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

ISS Digipeater is back! On UHF this time (437.550MHz)!
by KO6TZ Bob 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

ISS APRS Digi is back up and working just fine on 437.550. Using my IC-910h, SatPC32_ISS, UZ7HO, and UISS, everything worked like it is supposed to. The last pass was short, but made 1.5 contacts. BOB KO6TZ ===================== 1:Fm KO6TZ To APRS Via RS0ISS,ARISS <UI pid=F0 Len=27 >[11:17:54] =3356.77N\11630.82WA DM13rw 1:Fm KC7MG-9 To APRS Via RS0ISS* <UI pid=F0 Len=44 >[11:18:11] =3253.45N/11142.30W-Hello from AZ. DM42 grid 1:Fm KO6TZ To APRS Via RS0ISS,ARISS <UI pid=F0 Len=38 >[11:18:22] :KC7MG-9 :BOB Desert Hot Spg CA DM13 1:Fm KC7MG-9 To APRS Via RS0ISS* <UI pid=F0 Len=23 >[11:19:05] KO6TZ ACK DE KC7MG DM42 1:Fm KO6TZ To APRS Via RS0ISS,ARISS <UI pid=F0 Len=27 >[11:19:13] :BLN0QSLs :KE0KHA-7,KC7MG-9

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Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet files: Weather
by Jim Barbre 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

Scott, Thanks for the recommendation. I re-flashed my SD card with ver. 3.1 and collected Outernet data overnight. This morning I am seeing weather patterns displayed on the earth map. Neat! Thanks again. 73 Jim Barbre KB7YSY On 11/1/2016 10:03 AM, Scott wrote: > No, it's a completely hands-off operation other than using the web > interface to view things. > > The weather files (and I guess all the other content as well) is > handled in the background by the O/S. > > Please note that your PC & browser selection could have an impact. I > have way more functionality on my desktop PC (Windows) with a real > mouse than I do my notebook (also Windows). I don't know if it's an > issue of graphics capability, the external mouse, or what. > > However, if you're showing "no data" (which I recall was how mine > looked at first), then that's a show stopper. That would not be a > local PC issue. > > I noticed that they put out a new .zip image the other day, but > strangely it still shows as 3.1. But in your case it might be worth > downloading and re-flashing your micro-SD card. > > https://archive.outernet.is/images/rxOS-Raspberry-Pi/ > > Since starting from scratch is so painless, it's worth trying. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > -----Original Message----- From: Jim Barbre > Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2016 12:34 PM > To: Scott > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet files: Weather > > Hi Scott, > > Thanks for your reply. I am using Raspbian Jessie, latest update. > My SNR is greater that 5dB. I have already captured 8 grib2 files, but > they are in a folder by themselves, separate from the weather folder. My > earth display is not seeing any data. Do I need to move my grib2 files > into the weather folder? > > 73 > Jim > KB7YSY > > On 11/1/2016 9:15 AM, Scott wrote: >> Jim, it's my impression that there are several "it depends" to answer >> your question. >> >> For the weather page to work, I believe you need the most recent >> version of the software for whatever platform you are using. I'm >> using a Raspberry Pi with the rxOS image, so currently I'm at 3.1 >> >> Also, the data files that populate the overlays available for the >> weather globe take a while to download, so you will need a good >> enough signal for files to come down. Early on they had mentioned >> that an SNR of -2- or better might suffice, but I think it's a little >> higher than that to get files at a decent clip. >> >> When it's working right and you have data for the overlays, you can >> click the menu to the left of the "earth" word at the bottom and >> select various views. Here is a shot of a temperature overlay if >> you'd like to have a reference of how it can look: >> >> k4kdr.github.io/files/outernet/outernet-weather-screenshot.png >> >> ... note also that the globe can be moved and resized with mouse >> actions, so experiment with that once you have data. >> >> -Scott, K4KDR >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- From: Jim Barbre >> Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2016 11:45 AM >> To: AMSAT BB >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Outernet files: Weather >> >> When I click the Weather folder in Librarian I get an outline of >> the Western Hemisphere and a message saying "No Data." I have 8 grib2 >> files in another folder. How do I get the weather info to display in >> Librarian? >> >> Thanks. >> 73 >> Jim Barbre >> KB7YSY >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet WiFI and Omni Mobile antenna?
by Robert Bruninga 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

> I apologize for using the AMSAT-BB for an OUTERNET... > When using Outernet's Wi-Fi ability, I am wondering > what the effective range of that Wi-Fi may be? I Quintupled the range of my Outernet Raspberry Pi from about 200' outside to about 1000' outside by soldering on a 1.2" piece of wire as a 1/4 wave vertical compared to the on-board-ceramic antenna... This hotspot would be able to cover the entire fleamarket at Dayton for example. see: http://aprs.org/outnet-hotspot.html And then today, I played around with EZNEC to see if I could come up with an Omni Vertical to be able to have an Outernet Receiver in my car able to receive the Outernet signal no matter what direction the car was pointed. I came up with this: http://aprs.org/OUTNET/antennas/Colinear-100ohmsX.png I haven't built it since it requires a hole in the middle of the roof, but its an idea... This omni is 17" tall and has a conical max gain of over 9 dBi at an elevation angle of 40 degrees that matches the elevation angle of Inmarsat over the central latitude swath of the USA. It was hard to get the 40 degrees, but was easier at 45 degrees and higher just with simple long monopoles, suitable for Southerners or Mexicans. Just cutting wire whip to the right length without even a phasing stub works at these higher elevation angles (and lower latitudes). Of course a helix woiuld be an easy to build antenna, but it needs to be pointed at the Inmarsat satellite which is geostationary south of Texas. For the overall ham radio ideas for this Global Outernet system, see: http://aprs.org/outnet.html Bob, WB4APR

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BOD Meeting
by Bruce 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

For those that are going to be staying at the Double Tree hotel for the board of directors meeting.... If you are renting a car or are driving your own car, you can leave it parked at the Double Tree, take their shuttle to the boat for an additional $50 per room. This is much less than paying 4 days of parking at the cruise terminal. Also, baggage is a pain. Some parking locations require you to drop your baggage off at the terminal, drive and park your car and then take their shuttle to the terminal. You can add the Double Tree parking/shuttle when you check in. I also just received an email from the Double Tree with some upgrades. One of the upgrades was $25 for late check out, up to 6 hours. Might be a good deal if the ship is delayed. Will have to monitor that as time goes by. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2018 AMSAT Board Alternate 2015-2016 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Istituto Comprensivo "Marco da Melo", Mel, Italy
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Istituto Comprensivo "Marco da Melo", Mel, Italy on 04 Nov. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 08:47 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between OR4ISS and IQ3FL. 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. Our school is a state school and is meant for students aged 6 to 14 years old. It has about 250 students. Its name "Marco da Melo" comes from a historic character (a painter) of the 16th century. The school is situated in a wide valley, Val Belluna (the valley of Belluno). All the subjects included in the national regulations for this age bracket are taught: Italian, History, Geography, Science, Math, foreign languages, Art, Music and IT. Some technological workshops have been started up for three years and only for the students of the last school year with the help of the radio amateurs of the local section of Feltre. Themes related to telecommunication are dealt with and experiments of electrophysics are carried out as well as CW tests. Footage and slides related to the world of the radio are shown. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. What do you like most about living in space? 2. When did you decide to become an astronaut? 3. How do you keep fit in space? 4. How did you feel when you watched planet Earth for the first time? 5. What did you feel when you first entered the Station? 6. Is it difficult to get used to living in space? 7. What planet would you prefer to visit, if you could, and why? 8. Which kind of food do you eat in space? 9. Do you believe there is life on other planets? 10. How did you reach the Station and how long does it take? 11. What was your ambition when you were young? 12. How do you think this experience will change you? 13. How were you selected for the space program? 14. What sacrifices did you have to make to become an astronaut? 15. What does planet earth look like from there? 16. Have you ever encountered any problems during this expedition? 17. How long will you be staying in space? 18. What do you see from there? 19. Would you like to land on the moon and why? 20. How big is the ISS? 21. What is the most interesting experience you have had in your job? 22. Is the Space Station comfortable? 23. Who was your inspiration when you decided to become an astronaut? 24. If I wanted to become an astronaut, what would you suggest I should do? 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): TBD 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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Great article on hams in space and ARISS!
by John Brier 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

http://hackaday.com/2016/11/01/hams-in-space-part-2-the-manned-spaceflights/ It's very up to date and accurate too. Part 1 is about OSCAR but I haven't read it yet: http://hackaday.com/2016/01/14/hams-in-space-project-oscar/ 73, John Brier KG4AKV

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IMPORTANT notice for 2016 AMSAT Space Symposium Attendees
by Clayton Coleman 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

October 31, the AMSAT Symposium committee was informed by Carnival that our Symposium ship, the Carnival Liberty, was experiencing a technical difficulty resulting in an itinerary change. The technical difficulty affects the maximum cruising speed of the Carnival Liberty. The full text of Carnival’s notification has been posted on the AMSAT 2016 Space Symposium web page at: http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=3667 Summary of changes and impact to attendees: 1. Our destination is now Progreso rather than Cozumel. 2. Scheduled departure is now 22:00 local time on Thursday, November 10. 3. Scheduled arrival is now 10:00 local time on Monday, November 14. 4. All guests who have purchased shore excursions for Cozumel through Carnival will receive refunds for their scheduled excursions. 5. All guests will receive a $50 on-board credit and 25% discount on a future sailing with Carnival. This itinerary change should have minimal impact on the events of the Symposium. It may affect your travel times to and from the airport. Please check your flight departure times and contact Carnival if there is any conflict regarding this modified itinerary. We have no further information from Carnival at this time.This and further communication will be emailed to all registered Symposium attendees in the next 24 hours. If you have not yet registered with AMSAT for the Symposium, please do so by contacting the AMSAT office or via the AMSAT Store at: http://store.amsat.org. Please reply directly to me (off-BB) with any questions. Thank you, Clayton W5PFG

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Outernet Question
by Gerald Payton 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

I apologize for using the AMSAT-BB for an OUTERNET question, but do not know of another site and is frequently used by others here. When using an Outernet hardware configuration with CHIP and it's Wi-Fi ability, I am wondering what the effective range of that Wi-Fi may be? Is a portable laptop or tablet required nearby or it there sufficient signal for , say inside the house etc.? Thanks Jerry AB5R

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Outernet antenna mod
by Jim Barbre 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

This is a resend. My apologies if it shows up twice. ............. With the help of some Velcro, I mounted my Outernet patch antenna to a flat, smooth, 10 x 12 inch aluminum cooking sheet and set it indoors on a tablet stand. I angled the antenna at 50 deg. above the horizon and pointed the stand in the direction of the satellite. Antenna pigtail is at the bottom. LNA is connected directly to the pigtail and Outernet SDR is connected directly to the LNA. I used a 9 inch USB cable to connect the dongle to my Raspberry Pi 3. With this setup I was able to increase my SNR from a max. of 1.7dB to > 5dB. A very easy setup that now makes it possible for me to download Outernet files. 73 Jim Barbre KB7YSY

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120v power on carnival liberty
by Bruce 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

I have a friend that has sailed on this ship before. There is one outlet in your cabin for 120v ac power. If you are going to bring a power strip, the ship rules state that it CANNOT be a surge protector. They can only be a dumb power strip. If you do bring a surge protector, they will confiscate it and return it to you at the end of the cruise. I found one on amazon made by Belkin that has a 5 foot cord for about $8. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AG0IO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?… I am not endorsing this product, I am only letting you know what I found and am taking. It comes with a cardboard band around it and I am leaving that on so that they can see that it is not a surge protector. You can probably pick something up at your favorite discount wholesale club or super store. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2018 AMSAT Board Alternate 2015-2016 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat

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