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

Satellites Contacts for Field Day 101
by Bandman444＠yahoo.com 18 Jun '18

18 Jun '18

This will be the first time our club station has our satellite rig up and running and I wanted to learn from the experts about tips field Day satellite contacts. My understanding there is some bonus for a satellite contact, and likely many will be on the birds. What do you recommend to someone who is fairly familiar with making satellite contacts, but never during field day? Thanks! Bryce Chanes KR0CKT

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 13, Issue 212
by k6vug＠sbcglobal.net 18 Jun '18

18 Jun '18

WinAOS is great to list passes for a given date and Countd is good for field events with a laptop. Both are part of both part of SatPC32. For hand held activity, I copy predictions form amsat.org into a spreadsheet. Then a macro filters the passes by max elevation and time of day and exports the result as an iCal file. Finally, the iCal file is imported into my Google Calendar. Its a little bit of work once a few month, but it conveniently pings me X minutes before the next pass and don't have to carry printed copies. There have been other apps and suggestions but found these to be most convenient, after trying several other ones. 73! Umesh K6VUG ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 16:51:01 -0400 From: Thomas Schaefer <ny4i(a)ny4i.com> To: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> Cc: AMSAT BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Generate times for FD satellite passes Message-ID: <B36305B4-BF33-4714-B320-61B945B32CA0(a)ny4i.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Thanks to all. I forgot about WinAOS. That might be easier as I can select just the sats I want. I will ask another question about resetting the saved window position as last time I ran SatPC32, I had 2 monitors. Thanks, Tom

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Yaesu G550 G5400 G5500
by alex weimer 18 Jun '18

18 Jun '18

Still in need of a good used Yaesu Az/EL rotor or the G550 Elevation rotor in good shape operationally and cosmetically thank you JACK KC7MG please advise price shipped to 85122 and condition.. Thank You

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DSLWP RX tests
by Roland Zurmely 18 Jun '18

18 Jun '18

<http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/dslwp.htm> 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Re: [amsat-bb] Reset SatPC32 window position
by k6vug＠sbcglobal.net 18 Jun '18

18 Jun '18

In the file "SatPos.SQF" set first 2 lines to 100 and 100. Worked for me. This file is usually in the C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\SatPC32 folder. 73! Umesh K6VUG ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 16:53:26 -0400 From: Thomas Schaefer <ny4i(a)ny4i.com> To: AMSAT BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Reset SatPC32 window position Message-ID: <4C1AC060-DCE1-46B1-9EDF-36ED3E22CD3D(a)ny4i.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Does anyone know where the saved window position is kept for SatPC32? I ask as last time I used SatPC32, I had 2 monitors. SatPC32 was on the other monitor. It does not appear to detect that the system now has a single monitor and bring the window into the viewable area. When I run the program, it is starting on the second monitor and I need to reset its saved position. Thanks, Tom NY4I **********************

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distracted passengering
by tjschuessler＠verizon.net 17 Jun '18

17 Jun '18

Apologies to the list, I was passenger in my car and replied, to what I though was a club email but I had clicked on the wrong message. Dogh!!!!! Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms

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Amsatdroid/SATPC32 mismatch
by Kirk P 17 Jun '18

17 Jun '18

Hello, Newbie questions: Have SATPC32 running on desktop, Amsatdroid on Android phone. Dl same KEPS, Using EXACT same GPS coordinates but AMSATDROID has passes up to an hour off of SATPC32 depending on bird. Example: AO-92 next pass SATPC states 17:57 AOS w/Max EL of 27 deg. AMSATDROID: States 16:28 AOS w/Max El of 20.5 deg What am I missing? Thanks Kirk N0KK Sent from Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook>

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Re: [amsat-bb] Unsuccessful Uplinks - AO-92
by Hugo Dominguez, Jr. 17 Jun '18

17 Jun '18

Just tried trusty AO-91 and heard nothing through the duplexer. After it reached max peak I disconnected my D74, which was doing the receiving, from the duplexer and connected it directly to my Elk antenna. Right away I heard people talking. I then tried keeping the antenna on the bird where I heard audio and switching back to the duplexer and heard nothing. Not sure what is wrong. I need to find someone to test with on the ground. I’ll do more tests with another radio. Just need to get my third radio from another location. I tested on a 440 repeater and sending/receiving to duplex to myself. Need to test with another person who is more distant — Hugo Dominguez, Jr. > On Jun 17, 2018, at 11:13, Hugo Dominguez, Jr. <hugois(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Received the duplexer yesterday. Unfortunately I didn't even think to get patch cables for it. I have SMA to SO-239 cables for my handhelds but the duplexer is also SO-239. Luckily my local electronics store had some RG8X SO-259 patch cables. > So far no luck. I tested it on a couple passes last night but did not hear myself yet. I was not in a good spot though. I tested it on AO-92 on the last past around 1730Z but had a hard time hearing anyone until right before the LOS, I then heard something for a second as I was moving around my elk. I thought I would have heard the bird since I was on a hill with no obstructions to the bird. The only difference being I had the duplexer connected. I'll test it out more today. I made sure the duplexer works by transmitting on the frequencies allowed on each port of the MFJ (VHF/UHF) and was able to hear myself on another radio. It is such a hassle now carrying two radios and two cables coming out of the duplexor and putting one radio in my pocket. LOL. Luckily the D74 supports bluetooth so I will use that to eliminate an additional cable that gets tangled, so that I can hear. I just attached the MFJ duplexer to the handle of my Elk antenna to free up my hand temporarily to see how that works. I hope it won't interfere with the SWR. I attached a picture > Hugo Dominguez, Jr. >> On 6/8/18 6:34 AM, Rolf Krogstad wrote: >> MFJ sells a duplexer (aka Diplexer). The model number is MFJ-916B. >> There are other manufacturers also such as Comet and Diamond, etc. >> >> There was an article not long ago in the Amsat Journal, (or was it QST?), comparing different models. >> >> 73 >> Rolf NR0T >> EN34it >> >>> On Fri, Jun 8, 2018 at 8:10 AM, Don KB2YSI <kb2ysi(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> What I have done is to hook the common port to the antenna that I want and >>> then the HT up to the side of the duplexer that I want to use. I found it >>> easier to use the VHF side of the Arrow for this setup. >>> >>> 73, Don KB2YSI >>> >>> On Fri, Jun 8, 2018, 08:37 Hugo Dominguez, Jr. <hugois(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> > Thanks everyone for the feedback. I do have other handhelds. Is there a >>> > way to connect a splitter on my Elk antenna so that I can connect two >>> > handhelds? Will that degrade my signal in and/or out? Do I need to filter >>> > the signals to split off the VHF and UHF signals? Right now I just try to >>> > lay one handheld with its own HT antenna somewhere in case it is able to >>> > receive a signal or I try to get someone to hold it for me. Most of the >>> > times i’m by myself. >>> > >>> > — >>> > Hugo Dominguez, Jr. > > <IMG_1883.JPG>

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 13, Issue 210
by Tom Schuessler 17 Jun '18

17 Jun '18

I personally would like to stay and be wrapped at 9 PM not 530. For me some of the best Satellite passes will be in the early evening. Perhaps someone else in the club has a midsize battery we could add to be able to put three stations on the air 2 HF and one Satellite. I promise to call Irving Parks first thing in the morning to get an answer to the question about Friday night. Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 17, 2018, at 10:47, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > > Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Another KR500 thread, maybe. (John) > 2. Re: SATPC32 reinstall issue (Rick Tejera) > 3. ANS-168 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (Lee McLamb) > 4. DSLWP-B UHF Test Plan for Next Week (???) > 5. Re: APRS FD method (k6vug(a)sbcglobal.net) > 6. Upcoming ARISS contact with Tehnicka skola Zajecar, Zajecar, > Serbia (n4csitwo(a)bellsouth.net) > 7. FS: Angle Linear BT2N Bias Tees (Eric Rosenberg) > 8. HRD Satellite Tracking Question (Dave Tipton, W5DMT) > 9. Re: HRD Satellite Tracking Question (Frank) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 01:17:51 +0100 > From: "John" <john(a)amber.org.uk> > To: "'Paul'" <paul(a)ukdx.org.uk>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Another KR500 thread, maybe. > Message-ID: <01e901d405d0$a18b62b0$e4a22810$(a)amber.org.uk> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Paul, > > If your controller doesn't have a DIN socket on the back, then your best bet is to look at the ERC units - the ERC-M interface will talk to azimuth and elevation simultaneously, either on one or two separate connections, and they also sell "rotor cards" which you can install inside your controller, effectively adding an interface to a controller which lacks one. The rotor cards are basically boards with a bunch of relays addressable by the main ERC-M unit. > > You can find it all on www.easy-rotor-control.com and the best bit about the ERC-M is that it will talk GS232B protocol to a PC, meaning any app that can talk GS232B can address it (including all the popular satellite software). There is also a dedicated rotor control app that ERC produce which is capable of control and readout. > > 73, > > John (XLX) > > -----Original Message----- > From: Paul <paul(a)ukdx.org.uk> > Sent: 16 June 2018 19:48 > To: John <john(a)amber.org.uk>; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Another KR500 thread, maybe. > > Just a quick update, I took the controller capacitor out of line and now the limit switches behave as expected so that's good news. Having cleaned everything I put it back together without grease for the time being with 20 of the best condition bearings in one end and am pleased to say everything works perfectly using the old controller. > > The new stainless bearings, M6 bolts for the casing and M8 bolts for the bracket have been ordered so hopefully it won't be too long before my ?1 elevation rotator is brought into service. I've downloaded a few manuals now so can match up what I have motor and controller wise. > > Just being lazy for the moment and to save me searching is there a PC interface available for the 5600 motor and old style Kenpro KR-400 (my azimuth rotator), one that has a stand alone programme to operate them? > > Thanks again for your help with this little project John. > > 73 > Paul > G7PUV > >> On 16/06/2018 15:06, John wrote: >> Hi Paul, >> >> Yes, I'm 99% sure it's the elevation unit side of a late model >> KR5600B. I would not recommend running it with both capacitors inline, >> as the capacitors are effectively used as a timing device to ensure >> the motor spins in the correct direction. The capacitance delays the >> current hitting the second set of coils long enough to make the motor >> spin which allows it to drive the rest of the system. Sending current >> up both sides at once (due to your capacitor in the controller) will >> confuse things somewhat >> >> The motor auto-reversing is possibly a symptom of this extra capacitor in the wrong place, though since I had weird wiring in my rotor unit which I needed to pull out, I can't verify that from experience. Pull the capacitor wires from your controller and see if you get the same behaviour or not! >> >> The disc brake is between the gear on the motor shaft, and the motor housing, and is usually a cork disc. It adds enough friction to 'brake' the motor, but when you energise the coils, the motor shaft physically lifts away from the brake disc. You'll see, if you give the shaft a gentle pull, that it almost lifts away from the motor unit - this is the brake release mechanism. >> >> The main thing to remember is that you're working with AC motors here, which run at around 26-28V. >> >> As an aside, if you don't have the manual for it, it's worth finding one - I probably have a digital copy somewhere I can send you if needed. The manual has a full and complete wiring diagram for both sides of the system in them. >> >> 73, >> >> John (XLX) >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Paul <paul(a)ukdx.org.uk> >> Sent: 16 June 2018 09:41 >> To: John <john(a)amber.org.uk>; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Another KR500 thread, maybe. >> >> Hi John, >> >> Thanks for your lengthy reply, I really appreciate it. Just to clarify one thing you think this is a late model Kenpro due to it having the switches and cap inside the casing attached above the positioning pot? >> >> I tested the motor last night using the KR400 controller, wiring seems standard on pins 4,5 and 6 so I gave it a couple of briefs bursts to see if it turned, it didn't! Well not initially then all appeared OK, on closer inspection I discovered that the motor itself has some form of brake or stop inside. While it's free to be turned manually in the same direction it was last powered it will not turn in the opposite direction until power is applied to move it that way. At first I thought it was jammed or broken but it appears to be normal operation as the rotation is quite free with no nasty feeling rough spots. >> >> The limit switches surprised me as well. I come from a satellite background where I'm used to a limit switch killing power to an actuator, if I press one of these it switches the motor into the opposite direction, is that right? >> >> Now I know the motor is free to move I've purchased new bearings and will source some suitable grease, primer and paint. The case has become quite pitted inside where the water was laying but it's now all clean after wire brushing and rubbing down. Externally it's in very good condition even where I hit each point with the gas gun to get the bolts out. It goes without saying they'll all be replaced with stainless socket head bolts. >> >> 73 >> Paul >> G7PUV >> >> >>> On 15/06/2018 09:13, John wrote: >>> Paul, >>> >>> It's a Model B KR500 I would say. The very last version of the KR5600 >>> (the KR5600B set) had limit switches and capacitors inside the motors. >>> >>> As for how to proceed, you have two options. Firstly pull the limit >>> switch mechanism out and rely on the controller's start capacitor, or >>> secondly pull the start capacitor from the controller and use the >>> rotor limit switches and capacitor. As far as I can tell from the >>> in-depth dismantling I've done of a couple of these, either should >>> work, but having both would effectively render the limit switches >>> redundant, and probably play some kind of havoc further down the line. >>> >>> What I'd recommend personally is that you start by checking the >>> wiring config on the back of the screw block - this will have an >>> effect on what you do later. There was some weird wiring in one of >>> the rotor units I bought, and it ended up with pins being shorted >>> together inside the connector block and made everything weird. I made >>> the decision with that one to return it to 'A' spec as I couldn't be >>> sure what else had been done. If yours is similar that's the approach I would take. >>> >>> If, however, the inside wiring on the motor unit is sensible and >>> sane, and matches spec, then I'd probably go for keeping the limit >>> switches installed, as otherwise your only limiting is a mechanical >>> stop, and if you hit that and don't realise, but keep sending current >>> up the cable, you'll inevitably burn out your motor windings after a while. >>> Not such a fun job to fix (dismantling the motor housing is at least >>> an hour's work on its own), although easy enough to do with patience. >>> >>> Feel free to ping me off list if you want to chat about it further! >>> >>> 73, and a firm left handshake, >>> John (2E0XLX) >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org> On Behalf Of Paul >>> Sent: 14 June 2018 18:18 >>> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Another KR500 thread, maybe. >>> >>> Hi all >>> I recently won a Kenpro KR500 rotor on Ebay for the princely sum of a quid. >>> The alleged history was it was purchased, had antennas attached but >>> was never wired or used and this I can believe because the connector >>> block looks untouched. It was however left on its side in the garden >>> so looks pristine but has suffered water ingress. I started to strip >>> it down today and of course the eight M6 Phillips heads put up quite >>> a fight but I attacked it with fire and it is now apart. >>> >>> Having opened it up I'm now slightly confused as to what model rotor >>> I actually have. It has the eight screw terminal block, the casing is >>> stamped Kenpro but internally it has the limit switches and a capacitor. >>> >>> The controller I intend using is an old Kenpro KR400 model and I >>> assume has the 70uF cap across the switches. Do I leave this in place >>> to use it with my rotor or should I remove it, or remove the cap in the rotor? >>> >>> Paul G7PUV >>> Sussex Coast. JO00 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >> >> > > -- > Paul > Sussex Coast. JO00 > > Icom IC-R8500, Airspy & RTL 820 SDR. > HS Publications D100 TV-DX receiver. > Sony XDR F1HD and XDR-GTK interface. > Sony 920, RDS Spy, CCW Multicoupler. > W4KMA 24-100MHz custom Log Periodic. > Wellbrook ALA1530AL1 active HF loop. > Triax MTH-13 BIII, Korner 15ele BII. > 1.8M Precision dish, C-Band 66E-58W. > 1.2M Gibertini dish, KuBand 70E-63W. > 2.4M FortecStar dish C-Band 49E-58W. > > http://www.ukdx.org.uk > www.youtube.com/Aceblaggard > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2018 17:23:27 -0700 > From: "Rick Tejera" <SaguaroAstro(a)cox.net> > To: <k6vug(a)sbcglobal.net>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 reinstall issue > Message-ID: <002e01d405d1$6a4b23c0$3ee16b40$(a)cox.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Umesh and everyone else who offered suggestions, All is well, it looks like it was a corrupted file. > > I reinstalled and then copied my know good files from my desktop into the laptop files and everything works. YEAH! > > Thanks again, hope to work you on field day. > > Rick Tejera (K7TEJ) > Saguaro Astronomy Club > www.saguaroastro.org > Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club > www.W7TBC.org > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org> On Behalf Of k6vug(a)sbcglobal.net > Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2018 3:14 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 reinstall issue > > Hi Rick, > Been there done that, so may I suggest a couple of things to reduce your work and speed things up... > So, do as Alan has said, then sort the SatPC32_DataBackup folder by Date Descending. You should see only a few files/folders would have recent timestamps. Only focus those files/folders, this will save you lot of time and frustration. Also before copying over the newer files (one buy one), rename the original files as .ORIG, or .SAVE, so you can bounce back quickly from any problematic file. > > Just a thought, hope it helps. > > > 73!UmeshK6VUG > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2018 07:04:39 -0500 > From: "Alan" <wa4sca(a)gmail.com> > To: "'Richard Tejera'" <Saguaroastro(a)cox.net>, "'AMSAT'" > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 reinstall issue > Message-ID: <000a01d404a1$0a12d880$1e388980$(a)gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Try running the new version without reinstalling your old data. If that works, you can incrementally restore the old data manually and find the problem. > > 73, > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > <-----Original Message----- > <From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of <Richard Tejera > <Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 21:19 PM > <To: 'AMSAT' <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > <Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 reinstall issue < <Anyone??? Still can't get Satpc32 to run properly < <Rick Tejera K7TEJ <Saguaro Astronomy Club <www.SaguaroAstro.org <Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club <www.w7tbc.org < <On June 11, 2018, at 18:50, Rick Tejera <SaguaroAstro(a)cox.net> wrote: > < > <All, > < > <I recently (today) had to reinstall SATPC32. I was getting the following <error on start up: Ungultiges argument zum Codeieren des Datms. If I clicked <OK the program would open, but with a blank window. Move on if I try to <open <the Satellite menu, the following error popped up: . > < > <So Anyway, I save my data, uninstalled, and reloaded (Upgrading while I was <at it), restored my data. Same thing is happening. > < > <Any Ideas? I'd like to get things running by Field day. > < > <TIA > < > <Rick Tejera (K7TEJ) > <Saguaro Astronomy Club > <www.saguaroastro.org <http://www.saguaroastro.org> <Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club <www.W7TBC.org <http://www.W7TBC.org> < > ***************************************** > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2018 21:21:26 -0400 > From: Lee McLamb <kt4tz(a)cfl.rr.com> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-168 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins > Message-ID: <300cded2-a32c-099b-b4dc-25d74cbd29d2(a)cfl.rr.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > AMSAT NEWS SERVICE > ANS-168 > > 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: > > * AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites > * CAMSAT Details on Three Satellites and an HF Transponder > * 3A Monaco Activation on FM Satellites in July > * ARISS Ham Video Transmitter Aboard ISS Defective > * Call for Volunteers, ANS Seeks Rotating Editors > > SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-168.01 > ANS-168 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins > > AMSAT News Service Bulletin 168.01 > ?From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. > DATE June 17, 2018 > To All RADIO AMATEURS > BID: $ANS-168.01 > > > AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites > > It?s that time of year again; summer and Field Day! Each year the > American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as a ?picnic, > a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most > of all, FUN!? > > The event takes place during a 23-hour period on the fourth weekend > of June. For 2018 the event takes place during a 27-hour period from > 1800 UTC on Saturday, June 23, 2018 through 2100 UTC on Sunday, > June 24, 2018. > > Those who set up prior to 1800 UTC on June 23 can operate only 24 > hours. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes > its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur sat- > ellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event. > > This year should be easier than many years since we have more than > 10 transponders and repeaters available. Users should check the > AMSAT status page at http://www.amsat.org/status/ and the pages > at http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=177 for what is available in > the weeks leading up to field day. > > To reduce the amount of time to research each satellite, see the > current FM satellite table at http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=5012 > and the current linear satellite table at > http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=5033 > > If you are considering ONLY the FM voice satellites, there are > SO-50, AO-85, AO-91, and AO-92. It might be easier this year to > make that one FM contact for the ARRL bonus points with so many > FM birds. The congestion on FM LEO satellites is always so intense > that we must continue to limit their use to one-QSO-per-FM-satellite. > This includes the International Space Station. You will be allowed > one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice. > > AO-92 may be in L/v for the first part of the event, depending on > command station availability. Keep an eye on @AMSAT on Twitter for > expected L/v mode change times. > > The full set of rules are posted at: > https://www.amsat.org/field-day/ > > [ANS thanks AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, > ? for the above information] > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > CAMSAT Details on Three Satellites and an HF Transponder > > CAMSAT, China?s Amateur Radio Satellite organization, has offered > additional details about the three Amateur Radio satellites it > plans to launch later this year. Two of the satellites, designated > CAS-5A and CAS-6, will carry transponders, and one of them will > offer HF capability. CAMSAT?s Alan Kung, BA1DU, told ARRL that > the 6U CAS-5A will carry two HF transponders and two V/UHF trans- > ponders. The plentiful equipment package includes an H/T (21/29 MHz) > mode linear transponder, an H/U (21/435 MHz) mode linear transponder, > ?an HF CW telemetry beacon, a V/U linear transponder, a V/U FM trans- > ?ponder, a UHF CW telemetry beacon, and UHF AX.25 4.8k/9.6k baud GMSK > ?telemetry. > > + The H/T mode linear transponder will have a 30 kHz wide uplink centered > ? on 21.400 MHz, and a downlink centered on 29.490 MHz. RF output is > 0.5 W. > > + An HF CW telemetry beacon will transmit on 29.465 MHz with 0.1 W. > > + The H/U mode linear transponder will have a 15 kHz wide uplink centered > ? on 21.435 MHz, and a downlink centered on 435.505 MHz. The RF output is > ? 0.5 W. > > + The V/U mode linear transponder will have a 30 kHz wide uplink at > ? 145.820 MHz, and a downlink at 435.540 MHz. The RF output is 0.5 W. > > + The V/U mode FM transponder will uplink at 145.925 MHz, and downlink > ? at 435.600 MHz. The transponder passband is 15 kHz, and the RF output > ? is 0.5 W. > > + The UHF CW telemetry beacon will transmit on 435.570 MHz, with an RF > ? output of 0.1 W. > > + UHF AX.25 4.8k/9.6k baud GMSK telemetry will transmit on 435.650 MHz > ? at 0.5 W. > > Kung told ARRL that the HF, VHF, and UHF antennas are quarter-wave > monopoles. > > A satellite within a satellite, the tiny CAS-5B, weighing 0.5 kilogram, > will be deployed from CAS-5A in orbit. It will carry a UHF CW beacon on > an Amateur Radio frequency. Both CAS-5A and CAS-5B will be placed into > 539 ? 533 kilometer, 97.5? orbits. They will launch from the Jiuquan > Satellite Launch Center in late September. > > The 50-kilogram CAS-6 microsat will include a VHF CW telemetry beacon, > a U/V mode 20 kHz linear Amateur Radio transponder, and AX.25 4.8k baud > GMSK telemetry. It will also carry an atmospheric wind detector and > other systems that will operate on non-amateur frequencies. > > A launch at sea on an as-yet undetermined date is planned for CAS-6 > from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The microsat will > be placed into a 579 ? 579 kilometer, 45? orbit. > > [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > 3A Monaco Activation on FM Satellites in July > > F4DXV plans FM satellite operation from 3A Monaco (JN33) on > Monday 02 July ~08:30z to 13z only during a quick break from > his trip to Italy. Jerome says, "Due to a bad horizon (mountains, > buildings), I could be only QRV for EU on high FM orbits." > > [ANS thanks Daily DX for the above information] > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > ARISS Ham Video Transmitter Aboard ISS Defective > > Gaston Bertels, ON4WF has provided an update regarding the condition > of the ARISS HamTV system aboard the ISS. > > In mid-April, the Ham Video transmitter on board the Columbus module > of the ISS stopped working. Extensive testing was performed by the > crew on June 1, 2018 which comprised connecting the transmitter to > the second ARISS L/S-band patch antenna on the nadir of Columbus. > The test was negative. Ground stations did not receive any signal > from Ham Video. > > Since on-board repair is impossible ARISS is planning to return the > transmitter to Earth. Bertels wrote, "We hope this plan will be accepted > by the space agencies and the cost of operations funded by sponsors. > Schools and crew members performing educational ARISS school contacts are > delighted to use Ham Video. We will do the best we can to restart this > service as soon as possible. We will keep you informed on progress." > > Additional information about the HamTV project can be found on-line at: > https://www.amsat-on.be/ > > [ANS thanks Gaston Bertels, ON4WF and ARISS HamTV for the above > information] > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > Call for Volunteers, ANS Seeks Rotating Editors > > The AMSAT News Service (ANS) is seeking volunteers to serve as > rotating editors for its weekly newsletter. > > Editors work on a rotating schedule, each taking a different turn > editing a specific week's newsletter as scheduled by the ANS Editor > in Chief. Editors support each other by seeking and reporting to the > Editor of the week, information and resources of interest to the > AMSAT community. The number of newsletters assigned will be dependent > upon the number of available editors at any given time. The average > editor can expect to spend, on average, 4-5 hours for each newsletter, > dependent on available material. Prospective editors are required to > be AMSAT members in good standing and have a genuine interest in > satellite operation and an understanding of AMSAT's mission. Former > editing experience is a plus but not required. > > If interested, please submit an inquiry, including your contact > information to ans-editor(a)amsat.com. > > [ANS thanks the ANS editors 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, > Lee McLamb, KT4TZ > kt4tz at amsat dot org > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 09:49:53 +0800 (CST) > From: ??? <wmc_jx(a)163.com> > To: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] DSLWP-B UHF Test Plan for Next Week > Message-ID: <4ea1d43a.12c9.1640b6f3011.Coremail.wmc_jx(a)163.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=GBK > > Hi OMs, > > > The following tests of DSLWP-B UHF are planned: > > > 19 Jun 08:25 UTC to 19 Jun 10:25 UTC > 22 Jun 21:00 UTC to 22 Jun 23:00 UTC > 23 Jun 11:00 UTC to 23 Jun 13:00 UTC > 23 Jun 22:00 UTC to 24 Jun 00:00 UTC > 24 Jun 12:00 UTC to 24 Jun 14:00 UTC > > > VY TNX & 73! > > > Wei > > > > -- > > WEI Mingchuan > > > Research Center of Satellite Technology > Harbin Institute of Technology > mobile: +86-189-4501-5242 > e-mail: wmc_jx(a)163.com; bg2bhc(a)gmail.com > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 01:51:30 +0000 (UTC) > From: "k6vug(a)sbcglobal.net" <k6vug(a)sbcglobal.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] APRS FD method > Message-ID: <592178937.1509740.1529200290366(a)mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Hi, > I can't believe I'm jumping on a discussion by THE experts - Bob, Patrick and others. > > I must confess that I have sometimes used MHEARD to ACK several callsigns all at once, with very limited success. Since this was an impromptu approach, the other stations had no idea that I was trying to save air time.? ( sorry the idea using a beacon as a CQ/ACK never occurred but is quite interesting ) > > Secondly, I have used UISS with ACK enabled only because I had a non-optimal TX antenna and wanted a "physical layer ACK", to ensure my packets were being heard at the bird.? The good thing is that once I got this, I was essentially off the air waiting for a response to my CQ or QSO ACK.?? I did however set the path to satellite callsign only.? > > Thirdly, I'll be using a portable setup with laptop et al - SatPC32, SDRsharp (as RX), IC7000 (as TX), and a logging program.? > > Lastly, this is my AHHA moment - now I know how I get QSO ACKs from Patrick so fast, while I have to struggle with UISS screen to send my QSO ACK. > Most enlightening discussion !? > > > 73!? > Umesh, K6VUG > > > ------------------------------ > Message: 9 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 00:05:46 +0000 (UTC) > From: Ryan Noguchi <ai6do(a)yahoo.com> > To: AMSAT <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] APRS FD method > Message-ID: <2021625973.717858.1529193946171(a)mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >> I am not sure your approach would meet the definition of a >> complete QSO. Station A makes a general CQ call, and station>B would simply list your call as a QSL in the status text. >> Then how does station A acknowledge station B's QSL - adding >> B's call sign to the status text from A? > > Yes, that's correct. The CONOPS that Bob WB4APR has outlined is sufficient to qualify as a QSO. Both parties have sent their call and exchange, received same from the other party, and have mutually acknowledged receipt. Both A and B are calling CQ in each beacon they transmit. They simply append the calls of the stations they are "answering" at the same time that they call CQ themselves.? > > The elegance of the concept is that all communications are beacons--with everyone calling CQ and answering other CQers at the same time--rather than point-to-point messages. It's a very efficient use of the limited resource.?I like the idea in principle. > >> Add in the time of having to edit the status text on the?>APRS-ready radios, and it gets messy fast. > > This is my second biggest concern with the concept, especially for those of us who will not be at a computer terminal. I tend to agree that this may be cumbersome to implement on just an HT, but I'll try it out to see how it compares.? > > What I think is a more fatal flaw is that this just isn't the way we do things the other 363 days of the year. It isn't just a matter of "saying something different" on Field Day. This is a fundamentally different way to make QSOs than we do on packet satellites every other day but Field Day, which is not a recipe for success. It's a classic game theory problem. If I'm the only one following this protocol, I won't be making any QSOs.? > > Has anyone in recent history successfully made an APRS Field Day QSO in the manner that Bob describes? > > 73, Ryan AI6DO > > ------------------------------ > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2018 23:01:15 -0400 > From: <n4csitwo(a)bellsouth.net> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, <ariss-press(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS contact with Tehnicka skola > Zajecar, Zajecar, Serbia > Message-ID: <FC93E5F5AA5B4FD1AEA88BEF5401C65A@DHJ> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Tehnicka skola Zajecar, Zajecar, Serbia on 19 June. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 14:20 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between YU1ACR and OR4ISS. The contact should be audible over Serbia 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. > > > > > > Technical school from Zaje?ar is a secondary vocational school in Eastern Serbia. The school includes educational profiles in the fields of electrical engineering, transport, mechanical engineering and information technology. For years, the school has been involved in various reform projects secondary vocational education, which resulted in the introduction of new experimental educational profiles mechatronics and information technologies. > > > > An important segment in the school is non-formal education and work in the sections. In the field of robotics, our students record excellent results at national competitions. In 2017, the school launched a state-level "ARDUINO KUP" competition where students displayed their skills in the field of microcontrollers. The competition was organized in 2018, and we hope that the competition will soon take on an international character. > > > > > > > > Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: > > > > 1. Do you play any sport on the ISS? > > 2. How much do you sleep? > > 3. How many days you can spend on the ISS in a row? > > 4. How do you feel when you return from ISS to the Earth? > > 5. Does everyone sleep at the same time? > > 6. Do you eat only prepared food or you can cook something? > > 7. How often are you in contact with your family on Earth? > > 8. What was your most interesting experience on ISS? > > 9. Can you have any allergic reactions on ISS? > > 10. How to go to the toilet on ISS? > > 11. How many work hours do you have a day? > > 12. Did you ever get sick during your stay at the ISS? > > 13. Are you sweating during your stay at the ISS? > > 14. What fun activities do you do in space? > > 15. Do you wear ordinary or special clothes? > > 16. What is the experience when during the spacewalk? > > 17. What do you miss the most during your stay at the ISS? > > 18. Does the ISS make noise? > > > > > > 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 > informa > tion, 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 > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 02:04:39 -0400 > From: "Eric Rosenberg" <ericrosenberg.dc(a)gmail.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] FS: Angle Linear BT2N Bias Tees > Message-ID: <006d01d40601$143e05d0$3cba1170$(a)gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Never used commercial grade high performance bias tees. > > > > $75.00 plus shipping from 20015. > > > > PayPal accepted > > > > 73, > > Eric W3DQ > > Washington, DC > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 07:42:53 -0500 > From: "Dave Tipton, W5DMT" <dave(a)w5dmt.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] HRD Satellite Tracking Question > Message-ID: <024c01d40638$b62c2a70$22847f50$(a)w5dmt.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > I was trying to setup HRD last night, and the strangest thing. When I go > into options, to put in my grid square, it is grayed out. It shows me in > the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. > > > > To make it even stranger, it says (grayed out again) that I'm in EM65. > > > > Loaded it on the laptop we're planning to use for field day next weekend, > and it was the same. > > > > What am I missing here? I did set up myself in the observers section, but > that didn't seem to change anything either. > > > > Thanks, > Dave > > > > Dave Tipton, W5DMT > > > > (615) 689-0685 > > <mailto:[email protected]> dave(a)w5dmt.com > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2018 08:47:36 -0700 > From: Frank <k6fw1(a)verizon.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, dave(a)w5dmt.com > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HRD Satellite Tracking Question > Message-ID: <795333e0-9f4e-2916-7ff6-c04275ea27f9(a)verizon.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > Dave, > > You will need to set your grid in either the HRD Logbook or DM780 > terminal programs.? Your grid is set under the "My Station" section.? Go > to "Tools" pull down menu bar in DM780 select "My Station" or in Logbook > go to "Tools" menu bar them "Configure" and then "My Station" > > 73, > Frank > K6FW > >> On 6/17/18 5:42 AM, Dave Tipton, W5DMT wrote: >> I was trying to setup HRD last night, and the strangest thing. When I go >> into options, to put in my grid square, it is grayed out. It shows me in >> the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. >> >> >> >> To make it even stranger, it says (grayed out again) that I'm in EM65. >> >> >> >> Loaded it on the laptop we're planning to use for field day next weekend, >> and it was the same. >> >> >> >> What am I missing here? I did set up myself in the observers section, but >> that didn't seem to change anything either. >> >> >> >> Thanks, >> Dave >> >> >> >> Dave Tipton, W5DMT >> >> >> >> (615) 689-0685 >> >> <mailto:[email protected]> dave(a)w5dmt.com >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > 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 member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > ------------------------------ > > End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 13, Issue 210 > *****************************************

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WMPLOTA 7/2 Michigan Rove
by Andrew Northam 17 Jun '18

17 Jun '18

Calling all WMPLOTA shoppers, big discounts on Michigan grids by KE8FZT, at the WMPLOTA encore event! You heard it on Ham Talk Live, July 2nd, World UFO Day and the Birthday of Walmart. EN74,EN84,EN75,EN85 are going quick, get them while they last! Now featuring the linear birds in a brand new VUCC circle!!! This is only a 24 hour sale, be there or be grid squared, July 2nd UTC! Tentative Schedule: The Encore: Sunday Night 1. EN74 Cadillac WM1432 7/2 0000z-0045z 2. EN74 Houghton Lake WM2014 0200z-0245z The Hangover: Monday Morning 3. EN74 West Branch WM5159 1200z-1230z 4. EN84 Tawas WM5376 1315z-1515z 5. EN85 Alpena WM2358 1630z-1830z 6. EN75 Gaylord WM1542 1950z-2040z 7. EN75 Petoskey WM2417 2120z-2210z 8. EN75 Cheboygan WM2100 2300z-2400z The After Party: Tuesday (A non-WMPLOTA event) -EN75 holiday style Individual passes will be determined as we get closer, more time will be spent in Tawas and Alpena, as there is only 1 WM in the grid. Follow me on twitter @andrewbnortham or http://twitter.com/andrewbnortham for up to the minute pass information, feel free to unfollow me on 7/3, DM to get on my hit list. I will try and work a minimum of 1 FM and 1 Linear bird from each location. AO 85/91/92, SO-50, FO-29, XW's, AO-7 and FalconSat-3 all planned. All the Walmarts in that regions, along with my campsite on 7/2 fall into a VUCC circle I am hoping to make a big dent in. If there is room on the birds, please work me. --Andrew/KE8FZT andrewbnortham(a)gmail.com http://twitter.com/andrewbnortham

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