August 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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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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Re: [amsat-bb] Free content from six satellites via Outernet (APRS?)
by Robert Bruninga 29 Oct '16

29 Oct '16

Global Ham channel? We should find someone to work with the OUTERNET folks to add an amateur radio channel to their downlink. Their satellites could provide connectivity to 99% of amateur radio operators on earth. In addition, Ham Radio can bring to OUTERNET an uplink capability that they currently don't have. And the uplink can be from the same remote areas where there is no service... How? Like this. They simply take the APRS packet data stream from the global APRS Internet System (APRS-IS) and stream it in their downlink for hams. Then hams anywhere on earth can transmit traffic via HF back into the system. Since the APRS-IS is one of the world's largest HF receiver-diversity receiver networks in the world, then a packet transmitted from almost anywhere on earth has a reasonable chance of being heard at least once at least somewhere and interjected back into the network, where it gets to the OUTERNET and then in the downlink. The only question, is the atrophy of our HF IGates? Years ago, the HF channel on 10,147.2 MHz had receivers all over the world. I have not listened much recently, but maybe there is still a viable network there. And if not, maybe we could re-invigorate it if it meant global APRS connectivity for ham travelers and hams in remote areas. An HF packet transmitter can be as small as a cigar box and solar powered. Has anyone tuned in the OUTERNET downlink? I have heard anyone with OUTERNET's free ORxPi software and a Raspberry Pi can get the OUTERNET content when plugged into a DVB-S tuner. Then there is of course the arm-chair-lawyers concern of rebroadcast of amateur radio content on a non-ham network? Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Thane Richard Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 1:22 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Free content from six satellites via Outernet Hello everyone, My name is Thane and I lead content and business development at Outernet. Some of you may be aware of us but I suspect most are not. I am writing this email to introduce Outernet to AMSAT. Outernet broadcasts a DVB-S signal <https://wiki.outernet.is/wiki/Coverage_and_transponder_settings> from six different satellites covering 99% of humans on Earth. We created this information service to reach the 4.3 billion people who do not have Internet access and designed it to overcome the problems the Internet presents, namely download speed and recurring cost. Our datacast is completely free to receive, our bitrate is 90 Kbps (~1 GB/day of content), and you can even build your own receiver with a Raspberry Pi <http://store.outernet.is/>. Right now, the content we send is curated by us and a group of editors but we are working on a Reddit/Wikipedia/YouTube mashup where the contents of our broadcast can be decided publicly. Currently, we broadcast Wikipedia, 30,000+ ebooks, PLOS One journal articles, Khan Academy, CK12 textbooks, music from SoundCloud, and more. I want to invite this community to be involved in Outernet and help us build this project. Our current focus is on developing channels to get devices into schools and generally into countries/areas where Internet penetration is very low. Our forum <http://discuss.outernet.is> is very active with users and Outernet staff. Please stop by! Avidly, Thane -- Thane Richard <https://twitter.com/thanerichard> Content and Business Development Lead Outernet <http://outernet.is/> *Outernet in the press:* WIRED <http://www.wired.com/2015/07/plan-beam-web-3-billion-unconnected-humans/> , Inc.com <http://www.inc.com/dev-aujla/a-library-for-all.html>, TechCrunch <http://techcrunch.com/2015/03/13/outernet-joins-the-space-race-for-intern et-accessibility/> , Gizmodo <http://gizmodo.com/what-is-the-outernet-and-is-it-the-future-of-the-inter n-1659647614> , BBC <http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29593734>, CNN <http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/11/tech/internet-for-everyone/>, Fast Company <http://www.fastcolabs.com/3027663/all-about-google-loons-low-cost-space-b ased-competitor-outernet> , LA Times <http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-g-outernet-explained-201 40808-htmlstory.html> , Motherboard <http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-the-outernet-plans-to-broadcast-free -internet-from-space> Our receiver, Lighthouse, is now available! To show how revolutionary Lighthouse is, we installed one in a remote school in Uganda. Watch the video here <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlQFoGK1aWQ>. _______________________________________________ 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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LilacSat-2 is ON!!!!!
by Perry Yantis 23 Oct '16

23 Oct '16

LilacSat-2 is on today!!!!!! Perry WB8OTH py41(a)att.net sent from my Apple Macbook Pro

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For Sale Reference Synthesizer for Microwave "Brick"
by Joe Leikhim 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

For anyone still playing with old school CALIFORNIA MICROWAVE type Microwave brick cavity oscillators. http://www.ebay.com/itm/162150569755?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p398… I am cleaning out closets to make room for the next big project. Also check out my other related stuff from time to time. Thanks -- Joe K4SAT 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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Call for Technical Papers: ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference), St. Petersburg, FL, September 16 - 18, 2006
by Mark Thompson 11 Sep '16

11 Sep '16

http://www.tapr.org/dcc ARRL/TAPR DCC Saint Petersburg, FL September 16 - 18, 2016 Call for Technical Papers Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference and publication in the Conference Proceedings. Annual conference proceedings are published by the ARRL. Presentation at the conference is not required for publication. Details on Call for Papers & Submission Guidelines are on TAPR DCC web site. Submission of papers are due by July 31st, 2016 and should be submitted to:Maty Weinberg, ARRL225 Main StreetNewington, CT 06111or via the Internet to maty(a)arrl.org Note: Papers may continue to be accepted for a short time after deadline so please submit your paper as soon as possible if you haven't done so already. http://www.tapr.org/dcc#dcccallforpapers Details on Call for Papers Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference for publication in the Conference Proceedings.Annual conference proceedings are published by the ARRL. Presentation at the conference is not required for publication.The ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference is an international forum for radio amateurs to meet, publish their work, and present new ideas and techniques. Presenters and attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about recent hardware and software advances, theories, experimental results, and practical applications. Topics include, but are not limited to: - Software Defined Radio (SDR) - Digital voice (D-Star, P25, WinDRM, FDMDV, DRMDV, G4GUO) - Digital satellite communications - Global position system - Precise Timing - Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) - Short messaging (a mode of APRS) - Digital Signal Processing (DSP) - HF digital modes - Internet interoperability with Amateur Radio networks - Spread spectrum - IEEE 802.11 and other Part 15 license-exempt systems adaptable for Amateur Radio - Using TCP/IP networking over Amateur Radio - Mesh and peer to peer wireless networking - Emergency and Homeland Defense backup digital communications in Amateur Radio - Updates on AX.25 and other wireless networking protocols - Topics that advanced the Amateur Radio art Submission Guide Lines Anyone interested in digital communications is invited to submit a paper for publication in the Conference Proceedings. Presentation at the Conference is not required for publication. If you know of someone who is doing great things with digital communications, be sure to personally tell them about this!See above for deadlines and where to submit your paper.Some quick guidelines: - Papers should be on 8-1/2 X 11 inch paper with the following margins: left and right, 0.75 inch; top, 0.8 inch; and bottom, 1 inch (very important). - Structure of paper should be (see single column example below, two column should follow a similar format): - Title - Author(s) with affiliation - Abstract (200 words or less) - Key words (3-5) - Body - Reference List - Papers can be in one- or two-column format. - Use 12-point Times Roman for the main body of text; do not number pages. - Photos and drawings should have good contrast. Note: a photocopy gives a good indication of print quality. - Electronic submissions can be made in any of the following formats: - Adobe Acrobat PDF; - Microsoft Word - Reference citations and other topics not explicitly discussed in this list should follow a recognized standard format ( APA , IEEE, etc). - A biographical page is to be included with the manuscript. It should contain Name, Address, Phone, and E-mail for each author as well as a short descriptive paragraph about the first author. The bio page will be used to contact authors concerning the conference and presentation schedule. Release form: A formal release form is not required, but indicate that the paper is being sent for use in the Proceedings of the ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference. You are only giving permission for your paper to be printed in the Proceedings.Example Single Column Page Layout Two column would be similar in nature, but with two columns. View Paper Example

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Satellite Radios
by Gerald Payton 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

EXCLUDING the radios used for portable and with handheld antennas, what are the radios used for FIXED operations? I have my IC-2730, which I understand can be used, but wonder what other radio options are there out there. Are the older second-hand radios (hard to find) the answer? Any comments appreciated. 73, Jerry AB5R

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Re: [amsat-bb] HIgh efficiency solar cells for cubesats(high end?)
by Robert Bruninga 31 Aug '16

31 Aug '16

> ... why is there no economy of scale at the space end? Because every incremental improvement in efficiency for space cells becomes the new MUST-HAVE for the BIG satellite builder. All the big boys move on to the new cells for their billion dollar missions. Meanwhile last year's $500 cell has practically no market. The big guys always want the latest and greatest, but there is practicallyu zero market for last years best. Since everyone else except billion dollar satellites want the cheapest cells, and it it a long way down from $500/watt to 30 cents a watt. And there is no "large scale in space" compared to the billions of panels being sold for the new home solar and utility market). BUT, I did find out how those college solar cars are getting the higer efficiency cells. You CAN buy the same 28% cells for only $50/watt each (instead of $500) if you get them as cosmetic rejects, and without cover glass and without bypass diodes. This is a huge savings. But it is till 160 times more expensive than common solar. And you have to buy in bulk increments of $7500 (150 cells). Bob, WB4aPR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Peter Laws Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2016 1:19 PM To: amsat-bb Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HIgh efficiency solar cells for cubesats On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 12:04 PM, Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: > http://aprs.org/Energy/solar/Cost-of-efficiency.png > > > > It is interesting that we hear so much about solar getting cheaper, > but in fact, the high end only gets more expensive. That is why those > people who say “I’m waiting for higher efficiency” will never see it > be cost effective. The space industry will always pay much,much more > for just a factor of two increase, whereas the homeowner will only > ever pay the cheapest. And cheap it is! > People "waiting" often can't do math and so don't understand how cheap it really is (even 10+ years ago!), but regardless, why is there no economy of scale at the space end? Is the efficiency just going up at the same time? If so, why isn't the price just staying the same while efficiency rises? The domestic PV is a completely different thing and now that our friends in China are pumping cells and modules by the million (billion?) the price just keeps dropping. I'm not "waiting for efficiency", I'm "waiting until my roof can be repaired" which means "waiting for money" which should mean "not buying that IC-910H" but did not. :-) -- Peter Laws | N5UWY | plaws plaws net | Travel by Train! _______________________________________________ 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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HIgh efficiency solar cells for cubesats
by Robert Bruninga 31 Aug '16

31 Aug '16

We just bought some high efficiency solar cells for our cubesat at $500 per watt. For what it is worth, that is 1600 times more expensive than home solar panels now down to 30 cents a watt. So I plotted it: http://aprs.org/Energy/solar/Cost-of-efficiency.png It is interesting that we hear so much about solar getting cheaper, but in fact, the high end only gets more expensive. That is why those people who say “I’m waiting for higher efficiency” will never see it be cost effective. The space industry will always pay much,much more for just a factor of two increase, whereas the homeowner will only ever pay the cheapest. And cheap it is! Solar power is now cheaper than a custom glass window of the same size. The cost of the solar cells is only 10% of the typical home installation (recently seen as low as $2.70/watt contractor price in PA). Bob, WB4APR

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