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

TNC Question
by Kelley 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

A friend has loaned me a Kantronics KPC-3+ TNC with v9.1 firmware. I've been searching for settings specific to this unit for ARISS work. Most of what I found are generic settings (some info is conflicting). I'm wondering if anyone is successfully using one of these units for ARISS work, and, if so, what settings do you use or recommend? Thanks, -- Kelley - WØRK

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Re: [amsat-bb] Question for Gpredict Users
by Andrew Koenig 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

It's not that difficult. I'm going to CC the 'bb on this so anybody else facing the same problem can use this. Also, they should be almost drop-in compatible, but I ran all of this on a Linux Mint install, not Ubuntu. Mint (IMHO) is a little more friendlier than Ubuntu, but is a direct fork of Ubuntu so you shouldn't have any compatibility issues. First, install git and some dependencies. This assumes GPredict is already installed. *sudo apt-get install git libglib2.0-dev libtool intltool libcurl4-gnutls-dev libgoocanvas-dev* Then you'll want to grab the code. *git clone git://git.code.sf.net/p/gpredict/code <http://git.code.sf.net/p/gpredict/code> gpredict-code* This will create a new directory (probably gpredict-code); you'll want to move into that directory. *cd gpredict-code * Next, run the autogen script. This prepares the code for installation. *./autogen.sh* Assuming that runs all the way through without exiting for errors, run *./configure* then *make* and finally *sudo make install* Assuming everything goes according to plan, you should be able to launch the program by running */usr/local/bin/gpredict* Make sure it's the correct version by going to Help > About GPredict. "GPREDICT 1.3.242-b445" is the text you're looking for. Finally, let's replace the out-of-date binary with this one. This probably isn't the best way to do it, but it works. *sudo mv /usr/local/bin/gpredict /usr/bin/* That should do it for updating it to the latest version. Other changes that were helpful: > Duplex TRX & Sub Up / Main Down in the interfaces prompt > Modules > Layout > Select Layout "All Views (Wide)" (Requires restart of program) Anyway, good luck. Let me know how it turns out. 73 de KE5GDB On Sat, Jun 21, 2014 at 12:53 PM, Richard Lawn <rjlawn(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Rats! It's been a struggle up to this point. Maybe I should wait for it to > hit the repository. If not I'll need specific directions on how to compile > it as I've never done that before. > Thanks. > Rick > > On Saturday, June 21, 2014, Andrew Koenig <ke5gdb(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Rick, >> >> This is where things get exponentially more difficult. There's a bug in >> GPredict that directly affects the 847, and it's been fixed, but that fix >> hasn't propagated through the repositories yet. You'd need to build >> GPredict from source code to have the change applied. >> >> git clone git://git.code.sf.net/p/gpredict/code gpredict-code >> >> That command is where you'd start. I think from there you'd run >> autoconf.sh or something. At this point things start getting fuzzy as to >> how I fixed it, but it wasn't a simple process. >> >> >> On Sat, Jun 21, 2014 at 10:47 AM, Richard Lawn <rjlawn(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> This is fabulous! You've gotten me very close to all this working. I now >>> I have CAT control but when call up the radio control panel in Gpredict >>> and select SO50 for example the main tune jumps to the correct 70cm freq >>> for downlink but the sub tuning freq for uplink remains unchanged. I must >>> be missing a command line command for the 847 in Hamlib which I still don't >>> entirely understand but I'm getting there. Any suggestions on how to make >>> this last fix? >>> Tnx >>> Rick >>> >>> On Saturday, June 21, 2014, Andrew Koenig <ke5gdb(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> Rick, >>>> >>>> GPredict will control your rig, but it requires hamlib. From the >>>> command line, you must run rigctld -m 101 -s 9600 /dev/ttyS0. These >>>> parameters will change for whatever flavor of radio you're using (m = rig >>>> number; s = CAT baud rate). Rigctld is part of hamlib. I think the command >>>> to list all of the different radios supported is rigctl --list. >>>> >>>> Under the "Interface" configuration, you must specify your rig >>>> capabilities. All this does is tell GPredict what to expect from >>>> hamlib/rigctld. >>>> >>>> rotctld is the one for your rotor. It works in the same manor as >>>> rigctld. >>>> >>>> Let me know if you've got any more questions or need further >>>> explanations. I think these commands are correct, but I'm not at the shack >>>> PC. >>>> >>>> 73 de KE5GDB >>>> >>>> >>>> On Fri, Jun 20, 2014 at 4:41 PM, Richard Lawn <rjlawn(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I'm new to using Ubuntu-Linux. I finally with a lot of outside >>>>> counciling >>>>> got FlDigi to run using either Hamlib or Flrig to handle CAT on my >>>>> FT-847. >>>>> I thought I was home free until I found that Gpredict would not >>>>> control CAT >>>>> on the radio. What am I doing wrong? Can anyone help? Linux is my only >>>>> resource on this old XP P3 computer. Ubuntu runs great if I can only >>>>> learn >>>>> how to use command line Linus language hi hi! >>>>> 73 >>>>> Rick >>>>> W2JAZ >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> 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 >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Andrew Koenig >>>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Andrew Koenig >> > -- Andrew Koenig

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Re: [amsat-bb] Trakbox pricing ?
by richard limebear 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

Joe > Are you talking about the TAPR/JAMSAT TrakBox? Yes. Already has the turbo chip etc and a backlit display. Now for sale (UK only so far), advert in Oscar News; asking 100 UK pounds. > They work pretty well. The only drawback is the RS232 interface for the KEPS. I am going to try and add an Ethernet to RS232 adapter so I can use a browser to upload the KEPS. I'm running XP and hyperterminal works fine thru a USB serial adapter. You could probably copy hyperterminal to other PCs. > Assuming the lithium battery has not leaked and the kit is well constructed, you should be able to recoup your investment. The old battery had died but, believe it or not, that battery is still available so I've replaced it. 73 Richard G3RWL > Hi Gang > I'll be selling a Trakbox soon; would be grateful for advice on what > price to ask (in UK money). Original price AFAIRC 100-150 UK pounds. > For those who don't know this item, its an az/el rotator controller. > Feed it keplers on the RS232 input occasionally and it'll track both > rotators at the right time.

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Tracking assistance requested for DTUsat-2 on 2.4GHz
by Jonas Bjarnø 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

Hi Guys, DTUsat-2 is now operational on orbit and transmitting both CW beacons and AX25 frames at 1200bps 2FSK. Beacons are alternating at 30sec intervals. Any help you could offer in tracking and recording beacons would be much appreciated at this early stage in the mission. Please find attached a short technical note on how to decode CW beacons. More information is also available on our project webpage at : http://www.dtusat.dtu.dk/index.php?id=130 Next pass here at DTU is coming up in 20minutes, whish us luck! 73's all around! Jonas Bjarnoe OZ3AGY, OZ2DTU

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Re: [amsat-bb] Trakbox pricing ?
by Joe Leikhim 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

Are you talking about the TAPR/JAMSAT TrakBox? I bought a nice one a couple years ago for about $200 USD shipped from Canada. I found a turbo kit available from someone here on AMSAT to speed up the CPU and installed it. The turbo kit if still available is a bargain, new CPU, Y2K firmware, a faster crystal and another faster chip. Apart from soldering the crystal, there is not much to do but follow instructions. I also plan to install a back-lighted LCD display to be easy on my eyes. They work pretty well. The only drawback is the RS232 interface for the KEPS. I am going to try and add an Ethernet to RS232 adapter so I can use a browser to upload the KEPS. What I like is that it has real time tracking, _doppler __correction _and autonomous operation in one package. I don't think there is anything on the market that has everything these have. Assuming the lithium battery has not leaked and the kit is well constructed, you should be able to recoup your investment. They are no longer available. Joe K4SAT > Hi Gang > I'll be selling a Trakbox soon; would be grateful for advice on what > price to ask (in UK money). Original price AFAIRC 100-150 UK pounds. > For those who don't know this item, its an az/el rotator controller. > Feed it keplers on the RS232 input occasionally and it'll track both > rotators at the right time. > 73 Richard G3 -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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SpaceX Launch Postponed
by B J 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-missions/commercial-space-sp… http://www.americaspace.com/?p=62948 http://innerspace.net/spacex/spacex-orbcomm-launch-attempt-scrubbed/ http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/06/spacex-falcon-9-v1-1-orbcomm-og2-mis… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Question for Gpredict Users
by Richard Lawn 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

I'm new to using Ubuntu-Linux. I finally with a lot of outside counciling got FlDigi to run using either Hamlib or Flrig to handle CAT on my FT-847. I thought I was home free until I found that Gpredict would not control CAT on the radio. What am I doing wrong? Can anyone help? Linux is my only resource on this old XP P3 computer. Ubuntu runs great if I can only learn how to use command line Linus language hi hi! 73 Rick W2JAZ

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NanosatC-BR1
by PY5LF 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

Hi The first Brazilian cubesat are working well . Video ; http://youtu.be/FZdiZMX9rcI Preliminary TLE ; NANOSATC-BR1 1 00362U 00362A 14170.81049769 .00000000 00000-0 10000-4 0 7 2 00362 97.9897 66.2289 0012982 291.8733 244.3145 14.85013404 03 Doppler for SatPC32; NANOSATC-BR1,145868.0,,USB,,,,TLM Thank you PY5LF Luciano Fabricio Curitiba-PR-BR GG54jm http://www.qrz.com/db/PY5LF

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XE1SEW/P DL90 & Operating FO-29 Portable
by Clayton Coleman 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

On the last pass of SO-50 (15:27 UTC, 20-Jun) over North America, I worked XE1SEW operating portable in DL90. Last night he was calling CQ on FO-29 from EL00. I do not believe he made any successful contacts due in part to many stations calling CQ within 3 kHz of him. There may have been other factors. Having operated many times portable, I can assure you that neighboring stations on adjacent frequencies can pose challenges. I am not laying blame but rather making an observation. Please, consider moving away from FO-29's passband center if you intend to operate portable. As a general rule on FO-29 I try to transmit portable below 145.93 and above 145.97. As a portable station this provides some shielding from the "death zone" of higher power, fixed stations who always seem to appear and call CQ +/- 10 kHz of the transponder's center frequency. (some suffering from terminal CHS syndrome) 73, Clayton W5PFG

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Re: [amsat-bb] LilacSat-2 will have FM voice transponder capability
by wmc_jx＠163.com 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

Hi All, LilacSat-2 is expected to be launched in May or June 2015. We haven’t decided how to use the repeater yet. An idea is to use a subaudio PSK31 telemetry with it. About XW-2, LilacSat-2 will be launched with several satellites designed by CAST and CAMSAT with amateur radio, but we don't know the exact name indeed. We will update our website later. 73! Wei Mingchuan, BG2BHC

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