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

Italian Middle School ARISS Contact
by Clint Bradford 21 Sep '13

21 Sep '13

Astronaut Luca was just heard wonderfully here in Southern California, answering inquiries. Couldn't hear a peep on Echolink. And the live audio feed page cited was not loading at all. BUT it sounded great on the downlonk! Clint K6LCS

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Re: 10 to uhf transponder
by CARL LYSTER 21 Sep '13

21 Sep '13

Hi Bob, I heard about you request on the Amsat BB for a 10M to uhf transponder. Can you give me some additional data on the dc input supply and sensitivity for the 10M link? Also do you have an assigned transmit frequency yet? I have built several 10M to VHF true linear translators which have flown on balloons and have a design in mind that might do for your project, a single conversion 10M receiver to audio which is then used to modulate the uhf or vhf transmitter. 73'S Carl Lyster WA4ADG

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N8RO Portable Operations
by Ronald Oldham 21 Sep '13

21 Sep '13

Our road trip has been completed after traveling about 7750 miles. While the trip was primarily a vacation, I was able to activate 30 grids along the way and make 223 contacts on FO-29 and SO-50. The grids included: EM15, EN21, EN22, EN23, EN17, DN98, DO70, DO80, DO90, EN19, EN39, EN58, EN68, EN76, EN96, FN15, FN25, FN46, FN57, FN76, FN85, FN86, FN64, FM19, FM07, EM75, EM42, EM41, EM40 & EL29. All QSOs will be uploaded to LOTW. I will use my call sign, N8RO, without any portable designation. If anyone needs a paper card please send your QSL card indicating the grid location of my portable operation. A SASE would be appreciated but is not required. Many thanks to all of your for the contacts. 73, Ron – N8RO

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DN55
by KERRY LA*DUKE 21 Sep '13

21 Sep '13

All, I plan to operate from DN55 at least one pass 9/21 on my way to DN46.. The pass starts: 21-09-2013, 1428z, SO-50. 73 WC7V Kerry

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so long
by John Becker 20 Sep '13

20 Sep '13

I have decided to leave the list till something changes with this FM only satellite attitude only changes. That was the reason for me as well as other joining AMSAT in the first place. Please inform me if anything such as a replacement for AO 40 happens. John

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SATPCISS keps?
by Ted 20 Sep '13

20 Sep '13

Have not used the program for about 6 mos and have 'lost the handle' !! Don't see a function for updating the keps as in the regular SATPC program (I'm showing 2/13 keps) Any help appreciated 73, Ted K7TRK

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Linear Transponder Needed for Launch Opportunity
by Robert Bruninga 20 Sep '13

20 Sep '13

If someone will build a linear PSK-31 transponder, I have a launch opportunity in 9 months. All it needs to be is a PSK31 Linear receiver on 28.120 MHz (3 KHz bandwidth) with AGC coupled to a downlink UHF FM transmitter of about 1 Watt. Should fit on a 3.5" square card. This is the same as Brno University has built for prior missions of PCSAT2 on the ISS back in 2006 and the two on the shelf awaiting flights. Flight delivery by May 2014 (9 months from now). Brno, may not have the man power to make a third one for this new flight opportunity. Jusst a thought for someone looking for a project. Bob, Wb4aPR

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Re: Nanosatellites launch opportunities
by Howie DeFelice 20 Sep '13

20 Sep '13

As far as I know there are no transponders on any of the qubesats being lauched. These are femtosats measuring 50cm (2 in) on a side and weighing less than 200 grams. The link budget is quite challenging with the available power budget. A transponder on this platform would need to be more power efficient in both the uplink and downlink paths than any other ham satellite to date. This would need to be accomplished in a form factor smaller than any ham satellite to date. These first launches are an effort to baseline the feasibility of the platform and lower the entry point for educational access to space. There are many ways to possibly make a platform this size into a usable communications medium, but FM voice is definitely not one of them, and SSB would be very weak signal at best. - Howie, AB2S

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Nanosatellites launch opportunities
by Group of Astrodynamics 20 Sep '13

20 Sep '13

Dear all, I am writing you to inform you about the activities of GAUSS related to the launch of nano-satellites systems. GAUSS is a newly founded company that aims at combining the experience gained in the last fifteen years of research activities at the Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale - Sapienza University of Roma with the present scenario in the world of nano-satellites. By the end of this year, eight nano-satellites among Cubesats and Pocketqubs will be delivered to orbit as the first customers of the GAUSS launch service. Due to recently signed agreements, GAUSS can offer a wide range of launch opportunities over the next years. In particular, I would like to call your attention on the following opportunities: - DNEPR cluster launch 2013, scheduled for the first half of 2014 - Launches from the International Space Station, scheduled for 2014 and 2015 - Cyclone IV maiden flight, scheduled for 2015 We will be glad to answer any question from you and to provide with more details about possible orbits, launch dates and prices. In the meantime, you might also like to take a look to our website, www.gaussteam.com, where you will find information also on our products for nano-satellites. GAUSS representatives attend the main space and satellites related conferences around the world. We will be present with a stand at the 64th International Astronautic Congress to be held in Beijing from September 23 to 27. Looking forward to hear from you and your satellites projects very soon! Filippo Graziani President, GAUSS srl -- Gruppo di Astrodinamica per l'Uso dei Sistemi Spaziali - Group of Astrodynamics for the Use of Space Systems Via Lariana, 5 00199 Roma website <http://www.gaussteam.com> facebook <https://www.facebook.com/GaussSrl?fref=ts>

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Upcoming Tests For Cygnus
by B J 20 Sep '13

20 Sep '13

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/09/20/guide-cygnus-orbital-maneuvers/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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