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

ANS-227 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 14 Aug '16

14 Aug '16

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-227 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: * Special Callsigns From Brazil During Olympic Games * Satellite DX News * Receive Pictures from Space – ISS SSTV August 15-16 * July/August AMSAT Journal in the Mail * AMSAT-SA Partnership Announced to Develop QB50 nSight-1 Groundstation * P4A Es'hailSat Geostationary Satellite Launch Re-Scheduled SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-227.01 ANS-227 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 227.01 From AMSAT HQ Kensington, MD. August 14, 2016 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-227.01 Special Callsigns From Brazil During Olympic Games Members of the Liga de Amadores Brasileiros de Radio Emissao (LABRE) will be active with the special call ZV2016RIO from Rio de Janeiro between Aug. 5 and 21. QRV on 160-2m (except 30m) on CW, SSB, FM, PSK, and D-Star, as well as via satellites. QSL via PY1AA. Henrique/PP5NY operates with the call PX2016RIO in the context of the Olympic Games on HF (CW only). QSL via PP5NY (d/B), LoTW. The following special event calls will also be active while the Games run: ZV8R, ZV8I, ZV8O, ZV8D, ZV8E, ZV8J, ZV8A, and ZV8WN. QSOs count towards the award RIO 2016. QSL via bureau, ClubLog. See: http://www.labre-rr.org/olimpiadasrio2016.html [ANS thanks DXNL 2000 - August 3, 2016 DX Newsletter which is a free and weekly service of DARC Committee "DX and HF contesting". It is noted that this 2000th issue of the DX Newsletter reflects continuous coverage over 62 years. Congratulations, thank you, and 73] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite DX News CY9C ST. PAUL ISLAND DXPEDITION (Update, dated August 2nd). Randy, N0TG, reports on the upcoming CY9C operation for August 19-29th [edited]: The CY9C DXpedition team is very busy with last minute details and packing. All equipment will begin the journey to our take off point in Nova Scotia, August 13-14th. We plan to be partially on the air on 19th August and fully operational 20th August. The home page of our website has a link for those who desire to check the log. Log data will be posted LIVE. We will be using ClubLog and OQRS. Direct QSL via WA4DAN. Activating 60m for the first time from St. Paul is exciting for the team. And, while conditions will be a challenge for 160m, the team is energized to give it a serious effort. Also, be assured we will pay attention to the long and/or difficult propagation paths on all bands when conditions are workable. We look forward to working not only the more common bands CW/SSB/RTTY, but also 6m, 2m EME and Satellite. We appreciate the donations and support by many. Even now in these last days, support is most helpful and appreciated. Our sincere thanks to all interested and following this DXpedition. We look forward to working you. Thank you. The WEB site: http://www.CY9DXpedition.com (Update, dated August 2nd). Randy, N0TG, reports: First cargo ship- ment packed and ready to go. Shipment from NY to northern tip of Nova Scotia is scheduled for Aug 11th. Next shipment will be from Ohio/Indiana and will ship August 13th. Destination is the take off-point - Dingwall, Nova Scotia. Team members will arrive in Dingwall between August 14-17th. Early arrivals will begin preparation for final transport to the island. SATELLITE GRIDS ROAD TRIP. Ron, N8RO, reports that he "will start a road trip on Thursday, August 11th. The trip will head north to OK, KS, NE, SD, ND and SK. We will then head west on the Trans Canadian Highway to AB & BC. From BC we will go to WA, MT, WY, CO and then work our way home to TX on Friday, August 26th. While the trip is primarily a vacation, I will attempt to make satellite contacts, hopefully one or two a day, on XW-2C, AO-85, SO-50 and FO-29 along the way. Possible grid activations include: EM03/04, EN00/01, EN04/05, DN88/89, DO50/60, DO11/21, CO90, CN99, CN78/88, CN97/96, DN36/37, DN75/76, DN71 and DM95. I hope to contact many of you during this trip." [ANS thanks the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1277 for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Receive Pictures from Space – ISS SSTV August 15-16 The ARRL reports Slow-scan television (SSTV) transmissions will be made from the International Space Station (ISS) on August 15-16, 2016. The MAI-75 Experiment will transmit SSTV images on 145.800 MHz FM over the course of a few orbits as the space station passes over Moscow. Operators in Europe and South America will have the best chances to receive images. Operators along the US East Coast may have one chance on August 16. Thanks to Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, ISS Ham Project Coordinator [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- July/August AMSAT Journal in the Mail The July/August 2016 issue of The AMSAT Journal has gone to press and should be arriving in member's mailboxes soon. In this issue: * Apogee View by Barry Baines, WD4ASW * Engineering Update by Jerry Buxton, N0JY * Member Footprints by Fernando Ramirez-Ferrer, NP4JV * AMSAT Field Day Results by Bruce Paige, KK5DO * Digital Microwave Communications in Amateur Radio Satellites by Michelle Thompson, W5NYV and Robert McGwier, N4HY * QRV from PJ2 by Michael Lipp, HB9WDF * Protecting Satellites and Ground Stations from EMP and CME by Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK * Aboard the Queen Mary, W6RO, on AO-7 by Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK * Big Science / Amateur Budget by Eric Nichols, KL7AJ * Goodbye to a Good Man and Former AMSAT President by Robert McGwier, N4HY [ANS thanks Paul, N8HM, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-SA Partnership Announced to Develop QB50 nSight-1 Groundstation SCS Space (a subsidiary of the privately owned South African SCS Aerospace group) partnered with AMSAT SA to assist with internationally distributed ground station facilities for their up and coming QB50 satellite, "nSight-1". The use of multiple ground stations will multiply the downloaded science and imagery (32 m resolution) data generated by the satellite. QB50 is a constellation of 50 CubeSats that will be launched into a low earth orbit to study the earth's lower thermosphere. QB50 will provide multi-point, in-situ measurements. Each satellite will carry one of three science sensors that will generate data that must be downloaded to the ground daily. This is a unique opportunity for Radio Amateurs in South Africa to participate in an interesting satellite project. To participate please send details of your station, such as transceiver and antennas available as well as your location to saamsat(a)intekom.co.za. The next step will be to participate in a briefing session that will be conducted on Skype in two weeks' time. More details on www.amsatsa.org.za. ----- AMSAT-SA SDR Development Conversation The next AMSAT SDR Conversation takes place on Wednesday 24 August. The second AMSAT SDR Conversation was held last Wednesday when a basic mind-map to develop a SDR transponder was proposed and discussed. During the next two weeks, the participants will populate the mind-map, which will be discussed at the next SDR Conversation on Wednesday 24 August. For more information and how to take part in the conversation, visit www.amsatsa.org.za. [ANS thanks the South African Radio League News for Sunday 14 August 2016 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- P4A Es'hailSat Geostationary Satellite Launch Re-Scheduled AMSAT Deutschland reported that the P-4A transponder on the Es'hail-2 is re-scheduled for launch in Q3 2017. Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, wrote, "We have been informed by Es'hailSat Qatar Satellite company, that the launch of Es'hail-2 with the first P4-A geostationary amateur radio transponder is shifted to Q3/2017." [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL 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

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VSPE 64-bit splitter
by Mark Johns 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

I know that a number of folks are using virtual serial port splitters to allow both a logging program and SatPC32 to simultaneously talk to their rig via CAT or CI-V. I had such a system working quite nicely on my old Windows 7 32-bit computer, using a little freeware program called XPort. Recently I switched to a new Windows 10 64-bit computer. Since XPort is 32-bit only, I purchased the 64-bit version of VSPE from www.eterlogic.com. This program works fine creating a virtual serial port "pair" within the computer. When I try to set up a splitter, the first program to start (such as ACLog) talks with the rig fine on the virtual port. But as soon as I start another program on the splitter port (such as SatPC32), the first program stops exchanging data with the rig (IC-9100) and the second program has all the fun. SatPC32 seems to punch through and lock out any other programs. Eterlogic has not gotten back to me. If anyone has successfully set up a working splitter in 64-bit VSPE I'd like to know what your settings are. Thanks.-- Mark D. Johns, KØMDJ Decorah, Iowa USA EN43 ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain

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Still cannot receive NO-84
by Mark Lunday 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

2046 UTC, the bird went directly overhead. I was in listen-only mode. All I saw was (for the first 5 minutes of the pass) a series of lines which showed Doppler, almost like a yard rake was dragging at an angle across the screen. What SHOULD I see? Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com

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FW: Logging and Recording Passes
by Stephen E. Belter 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

Jerry, For recording, common devices and techniques include: >(1) Digital handheld recorder, for example, a Sony ICD-PX820 with cable >and Y-adapter connected to the headphone jack (this is what I use) >(2) Smartphone >(3) Audio recording application on a personal computer >(4) Built-in recorder on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) application like >HDSDR, SDR#, or SDR-Console, either audio or IQ recording > >For logging, common approaches are: >(1) Computer logging program, for example, Amateur Contact Log (or >ACLog), see www.n3fjp.com (this is what I use). ACLog supports uploading >to LoTW. See the LoTW help page on the n3fjp.com site. >(2) Paper log, then transcribing it directly into LoTW on the ARRL >website. > >Getting LoTW setup isn’t trivial, but the rewards for doing so are >significant. For example, getting confirmation of a QSO in a few hours >(sometimes less) vs. a week or more to trade QSL cards and then having >those cards checked at a hamfest. > >Hope this helps. > >73, Steve N9IP >-- >Steve Belter, seb(a)wintek.com > > > >On 8/13/16, 2:33 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Gerald Payton" ><amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org on behalf of gp_ab5r(a)outlook.com> wrote: > >>In studying videos on the internet and reading emails on the BB, I have >>noticed a frequent mention of "recording" passes, and eventually >>"uploading to LoTW." >> >> >>My questions are: What is the most common used way of audio recording: >>a digital handheld recorder or computer software of some kind? I will >>have a stationary station; not portable handheld. >> >> >>Is it common to keep a personal log and then upload it to LoTW? If so, >>what personal log program is commonly used? >> >> >>I normally do not use a logging program and certainly not familiar with >>LoTW. I looked at it on the ARRL website and it looked complicated. I >>really do not understand the process >> >> >>I listened to a AO-85 pass with my IC-2730A and a Comet GP-6 dual band >>base antenna, without any preamp, and was very good copy considering. >>That was encouraging. >> >> >>Any help will be appreciated . >> >> >>73, >> >>Jerry AB5R >>_______________________________________________ >>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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Circular Antennas
by Gerald Payton 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

Trying to get back into satellite radio from the early 2000s, I wonder what happened to circular helical antennas. Are they out of fashion now? 73, Jerry AB5R EM12kh

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For Sale Yaesu FT-847 Satellite Rig
by Mike Sprenger 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

Hi, Cleaning out some things, would rather see a fellow amsat-er enjoy this radio on the Satellites I have a Yaesu FT-847 which is an all mode (FM/CW/SSB) HF through 70cm (less 220) Rig. Its not had a lot of use since I got it, which means its got little wear. Asking $950 plus shipping to your QTH. I have the original box for this radio. There's a scratch on the top next to the speaker, but even so, it looks nice, given this, its not museum quality, but it sure will get you on the air if you like working the satellites and look nice in your station. Also, it has RS-232 and is a late enough model that the RS-232 is bi-directional, which means it works fine with SatPC32, where for instance, you tune the receive dial on the radio, and SATPC then reads the downlink, calculates doppler, then sets the uplink for you. Works nicely, with 100w on 6m and HF (plus Mode A on AO-7 = uplink on 2m down on 10M) and will power mast mount preamps on 2m/70cm via the coax. No Paypal - Cashiers Check or Money Order, then I'm glad to ship. The Radio Works - Selling As-Is because I'm not interested in being scammed and have someone send me a carcass back....expecting a refund, sorry I even have to say that... For serious enquiries, I'm more than willing to provide pictures. (I don't think pictures go through the amsat-bb, I can send pictures direct) Here's the info from Yaesu's website about the radio: http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdI… 73 Mike W4UOO

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For Sale - Kenwood TM-455 70cm All-Mode
by Mike Sprenger 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

Hi, Cleaning out some things, would rather see a fellow amsat-er enjoy this radio on the Satellites I have a Kenwood TM-455 which is an all mode (FM/CW/SSB) 5/35w 70cm Rig. I've used it since around the RS- series days and the AO-13 days. This radio tunes around nicely like an HF rig. Asking $350 plus shipping to your QTH. I have the original box for this radio. There's a bit of wear on the top, looks nice, but its not museum quality, but it surewill get you on the air if you like working the satellites. No Paypal - Cashiers Check or Money Order, then I'm glad to ship. The Radio Works - Selling As-Is because I'm not interested in being scammed and have someone send me a carcass back....expecting a refund, sorry I even have to say that... For serious enquiries, I'm more than willing to provide pictures. (I don't think pictures go through the amsat-bb, I can send pictures direct) Here's the manual and info with a stock picture: http://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/tm255-455ae_manual.pdf http://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/tm455e.htm 73 Mike W4UOO --

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AO-73/FUNcube
by Jim Heck G3WGM 13 Aug '16

13 Aug '16

Hi Folks I have just switched AO-73/FUNcube into full time transponder mode (Amateur Mode). As normal, plan to switch back to education mode on Sunday PM UTC Have FUN! 73s Jim G3WGM

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Re: [amsat-bb] AO-85
by R. S. 12 Aug '16

12 Aug '16

I will keep trying. I really need to get another Radio to work it full duplex so I guess I can get something with a little more power for transmit. Really strange since I just work SO-50 this morning at a 17 degree pass but cannot work AO-85 at a 89 degree pass. BTW my I just got my vanity call this morning. I am now W6ZAR. Ryan W6ZAR On Aug 12, 2016 11:06 AM, <jerry.tuyls(a)telenet.be> wrote: > > Hello Ryan > > That is strange, even without pl-tone i can access the sat. Also correct the dwnlink, it sounds better(for me). > > Best 73's > > Jerry,ON4CJQ > > ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- > Van: "R. S." <rzar66(a)gmail.com> > Aan: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > Verzonden: Vrijdag 12 augustus 2016 19:36:13 > Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] AO-85 > > Hello all, > > I am having a difficult time getting into AO-85. The equipment I am using > is a Kenwood TH-F6A and an Arrow antenna. I have the PL tone set and am > 's > > adjusting for Doppler on the transmit side. The first 4 passes I have tried > have been 50 deg. or more over the horizon with one being 89 and still > can't get in. I can hear it very clear on the passes I have tried. Is there > anything I am missing? I have successfully made a contact on SO-50 but > AO-85 cannot hear me for whatever reason. I am a new ham and very new to > satellites. Thanks for you help. > > 73, > Ryan > KM6DNG > _______________________________________________ > 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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AO-85
by R. S. 12 Aug '16

12 Aug '16

Hello all, I am having a difficult time getting into AO-85. The equipment I am using is a Kenwood TH-F6A and an Arrow antenna. I have the PL tone set and am adjusting for Doppler on the transmit side. The first 4 passes I have tried have been 50 deg. or more over the horizon with one being 89 and still can't get in. I can hear it very clear on the passes I have tried. Is there anything I am missing? I have successfully made a contact on SO-50 but AO-85 cannot hear me for whatever reason. I am a new ham and very new to satellites. Thanks for you help. 73, Ryan KM6DNG

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