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

ISS-Digipeating (APRS) with the IC-9100 - Tip
by Stefan Wagener 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

Two years ago, I wrote a short paper outlining the use of the IC-9100 with an external interface (see file section of the IC-9100 Yahoo group – _iss_ic9100.pdf) to dipgipeat via the International Space Station (ISS). In the meantime, I was always wondering why digipeater operation with some of the software modem programs was not possible with the USB connection alone. Reading the excellent description by Hans DC1RJJ (see file section of the IC-9100 Yahoo group – _IC-9100_PTT-CW_via_USB_modification.pdf), it became clear to me that Icom did not enable the RTS and DTR signals of the two virtual COM ports (required by some programs) and PTT can only be triggered via a CI-V command or external hardware. I wasn’t ready to perform the hardware modification as described by Hans to enable these functions within the IC-9100. However, he pointed to a software program that will use the CI-V commands together with programs that normally don’t have that function. This program is called “Icom Keying” and was written by Bill ND0B (see file section of the IC-9100 Yahoo group). In order to get the IC-9100 to digipeat via the USB com ports and to use a number of programs at the same time, I had to create some virtual serial ports to allow the use of: 1. 1. SatPC32-ISS for Doppler control; 2. 2. Sound modem software by UZ7HO to RX and forward packets for UISS as well as TX the packets from my location; 3. 3. Run the ICOM Keying program (CI-V command); 4. 4. UISS by ON6MU for ISS APRS. Creating the virtual serial ports was done with a software by Eterlogic ( eterlogic.com) called VSPE (Virtual Serial Ports Emulator). I use the 64bit version for my Windows 8.1 OS, however the 32bit works fine. First, I created pair of virtual ports that are linked. Use port numbers that are available on your computer. I used Com9 and Com10. This pair is used by the Icom Keying program (Com9) and the SoundModem software by UZ7HO (Com10, which tries to trigger PTT via RTS signal which is intercepted by the Icom Keying program and translated in CI-V commands). Now, the Icom keying program needs a real Com port (USB Com3 for the IC-9100 in my system) to trigger the radio to go the TX (CI-V Command). However, SatPC32-ISS also wants the same Com port for doppler control. Consequently, I created a splitter with the VSPE for these two programs to share the IC-9100 Com port 3. I linked a new virtual port (Com8) to my real port Com3 and pointed both programs (SatPC32 & Icom Keying) to Com8 the virtual Com port for sharing. Starting everything up requires a little bit of a sequence: 1. 1. VSPE needs to be running 2. 2. Start the Icom Keying program 3. 3. Start SoundModem 4. 4. Start UISS 5. 5. Start SatPC32-ISS This way, I am now able to do APRS digipeating without any additional hardware just using the one and only USB cable between the IC-9100 and the PC. Let me know if you have questions, 73, Stefan, VE4NSA

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Wanted: cubesat frame for antenna testing
by Douglas Quagliana 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

Friends, Kent Britain, WA5VJB (a.k.a. Mr. Cheap Yagi) is looking to borrow a cubesat frame for some antenna testing. If you have a cubesat frame that he could borrow, please email him directly at wa5vjb at flash dot net. 73, Douglas KA2UPW

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Re: [amsat-bb] ARRL Bandplans was local yokels
by Doug - k4gkj 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

Very well said. The ARRL is not as organized as they suggest. Doug Bennight K4GKJ 850-528-5772 850-926-2052 -------- Original message -------- From: Glen Zook <gzook(a)yahoo.com> Date: To: M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk>,AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ARRL Bandplans was local yokels There are even more problems with the ARRL's "band plan" for 10-meters. The frequency of 29.300 MHz is widely used, especially in Asia, for 10-meter FM operation and, when 10-meters is "open", it is easy to work, from the United States, Japanese stations on 29.300 MHz. Then, 29.510 MHz is within the 29.500 MHz to 29.700 MHz segment in which FM repeater operation is allowed for stations within the jurisdiction of the FCC. Also, many operators are not aware that FM/PM operation is allowed anywhere that phone operation is allowed EXCEPT for the 5-channels in the 60-meter band. The only restriction is that, below 29.000 MHz, the modulation index cannot exceed 1. Modulation index is defined as the absolute number of the deviation divided by the maximum frequency of modulation. This means that, below 29.000 MHz, the deviation is generally limited to +/- 3 kHz. Most "modern" transceivers, that have FM operation available, have a "narrow" FM position which limits the deviation to +/- 2.5 kHz. With the usual +/- 5 kHz deviation, and with the 3000 Hz maximum modulation frequency in most equipment these days, the modulation index is 1.66667 which means that such modulation has to remain above 29.000 MHz. Conversely, a deviation of +/- 2.5 kHz results in a modulation index of 0.83333 which does meet the requirement of the modulation index being less than 1. However, in the 28.300 MHz to 28.500 MHz segment, in which Novice Class and Technician Class phone operation is allowed, those classes can only use SSB for phone operation, as well as CW, as outlined in 47 CFR Part 97. However, higher class licensees, General Class, Advanced Class, and Amateur Extra Class, operators can also use AM, FM, PM, ACSB, as well as SSB in that same segment. Glen, K9STH AMSAT-239/ LM-463 Website: http://k9sth.net On Sunday, August 31, 2014 4:10 AM, M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: The ARRL bandplans use inconsistent language to describe the satellite segments, e.g. 10m - Satellite Downlinks 2m - OSCAR subband 70cm - Satellite only (internationally) 13cm - Amateur Satellite Communications There is no explanation of what the acronym OSCAR means, so how are people expected to know ? BTW does anyone know why ARRL thinks 29.3-29.510 is Downlink only ? and I haven't a clue what exactly they mean by using "(internationally)" for 70cm. 73 Trevor M5AKA On Sunday, 31 August 2014, 3:38, Jim Wright <wrightjrjr(a)verizon.net> wrote: We need to be be thankful the birds are not close enough to reach out and touch. Back in the days before the 600khz split on VHF, there were two repeater owners, one on 34-97, the other on 34-94 which became the standard. Someone from the "other group" drilled a hole into a fence post, telephone pole, or some such support easily hiding an oscillator on the input freq. of the other machine. A tuned circuit and diode were all that was needed to key the oscillator. The hole was very close to the repeater site so that once the repeater came up, it keyed the bug until the repeater timed out. This went on until the owners just changed to a different freq. pair altogether. Yes, it was before solar cells were cheap enough, so they used batteries. I am glad we have moving birds and not stationary ones. Somehow someone would repeat this on the birds today if it were easy. The point being, gentlemen and gentlewomen, should coordinate and help each other, not tie up repeaters and ISP time fussing about human nature that is not going to change with out conscious effort. Jim WA4IVM On 8/30/2014 8:53 PM, Doug - k4gkj wrote: > And your comment alone tells the complete, un-edited fact on how messed up hams are at "communicating". (as in I appreciate your comment and your very correct). We should have one plan, that will not be in contradiction or confusing to anyone with a reasonable IQ can study and reference. > > This idea of multiple plans is the reason I stay confused, wondering what I'm doing right, wrong, and not a soul to consult (when it comes to folks I know and trust that have considerable satellite experience - which is *zero*). > > Sadly, I don't see the ARRL and ARISS and other interested organizations to get together and making this common and useful plan. Too many existing repeaters that may be on the freqs, and who knows what else. Depressing in a way. > > > > > Doug Bennight > K4GKJ > > > > > -------- Original message -------- > From: Glen Zook <gzook(a)yahoo.com> > Date: > To: Doug - k4gkj <k4gkj(a)embarqmail.com>,[email protected],[email protected] > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] local yokels > > If you mean by "band plan chart", the colored one that is available from the ARRL website, that is NOT an appropriate place for the information. The ARRL chart reflects what is in the regulations concerning the emissions allowed for each license class. In fact, the chart is NOT a "band plan chart" but is a visual representation of 47 CFR Part 97 Section 97.301 and 47 CFR Part 97 Section 97.305. > > A "band plan" is no more than a "suggested" use of various frequencies and/or frequency segments that is proposed by a group. In fact, there are a number of different "band plans" that are actually in conflict with other "band plans". Following a "band plan" is strictly voluntary whereas following the regulations is a legal requirement. There is a BIG difference! > > The ARRL does have "band plans" for various amateur radio bands. But, those are strictly the suggestions, by the ARRL, on how to operate on various frequencies. There are also IARU "band plans" which differ among ITU Region I, Region II, and Region III that are, in some cases, in conflict between Region. The are "band plans" by other organizations that differ from those proposed by the ARRL. > > Glen, K9STH > > Website: http://k9sth.net > > > On Saturday, August 30, 2014 6:17 PM, Doug - k4gkj <k4gkj(a)embarqmail.com> wrote: > > > I'm an extra, and grew up learning ham etiquette from my grandfather, although I've only been a ham a relatively short time. I had never been exposed to satellite work, taught very little by other elders, and have found it rather difficult to find a good source that taught the various aspects. I entered this facet of the hobby via request from a local school wanting to make contact with the ISS (scheduled for end of October). I have had a struggle gaining good Intel on getting it done right and inexpensively.... > Until jumping into this facet, I had no idea there were certain freq's I needed to avoid. And it took another few months to realize that I needed to use caution on power output! I was being told I needed a amp of up to 200 watts to talk to the ISS, but never was informed of the damage I could cause to other birds with this amp....(no, have not done so!) . And I honestly am worried about being too strong for the ISS. > My point, these basic concepts are just not taught well enough. Many basic concepts aren't being taught or expected to be learned.... I dont know who is try so hard to make it so easy to be a ham, but it is working, and at the same time causing problems of all kinds for the rest of us... > My apologies for not knowing these frequencies of concern.... I sincerely hope I never walked on another! > It should be protested to have more teaching and test questions on the Tech exam to avoid this. May also help to have these freqs listed on the band plan chart? > I feel like I am learning a whole new hobby, with a very long way to go. > > > > Doug Bennight > K4GKJ > > > > > > -------- Original message -------- > From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> > Date: > To: "&lt,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org&gt," <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] local yokels > > Hi all! > Was monitoring the 1645z pass of AO-73. Got blown out of my chair by > direct, in the passband interference on 145.95. Looked like FM. Sure > enough, two of the good old boys have a local simplex channel. > Did send one (the other doesn't have an email on QRZ, go figure!!!) an > email explaining that their conversation could have been retransmitted > all over north America, had FO-29 or AO-7 mode A been overhead. > Is there any regulatory body to report this type of stuff to? > There is enough RF trash being transmitted by xboxes and the like. > Don't need more. > Norm n3ykf > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > 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. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > 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. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > 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. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. 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. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. 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. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. 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: [amsat-bb] local yokels
by Doug - k4gkj 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

And your comment alone tells the complete, un-edited fact on how messed up hams are at "communicating". (as in I appreciate your comment and your very correct). We should have one plan, that will not be in contradiction or confusing to anyone with a reasonable IQ can study and reference. This idea of multiple plans is the reason I stay confused, wondering what I'm doing right, wrong, and not a soul to consult (when it comes to folks I know and trust that have considerable satellite experience - which is *zero*). Sadly, I don't see the ARRL and ARISS and other interested organizations to get together and making this common and useful plan. Too many existing repeaters that may be on the freqs, and who knows what else. Depressing in a way. Doug Bennight K4GKJ -------- Original message -------- From: Glen Zook <gzook(a)yahoo.com> Date: To: Doug - k4gkj <k4gkj(a)embarqmail.com>,[email protected],[email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] local yokels If you mean by "band plan chart", the colored one that is available from the ARRL website, that is NOT an appropriate place for the information. The ARRL chart reflects what is in the regulations concerning the emissions allowed for each license class. In fact, the chart is NOT a "band plan chart" but is a visual representation of 47 CFR Part 97 Section 97.301 and 47 CFR Part 97 Section 97.305. A "band plan" is no more than a "suggested" use of various frequencies and/or frequency segments that is proposed by a group. In fact, there are a number of different "band plans" that are actually in conflict with other "band plans". Following a "band plan" is strictly voluntary whereas following the regulations is a legal requirement. There is a BIG difference! The ARRL does have "band plans" for various amateur radio bands. But, those are strictly the suggestions, by the ARRL, on how to operate on various frequencies. There are also IARU "band plans" which differ among ITU Region I, Region II, and Region III that are, in some cases, in conflict between Region. The are "band plans" by other organizations that differ from those proposed by the ARRL. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.net On Saturday, August 30, 2014 6:17 PM, Doug - k4gkj <k4gkj(a)embarqmail.com> wrote: I'm an extra, and grew up learning ham etiquette from my grandfather, although I've only been a ham a relatively short time. I had never been exposed to satellite work, taught very little by other elders, and have found it rather difficult to find a good source that taught the various aspects. I entered this facet of the hobby via request from a local school wanting to make contact with the ISS (scheduled for end of October). I have had a struggle gaining good Intel on getting it done right and inexpensively.... Until jumping into this facet, I had no idea there were certain freq's I needed to avoid. And it took another few months to realize that I needed to use caution on power output! I was being told I needed a amp of up to 200 watts to talk to the ISS, but never was informed of the damage I could cause to other birds with this amp....(no, have not done so!) . And I honestly am worried about being too strong for the ISS. My point, these basic concepts are just not taught well enough. Many basic concepts aren't being taught or expected to be learned.... I dont know who is try so hard to make it so easy to be a ham, but it is working, and at the same time causing problems of all kinds for the rest of us... My apologies for not knowing these frequencies of concern.... I sincerely hope I never walked on another! It should be protested to have more teaching and test questions on the Tech exam to avoid this. May also help to have these freqs listed on the band plan chart? I feel like I am learning a whole new hobby, with a very long way to go. Doug Bennight K4GKJ -------- Original message -------- From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> Date: To: "&lt,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org&gt," <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] local yokels Hi all! Was monitoring the 1645z pass of AO-73. Got blown out of my chair by direct, in the passband interference on 145.95. Looked like FM. Sure enough, two of the good old boys have a local simplex channel. Did send one (the other doesn't have an email on QRZ, go figure!!!) an email explaining that their conversation could have been retransmitted all over north America, had FO-29 or AO-7 mode A been overhead. Is there any regulatory body to report this type of stuff to? There is enough RF trash being transmitted by xboxes and the like. Don't need more. Norm n3ykf _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. 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. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. 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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I am doing it wrong, but not sure what...
by Mark Lunday 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

Back about 7 years ago, I was able to hear and work all the birds using a pair of FT817ND rigs and even my VX6R: FO-29, VO-52, SO-50, AO-7, AO-16, AO-27, AO-51. It was so easy, even a caveman (me) could to it. I now have an IC910H, second owner. The rig does work, I made a couple of EME QSO's back in 2010 on a 2M9 yagi in my back yard. I am now dusting it off and trying to work satellites after keeping it in the closet for a couple of years. I have a pair of Elk log periodic 2M/440 antennas, using one for 144 MHz and one for 432 MHz. The antennas are mounted on a painter's pole in a closet right next to the roof, about 15 feet from my operating position. I am also using a pair of ARR pre-amps. I am using the HRD satellite tracking software from v5 (free). I am attempting to hear CW beacon from any bird, anywhere. The antennas are fixed pointing south. So far, I have not heard a thing this evening (since 0100 UTC). Attempted to hear CW beacon for FO-29, AO-73, LO-19, CO-55, SO-50. Also listened for passband activity on AO-73 and FO-29. Nada. The pre-amps are working, and I can pick up National Weather Service broadcasts very strong (as expected). I can also hear the telemetry on 144.39. I am double-checking my sat predictions with the AMSAT site. Possibilities: 1. The birds shut off when not in sunlight (according to AO-73 web page that should not be the case) 2. Attenuation of the signal from the roof (unlikely, I have been able to work simplex out to several hundred miles on my 2M9 in the attic) 3. Wrong beacon frequency (I triple checked this) 4. Other? Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com

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Azimuth / Elevation Rotor for sale
by Tim Goodrich 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

For more details, please see http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?448238-Azimuth-Elevation-Rotor <http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?448238-Azimuth-Elevation-Rotor&highlig ht=kenpro> &highlight=kenpro Thank you, Tim K6TW

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ANS-243 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-243 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 Ballot Deadline Approaching * W1AW/7 Satellite Operations * Fox-1 Update - Slow Speed Telemetry * Peruvian Cubesat Chasqui-1 Deployed From ISS * ARISS News SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-243.01 ANS-243 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 243.01 From AMSAT HQ Kensington, MD. August 31, 2014 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-243.01 AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Ballot Deadline Approaching A final reminder that Board of Directors ballots must be returned to the AMSAT- NA office by 15 SEP 2014 in order to be counted. Your returned ballot should be sent promptly, and those from outside North American preferably by air mail or other expedited means. Normally there would be 3 full Board seats open this year, plus 2 alternates. However, with the passing of Tony Monteiro, AA2TX (SK), there will be an additional full Board seat open to fill the remainder of his term. This means that the top three recipients of votes will have two-year terms, the fourth most vote recipient serving as full member for one year. The fifth and sixth highest vote recipients will serve as first and second Alternate, respectively. You may vote for up to 4 individuals. Election of board members is both an obligation as well as an opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of AMSAT-NA. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the Board. [ANS thanks Alan, W4SCA, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- W1AW/7 Satellite Operations Following the schedule for W1AW/x portable activity during 2014, next week will start the second of the two weeks W1AW/7 will air from Arizona. The first W1AW/7 Arizona satellite activity in March was successful (thanks, John K8YSE, for making good use of the K8YSE/7 station in Arizona that week). The next operation will be starting at 0000 UTC Wednesday, 27 August (2000 EDT/1700 PDT on Tuesday, 26 August). Patrick, WD9EWK/VA7EWK, will be operating as W1AW/7 on weeknights, and plan on more activity during the Labor Day weekend (30 August-1 September) that falls within this one-week period. He is working on having additional operators for the weekday passes, when he won't be able to get on the radio. As with any of the W1AW/x activities, ARRL will handle the QSLing. ARRL will upload all W1AW/7 logs to Logbook of the World, in addition to the paper QSL cards that will be available later. If you also work other bands and want to work W1AW/7 from Arizona next week, the W1AW/7 Arizona activity coordinator, Ned Stearns AA7A, has a schedule showing when the other stations operating as W1AW/7 will be on - and on what band/mode combinations. This schedule is still being assembled, so more slots will be filled in as we get closer to next week. You can see that schedule at: http://aa7a.net/W1AW/W1AW_7_AZ_1September.htm Satellite operating times will not appear on Ned's schedule, as Patrick is coordinating that part of the W1AW/7 effort. Patrick will use the AMSAT-BB list and his Twitter @WD9EWK feed (http://twitter.com/WD9EWK ) to send out updates for the W1AW/7 satellite activity. Good luck, and 73! [ANS thanks Patrick, WD9EWK/VA7EWK, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox-1 Update - Slow Speed Telemetry The Fox-1 series of satellites feature a slow speed telemetry, with 200 bps data being sent along with the transponder audio or voice ID activity. This allows telemetry to be sent continuously during normal transponder operation while QSOs are taking place. The slow speed data is contained in the audio spectrum below 300 Hz. Using DSP techniques, high pass filtering is applied to the uplink signal and voice IDs, low pass filtering is applied to the telemetry audio which is generated by the IHU, and the combined audio is sent on the downlink as the voice and data. Forward error correction added to the downlink stream provides data recovery for up to 1/4 second signal fades. Fox-1A slow speed telemetry Screen print of actual Fox-1A downlink slow speed telemetry received over the air on a FUNcube Dongle Pro+ with SDR# and a decoded/displayed with command line version of the AMSAT ground telemetry decoding software used in our testing The slow speed data on Fox-1A contains four different payload types: Current telemetry readings, High telemetry readings, Low telemetry readings, and Vanderbilt University radiation experiment telemetry. The payloads are transmitted in a scheduled rotation that delivers one payload or frame about every 5 seconds. Current telemetry is thus received every 15 seconds, experiment telemetry is received about twice every 15 seconds, and high or low telemetry received once every minute (alternating minutes between high and low). The telemetry contains many satellite health and operation values, including readings such as solar panel output, battery voltages, temperatures from various areas of the satellite, IHU performance, and the Penn State University MEMS gyro experiment data. AMSAT will be providing free GUI software for decoding and displaying both slow and high speed telemetry from the Fox-1 series of satellites, as we get closer to launch. The software will be similar to the user software that was provided for ARISSat-1. AMSAT has an immediate need to raise funds to cover both the launch contract and additional materials for construction and testing for Fox-1C. We have set a fundraising goal of $125,000 to cover these expenses over the next 12 months, and allow us to continue to keep amateur radio in space. Donations may be made through the AMSAT webpage at www.amsat.org, by calling (888) 322-6728 or by mail to the AMSAT office at 10605 Concord Street, Kensington, MD 20895, USA. Please consider a recurring, club, or corporate donation to maximize our chance of success with this mission. You may also dontate via PayPal. Donations will be marked specifically for Fox-1C. Note that PayPal usually allows you to donate with a credit card, even if you do not have a PayPal account. However, PayPal requirements differ depending on your country. We have not control over this issue. You may also contribute through a special “crowd sourcing” campaign on fundrazr.com at the following link. https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6pz92 [ANS thanks Jerry, N0JY, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Peruvian Cubesat Chasqui-1 Deployed From ISS The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos announced that a nano satellite with the designation, NS-1 was hand-launched during a space walk that began at 14:00 UTC Monday, August 18, 2014. The satellite is also referred to as the Peruvian Cubesat Chasqui-1 and weighs 1.5 kg. The satelliteâ€™s main mission is to serve as a platform for testing micro-electronics and optical devices used in cubesat applications. Its secondary mission is to operate as an amateur radio satellite. Itâ€™s transmit downlink is 437.025 MHz. The craft will send information in CW mode. It also transmits images stored in memory, photos taken by two on board cameras and will send telemetry. Data transmissions will use either 1200 bps AFSK AX.25 or 9600 bps GMSK modes. [ANS thanks , for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News A direct contact with students at Dorothy Grant Elementary School, Fontana, CA, USA was successful Wed 2014-08-27 18:31:28 UTC 83 deg. Astronaut Alexander Gerst, KF5ONO was able to answer 7 questions for students during the communication window. Dorothy Grant Elementary School proudly earned the California Department of Educationâ€™s 2013 Title I Academic Achievement Award and is a California Distinguished School. This prestigious honor is a reflection of the schoolâ€™s system of support for all students at all learning levels. Innovative intervention strategies and differentiated instruction greatly impacted school- wide student performance to meet state and federal standards of excellence. On October 27, 2012, the Dorothy Grant Elementary Amateur Radio Club was established. Each year nearly 50 students in the 4th and 5th grades learn about amateur radio and participate in activities and programs that teach them about electronics and radio communication techniques. Amateur radio has enhanced reading, writing, mathematics, geography, and communication skills for all students. The club recently installed a 50 ft. Rohn tower and beam antenna in hopes of making more international contacts on 10, 15, and 20 meters. The use of technology is strongly emphasized throughout the curriculum and used as a tool to enhance class lessons. ********** A telebridge contact via IK1SLD providing an interview for students at SPACE KAMP Sterrenlab, Noordwijk, The Netherlands with astronaut Alexander Gerst, KF5ONO was successful Tue 2014-08-26 11:36:32 UTC 65 deg. Gerst answered 18 questions for students. The Amicale Space Camp includes 25 children aged 8-13 years old of different European nationalities. It includes children of the European Patent Office staff and takes place in Noordwijk (Stay Okay hostel) from the 25th to the 29th of August 2014. All camp activities are designed to entertain children, stimulate their creative and manual skills, and teach them about science and space. The contact with the International Space Station will be a key activity in the program as it gives the children the opportunity to talk with an astronaut and understand that space is an international endeavor. ********** A direct contact with students at Winfree Bryant Middle School, Lebanon, TN, USA was successful Tue 2014-08-26 16:12:47 UTC 24 deg. Astronaut Gregory Wiseman, KF5LKT answered 16 questions for students. [ANS thanks Charlie, AJ9N 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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CW and Packet Signal on 145.825
by Nitin Muttin 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

I have been hearing a CW signal followed by a packet signal on 145.825 for the past couple of days. Did not try decoding as I was mobile in my car. Google search also shows a video on youtube http://youtu.be/mS-2Y5R6Sak BTW, there was no ISS pass over Bangalore during the time I heard the signal. Does anyone know which satellite this could be. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Re: [amsat-bb] local yokels
by Doug - k4gkj 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

I'm an extra, and grew up learning ham etiquette from my grandfather, although I've only been a ham a relatively short time. I had never been exposed to satellite work, taught very little by other elders, and have found it rather difficult to find a good source that taught the various aspects. I entered this facet of the hobby via request from a local school wanting to make contact with the ISS (scheduled for end of October). I have had a struggle gaining good Intel on getting it done right and inexpensively.... Until jumping into this facet, I had no idea there were certain freq's I needed to avoid. And it took another few months to realize that I needed to use caution on power output! I was being told I needed a amp of up to 200 watts to talk to the ISS, but never was informed of the damage I could cause to other birds with this amp....(no, have not done so!) . And I honestly am worried about being too strong for the ISS. My point, these basic concepts are just not taught well enough. Many basic concepts aren't being taught or expected to be learned.... I dont know who is try so hard to make it so easy to be a ham, but it is working, and at the same time causing problems of all kinds for the rest of us... My apologies for not knowing these frequencies of concern.... I sincerely hope I never walked on another! It should be protested to have more teaching and test questions on the Tech exam to avoid this. May also help to have these freqs listed on the band plan chart? I feel like I am learning a whole new hobby, with a very long way to go. Doug Bennight K4GKJ -------- Original message -------- From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> Date: To: "&lt,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org&gt," <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] local yokels Hi all! Was monitoring the 1645z pass of AO-73. Got blown out of my chair by direct, in the passband interference on 145.95. Looked like FM. Sure enough, two of the good old boys have a local simplex channel. Did send one (the other doesn't have an email on QRZ, go figure!!!) an email explaining that their conversation could have been retransmitted all over north America, had FO-29 or AO-7 mode A been overhead. Is there any regulatory body to report this type of stuff to? There is enough RF trash being transmitted by xboxes and the like. Don't need more. Norm n3ykf _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. 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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local yokels
by Lizeth Norman 30 Aug '14

30 Aug '14

Hi all! Was monitoring the 1645z pass of AO-73. Got blown out of my chair by direct, in the passband interference on 145.95. Looked like FM. Sure enough, two of the good old boys have a local simplex channel. Did send one (the other doesn't have an email on QRZ, go figure!!!) an email explaining that their conversation could have been retransmitted all over north America, had FO-29 or AO-7 mode A been overhead. Is there any regulatory body to report this type of stuff to? There is enough RF trash being transmitted by xboxes and the like. Don't need more. Norm n3ykf

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