February 2025 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Update - SSTV & APRS packets from BGS ARPIT payload on POEM-4 platform
by Nitin Muttin 04 Feb '25

04 Feb '25

BGS ARPIT will be turned ON from 09.35UTC to 23.30 UTC on Jan 12th 2025.Please submit your reception reports to info(a)amsatindia.org or vu3tyg(a)yahoo.co.in Time 'Switch ON' : 09:35 UTCTime 'Switch OFF' : 23.30 UTCObject : POEM-4Payload : BGS ARPIT NORAD No : 62461Frequency : 145.870 MHz (IARU Coordinated)Mode : NFMData : 1. Pre recorded audio message : 2. Greeting Message & limited TM in APRS Packet format : 3. Pre loaded SSTV Images 73 Nitin [VU2JEK] On Saturday 11 January, 2025 at 11:26:08 am IST, Subramani BA via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: Thank you dear Greg - KO6TH, Frank WA2NDV and others for your kind reports. There seems to be an issue with the transponder. We'll look into it. 73 de Mani VIU2WMY On Fri, Jan 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM Subramani BA <vu2wmy.mani(a)gmail.com> wrote: It is planned to switch 'ON' the BGS ARPIT Payload on-board PSLV POEM-4 platform, today 10th January 2025. Time Switch ON - 15:15 UTTime Switch OFF - 00:30 UT. We would greatly appreciate reception reports from our Ham Radio fraternity. Reports can kindly be sent to :[email protected] Mani VU2WMY Director - Educational Out-Reach Programme. On Thu, 9 Jan, 2025, 12:30 Subramani BA via AMSAT-BB, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: Hi everyone,BGS ARPIT - an Amateur Radio payload jointly developed by SJCIT, UPARC (Upagrah Amateur Radio Club-VU2URC) & AMSAT-INDIA was launched on 30th December 2024 by India's PSLV C-60 launch vehicle. This payload is fastened to the last stage of the PSLV engine. This spent last stage of PSLV is often used as an 'Experimental Platform' called 'POEM' (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module). This is the 4th such experimental module.Since 31st December, BGS ARPIT is made 'ON' only over India and we have been receiving very good and encouraging signal reception reports,Today, for the first time, it is decided to turn it 'ON' over Europe and keep it on for a while. We request our Amateur Radio fraternity over Europe and along its footprint path to look out for the signals. We would greatly appreciate the signal reception report. Time 'Switch ON' : 11:15 UTTime 'Switch OFF' : 13:15 UTObject : POEM-4Payload : BGS ARPIT NORAD No : 62461Frequency : 145.870 MHz (IARU Coordinated)Mode : NFMData : 1. Pre recorded audio message : 2. Greeting Message & limited TM in APRS Packet format : 3. Pre loaded SSTV Images This payload will be turned 'ON' over other parts of the Globe, in the coming days. Thanks in advance Mani VU2WMYDirector-Educational Outreach ProgrammeAMSAT-INDIA ----------------------------------------------------------- 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/[email protected] 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 ----------------------------------------------------------- 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/[email protected] 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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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2025-02-03 23:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2025-02-03 23:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Aznakaevo Schools, Aznakaevo, Aznakaevsky District, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P (***) 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 Ivan Vagner The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact was successful: Sat 2025-02-01 11:15 UTC (***) Congratulations to the Aznakaevo School students, Ivan, mentor RV3DR, and ground station RC4P! (***) Public Primary School, La Laupie, France, direct via F5KLF 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 Don Pettit KD5MDT The ARISS mentor is F6ICS Contact is go for: Fri 2025-02-07 14:27:07 UTC 72 deg Kant, Kaliningrad, Russia (***) 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 Alex Gorbunov (***) The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Tue 2025-02-11 09:35 UTC (***) City of Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park, Clifton, NJ, direct via W2NPT (***) 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 crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT (***) The ARISS mentor is AA6TB Contact is go for: Wed 2025-02-12 18:14:13 UTC 67 deg (***) Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming. 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 2025-02-03 23:00 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 2025-02-03 23:00 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 07:30 – 19:30 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking up and about an hour 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 sometimes active. Check the status at https://www.ariss.org/ or http://www.issfanclub.eu to see if the packet system is active or not. 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 has closed for contacts to be scheduled for July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Find more information and proposal instructions, visit the ARISS-USA website at: https://ariss-usa.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-usa/ 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 is back on board but awaiting re-installation. 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 257 (***) Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 155 Francesco IKØWGF with 154 Gaston ON4WF with 124 Steve VE3TBD with 125 Peter IN3GHZ with 122 **************************************************************************** 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 1815. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1706. (***) 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 **************************************************************************** Boeing CFT on orbit Sunita Williams KD5PLB Barry Wilmore SpaceX Crew-9 on orbit Nick Hague KG5TMV Alexander Gorbunov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Re: AO-73 now in transponder mode
by Mark L. Hammond 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

David, what a wonderful report on your old bird! Congratulations to you and the AMSAT-UK team on the continued operations and educational impact of AO-73. Wonder how she’ll perform in her “teenage years“? ;-) 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] On Mon, Feb 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM David G0MRF via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > AO-73 was commanded back into full time transponder mode earlier today, > 3rd Feb 25. > > The mode U/V linear transponder is now active 24/7 following a period of > about a month where we gathered telemetry data on the 11 year old > satellite's electrical power system. > > Although there are some signs of reduced capacity, the two Lithium Ion > cells are holding up well and are still capable of sustaining full power > transponder operation throughout the orbit. > > AO-73 carries an inverting SSB/CW transponder, with an *nominal uplink > passband at 435.150 to 435.130 MHz LSB*, and a downlink passband at > 145.950 to 145.970 MHz USB. > > With the transponder active, BPSK telemetry is transmitted on 145.935 MHz > at 40mW > > AMSAT-UK > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > 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/[email protected] > 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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AO-73 now in transponder mode
by David G0MRF 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

AO-73 was commanded back into full time transponder mode earlier today, 3rd Feb 25. The mode U/V linear transponder is now active 24/7 following a period of about a month where we gathered telemetry data on the 11 year old satellite's electrical power system. Although there are some signs of reduced capacity, the two Lithium Ion cells are holding up well and are still capable of sustaining full power transponder operation throughout the orbit. AO-73 carries an inverting SSB/CW transponder, with an nominal uplink passband at 435.150 to 435.130 MHz LSB, and a downlink passband at 145.950 to 145.970 MHz USB. With the transponder active, BPSK telemetry is transmitted on 145.935 MHz at 40mW AMSAT-UK

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Re: IC-9700: Use WSJT-X CAT for PTT and SatPC32 CAT for frequency
by Mark L. Hammond 02 Feb '25

02 Feb '25

Hi Bill, Maybe this will help? https://youtu.be/QhfUSRUP910?si=YaU8luD5gIybAY3U Not sure if that video leads you to what I’ve done. Get a CI-V interface cable and also use the REMOTE jack on the back (in addition to the USB port). Basically you connect the radio through two different CI-V ports, using one for each program. It works…. Gosh, now that I think about it. If you’re only lacking PTT seems like you can use the two different ports on the USB connection. Set up one for keying. Have done that too. Sorry I can’t give you more detailed instructions. I often figure it out and then move on ;) Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] On Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 7:11 PM Kurious George via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Hi folks, > > How can I use these two simultaneously with an IC-9700? > > 1. WSJT-X for PTT control via CAT over USB/COM. > 2. SatPC32 for frequency control via CAT over USB/COM. > > In other words, two apps controlling the IC-9700 simultaneously via CAT > over USB/COM when each is performing a different control? > > Bill, KB2SA > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > 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/[email protected] > 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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DXCC Satellite Standing February 2025
by Jon Goering 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

------------------------------------------------------------ DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2025 to February 01, 2025. ------------------------------------------------------------ OE9DGV 212 213 YO3APJ 162 165 EA2AA 157 158 HB9RYZ 152 153 IK4DRY 122 144 RA3DNC 131 143 IK7FMQ 120 128 SM2OAN 109 117 G4BWP 100 105 R5DT New 102 WI7P New 102 I4MKN New 101 LY4AA New 100 N0GVK New 100 ------------------------------------------------------------ Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders. N0GVK is first DXCC Satellite holder from EN00 73 Jon N7AZ

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Reminder About Acceptable Use Policy
by Matthew Alberti (KM4EXS) 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

Hi AMSAT Members & AMSAT-BB Mailing List Subscribers, AMSAT-BB, the other Mailman lists, and other communications tools such as the Discord server, are meant for everyone in the community. They enable open and candid discourse on a variety of topics. These topics should be related to ham radio and other related technical/educational topics. According to the Acceptable Use Policy, there are limits to the topics that should be discussed. Please consider this message as a reminder to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy when using any communication tools provided by AMSAT. The AMSAT staff, including the IT Team, do reserve the right to take action in order to mitigate any violations of the Acceptable Use Policy. This can range from a gentle reminder, to immediate banning, potentially with no warning. The AMSAT-BB was placed on "emergency moderation" mode last week, because of some of the messages being sent to subscribers. This required manual review of every single message sent to the AMSAT-BB. We have now lifted the emergency moderation. When problems arise, AMSAT typically takes action quietly, for example contacting people directly or removing them from mailing lists without fanfare. Big public flare-ups often provide the response that motivates attention seeking behavior, so we typically take action quietly to avoid encouraging it; and causing further distraction to mailing list users. Users are encouraged to exercise restraint for the same reason. Unfortunately, AMSAT does not have the resources to provide continuous supervision for mailing lists. We expect everyone to adhere to the rules, and to manage themselves appropriately. This will be the first and last reminder on the subject. If you have concerns about this, contact us at postmaster(a)amsat.org. There is no need to debate the Acceptable Use Policy in an e-mail list that reaches about 2000 people. If you have concerns about the Acceptable Use Policy and think it can be better, e-mail us separately, and we can have a discussion. Thank you for your attention to this matter. ---------------------------------------- Matthew Alberti (KM4EXS) AMSAT IT Team

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Re: IC-9700: Use WSJT-X CAT for PTT and SatPC32 CAT for frequency
by Ant Lefebvre 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

Video linked here. https://youtu.be/QhfUSRUP910?si=Z4iclrdigiJ3ENzr 73 Ant NU1U On Sat, Feb 1, 2025, 7:12 PM Kurious George via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Hi folks, > > How can I use these two simultaneously with an IC-9700? > > 1. WSJT-X for PTT control via CAT over USB/COM. > 2. SatPC32 for frequency control via CAT over USB/COM. > > In other words, two apps controlling the IC-9700 simultaneously via CAT > over USB/COM when each is performing a different control? > > Bill, KB2SA > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > 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/[email protected] > 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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ANS-033 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

*AMSAT *News Service*ANS-033* *February 2, 2025* In this edition: - MO-122 - Newest OSCAR Alive and Well - SO-120 (URESAT-1) Antennas Deployed - Fram2Ham SSTV Simulation on ISS - GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers February 2025 Rankings - Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for January 31, 2025 - ARISS News - Upcoming Satellite Operations - AMSAT Ambassador Activities - Satellite Shorts From All Over 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 https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org 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/ ------------------------------ MO-122 - Newest OSCAR Alive and Well Mark Hammond, N8MH AMSAT Director presented a Commissioning Update at the October 2024 AMSAT Symposium. His presentation spoke about the launch of the UMaine MESAT-1 and provided operational details. MESAT1 is now designated MESAT1-OSCAR 122 (MO-122). He explained, “Maine’s first small satellite, a 3U CubeSat, was successfully launched on July 4, 2024 from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. It was NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) mission 43 and included eight CubeSats flying on Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket.” Wikipedia provides an extensive list of ELaNa missions on its Educational Launch of Nanosatellites page. Hammond continued, “MO-122 was designed and built at the University of Maine to use low-cost and low-power CMOS cameras to analyze water turbidity, identify urban heat islands, and predict harmful algal blooms from low Earth orbit (LEO). An AMSAT LTM-1 Module provides command/control, telemetry, and a V/u linear transponder.” Dr. Ali Abedi, PhD, an extra class amateur KB1VJV and an active VEC, led the UMaine-Orono WiSe-Net Lab project. The UMaine student team included: Joseph Patton, Ph.D Candidate (Project Manager/Power System); Travis Russell, M.Sc Student, (Radio Engineer) and Steele Muchmore-Allen, 4+1 Graduate Student, (Flight Engineer). Scientific papers about the MESAT1 project were published including Travis Russell’s thesis. MESAT1 has a multi-spectral (four bands in the 550-1100nm range) remote sensing instrument based on low-cost consumer-grade cameras, a custom electrical power supply, an onboard computer based on the Raspberry Pi compute module, a custom, low-cost deployable spacecraft antenna system, and a ground station with automated tracking. Current MO-122 reception reports indicate the AMSAT / UMaine project is performing well on orbit. Here is information needed for monitoring or using MO-122: V/u inverting linear transponder 30 kHz wide Transponder uplink 145.910-145.940 MHz LSB Transponder downlink 435.810-435.840 MHz USB Telemetry downlink (Foxtelem) 435.800 MHz 1200 BPSK Total power out 1 W Two Line Elements (TLEs or Keplerian elements) bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. The latest data for tracking MO-122 and other satellites may be found here. Also see AMSAT Telemetry Data and SatNOGs Observations and Map. Hammond related information about his Command Station equipment. He said, “Telemetry can be routinely copied with a M2 LEO-Pack using a mast mounted low noise preamp and my Icom 9700,” suggesting that antenna orientation is very important. Teachers, Professors and Science students may experiment with telemetry data using a low-cost receiving system consisting of a homemade J-pole antenna, Fox-In-A-Box RPi and Funcube Dongle Pro other good quality software defined radio (SDR) or device. More details about the project are available via MaineSat.org and UMaine WiSe-Net Lab. A YouTube video by M0YKS demonstrates the Amateur Radio capabilities. Follow NASA’s Small Satellite blog for other launch updates. In his symposium presentation Hammond acknowledged the work of the commissioning team which included; Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA; Chris Thompson, VE2TCP/G0KLA; Burns Fisher, WB1FJ; and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM. He also thanked Eric Skoog, K1TVV for his work on the AMSAT Linear Transponder. In addition to operating the AMSAT MO-122 Command Station, N8MH has nearly a quarter century of experience which includes operating command stations for several other AMSAT projects. A complete list of his extensively equipped Command Station can be found on his QRZ.com page. *[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]* ------------------------------ SO-120 (URESAT-1) Antennas Deployed Over a year and a half after launch, SO-120 (URESAT-1) has finally deployed its antennas! Jan, PE0SAT, discovered the signal of SO-120 on January 28th and telemetry confirmed that the satellite was showing that the antennas were deployed. SO-120 was launched on June 12, 2023. On January 31st, AMSAT-EA managed to activate the FM repeater of URESAT-1 (SO-120) but in its secondary uplink frequency of 145.925 MHz. No subtone required. Downlink working well on 436.888 MHz. VHF antenna seems not fully deployed as it can be seen in the SSTV images received are showing just a yellow color, which is the VHF antenna over the camera lens. SSTV images are transmitted in Robot36. As the VHF antenna is not fully deployed, the FM repeater requires a strong uplink signal to break the squelch. The satellite also can play chess. AMSAT-EA will send chess moves suggested via @AmsatSpain on X <https://x.com/amsatspain>. Help is requested receiving the chess telemetry. Information about AMSAT-EA's satellites can be found at https://www.amsat-ea.org/ *[ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA for the above information]* ------------------------------ Fram2Ham SSTV Simulation on ISS Fram2 is a pioneering private astronaut mission, the first to fly astronauts over the North and South poles. Fram2 will give the four on-board astronauts unprecedented first views of the polar regions from space. While astronauts on the ISS can see a large portion of the Earth, it is not possible to see these upper regions of Earth from the ISS. Fram2 is planned to be launched no earlier than March 1, 2025 and is planning a 3 day mission with an optional 2 day extension. The amateur radio experimental payload on Fram2, called Fram2Ham, is also pioneering in nature. It represents the first use of human spaceflight amateur (ham) radio in polar orbit and the first amateur radio transmissions from a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Fram2Ham operations are being performed by private astronaut Rabea Rogge, amateur radio callsigns LB9NJ (Norway) and KD3AID (USA). Fram2Ham will transmit Slow Scan Television (SSTV) picture images from space to radio receivers on the ground as part of a high school and university student competition. These SSTV images can also be received by radio enthusiasts (hams, educators, and youth) worldwide and posted to the ARISS SSTV Gallery—but with a twist. Images posted will not be shown until after the Fram2 mission. These operations support the youth SSTV competition, where they are to acquire several SSTV “Puzzle Pieces,” assemble the puzzle, determine the polar location, and answer questions related to that location. For more information on the Fram2 mission and for youth organizations interested in participating in the Fram2Ham SSTV competition, see: f2.com and Fram2Ham.com. ARISS also has a Fram2 tab on its website www.ariss.org. The ARISS international team is planning an SSTV event to help all participating to be as proficient as possible in acquiring images from Fram2Ham and submitting them in the SSTV gallery. Like previous SSTV events, ARISS will provide special commemorative certificates for those who upload images to the gallery. Certificates will be delivered after the completion of both the Fram2 simulation event and the Fram2 mission. SSTV Simulation details: Hardware: ARISS radio transmitter set to low power (5 watts vs. 25 watts for previous SSTV events). This is to simulate the challenges and unknowns of a new radio system on a Dragon capsule that might be in an unfavorable attitude in some parts of the mission flight path. Operations Frequency: 437.550 MHz. Using the SSTV (public downlink) planned for Fram2Ham, ground users can practice the more challenging 70 cm Doppler correction. SSTV Mode: PD120. The longer image capture for this simulation (120 seconds, vs. 36 seconds for Fram2Ham’s Robot 36 SSTV mode) will allow ground users to hone their signal polarization switching skills (manually and electronically) as well as precise antenna pointing. Operations Duration: February 13 (World Radio Day) to February 17, 2025. This long duration, over a weekend, will allow users multiple passes to practice, learn lessons, make corrections, and try again. S Summary: There are several challenges like low transmit power, variations of antenna orientation, and a short, 3-day mission duration, with only a limited time assigned for the SSTV operation. These challenges require operating proficiency and the use of the best attainable radio station and this simulation shall give the possibility to exercise this. Are you up for the challenge? *[ANS thanks Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chair, for the above information]* ------------------------------ GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers February 2025 Rankings The February 2025 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMap <https://x.com/GridMasterMap> on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data. Updated: 2025-01-31 1 ND9M 26 KX9X 51 W7WGC 76 PT2AP 2 NJ7H 27 ON4AUC 52 N6DNM 77 LU4JVE 3 JA9KRO 28 KG5CCI 53 JK2XXK 78 AA8CH 4 UT1FG 29 N5BO 54 EA4NF 79 VE1VOX 5 N5UC 30 K8BL 55 SM3NRY 80 FG8OJ 6 DL6AP 31 KE4AL 56 JL3RNZ 81 YU0W 7 OE3SEU 32 KB5FHK 57 DF2ET 82 PT9BM 8 WI7P 33 VE3HLS 58 XE1ET 83 KJ7NDY 9 DP0POL 34 PA3GAN 59 AA5PK 84 KI7UXT 10 K5ZM 35 KI0KB 60 KI7QEK 85 N6UTC 11 F5VMJ 36 KI7UNJ 61 SP5XSD 86 KB2YSI 12 N6UA 37 LA9XGA 62 F4DXV 87 WA9JBQ 13 HA3FOK 38 JO2ASQ 63 AD7DB 88 N4DCW 14 WY7AA 39 F4BKV 64 VE1CWJ 89 JM1CAX 15 N9IP 40 BA1PK 65 KE9AJ 90 AF5CC 16 W5PFG 41 VA3VGR 66 DL4EA 91 VE3GOP 17 AK8CW 42 N7AGF 67 N8RO 92 N0TEL 18 DL2GRC 43 VK5DG 68 VA7LM 93 KG4AKV 19 AD0DX 44 XE3DX 69 M1DDD 94 W8MTB 20 LU5ILA 45 KE0WPA 70 KM4LAO 95 K0FFY 21 N4AKV 46 PR8KW 71 W8LR 96 CU2ZG 22 AD0HJ 47 K7TAB 72 W1AW 97 VE7PTN 23 WD9EWK 48 KE0PBR 73 N4UFO 98 K6VHF 24 ND0C 49 EB1AO 74 HB9GWJ 99 VE6WK 25 DJ8MS 50 AC0RA 75 BG7QIW 100 DK9JC *[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap <https://x.com/GridMasterMap> for the above information]* ------------------------------ *The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived!* *Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight* *Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.**Join <https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/> the AMSAT President’s Club today!* ------------------------------ Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for January 31, 2025 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ <https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/>. This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution. *[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information]* ------------------------------ *Need new satellite antennas? Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the **AMSAT Store! <https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/>**When you purchase through **AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards **Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.* ------------------------------ ARISS News Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. *Scheduled Contacts* Public Primary School, La Laupie, France, direct via F5KLF The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT The ARISS mentor is F6ICS Contact is go for: Fri 2025-02-07 14:27:07 UTC 72 deg Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming. 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 crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down), 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. 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 *[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]* ------------------------------ Upcoming Satellite Operations A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location. 8R, GUYANA: Watch out for Aldir, PY1SAD, signing 8R1TM from Georgetown between Jan. 1 and Feb. 8. QRV on 160-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and via satellites. QSL direct via homecall, LoTW, eQSL, qrz.com. *[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT Rover Page Manager, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM, and DXNL 2439 - January 1, 2025 DX Newsletter, for the above information]* ------------------------------ * Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?* Get an AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store <https://www.zazzle.com/store/amsat_gear>! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space ------------------------------ AMSAT Ambassador Activities AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, "Think a 75-minute presentation on "working the easy satellites" would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!" Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. Scheduled Events *Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 7-9, 2025* *Hamcation 2025 and ARRL Southeastern Division Convention* Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808 https://www.hamcation.com/ KE4AL *February 14-15, 2025* *Yuma HAMCON and Southwestern Division Convention* Yuma County Fairgrounds Yuma, AZ https://www.yumahamfest.com/ N1UW *March 2, 2025* *Midwinter Madness Hamfest* Buffalo Civic Center 1306 County Rd 134 Buffalo MN 55313 https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/ KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR *April 4 – 5, 2025* *Southeastern VHF Conference 2025* Quality Inn 3095 Wilma Rudolph Blvd Clarksville, TN 37040 W4FCL *[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]* ------------------------------ Satellite Shorts from All Over + Mike Herr, WA6ARA, submitted a report about his activity during the W2RS Memorial AMSAT CW Activity Day, held on January 1st: "After fussing with a new tracking computer, I made one (1) CW contact, right at the end of the window. I worked WA0CTZ, Dave, at 2357 on AO-7. Fitting way to end the year and start a new one. It has rekindled my desire to operate satellites." (ANS thanks WA6ARA for the information) + FO-29's analog linear transponder will be activated at the following times in February: February 1, 00:49～ February 2,01:38～ February 8, 01:22～ February 9, 02:12～ February 15, 01:56～ February 16, 01:00～ February 22, 00:44～ February 23, 01:34～ February 24, 00:39～ Due to FO-29's battery status, the satellite will remain on after activation until the satellite's undervoltage control (UVC) automatically shuts off the transponder. (ANS thanks JARL for the information) ------------------------------ Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: - Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). - 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. - Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. *73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!* *This week's ANS Editor,* *Paul Stoetzer, N8HM* *n8hm [at] arrl.net <http://arrl.net>* *ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002*

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IC-9700: Use WSJT-X CAT for PTT and SatPC32 CAT for frequency
by Kurious George 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

Hi folks, How can I use these two simultaneously with an IC-9700? 1. WSJT-X for PTT control via CAT over USB/COM. 2. SatPC32 for frequency control via CAT over USB/COM. In other words, two apps controlling the IC-9700 simultaneously via CAT over USB/COM when each is performing a different control? Bill, KB2SA

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