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

Wanted : Pre Amp for ICOM 910 H
by vk4tec＠tech-software.net 13 Oct '17

13 Oct '17

Hello Dunno unless you ask Does anyone have either 2m or 70 cm preamp for ICOM 910H for sale ? Before I make my own Andrew

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Fleet Science Center, BE WISE Program in San Diego, CA
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 13 Oct '17

13 Oct '17

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Fleet Science Center, BE WISE Program in San Diego, CA, on 14 Oct. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:26 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and KJ6KDZ. The contact should be audible over the state of California 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. The Fleet Science Center connects people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future. Established in 1973, it was the first science museum to combine interactive science exhibits with a planetarium and an IMAX Dome (OMNIMAX) theater, setting the standard that most major science museums follow today. The Fleet is home to many programs that engage girls in science, one of them is BE WiSE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering). BE WiSE BE WiSE engages young women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experiences in collaboration with the region's research, industry and academic institutions. BE WiSE goals are to: stimulate young women's interest in STEM through interactions with professionals, increase participants' opportunities and knowledge of STEM fields of study, develop a community of young women (grades 7-12) engaged in science learning through out-of-school activities, and sustain interest and involvement through alumnae and ongoing participation for women in science at all levels. BE WiSE selects girls from all across San Diego County and has sustained contact with over five hundred girls over the past 14 years. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. How does being on board the ISS for long periods of time affect your overall health? 2. When deciding to be an astronaut, did you have any doubts? If so, how did you overcome them? 3. What is the most interesting experiment you are doing on the ISS right now? 4. Have you ever dealt with malfunctions on board the ISS? If so, how did you solve it? 5. What do you like most about the ISS? 6. Is it hard to sleep? What do you dream about? 7. If you get sick on the ISS how do you receive treatment? 8. What does weightlessness feel like? 9. What is a typical day like for you? 10. Do you miss "real" food? What kinds of food do you like on the ISS? 11. Do you get heartburn/acid reflux? How do you deal with that? 12. What is the most interesting thing you have seen aboard the ISS? 13. How much does microgravity affect the experiments that you conduct on the ISS? 14. What does the orbital sunrise look like? 15. What kind of medical testing do you go through before/after being in space? 16. Are they currently working on lighter, more flexible space suits? 17. Do scientists from different countries collaborate on projects? If so, what kind? 18. How much time do you spend practicing in zero gravity before going into space? 19. How do you think private space travel will affect the ISS? 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. "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 is a go for: Fri 2017-10-20 08:47:01 UTC Watch for HamTV 2. 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 is a go for: Fri 2017-10-20 11:57:34 UTC Watch for live stream https://www.youtube.com/user/TogDublin/live 3. 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 is a go for: Fri 2017-10-20 15:14:34 UTC Watch for HamTV 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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Re: [amsat-bb] FalconSat-3 sig level to decode
by Ken Swaggart 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

Yes, Dire Wolf runs on Windows. My doppler correction is with homebrew software. SatPC or the others ought to work, I'd think. -----Original Message----- From: Andrew Rich [mailto:vk4tec@tech-software.net] Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 15:54 To: Ken Swaggart <k.swaggart(a)charter.net> Cc: AMSAT -BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; Australian APRS Users <ozaprs(a)aprs.net.au> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FalconSat-3 sig level to decode Direwolf is on windows ? Sent from my iPhone > On 13 Oct 2017, at 8:17 am, Ken Swaggart <k.swaggart(a)charter.net> wrote: > > I'm using the AirSpy (not mini) with SDR#. Doppler tuning with > homebrew software. Haven't noticed lost packets when the SDR freq > changes, but will be on the lookout for that. > > The audio loopback is Virtual Audio Cable. > > SSB Preamp > > Rotator is a G5500 and LVB Tracker controlled by my homebrew > software. (I really like the LVB Tracker!) > > Sound modem is Dire Wolf which feeds APRS-IS. At the present time I'm > just watching the packets scroll by on the Dire Wolf display. My main > goal was to Igate the FalconSat-3 packets. > > 73, > Ken, W7KKE > > -----Original Message----- > From: Andrew Rich [mailto:vk4tec@tech-software.net] > Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 15:07 > To: Ken Swaggart <k.swaggart(a)charter.net> > Cc: AMSAT -BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; Australian APRS Users > <ozaprs(a)aprs.net.au> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FalconSat-3 sig level to decode > > > Hi Ken > > I thought you might have good antenna > > Hey > > So your on windows > > + AirSpy Mini > + SDR# > + What audio loop back > + Preamps > + Rotator - from what program > + What Sound modem ? > + What APRS / TNC style program > > - Andrew - > > >> On 13 Oct 2017, at 4:12 am, Ken Swaggart <k.swaggart(a)charter.net> wrote: >> >> On this morning's FalconSat-3 pass, I checked the signal required to >> decode using Dire Wolf. It was 18 dB SNR, so that's roughly S3 +/- >> above the noise floor. >> >> RX setup: AirSpy SDR, SDRsharp, mast-mounted preamp, 15 X 15 X Yagi, > G5500. >> >> 73, >> Ken, W7KKE >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Falconsat-3: Two Rigs, One TNC
by Tony 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

All: I have the opportunity to purchase a used Timewave PK-96 USB TNC for a very reasonable price. I have 2 9600 baud radios which will do nicely for up-link and down-link. I plan on wiring the TNC for both rigs by connecting the TNC's RX pins to one radio and the TX pins to the other. Before I do so, is there anything I should know before trying this setup with Wisp? Anyone using the PK-96 USB? For what it's worth, I'm told a 9600 baud TNC will pop up on eBay now and then. It's worth a look for those interested in Falconsat. 73, Tony -K2MO

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FUNcube-1 AO73 Operational Mode
by Graham Shirville 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

Hi All, As we are busy preparing for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium this weekend, FUNcube-1 is now in full time amateur mode. The Transponder is on and the telemetry is operating at low power. This mode should continue until Monday morning UTC time. Nayif-1 EO88 remains in autonomous mode and FUNcube-2 on UKube is in amateur mode as usual. best 73 Graham G3VZV

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FalconSat-3 sig level to decode
by Ken Swaggart 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

On this morning's FalconSat-3 pass, I checked the signal required to decode using Dire Wolf. It was 18 dB SNR, so that's roughly S3 +/- above the noise floor. RX setup: AirSpy SDR, SDRsharp, mast-mounted preamp, 15 X 15 X Yagi, G5500. 73, Ken, W7KKE

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Signalink for 9600 baud (possible Doppler tuning Failure)
by Robert Bruninga 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

Be very careful about "Doppler correction" for digital modes. >Falconsat just went over >435.111 MHz to 435.095 MHz doppler corrected using MacDoppler... Digital modes usually cannot stand the phase shift that occurs every time a radio steps in frequency. Those bits are lost. If you set to 100 Hz steps, over the full 18 kHz of Doppler, then 180 times during the pass, you are *destroying* the data you are trying to decode. So it is better to maybe step every 1 KHz and only have 18 blackouts instead of 180. Assuming the decoder can still work with up to 500 Hz offset. Doppler stepping is very helpful for SSB voice modes. But disasterous for digital. That is for step tuned radios anyway.... I assume smart Doppler correction in DSP receivers work around this problem? Bob, WB4aPR

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Re: [amsat-bb] Falconsat-3 Test 2 (turnstyles and amps)
by Robert Bruninga 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

LNA Preamps by all means are required. But I am curious. It would seem that the turnstyle cannot have any more gain than a simple dipole (2.3 dBi) circular, but broadside to each dipole, it should have a net -0.7 dbi since one dipole is contributing nothing and power is split - 3dB between them. Yes, it gives 2.3 dbi circular polarization gain overhead which reduces fading, but has little gain in the quadrant directions. An infinite reflector can gain another 3 dB but this is not achieved with a simple reflector element. On the other hand, a vertical 1/4 wave doesn't do any better. But if the vertical is made 3/4 waves long, (about 20" tall for UHF) and is placed over a good sized ground plane, then the gain is over 7 dBi above about 30 degrees. That's the good news, but the bad news is that Sateliltes only spend about 30% of their total time in view above about 22 degrees as shown on this page: http://aprs.org/LEO-tracking.html But the high elevation gain of the simple 3/4 wave vertical above 30 degrees is shown about 80% down this very long page: http://aprs.org/astars.html As an old fud, I hold to this firmly held belief about the same as other old fud's cling to theirs, so I hope someday to actually make some real comparisions instead of just talking about it. But here is my bottom line, Turnstyles and egg beaters (in my opinion) are excellent omni directional cross polarized antennas for satellite work... but equally poor in all directions. In other words, they sacrifice gain when the satellite is higher and much close, for gain at the horizon where they can never possibly hear a weak satellite anway. So I like the reverse. Sacrificing gain at the horizon, where I can't hear them anyway, for higher gain higher up when they are closer and give a 5 dB stronger signal. So for a simple quick test, put up a 19" quarter wave whip over a ground plane and it will give you 5 dBi gain on VHF above about 15 degrees and 7 dBi gain on UHF above about 20 degrees. Your mileage may vary. Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Rich Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 7:08 AM To: Dave Webb KB1PVH Cc: AMSAT -BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] [OZAPRS] Falconsat-3 Test 2 - Signalink USB Sound Card 9k6 Roger that Turnstiles and amps underway Could not find anyone willing to send me 9k6 locally I would have seen that A Sent from my iPhone > On 12 Oct 2017, at 8:46 pm, Dave Webb KB1PVH <kb1pvh(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Andrew, > > You need a pretty decent signal with 9600 to be able to decode and > your > X300 vertical isn't going to cut it for satellite work. > > Dave-KB1PVH > > > Sent from my Galaxy S7 > >> On Oct 12, 2017 6:40 AM, "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec(a)tech-software.net> wrote: >> >> Rick >> >> What antenna preamp are you using >> >> And what signal strength do you get >> >> Andrew >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On 12 Oct 2017, at 4:54 pm, Rick Kowalewski <rick(a)vk6xlr.net> wrote: >>> >>> Sure it can: >>> >>> Here's copied data from a few days ago: >>> 1:Fm PFS3-1 To TLMC-1 <UI R Pid=F0 Len=4> [20:56:49R] [AA] >>> [+--++--]CL:0 1:Fm PFS3-1 To LSTAT <UI R Pid=F0 Len=46> [20:56:49R] >>> [AA] [---+---]I >> P:0x13A8 o:0 l:26062 f:26092, d:1 st:6 e:cb >>> 1:Fm PFS3-1 To TIME-1 <UI R Pid=F0 Len=64> [20:56:58R] [AN] >> [-------]PHT: uptime is 707/07:49:24. Time is Fri Oct 06 12:57:53 >> 2017 >>> 1:Fm PFS3-11 To PBLIST <UI R Pid=F0 Len=11> [20:59:01R] [NN] >> [+--+---]PB: Empty. >>> >>>> On 12/10/2017 14:29, Andrew Rich wrote: >>>> ICOM 910H >>>> >>>> 9k6 ON >>>> >>>> Signalink with UZ7HO sound modem FSM G3RUH 9600 baud >>>> >>>> Elevation 89.4 degrees >>>> >>>> MacDoppler correction 435.112 MHz to 435.xxx MHz >>>> >>>> No Packets copied >>>> >>>> 435.112 MHz Start heard a change in static >>>> >>>> I am not convinced the SignalLink can do it >>>> >>>> I am going to move across to a my FunCube Dongle and use Software >> Defined Radio to try and snag it >>>> >>>> Will report back >>>> >>>> I can certainly hear the 9k6 rush from the bird >>>> >>>> Diamond X300 BS antenna LDF4-50 >>>> >>>> Andrew VK4TEC >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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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Special Event - Denver Maker Faire (Oct 14-15)
by Jeremy Turner 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

Hello all, I will be giving satellite demonstrations for passes Saturday and Sunday from approx 1500-2300z as N0SZ as part of Rocky Mountain Ham Radio at the Denver Maker Faire from DM79. I will primarily focus on FM voice and APRS. However, I will have some borrowed equipment for the linear birds as well. Just go easy on me! Look for me on Twitter (@linuxwebguy) for specific pass and frequency information. I'm not sure who handles log submission for the group, but I will provide ADIF to the club so that they can submit. For more information on Rocky Mountain Ham Radio, visit: http://www.rmham.org For more information on the Denver Maker Faire, visit: http://denver.makerfaire.com Thanks, and hope to work you this weekend! Jeremy / KO6RM -- Jeremy Turner Twitter: @linuxwebguy

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Signalink Modification for 9600 baud
by christy hunter 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

based on discussion with a technician at Tigertronics, the USB signalink will not allow 9600 baud packet due to the frequency response is too narrow. He said none of the commercial external soundcards will work with 9600 bd packet. The only option is to construct a circuit, or use a 9600 baud TNC. (not too many options on that front.) the Tigertronics website is a bit miss-leading because it ref. 9600 baud on its wiring diagram. Mine is setup for the 6pin miniDin connector(the pin 4 - for 9600 bd on my radio dataport- is not connected) for my FT 847. At this time I can only decode by connecting the 9600 pin on my radio (dataport) to a line-in to my Laptop soundcard (and not using a isolation circuit). It would be nice to hear of any solution to this, without buying a $400 TNC (kantronics 9612). there are several websites that talk to this issue, here is one of them https://www.soundcardpacket.org/5modes.aspx 73 Christy KB6LTY --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com

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