AMSAT-BB February 2020

115 participants
190 discussions

DL88 K5Z March 16/17 - Rove Update
by Ron Bondy 28 Feb '20

28 Feb '20

I've updated the K5Z page at QRZ.COM with information on the grids we are planning to activate as part of the DL88 rove. If everything works out we will activate 27 grids in total. Doug N6UA will be activating a lot of grids on the drive to and from Cheyenne WY to Big Bend National Park DL88. Josh W3ARD and I will be activating grids on the drive from San Antonio to DL88 on Sunday March 16th. Details can be found here: K5Z Callsign Page | | | | | | | | | | | K5Z Callsign Page K5Z personal biography | | | Thanks to everyone for all of the support, we really appreciate it. Special thanks to Casey KI7UNJ over at @hambadges for making us up a nice graphic for the expedition. Thanks Casey! 73 Josh W3ARD, Doug N6UA, Ron AD0DX

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Upcoming ARISS contact with River Ridge High School, New Port Richey, FL
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 28 Feb '20

28 Feb '20

REISSUE OF THE CONTACT PRESS RELEASE FOR RIVER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, NEW PORT RICHEY, FL. Please note that the contact date of March 3 was left out of the text on the original press release. This copy replaces the previous release. An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at River Ridge High School, New Port Richey, FL. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 15:17 UTC on 03 March. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and WA3YFQ. The contact should be audible over the state of Florida 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. Story: River Ridge High School's sprawling 120 acre campus is located Pasco County, Florida. River Ridge strives to provide their 1700 students with the highest degree of instructional excellence while recognizing the unique needs and developing the abilities of every student. Through the cooperative efforts of family, school, and community, students are prepared to be responsible, productive citizens and life-long learners. River Ridge is the home to five career academies, including the New Teaching, New Media and Communications, Engineering, Business, and Fine Arts and Musical Entertainment, each of which is designed to prepare students for future careers. Many of the academy students earn valuable industry certifications before graduating. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit or an AA degree through their extensive Advanced Placement program and dual-enrollment opportunities both on campus and at Pasco Hernando State College. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Are any effects of climate change visible from the ISS? 2. What goes through your mind on the launch pad? 3. How do you protect yourself against harmful radiation? 4. When on the ISS, what is your favorite free time activity? 5. Why do you periodically have to adjust the orbit of the ISS? 6. What new perspective about planet earth have you gained after being on the ISS? 7. Does space really smell like gun powder? 8. If something could be invented tomorrow that would help you on the ISS, what would it be? 9. Our experiment will be arriving on the ISS on mission 14 and we'd like to know if astronauts receive any medications for diseases they are susceptible to on the ISS? 10. What was most challenging obstacle for you during training? 11. What happens if there is a medical emergency that involves a surgery? 12. Do you have a reaction wheel on the ISS? 13. What is most interesting conspiracy theory you've heard about space? 14. After being on the ISS, would you want to go to Mars? 15. How do you water the plants in Veggie? 16. Are you limited to a maximum weight of personal stuff you can take? 17. Do you ever get motion sickness? 18. Does anyone play an instrument while on the ISS? 19. What advice would you give a student wanting to be an astronaut? 20. What was most challenging about your first day? 21. What is the one food you dream about? 22. Do you think we need to clean up space debris? 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 ISS National Lab 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. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN

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Upcoming ARISS contact with River Ridge High School, New Port Richey, FL
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 28 Feb '20

28 Feb '20

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at River Ridge High School, New Port Richey, FL. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 15:17 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and WA3YFQ. The contact should be audible over the state of Florida 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. Story: River Ridge High School's sprawling 120 acre campus is located Pasco County, Florida. River Ridge strives to provide their 1700 students with the highest degree of instructional excellence while recognizing the unique needs and developing the abilities of every student. Through the cooperative efforts of family, school, and community, students are prepared to be responsible, productive citizens and life-long learners. River Ridge is the home to five career academies, including the New Teaching, New Media and Communications, Engineering, Business, and Fine Arts and Musical Entertainment, each of which is designed to prepare students for future careers. Many of the academy students earn valuable industry certifications before graduating. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit or an AA degree through their extensive Advanced Placement program and dual-enrollment opportunities both on campus and at Pasco Hernando State College. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Are any effects of climate change visible from the ISS? 2. What goes through your mind on the launch pad? 3. How do you protect yourself against harmful radiation? 4. When on the ISS, what is your favorite free time activity? 5. Why do you periodically have to adjust the orbit of the ISS? 6. What new perspective about planet earth have you gained after being on the ISS? 7. Does space really smell like gun powder? 8. If something could be invented tomorrow that would help you on the ISS, what would it be? 9. Our experiment will be arriving on the ISS on mission 14 and we'd like to know if astronauts receive any medications for diseases they are susceptible to on the ISS? 10. What was most challenging obstacle for you during training? 11. What happens if there is a medical emergency that involves a surgery? 12. Do you have a reaction wheel on the ISS? 13. What is most interesting conspiracy theory you've heard about space? 14. After being on the ISS, would you want to go to Mars? 15. How do you water the plants in Veggie? 16. Are you limited to a maximum weight of personal stuff you can take? 17. Do you ever get motion sickness? 18. Does anyone play an instrument while on the ISS? 19. What advice would you give a student wanting to be an astronaut? 20. What was most challenging about your first day? 21. What is the one food you dream about? 22. Do you think we need to clean up space debris? 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 ISS National Lab 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. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN

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Icom 9700 1.2gig (23cm) Mode
by Sloan Davis 28 Feb '20

28 Feb '20

Has anyone experienced any malfunction in transmitting on their Icom 9700 on the 1.2 gig (L-Band Mode)? My SWR’s are registering 3+ and I’ve changed antennas twice with direct connection/ connectors using N adapters. I’m using LMR 400 coaxial (50 foot) run. The power coming out of the radio is 8 watts via dummy load/meter. The antenna is from M2 and requires no tuning. Not sure what else I can do? Sloan (KN4GQB

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SATpc32 and IC-9700 operational question
by Michael Walker 27 Feb '20

27 Feb '20

Question on operational methods as I am a new to Linear Satellite QSO's. I have an IC-9700 with a tracking antenna using SATpc32. All work just fine. As soon as I am able to access the bird, I 'net' my frequency so I can hear myself naturally by tuning in the SATpc32 CAT menu as outlined in the manual. I have made a number of qso's and some it is clear they are SATpc32 to adjust both the the both VFO's so that the frequency at the satellite remains the same. However, in other QSO's I have let SATpc32 do its thing, adjusting the VFO's while using the RIT of the radio to chase the other station. That results in our QSO taking up more and more of the bird's bandwidth. My ask to the seasoned group here is am I doing it the right way or is there different schools of thought on this? It seems like you'd want both parties on the same frequency at the satellite at the same time. Thanks in advance and I appreciate any Elmering Mike va3mw

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APRS sats with the TH-D74A?
by Steve Kristoff 27 Feb '20

27 Feb '20

Is anyone using the Kenwood TH-D74A, say with an Arrow antenna, to work the APRS sats (ISS, AISAT, etc.)? If so, what are your thoughts? Is it worth a try? Steve AI9IN

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Possible amateur radio restrictions at White Sands National Park
by Dan Eggert 27 Feb '20

27 Feb '20

Thanks James KK6MC and Brook N8OCX for the heads up on the possible amateur radio restrictions at White Sands National Park. I have been operating on the amateur satellites for over 2 years now and I am within 15 miles from White Sands National Park, Holloman AFB and the missile range. Based on the information you have brought to my attention I should not have any problems. I will look for any posted signs and see if the Park rangers have any information on the subject. 73 Dan - AC9E Sent from my iPad

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Possible UHF restrictions at White Sands National Park
by Dan Eggert 27 Feb '20

27 Feb '20

Thanks James KK6MC and Brook N8OCX for the heads up on the possible Amateur radio frequency restrictions at the White Sands National Park. I have been operating on the satellites for over 2 years now and I am within 15 miles of White Sands, Holloman AFB and the missile range. Based on the information you have provided I should not have a problem. I have been there several times in the past 20 years and I don’t recall seeing any signs on frequency restrictions. I will look for any signs and take pictures if I see one. I will see if the Park Rangers can give me any info on this subject. 73 Dan - AC9E Sent from my iPad

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Re: [amsat-bb] Restrictions to UHF operation at White Sands National Park
by cbs045＠charter.net 27 Feb '20

27 Feb '20

Hi James, Great information. I remember seeing the signs around White Sands back in the late 80's when I lived in ABQ and liked working AO-27 mobile. Last time I worked in the area a couple years ago I remember seeing the signs again and being surprised they are still there. I think they are located near the beginning and end of Route 70 near White Sands and Alamagordo. Thanks for the reply. Regards, N8OCX -----------------------------------------From: "JamesDuffey" To: cbs045(a)charter.net Cc: "Dan Eggert", "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" Sent: Thursday February 27 2020 8:15:48AM Subject: Restrictions to UHF operation at White Sands National Park One can legally operate at 50 Watts output or less on 70cm at the White Sands National Park and in the vicinity of White Sands Missile Range, but not on the range itself. So, you should be OK for satellite operation from the park if you stay under 50 Watts. Output EIRP, that is the the type of antenna used, does not matter. Yes, I know that doesn’t make sense. The only outright prohibition on amateur operation in that area is on 902MHz. These restrictions are specified in “ FCC ONLINE TABLE OF FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS 47 C.F.R. § 2.106” footnotes US270 and US275, available on-line at < [1]https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/spectrum/table/fcctable.pdf [2] > If there are posted signs indicating otherwise in the public access area of White Sands National Park, or public right of way near the White Sands MissIle Range, but not on the range itself, indicating otherwise, I would like to see a photograph of such a sign with its location clearly identified. Of course, on the base proper they can limit your operation as they see fit, as you are subject to military oversight there, but for the public access to the areas around the range, including the park, the restrictions in the table apply. If you are not on the base proper and you stick to Links: ------ [1] https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/spectrum/table/fcctable.pdf [2] https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/spectrum/table/fcctable.pdf [3] http://www.nmvhf.org/restrictions.pdf [4] http://www.nmvhf.org/restrictions.pdf [5] https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: [amsat-bb] Rove to White Sands National Park in DM62
by cbs045＠charter.net 27 Feb '20

27 Feb '20

Thanks Jackie for the correction. I was looking at the wrong satellite on the frequency guide. That said, for Dan and working AO-91 anywhere near White Sands, beware of the frequency use restrictions. I'm sure others know more about this. 73 de N8OCX -----------------------------------------From: "Jackie Dander" To: "cbs045(a)charter.net" Cc: Sent: Thursday February 27 2020 7:29:11AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Rove to White Sands National Park in DM62 AMSAT site declares U or L is only uplink available for AO-92 and not AO-91. Plus, it says AI-92 is command selectable for U or L but not both at same time for uplink. How can you know in advance which uplink frequency AO-92 is using for next pass?IsaacW4ITC On Thursday, February 27, 2020, Brook Smith via AMSAT-BB wrote: Hello Dan, The entire area around White Sands and the Holloman AFB have posted signs restricting use of UHF transmissions including frequencies used for amateur satellite uplinks. If you are planning to uplink on L mode, 1267.359, you should have no problem. Just trying to help you avoid an unexpected visit from Military Police. Good Luck and have fun. Brook Smith - N8OCX -----------------------------------------From: "Dan Eggert via AMSAT-BB" To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org [2] Cc: Sent: Wednesday February 26 2020 8:36:39PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Rove to White Sands National Park in DM62 Hi all, On Friday the 28th I will be at White Sands National Park in Grid DM62. You will hear me on the AO-91 passes at 17:13 and 1847 UTC, and the AO-92 passes at 17:26 and 19:02 UTC. Dan Eggert - AC9E Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org [3]. 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: _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org [4]. 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: [5]https://www.amsat.org/mailman/ [6]listinfo/amsat-bb Links: ------ [1] mailto:[email protected] [2] mailto:[email protected] [3] mailto:[email protected] [4] mailto:[email protected] [5] https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb [6] https://www.amsat.org/mailman/

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AMSAT-BB February 2020