May 2021 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

ND9M/mm Grid Ops - 5/4-5/5
by Clary, James T (Jim) 04 May '21

04 May '21

AO-91 was in pretty good shape on the midday pass; it cut out a couple times, but stayed on for most of the pass while I was in AK39; nobody was around but the fishes though. I had AO-7 all to myself in AK29 but was able to put the grid into a few US & JA logs on the two RS-44 passes. AO-91 won't fit into my work schedule tomorrow, but I should be on from RK98 on AO-7/CW at 05/0520Z for a pass that covers a good chunk of VK. Then RS-44/CW comes up shortly after that and gets a bit of the US/VE Left Coast around 05/0549Z. The pass after that at 05/0728Z should find me in the next grid RK88 which will do well for VK & JA. We're also getting closer to the ON times for FO-29 and IO-86, and the XW satellites will start putting me in touch with JA/DU/HL pretty soon. I uploaded all the logs to LOTW today for the passes through AK59, which netted more than 500 confirmations for 43 grids so far! Send me an e-mail (parkham71(a)gmail.com) if you have a query. We've got another time change tonight; we'll be at GMT-12 through tomorrow, 5/4. We'll cross the Int'l Date Line around 04/2300Z. When local midnight hits, we'll jump from Tuesday straight to Thursday; there will be no Wednesday for us. We won't change the hands on the clock, but we'll still go from GMT-12 to GMT+12 in the blink of an eye. 73/Jim, ND9M

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2021-05-04 01:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 03 May '21

03 May '21

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2021-05-04 01:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Green Bank Elementary Middle School, Green Bank, WV, direct via N8RV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact is go for: Fri 2021-05-07 12:35:51 UTC 30 deg Watch for live stream at: https://www.facebook.com/GreenBankObservatory/live/ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87052256434?pwd=dUYxeFJVMFFvaHBWNnRMOG10TTZ5dz09 Collège Descartes, Atony, France, telebridge via NA7V (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS (***) The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is go for: Tue 2021-05-11 10:54:35 UTC 35 deg (***) SpaceX-Crew 1 back on earth (***) Congratulations on a job well done! (***) Victor Glover KI5BKC Mike Hopkins KF5LJG Soichi Noguchi KD5TVP Shannon Walker KD5DXB ************************************************************************************************************* The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. **************************************************************************************************************************************** ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general. As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts. As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates. Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements at https://www.ariss.org/ The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19: Postponed: No new schools Cancelled: No new schools **************************************************************************************************************************************** Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2021-05-04 01:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2021-04-26 13:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARISS Contact Applications (United States) New Proposal Window is February 15th, 2021 to March 31st, 2021 The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. The deadline to submit a proposal is March 31st, 2021. Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form can be found at www.ariss.org. An ARISS Introductory Webinar session will be held on February 25th, 2021 at 8 PM ET. The Eventbrite link to sign up is: https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2021.eventbrite.com The Opportunity Crew members aboard the International Space Station will participate in scheduled Amateur Radio contacts. These radio contacts are approximately 10 minutes in length and allow students to interact with the astronauts through a question-and-answer session. An ARISS contact is a voice-only communication opportunity via Amateur Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space station and classrooms and communities. ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS. Students also will have an opportunity to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio science. Because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, organizations must demonstrate flexibility to accommodate changes in dates and times of the radio contact. Amateur Radio organizations around the world with the support of NASA and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe present educational organizations with this opportunity. The ham radio organizations’ volunteer efforts provide the equipment and operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and students around the world using Amateur Radio. Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education(a)gmail.com. For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. 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 (STEAM) 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts. Applications should be addressed by email to: school.selection.manager(a)ariss-eu.org ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application. Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. For the application, go to: https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd(a)gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss(a)iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting. Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts. If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net The HamTV webpage: https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Sergey RV3DR with 148 Francesco IKØWGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 140 Gaston ON4WF with 123 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed, and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1439. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1372. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: South Dakota, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correcti… Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** SpaceX-Crew 1 on orbit Victor Glover KI5BKC Mike Hopkins KF5LJG Soichi Noguchi KD5TVP Shannon Walker KD5DXB Exp. 64 on orbit Oleg Novitskiy Pyotr Dubrov Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP SpaceX-Crew 2 on orbit Meghan Behnken Akihiko Hoshide KE5DNI Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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EO-88 Nayif-1
by Jean Marc Momple 03 May '21

03 May '21

Dear all, Please note that EO-88 transponder, details at : https://www.amsat.org/linear-satellite-frequency-summary/ <https://www.amsat.org/linear-satellite-frequency-summary/> , is working fine and quite strong. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

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ND9M/mm Grid Ops - 5/3-5/4
by Clary, James T (Jim) 03 May '21

03 May '21

I tried to work AO-91 at midday today from AK69 (another watery area), but the satellite isn't doing well right now; the off time during the pass was far more than on. I also tried AO-7/CW at 03/0331 from AK59, but didn't hear any signals let alone make any contacts. But the first RS-44/CW pass got AK59 into a few western US/VE logs, and I worked my first JA/7K this trip during the next RS-44/CW pass; it's the first time I'd worked both North America and Asia by satellite on the same day. Tomorrow, I'll try AO-91 again, likely from AK39. I'm not really expecting to actually work anyone on that satellite from out here in the middle of nowhere, but I want to see how the bird's doing. We'll cross into AK29 later on, and I'll give AO-7/CW another go at 04/0425Z although I still don't know what ITU Region 3 countries (if any) permit operation on 432 MHz. After that, I'll be on RS-44/CW at 04/0512Z for a pass that should hit the Left Coast about 04/0523Z and the next pass at 04/0704Z which hits JA at about 04/0715Z. There's a chance that we may cross into AK19 about that time too. As mentioned before, our route is via "great circle" which is the most direct route between two distant points although the route looks like an arc when viewed on a common Mercator projection map. We're at the very "top" of that arc now and will start a somewhat west-southwest slope tonight as we enter the final week of our voyage. We should hit the International Date Line around the new UTC day on 5/5; we'll leave the AK grid field and enter the RK field at that time. 73/Jim, ND9M

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ND9M/mm - Wet Grids - 5/2-5/3
by Clary, James T (Jim) 02 May '21

02 May '21

We passed by KH6's Big Island last night close enough for the ship's crew to get good cell signal, a welcome break for them on this month-long voyage. Several of them enjoyed 2 or 3 hours of talking back home or checking FB etc; lots of smiles today. Today, AO-91 seemed to be off more than it was on during the mid-day pass when I was on from AK98; it seemed to cut out about 70% of the pass. O'wise I was on from AK98 again on RS-44/CW at 02/0435Z and then from AK88 when it grazed the Pacific Northwest. For tomorrow 5/2 late UTC, I'll try AO-91 again at 2253Z from either AK68 or AK69 (or both) although it'll be another KH6/H2O pass. Later on, we should be in AK59 for RS-44/CW when it hits the Left Coast around 03/0500Z and again at 03/0640Z. I was told that JA can not operate on AO-7's 432 MHz uplink, but I looked up the JA freqs, and it appears like maybe they can, so I'll try AO-7/CW at 03/0345Z. 73/Jim, ND9M

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ANS-122 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletin
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 01 May '21

01 May '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-122 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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(a)amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * PSAT2 (NO-104) VHF is alive! * ND9M/mm daily postings to AMSAT-BB opens rare grid opportunities * ARISS-USA Volunteer Search Underway * AMSAT Bylaws Amendment (REPEAT POST) * Space Oddity? WISA Woodsat to launch by end of year * No Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for April 30, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-122 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 122.01 To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 May 02 PSAT2 (NO-104) VHF is alive! Bob Bruninga writes: PSAT2 VHF awoke from an 8 month slumber on 26 Apr 2021. We have no idea why. Its telemetry looks fine. Volts between 6.2 and 7.0 volts (5 NiCds). Exterior temps between -18 and +22 C. See http://aprs.org/psat2.html PSAT2 will NOT be in APRS mode but a brand new experimental mode for DTMF uplink and VOICE downlink. So you preload your grid and callsign into a 16 digit DTMF memory in your radio and when the satellite hears this it will assign a QSO number and QSL the grid by voice and then also generate an APRS packet for collection by APRS operators. There is even a way to send back a DTMF QSL so you can make it a 2-way DTMF. contact. Successful DTMF grids and messages will appear on a special URL on the PSAT2 page (above). To QSL, you key in that stations 2 digit QSL number and then dump your pre-loaded QSL DTMF message. Since this is the first time this transponder is on the air and because a DTMF uplink takes maybe 4 seconds, we don't want the uplink saturated by a bunch of newbees initially until we see if it actually works. So read the docs and be sure you know what you are doing. There is a user operating manual available on the PSAT2 web page: http://aprs.org/psat2.html [ANS thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ND9M/mm daily postings to AMSAT-BB has opened rare grid opportunities Jim Clary, ND9M is operating maritime mobile during a supply cruise from Florida to the Western Pacific. He has been regularly posting the grids he may be able to activate to AMSAT-BB as he travels. Since he is traveling though some rarely activated grids on the way, he is activating as many as his shipboard duties will allow. Jim has been active on SSB and CW through a number of satellites. He is currently in the Pacific and headed toward Saipan. Many of the mid-Pacific grids are only in the satellite footprints for KH6, so he most likely will not be QRV for the mainland. His daily narrative on the AMSAT-BB has been interesting to follow. [ANS thanks Jim Clary, ND9M for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS-USA Volunteer Search Underway April 29, 2021 - Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, Inc. (ARISS-USA) is seeking volunteers to support our mission: To provide and operate Amateur Radio systems on the International Space Station (ISS) and elsewhere to inspire, educate, and engage youth and communities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and to support ISS backup communications. ARISS-USA, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, educational and scientific non-profit that was recently incorporated in the state of Maryland in the USA. We are seeking volunteers with a can-do, collaborative attitude who can work effectively as part of a team to support a variety of functions and roles. We have volunteer openings in several senior leadership roles, including: Associate Director Treasurer Secretary Director of Business Development Director of Volunteer Resources Director of Public Engagement Director of Engineering We also have openings for volunteers who would support functions within the above teams as well as openings within the ARISS-USA Operations, Engineering and Education teams. Descriptions of each of these roles are given in Article 8.6 of the ARISS-USA bylaws that can be referenced at: https://ariss-usa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ARISS-USA-Bylaws-Web-Site.p df Candidates accepted into senior leadership positions will be required to first serve in a six-month probationary period. All candidates for senior leadership positions must be U.S. citizens. If you are interested in making a difference as an ARISS-USA team member, please send your resume or CV to candidates(a)ariss-usa.org. Include a cover letter that explains what position you are interested in supporting. We thank everyone for your interest and support to ARISS! Ad Astra! (To the Stars!) Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS-USA Executive Director [ANS thanks David Jordan, AA4KN, ARISS PR for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Bylaws Amendment (REPEAT POST) The AMSAT Board of Directors approved an amendment to our Bylaws on March 2, 2021. As required by our Bylaws, a notice of the amendment was mailed to all members. AMSAT members may also view the documents by logging on to the Member Portal. Along with a copy of the Bylaws Committee Report to our Board of Directors, members will find a "red-line" version of the changes that will allow you to see exactly what has been added and what has been removed. To view each document, please click the following links: "Red-Line" version of our Bylaws, as approved by the AMSAT Board of Directors during a Special Meeting, held on March 2, 2021. https://launch.amsat.org/resources/Documents/Bylaws_Amended_Draft_Redline.pd f Report of the AMSAT Bylaws Committee: Recommended Revisions to the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation Bylaws https://launch.amsat.org/resources/Documents/Report%20of%20the%20Bylaws%20Co mmittee.pdf In accordance with Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation Bylaws, as amended in 1989, Article IV requires AMSAT to provide written notice to all members of the approved amendments to our Bylaws. This approved amendment will be effective thirty days from the mailing of this letter, unless written objection is received from at least ten percent of the Members, in which case a vote shall be conducted by the Secretary in the manner specified for election of Directors. Written notice was mailed on April 9, 2021. As such, any objection should be sent to AMSAT, PO Box 27, Washington, DC 20044-0027 and must be received by May 9, 2021. I apologize for requiring you to mail in your objections, but this is a requirement of our Bylaws (as amended in 1989) and exactly why we feel it is necessary to bring our Bylaws into the 21st Century. As part of our modernization efforts, we felt a review and update of our Bylaws was essential to ensure AMSAT's continued success. A summary of those changes is listed below. * The Bylaws have been amended to allow for electronic communications with our members, voting in our elections, and the conduct of meetings. * The Bylaws have been amended to clarify the member application process, the grace period for lapses in membership, and the membership inclusion date for establishing election roles. * The Bylaws have been amended to further define the duties and responsibilities of the Officers. * The Bylaws have been amended to require three years of continuous membership for nominees for the position of Director and that Directors be required to remain in good standing throughout their elected term. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Space Oddity? WISA Woodsat to launch by end of year The WISA Woodsat project, which is being sponsored by a plywood supplier in an unconventional PR drive, could place a wooden satellite in orbit by the end of the year, testing the suitability of treated wood as a cheap space material. The wooden satellite is based on a basic, versatile CubeSat format, Kitsat, which is designed with educational use in mind. It retails for just $1,500. The Woodsat project, based in Finland, began with students across the country contributing parts to a CubeSat launched by balloon. See https://bit.ly/3eEmV0h for more information in the press release from WISA on the E&T Engineering and Technology website. The IARU posting for Woodsat indicates that there are several amateur radio experiments on board including photo downlinking. See https://bit.ly/3aPrp2X for additional infoprmation [ANS thanks JoAnne Maenpaa K9JKM, the staff of E&T, and the IARU for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE - a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ No Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for April 29, 2021 No changes are noted for the current week however, Keplarians have been updated and are available on the AMSAT website at: https://bit.ly/3xChPtT [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS NEWS: Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of April 29, 2021 Green Bank Elementary Middle School, Green Bank, WV, direct via N8RV. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html. The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact is go for: Fri 2021-05-07 12:35:51 UTC 30 deg ISS Status Update as of 28 April Noting the change to cross-band repeater on May 7: Current Status of ISS Stations as of 04/26/2021 Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) - STATUS - ACTIVE. supporting packet operation (145.825 MHz). Next mode change to cross band repeater targeting May 7. Supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. OFF from May 5 - May 6 to support ISS communications testing. Service Module radios: Kenwood D710E - STATUS - Radio usually off. Supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts and SSTV. OFF from May 5 - May 6 to support ISS communications testing. https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: N6AJ: FROM DM05 TO EM04, I will be headed to OK from CA around May 17 , DM74 AND DM75 is on the list for sure. I will be on FM and SSB. As it closer I hope to have a schedule. KX9X & N9NCY: Happy to announce @Nancy_N9NCY and I will be celebrating my birthday in style in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, grids EN57 & EN67. Look for us on the birds from July 15-19. Maybe some POTA, too. W7LT: EN36/37/38/46/47/48/57/58 for late May is on my radar. Major Roves: See the article on ND9M/mm Pacific operations in this newletter above. CM93 Possibility: N6DNM Very long shot, but might want to put it on your calendar for May 15th, if you can figure out where it is and for #SOTA folks, that would be W6/SC-336, Santa Rosa Island, activated only once before. Please submit any additions or corrections to Ke0pbr (at) gmail.com Updated 04/25/2021 [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events On the Air event: AMSAT Italia: Members of AMSAT Italia commemorate Gagarin's flight into space until the end of the year with the callsign II0SAT on HF and via satellite. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford K6CLS is planning the following presentations: Austin ARC - May 4 University of Arizona - June 1 Conejo Valley (CA) - October 21 Saratoga ARC - May 5 MICROHams - May 18 Wellesley ARC - June 15 White Mountain ARC - June 2 West Valley (CA) ARC - June 9 Think a 90-minute lively, informative, and fun "How to Work the Easy Satellites" Zoom presentation would be appropriate for your convention or club? Always includes are overviews of the ARRL, AMSAT, and ARISS . and pre-presentation questions are solicited and welcome. Send Clint an email or call! Clint Bradford K6LCS, http://www.work-sat.com. Tel:909-999-SATS (7287) [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, Larry Manaev, RN3AG, and Clint Bradford, K6CLS AMSAT Ambassador for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + CubeSat for under $1,000? A post on Hackaday looks at building a low cost satellite - a CubeSat Want to build your own CubeSat but have been put off by the price? There may be a solution in the works - [RG Sat] has challenged himself to design and build one for less than $1,000. His idea isn't just a pipe dream, either. In the the fifteen months since he began the project, [RG Sat] has designed and built the avionics and electrical power system circuit boards, and is currently testing his sun tracker design. For additional information see: https://bit.ly/2Rc5lbW [ANS thanks Southgate Amateur Radio News for the above information] + Recent activity on the 23cm band RNSS Coexistence Studies The Chair of IARU Region 1 Spectrum Affairs, Barry Lewis G4SJH, reports on the work being done in defending the interests of the Amateur Services in the 1240-1300 MHz band. For details, see https://bit.ly/3eFI4XJ [ANS thanks AMSAT UK for the above information] +100 Million Dataframes for the SatNOGS DB. SatNOGS is the largest network of open-source satellite ground stations and works to identify and track satellites worldwide. SatNOGS is developed and maintained by the Libre Space Foundation, which supports the creation of open-source space technologies based on the Libre Space Manifesto principles. Recently, the project reached a significant milestone with the SatNOGS DB storing its 100 millionth dataframe. The frame was captured from FALCONSAT-3 (a previously DARPA-, now amateur-, controlled picosatellite for testing ambient plasma and micro propulsion attitude control systems). More at: https://bit.ly/3xyXOEx [ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information] +China launches Tianhe space station core module into orbit HELSINKI - China successfully launched a 22-metric-ton module April 28, beginning an intense period of missions for constructing the nation's own space station. A Long March 5B heavy-lift rocket lifted off from the coastal Wenchang spaceport at 11:23 p.m. Eastern. The Tianhe space station core module separated from the first stage after 490 seconds of flight. Solar array deployment occurred just over an hour after launch. Li Shangfu, chief commander of the China Manned Spaceflight Program, announced launch success shortly after. More at: https://bit.ly/32XRQir [ANS thanks Andrew Jones of Spacenews.com 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 additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Store. 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 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional student membership information. 73 and Remember to help keep amateur radio in space, This week's ANS Editor, Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ kd4iz at frawg dot org

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AO-91
by Jean Marc Momple 01 May '21

01 May '21

Good Evening, Just made a test with AO-91 (just a few minutes ago), worked fine in eclipse 59 (SAT without Sun) and made same test when in sunlight for both AO-91 and AO-92 many times during the past weeks without any success. I am quite confused as trying to respect AMSAT guidelines not to Tx when in eclipse seems to work the over way round for me, may be someone have an explanation. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

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Fwd: AO-91
by Jean Marc Momple 01 May '21

01 May '21

Forgot to reply to all and only to Nathan > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Jean Marc Momple <jean.marc.momple(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [AMSAT-BB] AO-91 > Date: May 1, 2021 at 11:54:04 PM GMT+4 > To: nathanjwhite <nathanjwhite(a)frontier.com> > > Nathan, > > Sure, its just a few seconds Tx, no chance of damaging anything and I am well conscious of the issue. But the fact remains that when in Sun this side no return from the birds, however when in eclipse seems to work and I was asking if anyone could have an explanation. > > No QSO done (anyway no-one around to reply) and only very short Tx done (a few seconds) to test. > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On May 1, 2021, at 11:44 PM, nathanjwhite <nathanjwhite(a)frontier.com <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >> It may have some functionality in eclipse now but the batteries are weak. Drawing the batteries down when they cannot recharge (in eclipse) may cause irreparable damage and kill the bird. >> DON’T use it in eclipse!! >> >> Same for AO-92. It’s probably dead now, but if it comes back you could kill it off with your experiments. >> If you want to stay aware of their status your might try listening for their telemetry. >> Start out with AO-91’s battery voltage. In eclipse I’m 99% sure you’ll find it is below nominal. >> >> Nathan >> N5LEX >> >> On Saturday, May 1, 2021, 2:42 PM, Jean Marc Momple <jean.marc.momple(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >> Good Evening, >> >> Just made a test with AO-91 (just a few minutes ago), worked fine in eclipse 59 (SAT without Sun) and made same test when in sunlight for both AO-91 and AO-92 many times during the past weeks without any success. >> >> I am quite confused as trying to respect AMSAT guidelines not to Tx when in eclipse seems to work the over way round for me, may be someone have an explanation. >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> ----------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <http://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. >> Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ <https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/> >> >> View archives of this mailing list at >> https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] <https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected]> >> To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org <http://amsat.org/> >> Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org <https://mailman.amsat.org/> >

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Re: AO-91
by Jean Marc Momple 01 May '21

01 May '21

Rick, Seems that you did not understood. When not in eclipse (in Sun) just do not work, no return from the birds. When in eclipse seems fine and I did Tx on for a few seconds just to test. This is what is confusing to me this side. No traffic at all in this part of the world so no issue of depleting the batteries for a few seconds of Tx. Hope, you will understand. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On May 1, 2021, at 11:42 PM, Rick Wyrwas <rwyrwas48(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Don’t transmit when in Ecilipse!!!! What don’t you understand?? > > Rick > WA9JBQ > On Sat, May 1, 2021 at 1:43 PM Jean Marc Momple <jean.marc.momple(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > Good Evening, > > Just made a test with AO-91 (just a few minutes ago), worked fine in eclipse 59 (SAT without Sun) and made same test when in sunlight for both AO-91 and AO-92 many times during the past weeks without any success. > > I am quite confused as trying to respect AMSAT guidelines not to Tx when in eclipse seems to work the over way round for me, may be someone have an explanation. > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <http://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. > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ <https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/> > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] <https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected]> > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org <http://amsat.org/> > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org <https://mailman.amsat.org/> > -- > Rick Wyrwas

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Help Setting up SatPC32 with HDSDR and SDR Play
by Richard Lawn 01 May '21

01 May '21

I added an IF tap to my FT-847 with the idea of using an SDR Play RSP1. The idea was to get SatPC32 to talk to HDSDR and track the tuning of the 847. For the life of me I can't seem to get this all to work. I know it does but it apparently is beyond this musician's brain to sort out! 73 Rick, W2JAZ

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