- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

ISS digipeater back up?
by Scott 09 Aug '17

09 Aug '17

I see there are recent entries on ariss.net indicating packets digipeated via the ISS. Anyone have information on the status of that asset? I have a good pass later tonight and will certainly give it a try. Thanks! -Scott, K4KDR

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS Digipeater back up?
by Roy Dean 09 Aug '17

09 Aug '17

On Tue, Aug 8, 2017 at 7:11 PM, <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> wrote: > I see there are recent entries on ariss.net indicating packets digipeated via the ISS. > > Anyone have information on the status of that asset? > > I have a good pass later tonight and will certainly give it a try. > > Thanks! > > -Scott, K4KDR > > Scott, it's been sporadic the last day or so. I'm going to attempt the 00:52z pass myself, see if I can get in.

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YOTA 2017 ISS contact now at 2015 GMT
by M5AKA 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

ISS contact with #YOTA2017 at Gilwell Park, UK will now take place at 2015 GMT (9:15pm BST) on 145.800 MHz FM. Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA will use the Kenwood TM-D710 transceiver located in the Russian Service Module. There will be no HamTV as that is located in the Columbus Module amateur station. You can use the SUWS Online Radio to listen to the ISS downlink on 145.800 MHz FM from anywhere in the world http://websdr.suws.org.uk/ #YOTA2017 video from the HamTV on the ISS UHF Satcom @uhf_satcom Tweeted: A quick bit of video from the @BATCOnline Minitiouner board captured directly from the ISS @ 2395MHz; using usual 88cm dish with helix feed http://pic.twitter.com/SS9NXqTvyi Trevor M5AKA ---- AMSAT-UK http://amsat-uk.org/ Twitter https://twitter.com/AmsatUK Facebook https://facebook.com/AmsatUK YouTube https://youtube.com/AmsatUK ----

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Re: [amsat-bb] Anyone else not receive their BOD ballot for the election?
by Gabriel Zeifman 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

I never received mine. When I noted it to leadership I was told "sorry, nothing can be done, deal with it". 73, Gabe NJ7H/VE6NJH On Aug 8, 2017 12:31 PM, "Norm n3ykf" <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> wrote: I'd have contacted our well paid staff. info(a)amsat.org bounces from the webpage. No ballot yet. Did receive the mag, so the database has the correct address. Don't want to miss my opportunity to exercise governance. Wonder why this happened. Spent 5 years as the Secretary Treasurer of a labor union. Teamsters sent me to school so that I might learn all about governing, governance and regulations. Elections can be nullified by irregularities. Loss of 501c3? Norm McSweyn n3ykf _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-08-08 14:30 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-08-08 14:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: YOTA, England, direct via GB4YOTA The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-08 18:38:37 UTC 82 deg (***) Watch for Ham TV (***) **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-08-08 14:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1151. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1110. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-08-06 21:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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(no subject)
by Craig Kinsman 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

Dear Sir I have been trying to set up a new account at issfanclub.com and I am asked what is the packet radio callsign. Please help me with this as I dont know it. Craig ZS6XKH

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AMSAT-UK Colloquium
by David G0MRF 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

Hi. Can anyone confirm the hotel being used for the A-UK dinner on Sat 14th October? I can see it's a nearby Hilton, but there seem to be 2 in the area. - Don't want to book an overnight stay at the wrong one! Thanks David G0MRF

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ISS contact 1837 GMT today - Receive and Watch Worldwide
by M5AKA 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

Space Station contact planned for YOTA 2017 UK at 1837 GMT Tuesday, August 8 https://amsat-uk.org/2017/08/03/ariss-contact-yota-2017/ Listen to the Space Station on 145.800 MHz FM You can use the SUWS Online Radio to listen from anywhere in the world http://websdr.suws.org.uk/ Watch live at https://ariss.batc.tv/ Don't forget to book for the International Space Colloquium, Milton Keynes, October 14-15Program schedule now available, see Colloquium 2017 Saturday Gala Dinner https://amsat-uk.org/2017/08/05/colloquium-2017-saturday-gala-dinner/ Trevor M5AKA ---- AMSAT-UK http://amsat-uk.org/ Twitter https://twitter.com/AmsatUK Facebook https://facebook.com/AmsatUK YouTube https://youtube.com/AmsatUK ---- | | Virus-free. www.avg.com |

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Rocket Lab test flight analysis released
by Wendy and Terry Osborne 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

Hello Launch watchers, The report on Rocket Lab’s first test flight is here: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analys… Memo, turn ON the FEC before launch. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. SPAMfighter has removed 306 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len Do you have a slow PC? Try a Free scan http://www.spamfighter.com/SLOW-PCfighter?cid=sigen

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Cleaning up the Global APRS Satellite ground station network?
by Robert Bruninga 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

I think we should better organize our autmoatied automatic APRS satelite ground stations. We found about 330 unique IGATES feeding the APRS-IS and the two APRS satellite networks: http://pcsat.findu.com and http://ariss.net For decades a hot topic at SmalSat conferences has been remote ground station networks. Some costing $100,000 or more but with only a half dozen other stations that seem to always be just one more software, and one more receiver upgrade to actualy be operating. Meantime, APRS has had global ground stations by the hundreds. They all work fine for APRS donwlinks on 145.825. I am not really interested (for now) in diluting this always-listening network by spinnning off stations that can be remotely tuned to go listend to the other hundreds of small sats and their UHF downlinks which require tracking AND Doppler tuning, For now, I'd rather encourage more AMSATS to use our network and provide more APRS transponders! In addition, I'd like to at least see about making this ground station netwrok to be TWO_WAY just like APRS was designed, so that small satellite control operators with satellites on 145.825 can send APRS message back to their spacecraft for control anywhere anytime. The inherent protocol does this already (once a fground station has heard the satelite at least once on that pass). I do think this transmit path might need to be available only to valid control operators, though,,, Remember, with this many stations I have not encouraged AZ/EL active trackign but just omni receivers. After seeign all the problems when Yaesu rotators are run full time, I do not think that is a strong idea for hams at home... But maybe universities who have budgets to replace warn out equipment? So here are just some initial thoughts about this network we already have: PHASE 1: Lets choose a unique set of APRS symbols to clearly identify this network. In 2008 we expanded the APRS symbol set. FOr example the \& gateway symbol has plenty of vacancies we can use for this purpose. Here are the existing Gateway overlays: /& = HF Gateway <= the original primary table definition I& = Igate Generic (please use more specific overlay) R& = Receive only IGate (do not send msgs back to RF) P& = PSKmail node T& = TX igate with path set to 1 hop only) W& = WIRES-X as opposed to W0 for WiresII 2& = TX igate with path set to 2 hops (not generally good idea) We could; define additional overlays for this Satellite ground station network: A& for Omni "AMSAT" ground station (2-way, 50W radio) L& for Omni "AMSAT" low power or other wise less than optimum sky view O& for Omni receive Only H& for HFSAT (that will be our next one in a few years) Y& for Yaggi oscar class (Gernerallyh tracks APRS sats of current interest) U& for UHF downlinks chanel (TBD) S& for Schools and University class (always on and can track on demand?) and can QSY when we figure out how we want to do this... (and can afford to wear out their stuff) V& for Various? Since APRS has a FREUENCY SPEC already, we can assume that all stations using these symbols are on 145.825, UNLESS they include a different frequency in their STATUS text. A V station might be VARIOUS and that indicates that it is auto tracking and auto tuning any satellite in view and is beaconing that frequency in its status each time it changes frequency. THen lets come up with some well defined way to categorize capablities so that it all fits in the station's STATUS packet in a consistent way. I know there are LOTS of ideas of all kinds of automated linked ground stations. I am not trying to disrupt all those ideas, but simple clean up what I think is what APRS already has? Does this seem like a plan? Bob, WB4apr

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Cleaning up the Global APRS Satellite ground station network?
by Dave Ryan 08 Aug '17

08 Aug '17

Hi Bob I run an RX only i-gate in the UK MB7UEI-6. Currently it uses AZ/EL active tracking antennas, VHF and UHF wimo Xquads, the system runs 24/7 and also tracks the 3 Funcube sats, I have plans to expand this further and include the station on WEBSDR, I would be interested to participate. Regards Dave EI4HT / M0GIW

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YOTA ARISS Contact Tuesday 8th August
by Graham Shirville 07 Aug '17

07 Aug '17

Hi all, Just to confirm that all the plans have now been finalised for tomorrow's ARISS contact with the ISS from the YOTA 2017 event at Gilwell Park near London The FM audio downlink will be on 145.800 MHz as usual and the HAMtv system has been switched back on today and is expected to be used by Paolo Nespoli for the contact. Full details about the contact, scheduled to start at 18:38utc, including guidance about how to watch the event live on the batc webstreams, can be found at https://amsat-uk.org/2017/08/03/ariss-contact-yota-2017/ 73 Graham G3VZV

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Yaesu G-5500 az issue
by Jeff Griffin 06 Aug '17

06 Aug '17

I removed the rotor from the tower today and started working on the azimuth rotor. When power is applied via left or right control the motor is running. I carefully split the case and everything appears intact. Grease is still good, no missing gear teeth, no metal shavings in bottom of housing. So the problem is somewhere in the gearing, or mechanical control. I would like to proceed further but have no exploded view of the inside of the rotor. I wouldn't want to proceed without some kind of service manual part description view. Does anyone have anything that might help? Does anyone have a clue, maybe had this same problem and fixed it?I already have the useless Yaesu user manual.. 73 Jeff kb2m

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-08-06 21:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 06 Aug '17

06 Aug '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-08-06 21:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact was successful: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg (***) **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-08-06 21:00 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1151. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1110. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-08-06 21:00 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Ham Science using PSAT PSK31 HF xponder
by Robert Bruninga 06 Aug '17

06 Aug '17

Some people have reported difficulty getting into the BrnoUniversity PSK31 HF uplink on PSAT(NO84) and we just realized that such reports could be valuable data that we have been ignoring.! For our next HFSAT we want to explore how often the ionosphere bends the uplink down below the satelite and any given station is unable to get in even though their tracking program shows them the satelite is in view. We just realized we can get all this data simply by monitoring the PSAT transponder and when people see AOS and LOS. WHen we are looking for success (DX via the transponder) it is human nature to ignore passes that didn't work. But in this case, that is the science data that is more interesting. But then there is also another problem with "negative reslts" is that you have now way of knowing if the resason you got negative results was becuase of a vist by Murphy or because in fact, the negative effect you are looking for was the cause. So the best data is from a relatively high pass where you domt start seeing your downlink until the satelite gets above X degrees elevation and then gets strong and then fades out below Y elevation on the other side. An ideal report might be something like: DATE, STARTTIME, AOS angle, Max angle/AZ, LOS angle, ENDTIME, SUn AZ/EL The sun direction will be helpful in explainign difference in AOS and LOS elevation angles. Its just an idea if aonyone wants to dabble in some Ham Science... Bob, WB4APR

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To AA5AO (Fwd: Re: Hardware you use with gqrx and gpredict)
by PE0SAT | Amateur Radio 06 Aug '17

06 Aug '17

Hello James, I am unable to reply via your ATT mail provider, therefor my reply via Amsat-BB. 73 Jan PE0SAT -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Subject: Hardware you use with gqrx and gpredict Date: 03-08-2017 16:18 To: jameshickox(a)sbcglobal.net Hello James, The minimum I use at the moment is a refurbished HP ProBook 6460b (It has a quad core i5 with 8Gb) 73 Jan PE0SAT --- With regards PE0SAT On 03-08-2017 15:19, James Hickox via de website. wrote: > From: James Hickox <jameshickox(a)sbcglobal.net> > Call: AA5AO > Subject: Hardware you use with gqrx and gpredict > > Message Body: > Hello, I am trying to run gpredict and gqrx together while using > gpredict to tune my transceiver and a rtl-sdr dongle for a duplex > station. > > I am running an old Toshiba nb505, which is a single core processor > running at about 1.2 ghz. It crashes or has unacceptable lag time or > stutters. > > What do you use or what would be minimal computer specifications you > would recommend? > > Thanks and 73, > James Hickox > AA5AO >

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Turnstile antenna feed point
by Andrew Rich 06 Aug '17

06 Aug '17

Hello I am making a turnstile antenna and interested to seek ideas on how the support the upper two dipoles I see some people have sort of supporting material that fits inside the upper dipoles I am hoping to keep all the rf connections inside the pvc pipe which forms the vertical supporting structure of the antenna No one makes commercial turnstiles ? Andrew Sent from my iPhone

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ANS-218 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 06 Aug '17

06 Aug '17

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-218 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://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. In this edition: * Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85 * ARISS contact planned for YOTA, England * VUCC Awards/Endorsements for July 2017 * ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space * AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation at DEFCON * AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017 * AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-218.01 ANS-218 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 218.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. August 6, 2017 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-218.01 Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85 With the recent popularity of Slow Scan Television (SSTV) from the ISS, AMSAT Operations is bringing back Experimenter’s Wednesday to AO- 85. On a trial basis, we invite users to exchange pictures using Robot 36 SSTV mode via the FM repeater on AO-85 during UTC Wednesdays. Please identify prior to beginning transmissions, and only send when the uplink is clear. Stations are requested to only uplink if they have a reasonable expectation of maintaining a full-quieting signal for the duration of the image transmission. Smaller stations are encouraged to focus on receiving the images. Please don’t send questionable or provocative images. If in doubt, pick another one. Expect all ages to be participating. Feedback is encouraged, and comments may be directed via email to me at ko4ma at amsat dot org. [ANS thanks Drew KO4MA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS contact planned for YOTA, England An International Space Station ARISS contact has been planned for astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA and the Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) event, which takes place in UK. The ARISS contact is scheduled Tuesday August 8, 2017 at approximately 18.38 UTC. This will be a direct radio contact, operated by GB4YOTA. Downlink signals will be audible in parts of Europe on 145.800 MHz narrowband FM. Moreover, Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA will operate the HamVideo transmitter. The Goonhilly receiver will be activated sometime Friday (4th August) and will remain active over the weekend and continue to track the ISS until Wednesday morning, 9th August. Goonhilly, will be one of several European HamTV reception ground stations contributing to the reception of the HamTV signal for the contact itself. Two web streams will be available: 1. The normal ARISS/BATC website will be available at https://ariss.batc.tv/hamtv ; This shows only the HamTV video downlink as an output from the merger facility, with an indication of which registered HamTV stations are providing signal input to the merger. 2. The ARISS Operations UK Team will be web streaming from the YOTA event itself at https://ariss.batc.tv/ ; This web stream includes introductions and presentations from the RSGB and the YOTA participants before the actual contact itself according to the timetable of the event below. The timetable of the event is as follows. ALL times are UTC times: 17:30 - All participants and guests to be present at the location. The event web stream (https://ariss.batc.tv/) will start at approximately this time to capture some of the build-up. 17:40 - Formal start of the RSGB/YOTA introductions and presentations. 18:20 - ARISS Operations in the UK take over the event, give the background to what is happening, how it is organised and how all the different elements of the contact are managed. 18:38 - Scheduled time for start of contact with Nespoli operating as NA1SS. The YOTA participants will be using the GB4YOTA callsign. 18:50 - Approximate end of contact with Nespoli. After closing the contact, the operator will invite RSGB/YOTA to formally close down the ARISS event. [ANS thanks Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, ARISS Europe for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Awards/Endorsements for July 2017 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period July 1, 2017 through August 1, 2017. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL GRIDS KD8CAO 1240 N8RO 1010 N8HM 980 N4UFO 675 WA5KBH 630 KG5CCI 616 KK4FEM 476 WD9EWK 375 PV8DX 313 NJ7H 203 KX9X 158 KA9P 150 XE3DX 117 OX/NJ7H 110 (NEW VUCC) PT9BM 100 (NEW VUCC) Eduardo PY2RN wrote, "Congratulations to aGustavo, PT9BM for the first VUCC-SAT in South America (below the Equator), way to go!" This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for July 1st and August 1st, 2017. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing most of the work! [ANS thanks John K8YSE for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space The ARRL offers a series of six posters that promote Amateur Radio to the general public. These were originally designed by ARRL for the 2017 National Scouting Jamboree, but may be used for any outreach effort. Each poster is 11" x 17". One of the posters features amateur radio in space. The six posters are based around the theme, "Ham Radio Is..." Those themes are: + Adventure (Portable operating of all kinds) + Discovery (Making/Building/DIY) + Friendship (Community and Mentoring) + Out Of This World (space communications/satellites) + Ready (Publc Service) + The Game (Contesting and Awards) A link to ARRL's "What Is Ham Radio" page is provided as both a URL and a QR code on each poster. The posters are available for free download in PDF format. http://www.arrl.org/pr-posters We suggest printing on high-gloss paper and framing them for maximum effect. [ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation at DEFCON Amateur Radio and AMSAT were prominently featured this year at DEFCON Hacking Conference. In addition to the license exam session run by one of the many local DEFCON Groups, there were amateur radio demonstrations of software defined radio, Phase 4 Ground, and GNU Radio flowgraphs at WiFi Village, one of the many subject-specific subcategories at DEFCON. The amateur satellite service was of great interest! At an estimated 30,000 attendees, outreach was highly successful. Participants were diverse, technical, curious, and came ready with the questions! A very high fraction were already licensed or interested in getting their license. Amateur radio was also part of the WiFi Village Capture the Flag competition. Word on the street is that next year we expect to see a lot more ham content in this exciting signal intelligence competition. AMSAT Phase 4 Ground will next present at the GNU Radio Conference in September, in San Diego, CA. Register now at https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon-2017/ After that, we will be at the AMSAT Symposium in October, in Reno, NV. More information at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/ Thank you to Paul Williamson and Steve Conklin for helping staff the booth, bringing cool custom swag, setting up demonstrations, and answering hundreds and hundreds of questions. We are already looking forward to next year! [ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NYV for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017 Ballots for AMSAT-NA's Board of Directors were mailed to members in good standing on July 15. Members are encouraged to complete their ballots and return them as soon as possible. Ballots must be received at the AMSAT office by September 15 in order to be counted. This year AMSAT-NA will be electing four voting members of the Board of Directors. These will go to the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes. In addition, there will be one alternate chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received. The 2017 candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are: Jerry Buxton, N0JY Clayton Coleman, W5PFG Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA Peter Portanova, W2JV Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Election of Board members is both an obligation as well as an opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of AMSAT. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that will accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the Board. You have the option to vote for up to four candidates. [ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level The AMSAT SA/SARL workshop, to be held on Saturday 19 August at the SARL National Amateur Radio Centre at Radiokop Roodepoort, will focus on how to get more out of Software Defined Radio, and will take participants to another level in Amateur Radio activity. The workshop will be presented in two sessions. Session one will deal with the VHF SDR dongle and how to have more fun, such as listening to satellites, receiving weather satellites pictures, and astronomy projects. The second session will discuss a HF Dongle and the SARL HF Noise floor monitoring project, with details and a demonstration of how to automate this and how to build an autonomous system using a raspberry Pi. For more details and to check your registration status, point your browser to www.amsatsa.org.za or send an e-mail to admin at amsatsa.org.za [ANS thanks SARL weekly news in English 2017-8-5 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News + A Successful contact was made between VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany and Astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA using Callsign OR4ISS. The contact began 2017-08-01 18:20 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was Direct via DP9S. ARISS Mentor was Peter IN3GHZ. + A Successful contact was made between Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, USA and Astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA using Callsign OR4ISS. The contact began Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was Telebridge via ON4ISS. ARISS Mentor was Keith W5IU. [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Free SpaceUK Magazine Edition 47 of the UK Space Agency's free magazine SpaceUK is now available for download The latest edition is packed with interesting content, including a feature on growing the UK space sector, a look at the next mission to Mars and an interview with Tim Peake KG5BVI / GB1SS. Download your copy of SpaceUK from http://tinyurl.com/ANS218-SpaceUK Sign up for email updates http://tinyurl.com/ANS218-EmailUpdates UK Space Agency blog https://space.blog.gov.uk/ [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] + Satellite has deployable VHF crossed Yagi antenna Radio amateurs Sean Hum VA3SHV and Jeff Nicholls VA3NGJ worked on the design for a deployable VHF crossed Yagi antenna on the recently launched NORsat-2 The very high frequency (VHF) antenna was designed to unfold from the CubeSat after receiving a command from the Norwegian Space Center to deploy once in orbit. “This antenna is a completely new type of deployable antenna — it unfolds to be more than three times as large as the satellite that took it into orbit,” says Hum. “This is the first time that a deployable antenna of this type has been contemplated and successfully used as a main mission antenna for a CubeSat.” On July 20, cameras on board the CubeSat confirmed the successful deployment of the antenna. Read the full story at http://tinyurl.com/ANS218-Cubesats [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, AA8EM aa8em at amsat dot org

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Options for safer & permanent roof access?
by Scott 05 Aug '17

05 Aug '17

Hello everyone. Most of the time, when you're looking for how-to ideas, searching online will result in lots of options. This time, I'm not having much luck - with the exeption of expensive commercial solutions. What I would LIKE to see are some ideas on how I can give myself better (permanent) access to the roof that is more stable than an extension ladder. I only need to get up about 4 meters to a simple "A" roof, but with every passing year that transition from the top of the ladder to the sloped roof becomes more dangerous. Has anyone built exterior stairs or utilized a fixed ladder to the roof perhaps with some extended hand rails to make getting on & off the roof less hazardous? Alternatively, I'm certainly open to a purchased or second-hand solution if the cost is reasonable. Pictures would be great if anyone would like to share a URL or two. With the number of antennas that have been put on the roof by Amateur Radio operators over the decades, I have to think that someone out there besides me got tired of using a plain old ladder at some point. Thanks! -Scott, K4KDR

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The loyal engineers steering NASA Voyager probes across the universe.
by Arthur Feller, W4ART 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/03/magazine/the-loyal-engineers-steering-na… <https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/03/magazine/the-loyal-engineers-steering-na…> To thrive in life, you need three bones: a wish bone, a back bone, and a funny bone. - Reba McEntire http://afeller.us <http://afeller.us/>

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YOTA ARISS Contact + Deployable Sat VHF Yagi VA3NGJ Interview
by M5AKA 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

ARISS contact planned for YOTA 2017 UK https://amsat-uk.org/2017/08/03/ariss-contact-yota-2017/ New Satellite Report by Peter 2M0SQL https://amsat-uk.org/2017/08/01/2m0sql-satellite-report/ Press reports ISS success of Chertsey Radio Club https://amsat-uk.org/2017/07/28/press-iss-chertsey-radio-club/ KD2BHC 437 MHz Sprite satellites deployed https://amsat-uk.org/2017/07/26/sprite-satellites-deployed/ Jeff Nicholls VA3NGJ is interviewed about the Deployable VHF Antenna which is 3 times the size of the NORsat-2 satellite launched on July 14 http://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/u-t-engineering-designed-cubesats-novel… Wirral Globe newspaper reports planned ISS contact with #YOTA2017 (145.800 MHz FM) and says Milo 2E0ILO @milonoblet has been chosen to represent UK at the event http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/15454630.Wirral_teenager_to_represent_UK_… Glasgow Pocketqube satellite company on front page of The National newspaper. D/L 437.160 MHz https://twitter.com/AlbaOrbital/status/892862152855474176 https://www.pocketqubeshop.com/unicorn-1/ New @ARRL Amateur Radio PR Posters include - Out Of This World (Space Comms/Satellites) http://www.arrl.org/pr-posters Trevor M5AKA ---- AMSAT-UK http://amsat-uk.org/ Twitter https://twitter.com/AmsatUK Facebook https://facebook.com/AmsatUK YouTube https://youtube.com/AmsatUK ----

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX on 05 Aug. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:02 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between OR4ISS and ON4ISS. The contact should be audible over portions of Europe and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. For the third year in a row, the Frontiers of Flight Museum is honored to be selected for a live contact with the International Space Station through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. We greatly appreciate the support and assistance of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in making this phenomenal opportunity for our students possible. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is committed to educating, motivating, and inspiring all ages in science, technology, engineering, and math, and this remarkable opportunity offers us a unique venue toward that goal. Our previous ARISS contacts have been viewed by overflow audiences in our 200-seat auditorium, and we once again welcome this chance to inspire young people while also educating the public about the importance of the International Space Station. This TALK LIVE! To the ISS event will be held on 5 August, only two weeks after our ninth annual "Moon Day" event, the largest annual space exposition in Texas. This year, Moon Day featured exhibits and demonstrations by the Dallas Amateur Radio Club, AMSAT, the Johnson Space Center, several universities, and numerous space-related corporations and organizations. Programs and classes for all ages included model rocket building and launching for younger visitors as well as serious academic presentations for mature audiences such as The Future of Human Spaceflight: The Moon, Asteroids, and Mars, The August Solar Eclipse, and a special appearance by Dr. Janet Kavandi, Director of the NASA Glenn Research Center and a three-time Space Shuttle astronaut (STS-91, STS-99, and STS-104). Several young visitors to Moon Day submitted questions for consideration for this upcoming ARISS contact. The live conversation via Amateur Radio with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station in the Museum's auditorium will be open to the public. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. How long did it take for the Space Station to be built? 2. Does the change in gravity affect a person's heart rate and length of sleep? 3. How do the experiments on the Space Station help us overcome the challenges humans will face on the journey to Mars? 4. Does electricity work differently in space than on Earth? 5. Are there any plans to reduce, recycle, and even reuse the space debris orbiting Earth? 6. How do you fly the Space Station? 7. Will you be able to see the solar eclipse on August 21st in space? 8. What is it like to live in micro-gravity? 9. Do you have dreams and how do you feel after waking up? 10. What was the most surprising experiment you have done on the Space Station? 11. What language do you speak on the Space Station? 12. Have you ever been sick in space? 13. What has been your best experience as an astronaut? 14. What did you study in school to help you become an astronaut? 15. Are your favorite foods in space the same as your favorite foods on Earth? 16. Why does your spacecraft heat up coming back down to Earth but not while launching into space? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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NO-84
by Roy Dean 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

I've never experienced a PSAT pass that was of decent elevation (say, over 20°) that I couldn't get into with an arrow and 10w from my D710. And occasionally it sounds so strong as to lead me to believe it's putting out at LEAST 5 watts (which we know is not the case). That's when it's on, of course. --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] Speaking of APRS
by skristof＠etczone.com 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

Thanks. I was hoping for a little more long-term outlook with respect to NO-84. As best I can tell from clicking on the satellites that have links, there are no other satellites that have APRS transponder capabilities. Is that correct? Steve AI9IN On 2017-08-03 09:47, W2JV wrote: > Steve, > > You can look at the AMSAT Status Page, have fun. http://www.amsat.org/status/ > > Best, > > Peter, W2JV > > -----Original Message----- From: skristof(a)etczone.com > Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2017 9:35 AM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Speaking of APRS > > With the ISS APRS down, probably for months, I've been looking to NO-84 > for orbiting APRS action. But it seems that NO-84 has been APOFF quite a > bit, leaving no active APRS transponders in space (that I am aware of). > > Can we get a status report on NO-84 and, for folks like me who aren't > sure where to look for such info, some info on any other APRS > transponder satellites? > > Thank you! > > Steve AI9IN > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: [amsat-bb] Speaking of APRS (and PSK31)
by Robert Bruninga 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

So, while digipeater is off, now is a good time to play with PSAT (NO84's) PSK31 transponder which we try to always keep on. Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Speaking of APRS Probably the closest thing to a status report on the health of NO-84 is available from Mike DK3WN: http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?cat=254 DK3WN is one of the command stations for NO-84, and he is able to switch on the APRS digipeater when he feels the satellite can handle it. His last blog entry related to that satellite was from last week, where he commented that "digipeater should remain off". Along with his web site, DK3WN is also on Twitter as @DK3WN where he also posts information related to NO-84. If you're not on Twitter, you can read his tweets in a browser at: http://twitter.com/DK3WN In terms of APRS digipeaters operating on 145.825 MHz, NO-84 is off, ISS is down, and from an earlier -BB post it looks like QIKCOM-1 (another satellite with an APRS transponder on 145.825 MHz): http://aprs.org/qikcom-1.html has been delayed in its deployment from the ISS. We'll have to be patient... 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK On Thu, Aug 3, 2017 at 7:04 AM, <skristof(a)etczone.com> wrote: > Thanks. > > I was hoping for a little more long-term outlook with respect to NO-84. > As best I can tell from clicking on the satellites that have links, > there are no other satellites that have APRS transponder capabilities. > Is that correct? > > Steve AI9IN > > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Simplesat lokdown
by Joe 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

I have in the past used this program often to see when there were mutual windows with a second station it worked great, but now I can not seem to make it do that anymore. Can anyone help? Joe WB9SBD -- Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com

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Re: [amsat-bb] NO-84
by Roy Dean 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

> Thanks for that info, Roy. Perhaps what I have heard in the past was some sort of telemetry coming from NO-84. Is it also sending a data beacon? > > check out: pcsat.findu.com If the PSAT packets are shown as "PSAT-1]APOFF", then all it sends out are beacons (with embedded telemetry info, more info on Bob's website, aprs.org ). If the packets are shown as "PSAT]APRSON", then it will send beacons, and occasional friendly messages, as well as digipeat (use "ARISS" as path). If you send a message directly to "PSAT" (while it is on), then it will not digipeat it, and instead will eventually respond with some information about the next AOS (I think, it's been a while). It's really a neat satellite.

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Re: [amsat-bb] NO-84
by W M WILLOUGHBY 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

Thanks for that info, Roy. Perhaps what I have heard in the past was some sort of telemetry coming from NO-84. Is it also sending a data beacon?

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Speaking of APRS
by skristof＠etczone.com 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

With the ISS APRS down, probably for months, I've been looking to NO-84 for orbiting APRS action. But it seems that NO-84 has been APOFF quite a bit, leaving no active APRS transponders in space (that I am aware of). Can we get a status report on NO-84 and, for folks like me who aren't sure where to look for such info, some info on any other APRS transponder satellites? Thank you! Steve AI9IN

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APRS, AM radio and the solar Eclipse (Cloud Reporting)
by Robert Bruninga 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

If you are portable on ECLIPSE day, keep your APRS object updated. If you are in the Totality band , please use the SUNNY (\U) symbol to make it easy to identify special Eclipse stations, and update your STATUS text frequently as to your CLOUD cover. NWS says some 65% ? of us will be blocked by clouds and so a last minute race to a clear area might be important. (if you can move at all). A Status like “Clouds 25% at 1015.” fits nicely on the 10x10 line popup display on APRS HT’s. There may be lots of APRS Balloons that day too on 144.39 or 144.34. After the eclipse, use your HT and go chase one down (and meet others)! The QIKCOM1 APRS module deployment from ISS is delayed (unknown) but other events are listed on the HamSCI web page, below. Bob, WB4APR *From:* Robert Bruninga [mailto:[email protected]] *Sent:* Monday, July 10, 2017 9:15 AM *Subject:* APRS, AM and the solar Eclipse There will be several Ham Radio experiments during the eclipse. Please see: http://HamSCI.org Anyone can do the AM radio experiment by listening for the 13 clear channel AM radio stations that are along the path of totality. As the D layer is darkened these stations should come up out of the noise. Check the web page for times and frequencies. The eclipse traverses the USA over about an hour with any one observer seeing totality for about 2 minutes. Also, APRS will be used during the day of the eclipse (21 Aug) for locating those hams involved in eclipse observations to be able to see where other nearby ham observers are located. Imagine the APRS map that day showing a clustering of mobile and portable positions all along the totality line. Please use the station symbol SUNNY (\U) for this event so these stations will stand out among all others on the national tracking page http://aprs.fi and report Cloud cover %. In addition to position reporting, APRS real-time messaging can be used for direct station-to-station texting plus the announcement server will give national connectivity for announcements. To use it, just send an APRS message to ANSRVR and begin the message with CQ ECLIPSE… Such a message will be sent to every other station in the event that has also sent a similar message. Due to the load, limit transmissions to no more often than once every half hour. Bob Bruninga, WB4APR(a)amsat.org

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SATPC32 & FT-817: CAT Delay ?
by PA3GUO 02 Aug '17

02 Aug '17

My set-up: Windows 10 & SATPC32: works perfect with TS2000 (CAT delay 20) Now I want to connect my FT817: via a Bluetooth Dongle. Pairing to the PC successful. Now letting SATPC32 control the FT817: - started with CAT delay 20: works kind off, downlink (RX VFO A): OK, uplink (TX/VFO B): frequency not correct - increased CAT delay (5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, ....110): effects start to vary but never OK + at some delays flipping between VFO A and B without pressing PTT + freq of VFO A and B continue to be wrong + often in RX VFO B is selected, pressing PTT VFO B (should be the other way around) Tried at CAT rates 9600 and 38400, no differences. Seems like a timing problem to me, as there is influence of the CAT delay setting. Official recommendation: CAT RATE 38400, CAT delay 110. (that does not work though) A friend has similar problem, when using a wired USB interface between PC and FT-817. Who has some tips for us ? Henk, PA3GUO

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Re: [amsat-bb] VUCC Awards/Endorsements for July 2017 Correction
by John Papay 02 Aug '17

02 Aug '17

The listing for OX/NJ7H and PT9BM were for New VUCC rather than DXCC. Thanks to K8BL for spotting the error. 73, John K8YSE --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-08-02 07:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 02 Aug '17

02 Aug '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-08-02 07:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact was successful: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg (***) Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-08-02 07:00 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1150. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1109. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-08-02 07:00 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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QBEE
by John Mac 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

Hi all.... I noticed on SATNOGS that QBEE had no data added for a few days, so looked this morning and saw no signal,The following Sat's decoded fine so not the set-up. Any Issues with QBEE ? John

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Aug 5 DM99/DN90 operation
by dtabor＠estesvalley.net 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

Heading to the Land of Oz Friday after work ... to work another DM/DN grid line - just south of the Nebraska border. Will be on everything I can reach from there Saturday ~ 1300-1900 UTC. If you need Nebraska, send me private email and I'll move to DN90 for a pass.

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WTB: 70CM UHF Mast Mount ...
by Paul Baldock 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

WTB: 70CM UHF Mast Mount Preamp Paul - KW7Y

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VUCC Awards/Endorsements for July 2017
by John Papay 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period July 1, 2017 through August 1, 2017. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL GRIDS KD8CAO 1240 N8RO 1010 N8HM 980 N4UFO 675 WA5KBH 630 KG5CCI 616 KK4FEM 476 WD9EWK 375 PV8DX 313 NJ7H 203 KX9X 158 KA9P 150 XE3DX 117 OX/NJ7H 110 (NEW DXCC) PT9BM 100 (NEW DXCC) This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for July 1st and August 1st, 2017. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing most of the work! 73, John K8YSE --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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LilacSat-1 spin
by Roland Zurmely 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

Strong QSB in LilacSat-1 signal : <http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/lilac1.htm#t> 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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R: D-SAT Mission
by IU5CRE 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

Dear radio hams all-over the world interested in listening D-SAT satellite, We have activated D-SAT's beacon transmission in the following time slots during this week: Tuesday 02-Aug-2018: FM beacon signal activated from 19:40 UTC for 12 hours at 437.509 MHz Wednesday 03-Aug-2018: FM beacon signal activated from 18:00 UTC for 12 hours at 437.509 MHz Thursday 04-Aug-2018: FM beacon signal activated from 18:00 UTC for 12 hours at 437.509 MHz Friday 05-Aug-2018: FM beacon signal activated from 18:00 UTC for 12 hours at 437.509 MHz Saturday 06-Aug-2018: FM beacon signal activated from 18:00 UTC for 12 hours at 437.509 MHz Sunday 07-Aug-2018: FM beacon signal activated from 18:00 UTC for 12 hours at 437.509 MHz Cheers, Alessio Fanfani. IU5CRE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: IU5CRE via AMSAT-BB Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 12:38 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] D-SAT Mission Dear Sirs, my name is Alessio Fanfani; I'm a young telecommunication engineer and an enthusiastic Italian satellite amateur (callsign IU5CRE). Three years ago I started to work with D-Orbit, an Italian aerospace company, on an ambitious CubeSat mission called D-SAT. D-Sat is a three-unit CubeSat designed, built, and operated by D-Orbit and it will be the first satellite in history that will come back into Earth's atmosphere in a safe and controlled way by means of a dedicated solid rocket motor and burn up instead of becoming new debris. D-SAT was launched on June 23th, 2017 into a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit from Indian SHAR. D-SAT is now fully operative in orbit and it is hosting three communication experiments in collaboration with an Italian university, high-level schools and a local hamradio community. For more information on D-SAT, you can visit the mission's website (www.dsat.space), where you will also find a page entirely dedicated to radiohams (www.dsat.space/radiohams) where you can download the software necessary for the reception of D-Sat's signal. We really hope you will consider joining us! Also, should you have any question about the mission, don't hesitate to ask! Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Alessio Fanfani, IU5CRE _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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WTB UX-910 1200 MHz module
by Andrew Rich 01 Aug '17

01 Aug '17

Wanted to buy icom 1200 MHz module for icom 910h A Sent from my iPhone

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SATPC32 doppler correction stops working
by Gabriel - EA6VQ 31 Jul '17

31 Jul '17

After years on not being on the satellites I am trying to be active a little again. I have installed the trial version of SATPC32 12.8b in order to automatically correct Doppler in the rig and it works fine for 5 to 10 minutes, but then it stops updating the frequency in the transceiver. No error message or something, it just stops updating the frequency. Some information: - Rig is an IC-9100 - OS is Windows 10 64 bit - CAT is connected using the IC-9100 USB port (Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge) Some tests I have already made and additional information: - The drivers I had for the CP201x were old. I have updated them with the latest, but without luck. - I have tried running SATPC32 as administrator, without changes. - When the Doppler correction fails, the CAT communication is still working. For instance I can change CW/SSB using the C+/C- button. - The only way to make it work again is to reconnect the IC-9100, so that the COM port is created again in Windows, and obviously restarting SATPC32. - Years ago I remember I tried version 12.8b , in Windows XP, and Doppler correction was working. - When I use the CAT communication in the same PC with the logbook program, there are no issues. Before you tell me that I should try version 12.8c, I have already done it and it is worse: for instance, it not even changes the frequencies in the rig when changing from one satellite to another, although CAT communication has been stablished. Anyone using SATPC32 on Windows 10 64 bit together with the IC-9100, with success? Any idea of what to try next? Is there some other program that I can use for Doppler correction? 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ

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Upcoming ARISS contact with VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 31 Jul '17

31 Jul '17

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany on 01 Aug. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:20 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and DP9S. The contact should be audible over Germany and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. The "Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder"(BdP) is a Guide and Scout Association from Germany. BdP is part of the "World Organisation of the Scout Movement" (WOSM) and the "World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts" (WAGGGS). Every four years a National Jamboree (summer camp) is organized, where about 5'500 guides and scouts, in the age of 12 to 16 years, meet. Part of this gathering are also about 500 guest scouts from all over the world.In German the camp is called "BuLa" - a abbreviation for "Bundeslager". During two weeks the scouts live peaceful together and enjoy life abroad from civilization. They camp in traditional "black tents", which are a specialty of German scouts. The basic tent shape it that of a small tipi (Kothe) our a yurt (Jurte). But there are nearly no limits in combining the tent elements and the scouts build awesome constructions, which they call yurt-castle (Jurtenburg). After everything is built, the campground becomes a little city, where the inhabitants experience a unique back-to-the-roots atmosphere and share thescouting and guiding spirit. The 10 main camp days are loaded with exciting outdoor activities.But there on site actives but also excursions to the surroundings. You can climb, build pioneering stuff, go geocaching, biking, hiking, climbing, swimming, canoeing, go for a drink or snack in on of the tent coffees, etc. etc. One activity spot is the scout-radio-amateur-tent. There the scouts can do amateur radio direction finding (fox hunting), play a game with avalanche beacons, have internationalamateur radio contacts, learn about EME (earth-moon-earth) and try it out or play one of the other radio connected games. And of course, a highlight of ours is the contact with the ISS. The motto of the camp is "Estonteco 2017". "Estonteco" means in Esperanto "future". Our tent city will be a space for different walks of life, nationalities and cultures, to engage and get know each other, while we build our camp world from scratch. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. What are the current research projects that you have on board the ISS? Which experiment are you carrying out? 2. What skills do you need to become an astronaut and how do you acquire them? 3. What was the most important or most spectacular scientific discovery made on the ISS up to now? 4. What if somebody gets seriously sick? 5. What was your motivation to become an astronaut? 6. What was the most critical situation on the station so far? 7. Can you see our Jamboree site from space and could it help if we shine a laser pen towards the ISS? 8. How do the constellation of the stars change compared to the view from the Earth? 9. How often are you working outside in Space? Is it dangerous? 10. How do you shower in space? 11. Is it possible to see the romantic sunsets from the ISS like from the Earth? Or even polar lights? What about rainbows? 12. What happens, when a meteorite hits the space station? 13. How does the food taste? 14. When you are looking out of the window towards the Earth, do you sometimes think of the insignificance of humanity or of your own person? 15. What is the most annoying thing up there? 16. What are you most excited about, when you are back on Earth? 17. How do you experience the day-night-rhythm? 18. Do you have plants? 19. You've been away from home for a long time. How is that for you? 20. What do you miss most? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas,TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02 UTC About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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AO73 Mode Change
by MrToby 31 Jul '17

31 Jul '17

Thanks for all of the details about Funcube operations. I'm new to Sats and have a question: what is the technical reason that Sats don't operate in eclipse (when the solar panels are illuminated?). That seems counter intuitive to me as the Sat would have more power. Thanks for the help. Marshall, AA0FO (em29)

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Is 70cm an option for ISS packet this time?
by Scott 30 Jul '17

30 Jul '17

Greetings everyone. Since this most recent packet failure on the ISS, I have not heard any mention of switching back to 437.550 MHz. Is that not an option this time? Has it been established that some other component is at fault now, and the choice of radio would make no difference? Thanks! -Scott, K4KDR Montpelier, VA USA

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Tanusha-SWSU-1/2 (RS-6S/7S) info
by Masahiro Arai 30 Jul '17

30 Jul '17

I found Tanusha-SWSU-1/2 (RS-6S/7S) info on Southwest Stage University web site. http://eng.swsu.ru/space Both downlink frequency is 437.05MHz. They transmit messages and telemetry. Telemetry is 9600bps AX.25. Telemetry format is on the web site. Deployment from ISS is still set Russian spacewalk at 17th Aug. 73 Masa JN1GKZ Tokyo Japan

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ANS-211 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Joe Spier 30 Jul '17

30 Jul '17

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-211 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://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. In this edition: * Packet Module Status On Board ISS * Oklahoma Radio Amateur is First to Score Satellite VUCC from Greenland * 437 MHz Sprite Satellites Deployed * QIKCOM-1 Team Expect Eclipse Day ISS Deployment * One Radio Amateur is Part of New Crew Increment Heading to ISS * Fox-1 Operating Guide Updates for 2017 * AMSAT Presentation at the Austin Summerfest, August 5, 2017 * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-211.01 ANS-211 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 211.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE July 30, 2017 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-211.01 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Packet Module Status On Board ISS ARISS has received several reports stating that the packet system on ISS is down. Here is what we know and our current forward plan. The packet system in the Columbus module started to act up late last week, sending only a beacon. The ARISS team requested a power recycle by the crew, and with that power recycle, the packet system appears to have stop functioning completely. Note that this unit has been on- orbit for 17 years. It was launched on the STS-106 Space Shuttle Atlantis mission in September 2000 and was built, tested and certified for flight about 20 years ago. The ARISS team has had some extensive discussions on the way forward. We would first like to do some additional troubleshooting with the existing packet module. It will take some time (weeks) to develop troubleshooting procedures, get the procedures approved by NASA and then conduct the tests with the crew. This includes an additional power cycle. The turnaround time is much longer than usual because a new crew will soon be arriving on ISS. The current crew is focused on the new crew arrival and there will be about a one- to two-week transition after the new crew arrives. On the positive side, one aspect of our troubleshooting—a second power cycle—will occur automatically because ARISS is shut down during crew docking and turned on afterwards. However, there will be more to our troubleshooting than just the power cycle. We have some additional plans with alternative solutions, but those are currently being discussed and prioritized within the ARISS team. All solutions will require international ARISS team coordination, additional procedures and crew interaction. People who have carefully followed ISS operations know that crew time continues to evolve with the more extensive research that is occurring on-board. Suffice it to say, it will take longer than what it has taken in the past to work through this issue. The above information is to make sure that ARISS properly sets expectations on how long it will take to resolve this. At this point, expect a few months with no ARISS packet. As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with NASA on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line without your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the ARISS radio fund by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS web page (www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All donations, large and small are appreciated. On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and support of our program. Sincerely, Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS International Chair [ANS thanks ARISS and Frank, KA3HDO, AMSAT Vice President, Human Spaceflight for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Oklahoma Radio Amateur is First to Score Satellite VUCC from Greenland It took just 4 days — some of that time without much sleep — but ARRL member Gabe Zeifman, NJ7H/VE6NJH, of Oklahoma City recently became the first radio amateur to earn VUCC — working 100 grid squares — by satellite from Greenland. In fact, his is the first VUCC award of any kind from Greenland. A relatively new licensee, Zeifman, 22, has managed to activate more than 300 grid squares via satellite as well as nearly 20 DXCC entities. Apart from the operating accomplishment, Zeifman told ARRL, he was attempting to inspire newcomers. “I thought it could get more people interested in satellites in general — VUCC is very achievable for anyone — and could also get more people interested in roving,” said Zeifman, who began training this week to become an air traffic controller. “I was overwhelmed by the support I got; it was really astonishing the number of people that helped!” He said one operator activated eight grids for him, while others who don’t typically rove, visited at least one neighboring grid square to give him a new one. “It was really cool to see our community throughout the world come together to help in this goal,” he said. “I really first envisioned this idea when I realized I had nearly 70 grids confirmed from Iceland, and I thought ‘hmm, OX is an even better location, I bet it’s possible.’” Zeifman said he prefers the linear-transponder satellites such as FO- 29, rather than the FM satellites. He said he may one day get into HF more seriously, but, for now, he finds VHF/UHF/SHF “more fascinating.” He said the trip to Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands with his mother and his sister, was “fantastic,” although, he noted, “they may have sometimes been annoyed by my getting up at 3 AM or several times “Sometimes it was a very nice sunny day, and sometimes it was rainy, windy, and cold,” he recounted. “But, I was happy to operate in everything, and it paid off.” Zeifman, who said he enjoys visiting in “the north,” has been to Northwest Territories twice in the past couple of years, and is hoping for an ATC assignment in Alaska. “But now that I’m a ham, I’ve really developed a passion for operating satellites while all over the world,” he told ARRL. He said a goal still on the far horizon would be to complete a “reverse DXCC” on satellite — working the US on satellites from 100 DXCC entities. “I think it’s definitely achievable someday,” he added. [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 437 MHz Sprite Satellites Deployed Scientific American magazine interviews radio amateur Zac Manchester KD2BHC in the article Breakthrough Sends Smallest-Ever Satellites into Orbit. On June 23, 2017 six tiny satellites were sent into low-Earth orbit as secondary payloads on the Venta and Max Valier satellites that were launched on the Indian PSLV-C38 rocket. These six satellites are comparatively dainty, but punch far above their weight. Called “Sprites,” each is a 4-gram flake of circuit-board just 3.5 centimeters on a side, packing solar panels, computers, sensors and communications equipment into an area equal to a U.S. postage stamp. One Sprite apiece is attached to the outside of each mothership — the Latvian Venta satellite and the Italian Max Valier satellite, the latter of which also holds four additional Sprites awaiting deployment into space as wholly independent spacecraft. Radio telemetry from minuscule magnetometers and gyroscopes on the deployed Sprites would then be used to track the spacecraft as they shift, spin and tumble, to better understand their orbital dynamics. Signals on 437.325 MHz from at least one of the exterior-mounted Sprites have been received in California and New York. Read the Scientific American article at https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/reaching-for-the-stars- breakthrough-sends-smallest-ever-satellites-into-orbit/ Zac Manchester KD2BHC had 104 Sprite satellites launched into orbit on board KickSat-1 on April 18, 2014 but the Sprites failed to deploy https://amsat-uk.org/2014/04/18/successful-launch-of-kicksat-carrying- 104-sprite-satellites/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- QIKCOM-1 Team Expect Eclipse Day ISS Deployment The US Naval Academy team say their amateur radio QIKCOM-1 APRS Digipeater payload may be deployed from the International Space Station on August 21. The QIKCOM-1 page says: The Ham Radio QIKCOM-1 module attached to the NovaWurks NanoRacks SIMPL spacecraft is now finally scheduled for release from the ISS on 21 August 2017! This is being released on the same day as the solar Eclipse when the ISS will also be passing over the USA during the eclipse 2 hour window around 1800z. We are not clear on any correlation with the Eclipse and our release, but there will be lots of hams in the field and it is a good day to tune in! Read about QIKCOM-1 at http://aprs.org/qikcom-1.html [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK ans the QIKCOM Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- One Radio Amateur is Part of New Crew Increment Heading to ISS European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA, NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Ryazanskiy will head to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 28. They will launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Expedition 52/53 crew will spend more than 4 months together aboard the orbital complex before returning to Earth in December. After launching in their Soyuz MS-05 spacecraft, the trio will travel for 6 hours before docking. Once the hatches between the Soyuz and ISS open, Expedition 52 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, RN3FI, and Flight Engineers Peggy Whitson, ex-KC5ZTD, and Jack Fischer, K2FSH, will welcome the new crew members aboard. Their arrival will double the population of the ISS. Expedition 52 will continue work on hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science aboard the ISS, NASA said. AMSAT-IT and the ARISS International community is anticipating a successful mission from ESA Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA, with many direct ARISS contacts scheduled. [ANS thanks ARRL and ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox-1 Operating Guide Updates for 2017 The Fox-1 Operating Guide has been updated for 2017. This can be used for personal reference and be made available for club meeting and hamfest handouts. Designed to be printed double sided the Operating Guide is available in two file sizes: + The lower resolution PDF file is designed to shrink file size for e-mail, web posting, or on-screen viewing. (~300K) + The high resolution PDF file is publication quality designed for hard-copy printing. (~2 MB) The PDF files can be accessed on the AMSAT web: https://www.amsat.org/station-and-operating-hints/ [www.amsat.org] --> [Satellite Info] --> [Station and Operating Hints] Launch status and dates continue to be driven by the space industry and may change as the year progresses. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Web Gurus for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Presentation at the Austin Summerfest, August 5, 2017 The AMSAT Presentation at the Austin Summerfest, August 5, 2017 will be given by Ron Parsons, W5RKN. The presentation will consist of two parts: Introduction to AMSAT --and-- A Software Defined Radio Satellite Station: The Evolution of its Design For more information, see http://www.austinsummerfest.org/ Ron Parsons, W5RKN, has been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1954, a member of AMSAT and active in amateur radio satellite communications since 1993. He has participated in three ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) school contacts: Fulmore Middle School (MIR - 1998) and Blackland Prairie Elementary (2008) and Liberal Arts and Science Academy with Richard Garirott (1998). He has a Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford and taught at The University of Texas at Austin. [ANS thanks Ron, W5RKN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Recent Contacts A telebridge contact with students from the Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation Program at The International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, Washington, D.C., was successful Thu 2017-07-20 13:23:10 UTC 56 deg. An International Space Station school contact was successful with participants at ISS R&D conference, Washington, D.C. on 20 July. The event began at approximately 13:23 UTC. The contact was a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. See the video at: https://www.facebook.com/SpaceStationExplorers/videos/334464240317857/ The contact was very successful with 24 questions answered. Five astronauts were present during the contact. Frank Bauer KA3HDO, ARISS International Chairperson and AMSAT VP for Human Spaceflight, said of the event, "Great day [Thursday July 20] at the ISS R&D Conference. This was a very important contact with our sponsors---CASIS and NASA SCaN at the event and many of the CASIS senior leaders in attendance. It was great to see several members of the multi-generational astronaut team, that have supported ARISS for over 20 years now, on stage and giving their perspectives of their ARISS connections from space. This ARISS contact was conducted with Youth in Aviation Program students from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) attending the ISS Research and Development conference as part of the conference’s STEM day. ECCTAI is one of the largest Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. chapters in United States and serves the Washington DC area. ECCTAI is dedicated to keeping alive the history, achievements, and importance of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The term, "Tuskegee Airmen," refers to the men and women, who were involved in the so- called "Tuskegee Experience", the World War II Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. ECCTAI strives to increase understanding of the “Tuskegee Experience” by honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of the men and women who participated in the “Tuskegee Experience” and to introduce young people to the world of aviation and space through its Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). YIAP motivates and inspires America’s youth to strive for similar excellence of these earlier pioneers, exposing them to aviation and space careers (Level I), attending FAA ground school (Level II) and receiving aircraft flight instruction or interning at an FAA certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) facility (Level III). Upcoming Contacts: VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg [ANS thanks ARISS and Charlie, AJ9N for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over Message from Space hails Big Lottery Fund Award for Norfolk UK Based Amateur Radio Group Thanks to UK National Lottery players, the Bittern DXers, a North Norfolk UK based Amateur Radio club, are celebrating an award of just under £10,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to help them introduce people to the endless possibilities in technology that Amateur Radio offers to young and old alike. News of the award was heralded around the world by a message transmitted by the FunCube 1 satellite congratulating the group on their award. FunCube 1 was built by members of the Amateur Radio community and launched into orbit on 21st November 2013. It was built with the goal of enthusing and educating young people about radio, space, physics and electronics, and is the first satellite with outreach as its primary mission and demonstrates the depth and breadth of the hobby of Amateur Radio. The Bittern DXers' own Educational Outreach Project aims to take advantage of technology like FunCube to bring demonstrations of as many aspects as possible of their hobby to public events in Norfolk as well as reaching out to young people in schools, scouting and guiding etc. With the money provided by National Lottery players, the group have purchased gazebos, radios and demonstration equipment allowing them to take a complete hi-tech station to public shows and events that enables conversations with other amateurs around the world, as well as pick up signals live from the International Space Station, weather satellites and the many other amateur satellites currently in space. Chairman, Steve Cordner - callsign M0HET, said: “We are immensely grateful to the Big Lottery Fund and National Lottery players, for allowing us the opportunity to introduce amateur radio to people and show them what we do. “We already know for example that when young people are shown images being received live from space, that their imagination is fired up and they want to find out more. For older people it can break down barriers of loneliness and disability and allow them to communicate with others across county, country and world. “Becoming a Radio Amateur makes one more employable as well as leading to a lifetime of personal growth in the field of electronics and radio communication. Many people holding senior roles in high-tech industries today owe their careers to an early interest in amateur radio. Our project aims to provide people of all ages that 'first contact' with Amateur Radio.” Club Secretary, Linda Leavold, who has been licensed for more than 30 years with her callsign G0AJJ, is proof that it is not just a male hobby! She remarked “Being a radio amateur gives one a great sense of personal achievement especially when you make that long distance contact with someone on another continent. And its something the whole family can get involved in.” Laughing she added “Even my husband Richard joined me on the air after a couple of years! He got fed up with burnt offerings for meals and decided to discover just what it was that was occupying my time. “It doesn't matter where you come from, whether you have any disabilities or what age you are, Amateur Radio has something to offer everyone and we want to get out there and show people what they are missing.” Although they have a very busy calendar already this year, they welcome contact from any person or organisation who might be interested in seeing what they do. The contact details are available on www.bittern-dxers.org.uk [ANS thanks Julian, M0NUX for the above information] NASA Ground Station for Voyager 2 YouTube tour of Deep Space Tracking Station in Austrailia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rCrfQUcXDI [ANS thanks Zach, N0ZGO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Joe Spier, K6WAO k6wao at amsat dot org

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(no subject)
by Jose Elias Diaz 29 Jul '17

29 Jul '17

I´ll be on FO29 at 0146 looking for SD, ND, MO, VT, NJ on 145940 up +/- only 1º max elevation. 73

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Russian module active 143.625 MHz
by Andrew Rich 29 Jul '17

29 Jul '17

Sent from my iPhone

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National Parks, Forest Service, etc
by Bruce 29 Jul '17

29 Jul '17

I got this off another reflector. Even if you miss the deadline to purchase the lifetime senior pass at $10, it will still be a bargain at $80 later. If you go in person, it is $10, I chose to purchase mine online and save the drive. There was a $10 processing fee, still making it a bargain. 73...bruce For those of us over 62 and U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents, or know someone who is: If you have lifetime Golden Eagle or Senior Pass, you are good. If you do not, you can still get a Lifetime Senior Interagency Pass for $10. That price is only good through August 27th, after which it goes to $80. Even the annual senior pass is going up to $20. These passes are basically good for Forest Service, and Parks Service facilities, nationwide, and covers Day Use fees. It gets you a discount on other fees, but not necessarily at the concessions. You can check it out and order online: https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/passes-permits/recreation-fees-passes A small investment if you are over 62 and don't have a lifetime pass. -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2018 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat

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Russian Thing
by Joe 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

While not really a Com bird, it still me be interesting to spot. Does anyone know of a tracking site for this? http://www.iflscience.com/space/russian-scientists-just-launched-a-controve… Joe WB9SBD -- Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com

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Rotor Sold
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

That was fast. The el rotor has been purchased. Tom K8TL

1 0

Alliance Tenna_Rotor. U-100
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

I have one of the classic elevation rotors sitting on the shelf one click short of the land fill. I have most of the hardware and the service manual. Notable missing is the terminal cover on the rotor motor. Any offer that covers the shipping and it is yours. k8tl(a)earthlink.net

2 1

Alliance Tenna_Rotor. U-100
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

I have one of the classic elevation rotors sitting on the shelf one click short of the land fill. I have most of the hardware and the service manual. Notable missing is the terminal cover on the rotor motor. Any offer that covers the shipping and it is yours. k8tl(a)earthlink.net

1 0

saturday morning from IM79jg via FO-29
by EC4TR Luis 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

Hi all tomorrow mornig I´ll be /P from IM79jg via FO-29 from 11:08 to 11:23 UTC for south and north America, possible too in SO-50 at 12:34 for Europe not sure due to the birdie of TS-2000, sorry I won´t be able to activate during afternoon due to familiar event. 73 Luis EC4TR

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Yaesu G-5500 azimuth issue
by Jeff Griffin 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

After a power failure the other day my G-5500's azimuth rotor is dead. I searched for a test procedure, but can't find it. I have one at my Florida home, but that won't do me any good up here. If you have one, the procedure to test from the rotor control box cable please send me one. I switched the cable from az to el and the problem stays with the azimuth part of the rotor, the box appears ok. Thanks. 73 Jeff kb2m

1 0

D-SAT RX Opportunity over U.S.
by Scott 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

Hi everyone. Today I was included on an email from Alessio, IU5CRE, who is part of the D-SAT project team. (https://www.dsat.space/radiohams) Previously, it appears that the majority of the transmissions from D-SAT occurred when the satellite was over Europe. Alessio indicated in today's email that commands have been uploaded to D-SAT that may result in transmissions tonight over the U.S. around the UHF downlink of 437.505. He specifically mentioned 437.503 & 437.509. First, here are the approximate UTC times when D-SAT will be over parts of the U.S. tonight (UTC date: 28-July-2017): East - 0152 utc Central - 0326 utc West - 0500 utc If D-SAT is not in your tracking software, here is a web-based tracking site: http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=42794#results And as always, there is good info on the DK3WN site at: http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?page_id=29535 -and- http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?cat=439 So I don't know what, if any, data we might see tonight but since this could be a limited opportunity on this side of the world, I wanted to share what I knew with anyone on this mailing list that shares my interest in cubesat telemetry. -Scott, K4KDR

2 1

InFlateSail
by John Mac 28 Jul '17

28 Jul '17

Hi all Wonder if anyone has seen the Sat InFlateSail this evening, just passed over Sydney and I saw no trace from it.. John vk2fak

3 3

INTERMITTANT DOWNLINK HEARD - CAS-4A transponder freq
by christy hunter 27 Jul '17

27 Jul '17

to All, this is to confirm my status report on the website, (in case you think it was a mistake) on July 27 2017, at about 0047UTC I could hear my downlink, although intermittently, during a pass of CAS-4A (using the published frequencies). The downlink had good audio (loud and clear), and I could only hear a few words of my transmission at a time. I was able to sustain for only a portion of the pass. Using 5Watts into a M2 16 el cross element circular beam. (436CP16). This pass did NOT coincide with any of the XW sats. 73, Christy KB6LTY, DM14 --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com

4 3

Small Satellite Conference (SmallSat) in Logan, Utah, August 5th-10th
by Howie DeFelice 27 Jul '17

27 Jul '17

Is anyone is going to the Smallsat conference ? I was asked by a vendor if anyone from AMSAT will be there. Howie AB2S

2 1

Maine grids
by Scott Richardson 27 Jul '17

27 Jul '17

I will activate up to 9 Maine grids over the next 3 days, including FN56, FN57, FN66, and FN67. Most activity will be Sunday and Monday. I will be on FM and linear sats. I have no set schedule and more to do than operate satellites, but will make a solid effort to fill holes in your grid maps. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW after the trip using N1AIA. 73, Scott N1AIA

1 1

Re: [amsat-bb] 1/4 wave stub lesson learned.
by MICHAEL WILLIAMS 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Bob, Thank you for the interesting email. That's something to know and use, regards, Mike ( K9QHO)

1 0

WTB: Icom IC-910H
by Peter Pauly 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Contact me off the list. Thanks.

2 1

HM58 activation - short notice
by Pedro Dutra Sousa 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Hi all, I'll be headed tomorrow to HM58 for my parents 50th anniversary. I've decided, in a last minute thought, to take a Wouxun KGUV9D plus a whip. That means I'm condemned to operate FM only, manly SO-50. Thursday 1502, 1645 and 1826. Friday 0837, 1528 and 1707. Locator is HM58RL I can try AO-85 if the elevation is high enough, or LilacSat-2 if on. Let me know if you'd like to send any of those. The big day is Saturday and I'll return on Sunday to HM77, so don't expect any activity on those days. 73 Pedro CU2ZG Sent from my iPhone Please excuse any typos or briefness -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Re: [amsat-bb] Ariss Donations?!?!
by Roy Dean 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Thanks, all! On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 8:27 AM, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> wrote: > Roy, > > Any page on the AMSAT website on the right sidebar includes the > donation link for ARISS. Unfortunately, since the redesign, it's no > longer on the home page. > > See here https://www.amsat.org/ariss-sstv-commemorative-activity- > coming-soon/ > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 8:11 AM, Roy Dean <royldean(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Frank, when you click on either of the Ariss website links to "donate" > > (hardware or education programs), you are redirected to the Amsat > homepage. > > Then, it just becomes a circle between clicking the ARISS link and > ending > > back at the Amsat homepage. How do we make donations directly to Ariss? > > > > --Roy > > K3RLD > > > > On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 10:59 PM, <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > > >> > >> > >> As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is > >> currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically > >> important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system > >> developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with > NASA > >> on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line without > >> your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the ARISS radio > fund > >> by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS web page ( > >> www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All donations, > >> large and small are appreciated. > >> > >> > >> > >> On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and support > >> of our program. > >> > >> > >> > >> Sincerely, > >> > >> > >> > >> Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO > >> > >> ARISS International Chair > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> About ARISS > >> > >> > >> > >> Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a > cooperative > >> venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies > >> that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United > States, > >> sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the > American > >> Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in > >> Space (CASIS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration > >> (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, > >> technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing > >> scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS > >> and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help > of > >> experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with > large > >> audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio > >> contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about > space, > >> space technologies and amateur radio. For more infor > >> mation, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> Join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) > >> > >> Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> --- > >> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > >> https://www.avast.com/antivirus > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Subject: Digest Footer > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. > >> AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons > >> worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > >> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > >> AMSAT-NA. > >> Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > >> http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 12, Issue 183 > >> ***************************************** > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > > Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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Re: [amsat-bb] ARISS SSTV Pictures
by n4csitwo 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

We certainly can Nestor. I'll send you a hight res. Image right away in my n3xt email coming to you in about 10 minutes from now. Thank you for taking time to promote ARISS through an article. Please forward a copy of the article to me once it's finished. All the Best,Dave, AA4KN ARISS PR Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device -------- Original message --------From: Cyprus Amateur Radio Society <cyprushams(a)gmail.com> Date: 7/26/17 7:25 AM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] ARISS SSTV Pictures Dear Sirs, Firstly thanks for the opportunity given to us all to receive the wonderful 20th anniversary pictures from the ISS over the last few days. I have prepared an article for one of the major newspapers in Cyprus and they are very excited to publish it. I have used one of the pictures I received from the ISS (3/12) as a sample for the article. However, the publisher has asked me if it is possible to provide a higher quality picture as the resolution received from the ISS transmission is very low for print purposes. I have searched on the Web, without much luck. Any chance you could forward me one of the transmitted pictures at higher resolution to use as an example together with the article? Many thanks! 73, Nestor Jacovides (5B4AHZ) President Cyprus Amateur Radio Society _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

1 0

Ariss Donations?!?!
by Roy Dean 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Frank, when you click on either of the Ariss website links to "donate" (hardware or education programs), you are redirected to the Amsat homepage. Then, it just becomes a circle between clicking the ARISS link and ending back at the Amsat homepage. How do we make donations directly to Ariss? --Roy K3RLD On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 10:59 PM, <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > > As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is > currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically > important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system > developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with NASA > on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line without > your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the ARISS radio fund > by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS web page ( > www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All donations, > large and small are appreciated. > > > > On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and support > of our program. > > > > Sincerely, > > > > Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO > > ARISS International Chair > > > > > > > > About ARISS > > > > Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative > venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies > that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, > sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American > Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in > Space (CASIS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration > (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, > technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing > scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS > and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of > experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large > audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio > contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, > space technologies and amateur radio. For more infor > mation, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. > > > > > > Join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) > > Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status > > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. > AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons > worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > ------------------------------ > > End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 12, Issue 183 > ***************************************** >

3 2

ARISS SSTV Pictures
by Cyprus Amateur Radio Society 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Dear Sirs, Firstly thanks for the opportunity given to us all to receive the wonderful 20th anniversary pictures from the ISS over the last few days. I have prepared an article for one of the major newspapers in Cyprus and they are very excited to publish it. I have used one of the pictures I received from the ISS (3/12) as a sample for the article. However, the publisher has asked me if it is possible to provide a higher quality picture as the resolution received from the ISS transmission is very low for print purposes. I have searched on the Web, without much luck. Any chance you could forward me one of the transmitted pictures at higher resolution to use as an example together with the article? Many thanks! 73, Nestor Jacovides (5B4AHZ) President Cyprus Amateur Radio Society

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ARISS News Release no. 17-10
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

ARISS NEWS RELEASE no. 17-10 July 25, 2017 David Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn(a)amsat.org Packet Module status on board ISS ARISS has received several reports stating that the packet system on ISS is down. Here is what we know and our current forward plan. The packet system in the Columbus module started to act up late last week, sending only a beacon. The ARISS team requested a power recycle by the crew, and with that power recycle, the packet system appears to have stop functioning completely. Note that this unit has been on-orbit for 17 years. It was launched on the STS-106 Space Shuttle Atlantis mission in September 2000 and was built, tested and certified for flight about 20 years ago. The ARISS team has had some extensive discussions on the way forward. We would first like to do some additional troubleshooting with the existing packet module. It will take some time (weeks) to develop troubleshooting procedures, get the procedures approved by NASA and then conduct the tests with the crew. This includes an additional power cycle. The turnaround time is much longer than usual because a new crew will soon be arriving on ISS. The current crew is focused on the new crew arrival and there will be about a one- to two-week transition after the new crew arrives. On the positive side, one aspect of our troubleshooting-a second power cycle-will occur automatically because ARISS is shut down during crew docking and turned on afterwards. However, there will be more to our troubleshooting than just the power cycle. We have some additional plans with alternative solutions, but those are currently being discussed and prioritized within the ARISS team. All solutions will require international ARISS team coordination, additional procedures and crew interaction. People who have carefully followed ISS operations know that crew time continues to evolve with the more extensive research that is occurring on-board. Suffice it to say, it will take longer than what it has taken in the past to work through this issue. The above information is to make sure that ARISS properly sets expectations on how long it will take to resolve this. At this point, expect a few months with no ARISS packet. As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with NASA on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line without your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the ARISS radio fund by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS web page (www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All donations, large and small are appreciated. On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and support of our program. Sincerely, Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS International Chair About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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1/4 wave stub lesson learned.
by Robert Bruninga 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

1/4 Wave stub lesson learned. I always wondered exacly where one measured a ¼ wave coax stub.. the shield, or the total connection length to the center coax? ANSWER: The length of the center wire makes a difference. We had poor second harmonics from our Cubesat VHF transmitter. Carefully built a prototype shorted ¼ wave stub and tweaked it to over 26 dB of a notch at the second harmonic. But then to install it on the cubesat transmitter board, we couldn’t quite get the prototype coax to fit right at the transmitter connection and had to extend the center of the coax about 1/8”. This detuned the stub by over 5 MHz at the 145 MHz operating frequency though the length of the shield remained the same. Now I know. Everything counts! Fortunately it detuned it lower so I have two more cuts available on the flight unit to bring it in… Bob, WB4APR

2 1

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-25 23:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-25 23:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-07-25 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1149. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1108. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-25 17:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-25 17:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-07-25 17:00 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1149. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1108. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

1 0

NASA ground station for Voyager 2
by Zach Metzinger 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

Neat stuff, if you haven't seen it before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rCrfQUcXDI --- Zach N0ZGO

1 0

V47JA Radio Trouble
by John Papay 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

John, V47JA, reports that his FT857 failed yesterday during a SO-50 pass when he was about to call N8HM. He will be looking to borrow a UHF receiver from someone on the island to get back on SO-50. He will also be returning to St. Kitts in October if that fails. 73, John K8YSE --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-24 23:30 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-24 23:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg (***) About Gagarin From Space International Summer Camp #3?? with Bashkortostan schoolchildren, Ufa, Russia, direct via RZ9WWB The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI Contact is a go for: Sat 2017-08-05 16:25 UTC Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge via ON4ISS (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg (***) **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-07-24 23:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1149. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1108. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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New APRS Satellite to be deployed from ISS on 21 Aug
by Robert Bruninga 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

PRESS RELEASE: The QIKCOM-1 module containing an APRS transponder and Terrestrial Alert beacon will be deployed from the ISS on 21 Aug 2017. http://aprs.org/qikcom-1.html Built as a student project Amateur Satellite module at the Naval Academy, and attached to the NovaWurks SIMPL spacecraft, it will function identical to the ISS transponder on 145.825 with the same ARISS alias and once they widely separate, will permit possible dual-hop experiments between it and the ISS APRS digipeater. See page. A second experiment is a terrestrial alert beacon on the North American continent APRS frequency of 144.39*. This beacon can alert mobile operators doing normal APRS activities that the spacecraft is in view and that they can QSY to the space frequency of 145.825 for a quick satellite operation. A European beacon was also planned, but is disabled due to lack of consensus, and only the two A/B frequencies were possible in the hardware. This unconventional operation was coordinated in 2014 prior to the IARU change in policy in 2016 that will no longer coordinate such out-of-subband operations. The module and host SIMPL spacecraft have been on the ISS since December 2015, but not deployed due to a SNAFU with the FCC. Although this is the date of the Great North American Solar Eclipse, as far as we know at this time, this scheduled deployment has nothing to do with the Eclipse. But tens of thousands of hams will be out in the field that day to observe the eclipse, so remember to bring your APRS HT with you and listen for QIKCOM-1. (Release time is unknown at this time). It is 4 Watts and should be hearable on an HT. Bob Bruninga, WB4APR and Todd Bruner, WB1HAI control operator. * As everyone knows, the terrestrial 144.39 frequency is wall-to-wall packets in most populated areas and the chance of hearing the QIKCOM-1 module is small, but remember, those people who are driving in remote areas who are NOT hearing wall-to-wall packets, will have a high probability of seeing the beacon. And it is these remote travelers, far from the terrestrial network that are the ones that might need a satellite to get their message out!

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D-SAT Mission
by IU5CRE 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

Dear Sirs, my name is Alessio Fanfani; I'm a young telecommunication engineer and an enthusiastic Italian satellite amateur (callsign IU5CRE). Three years ago I started to work with D-Orbit, an Italian aerospace company, on an ambitious CubeSat mission called D-SAT. D-Sat is a three-unit CubeSat designed, built, and operated by D-Orbit and it will be the first satellite in history that will come back into Earth's atmosphere in a safe and controlled way by means of a dedicated solid rocket motor and burn up instead of becoming new debris. D-SAT was launched on June 23th, 2017 into a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit from Indian SHAR. D-SAT is now fully operative in orbit and it is hosting three communication experiments in collaboration with an Italian university, high-level schools and a local hamradio community. For more information on D-SAT, you can visit the mission's website (www.dsat.space), where you will also find a page entirely dedicated to radiohams (www.dsat.space/radiohams) where you can download the software necessary for the reception of D-Sat's signal. We really hope you will consider joining us! Also, should you have any question about the mission, don't hesitate to ask! Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Alessio Fanfani, IU5CRE

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W5PFG/p EL17-19 (others possible)
by Clayton Coleman 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

I've got some business near the EL18/17 line on Thursday of this week. I plan to work some satellites from EL17 since it's one of three grids I've never activated in Texas. EL18 and EL19 will likely get activated around the same time frame (Wednesday/Thursday or Friday morning.) It will be best to monitor my Twitter feed @w5pfg for specific passes. You do not need an account on Twitter or a special app on your phone. You can simply view the feed at: http:///www.twitter.com/w5pfg 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Help with MMSSTV
by skristof＠etczone.com 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

I got a nice picture downloaded from ISS using MMSSTV this morning, but I can't remember how to save just the picture, say as jpg or gif file. I was able to "Copy" and "Paste" it into a Word document and save it that way, but how do you Save it directly from MMSSTV as a jpg or gif? I couldn't find a "Save" or "Save As" under the File tab. Steve AI9IN

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LilacSat-1 attitude problem ?
by Roland Zurmely 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

Since July 17 LilacSat-1 has an attitude problem that causes strong QSB. <http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/lilac1.htm#s> 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 12, Issue 181
by Albert van Deursen 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

Hello Reid and other helpful OM's, Problem meanwhile solved. Unscrewed the unit and tested various V regulators and Opamps. Potmeters in rotor tested and all ok. After checking the EL meter by 'in parallel' connecting another meter (audio type) across the connections noted that this parallel meter was moving / doing ok. Surprised to see that the unit AZ meter now worked again !!! All well now and running as before. Exact origin still rather unknown though but all is working again ! (suspect a non functional contact ??) Thanks again to all who gave me advice ! Great show! 73 Albert PD0OXW -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org Sent: 24 July 2017 01:01 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 12, Issue 181 Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb(a)amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..."

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ARISS News Release no. 17-09
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

ARISS NEWS RELEASE no. 17-09 July 8, 2017 David Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn(a)amsat.org ARISS Celebrates it's 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of ARISS, a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event is planned for Thursday, July 20 starting around 21:25 UTC. The event plans to feature images from ARISS activities both past and present. This opportunity should cover most of the world during the operation period. The event plans to use a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the ham radio, specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710 transceiver. Those receiving the images can post them at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for viewing by the public. The 20 year history of ARISS will be displayed through a collection of 12 unique images sharing the amazing accomplishments of ARISS over the last two decades. SSTV signals will be sent to earth at 145.80 MHz using FM. The SSTV mode of transmission is expected to be PD 120 (PD 180 may be a second option). The event is expected to continue over a two day period. Since it's inception, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has provided students an opportunity, through ham radio, to engage in conversation with orbiting astronauts and inspired many to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Consider how you might inspire students in your area through this chance to capture images directly from space to their computers. Please note that the event, and any ARISS event, is dependent on other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and are subject to change at any time. While preparations are being finalized please check for new and the most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status for the latest information on this event. About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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FM13 grid activation July 23rd at 2137 UTC on SO-50
by John Brier 23 Jul '17

23 Jul '17

In a few hours I will activate FM13 on the 2137 UTC SO-pass (2017-07-23). Possibly will try FM13/FM14 if I can find a spot on it. 73, John Brier KG4AKV

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My experiences receiving the ISS SSTV images: attention from the radio club
by Koos van den Hout 23 Jul '17

23 Jul '17

I wrote about my experiences receiving the ISS SSTV images on https://idefix.net/~koos/newsitem.cgi/1500644468 the short is that I decided to leave the recording to the computer all night and decoded the images afterwards because all passes happened during the night and I wanted to get my sleep. I wrote that article Friday evening. On Saturday evening the webmaster of my local chapter of my radioclub saw my story (in English) and asked whether he could use this on our own site. I helped him with a Dutch version which got published on the site this Sunday morning. https://a08.veron.nl/slapend-iss-sstv-beelden-ontvangen/ in Dutch, with a bit more emphasis on the 'while sleeping'. The communications department of the nationwide radioclub saw the story come up on the local site and decided to send out a tweet about it, https://twitter.com/VERON_Nederland/status/889037830370054144 in Dutch, praising the pictures and the story. Koos PE4KH -- Koos van den Hout PGP keyid 0xF0D7C263 via keyservers Visit the site about books with reviews http://idefix.net/ http://www.virtualbookcase.com/

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ANS-204 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 23 Jul '17

23 Jul '17

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-204 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://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. In this edition: * VE9 on Satellite * Her Majesty's Royal Mint Special Event on Satellites * V47JA St. Kitts on SO-50 * AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers * IARU Aligns Satellite Coordination Guidelines with ITU WRC-15 Decisions * Have you seen the Mayak satellite? SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-204.01 ANS-155 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 204.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE July 23, 2017 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-204.01 VE9 on Satellite CANADA, VE. Mike, KI1U will be QRV as KI1U/VE9 from Grand Manan Island, IOTA NA-014, from July 23 to 30. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using CW and various digital modes, including possibly the new mode FT8, as well as possible activity on the FM satellites. QSL to home call. [ANS thanks the ARRL DX Bulletin 29 - ARLD029 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Her Majesty's Royal Mint Special Event on Satellites Members of the Barry Amateur Radio Society will be operating from 'Her Majesty's Royal Mint' at Llantrisant, South Wales, UK, call sign - GB4RME (Royal Mint Experience) between July 30th and August 5, 2017 Locator: IO81HN WAB:ST08 The hours of operation on a daily basis have been limited, but we expect to be operational between 0800 - 1730 hrs GMT. It does restrict operation for satellite operations and passes in addition of course AO-73 operates in data mode Monday to Friday when illuminated (Auto mode). However on the first Sunday of the event (30th) and the last day (Saturday 5th August) the transponder mode should be available if commanded. The general other activities of the event will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, DATA RTTY and JT65. This event will also include an exhibition and demonstrations of "Amateur Radio". How key events, especially using satellites and the ISS, are key players in the role of education and "STEM" Note also this event also co-incident with the event taking place for "YOTA 2917" (GB17YOTA) and should be significant as a prime contact for youngsters participating from world wide. This special event station is a world first, operating from within a Mint, and a Royal one at that. Details about the mint can be viewed at: http://www.royalmint.com/en/the-royal-mint-experience QSL via GW0ANA, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW and ClubLog. There will be a Web page set up for the operation on QRZ.com. [ANS thanks Ken, GW1FY, and Southgate for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- V47JA St. Kitts on SO-50 John, V47JA/W5JON, has been operating on SO-50 from St. Kitts with some success. The problem for him is that there is terrain in the way from about 320 degrees, north to east. So he is limited to what he can work from his house there. John is putting together what he will need to operate portable from the top of the hill where he will be able to see down to the horizon to the north. Once he has everything together he will be able to work down low and work more stations in the US. He is using an Arrow antenna and two FM mobile units. He is not a new comeer to the birds but hasn't operated since the HEO's went away years ago. He will be on St. Kitts for a few weeks and he hopes to work everyone that needs it. SO-50 only. He will QSL via LOTW but might wait until he returns to Texas to get everyone uploaded. [ANS thanks John, K8YSE, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers This is the first call for papers for the 2017 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 27, 28, 29, 2017 at the Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, Nevada. Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy to be submitted by October 6 for inclusion in the printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz N8FGV at n8fgv at amsat.org [ANS thanks Dan, N8FGV, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- IARU Aligns Satellite Coordination Guidelines with ITU WRC-15 Decisions As the global federation of national associations of radio amateurs in more than 150 countries, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) for many years has provided frequency coordination services for amateur satellites free of charge. Often these satellites are constructed by students at universities and other institutions as a part of their educational experience. In general, they have been licensed to operate in the amateur- satellite service, which is defined by the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as having the “…purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.” Some administrations have issued experimental licenses for such satellites operating in amateur-satellite frequency bands. The IARU has coordinated these satellites as well, to reduce the possibility of harmful interference that might result from uncoordinated operation. Since 1 July 2014 it has not been possible to coordinate experimental satellites in the 144-146 MHz band because of the high probability of harmful interference in this heavily used band. Educational satellite projects have grown in popularity as launch opportunities have increased. In 2012 the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference took note of the proliferation of what in Resolution 757 (WRC-12) it called “nanosatellites and picosatellites” and invited WRC-18 (now scheduled for 2019) to consider steps to facilitate their deployment and operation. Two Reports, ITU-R SA.2312 (09/2014) and ITU-R SA.2348 (05/2015), are instructive regarding the characteristics, definitions, spectrum requirements, and notification procedures of and for such satellites, which generally must use spectrum below 1 GHz for operational reasons. At the following WRC in 2015, in place of Resolution 757 the Member States of the ITU adopted Resolution 659 (WRC-15) in which it was noted that the use of 144-146 MHz and 435-438 MHz by non-amateur satellites is not in accordance with the definition of the amateur-satellite service in the Radio Regulations. Resolution 659 cites the two reports mentioned above and makes it clear that the spectrum needs of what are now called “non- geostationary satellites with short duration missions” should be met either within the service in which the space station is operating or within the space operation service. Further, if new or upgraded allocations to the space operation service are required, studies should be limited to the frequency ranges 150.05-174 MHz and 400.15-420 MHz. Accordingly, effective 1 August 2017 the IARU will be following revised guidelines for satellite frequency coordination. The strong preference is for all satellites using spectrum allocated to the amateur and amateur-satellite services to operate under amateur licenses and within the definition of the amateur-satellite service and the service- specific Article 25 of the Radio Regulations. The IARU believes the definition is sufficiently broad to encompass nearly all educational satellite projects that include giving students hands-on experience with radiocommunication and are conducted under an amateur license. The IARU will only coordinate a non-amateur satellite if an administration directs in writing that it be operated in an amateur-satellite band under an experimental or other non-amateur license. Satellites with combined amateur and non-amateur missions will continue to be coordinated. [ANS thanks the IARU for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Have you seen the Mayak satellite? By Deborah Byrd, EarthSky News in HUMAN WORLD | SPACE | July 18, 2017 http://earthsky.org/space/mayak-bright-russian-satellite-july-august-2017 On July 14, an amateur group in Russia launched a small satellite called Mayak. They said it would become the “brightest shooting star” in the sky. Why’d they do it? Here’s how to look for it. A team of young Russians – led by Moscow State Mechanical Engineering University (MAMI) – managed to raise more than $30,000 on Russian crowdfunding website Boomstarter, in order to launch their own small satellite. The satellite is called Mayak, which means beacon in English. It’s a cubesat, roughly the size of a loaf of bread. And it’s up there. Mayak went into space on July 14, 2017, as part of a secondary payload, launched on a Soyuz 2.1v vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It’ll be orbiting Earth, about 370 miles (600 km) high, for the coming month. It’s supposed to be very, very bright, so bright that it would, supposedly, ruin night skies and threaten astronomy. Satellite tracking websites like Heavens Above are already trying to follow it, hoping to offer information on Mayak’s passes over various parts of the world. Heavens Above commented: "A new small satellite has just been launched which will deploy a large reflector once in orbit and has the potential to be very bright. We now have a provisional orbit from Space-Track which you can use to generate predictions. Please note that the magnitude estimates are possibly very inaccurate until actual observations are reported." Heavens-Above.com now has pass predictions up for the new Russian reflector sat "Mayak," listing it as NORAD ID 2017-042F/42830. http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830 Plus Mayak has its own app, available to those who back the project. See: http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp How bright is Mayak? Brightness estimates have varied, but the idea was that it would be the brightest shooting star in the sky. Some estimated it would be nearly as bright as Venus, the sky’s brightest planet. Its brightness is part of its purpose, which is partly, simply, to inspire people. From Mayak’s website: The main objective of the project is to make cosmonautics and space research poplar in Russia, as well as to make scientific and technical researches attractive to youth. Also from Mayak’s website: Question: Why did you build the satellite? Answer: Everyone is used to think that flying into space is a privilege of state and military corporations. We wanted to prove that space is simpler and closer than it seems, and a team of enthusiasts can launch a satellite into space! This The video shows Mayak’s launch, along with 72 other satellites, on July 14, 2017 at 9:36 Moscow Time from the Baikonur cosmodrome: https://youtu.be/E0X0KfEnJAk [ANS thanks EarthSky News for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KT4TZ kt4tz at amsat dot org

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GB4RME -Special Event Station corrections
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 22 Jul '17

22 Jul '17

Hi, Details of our club "Special Event Station " planned operations. Apologies for any typo's or gaps that may transpire in the format and word wrap. The format when I post out does not seem to be as it appears on my screen when I prepared the message. In view of this I have edited and revised my previous version and trust that this posting gets through OK. Also experienced some of my earlier posts being returned. Regards Ken GW1FKY Her Majesty's Royal Mint special event. (GB4RME) Members of the Barry Amateur Radio Society will be operating from "Her Majesty's Royal Mint" located at Llantrisant, South Wales,UK Call sign - GB4RME (Royal Mint Experience ) July 30th - August 5th 2017. Locator: IO81HN WAB:ST08 The hours of operation on a daily basis have been limited, but we expect to operate between 0800 - 1730 hrs GMT. It does restrict operation for satellite and passes in addition of course AO-73 operates in data mode Monday to Friday when illuminated (Auto mode). However on the first day of the event ( Sunday 30th July ) and the last day (Saturday 5th August ) the transponder mode should be available if commanded on. Some satellites may only have early passes on a daily basis and if I cannot get access to our op's room on site, I may have to use a portable set up from the car park The general other activities of the event and the special call will be on the HF bands using : CW, SSB, DATA RTTY and JT65. This event will also include an exhibition and demonstrations of "Amateur Radio." For example - How amateur radio is used together with amateur satellites and the ISS, in a role play for education and furthering a career. ( STEM ). Note also this event also co-incident with the event taking place for "YOTA 2917" ( GB17YOTA ) and should be significant as a prime contact for youngsters participating from world wide. Saturday 5th August is our final day of operation but the first day for the "YOTA GB17YOTA " teams. This special event station is a world first, operating from within a Mint, and a Royal one of course. Details about the mint can be viewed at: http://www.royalmint.com/en/the-royal-mint-experience QSL via GW0ANA, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW and ClubLog. There will be a Web page set up for the operation on QRZ.com. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Member AMSAT-UK, AMSAT NA, RSGB , Barry Amateur Radio Society.

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-21 16:30 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-21 16:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: About Gagarin From Space International Summer Camp #3?? with Bashkortostan schoolchildren, Ufa, Russia, direct via RZ9WWB (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI Contact is a go for: 2017-08-05 16:25 UTC (***) **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-07-21 16:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1149. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1108. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 12, Issue 180
by Albert van Deursen 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Hi Reid , Thanks yr feedback. Until today in spite of the given tips haven't yet found a solution to the problem. Will cont on this of course. If you have this zip file with data plse forward to my mail address avdeur(a)home.nl. Thanks again. 73 albert PD0OXW -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org Sent: 21 July 2017 17:48 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 12, Issue 180 Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb(a)amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..."

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V47JA St. Kitts
by John Papay 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

John, V47JA/W5JON, has been operating on SO-50 from St. Kitts with some success. The problem for him is that there is terrain in the way from about 320 degrees, north to east. So he is limited to what he can work from his house there. John is putting together what he will need to operate portable from the top of the hill where he will be able to see down to the horizon to the north. Once he has everything together he will be able to work down low and work more stations in the US. He is using an Arrow antenna and two FM mobile units. He is not a newcomeer to the birds but hasn't operated since the HEO's went away years ago. He will be on St. Kitts for a few weeks and he hopes to work everyone that needs it. SO-50 only. He will QSL via LOTW but might wait until he returns to Texas to get everyone uploaded. 73, John K8YSE --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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ISS ground station info needed
by Butch 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

I am trying to get in touch with two ARISS telebridge ground stations, but cannot find any email info for them on QRZ. If anyone can supply email addresses or other contact info, I would greatly appreciate it. The stations are: K6DUE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 3 1804 Hopefield Rd Silver Spring, MD 20905 W6SRJ SANTA ROSA JR COLLEGE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 4375 Sonoma Mountain Rd Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Tnx & 73 Butch Alline K8KO

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Elevation meter Rotor YAESU G-5500 stopped working
by Albert van Deursen 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Hi all, All of a sudden the elevation meter stopped working of my Yaesu G-5500 rotor controller unit . No issue with the AZ meter. Rotor itself keeps on steering / working without any problem in EL &AZ (via interface EA4TX ARS-USB) so all still working fine (fortunately !) for satellite work. Looks like a component failure in the controller unit or the meter itself ? A physical check (opening the controller unit) didn't show any anomaly. Being a not too tech ham was wondering if any of you Yaesu rotor users had seen this problem before / around ? Possibly anyone to hint/ indicate at a quick check in the schematic wire diagram to where to start looking for this failure ? Thanks beforehand for yr appreciated advice 73 Albert PD0OXW

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Cubesat UNSW-EC0 identified
by Nico Janssen 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

All, Detailed doppler measurements show that QB50 Cubesat UNSW-EC0 is object 42723, 1998-067MC. Its downlink frequency appears to be about 4 kHz high: 436.529 MHz. 73, Nico PA0DLO

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Virtual Audio Cable
by Steve Appleton 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

All, I am in the process of setting up my station to receive telemetry from AO-85 and then AO-73. I have come across a number of references to a “Virtual Audio Cable” being used to connect the RTL-SDR dongle to the telemetry software. A Google search returns a number of hits for such a cable. Some free, some not. Does anyone have any experience using any of these products in the application I want to? If so, is there one you would recommend? Stay away from? Hints, pitfalls? Any insight would be appreciated. I just hate downloading product after product for evaluation without any prior knowledge. Reminds me of the old BBS systems and shareware! Thx -Steve

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Her Majesty's Royal Mint special event. (GB4RME)
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Her Majesty's Royal Mint special event. (GB4RME) Members of the Barry Amateur Radio Society will be operating from 'Her Majesty's Royal Mint' at Llantrisant, South Wales, UK,call sign - GB4RME (Royal Mint Experience) between July 30th and August 5th 2017. Locator: IO81HN WAB:ST08 The hours of operation on a daily basis have been limited, but we expect to be operational between 0800 - 1730 hrs GMT. It does restrict operation for satellite operations and passes in addition of course AO-73 operates in data mode Monday to Friday when illuminated (Auto mode) However on the first Sunday of the event (30th ) and the last day (Saturday 5th August ) the transponder mode should be available if commanded. Some satellites may only have early passes on a daily basis and if I cannot get access to our op's room on site I may have to use a portable set up from the car park The general other activities of the event will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, DATA RTTY and JT65. This event will also include an exhibition and demonstrations of "Amateur Radio." How key events especially using satellites,the ISS are key players in the role of education and "STEM" Note also this event also co-incident with the event taking place for "YOTA 2917" ( GB17YOTA ) and should be significant as a prime contact for youngsters participating from world wide. This special event station is a world first, operating from within a Mint, and a Royal one at that. Details about the mint can be viewed at: http://www.royalmint.com/en/the-royal-mint-experience QSL via GW0ANA, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW and ClubLog. There will be a Web page set up for the operation on QRZ.com. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Member AMSAT-UK, AMSAT NA, RSGB , Barry Amateur Radio Society.

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: About Gagarin From Space International Summer Camp #2 with Bashkortostan schoolchildren, Ufa, Russia, direct via RZ9WWB The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI Contact was successful 2017-07-19 20:07 UTC (***) The Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation Program at The International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, Washington, D.C., telebridge via W6SRJ (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Jack Fischer K2FSH Contact was successful Thu 2017-07-20 13:23:10 UTC 56 deg (***) **************************************************************************** ** 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. **************************************************************************** *** 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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 123 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Francesco IKØWGF with 119 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2017-07-20 20:00 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1149. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1108. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2017-07-20 20:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Exp. 51 on orbit Jack Fischer K2FSH Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Google Streetview Of ISS
by R.T.Liddy 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Check out the ISS with Google Streetview! - Bob K8BL https://www.google.com/streetview/#international-space-station

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SSTV from ISS
by Roland Zurmely 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Picture from 20-07-2017 22:05 UTC: <http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/sstviss.htm#p> 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers
by Daniel Schultz 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

This is the first call for papers for the 2017 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 27, 28, 29, 2017 at the Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, Nevada. Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy to be submitted by October 6 for inclusion in the printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz N8FGV at n8fgv(a)amsat.org

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NJ7H/retired
by Gabriel Zeifman 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Hello fellow people of the birds, I have returned to the motherland from a glorious trip abroad, spending two weeks in continuous daylight. I think I forgot what night was, and as such was awake 24/7 working satellite passes! It was great to make so many contacts from Iceland, Faroe Islands, and Greenland! Probably the most exciting thing is that OX/NJ7H achieved VUCC! At the moment, we are at 111 grids confirmed in LoTW and estimated 149 grids worked, all in four days (with plenty of touristy stuff fit in as well)! It appears that this is the first VUCC of any type completed in Greenland! I could not have done it without all the dedicated rovers on both sides of the world that supported me in this crazy idea! Special thanks to: AK4WQ (8) KG5CCI (6) AI6GS (4) F4DXV (4) WD9EWK (3) WN9Q (3) MI6GTY (3) N6UA (3) N9EAT (3) N7AGF (2) W5PFG (2) EB1AO (2) WC7V (2) W4FS (2) K0FFY (2) NP4JV (2) CG7CEW (2) KL7CN (2) KK4FEM (2) Some more statistics from OX (based on LoTW): 278 QSOs 149 grids worked, 111 confirmed 26 DXCCs worked, 17 confirmed 34 states worked, 30 confirmed I think not so bad for a single operator QRP in four days while doing other stuff as well! Location, location, location... It was very cool being able to work so much on individual passes, even with lower birds like SO-50. Being so high on the earth, many of the satellites would pass over me and allow most of North America and Europe to be worked on a single pass. It was very cool! Although it could be eerie being alone for much of the pass as the satellites traversed the oceans with no one else in the footprint... It was fun to play around in this time experimenting with things like 50mW on SO-50. Made contacts through out North and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia! Dave KG5CCI and I were also able to break the distance record on XW-2D, which is now the furthest contact on any of the XW-2 satellites! The operating locations in OX and TF were awesome and usually allowed me to operate to the horizon and often below in the direction of North America. It was great to activate ten grids throughout the trip, including some ultra rare ones (and unheard before). HP74 had only a sliver of land and the grid corner of HP93/94/IP03/04 were fun grid adventures. In the Faroe Islands I had a much more difficult horizon, only allowing me to operate to as low as 3°-7° depending on the direction. The trade off was that I was able to walk to and operate from the IP61/62 line for nearly every pass! I am now back in the US (New York City to be exact). Tomorrow I head to Florida for a few days. Friday night and Saturday I will be driving from North Florida to Miami. I am hoping to score some new /r grids along the way, so give me a shout if you need EL95-EM90. EL95-97 will be new /r grids for me, so those are my focus. I'll be on Twitter like usual, @NJ7H_Radio, so that's the best way to get in touch with me. I'll be spending more time in EM90 and EL99, as opposed to the other ones that I'm just passing through. On the 25th I head back to Oklahoma City to begin my training to be an air traffic controller! With that, I see very little opportunity for me to do much roving until around late October when I complete that initial training (I'll still get on on weekends and do some local roving). Which comes to NJ7H/retired... I am volunteering for Alaska, and I am told that if I volunteer for Alaska, the FAA will likely gladly place me there (my buddy just got assigned to West Virginia and he was expecting Wisconsin, so who knows). Assuming I pass the academy (which I sure hope and will be doing my damnedest to), I will be finished on October 23rd. If I get Alaska, I am hoping to make a little detour on the way to attend the AMSAT-NA Symposium in Reno! The time seems to work just about perfectly for that (assuming I pass and I get assigned to Alaska). If I do indeed get Alaska, this trip will have been the last use of NJ7H while abroad as I'll get an Alaskan call upon crossing the border into Canada on the drive (NJ7H/7 will be around until the cross into Canada, then VE6NJH until Alaska). 73 and mind your ERP, Gabe NJ7H/retired

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Grid JO76 (Sweden) tomorrow 21 July SO-50 / FOX 1A
by Felix Paez EA4GQS 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Hi friends, I am pretty sure I will be able to activate grid JO76 from Sweden tomorrow, as SM/EA4GQS in the morning and afternoon Also if allowed by crew, this afternoon 20 July and night, starting from 19 UTC I might be able to transmit from some of the grids JO84, JO74, JO76 or JO85 in the Baltic Sea (EA4GQS/MM). I am still in half duplex. (Trying to find a SMA PL here this morning) so sorry If I did not operate very well from the previous grids. Regards Felix EA4GQS

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WD9EWK @ DM35/45, Thursday (20 July) afternoon
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Hi! Weather permitting, I'm planning a quick road trip to northern Arizona tomorrow (Thursday, 20 July) to work a few passes in the afternoon. My plan is to park on the DM35/DM45 grid boundary west of Flagstaff and work passes starting with the shallow AO-85 pass at high noon (1900 UTC). If the weather holds out, I'll stay up there through the SO-50 pass at 2339 UTC before returning home, and I also plan on trying the NO-84 digipeater if it is active. I won't be on the SSB birds from up there, just those two FM satellites and (if active) NO-84. Mobile phone coverage is sketchy in that area, but I will try to send updates during the day through my @WD9EWK Twitter account. If you don't use Twitter, you can see these updates at: http://twitter.com/WD9EWK While on the road, I will use APRS to show my location as WD9EWK-9. This will be visible on the usual APRS-related web sites, like: http://aprs.fi/WD9EWK-9 When working NO-84, I will use WD9EWK without the -9 after my call sign. After I return home, I will upload my QSOs to Logbook of the World. If anyone who works me wants a QSL card, please e-mail me with the QSO details. If you're in the log, I'll send a card. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK

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