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
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
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: "<,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>g>," <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
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: "<,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>g>," <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
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
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 satellite’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. It’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
Education’s 2013 Title I Academic Achievement Award and is a California
Distinguished School. This prestigious honor is a reflection of the
school’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
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]
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: "<,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>g>," <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
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
