October 2017 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

FunCube dongle DC offset
by vk4tec＠tech-software.net 23 Oct '17

23 Oct '17

Has anyone managed to reduce the DC offset on the FCD ? It appears as a spike right where I don't want it Andrew

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PJ4/NA2AA
by Paul Stoetzer 23 Oct '17

23 Oct '17

Good morning, PJ4/NA2AA was active this morning from Bonaire on the XW-2s and FO-29. This is the first satellite operation from PJ4 since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on 10/10/10, so this is a new DXCC for everyone. He will be there until November 3rd and has said he plans to be quite active, so be sure to get on and work them. Note that he has expressed a dislike for the operator behavior on FM satellites, so if he does get on an FM pass, please play nice! 73, Paul, N8HM

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Re: [amsat-bb] How to get SDR# to Doppler correct SDR from Orbitron
by Alan 23 Oct '17

23 Oct '17

Another approach is to use the DDE Tracker Client http://www.satsignal.eu/software/DDETracker.html There are multiple versions, depending on the SDR# release, and the latest versions of SDR# are supported. 73s, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- <From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of <vk4tec(a)tech-software.net <Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2017 12:21 PM <To: AMSAT <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> <Subject: [amsat-bb] How to get SDR# to doppler correct SDR from Orbitron < <Here is a how to to get Falsconsat-3 with a Airspy Mini < < < <1. Download and install orbitron as usual <2. Download the My DDE client from the orbitron site <3. Place the MyDDE files into the orbitron directory <4. Download an older version of SDR# < 1400 <5. Download the satellite tracker plugin and place in sdr# directory <6. Modify the orbitron config file <7. Modify the Plugins.xml for SDR# < < < <Run up orbitron and sdr# ( old version ) and select "SDRSharp" from the <Radio / Rotor DDE selection. < < < <The key is to get an OLD version of SDR# < < < <8. Install Virtual Audio Cable <9. Install UZ7HO High Speed 9600 Baud decoder ( Enable KISS ) <10. Run your own program to take in the KISS ( I use UI-VIEW ) < < < < < <Andrew < < < <_______________________________________________ <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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Turnstile antenna program / Falconsat-3 ques
by Andrew Rich 23 Oct '17

23 Oct '17

Hello Is there a computer program I can run to model a turnstile antenna for 2m / 70 cm ? // Falconsat-3 reception, should i turn on or off the “audio” filter for 9600 Baud G3RUH ( 3 kHz) Pass band is about 8 kHz with doppler tracking - working dead on the bird I need to loose this vertical antenna - it just sees the horizon Andrew

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-10-23 07:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 23 Oct '17

23 Oct '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-10-23 07:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Tallaght Community School, Dublin, Ireland, direct via EI2SDR and Gymnasium Räddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sandöverken, Sweden, telebridge via EI2SDR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact was successful: Thu 2017-10-19 12:49:33 UTC 58 deg (***) Watch for live stream from Tallaght Community School: https://www.youtube.com/user/TogDublin/live Watch for live stream from Gymnasium Räddningsgymnasiet Sando: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdW96C_lHQx81qCSbW-Jzbw And https://go.twitch.tv/ntigsundsvall Istituto Scolastico Comprensivo “Nardi”, Porto San Giorgio, Italy and I.C. Michelangelo Buonarroti, Marina di Carrara, Italy direct via I6KZR and IQ5VR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be IRØISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact was successful: Sat 2017-10-21 09:31:20 UTC 41 deg (***) Watch for HamTV “A.Gramsci-N.Pende”, Noicattaro, Italy and Istituto Comprensivo “Tauro – Viterbo”, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy direct via IZ7RTN The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be IRØISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact was successful: Sat 2017-10-21 14:23:14 UTC 86 deg (***) Watch for HamTV Chiddix Junior High School, Normal, IL, direct via W9AM The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Joe Acaba KE5DAR Contact is a go for: Mon 2017-10-23 15:31:15 UTC 27 deg Beaconsfield State School, Mackay, Queensland, Australia, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be IRØISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Thu 2017-10-26 08:23:02 UTC 40 deg Glanmire Community College, Cork, Ireland, direct via EI5CRC and Colegiul National Calistrat Hogas Piatra Neamt, Piatra Neamt, Romania, telebridge via EI5CRC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Joe Acaba KE5DAR Contact is a go for: Thu 2017-10-26 09:55:45 UTC 68 deg Watch for live stream at http://www.tog.ie (***) Istituto Tecnico Tecnologico “Enzo Ferrari”, Borgo A Mozzano, Italy and Liceo Statale “G. D. Cassini”, Sanremo, Italy direct via IQ5LU and IQ1SM The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be IRØISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Sat 2017-10-28 08:13:31 UTC 24 deg Watch for Ham TV **************************************************************************** ** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students – ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is November 15, 2017 September 18, 2017: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from U.S. schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between July 1 and December 31, 2018. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with oppor- tunities to learn about space technologies and space communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio. The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the American Radio Relay League, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students worldwide, to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through Amateur Radio. Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program inspires an interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encourag- ing student exploration, discussion, and participation, and 78 percent said that ARISS was effective in stimulating student interest in STEM. ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the space station, what it is like to work in space, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2018 contacts is November 15, 2017. The ARISS website has additional details on expectations, proposal guidelines, and the proposal form. See: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html **************************************************************************** ** 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 Kenwood 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 124 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 123 (***) Sergey RV3DR with 100 **************************************************************************** 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 2017-10-23 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 http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1171. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1127. (***) 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 2017-10-23 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. 52 on orbit Randy Bresnik Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Sergey Ryazanskiy Exp. 53 on orbit Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Alexander Misurkin Joe Acaba KE5DAR **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Re: [amsat-bb] Cheap Antenna For Beginning AMSAT Work
by Rick Tejera 22 Oct '17

22 Oct '17

Like Ed said, google Cheap Leo antenna. I made mine in an afternoon for less than $20.00. Worked great, I earned VUCC Satellite with it. Rick Tejera K7TEJSaguaroAstro(a)cox.net623-203-4121 -------- Original message -------- From: Ed Krome <e.krome(a)comcast.net> Date: 10/22/17 13:51 (GMT-07:00) To: David Taylor <davidtaylorjr1985(a)gmail.com> Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Cheap Antenna For Beginning AMSAT Work Go to wa5vjb.com. Look for downloads then cheap yagis. Kent's designs are easy to build and work just fine. He even has a duplexer to use a single dual band ht on satellites. Ed Krome K9EK Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 22, 2017, at 3:43 PM, David Taylor <davidtaylorjr1985(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I am just getting interested in Satellite work and I don't really have any > money at all for antennas. > > What is the easiest/chepest way to get into this part of the hobby as far > as an antenna goes? > > I have a Wouxun UV8D for a HT radio that I will use so I only plan to do FM > work at the moment. > > Thanks and 73 > > David > N4DCT > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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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Cheap Antenna For Beginning AMSAT Work
by David Taylor 22 Oct '17

22 Oct '17

I am just getting interested in Satellite work and I don't really have any money at all for antennas. What is the easiest/chepest way to get into this part of the hobby as far as an antenna goes? I have a Wouxun UV8D for a HT radio that I will use so I only plan to do FM work at the moment. Thanks and 73 David N4DCT

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Re: [amsat-bb] Cheap Antenna For Beginning AMSAT Work
by John KI4RO 22 Oct '17

22 Oct '17

This works great for me....has for 2 years now 73 John KI4RO

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Re: [amsat-bb] Falconsat Success
by Scott 22 Oct '17

22 Oct '17

Glad to help, Tony. I'll reply to the mailing list in case anyone else is interested. First, your computer needs a port (usually serial) to trigger the relay. My computer did not have one, so I bought a USB > Serial cable. There are discussions online regarding that the different types of USB > Serial cables do or don't work for this purpose. The following cable is working well for me: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B006AA04K0 (if you don't already have a charity linked to Amazon's "SMILE" program, now is a good opportunity to set that to AMSAT!) As I mentioned earlier, to make it easier to access the serial pins you need, a breakout adapter is handy. Others may wish to solder a permanent connection, but I use the following: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WW6P636 ... and to save people having to scroll through previous posts, here is the relay itself: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0NTPP4 (please note that we'll only be using one of the two relays on that board) And now to actually answer your question, I threw together an ugly image file that shows the physical wiring connections as well as the schematic so you can know what it's doing. I also included a screen print of where I have the PTT Com port selected in HS_Soundmodem. Of course the Com Port number will be different on everyone's computer and on top of that, you might be using something other than HS_Soundmodem to control your PTT from the computer. But in the following diagram, you can see how I'm setup for "Com15": http://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//files/PTT-relay-wiring-plus-schematic.png ... hope that helps! You also asked about drivers, etc., on a Windows machine. Other than allowing the USB > Serial cable to install whatever it needs to download to function, you'll be fine. The computer has no idea that the RTS signal on your serial port is controlling a relay. So, nothing is needed on the computer for the relay itself. And as for the 5 VDC to power the relay coil, you could certainly use an AC adapter of some kind, but I just cut the end off of a short USB printer cable and used the red & black wires to give me a convenient 5 VDC from the computer (or in my case actually from a multi-port, powered USB hub). -Scott, K4KDR ==================================== -----Original Message----- From: Tony Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2017 2:11 PM To: Scott Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Falconsat Success Scott: That's exactly what I'm looking for. The fact that it has isolation is a real plus. Could you pass along a few more details regarding the type of USB cable used and how you wired the relay to your PTT line on the rig? I'm not much of a PC guy so every bit helps - never home-brewed a USB PTT. Thanks Scott Tony -K2MO On 10/22/2017 9:39 AM, Scott wrote: > Congrats, Tony! > > The following relay has been working very well for me to handle PTT: > > https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0NTPP4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?… > > ... I use 5 VDC from a USB cable for the coil voltage with the application > of that coil voltage being triggered by the serial RTS signal from > HS_Soundmodem. The above relay is great for that since the coil circuit > is > controlled by an opto-isolator that can be operated by a low level signal > like the serial RTS. > > The following item sure made it easy to attach a pair of wires to serial > RTS & ground: > > https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WW6P636/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?… > > > -Scott, K4KDR > > > > =================================== > > On Sun, Oct 22, 2017 at 4:39 AM, Tony <dxdx(a)optonline.net> wrote: > >> All: >> >> Managed to work Falconsat this morning using UZ7HO's Soundmodem, WISP and >> VSP. I don't have a PTT circuit so I had to use the rigs MOX function to >> send file requests. I wouldn't recommend doing that for obvious >> reasons -- >> need to build a PTT circuit ASAP. >> >> If anyone is interested, this video guide shows the basics on how to >> setup >> Wisp and Soundmodem using HW-VSP. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch? >> v=1ahlA-bRb5A >> >> 73, Tony -K2MO

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2m sat antenna
by willmarbrowns＠charter.net 22 Oct '17

22 Oct '17

WTB-2M SATELLITE BEAM CP ANT looking for something like M2 2mcp14...cushcraft a144-20t ... possibly other brands that are cp or could be made cp. tnx es 73 Bruce ke0lx willmar, mn 56201

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