April 2013 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: Mount an Arrow on rotator with 2m vertical or horizontal
by Gus 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

No reason why not. The power at each antenna will be 3 dB down, but you will get an additional 3 dB of gain for using two antennas, so there will be (nominally) no loss, assuming the antennas are oriented the same. Or you could orient them 90 degrees apart, use an electrical 1/4 wave matching section of 75 ohm coax on each antenna, plus an electrical 1/4 wave phasing section of 50 ohm coax on ONE antenna, and you have CP radiation. Use a double-throw relay to switch the phasing section from one antenna to the next, and you have switchable RHCP/LHCP. In this case you WILL suffer a 3 dB penalty when working signals with linear polarization. Another possibility I want to try some day: use a radio with diversity reception (like IC-2820). Connect one horizontal antenna and one vertical. No matching or phasing, no manual switching of circularity. Just let the receiver decide which antenna is pulling in the strongest signal on a moment by moment basis. Tx polarity is fixed, but you can turn up the wick to compensate! On 04/16/2013 02:31 PM, Douglas Phelps wrote: > Any reason why, using identical coax lengths, you could not transform the > impedance to 100 ohms and then use a T connector to sum both antenna signals and > achieve 50 ohms to the radio? I know Transmit power will be 3 dB down at either > antenna but is there any reason it will not work? Any antenna gurus out there? > > > > > ________________________________ > From: R.T.Liddy <k8bl(a)ameritech.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Sent: Tue, April 16, 2013 11:46:35 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Mount an Arrow on rotator with 2m vertical or horizontal > > For the Satellites, it completely doesn't matter. At any given moment, > you only have 1 chance in 90 that you will have matching polarization. > > So, if you plan to use the antenna for other than Satellites, set your > polarization > for that purpose (V for FM or H for SSB/CW). > > My plan is to install 2 Elk antennas, one V and one H. Then, have a relay that > I can switch between the two and choose the best downlink signal at any > given moment. This arrangement will also give me optimum flexibility for > terrestrial operation on 2 & 440. > > Now, where can I find a relay to do that function????? > > 73/GL, Bob K8BL > > > --- On Tue, 4/16/13, Lee Maisel <maisel(a)lobo.net> wrote: > > > From: Lee Maisel <maisel(a)lobo.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Mount an Arrow on rotator with 2m vertical or horizontal > To: "Don Hoover (WS4E)" <ws4e(a)arrl.net> > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 12:24 AM > > > Hi Don, > > I have mine mounted with 2m elements horizontal, because that's how it > seems I used it most when it was handheld. > > Lee > W5LMM > > > Don Hoover (WS4E) wrote: >> Just wondering, should I mount my arrow with the 2m elements oriented >> vertical or horizontal? >> >> I am planning on putting it at 15deg and just using a az rotator. >> >> Does it even matter which way its oriented since the polarity of the sats >> are always changing? >> >> Maybe I should mount it like this: / instead. >> >> Just curious what some thought was the best way to go. >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> > -- 73, de Gus 8P6SM Barbados, the easternmost isle.

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Re: Half-duplex on the Kenwood TH-F6A
by Andrew Glasbrenner 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Nah, no worries! It's a fun mode, but can be a challenge tuning to keep up by hand. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Zach Leffke <zleffke(a)vt.edu> >Sent: Apr 16, 2013 5:26 PM >To: 'Andrew Glasbrenner' <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>, amsat-bb(a)wd9ewk.net, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Half-duplex on the Kenwood TH-F6A > >Ahhh, my apologies Drew. I should have said previously uncommon modes instead of unheard of modes. As I am relatively new to the Amateur Satellite community, I'm sure there is plenty that I am unaware of, and this is an example of that. Again, my apologies. I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out in the future. > >-Zach, KJ4QLP > >-----Original Message----- >From: Andrew Glasbrenner [mailto:[email protected]] >Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 5:11 PM >To: Zach Leffke; amsat-bb(a)wd9ewk.net; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Half-duplex on the Kenwood TH-F6A > > > > >-----Original Message----- >>From: Zach Leffke <zleffke(a)vt.edu> >> This technology will allow previously unheard of modes of operation >>that could allow these types of HTs to complete a QSO. Imagine a >>software defined transponder that receives an uplink in FM and >>downlinks SSB. > >I did that on AO-16 after we put it in "bent pipe" mode, although that was FM to DSB. The ISIS cubesat radios also have this ability, and I think we'll see it on some of those soon. > >73, Drew KO4MA > > >

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Re: Half-duplex on the Kenwood TH-F6A
by Andrew Glasbrenner 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

-----Original Message----- >From: Zach Leffke <zleffke(a)vt.edu> > This technology will allow previously unheard of modes of >operation that could allow these types of HTs to complete a QSO. Imagine a >software defined transponder that receives an uplink in FM and downlinks >SSB. I did that on AO-16 after we put it in "bent pipe" mode, although that was FM to DSB. The ISIS cubesat radios also have this ability, and I think we'll see it on some of those soon. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Half-duplex on the Kenwood TH-F6A
by Robert Kovacs 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Someone earlier was asking about the TH-F6A. As mater of terminology, is it called "half-duplex" or "cross-band split"? The Kenwood TH-F6A has two receivers but will not work full duplex; you cannot hear your own signal coming back down from the satellite. What I do is use dual mode, so that both A & B are on, with the uplink on one and the downlink on the other. Set the audio fully on the downlink (because you don't want to listen to the uplink frequency) but leave the active or primary on the uplink side. That way, you can hear the bird, and when you key the PTT hopefully you can hit the bird. With an HT! My experiences though are with the FM easysats (including AO-51 of happy memory). Has anyone had any luck with this radio's SSB receivers for the linear birds? 73, Bob Kovacs. KC2WYH Amsat No. 38304.

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ALL AMSAT rooms at Hamvention 2013 taken
by Alan 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

All, Per Martha at the AMSAT Office, the entire block of AMSAT rooms for Hamvention 2013 are now taken, and no more will be available. 73s, Alan WA4SCA

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Re: Mount an Arrow on rotator with 2m vertical or horizontal
by Richard Lawn 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

I have both the Arrow and the Elk and am interested in trying them mounted at a fixed elevation and would love to see pictures or diagrams/explanations of how you have mounted the Arrow. The Elk is easy and Ive got parts and info on how to mount it for rotor use. TNX Rick W2JAZ

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For Sale :
by Bruce R Brown 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

ST-1 Fox Delta tracker..factory assembled...factory case. $55 shipped to your door. ST-2 Fox Delta tracker...factory assembled..factory case. $135 shiped to your door. Pay pal preferred..tks es 73 Bruce ke0lx willmarbrowns(a)charter.net

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Time Is Running Out
by Martha 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

If you are planning to stay with the AMSAT group in Dayton, you need to call me before 4/24. At that time, we lose the block. I will need your room nights and a credit card to hold the room. Time is running out - make that call! (301-589-6062) -- 73- Martha

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CSUN CubeSat project gets $25,000 from JPL
by M5AKA 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Professor Sharlene Katz, WB6FFE and Professor James Flynn, WB9AWX have received $25,000 from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a CubeSat project, see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/16/radio-amateurs-get-25000-for-cubesat/ Also on the AMSAT-UK site: Video – The CanSat Leader Training Program http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/15/cansat-leader-training-program/ ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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Mount an Arrow on rotator with 2m vertical or horizontal
by Don Hoover (WS4E) 15 Apr '13

15 Apr '13

Just wondering, should I mount my arrow with the 2m elements oriented vertical or horizontal? I am planning on putting it at 15deg and just using a az rotator. Does it even matter which way its oriented since the polarity of the sats are always changing? Maybe I should mount it like this: / instead. Just curious what some thought was the best way to go.

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Re: TH-F6A capable of full-duplex satellite operation?
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 15 Apr '13

15 Apr '13

Burns, > I hope I have not been missing something major on my Kenwood TH-F6 HT, but > I don't think it does full duplex. You can receive two channels > simultaneously, yes. But I don't believe you can transmit on one while > simultaneously listening on the other. That's the capability that you need > to confirm you can "hear yourself" and confirm that you are reaching the > satellite and the sat is sending your voice back to you. > > If I'm wrong about the TH-F6a that would be a bummer! I'm looking for an > excuse to replace it with a TH-D72a > > You now have your excuse to get the TH-D72A. :-) The TH-F6A has two VFOs, but it is not capable of cross-band full-duplex operation for the satellites. You might want to hold onto the TH-F6A, even if you get a TH-D72A. The TH-F6A has an all-mode receiver, which could be paired up with something like an FT-817 to make a small station capable of all-mode, full-duplex satellite operation. The TH-F6A's non-FM receiver is not as sensitive nor as selective as other radios like an FT-817, but the FT-817/TH-F6A combination makes for a nice station to show off at demonstrations. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 8, Issue 117
by Burns Fisher 15 Apr '13

15 Apr '13

Hi, I hope I have not been missing something major on my Kenwood TH-F6 HT, but I don't think it does full duplex. You can receive two channels simultaneously, yes. But I don't believe you can transmit on one while simultaneously listening on the other. That's the capability that you need to confirm you can "hear yourself" and confirm that you are reaching the satellite and the sat is sending your voice back to you. If I'm wrong about the TH-F6a that would be a bummer! I'm looking for an excuse to replace it with a TH-D72a 73, Burns W2BFJ > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:52:59 -0500 > From: "ac4ny_1" <ac4ny_1(a)juno.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Ham Radio Bucket List > Message-ID: <001101ce39e8$eedf2380$ > e301a8c0@joe8b7a02056b7> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > Hi Bob: > > I use a Yaesu FT-60r with a homebrew handheld 3 element loop yagi. I only > work half duplex. For full duplex I use a Baofeng UV3R (cheap but does > work). The Kenwood TH-F6A is great. Make sure the HT will do cross band. > Also use a good duplexer. > There are many other great radios out there and a lot more operators on > here > that has more insight than I. > I been on the birds since 2000. Licensed since 1979. > I work the birds as much as my work sked will allow. > 73 > Joe...AC4NY > EM73dp > > (My neighbors thinks I lost it; running around the yard with a handheld > > antenna)! > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Robert Garceau" <rgarceau(a)snet.net> > To: "'ac4ny_1'" <ac4ny_1(a)juno.com> > Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 7:09 AM > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: The Ham Radio Bucket List > > > > Hi Joe: > > > > I have been following this thread and have a few questions. > > I have been in ham radio for 50 years. And, yep, satellite radio has been > > on > > my "I got to do this" list. > > > > Can you suggest a good HT? > > I have my antenna picked out and that's the arrow. >

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The Ham Radio Bucket List
by Les Rayburn 15 Apr '13

15 Apr '13

I've been a ham well over 40 years, since my childhood. Back then, I could barely afford the Heathkit transmitter, Halicrafters receiver, knife switch, and longwire antenna that made up my shack. My elmer used to let me borrow his copy of QST and I'd dream about all the great adventures that I'd have "someday" in ham radio. Being a child of the Space Age, key among them were anything related to the New Frontier. EME (Moonbounce), Meteor Scatter, and satellites all seemed like the stuff of science fiction---and I longed to experience them all. But they were exotic, and required equipment far beyond my reach. I resolved to accomplish them all someday and added them to a sort of ham radio "bucket list" that I hoped to accomplish before my ham career was over. Five years ago, shortly after getting started in weak signal VHF work, I checked off the first item on that list. Working meteor scatter contacts with the aid of WSJT software, and during a Perseid shower, even using SSB. What a thrill to make contacts off the ionized gasses of those tiny rocks. Thanks Joe Taylor! Tonight, I managed to check off a second. I worked Art, K4YYL on FO-29, a Japanese amateur satellite! My journey to the "birds" started about a month ago when I joined AMSAT, determined that 2013 was going to be "the year" when I finally got active on satellites. I purchased a copy of SATPC32 software, because I knew that it could control my IC-910H--hopefully making it easier to get active. After listening to a few passes on both the FM and the SSB/CW birds, I decided to try my luck on the less-crowded FO-29. A brief CQ was quickly answered by Art. I adjusted the tuning knob just a bit to correct for the Doppler effect, and voila! there he was clear as a bell. We had a brief QSO of perhaps ten minutes or so, and then we signed. I was quickly called by K4FEG near Memphis in EM55---who just wanted to welcome me to the birds! Man, what a thrill! And it wasn't tough at all. I'm using a 7 element 432 antenna tilted up to 15 degrees (fixed) and a 6 element 2 Meter beam tilted up to about 10 degrees (fixed) both inside my crowded attic. The SSB Electronics pre-amp helps a ton on 432, and the 1/2" hardline makes sure that I don't lose too much signal. So far, I've been able to copy the birds down to about 2 degrees above the horizon using this setup. Now to attempt that EME contact! I've got a 12 element Yagi just waiting to deploy in the driveway once the weather warms a bit. Hoping to use WSJT to work one of the monster stations on EME. All this in a deed-restricted HOA neighborhood. I wasted 35+ years on HF----man, all the fun really is in the World Above 50 MHz! Thanks for helping to make a boys dreams come true at age 51! -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light

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Re: The Ham Radio Bucket List
by ac4ny_1 15 Apr '13

15 Apr '13

Hi Bob: I use a Yaesu FT-60r with a homebrew handheld 3 element loop yagi. I only work half duplex. For full duplex I use a Baofeng UV3R (cheap but does work). The Kenwood TH-F6A is great. Make sure the HT will do cross band. Also use a good duplexer. There are many other great radios out there and a lot more operators on here that has more insight than I. I been on the birds since 2000. Licensed since 1979. I work the birds as much as my work sked will allow. 73 Joe...AC4NY EM73dp (My neighbors thinks I lost it; running around the yard with a handheld > antenna)! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Garceau" <rgarceau(a)snet.net> To: "'ac4ny_1'" <ac4ny_1(a)juno.com> Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 7:09 AM Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: The Ham Radio Bucket List > Hi Joe: > > I have been following this thread and have a few questions. > I have been in ham radio for 50 years. And, yep, satellite radio has been > on > my "I got to do this" list. > > Can you suggest a good HT? > I have my antenna picked out and that's the arrow. > > Any help is most appreciated. > > Bob Garceau, W1EQ > DXCC Honor Roll > Triple Play Award #5 > DXCC Challenge 2149 band/countries > Ex. K1YRP, USA-CA All Counties #342 > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of ac4ny_1 > Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2013 3:17 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Ham Radio Bucket List > > Welcome to the birds and keep up the good work! > Working satellites is addictive. Hi Hi > 73 > Joe..AC4NY > EM73dp > > > (My neighbors thinks I lost it; running around the yard with a handheld > antenna)! > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Les Rayburn" <les(a)highnoonfilm.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2013 1:11 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] The Ham Radio Bucket List > > >> I've been a ham well over 40 years, since my childhood. Back then, I >> could > >> barely afford the Heathkit transmitter, Halicrafters receiver, knife >> switch, and longwire antenna that made up my shack. >> >> My elmer used to let me borrow his copy of QST and I'd dream about all >> the > >> great adventures that I'd have "someday" in ham radio. Being a child of >> the Space Age, key among them were anything related to the New Frontier. >> >> EME (Moonbounce), Meteor Scatter, and satellites all seemed like the >> stuff > >> of science fiction---and I longed to experience them all. But they were >> exotic, and required equipment far beyond my reach. I resolved to >> accomplish them all someday and added them to a sort of ham radio "bucket >> list" that I hoped to accomplish before my ham career was over. >> >> Five years ago, shortly after getting started in weak signal VHF work, I >> checked off the first item on that list. Working meteor scatter contacts >> with the aid of WSJT software, and during a Perseid shower, even using >> SSB. What a thrill to make contacts off the ionized gasses of those tiny >> rocks. Thanks Joe Taylor! >> >> Tonight, I managed to check off a second. I worked Art, K4YYL on FO-29, a >> Japanese amateur satellite! >> >> My journey to the "birds" started about a month ago when I joined AMSAT, >> determined that 2013 was going to be "the year" when I finally got active >> on satellites. I purchased a copy of SATPC32 software, because I knew >> that > >> it could control my IC-910H--hopefully making it easier to get active. >> >> After listening to a few passes on both the FM and the SSB/CW birds, I >> decided to try my luck on the less-crowded FO-29. A brief CQ was quickly >> answered by Art. I adjusted the tuning knob just a bit to correct for the >> Doppler effect, and voila! there he was clear as a bell. >> >> We had a brief QSO of perhaps ten minutes or so, and then we signed. I >> was > >> quickly called by K4FEG near Memphis in EM55---who just wanted to welcome >> me to the birds! >> >> Man, what a thrill! And it wasn't tough at all. >> >> I'm using a 7 element 432 antenna tilted up to 15 degrees (fixed) and a 6 >> element 2 Meter beam tilted up to about 10 degrees (fixed) both inside my >> crowded attic. The SSB Electronics pre-amp helps a ton on 432, and the >> 1/2" hardline makes sure that I don't lose too much signal. So far, I've >> been able to copy the birds down to about 2 degrees above the horizon >> using this setup. >> >> Now to attempt that EME contact! I've got a 12 element Yagi just waiting >> to deploy in the driveway once the weather warms a bit. Hoping to use >> WSJT > >> to work one of the monster stations on EME. All this in a deed-restricted >> HOA neighborhood. >> >> I wasted 35+ years on HF----man, all the fun really is in the World Above >> 50 MHz! Thanks for helping to make >> a boys dreams come true at age 51! >> >> >> >> -- >> 73, >> >> Les Rayburn, N1LF >> 121 Mayfair Park >> Maylene, AL 35114 >> EM63nf >> >> 6M VUCC #1712 >> AMSAT #38965 >> Grid Bandits #222 >> Southeastern VHF Society >> Central States VHF Society Life Member >> Six Club #2484 >> >> Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > ____________________________________________________________ > Unusual Sleep Trick > Scientists in Boston have revealed a natural sleep formula that would have > everyone talking. Try it tonight. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/516b00a9bfd38a53171st01duc > _______________________________________________ > 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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UCF to launch $55 million satellite
by Joe Leikhim 14 Apr '13

14 Apr '13

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/os-ucf-nasa-55-million-gr… -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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ANS-104 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 14 Apr '13

14 Apr '13

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-104 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. In this edition: * AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Nominations Solicited * 7330.6 km Contact Made Via FO-29 * GS3PYE/p Satellite Operation Planned From Inner Herbrides Islands * STEREO Space Weather Beacons Now Using AMSAT-DL Turbo Code * AMSAT Awards * Applications for Teachers Institute, ETP Grants Due in May * Ken Pulfer, VE3PU, SK * Cubesat Launches This Week * April 17 Antares Launch Includes Three PhoneSat Cubesats * PhoneSat Tracking Help Requested * STRaND-1 signal reports requested * Merritt Island High School Mission Selected for NASA Cubesat Launch Initiative * ARISS News * Schedule of AMSAT Activities at Dayton Hamvention * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-104.01 ANS-104 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 104.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. DATE April 14, 2013 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-104.01 ***************************************************************** * Volunteers are needed to help at the AMSAT booth at Dayton. * * Steve Belter N9IP, is looking for volunteers to help man the * * AMSAT booth during the 2013 Hamvention. If you are willing * * to help at the Hamvention, please send an e-mail by April 30 * * to Steve Belter, n9ip(a)amsat.org. * * * * Monitor the 'AMSAT at Dayton Hamvention 2013' link on the new * * AMSAT Web Site http://www.amsat.org for the latest AMSAT at * * Dayton news and developments * ***************************************************************** AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Nominations Solicited It is time to submit nominations for the upcoming open seats on the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors. A nomination requires either one Member Society or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member for the position. Four director's terms expire this year: Barry Baines, WD4ASW, Alan Biddle, WA4SCA, Drew Glasbrenner, K04MA, and Tony Monteiro, AA2TX. In addition to traditional submission of written nominations, which remains unchanged and is the preferred method, nominations may be made by electronic means. These include e-mail, FAX, or electronic image of a petition. Electronic petitions should be sent to MARTHA(a)AMSAT.ORG or faxed to 301-608-3410. Written nominations, consisting of names, calls and individual signatures should be mailed to: AMSAT-NA, 850 Sligo Ave #600, Silver Spring, MD, 20910. No matter what means is used, petitions MUST arrive no later than June 15th at the AMSAT-NA office. If the nomination is a traditional written nomination, no other action is required. If it is other than this, i.e. electronic, a verifying traditional written petition MUST be received at the AMSAT-NA office at the above address within 7 days following the close of nominations on June 15th. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WITHOUT THIS SECOND, WRITTEN VERIFICATION ARE NOT VALID UNDER THE EXISTING AMSAT-NA BYLAWS. [ANS thanks Alan, WA4SCA, AMSAT Corporate Secretary for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 7330.6 km Contact Made Via FO-29 On Monday 8 April 2013 at 1338z, David, EA4SG (grid IN80cp, Spain) and Hector, CO6CBF (grid EL92sd, Cuba) completed a SSB contact via FO-29, successfully. On the AMSAT-BB Hector reported "We had just a 88 seconds window. I was operating portable from on top of a tall building as before. Satellites are always fascinating! Thanks very much to David for this great contact and new grid!" Based on QRZ.com, the distance between the two stations is 7330.6 km. [ANS thanks Hector, CO6CBF for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- GS3PYE/p Satellite Operation Planned From Inner Herbrides Islands Members of the Camb-Hams will once again activate the Isle of Mull (IOSA NH15, SCOTIA CN10, WLOTA 2485), Inner Hebrides, as GS3PYE/p between May 10-16. The Camb-Hams have been activating the Scottish Isles each year since 2008. Look for thirteen operators to be active on all bands and many modes from 160-2 meters as well as 472 kHz. The HF bands will be covered by five simultaneous stations, while 6m, 4m and 2m stations will have a great take-off towards the UK and Europ from the island's south-east coast in IO76 square. They will have an antenna elevation system for 2m EME activity and will also be on many of the VHF/UHF satellite passes. WSPR beacons will be operating on most of the inactive bands to help find the best propagation. Contest operations will take place in 70 MHz CW on May 12th and 432 MHz UKAC on May 14th. The group will be active on the major social networks before, during and after the trip. You can check on progress or interact with the operators via their blog at <dx.camb-hams.com> or through Twitter <twitter.com/g3pye>, Facebook <facebook.com/CambHams> and YouTube <youtube.com/CambHams>. Previous trips have generated some great audio and video recordings of the GS3PYE/P signal from around the world. Check their previous blogs and their YouTube channel and see if you can post a better recording. Please E-mail <skeds-2013(a)camb-hams.com> to arrange skeds on the more challenging bands and modes. VHF and EME skeds will also be made via ON4KST and N0UK's EME Chat. All links are available via <dx.camb-hams.com>. [ANS thanks Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1107 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- STEREO Space Weather Beacons Now Using AMSAT-DL Turbo Code On 2nd April 2013, the two NASA STEREO space-based observatories switched to Turbo Codes to transmit their real-time space weather data permanently. A network of four ground stations, located at the IUZ in Bochum/Germany, CNES in Toulouse/France, NICT in Koganei/Japan and amateur radio station DL0SHF in Kiel-Ronne/Germany receives this data, and uses turbo-decoding software written by AMSAT-DL. The Bochum station is run by AMSAT-DL e.V. and IUZ Bochum Observatory, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and DLR. Said Doug Biesecker, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: "Thanks to the wonderful work of our colleagues running the station in Bochum and the support of DLR, we can now be sure of receiving real-time data from the NASA/STEREO satellite throughout the life of the mission. The STEREO data has proven to provide significant benefits to space weather forecasting and is used by NOAA on a daily basis to ensure the best possible forecasts. Space weather increasingly threatens the technological infrastructure of our modern world, with demonstrated impacts on global positioning, power grids, and high frequency communication systems." The switch to Turbo Codes has improved reception capabilities of the ground stations by about 2 dB, which is a very welcome improvement giving the increasing distances - 269 and 286 million kilometers respectively - that need to be covered. The original AMSAT-DL posting can be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/c6pbz7x [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Awards Awards have been very slow this year. Might be due to the lack of satellites. + The following have entered into the Satellite Communicators Club for making their first satellite QSO. Christopher Friesen, VE4CWF Michael Haman, KB7SNQ Ron Rappel, W1RPR + The following have earned the AMSAT Communications Achievement Award. Glyn Dodwell, GM4CFS, #554 + The following have earned the South Africa Satellite Communications Achievement Award. Glyn Dodwell, GM4CFS, #US184 + The following have earned the AMSAT Century Club Award. This award is not that easy to earn. Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA, #42 Until the amsat.org website is fully restored, you can see all the awards at my website. http://http://www.amsatnet.com/ [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Applications for Teachers Institute, ETP Grants Due by May 15 Attention, teachers who are thinking about using Amateur Radio and wireless technology in their classrooms to help facilitate hands-on learning opportunities. The ARRL’s Education & Technology Program (ETP) offers two programs that can help make this happen, but the application deadlines are fast approaching: The deadline for the 2013 Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology (TI) is May 15, while the deadline for equipment and resource grants was May 1. Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology Seats are still available for the two introductory Teachers Institute (TI-1) sessions offered this summer, one at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut (July 8-11) and one in Rocklin, California (July 15-18). These four-day intensive professional development seminars provide training and resources for introducing basic electronics, the science of radio, space technology and satellite communications, weather science, microcontroller fundamentals and basic robotics into classroom instruction. The curriculum is designed for motivated teachers who want to learn more about wireless technology and share that knowledge with their students. Resources, travel, and room and board expenses are provided by donations to the Education & Technology Program Fund. The ETP is also offering an advanced Teachers Institute (TI-2) session that focuses on the basic electronics behind sensor technology. Teachers will receive instruction in the use of a selection of sensors (such as temperature, pressure, position and humidity), analog-to-digital conversion techniques, the microcontroller programming involved in accessing the sensors and the use of radio (packet radio-like data links) that connect the sensor outputs to the user. Participants will also explore numerous deployment systems that they might use in their classrooms, including land and water robots, buoys, balloons and satellites. This four-day professional development workshop is sponsored by Dayton Amateur Radio Association and is held in Dayton, Ohio (July 22-25). The deadline for both the TI-1 (Connecticut and California) and TI-2 (Ohio) sessions is May 15. Apply now! http://www.arrl.org/teachers-institute-application Equipment and Resource Grants ETP grants for school radio stations are awarded to schools that provide a plan for using Amateur Radio as part of an enrichment program and/or as part of in-classroom learning. Find more information, as well as applications for a School Station Grant or for a Progress Grant, on the ETP Grants web page http://www.arrl.org/etp-grants. The deadline for applications was May 1. If you would like to learn more about how teachers are using Amateur Radio to engage students in the classroom, visit ARRL's Classroom Activities page. http://www.arrl.org/classroom-activities [ANS thanks Debra Johnson, K1DMJ and The ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Ken Pulfer, VE3PU, SK Avid ARISS supporter, Ken Pulfer, VE3PU, has become a Silent Key. Those of you that have been involved with ARISS from the beginning know that Ken was one of the ARISS pioneers. Ken was a member of the first cadre of ARISS delegates and was integral in leading the startup of ARISS. Ken’s intimate knowledge of the space agencies, resulting from his background as a Senior Executive in the Canadian Space Agency, was crucial in helping ARISS formulate the strategies needed to garner support across our international space agency partners. Also, his in- depth understanding of amateur radio policy and connections into the ITU were important factors in helping the ARISS team prepare themselves to develop and operate the unique, multi-national amateur radio platform on ISS that is ARISS. He was a key contributor in guiding the ARISS team in frequency coordination, licensing and callsign strategy. He also was integral in developing ARISS’ terms of reference, our policy for assigning delegates, and he led the effort to nominate and elect our first set of officers. I, for one, will certainly miss Ken’s leadership and guidance. He helped the ARISS program grow from infancy to the strong, international Educational Outreach program that it is now. I note that even just a few weeks ago Rosalie White, K1STO and I solicited Ken’s guidance on some ITU matters that our ARISS international team were addressing. In all matters, Ken was a “Gentleman’s Gentleman”---the “best of the best. ” His presence and support will be sorely missed by me. And by all in the ARISS community. On behalf of the ARISS team, I want to extend our condolences to all Ken Pulfer’s family and friends. May Ken Rest in Peace. [ANS thanks Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cubesat Launches This Week April 19 BAIKONUR Soyuz-2-1b ---------------------------- A Soyuz-2-1b from the Baikonur launch facility, in Kazakhstan on April 19, 2013 will include three cubesat missions: Satellite Downlink Mode ---------- --------------- ------------------ OSSI-1 145.980/437.525 CW/1200bps SOMP 437.485 1200, 9600bps BPSK BEESAT-2/3 435.950 4800bps GMSK Bion-M1 Biological research satellites AIST Measurement of the Earth's geomagnetic field Dove-2 Commercial technology demonstration mission OSSI-1 ------ 145.980 MHz CW, 437.525 MHz 1k2 OSSI-1, the Open Source Satellite Initiative satellite is a cubesat developed by Hojun Song DS1SBO. In addition to the radio beacons OSSI-1 also carries a 44 watt LED optical beacon to flash Morse Code messages to observers on Earth. The development of the satellite has been documented on the Open Source Satellite Initiative Blog http://opensat.cc/blog/ and the Wiki http://opensat.cc/wiki/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUOL0zSY6cg SOMP ---- Downlink on 437.485 MHz including CW, 1k2 and 9k6 BPSK, AX25 FSK, and AO40 standard 400bit/s BPSK The Student Oxygen Measurement Project (SOMP) is a cubesat devel- oped by students of the Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, organized in the Students' Research Group for Spacecraft Engineer- ing in Dresden (STARD). SOMP will be a standard sized single CubeSat with one payload side and five sides with two solar cells each. http://phpweb.tu-dresden.de/stard/SOMP/?lang=en http://tinyurl.com/SOMP-AMSAT-UK-Posting BEESAT-2/3 (Berlin Experimental and Educational Satellite) 435.950 MHz, 4k8 GMSK (both satellites) BEESAT-2 is a cubesat-sized vehicle carries a technology experiment using gyros and sensors for precise orientation. BEESat-3 is another cubesat-sized vehicle that will test high-speed data links (up to 1MB/s). http://www.raumfahrttechnik.tu-berlin.de/beesat/ The above cubesat missions and the scientific/commercial missions are also documented on Mineo Wakita's (JE9PEL) web page at: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ossisomp.htm April 20 KOUROU Vega Launch --------------------------- Estonia's first CubeSat ESTCube-1, amateur radio callsign ES5E/S, is planning to launch from Kourou in the Caribbean at 02:06:31 UT, April 20, 2013 on an ESA VEGA rocket. Built by students at the University of Tartu ESTCube-1 the main mission of the satellite is to test electric solar wind sail tech- nology, a novel space propulsion technology that could revolution- alize transportation within the solar system. It will deploy a 10 meter conductive electrodynamic tether and the force interacting with the tether will be measured. The IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination Panel have pub- lished these frequencies for ESTCube-1: + 437.250 MHz - CW beacon, callsign ES5E/S + 437.505 MHz - 9600 bps AX.25 telemetry, callsign ES5E-11 More information and a video has been posted at: http://amsat-uk.org/?p=14774 [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK and Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- April 17 Antares Launch Includes Three PhoneSat Cubesats Three PhoneSat cubesats will be aboard the Orbital Sciences Corporation Antares(TM) rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in eastern Virginia scheduled for April 17 at approximately 5:00 p.m. (EDT). Phonesat carries an amateur radio payload on 437.425 MHz, was chosen as one of the winners in the Aerospace category for the Popular Science magazine "Best of What's New 2012" awards. The PhoneSat is a technology demonstration mission consisting of three 1U CubeSats intended to prove that a smartphone can be used to perform many of the functions required of a spacecraft bus. The satellite is built around the Nexus smartphone which will be running the Android operating system and will be enclosed in a standard 1U cubesat structure. The main function of the phone is to act as the Onboard Computer, but the mission will also utilize the phone's SD card for data storage, 5MP camera for Earth Observation, and 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer for attitude determination. One of the nanosatellites, powered by the HTC Nexus One smartphone, will send back pictures of Earth. The other two, running on the Samsung Nexus S, will have two-way S-band radio allowing them to be controlled from Earth. With a short lifetime of only about one week, the satellites have no solar cells and operate on battery only. An article on SpaceRef.com describes the Antares test flight, dubbed the A-ONE mission, as the first of two missions Orbital is scheduled to conduct in 2013 under its Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Space Act Agreement with NASA. Following a successful A-ONE launch, Orbital will carry out a full flight demonstration of its new Antares/Cygnus cargo delivery system to the International Space Station (ISS) around mid-year. In addition, the company is also scheduled to launch the first of eight operational cargo resupply missions to the ISS in 2013 under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA. All COTS and CRS flights will originate from NASA's WFF, which is geographically well suited for ISS missions and can also accommodate launches of scientific, defense and commercial satellites to other orbits. The Antares medium-class launch system will provide a major increase in the payload launch capability that Orbital can provide to NASA, the U.S. Air Force and other customers. (Reference: http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=40502) The Antares launch includes the commercial DOVE-1 satellite, a technology development experiment. The satellite had requested IARU coordination for a 1 watt transmitter on 145.825 MHz to downlink a 1200 baud AFSK AX.25 beacon with telemetry and health data. The IARU reported in January that DOVE-1 will no longer be using frequencies in the amateur radio bands based on information posted on the IARU satellite coordination web page for this mission. (Reference: ANS-027 - http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2013/000688.html) See related news at: http://tinyurl.com/bvwksba http://amsat-uk.org/?p=11544 (phonesat) [ANS thanks SpaceRef, AMSAT-UK, and Oribital Sciences for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PhoneSat Tracking Help Requested The very first PhoneSat’s will be launching aboard the Antares on April 17th at 1700 EDT (launch window to April 19th possibly further). We have manifested 2x PhoneSat 1.0 and 1x PhoneSat 2.0 Beta The orbit is very low (270km x 300km 51.6deg) and they will only be up there for 2 weeks! The phonesat team is looking for as many people as possible to help with tracking their satellites. All three satellites will be transmitting on 437.425MHz and TLE’s + more info can be found at www.phonesat.org You can report your received telemetry packets on this web page also. [ANS thanks Samudra N3RDX for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- STRaND-1 signal reports requested Dr Chris Bridges from the Surrey Space Centre has advised that the amateur radio beacon on their STRaND-1 CubeSat, the first UK CubeSat became intermittent over the Easter weekend. STRaND-1, was launched on February 25 at 1231 UT on the PSLV-C20 rocket from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Satish Dhawan space centre. Both Mike Rupprecht DK3WN and Nader Omer ST2NH have reported that no signals have been heard since Sunday. Radio amateurs are asked to listen for STRaND-1 transmitting a 9k6 bps AX.25 signal around 437.568 MHz (+/- Doppler) over the next few days. Please report any positive results to C.P.Bridges[at]surrey.ac.uk STRaND-1 http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/strand-1/ STRaND-1 telemetry beacon http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/stran…d-1-telemetry/ STRaND-1 videos http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/strand-1/strand-1-videos/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Merritt Island High School Mission Selected for NASA Cubesat Launch Initiative Information Week published news of the Merritt Island High School team who developed StangSat. The fourth round of selections in NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative also included a team of high school students at the Merritt Island High School in Brevard County, Florida. They plan to build a cubesat containing two accelerometers to measure the amount of vibration in the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD case that holds the cubesats during launch and then deploys them. The high school is partnering with students at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. The Cal-Poly CubeSat, dubbed CP9, is actually two cubes that contain accelerometers, plus a radio to transmit data back to Earth for the high school students to analyze. The Merritt Island High School cubesat, named StangSat, will stream data to the CP9 in real time during the launch using Wi-Fi. “We’re going to be demonstrating that wireless transmissions inside the P-POD aren’t going to harm the launch,” said Adam Darley, a senior at Cal-Poly who is serving as the CP9 project manager. “If we can demonstrate that, then it will act as a platform to being able to stream information without a radio link.” The Merritt Island High School Cubesat team has more information and photos posted on their Facebook page. [ANS thanks Information News for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Successful Contacts + 820 Chris Hadfield Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Milton, Ontario on 06 April 2013. A successful ARISS Contact was made with participants at 820 Chris Hadfield Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Milton, Ontario on 06 Apr. The event began at approximately 20:25 UTC. The contact was be a telebridge between NA1SS and LU8YY. The contact was audible over portions of South America, and was conducted in English. The Royal Canadian Air Cadet program is a national organization sponsored by the Canadian Forces and its civilian counterpart, the Air Cadet League. The aim of the program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate interest in the air activities of the Canadian Forces. Cadet membership is open to all boys and girls ages 12-18 and is administered by specially trained Canadian Forces reserve members. There is no cost to join and uniforms are provided. 820 Chris Hadfield Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is proudly named after Commander C Hadfield who was a member at the unit in his youth. + Sir George Simpson Jr. High, Albert, AB, Canada on 09 April 2013 A successful ARISS Contact was made with participants at Sir George Simpson Jr. High, Albert, AB, Canada on 09 April. The event began at approximately 20:00 UTC. The duration of the contact was approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact was a telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD and was audible over portions of Italy. The contact was conducted in English and French. Sir George Simpson Public School is a junior high located in St. Albert, Alberta. Currently, they have approximately 540 students enrolled in a variety of programs. The school houses several programs: English, French Immersion, Academic Challenge, Learning Assistance, Opportunity, Knowledge and Employability, and Behaviour Improvement. While learning in their respective programs, all students are invited to rally around their school motto: "Spirit, Growth, Success" in both thought and action. Simpson offers many extracurricular activities such as Social Justice, Cheerleading, Art Club and their SABLE high altitude balloon club. + Innalik School, Inukjuak, Nunavut, Canada on 12 April 2013 A successful ARISS Contact was made with participants at Innalik School, Inukjuak, Nunavut, Canada on 12 April. The event began at approximately 17:30 UTC. The duration of the contact was approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact was a telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD, and was audible over portions of Italy. The contact is was conducted in English, French, and Inuktitut. Inukjuak is a remote, fly-in Inuit community located on the Hudson Bay in Northern Quebec. Its population is approximately 1,600. The Inuit of Inukjuak still partake in many cultural practices, for example; constructing sleds or harpoons, sewing traditional garments, training dogsled teams, hunting, fishing and berry picking. However, they also have a window into the modern world and are current on fashion trends, popular music, and breakout phenomena like "Gangnam Style". The primary language in the school and in the village is Inuktitut; English and French are secondary languages. ARISS Contacts Scheduled for the coming Week +John McCrae High School, Nepean, Ontario, Canada, telebridge via IK1SLD Contact is a go for: Wed 2013-04-17 18:05:02 UTC 28 deg +Gray Mountain Primary School, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, telebridge via IK1SLD Contact is a go for: Sat 2013-04-20 18:47:50 UTC 32 deg ARISS is requesting listener reports for the above contacts. These contacts should be audible over portions of Italy and Europe. Due to issues with the Kenwood radio that are not fully understood at present, the Ericsson radio is going to be used for these contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Due to continuing Space X operations, the above times are subject to last minute changes or cancellations. +Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf [ANS thanks David, AA4KN, Charlie, AJ9N ans ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Schedule of AMSAT Activities at Dayton Hamvention AMSAT Hamvention activities and displays are planned to take place at the new booth location (444-446 and 433-435) in the Ball Arena, and outside in the Satellite Demonstration Area just outside the Ball Arena entrance. 2013 theme for AMSAT at Dayton is "AMSAT - A View to the Future." Here are the daily AMSAT activities for on-site and off-site events at the 2013 Hamvention! Thursday 16 May 2013 -------------------- + 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM AMSAT Booth Setup at Ball Arena (contact Steve Belter, N9IP, n9ip at amsat.org if you can help during this time). + 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM The third Annual AMSAT "Dinner at Tickets" party will be held at Tickets Pub & Eatery in Fairborn, OH. Check out the 'AMSAT at Day- ton Hamvention 2013' link to the page 'AMSAT Dayton Social Events' on the new Web Site: http://www.amsat.org. Friday 17 May 2013 ------------------ + 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM at the AMSAT Booth AMSAT Booth open for membership renewals, books, new items and information. + 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM AMSAT/TAPR Banquet at Dayton 2013 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet on Friday night, May 18 is one of the main AMSAT activities during the 2013 Hamvention at Dayton. See the bulletin below for details! Saturday 18 May 2013 -------------------- + 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the AMSAT Booth AMSAT Booth open for membership renewals, books, new items and information. + 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM The AMSAT Forum Get the latest information about what is going on with AMSAT and its projects. The AMSAT Forum will be held in Forum Room 5. See the bulletin below for details! Sunday 19 May 2013 ------------------ + 9:00 AM - 1:00PM at the AMSAT Booth AMSAT Booth open for membership renewals, books, new items and information. + 1:00PM - 3:00PM at the AMSAT Booth Take down and storage of the AMSAT Booth. (contact Steve Belter, N9IP, n9ip at amsat.org if you can help during this time). Demos Daily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for All Available Passes -------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT is encouraging everyone attending the 2013 Dayton Hamvention to come by the Satellite Demonstration Area just outside of the Ball Area entrance and make a contact using the amateur satellites. There will be AMSAT volunteers to explain how to make the contacts and dur- ing actual satellite passes will complete as many actual contacts as possible. Satellite pass times will be posted in the satellite demon- stration area and at the AMSAT booth. [ANS thanks AMSAT's 2013 Dayton Committee for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Happy Birthday Peter Brown VK4PJ AMSAT Life Member Number 1130, Peter Brown, VK4PJ celebrated his 100th birthday April 13. Peter who didn't become a ham until "later" in life at near age 50, joined AMSAT in 1979. Congratulations, Peter. + Congratulations to George Carr, WA5KBH for attaining 531 grids confirmed on his Satellite VUCC Award! VUCC daily updates posted at: http://www.arrl.org/vucc-standings + Interview about Moon-bounce A video of what appears to be a radio interview about Moon- bounce/EME has been posted on YouTube The interview is not in English but the moon bounce signals can be heard from 4:20 into the video. Watch Radio amateur EME Moon Bounce - http://tinyurl.com/cu5y8ov [ANS thanks Southgate Amateur Radio News for the above information] + AMSAT YouTube Channel AMSAT-NA is pleased to announce a dedicated YouTube channel for videos on and about amateur satellite operations. These will include demonstration videos as well as presentations at the AMSAT-NA Dayton Hamvention Forum and yearly General Membership Meeting and Symposium. It also links to the AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-DL channels for additional views and perspectives. The AMSAT-NA channel may be reached through the www.amsat.org web site, or directly via www.youtube.com/AMSATNA [ANS thanks Alan, W4SCA, for the above information] + Check out page 13 of the May 2013 QST ... there is a nice photo and write up of Bill Tynan, W3XO, receiving the Barry Goldwater Award from the Radio Club of America. The ARRL posted the initial announcement at: http://tinyurl.com/Bill-Tynan-W3XO (www.arrl.org) The AMSAT News Service announcement can be found at: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2012/000651.html [ANS thanks JoAnne K9JKM, and the ARRL for the above information] + Preparations are underway aboard the ISS for a Russian Segment (RS) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #32 scheduled for April 19. Status reports indicate that rechargeable battery packs, helmet lights, the pistol grip tool are being prepared to support the EVA. These activities usually require the amateur radio equipment to be turned off, affecting school contact and the 145.825 MHz packet radio operations. [ANS thanks JoAnne K9JKM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, KC8YLD kc8yld at amsat dot org

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More information on the Antares launch
by Eric Rosenberg 13 Apr '13

13 Apr '13

More for those of us on the east coast: Where the launch should be able to be seen from http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/images/content/739028main_A-ONE_Visibil… (Color%20Enhanced <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/images/content/739028main_A-ONE_Visibil…>).jpg <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/images/content/739028main_A-ONE_Visibil…> Antares fact sheet - http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/Publications/Antares_fact.pdf There are pictures of the rollout on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/8632520054/in/set-72157633198376352/ GL! 73, Eric W3DQ Washington, DC

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SO-50 in DM58
by Jim Adams 13 Apr '13

13 Apr '13

I'll be working /p from DM58 Delta County Colorado during this weeks evening SO-50 passes if anyone needs that grid or county. It'll be the last time I'll be in that grid. Jim Adams - K0BAM

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Icom AG25 Pre Amp
by Al Ozias 12 Apr '13

12 Apr '13

I am looking for an working Icom AG-25 preamplifier. If you know of one that is available please contact me at alozias(a)copper.net . Thanks Al - N7EQF

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Re: BYTE Magazine 09/1986
by Clint Bradford 12 Apr '13

12 Apr '13

>> ... Calculating CRCs by Bits and Bytes", BYTE Magazine, September 1986 It is online in the BYTES Magazine archives ... if this link doesn't work, just search for it on BYTE's site. http://ia701504.us.archive.org/7/items/byte-magazine-1986-09/1986_09_BYTE_1… Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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LituanicaSAT-1 with FM transponder to deploy from ISS
by M5AKA 12 Apr '13

12 Apr '13

See http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/12/lituanicasat-1/ It looks like there's many more CubeSats being deployed from the ISS as well as LituanicaSAT-1. ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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VO-52
by John / NS1Z 12 Apr '13

12 Apr '13

Just got off the 1235z (approx) pass and think the levels are quite low. It is me?

2 1

Calculating CRCs by Bits and Bytes", BYTE Magazine, September 1986
by SALAH 12 Apr '13

12 Apr '13

Hi All, Can somebody send me a pdf version of the following paper? Calculating CRCs by Bits and Bytes", BYTE Magazine, September 1986 73's CN8XS

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Antares launch visible from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.
by Eric Rosenberg 11 Apr '13

11 Apr '13

This came from a friend who works at Orbital Sciences: Enjoy! Eric W3DQ Washington, DC --------------------- From: Public Relations/Dulles/Orbital Date: 04/11/2013 01:04 PM Subject: Antares Launch Viewing Information To All Orbital Employees: Next week, we are scheduled to carry out the first flight of our new Antares space launch vehicle from Wallops Island, Virginia. The current launch date for the test flight is April 17, with a targeted launch time of 5:00 p.m. (EDT). The available window extends until 8:00 p.m., if necessary, to accommodate any pre-launch holds in the countdown that may arise. The Antares launch will be webcast over NASA.gov and broadcast on NASA TV beginning at 4:00 p.m. (EDT). A NASA host, Kyle Herring, and our own John Steinmeyer of LSG will provide commentary for the broadcast. <Orbital employee related information deleted> NASA has designated the Wallops Visitor’s Center and Assateague Beach as the public viewing sites. Live audio commentary will be provided at the Visitor’s Center location. In addition, in the local Wallops area, WCTG-FM 96.5 will be broadcasting live mission updates. Here is the Wallops information on public viewing: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/missions/launchviewing.html Resources: For an overview of the mission, the attached Antares A-ONE mission overview PDF file provides information about the timing and sequence of the flight milestones. WD3Q: I will try and provide this to the AMSAT website) The link to the NASA TV broadcast/webcast will be updated on launch day, but this is the address to access the broadcast: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html You can review many of the progress milestones we have made on the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft by accessing our archive website at: http://www.orbital.com/Antares-Cygnus/ For other information about the broadcast and media activities surrounding the launch, you can visit NASA’s page at: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/missions/antares.html GO ANTARES!

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Press coverage for Merritt Island High and Warwick Uni CubeSats
by M5AKA 11 Apr '13

11 Apr '13

Two student CubeSat projects got some good press coverage yesterday. The Merritt Island High School CubeSat project StangSat was in Florida Today and in the UK the students at Warwick University got a write up on their WUSAT project The Engineer, see Merritt Island High School Students Build CubeSat http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/11/merritt-island-high-students-cubesat/ UK Students Fly CubeSat to 30km http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/10/uk-students-fly-cubesat-to-30km/ 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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Re: UPDATE 2M1EUB/P OPPS IO97CM WORKED
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 11 Apr '13

11 Apr '13

Hi Paul, Many thanks to you and your YL for giving up your time, effort and am sure cost to venture to these rare grid squares operating via the satellites. I am sure many others like myself really appreciate these trips that you make for the sake of our hobby, I know that you are both giving up time that was intended to be a vacation and perhaps enjoying and maybe relaxing. This year has also been rather extreme to say the least in terms of the weather and perhaps the risk and pressure that you have been under. Many thanks once again to you both - take care and do hope that you do get some time to enjoy !!! Regards Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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ao7 mode switch k4feg-2m1eub/p
by paul robinson 10 Apr '13

10 Apr '13

frank i was hanging about for the mode switch sorry we didnt make it ,from io97 im back in 87sq if you abt next 2days de paul 2m1eub/p

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UPDATE 2M1EUB/P OPPS IO97CM WORKED
by paul robinson 10 Apr '13

10 Apr '13

Thanks for the contacts from io97cm today ,now qrt after 4hours my yl had enough! i worked one pass a07 mode b and 3 passes fo29. k8yse has a recording on hisweb page of a qso on fo29 any one interested..73 paul 2M1EUB/P

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AO7 Mode Switch
by K4FEG 10 Apr '13

10 Apr '13

/*For those who wonder about such things, the Mode switch for AO7 is occurring at approximately 10:47:15UTC.*//* */ I was listening for Paul, 2M1EUB/P on AO7 this morning and AO7 was still in Mode A when I came into the footprint, I listened and called for Paul near center frequency until he was out of the satellite and then I just waited to see when the satellite switched mode. As I stated it happened at about 10:47:UTC I did not have my system clock synchronized so my time may be off a bit. I just thought some of those who keep up with such things might be interested! Good Day all! & 73; Frank; K4FEG EM55aj85ta

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OFFICE CLOSED
by Martha 10 Apr '13

10 Apr '13

The AMSAT office will be closed from Wednesday, April 10th to Monday April 15th. I am taking a birthday holiday to Florida -- 73- Martha

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FUNcube Project - Your advice requested
by Graham Shirville 10 Apr '13

10 Apr '13

Hi All, As part of the FUNcube project we now need to urgently decide which is going to be the best type of antenna to propose for use at schools and colleges to receive the 145MHz downlink signals from both FUNcube-1 and FUNcube-2 on UKube after launch. Both spacecraft will be transmitting approx 300mW of BPSK 1k2 telemetry with FEC – FC1- will be using a dipole antenna and will have passive magnetic attitude control. FC-2 on UKube will use a single monopole antenna and the spacecraft is intended to have active attitude control. This is primarily to ensure that the deployed solar panels are illuminated and that the face with the S band patch is usually earth pointing. We believe that the resultant signal should be easily usable using an omnidirectional antenna but the questions is which would be the best type to use. Obviously ease of construction, cost, robustness and safety in a school environment will also be important factors as well as suitable “gain” and circularity from horizon to horizon. We envisage that some operations may be from fixed installations with the antennas mounted permanently but some will be temporary - perhaps hand held or bolted to a step ladder or similar. We know there are many AMSAT members around the globe with great experience in this field and, we suspect, with some strongly held views. So please let us have some constructive input about which type is likely to be best for this purpose - your comments, ideas and lessons learnt will be very valuable for us. Thanks in advance for your support 73 Graham G3VZV - for the FUNcube Project team As part of the FUNcube project we need to decide which is going to be the best antenna to propose for use at schools and colleges to receives the 145MHz downlink signals from both FUNcube-1 and FUNcube-2 on UKube after launch. Both spacecraft will be transmitting approx 300mW of BPSK 1k2 telemetry with FEC – FC1- will be using a dipole antenna and has passive magnetic attitude control. FC-2 on UKube will use a single monopole antenna and the spacecraft is intended to have active attitude control to ensure that the deployed solar panels are illuminated and that the face with the S band patch is usually earth pointing. We believe that the resultant signal should be easily usable using an omnidirectional antenna but the questions is which would be the best type to use. Obviously ease of construction, cost, robustness and safety in a school environment will also be important factors as well as suitable “gain” and circularity from horizon to horizon. We know there are many AMSAT members with experience in this field and, we suspect, some strongly held views but all constructive input would be very welcome.

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Re: FUNcube Project - 7 dBi omni
by Robert Bruninga 09 Apr '13

09 Apr '13

> ... which is going to be the best type of antenna... > to receive the 145MHz downlink signals There are lots of good hemispherical satellite antennas that provide equal gain for all satellites in view. However, these designs ignore the fact that satellites on the horizon (LEO passes spend almost 70% of their time below say 22 degrees) are so far away, most of them are too weak to be decoded until they get closer (and higher) anyway. Given the weak downlink (300mw) of FunCube there is no -omni- antenna that is going to decode that signal at the horizon when the satellite is over 1500km away. In this light, it is better to simply sacrifice low angle coverage and concentrate the gain higher up to make sure that when the satellite does get to high angles, then there is plenty of gain to decode it. The simplest and best performance (for LEO satellites) and easiest to construct is a 3/4 wave vertical over a ground plane. It has over 7 dBi gain above 25 or 30 degrees and requires no matching circuit. Just shield to ground plane and center coax to the 3/4 wave whip. The antenna pattern is ideal for LEO satellites because it concentrates the gain above 30 degrees and does not waste gain down on the horizon where satellites are 6 to 10 dB farther away and not decodable on an omni anyway unless the satellite has decent power (which the fun cube does not). Background: In the past, a 19" whip is an ideal 3/4 wave gain vertical for UHF (over 7 dBi) and also acts as a 1/4 wave vertical (5 dBi) for VHF. A nice dual band antenna for satellite work with weak UHF downlinks. But then Funcube is not UHF, but VHF. So you want more gain on the VHF downlink, so you would want to make this antenna almost 58 inches long to be 3/4 wave on VHF (and ignore it for UHF where the gain pattern would be too narrow). Also, by having reduced gain on the horizon, the VHF link will have less noise to contend with. You don’t you see this excellent antenna more often because it is useless for terrestrial operation (negative gain on the horizon), and for satellites, most people think they want omni-gain on the horizon even though for anything other than the 10W transmitter on the ISS, they still won't decode anything on the horizon until the satellite gets higher (and closer) anyway. So my receommendation is the 3/4 wave vertical for unattended fixed omni operation with high gain above say about 25 degrees and use a gain YAGI and tracking antenna if you need to have coverage down to the horizon. The over 7 dBi gain of this simple 3/4 wave antenna plus the nearly 5 dB path-loss (and noise) gain of VHF over UHF for omni antennas makes this link over 12 dB better than a comparable UHF downlink to-an-omni experience with cubesats. My opinion anyway. You can see some of my early writings on this antenna about 80% down this page: http://aprs.org/astars.html Bob, Wb4APR -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Graham Shirville Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 3:47 PM To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNcube Project - Your advice requested Hi All, As part of the FUNcube project we now need to urgently decide which is going to be the best type of antenna to propose for use at schools and colleges to receive the 145MHz downlink signals from both FUNcube-1 and FUNcube-2 on UKube after launch. Both spacecraft will be transmitting approx 300mW of BPSK 1k2 telemetry with FEC – FC1- will be using a dipole antenna and will have passive magnetic attitude control. FC-2 on UKube will use a single monopole antenna and the spacecraft is intended to have active attitude control. This is primarily to ensure that the deployed solar panels are illuminated and that the face with the S band patch is usually earth pointing. We believe that the resultant signal should be easily usable using an omnidirectional antenna but the questions is which would be the best type to use. Obviously ease of construction, cost, robustness and safety in a school environment will also be important factors as well as suitable “gain” and circularity from horizon to horizon. We envisage that some operations may be from fixed installations with the antennas mounted permanently but some will be temporary - perhaps hand held or bolted to a step ladder or similar. We know there are many AMSAT members around the globe with great experience in this field and, we suspect, with some strongly held views. So please let us have some constructive input about which type is likely to be best for this purpose - your comments, ideas and lessons learnt will be very valuable for us. Thanks in advance for your support 73 Graham G3VZV - for the FUNcube Project team As part of the FUNcube project we need to decide which is going to be the best antenna to propose for use at schools and colleges to receives the 145MHz downlink signals from both FUNcube-1 and FUNcube-2 on UKube after launch. Both spacecraft will be transmitting approx 300mW of BPSK 1k2 telemetry with FEC – FC1- will be using a dipole antenna and has passive magnetic attitude control. FC-2 on UKube will use a single monopole antenna and the spacecraft is intended to have active attitude control to ensure that the deployed solar panels are illuminated and that the face with the S band patch is usually earth pointing. We believe that the resultant signal should be easily usable using an omnidirectional antenna but the questions is which would be the best type to use. Obviously ease of construction, cost, robustness and safety in a school environment will also be important factors as well as suitable “gain” and circularity from horizon to horizon. We know there are many AMSAT members with experience in this field and, we suspect, some strongly held views but all constructive input would be very welcome. _______________________________________________ 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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2M1EUB/P OPPS UPDATE WEDNESDAY IO97CM
by paul robinson 09 Apr '13

09 Apr '13

Tomorrow wednesday,ill be driving to Peterhead Aberdeenshire,on the N.E coast corner of Scotland, grid sq IO97CM which is a rare grid to be had....fo29 and ao7 ,please make the qso as quick as poss as there may be lots of interested stations looking for me and time is short...ill only be there for a few hours in day light ,mid day passes,GMT.after that ill be back to io87nc till saturday.Hope this works out for every one who is interested ill be around 145.950 a07 and 435.850 fo29,if for any reason ao7 is in mode A ill be around 29.450mhz ...de paul 2M1EUB/P.... QSL dirrect via 2E1EUB

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Bill Tyan, W3XO in May QST
by JoAnne Maenpaa 09 Apr '13

09 Apr '13

Check out page 13 of the May 2013 QST ... there is a nice photo and write up of Bill Tynan, W3XO, receiving the Barry Goldwater Award from the Radio Club of America. The ARRL posted the initial announcement at: http://tinyurl.com/Bill-Tynan-W3XO (www.arrl.org) The AMSAT News Service announcement can be found at: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2012/000651.html -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT Journal

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demo help
by Nick Pugh 09 Apr '13

09 Apr '13

Thanks to all that help on the demo yesterday there were 7 very excited kids Thanks nick ARS K5QXJ EM30xa 30.1N 92.1W Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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io97 sq opps WEDNESDAY 2M1EUB/P
by paul robinson 08 Apr '13

08 Apr '13

Hope to be qrv wednesday this week day time only from io97 sq in north east aberdeenshire scotland,ao7 and may be fo29 ...i will be driving to this sq special.Hope to find a good spot to park up .Heavy snow is forcast here for thrusday,so if it comes early we wont be going..im opperating holiday style...ie the xyl is understanding! 73 de paul 2M1EUB/P

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7330 Km contact on FO-29!
by Hector Luis HLMS. Martinez Sis 08 Apr '13

08 Apr '13

Hello to all! Today on the 1338z pass, I beat my distance mark on FO-29. David, EA4SG (grid IN80cp) and I (grid EL92sd) completed a SSB contact successfully. Based on QRZ.com, the distance between the two stations is 7330.6 km. We had just a 88 seconds window. I was operating portable from on top of a tall building as before. Satellites are always fascinating! Thanks very much to David for this great contact and new grid! 73! Hector, CO6CBF EL92sd --- Consulte la Enciclopedia Colaborativa Cubana http://www.ecured.cu/

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greetings
by Gail A Mcdaniel 08 Apr '13

08 Apr '13

http://www.hugobusinesses.com/includes/newsphoto.php?mfqfrmli712shlgy ********************** You can do better than that. Fracture, shatter, pulverize and atomize it. Don't kid around. -- Ari Rapkin

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demo help
by Nick Pugh 08 Apr '13

08 Apr '13

The Children Museum of Acadiana and the AARA will be presenting handhelds to 7 6th graders who just passed the tech license. If someone on this list could connect to ECHOLINK node 370324 at 1915 z Monday and have a QSO with the kids for their 1st Q. DX stations would really excite the kids. Most f the kids are learning French. Please reply to me if you can come up on Echolink. Thanks nick ARS K5QXJ EM30xa 30.1N 92.1W Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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Keps Downconverter
by Angelo Glorioso 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

I am trying to repair my Keps 13lnc72-db 2.4 gig dowmconverter and I am unable to find any document or schematic. Do anyone have any documents on this unit??? I have looked on the web but the site looks like it is down. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Angelo

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AMSAT-DL Turbo Code on STEREO + AMSAT Life Members 100th Birthday
by M5AKA 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

Congratulations to AMSAT-DL on this notable achievement, AMSAT-DL report at http://www.amsat-dl.org/index.php/news-mainmenu-97/194-stereo-turbo-amsateng AMSAT Life Member 1130 VK4PJ is 100 on April 13 http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/06/amsat-life-member-vk4pj-is-100-on-april-13/ ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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April Satellite Launches
by M5AKA 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

April looks a busy month for satellite launches: April 17 - Antares-110 carrying PhoneSats v1a, v1b, v2a. Dove-1 is also listed on this launch, I'm not sure if it's using Amateur-Satellite Service frequencies. http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/orbitalsciences-index.html http://amsat-uk.org/?p=11544 (phonesat) April 19 - Soyuz-2-1a carrying OSSI-1, BEESAT 2/3 and SOMP Dove-2 is also listed on this launch, I'm not sure if it's using Amateur-Satellite Service frequencies. http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/ossi-1/ http://amsat-uk.org/2012/03/28/student-cubesats-beesat-2-and-beesat-3/ http://amsat-uk.org/?p=16017 (SOMP) April 20 - Vega carrying ESTCube-1 http://amsat-uk.org/?p=14774 (ESTCube-1) April 25 - CZ-2D from the Jiuquan Space Center carrying the Mode J (145/435) linear transponder satellite TURKSAT-3USAT along with CubeBug-1 and NEE-01 Pegasus http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/turksat-3usat/ http://amsat-uk.org/2013/03/22/cubebug-1/ http://amsat-uk.org/?p=14689 (NEE-01) ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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2M1EUB/P OPPS UPDATE
by paul robinson 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

Heavy snow over night and snowing so may not be qrv today unless clears up.paul

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ANS-097 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-097 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. In this edition: * AMSAT-NA Working on Coordination Issues with Experimental Satellites * AMSAT YouTube Channel * 2013 AMSAT Field Day Rules Posted On-Line * ARRL Seeks Comments on 5 and 10 GHz National Band Plans * Final IARU-R1 Vienna 2013 Papers Released * First Satellite Contact Between Cuba and Ireland on FO-29 * NASA Seeks Academic Partners For Smallsat Technology Collaboration * Upcoming ARISS Contacts SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.01 ANS-076 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 7, 2013 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.01 ***************************************************************** * Volunteers are needed to help at the AMSAT booth at Dayton. * * Steve Belter N9IP, is looking for volunteers to help man the * * AMSAT booth during the 2013 Hamvention. If you are willing * * to help at the Hamvention, please send an e-mail by April 30 * * to Steve Belter, n9ip(a)amsat.org. * * * * Monitor the 'AMSAT at Dayton Hamvention 2013' link on the new * * AMSAT Web Site http://www.amsat.org for the latest AMSAT at * * Dayton news and developments * ***************************************************************** --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-NA Working on Coordination Issues with Experimental Satellites Over the past several months events have caused the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) to more closely evaluate whether many of the small satellite projects proposed for launch should continue to be operated as stations in the Amateur-Satellite Service or instead be licensed as experimental stations. Based on the FCC's review, they determined that many do not really fit as Amateur projects and instead are requiring that the satellite developers obtain experimental licenses while still allowing them to operate in bands allocated to the Amateur-Satellite Service. This has generated concern by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) with regard to whether it is appropriate for their Satellite Advisory Panel to take on the duty of coordinating what the FCC now views as non-amateur satellites. The IARU Satellite Adviser and his panel will coordinate frequencies for satellites to be licensed as experimental on an adhoc basis. The IARU Satellite Adviser is working closely with the FCC to prioritize the coordination of experimental satellites manifested on launches for the next few month. Satellites licensed as amateur will not be affected and will be coordinated as before. The IARU is urging administrations to take series steps to find alternative allocations for experimental satellites and prioritize their participation of preparation for agneda item at WRC-18 if not at WRC-15. "AMSAT groups around the world are urged to work with their national societies and regulators to resolve the situation", the IARU Satellite Adviser said. AMSAT-NA is working with the ARRL to investigate long-term solutions to this situation while also addressing the short-term need for satellites already in the pipeline nearing launch. AMSAT-NA recognizes the significant positive impact that the university cubesat programs have provided to the amateur radio satellite community, including: * Affordable launch opportunities as NASA and other government policies encourage development of university satellite programs * Encouraging students and staff to embrace amateur radio through obtaining amateur radio licensees and establishing amateur radio ground stations * Providing the potential for more amateur radio communications satellites as the Fox-1 design is made operational, allowing both experimental payloads and amateur radio operations to be supported through a robust and dependable RF design AMSAT-NA is committed to continue working with the FCC, IARU and ARRL to develop plans and processes that will address the needs and concerns of the small satellite community both short and long term. [ANS thanks AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, and Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT YouTube Channel AMSAT-NA is pleased to announce a dedicated YouTube channel for videos on and about amateur satellite operations. These will include demonstration videos as well as presentations at the AMSAT-NA Dayton Hamvention Forum and yearly General Membership Meeting and Symposium. It also links to the AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-DL channels for additional views and perspectives. The AMSAT-NA channel may be reached through the www.amsat.org web site, or directly via www.youtube.com/AMSATNA [ANS thanks Alan, W4SCA, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 AMSAT Field Day Rules Posted On-Line AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO reminds you that time of year is once again approaching - Field Day! Each year the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as an emergency preparedness exercise. This year Field Day is June 22-23, 2013. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur satellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event. With SO-50 being the only active FM satellite, Field Day this year will be challenging. If you are considering ONLY the FM voice sat- ellites for your primary AMSAT Field Day focus: Don't, unless you are simply hoping to make one contact for the ARRL rules bonus points. The congestion on FM LEO satellites was so intense in prior years that we must continue to limit their use to one-QSO-per-FM-satel- lite. This includes the International Space Station if it is oper- ational. You will be allowed one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice. You will also be allowed one digital QSO with the ISS or any other digital, non-store-and-forward, packet satellite (if operational). If you have worked the satellites on Field Day in recent years, you may have noticed a lot of good contacts can be made on the linear transponder satellites including VUsat OSCAR 52, Fuji OSCAR 29, and AMSAT OSCAR 7. During Field Day the transponders come alive like 20 meters on a weekend. The transponders on these satellites will sup- port multiple simultaneous SSB or CW contacts. The AMSAT Field Day 2013 event is open to all Amateur Radio opera- tors. Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day. The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites, both analog and digital. For the complete listing of the AMSAT Field Day Rules please refer to the documents posted on-line at: http://www.amsatnet.com/2013fd.docx http://www.amsatnet.com/2013fd.pdf [ANS thanks AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Seeks Comments on 5 and 10 GHz National Band Plans Chairman, ARRL UHF/Microwave Band Plan Committee, Rick Roderick, K5UR reports that a the draft documents of the 5 and 10 GHz band plans has been released for review. The Committee, charted by the ARRL Board of Directors, has pre- pared draft band plans for 5 centimeters (5.650-5.925 GHz) and 3 centimeters (10-10.500 GHz). Amateur Satellite allocations in the draft band plans include: + Amateur Satellite; Up-Link Only 5650.000 - 5670.000 MHz + Amateur Satellite; Down-Link Only 5830.000 - 5850.000 MHz + Space, Earth & Telecommand Stations 10450.000 - 10500.000 MHz The band plan committee is requesting user comments via e-mail to microwave-band-plan(a)arrl.org by April 30, 2013. The ARRL announcement, including links to the PDF copies of the pro- posed band plan documents can be accessed on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/ARRL-5-10GHZ-BandPlans (www.arrl.org) [ANS thanks the ARRL UHF/Microwave Band Plan Committee for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Final IARU-R1 Vienna 2013 Papers Released AMSAT-UK_Bevelled_LogoThe final set of VHF/UHF/uW papers for the IARU Region 1 Interim meeting in Vienna, April 20-21, have been released. They include a number of papers related to Amateur-Satellite Service allocations: * VIE13_C5_03 Increased Amateur-Satellite Service 144MHz Usage * VIE13_C5_05 Recommendations for DATV Transmission * VIE13_C5_24 Region 1 Satellite Coordinator Report * VIE13_C5_27 New Narrow-Band working frequencies in the 2300-2450 MHz band * VIE13_C5_32 2400MHz Amateur Satellites Download the papers here: http://ukamsat.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/2013_vienna_documents_final .pdf Discussion on the papers can be found on the RSGB C5 Yahoo Group at http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ukc5discussion/ Article originally published at: http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/02/final-iaru-r1-vienna-2013-papers-releas ed/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- First Satellite Contact Between Cuba and Ireland on FO-29 Congratulations to Hector Martinez, CO6CBF and Joe Murphy, EI5EV for completing the first satellite contact between Cuba and Ireland on April 3, 2013 on FO-29. The distance between CO6CBF and EI5EV is 6955.1 km. Both stations had a 66 second window within the FO-29 footprint. Hector wrote, "Doppler is always in play. We did the calculations based on the great feature implemented on SatPC32 V12.8b using the option of see- ing the frequency you are at the satellite receiver. This was our common reference point. I was very satisfied when I heard Joe exact- ly on the frequency I was expecting!" Hector operated from on top of a tall building which improved his horizon visibility toward Europe. He used a Yaesu FT-817ND trans- ceiver, 30 watt power amplifier, and a homebrew Arrow with a home- brew mast mounted amplifier. Everything was powered by two 12 volt, 7 amp gel cell batteries. FO-29 is at apogee which has increased the size of its footprint and improved chances for satellite DX contacts. Another example is Bob, W7LRD (grid CN87) reported a successful contact with Boris, UA0QJ (grid PP42) via FO-29 on March 26. The range between the two stations is 6268 km. Hector would like to set up schedules with satellite operators in the FO-29 footprint. Please e-mail him at co6cbf[at]frcuba.co.cu. [ANS thanks Hector Martinez, CO6CBF for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- NASA Seeks Academic Partners For Smallsat Technology Collaboration [Credit: This article was first published on the Microcom Space Newsfeed on April 2. This article can be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/Microcom-NASA-Collaboration (spacenewsfeed.co.uk)] NASA is seeking small spacecraft technology project proposals from U.S. colleges and universities that would like to collaborate with agency researchers. Small spacecraft, or smallsats, represent a growing field of space research and operations in which universities often have led the way in technology development. Smallsats, some of which are as small as a four-inch cube, are not expected to replace conventional space- craft, but sometimes can provide an alternative to larger, more costly spacecraft. Smallsats can serve as platforms for rapid tech- nology testing or specialized scientific research and exploration not otherwise possible. Smallsats also can be developed relatively quickly and inexpensively, and can share a ride to orbit with larger spacecraft. "This new opportunity will engage university students and graduate researchers in advancing technology of value to NASA and the nation, and help strengthen our high-tech work force," said Andrew Petro, program executive for the Small Spacecraft Technology Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "There is a vibrant small space- craft community emerging within America's universities and NASA is taking steps to increase our collaboration with that community. The universities will benefit from the deep experience NASA has in space research and technology, while NASA will benefit from fresh ideas and cost-conscious innovation at the universities." NASA expects to competitively select approximately 10 proposals. Each team will form proposal partnerships with researchers from any of NASA's field centers. Awards for each project will include as much as $100,000 ($150,000 for teams of more than one school). Proposals submitted in response to this NASA cooperative agreement notice are due June 5. In addition, NASA will fund the time for NASA employees to work with each selected team. Project funding is for one year with the potential to continue for a second year. Proposed projects could include anything from laboratory work to advance a particular spacecraft technology to flight testing of a new smallsat. For example, projects might focus on a technology area such as propul- sion, power or communications, or on a smallsat capability, such as formation flight or satellite rendezvous. The Small Spacecraft Technology Program is part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use in NASA's future missions. For additional news see: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=43721 [ANS thanks the Microcom Space Newsfeed for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming ARISS Contacts An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Sir George Simpson Jr. High, Albert, AB, Canada on 09 April. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 20:00 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD. The contact should be audible over portions of Italy. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English and French. Sir George Simpson Public School is a junior high located in St. Albert, Alberta. Currently, with approximately 540 students enrolled in a variety of programs. An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Innalik School, Inukjuak, Nunavut, Canada on 12 April. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 17:30 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD. The contact should be audible over portions of Italy. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English, French, and Inuktitut. Inukjuak is a remote, fly-in Inuit community located on the Hudson Bay in Northern Quebec. Its population is approximately 1600. The Inuit of Inukjuak still partake in many cultural practices, for example; constructing sleds or harpoons, sewing traditional garments, training dogsled teams, hunting, fishing and berry picking. However, they also have a window into the modern world and are current on fashion trends, popular music, and breakout phenomena like "Gangnam Style". The primary language in the school and in the village is Inuktitut; English and French are secondary languages. ARISS is an international educational outreach program partnering the participating space agencies, NASA, Russian Space Agency, ESA, CNES, JAXA, and CSA, with the AMSAT and IARU organizations from participating countries. ARISS offers an opportunity for students to experience the excitement of Amateur Radio by talking directly with crew-members on-board the International Space Station. Teachers, parents and communities see, first hand, how Amateur Radio and crew-members on ISS can energize youngsters' interest in science, technology, and learning. Further information on the ARISS program is available on the website http://www.ariss.org/ (graciously hosted by the Radio Amateurs of Canada). [ANS thanks David, AA4KN, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

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UPDATE 2M1EUB QRV A07
by paul robinson 06 Apr '13

06 Apr '13

LIMITED INTERNET.... .LOTS OF DEEP SNOW....IM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WILDS. NOW QRV NEXT FEW PASS AO7 6/4/13 IO87NC HOPE TO BE QRV AO7 FROM IO97 LATTER IN WEEK IM DRIVING TO THIS SQ BY REQUEST WILL ALSO BE FO29 FOR LIMITED QSO ILL KEEP U POSTED JUST DROVE 500MILES SO NEED A KIP 2M1EUB

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Re: LVB tracker problem
by Rob styles 05 Apr '13

05 Apr '13

Yanko forgot to add, just follow the instruction within the LVB trackers manual, connect the LVB tracker via Telnet software, ignore the LCD screen on the tracker, set the limits and Write to the Pic. Once these limits have been set and written. switch the tracker off then back on again. this should fix the issues. its looks and sounds like a corrupt Pic, from stray RF. Rob Sent from Windows Mail

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LVB tracker problem
by Rob styles 05 Apr '13

05 Apr '13

Hi Yanko Some times stray RF can cause a garbled display, I just re-flashed the firmware and all was ok. sounds like a corrupt Eprom, Follow the manual to reprogramme. Regards Rob M0TFO Sent from Windows Mail ****************************************

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Re: LVB tracker problem
by Andreas Junge 05 Apr '13

05 Apr '13

Yanko, I had the same problem and in my case the PIC chip needed replacing. 73, Andreas, N6NU > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:23:54 -0500 > From: samy_b1(a)shell4you.net > To: <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB tracker problem > Message-ID: <a0ff74e0492e37d294f3a7f2649b04cc(a)shell4you.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > > > Hello, > Recently I start having problems with my lvb tracker and I > was wondering if some one can help me figure out whats going on . The > tracker will turn on and will run for 2 or 3 seconds and will display a > garbled text after. Like in this video http://youtu.be/fgx0zE4RelU or it > will just go directly to the garbled text like on this video > http://youtu.be/lRrx2Or_o0M after I switch it on and off . I checked all > of the connections on the cables and they are ok . > > Thanks > > Yanko, > NX9G >

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LVB tracker problem
by samy_b1＠shell4you.net 05 Apr '13

05 Apr '13

Hello, Recently I start having problems with my lvb tracker and I was wondering if some one can help me figure out whats going on . The tracker will turn on and will run for 2 or 3 seconds and will display a garbled text after. Like in this video http://youtu.be/fgx0zE4RelU or it will just go directly to the garbled text like on this video http://youtu.be/lRrx2Or_o0M after I switch it on and off . I checked all of the connections on the cables and they are ok . Thanks Yanko, NX9G

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DATV in satelliteband
by Håkan H 04 Apr '13

04 Apr '13

Hello Satellitefriends! Is it realley possible that DATV and satellitereception can work near eatch other in frequency without disturbance? http://www.g7lwt.com/datv.html All info are welcome! 73 Hakan SM7WSJ PS: I am thinking on when receiving the weak SO-50 with a neighbour transmitting DATV on 437 MHz it could be problem?

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