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

Office Closed
by Martha 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

The AMSAT Office will be closed on Monday, October 10th in observance of Columbus Day. -- 73- Martha

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Loss Between Right and Left Circular
by Roger Cooper 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

About 10 years ago got interested in sat radio and bought a Left Circular Quadrifilar Helix Antenna which got good review in QST. Didnt use it and now retired and trying to get on sat. Evidently most ham sats are right circular and depending on what I read. there is a 30db OR 3db loss going from one circular polarization to another. Which is it? Thanks Roger N3RC

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LVB/Amsat computer interface via USB ===> SatPC32
by Rafael Peña 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

I have acquired a Yaesu G-5500 rotor / controller along with LVB/Amsat computer interface but for the sake of setup I cannot make it talk to SatPC32. Manually, azimuth / elevation works just fine using both Yaesu controller and LVB interface....LVB triggers the rotor just as the controller does individually. I read that SDX is the software to use with Yaesu GS-232a/b and compatible controllers . So I run the SDX file which comes with the SatPC32 setup file. This SDX file is in a folder within SatPC32. When I turn on the Yaesu controller, the USB connected to LVB gets detected by Windowz 10 and creates a COM8 automatically. I configured ServerSDX for this COM#. I also configured the SatPC32 Rotor setup and select the Yaesu Rotor (232). There are no more settings there to change. ServerSDX is suppose to run upon launching SatPC32. It is suppose to send data to the LVB so that rotor follows the satellite via program SatPC32. I do not see this happening. What am I missing? Any help is appreciated. Rafael A PeñaNN3RP Washington, DC

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Re: [amsat-bb] Global Geo SATCOM system?
by Edward R Cole 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

After Bob posted the info and links to Outernet I looked over the equipment and the satellite footprints. Not clear to me if there would be any reception at my latitude and longitude (60.688N, 151.331W). From years past I recall how few ISS passes came above the southern horizon far enough to any chance of contacts (max elev is 11-degrees for about 12-min long pass). And ISS is in Leo orbit so its constantly changing. A geo sat is fixed so you get - what you get (if it is too far east or west of me that is "nothing"). Highest elev angle for Geo-sat orbit is 21 degrees looking due south. Trees (solid forest) set lower elev limit at about 9-degrees in all directions. I used a 33-inch offset feed dish on AO-40 so that is available to put up with suitable feed. The 8-dBi patch may have too wide a beam pattern for use with such a dish. I wondered if using a cylindrical short cavity with the patch might increase gain and narrow the beam adequately? For 2.4G I used a six turn helical feed (RHCP). Good info on the rtl-sdr. I gave one to my step-son which we were unable to get good performance on VHF so maybe he would send it back to me. I sent him a used RS HF receiver which is what he wanted. Pretty sure the rtl-sdr is not in use (he was using Mac-OS which further complicated and frustrated getting sw running); I have win-XP32. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa(a)gmail.com

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Global Geo SATCOM system?
by Robert Bruninga 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

AMSAT tinkerers? OUTERNET is a free worldwide Geostationary Satellite downlink system designed to bring content to remote areas all over the globe. They have six geostationary birds covering the entire globe EVERYWHERE. All you need is a small 18” (or 36” in some very remote areas) to receive content via your own home-made receiver based on a TV dongle and Rasberry Pi. Is there anyone on AMSAT-bb that is already receiving this content? We’d like to hear about how easy it is to set up a receiver. We have some ideas on how this can be used to augment Ham radio in our Emergency Response and remote operations missions. See http://aprs.org/outnet.html Bob, WB4APR

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NPOTA TR20 activation via satellite (Oct 7-8)
by Clayton Coleman 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

Gabriel, NJ7H, and I will be operating satellites from some portions of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail this Saturday, October 8. You may hear us on late Friday evening (Oct 7.) We'll be in EM21, my home grid. El Camino Real de los Tejas: https://www.nps.gov/elte/index.htm Mission Tejas State Park: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mission-tejas GIS Interactive Trail Viewer: http://imgis.nps.gov/html/?viewer=nht 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet experiences
by Andrew Rich 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

Config files for each region ? Should have freqs ? Andrew > On 7 Oct 2016, at 01:25, N6RFM1 gmail <n6rfm1(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Bob and fellow AMSAT tinkerers, > > > > I also have the system up and running using the patch antenna, LNA/BPF and > an E4000 based dongle sourced from Outernet. > > > > It’s was very straightforward to get it running using the Raspberry Pi (3) > and their rxOS. Burn an SD card, and fire it up. This makes changing back > to another OS as simple as swapping out the SD card. > > > > The E4000 RTL-SDR Outernet provides appears to be modified so that bias-T is > passed to the LNA out of the box. Otherwise another means to power an LNA > may be necessary. > > > > As an alternative to the R-Pi, they also support the CHIP computer. This > device is not much bigger than a credit card, and ~ ¼” thick. If sourced > from Outernet, it comes flashed with their rxOS software. It took me some > time to appreciate that the CHIP’s wifi RX is a bit deaf. So, to log onto > the system with any wifi enable device (such as my iPhone), I had to be > within a few feet. > > > > The CHIP is however fun to play with. It can also be flashed with a Debian > based OS and used as stand-alone computer. It seemed a bit slow (heck, > what do you expect for a $9 computer) but was serviceable to surf the web, > email, etc. That said, flashing back to the rxOS for Outernet > reception/decoding from the Debian OS is clunky and requires getting under > the Linux hood in terminal mode. > > > > Outernet has a pretty active user forum, with technical support often coming > from the founder. For me it was a fun way to do some RX at 1.5 GHz, learn > some more Linux and play with some interesting hardware. Now I need to > build a WX tight radome to allow 24/7 RX. > > > > Lastly, shout out and thanks to Scott K4KDR and Darren G0HWW for advice and > encouragement. > > > > GL, > > > > Bob N6RFM FN41iq > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Message: 5 > > Date: Wed, 5 Oct 2016 18:51:52 -0400 > > From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu <mailto:[email protected]> > > > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]> > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Global Geo SATCOM system? > > Message-ID: <f01b67a22bb2d9715501485f61941d18(a)mail.gmail.com > <mailto:[email protected]> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > > > AMSAT tinkerers? > > > > > > > > OUTERNET is a free worldwide Geostationary Satellite downlink system > > designed to bring content to remote areas all over the globe. They have > > six geostationary birds covering the entire globe EVERYWHERE. All you need > > is a small 18? (or 36? in some very remote areas) to receive content via > > your own home-made receiver based on a TV dongle and Rasberry Pi. > > > > > > > > Is there anyone on AMSAT-bb that is already receiving this content? We?d > > like to hear about how easy it is to set up a receiver. > > > > > > > > We have some ideas on how this can be used to augment Ham radio in our > > Emergency Response and remote operations missions. See > > http://aprs.org/outnet.html > > > > > > > > Bob, WB4APR > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-10-07 07:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-10-07 07:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Pasar 1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, direct via 9M2RPN The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Takuya Onishi KF5LKS Contact was successful: Thu 2016-10-06 18:24:00 UTC 46 deg (***) iSPACE, Cincinnati OH, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Kate Rubins KG5FYJ Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-10-08 16:15:10 UTC 57 deg Stephen F. Austin Elementary School, Brazosport ISD, Jones Creek, Texas, telebridge via VK5ZAI The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Takuya Onishi KF5LKS Contact is a go for: Mon 2016-10-10 16:46:00 UTC 50 deg University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, Omaha NE, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Kate Rubins KG5FYJ Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-10-15 14:00:08 UTC 29 deg **************************************************************************** ** Call for Proposals Proposal Window September 1 – November 1, 2016 The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. The deadline to submit a proposal is November 1, 2016. Proposal information and documents can be found at www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact. **************************************************************************** ** 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. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz. **************************************************************************** *** All ARISS contacts are made via the Ericsson radio unless otherwise noted. **************************************************************************** *** 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: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 (***) Gaston ON4WF with 121 Francesco IKØWGF with 118 **************************************************************************** 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 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2016-10-07 07:00 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 1086. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1051. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. 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, South Dakota, 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 2016-10-07 07:00 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. 47 on orbit Jeff Williams KD5TVQ Oleg Skripochka RN3FU Aleksey Ovchinin Exp. 48 on orbit Anatoly Ivanishin Kate Rubins KG5FYJ Takuya Onishi KF5LKS **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Upcoming ARISS contact with iSPACE, Cincinnati OH
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at iSPACE, Cincinnati OH on 08 Oct. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 16:15 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD. The contact should be audible over Italy and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. In 2001, iSPACE, a 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational resource for schools throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. The iSPACE mission is to make STEM learning exciting and to promote STEM career awareness, through interactive programs for students, educators and families in the region. iSPACE provides innovative and effective programs, events and learning experiences for students (grades preK12), their educators and their families including field trips, outreach, professional development and other programs that stimulate interest and appreciation for STEM. In 2015, iSPACE programs served a diverse population of 24,731 youth and 5,791 adults in more than 500 schools. iSPACE works diligently to collaborate within the regional and their programs are recognized for their effectiveness throughout the STEM community. Through rigorous alignment to national and state standards and the utilization of best practices, iSPACE continues to develop curriculum for educators and inquirybased educational opportunities for students. iSPACE has made a mark in Greater Cincinnati for our high quality programs that measurably and effectively inspire students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, increase their content knowledge and introduce them to STEM careers. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. What has been the most exciting part of your mission so far? 2. After seeing all the places on Earth from space, which one do you most want to visit once you get back to Earth? 3. What's your favorite part of the day? 4. I know you use animals in research. How many animals do you have in space with you right now and how do you take care of them? 5. Can a flying insect fly in space? 6. When you were preparing to leave high school did you know that you wanted to be an astronaut? How did you decide what you wanted to do after high school? 7. Please describe your years of education and training that led to your assignment on the space station. 8. Do you practice emergency drills? Can you describe some of the critical incidents that you need to prepare for? 9. Will your stay in space get shorter if you have too many headaches? Also, if you have ever had a space headache, what did it feel like during and after? 10. What are the major research projects you are focusing on and what discoveries have you made? 11. Have any of the experiments failed or given you totally different results than you expected? 12. Do you prefer being in space or on Earth? 13. What has been your greatest challenge so far and how did you respond to it? 14. Can you describe what zero gravity feels like? 15. Have you done a spacewalk and how does it feel? 16. What do you think the biggest advances will be in the space program over the next ten year? 17. What are you most looking forward to when you return to earth and what will you miss the most from your mission? 18. Does your schedule ever seem repetitive? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Stephen F. Austin Elementary School, Brazosport ISD, Jones Creek, Texas, telebridge via VK5ZAI The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Takuya Onishi KF5LKS Contact is a go for: Mon 2016-10-10 16:46:00 UTC 50 deg 2. University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, Omaha NE, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Kate Rubins KG5FYJ Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-10-15 14:00:08 UTC 29 deg About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Looking for OLD (really old) Ham-related software
by Greg D 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

Hi folks, In the small world department, it turns out that a fellow Ham club member and I were both part of the original Homebrew Computer Club back in the 70's. We thought it might be fun to have a demo at one of the Ham club meetings of some of the old hardware running something ham-related, just for fun. I have an "MAI Jolt", a 6502 / TIM system that I built in 1976, and just got it running again. 12K of memory, TV Typewriter, paper tape reader. CPU runs at a blazing 750 khz. Plays Hunt the Wumpus perfectly. Yes, folks, computing in the AM Broadcast band was never better. What I need now is some software (besides HtW) to run on it. This is NOT a C-64 or Apple-II; they have the same CPU chip, but different memory map and I/O. Besides the raw CPU itself, I also have a copy of Tom Pitman's Tiny Basic that also appears to run. The usual Google searches have come up either empty or with broken links to places like GeoCities. Anybody have anything TIM or Tiny Basic compatible that they can share or point me to? Thanks, Greg KO6TH

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