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

Brown University CubeSat Article
by M5AKA 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

An article on the Brown CubeSat just been published at http://www.browndailyherald.com/2013/09/03/brown-cubesat-team-shoots-stars-… 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Was So50, now center of the passband
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

Let me clarify a little. Previous to SatPC32 being the ubiquitous way to operate the transponders, people tended to spread out much more on the linear sats. CW was generally in the lower third to maybe middle, and voice was often spread out over much more of the passband. Now...I love Sat PC32, and I like full Doppler tuning, but just because the program defaults to the middle of the passband doesn't mean everyone should operate within 10 KHz of there. See http://s139.photobucket.com/user/glasbrenner/media/radio/FO-29FDanotated.jp… Spread out and use the VFO! There's no reason to pile up like sardines in the middle. Maybe even (GASP) edit the doppler.sqf file to put you elsewhere in the passband to fine tune things at the start of the pass? Got a schedule, or operating from a rare grid? Let everyone know where to look (i.e. 25 khz up from the middle) and save yourself and others some QRM? 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: B J <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> >Sent: Sep 2, 2013 2:11 PM >To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: So50 > >On 9/2/13, Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> wrote: >> Or just work the transponders (not the FM repeaters) and avoid the lids. >> That normally means being somewhere other than the exact middle of the >> passband. I have a few stations that I will absolutely not work until they >> clean up their operating style. Otherwise, I go out of my way to look for >> new ops. >> > >If I happen to hear a QSO in progress when I'm checking for my >downlink on, say, FO-29, I move further up into the band and continue. > I might miss some potential contacts but I'm not in anyone's way. > >73s > >Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL > ><snip> >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: SO-50
by Clint Bradford 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

>> ... I may be mistaken but wouldn't instances like this be viable candidates to notify an ARRL Official Observer about? Heck, let's call the FCC. Let's get some $5-10K fines daily issued for such illegal activity ... You gotta be kidding. For a decade now I have witnessed "problems" handled with phone calls and email mesages. There't no reason we cannot continue to take care of this aspect of this magnificent hobby in the same manner. But I fail to see a true definition of what the "problem" is. The "problem" seems to be, for some, the fact that they cannot take their children out in the back yard on a Saturday afternoon and be able to make contacts at will on an FM satellite. That is a care of unrealistic expectations - and not a "problem" for authorities to handle. Heck, I just went outside with 2 Watts - on a federal holiday in the U.S. - and worked three states within three minutes on a mediocre pass of SO-50. And that was BEFORE the satellite was half-way through its 25 or so degree pass. Yes, there's impolite ops, I am sure. But "Let's sic the feds on 'em!"??? We are better than that. We're communicators, for gawd's sake. Let's use our communications and public relations talents to maintain the hobby. It's worked in the past. Clint Bradford K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com 909-241-7666 - cell

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ARRL/TAPR DCC Forum Schedule, Banquet Speaker & Sunday Seminar Announced
by Mark Thompson 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

2013 ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communication Conference) http://www.tapr.org/dcc Friday, 9/20 - Sunday, 9/22 Cedarbrook Lodge, Seattle, WA http://www.tapr.org/dcc.html/#hotel Preliminary DCC Technical & Introductory Forums Schedule On-Line at link below & attached: http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2013_Schedule.pdf ARRL/TAPR DCC Seattle Saturday Evening Banquet Speaker will be: Tom Van Baak Presenting “Passion and Precision: Adventures of a Time Nut” http://www.tapr.org/dcc#banquet ARRL/TAPR DCC Seattle Sunday Morning Seminar will be Conducted by Ron Frohne, KL7NA Presenting "Android Programming Tutorial" http://www.tapr.org/dcc#seminar On-line DCC Registration at: https://www.tapr.org/dccregistration.php The Early Bird Discount for DCC Pre-Registration has been extended to midnight Friday, September 13. Walk-ins will be welcome throughout the DCC, but the Early Bird Discount will no longer be applicable

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Re: So-50
by Kevin M 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

I tried that. And I can assure you both I was very polite. My first attempt was replied to with three words, all in caps and exclamation points. I took that as being yelled at. Then later when the person was 'speaking' to me again, I tried a second time with more better detail to very politely explain the issue. That attempt was then replied to with a long paranoid, accusatory diatribe about how I was being influenced and being used to do others' dirty work. (???) The diatribe ended with me being told they did not want to hear from me any further on the subject. - I used to work in public service (police/ambulance) and I have extended first hand experience with unstable individuals; you cannot reason with them, they are already convinced that they are correct. My point is, it's a good idea, but if they were 'open to suggestion' they would have likely asked in the first place. Now, that's not always the case, as I have also had someone else take my suggestion about reducing power levels and thank me for doing so and being nice about it! But the most egregious offenders tend to be the ones that don't take criticism well. - All I can say is good luck to everyone and I hope things get better on the sats. W7LRD said: the best we can do is to "politely" educate the alleged offenders, usually via email. W1MSG said: What we need to do is exactly what someone else said, shoot the offending station an e-mail and try to elmer them in operating procedures. ------------------------------------------------------------------ "Control is the need of the fearful mind. Trust is the need of the courageous heart."

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Re: So50
by Kevin M 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

John, it's not just the west coast... There is one in the middle of the US that does about the same thing. On the linear birds, he calls over top of others who are already trying tomake a call. And he also tends to act like a 'grid traffic controller' on SO-50 with unnecessary chatter. Especially on SO-50, one needs to be as brief as possible and get off... it's common courtesy. Personally, I've quit the birds for a while... no need to put up with such nonsense, ham radio is supposed to be fun. I have some recently purchased antennas, preamps and an AZ-EL rotor in the closet. I was anxious to get them up this fall, but now I think I might wait until spring and see how things are. Maybe I will see you then. =^) Just wanted to let you know, it's not just you. Good luck on the weak signal work. As for me... I'm plan to work on some radials for new verticals and invest my time in chasing DX on HF and 160m. 73! N4UFO From: John - VE7JZ My daughter, who is a new ham has just given up on trying SO-50. 5 times now she has set up the station to work someone and the moment she unkeys, there is someone calling and not listening. We here, have a TS-2000 with az-el setup and 2 yagis with auto tracking. I totally agree with the comments here on this subject of wild west operations on SO-50. It is out of control. Here on the wet coast there is a WA6 ( wont say his call here ) every day that is constantly either ruining qso's or using way too much power and wiping out transponders completely. And if you call this LID, he either cannot hear you or ignores you and continues his ignorant disregard for other users so HE can get HIS contacts and to heck with anyone else. A constant and rather rude transponder HOG that is on almost every pass of every voice satellite. So as of today, we (my daughter and I) will go back to weak signal work and drop off satellite use until these LIDS either disappear or something. Our 2 cents worth. Everyone have a great day wherever you might be. 73. ------------------------------------------------------------------ "Control is the need of the fearful mind. Trust is the need of the courageous heart."

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Re: SO-50
by Clint Bradford 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

>> ... My daughter, who is a new ham has just given up on trying SO-50 ... That's really too bad. Maybe you and she got into this aspect of the hobby with different expectations: No, it is not going to be an "easy shot" when we just have this (and the ISS) as the only "easy-to-work" FM birds. But, then, working '51 was "busy" on the weekends and during "prime time" passes, too. Do not let her give up. This is a teachable moment! There are those who have manners on the airwaves ... and, unfortunately, there are those who lack manners (and REALLY unfortunately, many a time those without manners have the 100W setups ... ). Gotta go. I just finished talking to two distant states and a fellow ham here in California on a 20-degree pass of SO-50 - with a whopping 2W handheld. I need to enter my reception report on the LIVE OSCAR SATELLITE STATUS page ... YES, there were a lot of folks on the air on this pass. But if I can do it with minimal equipment on a busy day, surely you and your daughter can do it. Please do not let hew miss out on the excitement of working ham satellites! Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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Re: So50
by Andrew Glasbrenner 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

Or just work the transponders (not the FM repeaters) and avoid the lids. That normally means being somewhere other than the exact middle of the passband. I have a few stations that I will absolutely not work until they clean up their operating style. Otherwise, I go out of my way to look for new ops. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> >Sent: Sep 2, 2013 1:39 PM >To: ve7jz(a)yahoo.com >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: So50 > >Hi John...the LIDS will never disappear..there are many more waiting in the wings...the best we can do is to "politely" educate the alleged offenders, usually via email. >73 Bob W7LRD > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "John - VE7JZ" <ve7jz(a)yahoo.com> >To: "Mat 62" <Mat_62(a)charter.net>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Sent: Monday, September 2, 2013 8:19:59 AM >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: So50 > >My daughter, who is a new ham has just given up on trying SO-50. 5 times now she has set up the station to work someone and the moment she unkeys, there is someone calling and not listening. We here, have a TS-2000 with az-el setup and 2 yagis with auto tracking. I totally agree with the comments here on this subject of wild west operations on SO-50. It is out of control. Here on the wet coast there is a WA6 ( wont say his call here ) every day that is constantly either ruining qso's or using way too much power and wiping out transponders completely. And if you call this LID, he either cannot hear you or ignores you and continues his ignorant disregard for other users so HE can get HIS contacts and to heck with anyone else. A constant and rather rude transponder HOG that is on almost every pass of every voice satellite. So as of today, we (my daughter and I) will go back to weak signal work and drop off satellite use until these LIDS either disappear or >something. Our 2 cents worth. Everyone have a great day wherever you might be. 73.<br/><br/>Sent from Yahoo! Mail for iPad >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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So50
by wyattdirks 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

Today and quite a bit lately it seems So50 is becoming out of control. A few thing to consider when working So50 and the other birds. 1. Don't transmit if can't hear. Really so50 should sound like your local repeater its its not then you need a better rx antenna or maybe a preamp. 2. If you hear someone talking let them finish the qso before you call someone. Also if someone calls somebody don't call the same person before they even have the chance to answer the first guy. 3. Don't call people blindly if your interupting a qso. And don't continue to call the same person over and over if they aren't responding. Let people that are actually hearing the satellite make contacts. 4. Do work full duplex. If you can't hear when your transmitting you're likely cuasing interference. 5. Do enjoy so50 as it is the only fm satellite right now. 73 Wyatt AC0RA

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Re: Winterization project
by Andrew Glasbrenner 02 Sep '13

02 Sep '13

I was thinking Aguila Super Colibris, 20 grains of .22LR low noise, anti-squirrel CIWS. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Jeff Griffin <kb2m(a)comcast.net> >Sent: Sep 1, 2013 8:41 PM >To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Winterization project > >A 12 gauge full choke shotgun ? > > > >73 Jeff kb2m > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On >Behalf Of Greg D >Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2013 6:52 PM >To: Amsat BB >Subject: [amsat-bb] Winterization project > > > >Hi all, > > > >As I reported on the 20m Amsat Net (14.282mhz Sundays 18:00z - 19:00z) this >morning, I noticed that my 2m antenna was listing slightly down-hill. >Suspecting that the boom attachment screws had come loose, my project for >the day was to go up on the roof and align and tighten them. > > > >The screws were a little loose. > > > >That's not why the antenna was drooping down. > > > >I discovered the real reason: Acorns. > > > >Apparently the local squirrels have been preparing for winter, such as it is >around here, and had stuffed about a dozen plump acorns into the open end of >the antenna boom. Besides their weight climbing out to the end, there was >also the remaining weight of the acorns. > > > >So, the antenna ends have been taped over, but that's not going to prevent >the squirrels from climbing out onto the antenna. > > > >Any suggestions on an effective squirrel deterrent? > > > >Greg KO6TH > > > >_______________________________________________ > >Sent via <mailto:AMSAT-BB@amsat.org> 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> >http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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