few years on this point. 2. Arrow doesn't publish gain figures. I absolutely love Allen's behind-the-scenes reply to these people. It boils down to, "They work. And I can sell every one I produce." Yes, that may be interpreted as "arrogance" by some. And part of me smiles at that answer (my wife is a public relations professional ... and I have been on the 'Net for over 20 years - we bring our own online histories to the equation). But part of me DOES want to know gain figures. And I KNOW what they are. I have tested them with calibrated, quality equipment. And if people dig enough on Google, they can find the info, too. But should Arrow prominently post "gain figures" on their units? Personally, I'd leave this topic alone as the new ownership of Arrow creates its new marketing / business plan for the company. A valid study would involve hiring an outside firm to conduct independent studies (otherwise, detractors would dismiss any results). And argumentative hams would argue the merits of ay such study, anyway. Well, there you go. Un-solicited testimonial from an Arrow devotee - and one who owns most of the "alternatives" - acquired via money from my own wallet. And as you read "reviews" from others debating "Arrow versus the others" - I only ask that you make sure you determine where the "reviewers" are coming from. Make sure they actually own what they are "reviewing." And in these days of anyone being able to post anything at will, ask if the "reviewer" paid cash for the units, or had them "supplied" to them for review purposes. Sad to say, but some are not as "up front" with honesty and integrity as I would like 'em to be. Thank you, Allen, for your support of the amateur radio community. You will be missed. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-2410-7666 - cell http://www.work-sat.com

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