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

Upcoming ARISS contact with Pinson Valley HS, Pinson, AL
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 07 Apr '18

07 Apr '18

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Pinson Valley HS, Pinson, AL on Apr. 10. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:02 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and KN4BBD. The contact should be audible over the state of Alabama 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. Pinson Valley High School is located in Central Alabama near the city of Birmingham and is one of 57 schools in the Jefferson County School system. We are a very diverse school with approximately 1100 students in grades 9-12. At PVHS students have many options for academic programs and extracurricular involvement. We have opportunities for students to take Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment classes, a growing career technical education academy, and a very popular fine arts academy. We hope that our participation in the ARISS contact will build an increased interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) course pathways. There are many sport teams for both male and female athletes. On December 8, 2017 our football team won the Alabama 6A State Championship, a first for our school. Our motto is "At Pinson Valley High School we promote achievement, respect, and success." Go Indians! Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. By having zero gravity, what type of exercises you have to do to keep your body from losing mass? 2. What prompted your interest or love of space? 3. Psychologically, what is the most challenging aspect of being in space? 4. What type of research are you currently conducting on the ISS? 5. When you receive food supplies in space can you make special request for certain foods? 6. What can a high school student do now to prepare for a potential career in aerospace? 7. How much education and training does an astronaut typically have? 8. Theoretically could NASA power future rockets/spaceships via nuclear fusion, similar to the sun? 9. What is the scariest part of space travel; the launch, living on the ISS, or re-entry? 10. What happens if someone was to have a heart attack, get sick, or have another medical emergency in space? 11. What is a typical day aboard the ISS like? 12. Since the ISS hosts astronauts from different countries, what language is spoken aboard the ISS? 13. Besides your family, what do you miss most about life on earth? 14. What fuels the ISS? 15. What kind of medical testing does an astronaut have to go through to be physically and mentally ready for duty? 16. Can you easily communicate with your family members while you are aboard the ISS? 17. What are some hazards in space? 18. Have any organisms been born or conceived in space? 19. What happens if a fire occurs on the ISS? 20. Since you cannot really take a good shower in space, is the ISS smelly? 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): TBD 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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Opening a G-5500 cable connector
by JOEL KANDEL 07 Apr '18

07 Apr '18

Having an intermittent connection in the elevation rotor cable connector. I am trying to open it to resolder. I’ve removed the set screw and pushed down on the innards. Still can’t budge the plastic out of the metal housing. Any ideas? Thanks, Joel, KI4T Traveling at 300,000,000 meters per second

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ARISS News Release (ANR) no. 18-05
by David H Jordan 07 Apr '18

07 Apr '18

*ARISS News Release No. 18-05* *Dave Jordan, AA4KN * *ARISS PR* *aa4kn(a)amsat.org <aa4kn(a)amsat.org>* *Russian SSTV Event to Celebrate Cosmonautics Day * April 7, 2018: ARISS Russia is planning a special Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event from the International Space Station in celebration of Cosmonautics Day. The transmissions are to begin on April 11 at 11:30 UTC and run through April 14 ending at 18:20 UTC. Supporting this event is a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using amateur radio, specifically the onboard Kenwood TM-D710E transceiver. Transmitted images will be from the Interkosmos project period of the Soviet space program ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interkosmos). Images received can be posted and viewed at http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php .The transmissions which were coordinated with the ARISS scheduling team, will be broadcast at 145.800 MHz using the PD-120 SSTV mode. Please note that the event is dependent on other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and are subject to change at any time. Please check for news 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. *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 public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. Also join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status *Media Contact:* Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn(a)amsat.org

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AO73/FUNcube-1 mode change
by Graham Shirville 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

Hi All, AO73 is now in amateur mode, with the transponder on continuously, for the weekend. 73 Graham G3VZV

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Re: [amsat-bb] Heil Traveler + FT-817
by Kevin M 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

> it would send CW when in SSB mode using the up/down buttons on the Heil. Menu item 36 must be set to ON on the 817 TX rig AND the Keyer must be turned on... to do that, hit 'F', then spin the SEL knob to [VOX, BK, KYR] and make sure a black Arrow icon to the right of 'KYR' is there. If not, press the 'C' button to activate the Keyer. - If these are set correctly and the +/- buttons still do not activate the CW keyer... it sounds like a sign of a ground problem between the headset and the RJ-45 jack, which is what I think is going on with the lack of PTT when the speaker audio is not plugged in. (See below.) > It will not key the transmitter of either FT-817 unless the headset speakers are also connected to the same FT-817. My Heil Traveler Dual will key my 817 without the headset speaker audio plug connected. I would suspect a ground problem going to the RJ-45 mic plug. Check continuity of the ground line between the 8 pin round plug and the RJ-45 plug... there are TWO Grounds and they are SEPARATE in the Heil adapter cable! Mic Ground is for the mic only and Ground is for the switches. - You will likely need to find a piece of very small gauge wire to make contact with the RJ45 contacts as a typical VOM probe will not fit in those small grooves. Unless you have a spare, unconnected RJ-45 jack handy... even better! Heil Traveler Pinout: 1 Mic, 2 NC, 3 + Switch, 4 – Switch, 5 PTT Switch, 6 Ground, 7 Mic GND, 8 Earphone -- The outer metal shell of the 8 pin plug is not connected to ground, and should not show a connection to any of the pins. The +, - and PTT switches will make connection between their respective pins and ground (pin 6) when closed. The pin numbers should be visible on the female side of the 8 pin connection, visually transpose those locations for the male side. For the 817 mic jack pinout, you can consult the 817 manual (page 5 in my 817ND manual). If you don't have one, the order is: Fast, GND, PTT, Mic, Mic GND, +5v, Up(+ switch), Down(- switch) However the direction that order goes depends on which way you are looking at the jack/plug... if I have the plug laying contacts up & clip down with the end facing me (cable running away) that would be the L-R order. If turned around, it would be R-L... you should be able to figure it out. =^) You might check them all, but you want to make sure that the Heil Pin 6 goes to the RJ45 ground and should also show continuity to the speaker plug ground. (Also check that Heil pin 7 goes to mic ground on the RJ45 and that pin ONLY... it should not have continuity with the other ground connections; while unplugged, of course.) If these are not all correct, you have likely found your problem... Because it sounds like to me, you get PTT return through the ground connection of the speaker audio plug. When you disconnect that and there is no connection between Pin 6 and the appropriate RJ45 contact, no ground for either the PTT OR for the up/down buttons! (as referenced above) If the above still doesn't locate the 'lack of PTT' then the next step would be to check the mic jack contacts in the radios. But if you DO determine that the cable is missing a proper Pin 6 ground, then it means a new adapter, a new RJ45 plug, or in a pinch, you might just ground the two radios together. (not the best practice, but it'll do in a pinch) - Which this all gets me thinking... quick short cuts... do you have another Heil Traveler adapter for RJ45 yaesu? try swapping them. Also, might plug up just the RJ45 part of the adapter and check pin 6 to radio case ground (BNC jack shield on front). If that's good, it's something else. If you need any more help or clarification, include my offlist e-mail address to be sure and get my attention quicker. 73, Kevin N4UFO

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Heil Traveler + FT-817
by Bryan Green 05 Apr '18

05 Apr '18

Hello, AMSAT People! Previously I have used an FT-897 and FT-817 with an Arrow to get on the birds. I also used a Heil Traveler with this combination: the RJ-45 plugged into the FT-897, and the RCA plug in the FT-817. The FT-897 was always for transmitting, and the FT-817 was always for receiving. This has worked very well! Recently I wanted to carry lighter equipment. So, I obtained a second FT-817. The idea is for it to replace the FT-897. However! Despite my best efforts, I cannot make the Heil work. It will not key the transmitter of either FT-817 unless the headset speakers are also connected to the same FT-817. As well, one of my favorite features of the FT-897 was that it would send CW when in SSB mode using the up/down buttons on the Heil. This does not work with the FT-817. The stock Yaesu mic keys everything fine. It does not plug anything into the audio out jack. Any experts have an idea what I mean ssed? Many thanks! -- bag Bryan KL7CN/W6 bryan(a)kl7cn.net

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Kenwood TR-9500 Sat Radio
by CEE 05 Apr '18

05 Apr '18

I am selling my Kenwood TR 9500 all mode satellite transceiver, 930 MHz to 940 MHz, on QRZ.com if you are interested. Chuck N7BFO

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-04-05 18:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 05 Apr '18

05 Apr '18

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-04-05 18:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Valday, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev Contact is a go for 2018-04-04 TBD UTC Vologda, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev Contact is a go for 2018-04-10 13:37 UTC Watch for SSTV 2018-04-02 15:05 UTC to 18:30 UTC 2018-04-03 14:15 UTC to 18:40 UTC 2018-04-12 to 2018-04-14 Additional information can be found at http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ Pinson Valley HS, Pinson, AL, direct via KN4BBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Ricky Arnold KE5DAU Contact is a go for: Tue 2018-04-10 18:02:44 UTC 70 deg ****************************************************************************** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students (corrected) ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 March 15, 2018: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and 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 Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, “ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.” Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, “It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!” Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, “This chance for our school’s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world. I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.” ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, 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 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: 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: Francesco IKØWGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** 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 2018-04-05 18:00 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 1217. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1166. 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 2018-03-28 08:00 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. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov Exp. 55 on orbit Drew Feustel Oleg Artemyev Ricky Arnold KE5DAU **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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FM25/26
by WX4TV - James Lea 05 Apr '18

05 Apr '18

Last Minute River Alert FM25/26 I’m passing through the Outer Banks of NC and am on the FM25/26 line. I made an unannounced pass of AO-91 on the last pass and will be on the 18:14Z AO-91 pass from the line. This is the only other pass I can do from these grids on this trip. Sorry for the late notice—I didn’t know I would be free to do the passes! DE WX4TV Sent from my iPhone

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ATHENOXAT-1 IMAGE PUZZLES
by Roland Zurmely 05 Apr '18

05 Apr '18

ROUND 2 - COMPLETED ! : <<http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/athenoxat.htm#m>> 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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