February 2018 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

SDR for fm sats
by Povern 13 Feb '18

13 Feb '18

Anyone using sdr for linear sats? Very new to these and have zero experience with sdr. Looking for any input and hints for using these for the ssb birds. KE0PBR > Paul Overn

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Server.SDX not autoloading in Sat32PC ver. 12.8c
by butch alline 13 Feb '18

13 Feb '18

According to Win 10 task manager, Server.SDX is not loading automatically when I run Sat32PC (latest version 12.8c). No error messages pop up to indicate this failure to load. If I start Server.SDX manually, it now shows up in task manager. Server.SDX is located here: C:\Program Files (x86)\SatPC32\SDX. So... From here: http://www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm, I downloaded *e**. ServerSDX update *The ServerSDX file for Yaesu GS-232A/B amd compatible controllers that comes with the SatPC32 setup file outputs the target azimuth and elevation positions to the controller but doesn't read the actual positions from the controller. With the link below you can download a modified ServerSDX.exe that displays also the actual azimuth and elevation values. The original Server.SDX and the "updated" Server.SDX were tested separately, appear to be the same file, and look the same to me. Neither one loads automatically with Sat32PC when placed in C:\Program Files (x86)\SatPC32\SDX. Both versions accept and store the com port in setup and I can manually input commands that show in "target", but when I do a "read position", I get error "no response from controller". Here are some pix: Server.SDX as opened manually (both versions): After manual input: After "read position": 1. Why no autoload of Server.SDX 2. Why no response from controller? Yes I did restart Sat32PC after making changes... Any and all help appreciated. Butch K8KO

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CORRECTED ARISS RELEASE: Upcoming ARISS contact with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Gymnasium together with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Progymnasium, Vilnius, Lithuania
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 13 Feb '18

13 Feb '18

UPCOMING ARISS CONTACT CORRECTED RELEASE: The ARISS contact that was to occur today Monday, February 12, 2018 with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Gymnasium together with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Progymnasium in Vilnius, Lithuania has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2018. A corrected copy of the release appears below. An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Gymnasium together with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Progymnasium, Vilnius, Lithuania on 14 Feb. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 12:37 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between OR4ISS and LY1BWB. The contact should be audible over Lithuania 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. We are students of the Vilnius Jonas Basanaviciaus Gymnasium and Progymnasium. Both of the schools are located in Vilnius, in the capital of Lithuania. Here we are taught of all basic subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, math, etc. Our project team was assembled from both schools and each member has their own motivation to join, some of us are here to see what its like to make an amateur radio contact and talk to a person in space, some are here for the generic experience, while others try to figure out if space science would be what they want to do in their future lives. Our team extends from writers, filmmakers to technical people, so everyone can try out everything and do what they like most. Best thing about this project is that it is a very unique way to celebrate the 100 years of Lithuania´s independence. All involved students will be able to mark this historical moment with such a powerful milestone and inspire future generations so that they never stop learning new things and never give up reaching new horizons. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Jonas Basanavicius was named person of the century in Lithuania. What kind of person would you choose to be your country's person of the century? 2. Can you see Lithuania from your current position? 3. What is your opinion about inflatable habitats that were tested in the ISS? 4. If you could ever travel to one of the planets, which would you choose? 5. How your stay in space differs from what you had expected? 6. Are there any disagreements between crewmembers? 7. What extreme situations might be faced in the ISS? 8. What was the first thing you saw through the window of the ISS? 9. Who would you be if you were not an Astronaut? 10. If you had an opportunity to talk to someone from the past, who would it be? 11. What annoys you the most in ISS? 12. Is the silence in space deeper that on Earth? 13. How do you relax in space? 14. Have you ever seen space junk colliding? 15. Which do you think is scarier; ascending or landing? 16. According to which time zone do you celebrate New Year? 17. How do paper planes fly in the space station? 18. What is going to be your first meal when you come back? 19. Do you use lasers made in Lithuania in your work? 20: How long does it take you to catch up with fashion? 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. Los Angeles Academy Middle School, Los Angeles, CA, direct via W6RVD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Fri 2018-02-16 16:53 UTC 2. University of the Philippines Integrated School, Quezon City, Philippines, direct via DX1ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact is a go for: Sat 2018-02-17 10:23:00 UTC 3. "Galaxy - Children and Youth Center for Space Education", Kaluga, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Alexander Misurkin Contact is a go for 2018-02-18 10:45 UTC 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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Jetstream JTBM270 - Dual Band 2m/70cm beam
by jim＠beeson.cc 13 Feb '18

13 Feb '18

Anybody use the Jetstream JTBM270 beam? If how did it work for you?

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Ukube-1 Satellite
by alex weimer 13 Feb '18

13 Feb '18

Ukube-1 Sat very strong during west coast pass at 2300Z Great downlink signal even at LOS here in DM42 Arizona Transponder always on !! This Satellite definitely being under used . Wish more people would get on !! JACK KC7MG

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Sat32PC interface with Yaesu GS-5500
by butch alline 12 Feb '18

12 Feb '18

I am trying to set up a rotor interface using an Arduino and a Yaesu GS-550. The Arduino interface by Tom Doyle W9KE is shown here <http://www.tomdoyle.org/simplesatrotorcontroller/SimpleSatRotorController.h…>. If anyone has "been there and done that", please contact me please. 73 Butch K8KO

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-02-12 19:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 12 Feb '18

12 Feb '18

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-02-12 19:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Gymnasium together with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Progymnasium, Vilnius, Lithuania, direct via LY1BWB The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Joe Acaba KE5DAR (***) Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-02-14 12:37:44 UTC 49 deg (***) Los Angeles Academy Middle School, Los Angeles, CA, direct via W6RVD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Fri 2018-02-16 16:53:20 UTC 34 deg Watch for possible change of contact time to Thursday. (***) University of the Philippines Integrated School, Quezon City, Philippines, direct via DX1ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact is a go for: Sat 2018-02-17 10:23:00 UTC 70 deg "Galaxy - Children and Youth Center for Space Education", Kaluga, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Alexander Misurkin Contact is a go for 2018-02-18 10:45 UTC Agrupamento de Escolas do Fundão, Fundão, Portugal, direct via CS5DBB The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA (***) Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-02-21 09:38:11 UTC 33 deg (***) Museum of Science & Technology - Danforth Middle School, Syracuse, NY, direct via K2MST The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP (***) Contact is a go for: Fri 2018-02-23 14:08:52 UTC 28 deg (***) ****************************************************************************** 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: Francesco IKØWGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF 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 2018-02-12 19:30 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 1206. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1155. 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 2018-02-06 05:00 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. 53 on orbit Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Alexander Misurkin Joe Acaba KE5DAR Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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AO-92 L-band recording from FM05 - 2018-02-12 0224 UTC
by John Brier 12 Feb '18

12 Feb '18

I heard a good number of people experimenting with the L-band uplink on AO-92 tonight on the 0224 UTC pass. Really wish I could get in on the club ;-) I heard N8MH, WB8RJY, WB8OTH, AA5PK, N8HM, and KC9ELU. Here is my recording from a Kenwood TH-D72 with an Arrow. I didn't pick the antenna up off the ground until about 1:07. I had the audio really low in the first 4 minutes too. https://www.dropbox.com/s/10866vwios9qvqy/KG4AKV_2018-02-12_-_0224_UTC_-AO-… 73, John Brier KG4AKV

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FUNcube Data Warehouse
by David Johnson 12 Feb '18

12 Feb '18

Hi, It looks like we are experiencing some problems with the database connectivity associated with the warehouse. You may experience some short outages as I fix it over the next few hours. 73 - Dave

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Visually impaired satellite operators?
by Philip Jenkins 12 Feb '18

12 Feb '18

One of the club members where I'm scheduled to do a satellite presentation has very little vision, but he is VERY interested in getting on the birds. I don't know yet if he's going to be interested in just the FM birds, or the linear ones as well. I haven't seen his shack yet, so not sure of what equipment (HF/VHF/UHF) he might already have. He did mention he has some Kenwood equipment; he implied that that company's radios are more user-friendly for the visually impaired. Is anyone on the BB aware of a current active satellite user who is vision impaired whom I might call on for advice - for radio/PC software & hardware - when the time arises? I may drop a line to Handi-Hams too for their advice. Thanks Philip N4HF

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