February 2023 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2023-02-04 02:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 03 Feb '23

03 Feb '23

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2023-02-04 02:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS 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 crewmember is Dimitri Petelin Contact is go for Sat 2023-02-04 10:25 UTC Dinskaya, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS 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 crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Sun 2023-02-05 14:25 UTC Cache County School District, Millville, UT, direct via W7IVM The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information or on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Tue 2023-02-07 18:45:54 UTC 32 deg Both of these links have a link to the actual contact Livestream. (***) Astronomy students prepare to talk live with an astronaut on the International Space Station The PodCACHE: Making Contact with the International Space Station Colegio Diocesano Santa María Nuestra Señora, Écija, Spain, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS 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 crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Wed 2023-02-08 10:13:59 UTC 74 deg Starting about 15 minutes before AOS, watch for Livestream at http://www.ariotti.com/. They are also streaming at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nYFP7qzUtk The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2023-02-04 02:30 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 2023-01-30 21:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ####################################################################################################################################### Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. 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 **************************************************************************************************************************************** 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) Call for Proposals The proposal window for US schools and educational organizations to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS for contacts to be scheduled for July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 has closed. Watch for the next opportunity for proposals for the first half of 2024 sometime in the springtime period of 2023. (***) 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 congratulates the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Sergey RV3DR with 193 Francesco IKØWGF with 149 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 148 Gaston ON4WF with 124 Peter IN3GHZ with 115 Steve VE3TBD with 103 **************************************************************************** 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 1600. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1509. 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, FXØISS, GB1SS, 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 **************************************************************************** Exp. 68 on orbit Sergey Prokopyev Francisco Rubio Dimitri Petelin SpaceX Crew-5 on orbit Josh Cassada KI5CRH Nicole Mann Anna Kikina Koichi Wakata KI5TMN **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2023-02-03 19:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 03 Feb '23

03 Feb '23

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2023-02-03 19:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS 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 crewmember is Dimitri Petelin Contact is go for Sat 2023-02-04 10:25 UTC Dinskaya, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS 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 crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Sun 2023-02-05 14:25 UTC Cache County School District, Millville, UT, direct via W7IVM The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information or on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Tue 2023-02-07 18:45:54 UTC 32 deg Colegio Diocesano Santa María Nuestra Señora, Écija, Spain, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS ( 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 crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Wed 2023-02-08 10:13:59 UTC 74 deg Starting about 15 minutes before AOS, watch for Livestream at http://www.ariotti.com/. They are also streaming at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nYFP7qzUtk (***) The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2023-02-03 19:00 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 2023-01-30 21:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ####################################################################################################################################### Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. 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 **************************************************************************************************************************************** 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) Call for Proposals The proposal window for US schools and educational organizations to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS for contacts to be scheduled for July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 has closed. Watch for the next opportunity for proposals for the first half of 2024 sometime in the springtime period of 2023. (***) 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 congratulates the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Sergey RV3DR with 193 Francesco IKØWGF with 149 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 148 Gaston ON4WF with 124 Peter IN3GHZ with 115 Steve VE3TBD with 103 **************************************************************************** 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 1600. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1509. 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, FXØISS, GB1SS, 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 **************************************************************************** Exp. 68 on orbit Sergey Prokopyev Francisco Rubio Dimitri Petelin SpaceX Crew-5 on orbit Josh Cassada KI5CRH Nicole Mann Anna Kikina Koichi Wakata KI5TMN **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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BALLOON ALOFT
by Pat Kilroy 03 Feb '23

03 Feb '23

https://news.yahoo.com/chinese-spy-balloon-flying-montana-weather-what-to-k… IF THE PAYLOAD TRAIN is captured then, being an engineer and high-altitude balloon experimenter myself, i would volunteer to analyze it with a couple of my AMSAT & ARHAB buddies. It looks like a ULDB balloon type, so toss in another buddy from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility too. Thoughts? Cheers, Pat N8PK-FM19 -- Pat Kilroy 1

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LVBTracker firmware modified to allow for more azimuth calibration points.
by alex＠kr1st.com 02 Feb '23

02 Feb '23

Hi there, A while ago, perhaps almost two years ago, I modified the LVBTracker firmware in my Fox Delta ST2-USB so that it would allow for more calibration points than just the min and max for azimuth. I had added a remote-control option to an old Yaesu G-450XL, but the output voltage was very non-linear, which led to terrible aiming of the antennas. With the mods I made to the firmware it now allows me to calibrate the controller at 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees and aiming is now rather accurate. I wrote about it here: https://thehamlab.com/2023/02/02/fox-delta-st2-lvbtracker-calibration-mods/ If you feel this could be useful for you, the source code for the project can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/TheHamLab/LVBTracker.KR1ST 73, --Alex KR1ST

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EME with DL7APV
by David G0MRF 02 Feb '23

02 Feb '23

Just found this on Twitter. So if you want to see if your LEO setup is capable of working or hearing 70cms EME, this could be the chance. The time presumably will be whenever the moon is above the horizon in Germany and at your QTH. Software would be WSJT-x or similar Bernd DL7APV asked me to QSP to the #AMSAT community that he will QRV this coming Thu, Sat, Sun and listen especially for #satellite setups. Use your chance to make your first ever #EME QSO - biggest challenge in #AmateurRadio A quick look at the antennas at http://www.dl7apv.de/ shows an array of 128 x 11 element yagis. 73 David G0MRF

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VUCC Satellite Standing February 2023
by Jon Goering 01 Feb '23

01 Feb '23

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2023 to February 01, 2023. ------------------------------------------------------------ K8DP 1350 1425 WC7V 1256 1303 MI6GTY 579 970 KF7R 925 N3GS 796 873 NS3L 725 785 K9UO 750 777 KE8RJU 650 725 WD9EWK (DM43) 715 720 KN2K 654 701 F4BKV 600 700 VE6WK 564 700 W8LR 667 687 EA2AA 643 653 XE1L 639 KC1MMC 532 629 DL2GRC New 628 FG8OJ 513 531 VU2LBW 400 513 KB1HY 427 457 KC3KOP New 439 AC9DX 332 427 N8MR 377 425 WB7QXU 325 400 DL6KBG 250 331 XE1UYS 126 327 JH0BBE 226 314 LU3FCA 101 310 AA0MZ 263 276 LU4FTA 223 268 IK7FMQ 190 254 W7YED 163 254 PA7RA 224 242 JG6CDH New 235 DL8GAM 186 220 JH8FIH New 214 JA1GZK 150 205 AG7NR 101 200 IK3ITB 100 200 JL1SAM New 200 IK8YTA 106 162 JG2TSL New 157 JS2GGD 101 157 SP5ULN New 156 JE1TNL New 150 PY2YJ New 150 JO4JKL New 135 KE8RPJ 100 125 IK0WRB New 123 XE1EVP New 123 N6PAZ 100 110 JA1QJI New 109 KB9DAK New 108 N1QDQ New 107 JI5USJ New 104 JE3HCZ New 103 NY1V New 102 4Z1JJ New 100 DH1OK New 100 N9BX New 100 VA7TF New 100 Congratulations to the new VUCC holders. 4Z1JJ is first VUCC Satellite holder from Israel and KM71 JG6CDH is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM43 JI5USJ is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM64 JO4JKL is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM65 JG2TSL is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM94 JH8FIH is first VUCC Satellite holder from QN14 73 Jon N7AZ

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Re: Possible way to alleviate Greencube congestion: Internet server queue manager integrated with UZ7HO Digipeater software
by JoAnne Maenpaa 01 Feb '23

01 Feb '23

Hi John, My thoughts as a previous, past, two careers ago, million-lines-of-code project manager are that adding new requirements to a deployed system (especially deployed in space) would often drive costs (money cost, and time cost) tens of times higher than if those requirements had been planned for and implemented prior to development - the system requirements phase. You've put a lot of thought into this, and many of us are quickly learning from the current packet operation that there could be a better way. I'd think it would work better building this sharing scheme on the next, future, better satellite(s). On 2/1/2023 7:53 AM, John Brier via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hi sat ops, > > Would it be possible/legal to add functionality to UZ7HO Digpeater > software to enable a VOLUNTARY / opt-in feature where when you click > Send, CQ etc. (to TX a packet), instead of immediately keying the > radio, a TX request is sent to a central Internet server (to be > created) that sorts requests in some sort of fair sequence and then > one by one commands/allows the various requesters to actually TX their > packet? > -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM joanne.k9jkm(a)gmail.com BM DMR TG 98006

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2023-02-01 17:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 01 Feb '23

01 Feb '23

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2023-02-01 17:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS 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 crewmember is Dimitri Petelin Contact is go for Sat 2023-02-04 10:25 UTC Dinskaya, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS 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 crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Sun 2023-02-05 14:25 UTC (***) Cache County School District, Millville, UT, direct via W7IVM The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information or on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Tue 2023-02-07 18:45:54 UTC 32 deg Colegio Diocesano Santa María Nuestra Señora, Écija, Spain, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS ( 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 crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Wed 2023-02-08 10:13:59 UTC 74 deg Starting about 15 minutes before AOS, watch for Livestream at http://www.ariotti.com/ The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2023-01-31 22:00 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 2023-01-30 21:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ####################################################################################################################################### Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. 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 **************************************************************************************************************************************** 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) Call for Proposals The proposal window for US schools and educational organizations to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS for contacts to be scheduled for July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 has closed. Watch for the next opportunity for proposals for the first half of 2024 sometime in the springtime period of 2023. (***) 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 congratulates the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Sergey RV3DR with 193 Francesco IKØWGF with 149 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 148 Gaston ON4WF with 124 Peter IN3GHZ with 115 Steve VE3TBD with 103 **************************************************************************** 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 1600. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1509. 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, FXØISS, GB1SS, 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 **************************************************************************** Exp. 68 on orbit Sergey Prokopyev Francisco Rubio Dimitri Petelin SpaceX Crew-5 on orbit Josh Cassada KI5CRH Nicole Mann Anna Kikina Koichi Wakata KI5TMN **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Re: Possible way to alleviate Greencube congestion: Internet server queue manager integrated with UZ7HO Digipeater software
by Timokhov, Sasha 01 Feb '23

01 Feb '23

Hey John! Cool idea! 73! VE3SVF On Wed, Feb 1, 2023 at 8:53 AM John Brier via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Hi sat ops, > > Would it be possible/legal to add functionality to UZ7HO Digpeater > software to enable a VOLUNTARY / opt-in feature where when you click > Send, CQ etc. (to TX a packet), instead of immediately keying the > radio, a TX request is sent to a central Internet server (to be > created) that sorts requests in some sort of fair sequence and then > one by one commands/allows the various requesters to actually TX their > packet? > > The sequence could be sorted by time, i.e. whoever sent the request > first gets in line first. It could be partially random to account for > latency (whoever is closest to the server doesn't always go first). > > Additional functionality could be added to the Digpeater software, or > a central website, to display the queue so you can see your place and > watch the people in front of you send their packets and see yourself > move up the queue. This would allow everyone to calm down, knowing > their turn is coming. On the IO-117 side hopefully this would mean > less long gaps with no packets digpeated/much higher rate of > digipeats. Imagine if everyone used it: when busy, IO-117 would be > digipeating practically non-stop with gaps to RX as short as a single > transmission. > > The Digipeater software could give each operator a certain number of > tries to get the packet digipeated (say 3) before putting them at the > back of the queue again if they all fail to be digipeated. The > Digipeater software could determine if they are successfully > digipeated by checking the RX packets for its own message, and > reporting back to the Internet server. The Internet server could even > check SatNOGS to verify if the packet was digipeated (it seems > telemetry is uploaded in real time). The Internet server software > could even be on SatNOGS. > > You could also do something like WSJT-X and require everyone to have > accurate NTP time and packets are sent at specific intervals, RX > happens at specific intervals, but all in order, this way there isn't > an issue with varied latencies between the server and the requesters. > The sorting happens as fast as possible but the scheduling in the > intervals is a bit delayed. > > You could program all sorts of sorting heuristics to make things fair > or optimize for certain things. If a new station DX station comes on > the digipeater and a pile up starts, maybe the Internet server can be > enabled to see who is near their LOS and put them at the top of the > queue, or just prioritize anyone near LOS. If a DX station goes out of > IO-117 FP, requests to TX to it would not be allowed and the requester > could be denied and told why. If stations have contacted each other > before from the same grids maybe they could have lower priority. > > You could even let people complete whole QSOs quickly before moving to > the next person in the queue if they are all calling the same DX > station, if the DX station is also using the new feature and/or > following a set QSO format/exchange. > > Another benefit of this is it helps low power stations as there is > less need to run high power to compete. In the FCC rules at least, it > is a requirement that you use the lowest power necessary to achieve > the radio comms goal, so if this proposal is possible it is very much > in the spirit of the rules and maybe even necessary. It seems a little > ridiculous for everyone to be running as much power and gain as > possible when I can get in easily with 5-7 watts and 10 elements when > the bird is mostly over SA. > > Of course rovers without internet service can't use this, many people > will never use this for various reasons, and they could just not > enable the feature and use the Digipeater software as they do today, > sending TX commands immediately. > > Adding this code and creating an Internet server would take a lot of > work. I have no solution for that but maybe if UZ7HO can't do it an > extension interface can be added to it and someone else can write an > extension that communicates with the Internet server. Someone else > could also make the Internet server. Or someone could write a new > Digipeater software that has all this functionality. > > If any of this is possible/doable I think it could make IO-117 / > GreenCube a lot more easy and fun to work. > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > P.S. Sorry this isn't more well thought out. I'm not a programmer and > I'm just throwing out as many ideas as I can think of. Maybe some are > possible. > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > 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. > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at > https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at > https://mailman.amsat.org >

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Possible way to alleviate Greencube congestion: Internet server queue manager integrated with UZ7HO Digipeater software
by John Brier 01 Feb '23

01 Feb '23

Hi sat ops, Would it be possible/legal to add functionality to UZ7HO Digpeater software to enable a VOLUNTARY / opt-in feature where when you click Send, CQ etc. (to TX a packet), instead of immediately keying the radio, a TX request is sent to a central Internet server (to be created) that sorts requests in some sort of fair sequence and then one by one commands/allows the various requesters to actually TX their packet? The sequence could be sorted by time, i.e. whoever sent the request first gets in line first. It could be partially random to account for latency (whoever is closest to the server doesn't always go first). Additional functionality could be added to the Digpeater software, or a central website, to display the queue so you can see your place and watch the people in front of you send their packets and see yourself move up the queue. This would allow everyone to calm down, knowing their turn is coming. On the IO-117 side hopefully this would mean less long gaps with no packets digpeated/much higher rate of digipeats. Imagine if everyone used it: when busy, IO-117 would be digipeating practically non-stop with gaps to RX as short as a single transmission. The Digipeater software could give each operator a certain number of tries to get the packet digipeated (say 3) before putting them at the back of the queue again if they all fail to be digipeated. The Digipeater software could determine if they are successfully digipeated by checking the RX packets for its own message, and reporting back to the Internet server. The Internet server could even check SatNOGS to verify if the packet was digipeated (it seems telemetry is uploaded in real time). The Internet server software could even be on SatNOGS. You could also do something like WSJT-X and require everyone to have accurate NTP time and packets are sent at specific intervals, RX happens at specific intervals, but all in order, this way there isn't an issue with varied latencies between the server and the requesters. The sorting happens as fast as possible but the scheduling in the intervals is a bit delayed. You could program all sorts of sorting heuristics to make things fair or optimize for certain things. If a new station DX station comes on the digipeater and a pile up starts, maybe the Internet server can be enabled to see who is near their LOS and put them at the top of the queue, or just prioritize anyone near LOS. If a DX station goes out of IO-117 FP, requests to TX to it would not be allowed and the requester could be denied and told why. If stations have contacted each other before from the same grids maybe they could have lower priority. You could even let people complete whole QSOs quickly before moving to the next person in the queue if they are all calling the same DX station, if the DX station is also using the new feature and/or following a set QSO format/exchange. Another benefit of this is it helps low power stations as there is less need to run high power to compete. In the FCC rules at least, it is a requirement that you use the lowest power necessary to achieve the radio comms goal, so if this proposal is possible it is very much in the spirit of the rules and maybe even necessary. It seems a little ridiculous for everyone to be running as much power and gain as possible when I can get in easily with 5-7 watts and 10 elements when the bird is mostly over SA. Of course rovers without internet service can't use this, many people will never use this for various reasons, and they could just not enable the feature and use the Digipeater software as they do today, sending TX commands immediately. Adding this code and creating an Internet server would take a lot of work. I have no solution for that but maybe if UZ7HO can't do it an extension interface can be added to it and someone else can write an extension that communicates with the Internet server. Someone else could also make the Internet server. Or someone could write a new Digipeater software that has all this functionality. If any of this is possible/doable I think it could make IO-117 / GreenCube a lot more easy and fun to work. 73, John Brier KG4AKV P.S. Sorry this isn't more well thought out. I'm not a programmer and I'm just throwing out as many ideas as I can think of. Maybe some are possible.

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