April 2019 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

LVB Tracker
by Paul Overn 14 Apr '19

14 Apr '19

Guys, I have a Yeasu 5500, an LVB tracker and SatPC32. I have the rotator hooked up the the G-5500 controller. How do I hook up the LVB to the computer and then configure SatPC32 to use it. I do not see LVB as an option in the drop down for the Rotor interface / controller on the rotor config page. If anyone has link on the basics for this, please let me know. Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>

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Max Valier malfunction
by Hans BX2ABT 14 Apr '19

14 Apr '19

It seems the Max Valier beacon is malfunctioning. On 145.960 only a very strong continuous carrier (30 dB above noise level) can be seen and heard, but no more CW ID + message. A pity, because it was my go-to beacon to check if my 2 meter antenna contraptions were at least working a bit. Luckily I have the QSL card in my collection already. 73 de Hans BX2ABT

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Upcoming ARISS contact with École internationale de Saint-Sacrement, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 14 Apr '19

14 Apr '19

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at École internationale de Saint-Sacrement, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on 17 Apr. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:55 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and VE2GHO. The contact should be audible over Quebec City, Canada and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in French. L'École internationale de Saint-Sacrement est située dans la ville de Québec et offre le Programme Primaire (PP) du Baccalauréat International (BI) à tous ses élèves, du préscolaire à la 6e année. Elle compte un peu plus de 325 élèves répartis dans 16 classes. À chaque année, chaque degré, de la maternelle à la sixième année, explore un aspect scientifique différent. Les élèves de maternelle « vivent » un module sur l'espace qui leur permet de comprendre le système solaire, et ceux de 4e année explorent la vie dans la station spatiale internationale. translated: L'École internationale de Saint-Sacrement is located in historic Quebec City and offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) to all of its students, from Kindergarten to Grade 6. There are around 325 students in 16 classes in the school. Every year, each grade, from Kindergarten to Grade 6, explores a different scientific aspect. The Kindergarten students do a space module that allows them to understand our solar system and the Grade 4 students learn about life on the International Space Station in their module. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Qu'est-ce qui vous a donné le goût de devenir astronaute? 2. Comment faites-vous pour vous déplacer dans la station spatiale? 3. Comment contrôlez-vous le bras canadien? 4. Est-ce qu'on peut voir la pollution qu'il y a sur la Terre à partir de la SSI? 5. Est-ce que vous communiquez souvent avec votre famille? 6. Qu'est-ce que vous aimez le plus depuis votre arrivée dans l'espace? 7. Puisque le goût est atténué dans l'espace, à quel point épicez-vous votre nourriture? 8. Comment faites-vous pour savoir si c'est le jour ou la nuit étant donné que vous faites le tour de la Terre environ 16 fois par jour? 9. Au décollage, est-ce que c'était difficile de supporter la force G? 10. Aimez-vous la sensation d'être dans l'espace? 11. Comment faites-vous pour faire du sport dans la SSI? 12. Quels sont vos passe-temps dans vos temps libres? 13. Quelles sont vos responsabilités dans la SSI? 14. Quel est votre repas préféré dans la SSI? 15. Pouvez-vous avoir mal au coeur dans la SSI? 16. Quels sont les changements sur le corps dans l'espace? 17. Pourquoi vous ne portez pas de casque dans la station? 18. Comment on s'habitue à notre première journée dans l'espace? 19. Comment faites-vous pour travailler dans les différents modules de la SSI sans vous sentir coincés? 20. Puisque plusieurs astronautes parlent différentes langues dans la SSI, de quelle façon communiquez-vous ensemble? 21. Est-ce que les tâches que vous faites dans la SSI demandent beaucoup de force? 22. Avez-vous accès à Internet et aux médias depuis l'espace? 23. Pourquoi les hommes veulent-ils aller dans l'espace? 24. Est-ce que vous croyez qu'on est seuls dans l'Univers? translated: 1. What made you want to be an astronaut? 2. How do you get around in the space station? 3. How do you control the Canadian arm? 4. Can you see the pollution on Earth from the ISS? 5. Do you communicate often with your family? 6. What have you enjoyed the most since you have been in space? 7. Since you can't taste as well in space, how much do you have to spice up your food? 8. How do you know if it is day or night since you go around the earth around 16 times a day? 9. On take-off, was it difficult to endure the G-force? 10. Do you enjoy the feeling of being in space? 11. How do you get to play sports in the ISS? 12. What are your pastimes in your free times? 13. What are your duties in the ISS? 14. What is your favorite meal on the ISS? 15. Can you get "car sick" in the ISS? 16. What are some of the changes on the body for being in space? 17. How come you are not wearing a helmet in the station? 18. How do you get comfortable on your first day in space? 19. How do you work in the different sections of the ISS without feeling claustrophobic? 20. Since many astronauts speak different languages on the ISS, how do you communicate together? 21. Are the tasks that you have to do in the ISS require a lot of strength? 22. Do you have access to internet and the media in space? 23. Why do humans want to go into space? 24. Do you think that we are alone in the universe? 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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Es'hail-2 / QO-100 Talks Streamed Live Today
by M5AKA 14 Apr '19

14 Apr '19

Talks at today's Martlesham Microwave Round Table #MMRT are being streamed live on the web. They includes talks on the Es'hail-2 / QO-100 geostationary satellite. 1245 GMT (1345 BST) David Bowman G0MRF "Equipment for Es’Hail-2 narrowband" 1330 GMT (1430 BST) Noel Matthews G8GTZ "DATV on Es’hail-2" Talk schedule is at http://mmrt.homedns.org/index.php/programme/ Watch live Now at https://batc.org.uk/live/mmrt Trevor M5AKA ---- AMSAT-UK http://amsat-uk.org/ Twitter https://twitter.com/AmsatUK Facebook https://facebook.com/AmsatUK YouTube https://youtube.com/AmsatUK ----

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ANS-104 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-104 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information 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://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 dot org. In this edition: * TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Speaker Announced * Seats Still Available for AMSAT Academy * AMSAT Activities at Hamvention 2019 * N8HM to Appear on Ham Talk Live April 18th * Last Chance to Bid in ARISS Auction * ARISS SSTV Event Continues Through 18:00 UTC April 14th * Diwata-2 Designated Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101) * March/April 2019 Edition of Apogee View Posted * How to Support AMSAT * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Satellite Shorts from All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-104.01 ANS-104 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 104.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. April 14, 2019 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-104.01 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT relies on your donations to Keep Amateur Radio in Space Please consider a one-time or recurring donation today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Speaker Announced TAPR has announced that the after-dinner speaker at this year's TAPR/AMSAT Banquet on Friday, May 17th will be Dr. P. J. Erickson, W1PJE, from the MIT Haystack Observatory. Dr. Erickson will will give a presentation entitled “New Frontiers in Human Understanding of Geospace: Radio Explorations of Near-Earth Space from Top to Bottom Through Joint Amateur – Scientist Partnerships.” Tickets for the 2019 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet are $40 and can be purchased at https://www.amsat.org/p…/tapramsat-joint-hamvention-banquet/ Tickets must be purchased by 18:00 EDT / 22:00 UTC on May 14th. [ANS thanks TAPR for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Seats Still Available for AMSAT Academy Come join us the day before Hamvention for AMSAT Academy – a unique opportunity to learn all about amateur radio in space and working the FM, linear transponder, and digital satellites currently in orbit. AMSAT Academy will be held Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, at the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) Clubhouse, located at 6619 Bellefontaine Rd, Dayton, Ohio. Registration Fee includes: +Full day of instruction, designed for both beginners and advanced amateur radio satellite operators, and taught by some of the most accomplished AMSAT operators. +Digital copy of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites, 2019 Edition ($15 value) +One-Year, AMSAT Basic Membership ($44 value) +Pizza Buffet Lunch +Invitation to the Thursday night AMSAT get together at Ticket Pub and Eatery in Fairborn AMSAT Academy 2019 Registration Fee: $85.00. Registration closes May 10, 2019. No sign ups at the door. No refunds, No cancellations. Registration may be purchased on the AMSAT Store. https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-academy-registration/ [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Activities at Hamvention 2019 For a complete list of AMSAT activities at the 2019 Hamvention, see www.amsat.org/other-events/amsat-activities-at-hamvention-2019/ Below, two of these activities are highlighted: AMSAT Forum, Forum Room 2 Saturday, 18 May 2019, 12:10 – 13:40 EDT Moderated by Robert Bankston KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President–User Services AMSAT Status Report – Joseph Spier, K6WAO, AMSAT President, will high- light recent activities within AMSAT and discuss some of our challenges, accomplishments, projects, and any late breaking news. AMSAT Engineering – Jerry Buxton, N0JY, AMSAT Vice President– Engineering, will talk about the Fox-1 and Golf (Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint) Projects. AMSAT Education – Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President– Educational Relations will introduce the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator. AMSAT User Services – Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President– User Services, will discuss AMSAT’s 50th Anniversary Operating Event and the new AMSAT Ambassadors Program. Amateur Satellite Demonstrations Outside Main Entrance – Maxim Hall (Building 1) Friday, Saturday, Sunday 16 – 19 May 2019, 08:00 – 16:30 EDT Amateur Satellite operation demonstrations will be held outside the main Maxim Hall (Building 1 or E1) entrance. Every day, AMSAT will be demonstrating actual contacts with the operational amateur satellites. We especially want to invite youth to make a contact via an amateur satellite. All are invited to observe, participate and ask questions. Satellite pass times will be posted at the AMSAT booth (1007-1010 & 1107-1110) and in the demo area. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- N8HM to Appear on Ham Talk Live April 18th It's almost time for the Dayton Hamvention! Be sure to tune in at HamTalkLive.com for a preview each week until Hamvention! On Thursday, April 18th, AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, will appear on the show to discuss the AMSAT Academy and the other exciting activities AMSAT has planned for the 2019 Hamvention. Ham Talk Live! is live every Thursday night at 9 pm EDT, and on your favorite podcast app or on demand at HamTalkLive.com. And, HTL! is rebroadcast on Saturdays on WTWW 5085 AM at about 6:30 pm EDT. [ANS thanks Ham Talk Live for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2019 marks AMSAT’s 50th Anniversary of Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. To help celebrate, we are sponsoring the AMSAT 50th Anniversary Awards Program. Full details are available at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-50th-anniversary-awards-program/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Chance to Bid in ARISS Auction Bidding continues in the ARISS Auction! Bidders are moving fast hoping to garner a special astronaut signed brand new JVC Kenwood TS-890S! Visit http://www.ebay.com/itm/323770952171 to bid on the TS-890S. Bidding ends at 13:22 UTC on Monday, April 15th. A special astronaut signed 6-volume boxed set 2019 ARRL Handbook is also up for bid. Visit http://www.ebay.com/itm/323770952890 to bid on the ARRL Hand- book. Bidding ends at 13:23 UTC on Monday, April 15th. Thanks to JVC Kenwood and ARRL, proceeds from the on-line auction will benefit ARISS in its quest to launch a new custom-built higher- power radio system in late 2019 with its voice repeater and improved packet APRS and SSTV capability that thousands of hams can enjoy. The new system will replace the aging, problematic units currently on the ISS. ARISS also needs funding to keep introducing ham radio to thousands of students, teachers, parents, and whole communities — and inspiring students about STEM and radio. Kenwood has been a super supporter of ARISS for years, and it was the company’s idea for this special radio to be an exclusive for one ham to own. The limited edition boxed set 2019 ARRL Handbook sold out fast last fall but ARRL saved one set for ARISS's fundraiser. AMSAT, ARISS's sponsoring 501(c)(3) corporation, provided the auction infrastructure. If auctions aren't your thing, please consider a one-time or recurring donation to ARISS at https://www.amsat.org/donations/ariss-donations/ [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ CLOSEOUT 2018 Symposium Proceedings and Getting Started Guides, now $15 + Shipping on the AMSAT Store while supplies last. https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-books-and-dvds/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS SSTV Event Continues Through 18:00 UTC April 14th In commemoration of human spaceflight, the ISS is currently transmitting SSTV pictures in PD-120 format. The event is scheduled to continue until 18:00 UTC on April 14th. The downlink frequency is 145.800 MHz FM. Any standard SSTV program for computers or smartphones should be able to decode the PD-120 transmissions. Participants may share their received pictures at https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php Participants may also receive a special award for participating. See https://ariss.pzk.org.pl/sstv/ for details. [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Diwata-2 Designated Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101) On October 29, 2018, the Diwata-2 microsatellite was launched on a H-IIA launch vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center, Tanegashima, Japan. Diwata-2 was developed by the University of the Philippines Dillman (UPD) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ASTI) under the PHL- Microsat program (now succeeded by the STAMINA4Space program), and in cooperation with Tohoku University and Hokkaido University. The project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). The satellite carries an amateur radio payload that has been tested and is now ready for service. At the request of the STAMINA4Space program, AMSAT hereby designates Diwata-2 as Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101). We congratulate the owners and operators of PO-101, thank them for their contribution to the amateur satellite community, and wish them continued success on this and future projects. 73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator PO-101 frequency information can be found at at https://www.amsat.org/fm-satellite-frequency-summary/ Stay tuned to ANS and the AMSAT-BB for operational information. [ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Purchase AMSAT Gear on our Zazzle storefront. 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- March/April 2019 Edition of Apogee View Posted The March/April 2019 edition of Apogee View, a comprehensive update on AMSAT's activities from AMSAT President Joe Spier, K6WAO, has been posted to the AMSAT website. https://www.amsat.org/apogeeview/ [ANS thanks AMSAT the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT and ARISS are currently supporting a FundRazr campaign to raise $150,000 for critical radio infrastructure upgrades on ISS. The upgrades are necessary to enable students to continue to talk to astronauts in space via Amateur Radio. We have reached a great milestone with $24,045 raised or about 16% towards our goal. This would not have been possible without your outstanding generosity!! For more information and to DONATE TODAY visit: https://fundrazr.com/arissnextgen?ref=ab_e7Htwa_ab_47IcJ9 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Support AMSAT AMSAT relies on the support of our members and the amateur radio community to Keep Amateur Radio in Space. How can you help? *Join AMSAT Both you and AMSAT will benefit when you join. You get the AMSAT Journal bimonthly and support from AMSAT Ambassadors. Member dues and donations provide AMSAT’s primary support. Join today at https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-membership/ *Become a Life Member Becoming a Life Member has never been easier. Now you can become a Life Member with 12 monthly payments of $74 through our online store. See https://www.amsat.org/product/lifetime-membership/ for details. *Donate to AMSAT Make a one time or recurring donation to AMSAT today. Even as little as one dollar a month can make a difference! Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ *Purchase AMSAT gear on our Zazzle storefront. AMSAT receives 25% of the price of each sale on AMSAT logo merchandise from our Zazzle storefront located at https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear *Volunteer for AMSAT AMSAT relies on volunteers for nearly all of our activities. If you have an idea for how to help, please let us know, Details on volunteering can be found at https://www.amsat.org/volunteer-for-amsat/ [ANS thanks the AMSAT office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations +Utah (DM48, DM58) – April 14-19, 2019 Bob, N6REK, will be roving in Utah from April 13 to the 19th. He plans to be on from DM58 from April 14-17, and then DM48 from April 17-19. Bob will be FM satellites only, using the call sign N6REK/7, and he will post the specific passes on the amsat-bb when we get closer to those dates. +Liechtenstein (JN47) – April 17-19, 2019 Phillippe, EA4NF, is off on another DXpedition. This time, he is heading to HB0/Lichtenstein. Phillippe will operate under the callsign HB0/EA4NF from Leichtenstein and HB9/EA4NF from Switzerland (JN47s, on both FM and SSB satellites. QSL via LoTW. Updated info & Pass announcements (Time+Frequencies) available on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EA4NF_SAT +Arizona to West Virginia – April 18-21, 2019 Chris. K7TAB, is heading towards WV April 18th to 21st, a 2200-mile sprint. The priority is to cover distance, but he’ll need to take some breaks to rotate coffee and work satellite passes. Grids along I-40 in AZ/NM/TX/OK, I-44 in OK/MO, I-70 in IL/IN/OH/PA are all fair game! FM + Linears. Chris has a nice grid map with his route posted on his Twitter feed and will post pass availability when he can. https://twitter.com/K7TABravo +Central and Northern Maine (FN53, FN54, FN55, FN56, FN57, FN65, FN66, FN67) – April 26-28, 2019 Join Matt, W1PY and Sean, KX9X as they team up for a weekend of ham radio through the Pine Tree State! Follow them as they activate the Potato Field grids of central and northern Maine for the satellite community, and hit some state parks on HF for the Parks on the Air and WWFF communities. There will also be spontaneous activations of curious roadside attractions as they roll through. Grids to be activated on satellite: FN53 – 54 – 55 – 56 – 57 – 65 – 66 – 67. A special effort will be made to activate the grid intersection of FN56-57-66-67 in the potato field north of Caribou. Detailed satellite operations schedule to be announced ASAP. For more information, check out https://t.co/2irvAUBvAu and keep an eye on Sean’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/SeanKutzko. +California (DM15) – April 27, 2019 Dave, AD7DB, will be in DM15 in the high desert town of North Edwards, CA, just outside Edwards AFB. Planned passes are AO-91, AO-92 and SO-50. More exact details on Twitter https://twitter.com/ad7db as the time approaches. +Northern Border Security Check (Minnesota to Washington) – April 29 to May 4 or 5th, 2019 Alex, N7AGF, is all set for his semiannual rover trip to activate rare and somewhat rare grids, from April 29th to May 4th or 5th (or longer depending on how things go). Alex will fly into Minneapolis and drive back to my home grid CN88, activating as many ENx8,ENx7,DNx8,and DNx7 grids as possible along the route. The hope is to hit many corners and lines. Alex will be on both linear and FM birds. As always, activations and route details will be posted to his Twitter @N7AGF at https://twitter.com/N7AGF . Alex will also be on APRS at https://aprs.fi/N7AGF-10. In areas of limited cell service, he’ll be using inReach. Email or hit Alex on twitter with grid requests, route suggestions, or hot tourist attractions in Minot. +Northeast North Dakota (EN06/EN07/EN08/EN16/EN17/EN18) – May 2-5, 2019 Mitch, AD0HJ, is heading out to the Grand Forks, ND Hamfest on May 4th , but also just goofing off for a few days in the general area. Mitch will be limited to working the FM Satellites only (SO-50, AO-91, AO-92). Plans are to work EN17/18 on May 2, EN07/08 on May 3, EN17/18 again on May 4 (day of hamfest), and then EN06/16 on May 5. A full pass schedule will be viewable on the Twitter announcement https://twitter.com/KE4ALabama/status/1116524856781230080, and up-to-date pass info on Mitch’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/AD0HJ. +Southwest South Dakota (DN83++) – May 19-23, 2019 Clayton, W5PFG, will be operating from DN83 on all FM/SSB satellites holiday-style , May 19-23. Open to schedules with EU. In the days proceeding he’ll be on from DN91 and in the days following from DN74, DN71, potentially DN70, and lastly DM99. Twitter @w5pfg +Pacific Northwest (CN85, CN83/CN84, CN76/CN86) – May 31 to June 2, 2019 Casey, KI7UNJ, will be on in CN83/84 Friday, May 31st, CN85 Saturday, June 1st, and CN76/86 Sunday, June 2nd. Pass list to come in next few weeks. +Iceland (HP95 IP15 IP25 IP03 HP03) – July 13-19, 2019 Adam, K0FFY, is taking his family (and his radios) to Iceland. Tentative schedule is HP95 July 13, IP13 and IP15 July 14-15, IP25 July 16, IP03 or HP93 July 17-18, and HP94 July 19. There’s a lot to see, so passes will be best effort and announced on Twitter shortly prior. https://twitter.com/K0FFY_Radio [ANS Thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts from All Over + FUNcube on ESEO Payload Activated On April 12th, the FUNcube on ESEO 145.895 MHz 1k2 BPSK beacon was briefly activated, confirming the functionality of the payload. The FUNcube on ESEO payload consists of a 1k2/4k8 BPSK telemetry beacon and an L/v FM repeater with an uplink of 1263.500 MHz and a downlink of 145.895 MHz. Stay tuned for further information. (ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information) + FO-99 (NEXUS) Twitter The Nihon University Ground Station twitter account (@GsNihonuniv) is now posting operational updates for FO-99 in English. Check https://twitter.com/GsNihonuniv for FO-99 operational information. + AO-85 Keplerian Elements No Longer Restricted 18 Space Control Squadron has removed the NEA status for an additional 43 objects, including AO-85. This means entities other than AMSAT, including Celestrak, may distribute the Keplerian elements for AO-85. They should appear in Celestrak's amateur.txt file shortly (ANS thanks T.S. Kelso of Celestrak for the above information) + Australian CubeSat to use 76 GHz Amateur Satellite Band An Australian CubeSat, CUAVA-1, is expcted to include a downlink on 76 GHz. Details at https://amsat-uk.org/2019/04/12/australian-cubesat-to-use-76-ghz/ (ANS thanks the IARU Satellite Coordination Panel and AMSAT-UK) + The Orbital Index The Orbital Index is a newsletter written by Andrew Cantino and Ben Lachman. We strive to keep it focused, technical, and enjoyable. Basically you should be able to read it over lunch and learn something you didn’t know before. Subscribe or check out the archives at http://orbitalindex.com/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + AD0DX Completes Satellite WAS Congratulations to AD0DX on receiving Satellite Worked All States #377. His last QSO for WAS was with N8HM in Washington, DC. For WAS, the District of Columbia counts as Maryland. (ANS thanks AD0DX and N8HM for the above information) (Editor's note - while DC is definitely not Maryland, I am happy to assist anyone who needs MD for WAS while this rule remains in place) --------------------------------------------------------------------- /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 additional 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 student rate for a maximum of six post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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Re: [amsat-bb] G5500 - replacement boom clamps?
by Roy Dean 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

> > Alas, that is not true. Yes, 99.99% of all the fasteners on a current > vehicle are metric. Modern vehicles don't use muffler clamps, aka exhaust > clamps. Well, I don't mean to get into an argument about this (and this will be my last post on the subject), but having worked for one of "the big three", I can tell you that while you are correct that "modern" vehicles don't use "muffler clamps", they didn't even back when I worked in the industry (that is irrelevant to the topic). The whole purpose of the "EXHAUST" clamp was for repairs. And they ARE available in metric sizes (although truth be told, my honest opinion is that the metric and imperial varieties are essentially the same, and expected to deform to take the shape of whatever they are being clamped on - In fact, that would probably be my first choice to pursue if I were in this situation). If you are referring to the actual nuts that do the tightening, then imperial or metric is of no concern, other than that the installer has the correct installation tool (and even then, most of the common sizes can be "faked" with the opposite systems "sorta-kinda" equivalent). --Roy K3RLD (one time brake engineer, race mechanic, racecar builder/owner/driver)

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Re: [amsat-bb] G5500 - replacement boom clamps?
by John Kludt 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

When mine failed I just ordered a new pair from Yaesu. Not that expensive all things considered and no flapping around trying to get something else to work sort of. Sent from my Verizon Motorola Smartphone On Apr 13, 2019 14:20, GEO Badger via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > Alas, that is not true. Yes, 99.99% of all the fasteners on a current vehicle are metric. Modern vehicles don't use muffler clamps, aka exhaust clamps. Those are still the realm of DIY mechanics and hot-rodders, and they are still use imperial dimensions with the threads normally USS, not SAE. > McMaster-Carr, showing the metric equivalent of the imperial size, and metric threaded clamps.https://www.mcmaster.com/muffler-clamps > > If one has any connection(s) into the metric world you can have them shipped to you. If you NEED to procure metric clamps, let Dr Google do your walking for you.--- > Ciao baby, catch you on the flip side. > GEO > > http://www.w3ab.org > > Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana. > > On Saturday, April 13, 2019, 10:58:54 AM PDT, Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > > > > The U clamps are metric. That said one can probably find an approximate > > fit at an industrial supply house like McMaster-Carr. > > Well, the entire automotive industry is metric (even what's left of "the > big three"), so this shouldn't eliminate the possibility of using exhaust > clamps. > > --Roy > K3RLD > _______________________________________________ > 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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15-10m satellite transponders to be launched
by na2x＠yahoo.com 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

It's too bad we will be in a low sunspot situation for the next few years. But who knows what can happen. You can read about G3IOR's experiences with OTH propagation RS-12 mode K DX operation where he was able to work a ZL station, in his article in the Jul/Aug 1993 issue of the AMSAT Journal titled "Using RS-12 Mode "K" Anomalous Propagation". I think the higher sunspots played a role with this. There's also his audio interview about this topic in 2015 at:https://criticaldistance.blogspot.com/2015/04/ it's almost at the end of the Radio Luxembourg audio at the top of the page.

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Re: [amsat-bb] G5500 - replacement boom clamps?
by Roy Dean 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

> > The U clamps are metric. That said one can probably find an approximate > fit at an industrial supply house like McMaster-Carr. Well, the entire automotive industry is metric (even what's left of "the big three"), so this shouldn't eliminate the possibility of using exhaust clamps. --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] Australian CubeSat to use 76 GHz
by Zach Metzinger 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

On 04/13/19 12:26, W3AB/GEO wrote: > 4) Communication Protocols Modulation techniques that will be > investigated for the high-speed communications experiment include QPSK, > 16-QAM and CPFM. If successful, this technology for wavelengths below 10 > cm will increase the data transfer rates by at least 4 orders of > magnitude while also decreasing the sizes of antennas and the associated > spacecraft. Yup, saw that, but it is non-specific as to the interconnect between uplink/downlink and the modes that we'll be able to run through it. I'm looking up how to get 76 GHz going. :-) --- Zach N0ZGO

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