November 2014 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

AO-40 Mounting Bracket FS - Benefits AMSAT-NA
by Clint Bradford 08 Nov '14

08 Nov '14

Details at ... http://tinyurl.com/FOX-FUNDRAISING Sent from my iPod touch.

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FUNcube/AO-73 Mode change
by Jim Heck 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

Hi Folks, FUNcube/AO-73 is now in continuous transponder mode with low power beacon, as at 19:15 UTC. Change back to Auto eclipse mode planned for Sunday PM UTC. Enjoy the transponder 73s Jim G3WGM

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Amsat.org Celestrak.com tle.info SatPC32
by Thomas Doyle 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

Q: Amsat.org, celestrak.com, tle.info and a host of others provide TLE lists for use with tracking programs. Which one should I use. A: In my humble opinion - unless you are a beginner - none of them. This is not a big deal but if you are interested in a simple alternative that puts you in control of your lists take a look here www.tomdoyle.org/TleTools If this does not work for you check around as I am sure there must be many other people who have created similar and possibly better programs for doing this very simple task. It is early days for this program so let me know how it goes. 73 W9KE Tom Doyle

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AMSAT @ Tucson (Arizona) hamfest, this Saturday
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

Hi! I will have an AMSAT booth at the Tucson Hamfest in southern Arizona this Saturday, 8 November 2014. The hamfest will be at a school in the city of Marana, about 20 miles/32km northwest of downtown Tucson along the I-10 freeway. More information about the hamfest is available at: http://www.tucsonhamradio.com/tucson-hamfest During the hamfest, on-air demonstrations of satellite operating will be done. Either WD9EWK or K8YSE/7 will be on the air from the hamfest site, in grid DM42jk, throughout the morning. If you hear either of these calls on the air Saturday morning, please call and be a part of the demonstrations. I'll take care of QSLing any QSOs with WD9EWK, and John will do the same for any QSOs with K8YSE/7 at the hamfest. WD9EWK QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World. Don't forget that the AMSAT web site has an updated listing of events with an AMSAT presence. That listing can be seen at: http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=218 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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W7O scheduling
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

Hi! Thanks to all who have posted in public forums and sent me private e-mails about the upcoming W7O operation. I am now ready to take sign-ups for those who would like to operate as W7O during the 15-24 November (UTC time) period. An important point regarding who can operate as W7O... W7O can only be operated from US territory, where amateur radio is regulated by the FCC. It cannot be used from outside US territory, as these 1x1 special calls - just like US club calls - are not covered by any of the arrangements like CEPT, IARP, or other agreements between the USA and other countries. I have been asked by some non-USA hams who were interested in operating as xxx/W7O or W7O/xxx in their countries. I'm sorry - this is not possible. For the HF/6m operating, I will take signups for one- hour increments on the HF bands (excluding 60m) plus 6m, for CW, phone, and digital modes. For the 30m band, only CW and digital modes. I am wanting to avoid two stations operating on the same band/mode combination as W7O at the same time. If you are willing to operate for 2, 4 or more hours at one time - please feel free to sign up for more consecutive slots. Also, please let me know about your HF station - rig(s), antenna(s), etc. If you do sign up, please follow through with being on the air at the specified times. Stations will be looking for W7O on the different bands. For the satellites, I am looking for operators in different parts of the USA. In particular, operators in the eastern USA capable of working Europe, north Africa, and South America along with North America will be welcomed. Other operators who are not able to work other continents are also welcome, but there has been interest from hams outside of North America to work W7O on the satellites - especially AO-7. I plan on working W7O on the satellites during weeknights and as much as possible on the two weekends during this 10-day period, but would be happy to share the work with others who may want to work as W7O during those times. Operators would need to operate within the limits of their amateur licenses. The W7O call does not grant additional privileges to the operator. Operators are required to give their personal call signs once per hour when operating under a 1x1 special call. For example, saying "W7O, operated by (operator's call)" would satisfy this requirement. On the satellites with passes that are typically 10 to 20 minutes in length, giving the "W7O, operated by (operator's call)" announcement around the midpoint of each pass worked would be a good thing. Once I get some operating commitments from operators, I will publish the schedule through a link on my WD9EWK QRZ.com entry and my web page. This way, others will know where and when to look for W7O during this 10-day period. After the 24th, W7O operators would need to send me a log of stations worked, with the usual bits of data - date/UTC time, call, band (or bands, for satellite QSOs), mode, and (for satellites) satellite name. I can handle ADIF log files, Excel spreadsheets, text files, and logs pasted into the body of e-mails. If you are not able to send me a file in any of these formats, please let me know, so we can work out a way to get the logs. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, and I (WD9EWK) will handle the QSL cards for W7O. Please e-mail me directly if you're interested in operating as W7O, or if you have any other questions about this operation. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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W1AW/7 SO-50
by Bob- W7LRD 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

0135Z W1AW/7 will be on SO-50 73 Bob W7LRD

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W1AW/7 SO-50 Washington
by Bob- W7LRD 06 Nov '14

06 Nov '14

next SO-50 pass at 1706Z-will try to work as many as possible-if you have worked W1AW/7 before please do not call-circuit discipline is a must-I will have about 12 minutes. 73 Bob W1AW/7 aka W7LRD

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W1AW/7 SO-50
by Bob- W7LRD 06 Nov '14

06 Nov '14

Next two passes possibly the third this morning 73 Bob W7LRD

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WTB working Yaesu 5400 or 5500 rotor
by Jeff 06 Nov '14

06 Nov '14

Must work 100% – please send condition/price shipped to 08750, to my email. Thanks, Jeff K2SDR jkelly at verizon.net

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Japanese Microsatellites Launched
by M5AKA 06 Nov '14

06 Nov '14

Kosmotras report all spacecraft have been inserted into their target orbits. http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/06/japanese-microsatellites-launched/ ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK Website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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w1aw/7
by Bob- W7LRD 06 Nov '14

06 Nov '14

SO-50 W. W1AW/7 W. Coast this pass 73 Bob W7LRD

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W1AW/7
by Bob- W7LRD 05 Nov '14

05 Nov '14

I will be putting W1AW/7 on satellites as time permits from Washington (state). If you need that contact drop me a email. I will try to announce on the bb in advance as much as I can. Ward if you read this email me 73 Bob W1AW/7 aka W7LRD

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Re: [amsat-bb] STUDENT INTERN OPPORTUNITY
by Kilroy, Patrick L. (GSFC-5680) 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

Picked up by ARRL very nicely: http://www.arrl.org/news/nasa-gsfc-seeks-cubesat-simulator-intern Please pass on THIS LINK to any college kids with a major in EE or ECE that you know. Thank you! Cheers, Pat N8PK In FM19 P.S. There are LOTS of paid internship Opportunities listed at the OSSI site in addition to mine, hundreds at my location and the ten other NASA field center locations, for this spring (AND this coming summer, although the application process for summer does not open until later). Students interested in summer-only positions ought to be applying in December and early January. The NASA OSSI site: https://intern.nasa.gov

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Dnepr MicroSat launch Nov 6 07:40 UT
by M5AKA 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

@Zarya_Info tweets that the Dnepr launch from Dombarovsky near Yasny is planned for Nov 6 around 07:40 UT http://zarya.info/a The Dnepr is believed to carry four microsatellites: ChubuSat 1 (Kinshachi 1) 437.485 MHz Hodoyoshi 1 467.674 MHzTsubame 437.505 and 437.250 MHz QSAT-EOS (Tsukushi) an AX.25 GMSK payload has been reported but frequency unknown QSAT-EOS Facebook https://ja-jp.facebook.com/pages/Qsat-Eos-Project/105478576258136 Twitter https://twitter.com/QSAT_EOS ----Trevor M5AKAAMSAT-UKWebsite http://amsat-uk.org/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatukTwitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK----

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Donate to AMSAT-NA - Own a Piece of History!
by Clint Bradford 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

I am working on an AMSAT-NA fundraising project ... I am digging up some unique space-related items and am offering them for sale, with 100 per cent of the sale price forwarded directly to AMSAT-NA's Fox fund. Just so no one complains about this being a "commercial" post, I will repeat myself: 100 per cent of the sale price will be sent to AMSAT-NA. I will pay postage fees myself. SO ... People will get to acquire a piece of history, AND support AMSAT-NA. Available right now are six commemorative USPS first day covers celebrating the Apollo/Soyuz projects and the Apollo 11 Moon landing, as well as a 24-stamp plate block. Details at ... http://tinyurl.com/FOX-FUNDRAISING Clint K6LCS 909-241-7666 - cell

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UAE’s first CubeSat Nayif-1
by M5AKA 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

UAE’s first CubeSat Nayif-1 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/04/uae-nayif-1-cubesat/ IARU Region 1 Approve Youth Budget and Satellite Allocation IARU Region 1 Approve Youth Budget and Satellite Allocation ----Trevor M5AKAAMSAT-UKWebsite http://amsat-uk.org/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatukTwitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK----

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CUBESAT INTERN OPPORTUNITY
by Kilroy, Patrick L. (GSFC-5680) 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

> CubeSat Simulator Intern Opportunity in Greenbelt, MD USA > > The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is offering an internship > position for the Spring, 2015 semester. Applications are being taken > on the NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) recruiting web site: > https://intern.nasa.gov/ > > Internship Title: CubeSat Simulator Upgrade Plus > > The objective of this Opportunity is to allow a university level > student to rework, repair and improve a prototype "1-Unit" CubeSat > simulator/model on loan from AMSAT and then to share his or her > experiences as a result. The model used in this Opportunity is similar > to that described in The AMSAT Journal article "Education With a > Satellite Simulator: ETP CubeSat Simulator," by Mr. Mark Spencer, > ARRL Education and Technology Program Coordinator, Part 1 in the > September/October 2009 issue and Part 2 in the November/December 2009 > issue. > > Back copies are available at: > http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/CubeSat/CubeSat-Pt1-SepOct09.pdf > http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/CubeSat/CubeSat-Pt2-NovDec09.pdf > > A course of study in engineering is required. Electrical/Electronics > Engineering (EE) or Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) for > university students in their junior class or higher. Experience in > hardware is also required. Open to U.S. citizens. > > The immediate skills required of the intern are to be a well-rounded > individual, and to have an excellent knowledge of and experience with > Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office (especially in using > spreadsheets), electrical and electronic circuits (theory and practice), > microcontrollers, interfacing, and the use of basic laboratory > test equipment and procedures. > > Familiarity with the CubeSat community is important. > > A proficiency in either C++ or a similar language for microcontrollers > and the desire to learn a new one is necessary. A basic understanding > of data acquisition, signal processing, or control is required. > > Hands-on experience in building something, repairing or upgrading > PCs or other electronic gear, or just getting stuff to work is required. > Mechanical and electrical construction skills will be used. > > Experience in RF or wireless technology (anywhere between 3 and > 2400 MHz) is very important. Holding or obtaining an Amateur Radio > license from the FCC and practical radio experience is a distinct > advantage. > > A good attitude, an exceptional willingness to learn and to contribute > as a team player are essential qualities. Likewise, excellent > communicator skills (verbal, writing and definitely e-mail), > reliability, punctuality, having a self-starter work ethic and the > ability & desire to work independently for long periods are required. > > You may ask questions regarding the tasks and skill requirements > with the mentor in advance (Mr. Pat Kilroy, Code 568, > Patrick.L.Kilroy(a)nasa.gov<mailto:[email protected]>) and telephone interviews will be > available. The deadline to apply for the Spring 2015 semester > is this month November 9. Applications must be made via the > OSSI web. > Mr. Pat Kilroy Integration and Test (I&T) Lead NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Building 5, Mail Code 568 Greenbelt, Maryland 20771-5860 W: 301-286-1984 E: Patrick.L.Kilroy(a)nasa.gov<mailto:[email protected]>

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W5PFG/P November EL09 & DL89 area ops
by Clayton Coleman 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

Nov 23-25 I will operate from grid EL09, not far from the DL99 line. It's likely I'll operate from DL99 on several passes. I will try to visit DL98/DL99 line at least once. I have not operated from those grids since 2011. I know that N8RO operated from this area not too long ago but I'll activate it again for those who missed Ron on his trip. November 25-28, I will be operating from DL89 with occasional operations from DL79/89. It is possible, though I have not made reservations yet for 4x4 transportation, that I will operate from DL88 for a 2nd time in 2014. November 28-29, I will operate from the DM90/DM91 area. I won't have a lot of time in this area and will only notify via Twitter in advance of me working a pass. It's becoming common to see satellite operators post their updates via Twitter (recent examples: KG5CCI, WD9EWK, AC0RA, XE3DX.) Here's a little explanation: Twitter is possibly the most versatile tool for notifying individuals about grid operations. You can access my Twitter feed by web at http://www.twitter.com/w5pfg. If you create an account on Twitter, you can configure email and text (SMS) alerts. It is not necessary to have Internet access to send notifications. I can post a Tweet simply by sending a text (SMS) to a special phone number. Alternatively, I can send a Tweet even if I don't have cell coverage but do have Internet access. It provides a lot of flexibility. There is no cost for this service and it is generally as reliable or better than email service. It does not rely on any individuals relaying information for you. 73, Clayton W5PFG

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Standard time = More convenient pass times for AO-73
by Paul Stoetzer 04 Nov '14

04 Nov '14

Good evening, Just a reminder that AO-73 now has more convenient evening pass times as we've fallen back to Standard Time here in the United States. Just worked a pass that started at 9:41pm EST covering the eastern and central United States and heard just two other stations. Now that many ascending FO-29 passes come too early in the day for those of us who work 9-5, AO-73 is our only evening satellite when SO-50 pass times do not fall in the evening. Hope to hear more people on. I'm still waiting to issue 73 on 73 Award #3! 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM

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Virgin Galactic "SpaceShipTwo" crash
by Alan 03 Nov '14

03 Nov '14

Just breaking: http://preview.tinyurl.com/l5565d3 Another reminder that flight is never routine. Alan WA4SCA

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AmsatDroid Free on Android 4.4 (KITKAT)
by David A B Johnson 03 Nov '14

03 Nov '14

Hi, It has been brought to my attention that there is a problem uploading and using a nasabare.txt on the SDCARD on some devices with 4.4 (KITKAT). After reading the Google docs, I've found that they have changed the file access model. I will be building a new release in the next couple of days to fix this. 73 Dave, G4DPZ

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Nasabare.txt on AMSAT website - no permissions?
by Tom Deeble - KA6SIP 03 Nov '14

03 Nov '14

I just tried to access the nasabare.txt keps but I get an error "You don't have permission to access /amsat/ftp/keps/current/nasabare.txt on this server." Has anyone else run into this? Thanks, Tom Tom Deeble - KA6SIP, ka6sip(a)aol.com Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club Membership Chairman MDARC, PO Box 23222, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-0222 PACIFICON - Oct 16-18, 2015, San Ramon

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Re: [amsat-bb] Nasabare.txt on AMSAT website - no permissions?
by Joe Fitzgerald 03 Nov '14

03 Nov '14

> > I just tried to access the nasabare.txt keps but I get an error "You don't > have permission to access > /amsat/ftp/keps/current/nasabare.txt on this server." > Tom, Thank you for this report. I believe the problem has been resolved. Would you check to see if it is working properly for you now? 73 de KM1P Joe

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KLM parts
by Jeff KB2M 03 Nov '14

03 Nov '14

The KLM antenna parts went to the first reply. There was a surprising amount of interest, and some good needs. But I had to be fair. Thanks for all the interest. 73 Jeff kb2m

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DN30vx and DN41aa via FO-29
by Lee Ernstrom 03 Nov '14

03 Nov '14

Wow, what a day. It all started this morning when I exchanged emails with Frank, K5FEG and Jeff, NX9B. Both of them expressed their need for some grids close to my QTH so I checked the weather outside and it looked pretty decent so I decided I would activate DN30. In August of this year while I was checking out good locations on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake for the Perceids meteor shower I found a great spot on the east side of the island with a great take off to the east. Unfortunately, it was in DN30 and I really wanted to operate from DN31 for the shower. This morning when I found out there was some interest in DN30 I immediately thought of the high spot on the island that would be an ideal spot to access low angle shots to FO-29 to the east. So I packed up the car with my radio gear and camera and drove the 18 miles to the spot I had in mind. When I got there there was a little wind and it was a little cold but I figured I could withstand fifteen minutes of that. Since I was several hours early I drove back home and puttered around the house until it was time to leave for the island again. When I got there the wind had picked up considerably and the temperature had really dipped, so instead of operating on the picnic table like I had planned I moved the radio gear back into the car and operated from there. Since the satellite didn't rise into the sky very high I didn't have much adjusting of the antenna to do. Here is a list of the stations I worked through FO-29 from DN30vx. K4FEG, KB1RVT, AA5PK, N5JF, AC0RE, NX9B, K3SZH, KB0VXN, WB8RJY, NM3B, NX9G, WN9Q, K8YSE/7, and WA4NVM (I think). Well, when that was over I dashed home, grabbed a bite to eat and drove to a park in west Kaysville, Utah in DN41aa where there was a big parking lot. FO-29 passed practically right over my location so I struggled to keep the antenna pointed in the right direction. the stations I worked from there were... N5JF, AC0RA, NX9B, XE2BHL, W5PFG, K4FEG, K8YSE/7, AND N6FUB. When I got home I uploaded all the QSOs to LOTW. I will also produce QSL cards for anyone who wants a hard copy. Just let me know. Thanks for the fun! 73, Doc, WA7HQD

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