Hi Nick.
Yes, can hear what I believe is CAPE-2 in London. But still don't know the sequence of transmission.
14.11 Carrier on 145.824 - did not hear the modulation (below the city rooftops) pos interference.
14.12 Good CW signal - S5 very easy copy. Frequency low and pulled by CW (chirp)
14.14 Single 1200 packet burst.
14.16 More CW from below roofline. In CW mode on IC706 this was best received on 145.920
Could be that you are a couple of KHz low of 825.
Keps used are:
CAPE-2
1 39380U 13064A 13334.93341659 .00001167 00000-0 59607-4 0 257
2 39380 040.5145 186.8069 0003506 014.0453 346.0304 15.21277316 1661
Regards
David G0MRF
Hi Patrick,
Quick response---the 500mW reference was mentioned for 2 reasons--first, you said it could work ;) and second, I suspect if you're using an Elk full duplex, you'll see some interaction at higher powers (whatever that is...). So, you might be fine at 5W. Let us know how it works!
73 and have fun...
Mark N8MH
At 02:32 AM 12/2/2013 +0000, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote:
>Hi Mark!
>
>Thanks for your e-mail. Since I do lots of satellite
>demonstrations and get the questions about what it
>takes to work satellites like the new AO-73, I figured
>I'd put together some information in those videos and
>my -BB posts. I'll use your message as the one I reply
>to, but acknowledge the others who replied to my late-
>night post on the -BB and in direct e-mails today. No
>radio tonight, since I have to be in the office early
>tomorrow, but I will probably be outside tomorrow night
>for at least one of the AO-73 passes.
>
>AC0RA mentioned last night on the western AO-73 pass
>that he could receive the transponder and use the
>dashboard to receive telemetry at the same time. Wyatt
>didn't go into detail on what he had to do on the laptop
>on the air, but he mentioned he used HDSDR with the
>dashboard software. I may follow Hector's (CO6CBF)
>suggestion of working the transponder and recording
>everything during a pass, then run that through the
>dashboard using whatever configuration I need so that
>the playback can be piped into the dashboard and decoded.
>I may be able to work SSB/CW satellites without a computer
>from almost anywhere I go, but the SDR stuff is something
>I am trying to (quickly) learn. Especially when the
>dongle's namesake is now in orbit and operational. :-)
>
>Since I will be at a hamfest on Saturday morning, I may
>work on just using the dashboard by itself to copy the
>telemetry, to have something else to show off at the
>hamfest on AO-73's morning passes (if the transponder is
>not turned on), then "worry" about trying to hear the
>transponder and receive telemetry with the dashboard
>later.
>
>You mentioned that I could work the transponder and
>receive telemetry at the same time if I transmit at
>500mW. This would be possible on higher passes based
>on my tests in the past week, but is there a reason
>why 5W would be too much with the Pro+ dongle and its
>filtering along with a diplexer between the radios
>and the Elk antenna? I'm not looking to run more power
>than 5W, since I'm not planning to add an amplifier or
>replace one of my FT-817NDs with something like an
>FT-857 at this point.
>
>To those who suggested I modify one of my FT-817NDs to
>have a panadapter interface and then use both the 817
>and dongle on the downlink, what advantages would I
>have in doing that, instead of just using the dongle
>as the downlink receiver? I apologize if this is a
>silly question, but I'm wanting to learn more about
>what I can do with this dongle, by itself or alongside
>my existing gear. I'm looking forward to seeing N1JEZ's
>article in an upcoming AMSAT Journal, and will look at
>the link Mike suggested to learn more about this option.
>
>I haven't even started thinking about getting SatPC32
>mixed in with all of this SDR stuff, but know that I
>could do that. I still need to get it working my two
>FT-817NDs, something that remains on my satellite "to
>do" list.
>
>73!
>
>
>
>
>
>Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
>http://www.wd9ewk.net/
>
>
>On Sun, Dec 1, 2013 at 2:12 PM, Mark L. Hammond <marklhammond(a)gmail.com>wrote:
>
>>
>> Hi Patrick,
>>
>> Great sharing of your experiences---thanks! Nice to have AO-73 operations
>> futher characterized.
>>
>>
>> Regarding the Funcube Dongle Pro Plus (FCDP+)---you should enjoy the
>> experience of learning how to use it! It's such a neat receiver.
>>
>> Some quick thoughts/pointers/questions:
>>
>> Are you planning to capture telemetry and work the transponder
>> simultaneously during evening passes? It might work, depending on your
>> antenna system, especially if you can get buy with only 500mW uplink. I'll
>> be interested in your experiences with this...
>>
>> There is one thing to remember--you'll need two audio streams decoding at
>> the same time. SDR-Radio V2.1 will do this, with "VFO A" and "VFO B".
>> They each have separate audio out selections, so you can pipe the telemetry
>> to something like VB Audio Virtual Cable into the Dashboard, and the other
>> VFO and audio stream to your laptop speakers or headphone jack. SDR-Radio
>> V2.1 also has built in satellite tracking for doppler correction, and you
>> can record the pass at the same time!
>>
>>
>> On the other hand----if you don't want to try to do telemetry and the
>> transponder simultaneously, you have some more options...
>>
>> SatPC32 has great DDE support, and you can use that with either HDSDR or
>> SDRSharp to tune your FCDP+ as a separate receiver. It works great, and
>> it's pretty easy to do, if you want your receiver following the
>> Doppler/frequency from SatPC32.
>>
>> Now, if you want to use your FCDP+ as a receiver AND be able to click on a
>> frequency and have the transmit match it---that's another trickier setup
>> involving HDSDR, SatPC32, and virtual comports. It works and is slick, but
>> it's not for the faint of heart. You can read about that setup here:
>> http://www.tomdoyle.org/FUNcube-SatPC32/FUNcube-SatPC32.html
>> I did similar to that writeup by Tom, but found I could do 56k serial port
>> speeds just fine.
>>
>> Have fun!
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> So, lots of options..
>>
>>
>>
>>
>_______________________________________________
>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
Hi Patrick,
Great sharing of your experiences---thanks! Nice to have AO-73 operations futher characterized.
Regarding the Funcube Dongle Pro Plus (FCDP+)---you should enjoy the experience of learning how to use it! It's such a neat receiver.
Some quick thoughts/pointers/questions:
Are you planning to capture telemetry and work the transponder simultaneously during evening passes? It might work, depending on your antenna system, especially if you can get buy with only 500mW uplink. I'll be interested in your experiences with this...
There is one thing to remember--you'll need two audio streams decoding at the same time. SDR-Radio V2.1 will do this, with "VFO A" and "VFO B". They each have separate audio out selections, so you can pipe the telemetry to something like VB Audio Virtual Cable into the Dashboard, and the other VFO and audio stream to your laptop speakers or headphone jack. SDR-Radio V2.1 also has built in satellite tracking for doppler correction, and you can record the pass at the same time!
On the other hand----if you don't want to try to do telemetry and the transponder simultaneously, you have some more options...
SatPC32 has great DDE support, and you can use that with either HDSDR or SDRSharp to tune your FCDP+ as a separate receiver. It works great, and it's pretty easy to do, if you want your receiver following the Doppler/frequency from SatPC32.
Now, if you want to use your FCDP+ as a receiver AND be able to click on a frequency and have the transmit match it---that's another trickier setup involving HDSDR, SatPC32, and virtual comports. It works and is slick, but it's not for the faint of heart. You can read about that setup here: http://www.tomdoyle.org/FUNcube-SatPC32/FUNcube-SatPC32.html
I did similar to that writeup by Tom, but found I could do 56k serial port speeds just fine.
Have fun!
73,
So, lots of options..
At 12:46 AM 12/1/2013 -0800, Patrick STODDARD \(WD9EWK/VA7EWK\) wrote:
>Hi!
>
>Over the past few nights, I've been working the new AO-73
>satellite from my back yard. Most of the time, I have been
>using my normal portable all-mode satellite station - two
>Yaesu FT-817NDs, Elk handheld 2m/70cm log periodic
>antenna. Last night, I replaced one of the FT-817NDs with
>a Kenwood TH-F6A - using its all-mode receiver to copy the
>downlink. Tonight, I used an Icom IC-R20 receiver for the
>downlink. I have used these radios in the past on other
>satellites, and for some hamfest demonstrations on VO-52
>I have used the FT-817ND/TH-F6A combination. I have
>made a series of videos (satellite audio combined with
>slideshows) from several AO-73 passes I've worked this
>week, and those are available at:
>
>http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk
>
>One of the AO-73 videos I recorded contains audio from two
>passes, and is about twice as long as the others which have
>audio from a single pass.
>
>After working these passes, I am convinced that this new
>satellite performs as well as VO-52, for both its uplink and
>downlink. This is a very good thing! AO-73 hears very well,
>as long as I'm careful to match the polarization of the satellite's
>antennas. The downlink is strong enough to allow me to use
>any of these radios as the receiver on higher passes. For
>lower passes, I would probably use my second FT-817ND for
>the downlink receiver. It is good to know that, at least on the
>higher passes, there are lots of options for a downlink receiver.
>On the same higher passes, I know that I can cut my power
>down from 5W to 1W and even 500mW. High power is not
>necessary to be heard through the transponder.
>
>Next project for me with this satellite: using a FUNcube Dongle
>Pro+ that I have had for a few months as the downlink receiver,
>for both the transponder and telemetry, while working the
>transponder with an FT-817ND as my transmit radio. I reinstalled
>HDSDR and its ExtIO DLL for the Pro+ dongle on my 64-bit
>Windows 7 laptop, and it is working well. I have downloaded the
>FUNcube-1 dashboard software, and need to get that installed.
>I also have an old netbook with Linux on it, and am curious to
>see how the dongle works with that operating system. I am
>hoping to be able to use the dongle and a laptop as the downlink
>receiver, without being wiped out by the 5W signals from an
>FT-817ND.
>
>If this is successful, I may have a new combination for my all-
>mode satellite station I can use for upcoming demonstrations.
>Using the dongle and dashboard software during daytime AO-73
>passes at hamfests would be something different, and a great
>thing to show off to the hamfest crowds.
>
>Thanks, again, to all who worked on getting this satellite built
>and launched. Even with the transponder on only for the nighttime
>passes, it has been fun to be on a new satellite so soon after
>its launch. Time for bed... 73!
>
>
>
>
>
>Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
>http://www.wd9ewk.net/
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>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
I very rarely post anything to this reflector, but I have a question
that maybe someone has already has done and has answers.
Shortly Elecraft will be offering a 2m module for its popular new SDR
radio, the KX3. This will provide 2m multi-mode operation using this
nice little HF/6m radio.
Some years ago I sold my old satellite radios (FT-847 & FT-817) so am
looking into a two radio configuration for cross-band duplex
satellite operation. I have a K3 with 435-437 transmit capability
using a Down East Microwave transverter and would be able to receive
on 145 using the new KX3-2M combo. (I also still have my s-band
downconverter and L-band up converter for if/when these bands are activated).
What is unknown is if there is any sw support of the Elecraft radios
on any satellite tracking sw? I am primarily interested in SSB thru
transponders so frequency tracking under sw control would be
"nice". I have both NOVA and SatPC32. I have a tracking interface
to control antenna tracking using a B5400 Yaesu az-el rotator. Both
these radios have computer control ports.
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa(a)gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Any help appreciated
73, Ted
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On
Behalf Of Ted
Sent: Friday, November 29, 2013 2:23 PM
To: 'AMSAT-BB'
Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 & AO73 question
Hi all,
In spite of my usual ineptness with this program, I have managed to have it
talking to my FT-847, downloaded the keps for AO73 and appear to be tracking
it!!
However, I can't seem to get the radio to hold the up/dn frequencies in the
proper VFO's. I start out with the uplink showing in VFOA, but after a min
or so the frequencies swap and I have to use the a><b button to get them
back.
Am I missing a setting?
Any help appreciated
And Happy Thanksgiving to all
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
The Star Comm Group has a new satellite award called Got Grids? that will be effective 1 Jan 2014. The award can be seen along with the rules at
http://www.starcommgroup.org/gotgrids.html
The rules for the 5in EM55 award have been changed to make it a little easier also.
http://www.starcommgroup.org/5in55.html
This award is open to the world with the new rules. Example you can work 5 stations that have the award anywhere, without working anyone in EM55
or any combination, say 2 stations in em55 and 3 stations that have the award from any other state or country.
A 3rd award is in the planning stages , GRID MASTERS rules and design to come soon.
These awards are free. Donations to Amsat are welcomed. Please note on your check STAR Comm Group Award.
We hope to increase activity on the birds.
Comments or questions contact
wa4hfn(a)comcast.net Damon
wa4nvm(a)comcast.net Rick
I've had some frustrations lately with my current satellite stations and am looking for alternatives, but they must offer panadapter options. I was looking at the k3 since I have a kx3 and found it to be an excellent radio. But the question then becomes what tracking software supports the elecraft radios. Let me know of you are using any elecraft products.
Rick
W2JAZ
Sent from my iPad
http://RickLawn.com
Hi!
Over the past few nights, I've been working the new AO-73
satellite from my back yard. Most of the time, I have been
using my normal portable all-mode satellite station - two
Yaesu FT-817NDs, Elk handheld 2m/70cm log periodic
antenna. Last night, I replaced one of the FT-817NDs with
a Kenwood TH-F6A - using its all-mode receiver to copy the
downlink. Tonight, I used an Icom IC-R20 receiver for the
downlink. I have used these radios in the past on other
satellites, and for some hamfest demonstrations on VO-52
I have used the FT-817ND/TH-F6A combination. I have
made a series of videos (satellite audio combined with
slideshows) from several AO-73 passes I've worked this
week, and those are available at:
http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk
One of the AO-73 videos I recorded contains audio from two
passes, and is about twice as long as the others which have
audio from a single pass.
After working these passes, I am convinced that this new
satellite performs as well as VO-52, for both its uplink and
downlink. This is a very good thing! AO-73 hears very well,
as long as I'm careful to match the polarization of the satellite's
antennas. The downlink is strong enough to allow me to use
any of these radios as the receiver on higher passes. For
lower passes, I would probably use my second FT-817ND for
the downlink receiver. It is good to know that, at least on the
higher passes, there are lots of options for a downlink receiver.
On the same higher passes, I know that I can cut my power
down from 5W to 1W and even 500mW. High power is not
necessary to be heard through the transponder.
Next project for me with this satellite: using a FUNcube Dongle
Pro+ that I have had for a few months as the downlink receiver,
for both the transponder and telemetry, while working the
transponder with an FT-817ND as my transmit radio. I reinstalled
HDSDR and its ExtIO DLL for the Pro+ dongle on my 64-bit
Windows 7 laptop, and it is working well. I have downloaded the
FUNcube-1 dashboard software, and need to get that installed.
I also have an old netbook with Linux on it, and am curious to
see how the dongle works with that operating system. I am
hoping to be able to use the dongle and a laptop as the downlink
receiver, without being wiped out by the 5W signals from an
FT-817ND.
If this is successful, I may have a new combination for my all-
mode satellite station I can use for upcoming demonstrations.
Using the dongle and dashboard software during daytime AO-73
passes at hamfests would be something different, and a great
thing to show off to the hamfest crowds.
Thanks, again, to all who worked on getting this satellite built
and launched. Even with the transponder on only for the nighttime
passes, it has been fun to be on a new satellite so soon after
its launch. Time for bed... 73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
