October 2016 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

EQUiSat Optical Beacon CubeSat
by Trevor . 17 Oct '18

17 Oct '18

Students at the Ivy League Brown University are developing an amateur radio satellite EQUiSat that will carry a Xenon Flash Tube (XFT) subsystem to act as an Optical Beacon that should be visible to the unaided eye of observers on Earth. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=10635 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAK-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ ----

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Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins
by Robert Bruninga 17 Mar '18

17 Mar '18

The Outernet L-band feed is now carrying a condensed version of the AMSAT and ARISS weekly news files. (Global Geosat coverage except for Northern Alaska)... Receivers are simple: http://aprs.org/outnet.html For ARISS, I manually added a 2 char grid square to each school listed in the school schedule and am asking the outernet folks to parse out that location info and plot a 1200 km footprint on their weather globe showing where people can tune in the ARISS contacts. Then their RTL-SDR dongle could then actually be retuned to hear the contact. Just an idea... Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Dani EA4GPZ Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:36 AM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Outernet L-Band service... >> I hope someday a service like this will be available >> from an AMSAT geostationary service. > I'm pretty confident that the guys at AMSAT-DL are capable > of doing this much better on the upcoming EsHail'2 > than what Outernet is currently doing on Inmarsat... > They already have in mind a "DVB-S beacon"... broadcast > from the ground station at Qatar ... carrying videos > about Ham radio and Ham radio events on this signal. > What is more, if you have equipment to operate EsHail'2 on SSB, > it's more or less easy to use either the narrowband transponder > or the wideband transponder to transmit an Outernet-type signal > through EsHail'2, so anyone can have a go with this. > Outernet uses 4200baud BPSK and half of the bitrate is spent for FEC. > You can use a bit less bitrate to get a signal that will even pass > through a conventional 2.7kHz SSB filter and you can use less > bits for FEC to get increased data throughput (but more SNR required). > Dani EA4GPZ.

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-10-26 23:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 22 Sep '17

22 Sep '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-10-26 23:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Possible Russian contact with Kursk Tue 2015-10-27 11:35 UTC Dearborn Public Schools, Dearborn, Michigan, USA, direct via K8UTT The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Contact is a go for Option #3: Tue 2015-10-27 16:01:59 UTC 57 deg Watch for a live video stream that should start about 15:00 UTC: (***) http://www.dearbornschools.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbhrQiZ62LE Daggett Montessori School K-8, Fort Worth, Texas, USA, direct via K5COW The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Contact is a go for Option #4: Thu 2015-10-29 14:12:56 UTC 31 deg **************************************************************************** ** Interested in hosting an ARISS contact? The window is now open from 2015-09-01 to 2015-11-01. These proposals will be for school contacts during the second half of 2016. Go to http://www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact or http://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html for full details. To help organizations in preparing their proposals, the ARISS Program Coordinator will offer hour-long online information sessions. These are designed to provide more information regarding US ARISS contacts and the proposal process and offer an opportunity to ask questions. While attending an online information session is not required, it is strongly encouraged. These will be offered Thursday, September 17, at 2000 UTC; Tuesday, September 22, at 2000 UTC, and Wednesday, September 30, at 2300 UTC. Advance registration is necessary. Email ARISS (ariss(a)arrl.org) to sign up for an information session. **************************************************************************** ** >From 2015-12-20 to 2016-01-04, there will be no US Operational Segment (USOS) hams on board ISS. So any schools contacts during this period will be conducted by the ARISS Russia team. **************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. **************************************************************************** Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Gaston ON4WF with 121 Francesco IKØWGF with 114 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 112 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8061 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2015-10-24 06:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1001. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 966. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 46. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2015-10-24 06:00 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 43/44 on orbit Scott Kelly Mikhail Kornienko RN3BF Exp. 44 on orbit Oleg Kononenko RN3DX Kimiya Yui KG5BPH Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Exp. 45 on orbit Sergey Volkov RU3DIS **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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LVB Tracker USB serial port driver for Windows 7 x64?
by Bill Bordy, NJ1H 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Has anyone located a driver for the LVB Tracker internal USB to serial port adapter on Windows 7 x64? If not, has anyone reverted to the serial port connection on LVB Tracker and used an external USB to serial port adapter successfully with SatPC32 on Windows 7 x64? I have an Edgeport multiple USB to serial port that has drivers for Windows 7 x64 that I will use if I have to. I would prefer using the LVB Tracker with its USB to serial adapter if someone has another solution. 73, Bill NJ1H

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Solar Ham Radio Interference
by Robert Bruninga 21 Nov '16

21 Nov '16

Not Satellite related, but people often ask about any RFI from my solar arrays at home. Interest stems from an RFI issue in April QST and my letter in Sept 2016 QST. Well, FINALLY, the jury is in. For the first time since installing solar, I finally got all my full-sized dipoles up in the air again. And listened with the arrays on and off. Yes, I have inverter noise about 12 dB above the noise floor every 38 kHz on 80 meters,. But couldn't really find anything on 20 meters. I did not do a thorough search, but enough to finally say, "yes, there is some noise..." I post this because my 16kw of arrays are conventional series string arrays and much quieter than the "optimizers" on every panel all over the roof noted in the April QST article. I always thought my string array was quiet, but now I have some data noted above. This could easily be fixed with some clamp-on ferrites down in the basement on the wires going into the inverters... But for my rare HF operating, the solar AC disconnect switch is about 3 feet from the kitchen door. Easy enough to pull if I want HF silence. I could also install a 40 amp disconnect relay from a switch in the shack... But with my rare operating style, I'll probably do nothing. Of course it is perfectly quiet at night ;-) It took me 6 years to get around to this test, so don't hold your breath waiting for me to add some clamp-on filters to the inverter wires and see what that does. For those into solar, come join us on SolarDIY(a)yahoogroups.com Bob, WB4APR

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ARISS Meeting Information
by Frank H. Bauer 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

All, Those who have expressed interest in the ARISS meeting previously have received the latest ARISS meeting information. I am including it here for all on AMSAT-BB because there was a query about it here. Since BB will not accept attachments, our "near final" draft for our ARISS meeting in Houston can be downloaded at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7b156pcxxrjdjon/ARISS-I%20Agenda%202016%20Houston- Rev%208.pdf?dl=0 As you review this, I think you can see that we have some really exciting topics that we will be discussing and working through, as a team. Most importantly, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary as a team. For those not aware, 20 years ago, in November 1996, an international group interested in installing and operating a ham radio station on the ISS met at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston and, per NASA's direction, formed an international working group called ARISS. And the rest is history!! Because we have so many things to address at our ARISS-I meeting, we have divided our discussions into 3 primary categories: 1) Hardware Development, 2) Education and 3) Sustainability and Funding. As you can see in the agenda, we will be conducting two sessions simultaneously like is done in a conference. We will also have plenary sessions, where the entire team will attend, to discuss topics that impact the entire, world-wide team. If you are still interested in attending the meeting, you are welcome to come. Please let me know (directly) of your interest. I thank you all for your interest in and support to our magnificent program. It is amazing what we have accomplished in 20 years! It will be exciting to see what we will do in the next 20!! 73, Frank Bauer KA3HDO AMSAT V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chair

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SatPC32 (12.8c)-icom 910-subtone.sqf
by LB2TG Paul 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

Hello. Can anyone help with the syntax in the subtone.sqf for ic-910? I have tried "almost everthing" but the subtone are still in the standard value 88.5 I can set it manually to 67.0 and 74.4 for SO-50. I also see that I have to change "NOR" and "REV" manually. Maybe some can write this line correct for Icom IC-910? SO-50,67.0,??? SO-50,74.4,??? When I connect, and change the settings for the rig, my old TS-790 works great. 73, Paul LB2TG

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FT-847 for Sale
by Paul Andrews 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

FT-847 for Sale. Priced to sell quickly - $1000 HF 100W / 2M 50W / 70cm 50W / All Mode Excellent condition. User Manual. - True full duplex radio for satellite with CAT Control - Includes Fun Dongle Plus for IF Panadapter. (Included) - Mod for independent TX / RX ports - Mod for IF Tap for Panadapter - Mod for Khune Xtal Heater - Mods can be easily removed if requested. I also have an - M2 2MCP22 - Assembled New Unused - M2 436CP42UG - Assembled New Unused - Sold as a pair - Make an offer Contact W2HRO for additional details.

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Re: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TH-D74A for Satellite Work
by Clint Bradford 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

NO - The new US$650 Kenwood THD-74a will NOT perform in true, full-duplex mode like the '72a. And will NOT be firmware-upgraded to do so. There is a rumor that Kenwood might be considering the 'D72a as a "replacement" for the TH-F6a - again, just a rumor, but from a good source. Want a SINGLE rig to perform U/V and V/U modes for the FM birds? The Kenwood TH-D72a at US$390. I am trying to work a couple more passes with the HRO-distributed Powerwerx UV-9D(Plus) on SO-50 - to see how well it does on both U/V and V/U FM voice modes. Clint Bradford K6LCS http:/www.work-sat.com PS Don't forget the Palm Springs HamFest on Saturday, February 4, 2017, being held at the beautiful Palm Springs Air Museum! Satellite presentation at 11am in the Major General Ken Miles Aviation Science Center. SO-50 pass right before that ... plenty of ham history, aeronautical history, and plenty for the family to do for just $8 admission!

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Kenwood TH-D74A for Satellite Work
by Les Rayburn 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

I’m sure this must have come up before, but unfortunately I missed the discussion. Curious if anyone on the list has tried the new Kenwood TH-D74A for satellite work on the FM birds? Is the rig truly dual-band like the TH-D72A? 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL EM63nf Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA. Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip.

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