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

Request for Respondents - Emergency Responder Applications of Geosynchronous Amateur Radio Satellites
by David Swanson 19 Jul '17

19 Jul '17

Satellite Friends and Colleagues, The vast majority of you know me as Dave, KG5CCI, a guy that climbs mountains with his Arrow to make long distance contacts on the birds. Many of you don’t know me though as Dave Swanson, Graduate Student, in the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) program at Arkansas State University. Today, the student version of myself is coming to you with a request for assistance. With the promise of one or more Phase IV geosynchronous satellite launches in the coming years, and the obvious applications of such missions to the DPEM community, I am conducting research to determine how many ground operators have the required skills, equipment, and experience to utilize such satellites. I am also working to answer several questions surrounding the use of these satellites in the different environments that might be experienced by amateurs serving in an emergency communications role, and how such operations might work in conjunction with similar governmental, non-government, and commercial missions. I would appreciate anyone on this list, who has an interest in the Phase IV launches, an interest in emergency communications, or just an interest in helping a fellow ham finish his Master’s degree to click on the link below and spend a few minutes answering some questions. If you also happen to be part of the emergency management community, as well as an AMSAT ham, I would ask that you forward this link to any of your colleagues outside of AMSAT-BB who might be interested as well. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me or my adviser, via our contact information on the first page of the survey. Go to this link to take the Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3RBGGH Thanks, and 73. Dave Swanson, KG5CCI Arkansas State University

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Re: [amsat-bb] Elevation meter Rotor YAESU G-5500 stopped working
by Norm n3ykf 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

If the box is driving the tracker (that's what he says), it's not external. Time to get the screwdriver. On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 8:01 PM, W3AB/GEO <w3ab(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Norm, > > He should make sure it is not an external issue before he dives into the > internal circuitry. > > He should also check that the controller is operating before opening the > controller. > > Albert, take a VOM, set it on AC and the 50V range if it isn't autoranging. > Turn on the controller. Put 1 lead on pin 6 of the terminal strip, the other > lead on pin 4 and operate the up/down switch. Do the same for pin 5. If the > controller is operating correctly you should measure ~30V. If not, you have > an internal failure and follow Norm's advice. > ___ > Sent from my two way wrist watch > 73 de W3AB/GEO > > On Jul 18, 2017, 16:50, at 16:50, Norm n3ykf <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>Albert, >> >>Take EXTREME CARE working on equipment that has power applied. >> >>You'll need a copy of the schematic. Preferably the one that came with >>the controller/rotator. There are at least two different power op-amp >>power supply layouts. One with a pass transistor and zener diodes, the >>other a 75L10 regulator. >> >>Unplug the control box. >> >>Remove the top cover. Remove the front two screws from the bottom >>cover. This will let the face (meters, circuit board and switches) >>free. (still wired to the rest) >> >>Get two books. Turn the front face down on top of the books, switches >>between the books. (to allow the assembly to sit level and not >>press/break the switches) >> >> >>MAKE SURE THE UNIT IS UNPLUGGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >> >> >>Q4 is one half of a 4558 op amp pair(two on one chip, the other runs >>AZ output for the aux jack). >> >>Find Q4. >> >>You're mission is to check the various components making up the drive >>circuit for the EL meter for trouble. >> >>Could be: >> >>Shorted capacitor >> >>Open diode >> >>Short or open via other means. >> >>MAKE SURE THIS IS UNPLUGGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >> >>Use an Ohmmeter to look for capacitors that aren't open (Should look >>close to it, at least the values in the circut. Electrolytics are a >>different story...) Look for open diodes. Meter anything reasonably >>accessable, starting from the wiper on VR2 on the back panel. Some >>things are best looked at with respect to ground, others point to >>point reading the components in between. >> >>DANGER!!! DANGER!!!! DANGER!!! >> >>This part of the test requires making power on voltage measurements. >>Here be dragons, or a trip to your eternal reward!!! >> >> Locate L2 and L4. Those components (each in their seperate circuit) >>form the power supplies (rails) for the EL op amp. See C1 (the voltage >>output) next to L2? C2 likewise next to L4? >> >>Check the pins 8(C1) with respect to ground and 4(C2) of Q4. These are >>the power supply rails (should be +/- 12 volts or so). >> >>Before plugging it in to test, make sure no bare wires are touching >>things they should not be. >> >>Plug it in (you did leave the power switch on, didn't you??). Test >>away. UNPLUG IT AS SOON AS YOU'RE DONE!!!! >> >>Have fun and don't break anything. A fire here is a failure. >> >>Norm n3ykf >> >>On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 5:56 PM, Albert van Deursen <avdeur(a)home.nl> >>wrote: >>> Hi all, >>> >>> >>> >>> All of a sudden the elevation meter stopped working of my Yaesu >>G-5500 rotor >>> controller unit . >>> >>> No issue with the AZ meter. Rotor itself keeps on steering / working >>> without any problem in EL &AZ (via interface EA4TX ARS-USB) so all >>still >>> working fine (fortunately !) for satellite work. >>> >>> Looks like a component failure in the controller unit or the meter >>itself ? >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> A physical check (opening the controller unit) didn't show any >>anomaly. >>> Being a not too tech ham was wondering if any of you Yaesu rotor >>users had >>> seen this problem before / around ? >>> >>> >>> >>> Possibly anyone to hint/ indicate at a quick check in the schematic >>wire >>> diagram to where to start looking for this failure ? >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Thanks beforehand for yr appreciated advice >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> Albert >>> >>> PD0OXW >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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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Looking for someone to do a live portable sat demo
by Ronald G. Parsons 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

... at the Austin Summerfest, Austin, Texas, August 5, 2017. If you can, or know someone who might, contact me off list. Ron W5RKN w5rkn at w5rkn dot com

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Ts 2000 for parts
by Keith McDonnell 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

For anyone who might be interested, I am selling a ts-2000 for parts or repair on eBay. The item # is 302383705297 73, to all, Keith

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Re: [amsat-bb] Russian Thing
by Joe 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

Wow! does this guy have any clue at all? A Pass tonight for me, Start Max altitude End Visible passes 19-Jul 01:08 N 8° *01:14* *WNW 298°* *61°* 01:20 SSW 203° - Map and details <http://www.n2yo.com/passes/?s=42830#> Sig It will be almost straight north when coming and reach probably at least 45 degrees at 1 AM in the moning before eclipsing. I think it's as dark as it is gonna be at 1 am Joe WB9SBD The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 7/18/2017 11:31 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: > > Taken from newsarticle: > > Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for > Astrophysics, told IFLScience: "I think at least one of these can be > lived with, but if there were a bunch of them it would make modern > astronomy almost impossible." > > Not all astronomers think it's a bad idea, however. Michael > Wood-Vasey, from the University of Pittsburgh, said Mayak was "quite > unlikely to be a problem for astronomers." > > He added: "Mayak is orbiting just above the day/night terminator line > – it's always sunrise/sunset below where Mayak is orbiting. It will > thus be too low on (or even below) the horizon when it really gets > dark enough for astronomers to observe." > > > > > > > On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 12:26 PM, Joe <nss(a)mwt.net > <mailto:nss@mwt.net>> wrote: > > Why do you think it will be low in the sky? > > Joe WB9SBD > > The Original Rolling Ball Clock > Idle Tyme > Idle-Tyme.com > http://www.idle-tyme.com > On 7/18/2017 11:22 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: >> Will this reflector tumble or be stabilized? >> >> If it's a corner reflector - it could have gain in some direction. >> >> My guess is that this size object would reflect 2M signals and up. >> >> The moon is bigger but only reflects 7% of RF energy and it's >> much farther away. >> >> I'm sure someone will try to bounce an RF signal off this mylar sail. >> >> It should be easy to see from the ground. :) But very low >> in the sky. >> >> 73 - Paul - W2HRO >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 12:16 PM, Joe <nss(a)mwt.net >> <mailto:nss@mwt.net>> wrote: >> >> It says once opened it will >> " >> It will span 16 square meters (170 square feet)" >> >> a Triangle one side of 170 sqft = 18 feet base to peak. But >> if they are saying 170 sqft total, then divided by 3 = 10 >> foot tall base to peak. >> >> Now for a surface to be reflective, how big does it need to >> be in terms of wvelength? >> >> Joe WB9SBD >> >> The Original Rolling Ball Clock >> Idle Tyme >> Idle-Tyme.com >> http://www.idle-tyme.com >> On 7/18/2017 11:02 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: >>> Will this object reflect RF signals? >>> >>> Maybe reflect like meteor scatter? >>> >>> Maybe too small. >>> >>> On Jul 18, 2017 11:58 AM, "Joe" <nss(a)mwt.net >>> <mailto:nss@mwt.net>> wrote: >>> >>> he he eh that's why I asked here for a web page or >>> similar I saw that also, and thought, ummmm I'm >>> interested,, but NOT THAT INTERESTED!! he he he >>> >>> Joe WB9SBD >>> Sig >>> The Original Rolling Ball Clock >>> Idle Tyme >>> Idle-Tyme.com >>> http://www.idle-tyme.com >>> On 7/18/2017 10:29 AM, skristof(a)etczone.com >>> <mailto:skristof@etczone.com> wrote: >>> >>> Am I the only person who is worried about >>> downloading an app from Russia >>> onto my smartphone? >>> >>> Steve AI9IN >>> >>> On 2017-07-18 10:50, JoAnne K9JKM wrote: >>> >>> Hi Joe, >>> >>> Heavens-Above.com now has pass predictions up >>> for the new Russian >>> reflector sat "Mayak," listing it as NORAD ID >>> 2017-042F/42830. >>> http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830 >>> <http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830> >>> (that's the page but no predictions were >>> actually listed the last time >>> I checked it.) >>> >>> Plus Mayak has its own app, available to those >>> who back the project. >>> See: http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp >>> <http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp> >>> >>> On 7/18/2017 9:42 AM, Joe wrote: >>> >>> While not really a Com bird, it still me be >>> interesting to spot. >>> Does anyone know of a tracking site for this? >>> >>> http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve… >>> <http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve…> >>> Joe WB9SBD >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org >>> <mailto:AMSAT-BB@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 >>> <http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@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 >>> <http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >>> >> >> > >

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Re: [amsat-bb] Russian Thing
by Joe 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

It says once opened it will " It will span 16 square meters (170 square feet)" a Triangle one side of 170 sqft = 18 feet base to peak. But if they are saying 170 sqft total, then divided by 3 = 10 foot tall base to peak. Now for a surface to be reflective, how big does it need to be in terms of wvelength? Joe WB9SBD Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 7/18/2017 11:02 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: > Will this object reflect RF signals? > > Maybe reflect like meteor scatter? > > Maybe too small. > > On Jul 18, 2017 11:58 AM, "Joe" <nss(a)mwt.net <mailto:nss@mwt.net>> wrote: > > he he eh that's why I asked here for a web page or similar I saw > that also, and thought, ummmm I'm interested,, but NOT THAT > INTERESTED!! he he he > > Joe WB9SBD > Sig > The Original Rolling Ball Clock > Idle Tyme > Idle-Tyme.com > http://www.idle-tyme.com > On 7/18/2017 10:29 AM, skristof(a)etczone.com > <mailto:skristof@etczone.com> wrote: > > Am I the only person who is worried about downloading an app > from Russia > onto my smartphone? > > Steve AI9IN > > On 2017-07-18 10:50, JoAnne K9JKM wrote: > > Hi Joe, > > Heavens-Above.com now has pass predictions up for the new > Russian > reflector sat "Mayak," listing it as NORAD ID 2017-042F/42830. > http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830 > <http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830> > (that's the page but no predictions were actually listed > the last time > I checked it.) > > Plus Mayak has its own app, available to those who back > the project. > See: http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp > <http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp> > > On 7/18/2017 9:42 AM, Joe wrote: > > While not really a Com bird, it still me be > interesting to spot. > Does anyone know of a tracking site for this? > > http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve… > <http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve…> > Joe WB9SBD > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@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 > <http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@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 > <http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >

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Re: [amsat-bb] Russian Thing
by Joe 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

Why do you think it will be low in the sky? Joe WB9SBD Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 7/18/2017 11:22 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: > Will this reflector tumble or be stabilized? > > If it's a corner reflector - it could have gain in some direction. > > My guess is that this size object would reflect 2M signals and up. > > The moon is bigger but only reflects 7% of RF energy and it's much > farther away. > > I'm sure someone will try to bounce an RF signal off this mylar sail. > > It should be easy to see from the ground. :) But very low in the > sky. > > 73 - Paul - W2HRO > > > > > > > > > > On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 12:16 PM, Joe <nss(a)mwt.net > <mailto:nss@mwt.net>> wrote: > > It says once opened it will > " > It will span 16 square meters (170 square feet)" > > a Triangle one side of 170 sqft = 18 feet base to peak. But if > they are saying 170 sqft total, then divided by 3 = 10 foot tall > base to peak. > > Now for a surface to be reflective, how big does it need to be in > terms of wvelength? > > Joe WB9SBD > > The Original Rolling Ball Clock > Idle Tyme > Idle-Tyme.com > http://www.idle-tyme.com > On 7/18/2017 11:02 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: >> Will this object reflect RF signals? >> >> Maybe reflect like meteor scatter? >> >> Maybe too small. >> >> On Jul 18, 2017 11:58 AM, "Joe" <nss(a)mwt.net >> <mailto:nss@mwt.net>> wrote: >> >> he he eh that's why I asked here for a web page or similar I >> saw that also, and thought, ummmm I'm interested,, but NOT >> THAT INTERESTED!! he he he >> >> Joe WB9SBD >> Sig >> The Original Rolling Ball Clock >> Idle Tyme >> Idle-Tyme.com >> http://www.idle-tyme.com >> On 7/18/2017 10:29 AM, skristof(a)etczone.com >> <mailto:skristof@etczone.com> wrote: >> >> Am I the only person who is worried about downloading an >> app from Russia >> onto my smartphone? >> >> Steve AI9IN >> >> On 2017-07-18 10:50, JoAnne K9JKM wrote: >> >> Hi Joe, >> >> Heavens-Above.com now has pass predictions up for the >> new Russian >> reflector sat "Mayak," listing it as NORAD ID >> 2017-042F/42830. >> http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830 >> <http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830> >> (that's the page but no predictions were actually >> listed the last time >> I checked it.) >> >> Plus Mayak has its own app, available to those who >> back the project. >> See: http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp >> <http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp> >> >> On 7/18/2017 9:42 AM, Joe wrote: >> >> While not really a Com bird, it still me be >> interesting to spot. >> Does anyone know of a tracking site for this? >> >> http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve… >> <http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve…> >> Joe WB9SBD >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@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 >> <http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@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 >> <http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >> > >

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Re: [amsat-bb] Russian Thing
by Roy Dean 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

> > While not really a Com bird, it still me be interesting to spot. > Does anyone know of a tracking site for this? > http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve… > > Joe WB9SB > > http://www.n2yo.com/?s=42830 Chip (I believe he goes by) has it as a headliner on his site. Ready to track with 10 day predictions.

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Narrowband tuning of DCI filters?
by Robert Bruninga 17 Jul '17

17 Jul '17

The DCI brand of interdigital bandpass filters are neat for cleaning up reception by blocking out of band Intermod sources etc. But they are too board for any effect on in band signals. Has anyone re-tuned the cavities to all the same frequency to see how well the filter performs as a narrowband filter? Bob, WB4APR

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Test Message Update
by Steve Appleton 17 Jul '17

17 Jul '17

Okay, found the problem. For some reason my ISP had amsat.org as a blocked domain. Not sure why that was but I cleared that and all is right with the world. Thanks to those who responded directly. -k4ph

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ANS 197
by Christopher Bradley 16 Jul '17

16 Jul '17

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: * ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event * 3U CubeSat with FM Transponder Launch Planned for August 16 * International Space Station school contact * NEON - NASA Educators Online Network * Tour de France Special Event Station Includes Satellite Operation * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-197.01 ANS-197 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 197.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. July 16, 2017 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-197.01 ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of ARISS, a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event is planned for Thursday, July 20 starting around 21:25 UTC. The event plans to feature images from ARISS activities both past and present. This opportunity should cover most of the world during the operation period. The event plans to use a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the ham radio, specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710 transceiver. Those receiving the images can post them at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for viewing by the public. The 20 year history of ARISS will be displayed through a collection of 12 unique images sharing the amazing accomplishments of ARISS over the last two decades. SSTV signals will be sent to earth at 145.80 MHz using FM. The SSTV mode of transmission is expected to be PD 120 (PD 180 may be a second option). The event is expected to continue over a two day period. Since it’s inception, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has provided students an opportunity, through ham radio, to engage in conversation with orbiting astronauts and inspired many to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Consider how you might inspire students in your area through this chance to capture images directly from space to their computers. Please note that the event, and any ARISS event, is dependent on other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and are subject to change at any time. While preparations are being finalized please check for new and the most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status for the latest information on this event. [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3U CubeSat with FM Transponder Launch Planned for August 16 A 3U CubeSt, FMN-1, is planned for launch on August 16 from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in the Gobi desert, Inner Mongolia. FMN-1 will fly an FM repeater: Uplink: 145.945 MHz FM Downlink: 435.350 MHz FM (plus telemetry) A 9k6 BPSK AX25 UHF downlink with an FM uplink on VHF is included. The main mission of the satellite includes a new component experiment and deployable solar panels. IARU coordination information is posted at: http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=567 [ANS thanks the IARU for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at ISS R&D conference, Washington, D.C. on 20 July. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 13:23 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. This ARISS contact will be conducted with Youth in Aviation Program students from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) attending the ISS Research and Development conference as part of the conference's STEM day. ECCTAI is one of the largest Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. chapters in United States and serves the Washington DC area. ECCTAI is dedicated to keeping alive the history, achievements, and importance of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The term, "Tuskegee Airmen," refers to the men and women, who were involved in the so-called "Tuskegee Experience", the World War II Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. ECCTAI strives to increase understanding of the "Tuskegee Experience" by honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of the men and women who participated in the "Tuskegee Experience" and to introduce young people to the world of aviation and space through its Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). YIAP motivates and inspires America's youth to strive for similar excellence of these earlier pioneers, exposing them to aviation and space careers (Level I), attending FAA ground school (Level II) and receiving aircraft flight instruction or interning at an FAA certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) facility (Level III). [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- NEON - NASA Educators Online Network ANNOUNCEMENTS Free STEM Education Webinars From NASA Educator Professional Development The NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative (EPDC) at Texas State University is presenting a series of free webinars open to all educators. Join NASA education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources that bring NASA into your classroom. Registration is required to participate. To register, simply click on the link provided beneath the webinar description. July 17, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: Edible Experiments/ The Great American Eclipse / Eclipse Book Reviews (Grades K-12) -- Explore resources for making edible models to teach about lunar and solar eclipses. Browse websites with hands-on activities on subjects such as protection from UV rays. Learn about a collection of children's literature to use for studying the eclipse. These activities will be great for summer camps and back-to-school events before the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. Register online to participate. https://www.eiseverywhere.com/263976 July 18, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: Guest Scientist -- High-Altitude Ballooning (Grades K-12) -- Get an overview of high- altitude ballooning during eclipses with Bernhard Beck-Winchatz from the STEM Studies Department at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Beck-Winchatz has worked on several NASA projects using weather balloon flights that provide affordable access to a spacelike environment for student research. Register online to participate. https://www.eiseverywhere.com/263980 July 19, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: Building Your Own Eclipse Equipment for Your Classroom on a Budget (Grades K-12) -- Learn how to build inexpensive models to teach solar eclipse concepts in the classroom. Register online to participate. https://www.eiseverywhere.com/263974 July 20, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: What, When, Where, How and Safety (Grades K-12) -- On Aug. 21, 2017, most Americans will experience their first total solar eclipse in almost 40 years. What is a solar eclipse? Where will the eclipse be visible? When will the eclipse occur? How can the eclipse be viewed safely? This webinar will explore these questions using some of the many NASA resources and classroom lessons supporting this solar event. Learn about the important safety of properly viewing the eclipse with your students. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/263468 For the NASA STEM Educator Professional Development webinar schedule, go to: http://www.txstate-epdc.net/events/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Tour de France Special Event Station Includes Satellite Operation F, France: TM24TDF is a special event call operating around the Tour de France 2017. QRV until July 21 on HF and via satellites. QSL via F6KHS (d/B). [ANS thanks DX Newsletter DXNL 2049 - July 12, 2017 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + AMSAT Journal Needs Your Words and Wisdom The AMSAT Journal is looking for interesting articles, experiences and photos to share with other AMSAT members. Writing for the Journal is an exellent way both to give back to the AMSAT community and to help others learn and grow in this most fascinating aspect of the amateur radio avocation. Author deadlines for upcoming Journals through 2017 include: Sept/Oct Edition September 15 Nov/Dec Edition November 15 Send your manuscripts and photos, or story ideas to: journal (at) amsat.org For more information visit: https://www.amsat.org/how-to-write-for-the-amsat-journal/ [ANS thanks Joe KB6IGK for the above information] + Need to contact AMSAT-NA? AMSAT-NA 10605 Concord St, #304 Kensington, MD 20895-2526 USA Toll-Free: +1 (888) 322-6728 Phone: +1 (301) 822-4376 Fax: +1 (301) 822-4371 info(a)amsat.org [ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information] + For information on AMSAT and AMSAT-Related Nets visit: https://www.amsat.org/amsat-and-amsat-related-nets/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information] + AMSAT Symposium AMSAT NA announces that the 2017 AMSAT Space Symposium will be held on Friday through Sunday, Oct 27, 28, 29, 2017 in Reno, Nevada. Location will be at the Silver Legacy Resort , 407 N Virginia Street, in Downtown, Reno. For more information visit: https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/ With less than four months left for Symposium, now is the time to start writing your papers and preparing your presentations. [ANS thanks the Symposium Committee 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, Christopher Bradley, KG5JUP kg5jup at amsat dot org

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SatPC32 and HDSDR
by Tom Schuessler 16 Jul '17

16 Jul '17

All, A quick question on using SatPC32 to control HDSDR. I have a FCDP+ and can control it via CAT via virtual Serial Port Emulator software. I seem to have some success using the Kenwood TS 2000 settings for Rig for this software/device. Problem is that when I select a Doppler.SQF line in the CAT dialog, HDSDR changes to the wrong SSB mode. I have to manually change it to USB on HDSDR. FM works fine, but SSB modes start out wrong. Is there a better radio emulation to use than the TS 2000? Also, If I want to use the HDSDR/FCDP+ as the RX and my FT847 as TX, which radio should best be radio 1 and which should be 2? Thanks much. Tom Schuessler N5HYP

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Test Message
by Steve Appleton 16 Jul '17

16 Jul '17

I have not received a digest of the amsat-bb mailing list in weeks. I’m sending this message to see if it gets reflected back in tomorrows digest. -

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Long shot: August eclipse intersecting any Oscars?
by David G0MRF 16 Jul '17

16 Jul '17

Hi Greg Sorry, only just seen your post. I believe the answer is yes. I'll have a look at the exact pass times over the weekend. AO-73 will fly through the path of the eclipse on the 21st August and the effects should be seen on its real time telemetry. AO-73 has temperature and light sensors on its solar panels and this data is collected and sent every 5 seconds. You should easily see the change in light levels and perhaps, a change in external temperature as heat energy is lost as IR radiation. - Although this will depend on the degree of coverage of the sun during the satellite pass. You may also see the total panel current ( The sum of the current supplied by the solar panels) drop dramatically. Fortunately most LEO sats are designed to handle 'eclipses' of 35 minutes, so this minor glitch in power collect should not adversly affect operation. All of these will be displayed as graphs if you are collecting data on the Funcube dashboard. - Free windows download. In the case of AO-73, it usually switches to transponder mode in eclipse. Will it do that on the 21st ?? Good luck. If you give it a try, let us know how you get on. David Hi folks, I was asked this on our club's weekly net last week. I expect the answer is no, but thought I should check... Will any of the ham satellites be affected by next month's solar eclipse across the USA? To be affected, the satellite's track (at some 18,000 mph) would need to intersect some portion of the eclipse (not necessarily the path of totality), which I understand is moving at some 1,500 mph. Given the speeds involved, that's unlikely. But we've got a number of satellites in sun synchronous orbits, so it's not impossible. Any way to predict this? If there are any, the telemetry from the event would be an awesome bit of data for students' analysis. Greg KO6TH p.s. I remember being at work (I think in the 1990's) during an eclipse. As I recall, the spot of totality was out in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Mexico. The real-time satellite weather background on my Unix workstation looked like someone had burned a hole in it with a cigarette.

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Heil Pro Micro Dual 6 dynamic for sale
by Matthew Stevens 16 Jul '17

16 Jul '17

I have a Heil Pro Micro Dual 6 dynamic headset for sale, in excellent condition. Works as it should, and no cosmetic damage. Included is a heil yaesu modular headset adapter and/or icom 8 pin (foster plug) adapter (no cap, for the dynamic element headset). I have switched to a different style of headset so this one is excess to my needs. I'm asking $95 shipped for the headset plus whichever of the adapters you want. For an extra $10 you can have both adapters, handy if you have both Icom and Yaesu radios. - Matthew kk4fem Sent from my iPhone

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TLE Data.
by John Mac 15 Jul '17

15 Jul '17

Hi All, Does anyone know if the data at this site is kept up to date, can't seem to find any of the new sats in the lists.....? http://www.tle.info/joomla/index.php/tle-downloads John

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Testing funcube warehouse
by dave＠g4dpz.me.uk 15 Jul '17

15 Jul '17

Hi, Thank you all for your packets to data.g4dpz.space/warehouse it's been a great help in ensuring that the firewalls and redirection are working to my Mac Pro hosted in the shack for development of a new implementation of the warehouse to support JY1SAT & ESEO. I might need a few volunteers to execute a small Java app which simulates the dashboard feed. More on that later. 73 Dave, G4DPZ Sent from my iPhone

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Testing Funcube Warehouse in Preparation for New Satellites
by David Johnson 14 Jul '17

14 Jul '17

Hi, I'm making some changes to the processing of the data to improve performance of the warehouse. If you can spare a few packets, could you point your nayif-1 dashboards to my test environment: http://data.g4dpz.space/warehouse I only need a couple of passes. I will credit the main warehouse with your scores afterwards. Results at: http://data.g4dpz.space/nayif1 Many thanks. 73 Dave, G4DPZ FUNcube Team Member

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QSOs In LoTW
by R.T.Liddy 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Gridders, The Rover-Qs from the past 2 days are now in LoTW. Let me know if I missed you or botched some info. Now at 98 Grids for Reverse/Rover VUCC! Which one should I choose for #100??? HI-HI 73, Bob K8BL

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SSTV
by James Brown 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

What do I need to decode the upcoming ARISS SSTV? My station is IC-910H and laptop with satpc32. I have a signalink collecting dust. What software should I use? Jim KI6WJ

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Pegasus Satellite
by John Mac 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Hi All. I wonder if anyone has decoded the Satellite Pegasus, part of the new Constellation of sat's going around ? John

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Re: [amsat-bb] IC-821H problems - SOLVED
by Matthew Stevens 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Just for future information, I (sort of accidentally) solved my problem! While setting up for field day a couple weeks ago, I checked my antenna (an Alaskan arrow, using only the bottom 2 sections) - and was surprised to notice it was around a 2.2:1 SWR on 435MHz. I thought I remembered it being better than that, but I guess not. I set up the full-length antenna for Field Day, and operated using a borrowed IC-910 (just in case my radio had the problem again.) In the full length configuration, the alaskan arrow is a 1.1:1 match on 435MHz. A few days after field day while I was putting away my equipment, something dawned on me - I have never had a problem with the 821 while using the antenna in its full length configuration. I don't use it that way very often, primarily for very low (sub 2°) passes of AO-7 and FO-29. You can probably see where this is going....My theory was that the high(ish) SWR was causing some RFI problems internally in the radio. RF going where it's not supposed to be, on the coax shield etc. I would think that it shouldn't be a problem for the radio to cope with a 2:1 mismatch...but the only way to find out was test the theory. I put 2 wattmeters inline, one each on the 2m and 70cm feedlines. Transmitting at ~25w on 435mhz, I was seeing around 2.5-3w coming back towards the radio on my 2m feedline. Figuring that probably wasn't a good thing, I borrowed a normal arrow II antenna - checked with the same meter, a 1:1 match on both 435 and 145. Virtually zero reflected power in the same test. I have been using that antenna for two weeks now, and haven't had a single problem with the radio. So, moral of this story is, check the obvious! Even if you think something is fine, or you think you remember checking it before - make sure. I had literally checked everything else on the radio, except the antenna. And for those of you using the Alaskan arrow, it might be work checking out if it is working as optimally as you think it is. To be honest, I have yet to find a situation where I could make a QSO with the alaskan and not with a regular arrow. I will be keeping the alaskan, probably to use as a base station antenna once I get a mast and rotor put up at my QTH. But from now on, I'll be sticking with the regular arrow for my day-to-day ops. That's the end of my novel.....just thought this might come in useful for somebody else down the road :-) 73, - Matthew kk4fem On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 11:59 PM, Nitin Muttin <vu3tyg(a)yahoo.co.in> wrote: > Hi Matthew, > > I feel this could be related to the "Ribbon Cable contact issue ". There is > one ribbon connector behind the S meter which goes to one of the boards. > Disconnect the cable by pulling on the connector socket clean the pins on > the cable with a rubber eraser (soft) and fix back the connector. > > 73 > Nitin [VU3TYG] > > > ________________________________ > From: Matthew Stevens <matthew(a)mrstevens.net> > To: Nitin Muttin <vu3tyg(a)yahoo.co.in> > Cc: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Saturday, 17 June 2017 12:18 AM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] IC-821H problems > > Yes, I do. Interestingly, I have not had any problems with FM in > either mode J or B. The other day I worked AO-85 successfully, and > immediately switched to EO-79, 2m SSB downlink. I heard no telemetry > or anything else. Then I pointed the antenna over towards some nearby > powerlines, which normally create a lot of annoying static on 2m - > nothing heard. I removed the coax from the 2m jack, and observed a > drop in the noise level (very slight), reconnected the coax and > checked over towards the power lines again, with the same result. I > wasn't hearing anything on 2m SSB, after I had, minutes before, had no > issues hearing on 2m FM. > > I'm glad I have other radios to use in the meantime, while I try to > figure this out :-) > > 73 > > > - Matthew kk4fem > > > On Sun, Jun 11, 2017 at 2:05 AM, Nitin Muttin <vu3tyg(a)yahoo.co.in> wrote: >> >> Hi Matthew, >> >> On 2m when on FM mode do you hear the white noise when you open the >> squelch. >> >> 73 >> Nitin [VU3TYG] >> >> >> ________________________________ >> From: Matthew Stevens <matthew(a)mrstevens.net> >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Sent: Saturday, 10 June 2017 7:06 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-821H problems >> >> I'm having a strange issue with my 821. Periodically I lose all >> sensitivity, which I've particularly noticed on 2m SSB. I can attach and >> detach an antenna with no change in the noise level, and can't hear anything >> in the receiver (like the XW-2* beacons, or the AO-73 telemetry). Resetting >> the radio seems to fix it. >> >> It doesn't appear to be affecting 70cm, although I haven't had much chance >> to test that (there's not always a mode j sat up at the same time as a mode >> b one, and when it happens I'm normally just trying to reset the radio as >> fast as I can do I can operate the pass). Has anyone experienced anything >> like this before? >> >> 73, >> >> - Matthew kk4fem >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Carnival Cruise Line
by Ed Cunningham 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

To All, Thank you for your comments, I plan on "carry on" for my luggage, my Elk antenna is to long for my 21 inch carry on suitcase. I found plans for a 2 ele vhf/3 ele uhf using a 33 inch fiberglass arrow and .025 music wire. The wire will bend around the inside of the suit case and the arrow could be cut to fit and use a piece of rubber hose or plastic tube to hold it together when I want to use it. Thanks again for your help, Ed, N7EC

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Last Call for Papers -- Digital Communications Conference
by Ford, Steve, WB8IMY 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

This is the final call for technical papers for presentation at the 36th Annual ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference, to be held September 15-17 in St Louis, Missouri at the Holiday Inn Airport West in Earth City. Papers will also be published in the Conference Proceedings. Authors do not need to attend the conference to have their papers included in the Proceedings. The submission deadline is July 31, 2017. Submit papers to via e-mail to maty(a)arrl.org<mailto:maty@arrl.org<mailto:maty@arrl.org%3cmailto:maty@arrl.org>>, or via post to Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Papers will be published exactly as submitted, and authors will retain all rights.

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Re: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 and HDSDR
by Richard Lawn 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

While I've not yet tried what the writer is doing with his FCD pro + I've also wanted to try it. I can tell you that it is my understanding that Radio 1 in Satpc32 should be set to the receiver and Radio 2 the transmitter. I'd love to know who is works out for you as I too would like to try it. 73 Rick, W2JAZ -- Sent from Gmail Mobile

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