- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Bad Tracker EEPROM
by Joel Kandel 01 Jan '17

01 Jan '17

Fellow members, I am getting a "Bad EEPROM data" message on my Tracker readout. I queried the office about a fix and Martha forwarded it to the appropriate Individuals. It's been a couple of months since my inquiry and have not heard back. Is there anyone out there who can tell me where to find a new chip, or do I have to scrap the unit and use a different tracking source? My unit was purchased around 2008. The readout says Firmware version 0.9. The board indicates version 1.2. Thanks in advance for your help and Happy New Year. Joel Kandel, KI4T Carried by dog sled

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WINDCAMP CHARGE PROBLEM FIXED
by jeffory broughton 01 Jan '17

01 Jan '17

Win camp charging problem solved. I never saw a RED charge light on the wall wart,only green.The charger had no 12 volt output ! the green light was battery voltage feeding back.I have asked the supplier to replace it .if not,they are on EBAY for $7.29 and free ship front Chicago !Since this appears to be a common problem,I ordered two ! jeff broughton

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Tips for posting to AMSAT-BB
by Alan 01 Jan '17

01 Jan '17

People sometimes post time-sensitive messages to AMSAT-BB. Examples are last minute grid activities, unexpected satellite mode changes, requests for critically important telemetry, etc. These normally go through promptly, but occasionally get held for two primary reasons: While AMSAT-BB is an open list, that means it is open for membership, not posting. In order to post to the list, it normally must be from the same account you originally registered. For instance, if you registered from your home account, and post from your office account, it will normally be held for release by a moderator. Likewise, some people have all their email forwarded to a single account from which they reply. We can create a filter to pass the second address, but that is not automatically done on the first instance, and does require moderator action. AMSAT-BB receives many pieces of spam for each legitimate message. As part of the filtering process, emails larger than 50 kB are blocked. This usually happens to legitimate email when someone attempts to attach a large file. Also, there is a limit to the number of addresses before an email is held as potential spam. I have seen legitimate email sent to 30+ addresses. We have a team of volunteer moderators, but they are not available 24/7. The result is that a message sent in the evening or on a holiday, US time, may well be held for several hours before being released. So, if it absolutely, positively needs to be distributed promptly: 1. Post from the same account you registered, or one which from past experience you know has been flagged as acceptable. 2. Do not use attachments. (Pictures and other files should be included by a link.) They will be blocked to the list, and if the total size of the message plus attachments exceeds 50 kB, the mail will be held. 3. Send it to AMSAT-BB and a few other addresses at most. If you must send to a large distribution list, send to them, and another copy to AMSAT-BB. (A trick which seems to work well is to place most of the addresses in the BCC rather than CC line.) 4. Consider also posting to the AMSAT Twitter and Facebook accounts. There is overlap in membership, though at present it is far from 100%. 5. Do not send large commercial press releases, or things which look like them. They will be caught by heuristic spam filters. A simple posting of an event or activity will normally go through. Note that there are existing exemptions for official channels such as ANS, ARISS, other AMSAT organizations, etc. 6. New accounts are automatically flagged for moderation. This flag will normally be cleared on the first or second posting, but do allow for and expect an initial delay if you establish a dedicated account for your satellite organization.

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-01-01 04:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 01 Jan '17

01 Jan '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2017-01-01 04:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France, Direct via F4KJV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact was successful: Sat 2016-12-31 11:31:12 UTC 44 deg (***) Collège Mathilde Marthe Faucher, Allassac, France, direct via F1IMF The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 11:16:26 UTC 30 deg Rainbow Middle School, Rainbow City, AL, direct via K4JMC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 17:29:40 UTC 80 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 121 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 2017-01-01 04:00 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 1103. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1068. (***) 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 2017-01-01 04:00 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. 49 on orbit Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Andrei Borisenko Sergey Ryzhikov Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Oleg Novitskiy **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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ANS-001 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 01 Jan '17

01 Jan '17

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-001 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: * Tomsk-TPU-120 CubeSat to deploy during EVA * New Amateur Radio FM Transponder CubeSat Now in Space * Background info on launch problems for BY70-1 * Possible Satellite Activity Galapagos Islands * CONTACT! via UHF ISS digipeater using Kenwood TH-D72 * AMSAT CW Activity Day * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-001.01 ANS-001 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 001.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. January 01, 2017 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-001.01 Tomsk-TPU-120 CubeSat to deploy during EVA The amateur radio CubeSat Tomsk-TPU-120 may be deployed during a Russian spacewalk (EVA) in July 2017. The satellite was developed by students at the Tomsk Polytechnic University to test new space materials technology and is the world’s first space vehicle with a 3D-printed structure. It was launched from Baikonur in Kazakhstan to the ISS on March 31, 2016 in a Progress-MS- 2 cargo vessel. It will be deployed by hand during a Russian spacewalk, which is why unlike other CubeSats this one has a handle. The call sign of the satellite is RS4S. According to Alexey Yakovlev, head of the Tomsk Polytechnic University’s Institute of High Technologies, the 3D printed satellite is something of a landmark for additive manufacturing, being the first example of a fully 3D printed satellite: “The Tomsk-TPU-120 is the first such project in the world, in which the entire casing of a satellite is fully 3D printed using dynamic modeling,” Yakovlev recently told Sputnik. “The combination of these technologies can significantly reduce the development time and the number of full- scale tests, find new engineering solutions, and reduce the project’s cost.” In May 2016 the Tomsk Polytechnic University celebrated its 120th anniversary. As part of the celebrations on May 10/11 the Tomsk-TPU- 120 was activated in the ISS and transmitted a greeting to Earth inhabitants, recorded by students of the university in 10 languages: Russian, English, German, French, Chinese, Arabic, Tatar, Indian, Kazakh and Portuguese. The greeting message was transmitted once a minute on 437.025 MHz FM. A Kenwood transceiver on the ISS provided a cross-band relay, re- transmitting the signal on 145.800 MHz FM. Read the 3ders article at http://tinyurl.com/ANS001-3darticle Sputnik News – Unique 3D-Printed Siberian Satellite to Orbit Earth http://tinyurl.com/ANS001-3D/ ISS Calendar http://spaceflight101.com/iss/iss-calendar/ Tomsk-TPU-120 CubeSat Video http://tinyurl.com/ANS001-Tomsk-TPU-120 [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- New Amateur Radio FM Transponder CubeSat Now in Space The BY70-1 CubeSat launched on December 28 from the Taiyuan Space Launch Center in China, but in a lower orbit than intended. The satellite carries an Amateur Radio FM transponder. BY70-1 was intended to go into a 530-kilometer (approximately 329- mile) circular Sun-synchronous orbit, but it appears the orbit is 524 x 212 kilometers, which will give the spacecraft an orbital lifetime of just a month or two. Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, reported working Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA, through the FM transponder during the 1709 UTC pass on December 28. "Uplink requires precise frequency adjustment, and there's a delay on the downlink, but the signal is strong," Stoetzer said. BY70-1 is a 2U CubeSat project for education and Amateur Radio. It features 3-axis stabilization and deployable solar panels. In addition to the FM transponder, BY70-1 has a camera, and plans call for downloading images and telemetry via a 9600 bps BPSK downlink. The IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination pages list an uplink of 145.920 MHz, and a downlink of 436.200 MHz. AMSAT-UK has more information online at, http://tinyurl.com/ANS001-AMSAT-UK-BY70 [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Background info on launch problems for BY70-1 On Dec 28 China launched a CZ-2D from Taiyuan - the first time the 2D model has flown from their southern launch site. However, the rocket appears to have run into problems and achieved orbit with an underspeed of 100 m/s, making a 212 x 520 km orbit instead of a circular 500 km one. The main payloads are Gaojing 1 and 2, two commercial high resolution (0.5m) imaging satellites also called SuperView 1 and 2. The satellites are owned by Beijing Aerospace World View Information Technology Co., Ltd (also called Beijing Space View Tech Co.Ltd.); the US company DigitalGlobe is a major investor. Also aboard was BY70-1, or Bayi kepu weixing 01 xing, a 2U cubesat with an amateur radio payload developed by high school students at the PLA-related Beijing Bayi School. [ANS thanks Jonathan's Space Report, No. 733 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Possible Satellite Activity Galapagos Islands HC8, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. Geoff, G8OFQ, will once again be active as HC8/G8OFQ from Isabela Island (SA-004) between August 1st and October 31st, 2017. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using SSB only. There is a possibility of some satellite activity on 2m and 70cm SSB. Geoff is there working as a volunteer for the Galapagos National Park at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center (see pictures on QRZ.com) on Isabela Island. QSL via G8OFQ: Geoff Dobson, 9 Fitzpain Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8RZ, United Kingdom. Also LoTW on request. [ANS thanks Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1297 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTACT! via UHF ISS digipeater using Kenwood TH-D72 I made CONTACT! Through the UHF ISS digipeater using my Kenwood TH-D72 View the video at: https://www.facebook.com/SpaceComms/videos/1342108185861041/ This was my second contact through the ISS digipeater. I actually contacted the same station I contacted in this video, W8LR, three days before, but I wasn't recording any video. For this video I recorded the audio from my Kenwood TH-D72a and later played it back to Soundmodem+UISS. Soundmodem decodes many more packets than my radio does. I made a screen capture of UISS and its map so you can see the complete details of every received packet. Another thing this video shows is how hard it can be to track a near overhead pass (close to 90 degrees elevation). When I was beginning in satellites I only tried to work overhead passes because I knew the signal would be strongest when the satellite was closest to me. While that is true, the closer the satellite is to you the faster its relative speed is. When it passes overhead it switches from coming towards you to going away from you very fast, and drops 10s of degrees in seconds. That makes the satellite very easy to lose track of. In this video I got distracted while changing settings on my radio and lost the ISS after it went overhead. It didn't help that I was using a tripod for the first time. I prefer to hold the antenna in my hand precisecly because I find it's easier to track, as I can make quick adjustments and listen for the signal going up and down. To control the radio for packet, it helps to have two hands. See my previous UHF ISS digi video to see how hard it is to change settings with one hand. Here is the very appropriate QSL card I got from W8LR for my first ISS digi contact: http://imgur.com/vUfwkiE http://imgur.com/DIq7fD4 Here are all the stations I heard on the pass from this video (time stamps GMT -5) -------------- N4ZQ 12/18/2016 11:08:08 System time KG4AKV-5 12/18/2016 11:08:13 W8LR 12/18/2016 11:09:02 KC4LE 12/18/2016 11:09:17 W0NBC 12/18/2016 11:11:07 RS0ISS 12/18/2016 11:11:38 W4TBD-6 12/18/2016 11:12:14 KA8YES-6 12/18/2016 11:12:52 Total Stations = 8 The music at the end is "Jubilee - Opa--locka" You can subscribe to John's SpaceComms YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/SpaceComms1?sub_confirmation=1 [ANS Thanks John KG4AKV for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT CW Activity Day January 1, 2017 (UTC) will be AMSAT's first annual CW Activity Day! As with the old Straight Key Night, this is a fun event, not a contest. It will run for 24 hours on January 1, 2017 (UTC). All forms of CW are welcome, -- straight keys, bugs, keyers, even keyboards and decoders. Since it is not a contest, there is no required exchange. A QSO is a QSO. Working the same station on more than one satellite is permitted. Instead of submitting Best Fist nominations, all participants are asked to post their results, including "Soapbox" comments, to AMSAT- BB. Please include the satellites you used, and the number of CW QSOs you had on each. While it is not necessary to post your full log, you may do so if you wish. [ANS thanks Ray W2RS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News + A Successful contact was made between Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France and Astronaut Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG using Callsign FXØISS. The contact began Sat 2016-12- 31 11:31:12 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via F4KJV. ARISS Mentor was Joseph F6ICS. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Collège Mathilde Marthe Faucher, Allassac, France, direct via F1IMF. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS. The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 11:16:26 UTC Rainbow Middle School, Rainbow City, AL, direct via K4JMC. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled astronaut is Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 17:29:40 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Amateur Radio Kids Day January 7 Organized by the ARRL Kids day, scheduled this year for January 7 is meant to develop interest in Amateur Radio. Please consider this while operating the satlleite January 7. Listen for kids on-the-air or plan to assist kids with operating the satellites. For more information visit http://www.arrl.org/kids-day. [ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information] + ANS Seeks Rotating Editors The AMSAT News Service (ANS) seeks additional volunteers to serve as rotating editors. The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information 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. If you are interested in serving AMSAT-NA in this important and rewarding role, please contact Lee McLamb, KU4OS: ku4os at amsat dot org. [ANS thanks the ANS editorial staff for the above information] + The AMSAT News Service editors wish you and yours a prosperous and safe 2017. [ANS thanks Lee KU4OS, Joe K6WAO and EMike AA8EM 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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Vacation from DK97.
by David Maciel (XE3DX) 31 Dec '16

31 Dec '16

Hello Guys I am on vacation in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.Mexico, about DK97, I will be very few passes here, I think I will work little, I will handle SKED whenever possible, I will try to activate other grids in the area. A hug to everyone and Happy New Year ... only contact via twitter @xe3dx David Maciel XE3DX *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>* Before printing, please think about your responsibility and commitment with the* ENVIRONMENT.* *Antes de Imprimir, *piensa en tu responsabilidad y compromiso con el *MEDIO AMBIENTE.*

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FT 817 WINDCAMP BATTERY
by jeffory broughton 31 Dec '16

31 Dec '16

received my new 3000 mah windcamp li ion battery for my FT 817.It arrived with NO instructions.Online instructions say to turn off new little switch on nEw cover plate while charging.It also says LED on wall wart is BI COLOR.Red while charging,green when done.Mine is always green .Anyone else experience this !thanks ! Jeff WB8RJY jeff broughton

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AO-73 status report
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 31 Dec '16

31 Dec '16

Just dropping a quick line to report that nothing has been heard ( Transponder or Dashboard ) from AO-73 during the evening passes over here in Europe. I just monitored the latest pass 2000 2015 hrs today Saturday 31st December and could hear nothing. I have posted to the satellite status web pages and other stations had also made reports for this pass and the previous one. I worked AO-73 this morning and it was active but observed very deep fading which I put down to the spin rate. Looking at the graph published the spin rate was now projected to be in the same ball part as when the satellite was launched and activated. Regards Ken GW1FKY

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M2LEO
by Steve A 31 Dec '16

31 Dec '16

Santa brought me a M2LEO-PACK. Yah. I will order a az/el rotor soon. And a controller. But what do you guys who have one use as a base? Steve W2AKK

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FW: BY70-1
by Jeff Griffin 31 Dec '16

31 Dec '16

I was hoping someone with a better memory, or Erich would chime in on this but here goes. I would first add this line to the Doppler.SQF file... BY70-1,436200,145920,FM,FM,Nor,0,0,Voice V/U Then add this line to the subTone.SQF file... BY70-1,67.0,$3F,1 (for an Icom, I'm not sure of other rigs, but you can watch your rigs display to see if the tone is toggled on/off) RTFM Then I download the keps from nasa.all (I was fudging them in for a day) and you should be good to go when you add BY70-1 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Stephen E. Belter Sent: Friday, December 30, 2016 4:01 PM To: Mark Johns; AMSAT-BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] BY70-1 Mark, I also get the “E/A-Fehler 105.” error message when I add BY70-1 to a satellite group in SatPC32. Other people don’t have the problem. The error message (in German) means I/O Error 105 in the Delphi programming environment, which I believe is an error writing to a file. What I can’t yet answer is how to fix the problem. We may have a file permissions problem. Anybody have a solution or know where to look? 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, seb(a)wintek.com On 12/30/16, 1:20 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Mark Johns via AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org on behalf of amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: >When I put keps for BY70-1 into SatPC32 (either yesterday's keps or >today's), it pops up a box that says, "E/A - Fehler 105." SatPC32 >freezes up. > >Does anyone know what this error code means? Anyone else getting it? > >-- > >Mark D. Johns, KØMDJ Decorah, Iowa USA EN43 >----------------------------------------------- >"Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > ---Mark Twain > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: Greg D <ko6th.greg(a)gmail.com> >To: AMSAT-BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, December 30, 2016 12:43 PM >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] BY70-1 > >18:20 pass not as strong as prior passes. Only got a few moments of >full-quieting audio. Contacts with W5ACM and KC7M. As before, the >second half of the pass was much better (nothing heard at all until >just before indicated TCA), so perhaps the bird is late compared to the >Keps. Worked it almost into the ground before LOS. I'm using >2016-083C, updated from Celestrak right before the pass. Playing with >polarization seemed to help, but I'm assuming the bird's antennas are >linear, right? Possibly my relays are getting dirty. > >One question, for scale... We know that the satellite will not last >"long", given it's crippled orbit. How long? Days? Weeks? Months? > >Greg KO6TH > > >Nico Janssen wrote: >> >> If you are still using yesterday's TLE set, then you will indeed find >> that BY70-1 is now about half a minute earlier. The problem is that >> the TLEs for this satellite are not stable yet in the first days >> after the launch. The right value for e.g. the decay rate has not yet >> been established. So for the time being you need to make sure you use >> the most recent TLE set that is available. >> >> By the way, the two SuperView satellites are now using their own >> propulsion system to increase their altitude, preventing an early decay. >> As BY70-1 does not have any propulsion, it is stuck in its low orbit. >> >> 73, >> Nico PA0DLO >> >> >> On 30-12-16 13:42, PY5LF wrote: >>> Hi >>> We had a low pass over here minutes ago and i felt the keps BY70-1 >>> are wrong . >>> I start to hear 25 seconds before . Does anyone feels the same ? >>> 73 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 > >_______________________________________________ >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 _______________________________________________ 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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One more NPOTA activation, tomorrow...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 31 Dec '16

31 Dec '16

Hi! Weather permitting, I am planning to operate from the Tonto National Monument - east of Phoenix, NPOTA site MN70 - during the day tomorrow. This site is not in a rare grid, but the same grid I live in (DM43). Even though it is in DM43, it will take almost 2 hours to drive out there. I'll work various FM, SSB, and packet satellites throughout the day, hoping to start around 1600 UTC. I have not been out there in a couple of years, but I remember that mobile phone coverage is spotty out there. I hope to be able to use my @WD9EWK Twitter feed to send out updates from the monument, which will show up in a web browser at: http://twitter.com/WD9EWK APRS should cover me at the monument and along the highway that goes past the monument. I'll use WD9EWK-9 as my APRS call sign for the drive to and from the monument, and for any ISS and NO-84 passes I work from there. WD9EWK-9 should be visible at (among other sites): http://aprs.fi/WD9EWK-9 The NPOTA activation will end no later than 2359 UTC, and probably some time before that. Between the drive back to the Phoenix area and wanting to record the WWV broadcast of the leap second at 23:59:60 UTC, I won't try to work every possible pass up to the end of the year on the UTC clock. All QSOs made from Tonto National Monument will be uploaded to Logbook of the World after I return home, except for the QSOs made via BY70-1. BY70-1 QSOs will go into Logbook of the World once ARRL adds that satellite to the system. If you would like to receive a QSL card for any QSOs made with WD9EWK, please e-mail me directly with the QSO details. No need to send me your card or an SASE to get my card. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK

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Re: [amsat-bb] Questions On Balloons With Amateur Packages
by Richard Tejera 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Dave, Knowing the weight of the payload, they will fill it with enough gas to become neutrally buoyant at the target altitude. If altitude is the goal, enough gas will be filled to take it to an altitude that will exceed the Burt diameter. Rick Tejera K7TEJ Saguaro Astronomy Club www.SaguaroAstro.org Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club www.w7tbc.org On December 23, 2016, at 11:01, Dave Marthouse <dmarthouse(a)gmail.com> wrote: I have seen posts from time to time on the BB about balloons with amateur radio payloads on them. I've got a question regarding the missions that carry payloads around the world. What stops the balloons from going up until they explode do to the high altitude. How are the packages kept from doing this to achieve such long distance flights? -- Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com _______________________________________________ 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] ] BY70-1 SATPC32 DOPPLER SQ FILE
by PA3GUO 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

BY70-1,436200,145920,FM,FM,NOR,0,0,FM Henk What is everyone using for the doppler Sq file for satpc32 for the BY70-1 SAT ? THANKS jeff WB8RJY jeff broughton ________________________________________

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BY70-1 SATPC32 DOPPLER SQ FILE
by jeffory broughton 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

What is everyone using for the doppler Sq file for satpc32 for the BY70-1 SAT ? THANKS jeff WB8RJY jeff broughton

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Channel settings to work BY70-1
by Mac A. Cody 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Greetings, I'm looking at setting up my hand-held radios to attempt to work BY70-1. Given that my radios have a minimum step size of 2.5 KHz, I'm trying to set them up to account for the frequency sensitivity of BY70-1. I am going to use the channel set listed as follows: CH RX TX TX Tone BY70-1 436.2100 145.9175 67 Hz BY70-2 436.2075 145.9175 67 Hz BY70-3 436.2050 145.9175 67 Hz BY70-4 436.2025 145.9200 67 Hz BY70-5 436.2000 145.9200 67 Hz BY70-6 436.1975 145.9200 67 Hz BY70-7 436.1950 145.9225 67 Hz BY70-8 436.1925 145.9225 67 Hz BY70-9 436.1900 145.9225 67 Hz Does anyone see anything errant is this plan, such as a shift in the base TX or RX frequencies? If so, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope that this channel set may be useful to others. 73, Mac / AE5PH

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BY70-1 Keps Test
by Pedro Converso 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Given comments that BY70-1 Object 41909 is later than expected, Object 41910 shows 4 minutes earlier. This Object 41910 is available for tracking as BY702 as additional alternative. You can use this at http://amsat.org.ar/pass.htm clicking on BY702. Comments, checks, welcome 73, lu7abf, Pedro

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Weekend Rover Trip
by Gabriel Zeifman 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Hello fellow people of the birds, I will once again be venturing into the unknown to activate rare grids. The primary goals of this trip will be EN02 and EN04. Appearances by NJ7H/VE3 and VE4 are possible. States that I will likely visit include KS, NE, SD, NE, MN, IA, MO, and Canadian provinces MB and ON. QRV all sats (linear/FM/packet) and available for requests. Will be on APRS as NJ7H-9 and iridium tracking at share.delorme.com/gz. If I'm in a grid/state you need, shoot me a message. Updates will be posted on twitter NJ7H_Radio. Due to the unpredictable nature of roving, no pass schedule will be made ahead of time. I try to give warning when I am "pass assured". EO30/40 are possible as the very extent of possibilities on the very ambitious side of this trip, as is EN29 from the US side in the US exclave of the Northwest Angle. Hope to see you all on the birds! 73, Gabe NJ7H NJ7H(a)AMSAT.org

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Unsuccessful attempts to make APRS contacts through ISS or NO-84
by hdskullfire2 . 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

I've been trying and trying to make APRS contacts through ISS (UHF) and NO-84 (VHF) for some time now and have been unsuccessful in all attempts even in cases where the bird was plenty high or right over my head. Here's my working conditions.. Icom IC-9100 using a microKeyer II (MKII) as the interface. SatPC32ISS, UISS (Pro Version), UZ7HO Soundmodem. The antenna array is a m2 Leo-Pack and the rotator is a Yaesu G5500 being controlled with a Green Heron AZ-EL unit. All software is the latest. Doppler shifting is working fine as SatPC32ISS, IC-9100, and GH controller are talking to each other without issues. I've listened to the outgoing sound of the packet and did not hear anything unusual. In almost every case I've tried the lowest power and increased power at varying levels without luck. I've monitored the outgoing audio and adjusted the TX on the MKII to varying levels to make sure the audio of the packet was not over cooked. >From what I can tell everything is working well together and I can see incoming packets from other stations decoding on UISS and Soundmodem. However when I TX... No hits whatsoever. When I tested the system on the local APRS frequency it works fine and other stations are digipeating my packet signal. I'm coming to the conclusion that this must be a problem with my settings in either Soundmodem or perhaps UISS. The packets going up never get repeated. On both birds I use CQ & Ariss (Tried others too) during the outgoing TX attempts but nothing. I would really like if someone who uses a similar setup and has things working to contact me. I'm at wits end and now curtailing any further attempts until I get some information on what may be going on.. Steve Nordahl, NS3L Nazareth, Pa. NS3L(at)Yahoo(dot)com

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LVB DB9 Serial to USB Tracker ..
by David Maciel (XE3DX) 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Can anyone know how to convert my LVB Tracker from DB9 Serial to USB ..? I do not want to use adapters .. David Maciel XE3DX *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>* Before printing, please think about your responsibility and commitment with the* ENVIRONMENT.* *Antes de Imprimir, *piensa en tu responsabilidad y compromiso con el *MEDIO AMBIENTE.*

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AO-85
by skristof＠etczone.com 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Is anyone else having problems getting telemetry out of AO-85? I just had an 83 degree pass and got zero data packets decoded. I saw the satellite signal on the "waterfall" and it was pretty weak. This summer I would get 30 to 40 decoded data packets out of a high pass like that. Is it me or the satellite? Steve AI9IN

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Mode B operating question...
by Chad Phillips 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

I first got on the sats back on AO-13. Seem to me back then when we operated linear satellites (FO-29, RS’s etc) we found ourselves on the receive passband and as the doppler changed we adjusted our transmit freq to make sure we stayed on the receive frequency. Of course things have changed since then and many use some sort of satellite tracking software to control the doppler adjustments on the radio. But when you are operating portable what is the proper procedure on the linear sats? Thanks, Chad kg0mw/en13

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BY70-1 - what a great satellite !
by PA3GUO 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

Wow ! Awesome FM satellite !! Would have been THE replacement for AO51. Really great signal, extremely sensitive. Many EU stations QRV this evening. Worked 2E0SQL, PE0SAT, EA1JM .... and did hear DK3WN ! TS2000, 2x6 elements for uplink, 67 Hz tone TS2000, 16 elements for downlink Henk, PA3GUO The Netherlands

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France on 31 Dec. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 11:31 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between FX0ISS and F4KJV. The contact should be audible over France and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in French. Saint-Amand-les-eaux is a city of approximately 16 000 inhabitants located in the north of France near Valenciennes. It is a spa town. The students participating in this project come from two different schools: the 5th Grade class (CM2) at the Georges Wallers school and another 13 young people with disabilities from the Institut Medico-Educatif (IME) Léonce Malécot (aged 12 to 18 years). The IME is a specialized institution that welcomes more than 100 young people, almost two thirds of whom have access to appropriate schooling. The main interests of the ARISS project for these young people are to be open to the outside world, to invest in a project, to develop self-esteem and to take an interest in scientific culture. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Comment avez-vous décidé de devenir astronaute? 2. Quels sont les qualités qui ont été déterminantes pour être sélectionné pour cette mission? 3. Comment vous êtes-vous préparé pour la mission Proxima? Quels entraînements? 4. Qu'avez-vous ressenti au moment du décollage? 5. Quelles sont vos principales missions sur ISS? 6. Comment se déroule une journée type (entre pilotage, recherche, maintenance.)? 7. Quels sont les dangers lors des sorties dans l'espace et comment assurez- vous la sécurité? 8. Quels sont les loisirs ou les sports que l'on peut pratiquer à bord d'ISS? 9. Quels effets personnels vous était-il indispensable d'emmener avec vous? 10. Quels sont les aspects de la vie terrestre qui vous manquent le plus? 11. En tant qu'astronaute, qu'est-ce qui vous passionne le plus: améliorer la vie sur Terre, étudier les réactions de l'être humain dans l'espace, piloter un vaisseau spatial, ou découvrir une vie extra- terrestre? 12. Combien êtes-vous à bord d'ISS et n'est-il pas difficile de s'entendre? 13. Y a-t-il des moments où vous pouvez être seul? 14. Avez-vous fêté Noël avec vos collègues? 15. Y a-t-il des choses qui vous ont surprises depuis votre départ, malgré votre préparation extrêmement poussée? 16. Pouvez-vous à certains moments marcher normalement comme sur Terre? Comment garder les muscles en bon état? 17. Combien de temps vous a-t-il fallu pour vous habituer à l'apesanteur? 18. Vous avez plus de 50 expériences à mener, où en êtes-vous? Y a t il des domaines médicaux? 19. Vous êtes en train de réaliser un rêve, en avez-vous d'autres? Quels sont vos prochains objectifs? 20. Comment appréhendez-vous le retour à la vie terrestre? Translated: 1. How did you decide to become an astronaut? 2. What were the key qualities that made you selected for this mission? 3. How did you prepare yourself for the Proxima mission? What types of training? 4. What did you feel during the launch? 5. What are your main tasks on the ISS? 6. Could you describe us a typical day (between Pilot training, research, maintenance.)? 7. What type of hazards you could encounter during EVAs, and how do you apply prevention measures? 8. What type of leisure, or sport could you practice on board? 9. What personal belongings were critical to bring with you? 10. What do you miss the most from earth? 11. As an Astronaut, what is the most attractive for you: Improving life on earth, study the body adaptation for long spaceflights, pilot a spaceship, or discover alien life? 12. How many of you are onboard, isn't it difficult to live together? 13. Could you find time to get alone? 14. Did you celebrate Christmas with your colleagues?? 15. Despite your heavy preparation, did you face any completely new situation to handle? 16. Do you have situations were you could walk normally as on earth? How to keep muscles healthy? 17. How long did you need to get familiar with the zero gravity? 18. You have more than 50 experiments to run, Are you confident to do all of them? Are there any medical experiments? 19. You are achieving a dream, Do you have other dreams? What's next? 20.: Do you fear your return to normal life on earth? 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. Collège Mathilde Marthe Faucher, Allassac, France, direct via F1IMF The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 11:16:26 UTC 2. Rainbow Middle School, Rainbow City, AL, direct via K4JMC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 17:29:40 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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[Video] I made CONTACT! Through the UHF ISS digipeater with my Kenwood TH-D72
by John Brier 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

https://youtu.be/nhv7oz_El80 BTW, I just hit 1,000 subscribers and am very grateful for all the subs from this list/AMSAT. If you aren't already subscribed please subscribe for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/SpaceComms1?sub_confirmation=1 Here are all the stations I heard on the pass from this video (time stamps GMT -5) -------------- N4ZQ 12/18/2016 11:08:08 System time KG4AKV-5 12/18/2016 11:08:13 W8LR 12/18/2016 11:09:02 KC4LE 12/18/2016 11:09:17 W0NBC 12/18/2016 11:11:07 RS0ISS 12/18/2016 11:11:38 W4TBD-6 12/18/2016 11:12:14 KA8YES-6 12/18/2016 11:12:52 Total Stations = 8 This was my second contact through the ISS digipeater. I actually contacted the same station I contacted in this video, W8LR, three days before, but I wasn't recording any video. For this video I recorded the audio from my Kenwood TH-D72a and later played it back to Soundmodem+UISS. Soundmodem decodes many more packets than my radio does. I made a screen capture of UISS and its map so you can see the complete details of every received packet. Another thing this video shows is how hard it can be to track a near overhead pass (close to 90 degrees elevation). When I was beginning in satellites I only tried to work overhead passes because I knew the signal would be strongest when the satellite was closest to me. While that is true, the closer the satellite is to you the faster its relative speed is. When it passes overhead it switches from coming towards you to going away from you very fast, and drops 10s of degrees in seconds. That makes the satellite very easy to lose track of. In this video I got distracted while changing settings on my radio and lost the ISS after it went overhead. It didn't help that I was using a tripod for the first time. I prefer to hold the antenna in my hand precisecly because I find it's easier to track, as I can make quick adjustments and listen for the signal going up and down. To control the radio for packet, it helps to have two hands. See my previous UHF ISS digi video to see how hard it is to change settings with one hand. Here is the very appropriate QSL card I got from W8LR for my first ISS digi contact: http://imgur.com/vUfwkiE http://imgur.com/DIq7fD4 Thanks for watching, 73, John Brier KG4AKV The music at the end is "Jubilee - Opa--locka"

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BY70-1 with an HT
by Matthew Stevens 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

I worked N8HM, AC0RA, AA5PK, and XE2AT on a 75° pass earlier this morning, using 5w from a D72A HT and an Arrow antenna. Because of the 5khz tuning steps on the HT, it was a little tough getting in except for a short window +/- about 1 minute before and after TCA due to uplink Doppler shift. I could key the transponder earlier/later in the pass, but my audio was pretty poor except during that brief window around TCA. On the same pass I heard KI4RO work several stations, and also last evening W4FS, both who were using HTs and handheld antennas. So, it's definitely possible with low power from an HT. I'll be experimenting some more on upcoming passes to see just what is possible with basic equipment. 73, - Matthew KK4FEM Sent from my iPhone

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BY70-1 identified
by Nico Janssen 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

All, Detailed doppler measurements show that BY70-1 is object 41909, 2016-083C. The latest TLEs show that its perigee is now 216 km and its apogee 520 km. 73, Nico PA0DLO

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BY 70-1 operable
by Jari A 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

Hi everyone, I have seen some messages about this satellite, but I havent seen mention of 67Hz subtone. I had signal at 18:30UTC over russia, as I switch on CTCSS. Unfortunately none was with me on the pass. But in case I'm not the only one who miss subtone, now its mentioned. Audio was good, but has delay like Paul, N8HM mention at hes message. Regards, :Jari / OH2FQV

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Excellent BY70-1 Pass Just Now
by Andy 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

Nice signals and good QSOs with NP4JV and AC0RA via BY70-1. Using Keps for 2016-083A. Uplink on 145.920 with 67 Hz tone. Downlink on 436.200. C U on BY70-1 soon! Andy W5ACM

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BY70-1 over GG54
by PY5LF 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

Very nice pass of BY70 over here . https://youtu.be/3nM_2KtMQnE The audio is very nice , with a little delay . 73

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BY70-1 FM Transponder Active Over North America
by Paul Stoetzer 28 Dec '16

28 Dec '16

The FM transponder was active on BY70-1 for the passes over North America this morning. K4KDR reported hearing my call on the pass around 1540 UTC, but I did not hear myself. On the 1709 UTC pass, I worked AC0RA and heard AA5PK. The signal is strong, but the uplink seems to require precise Doppler tuning. I was only able to get in cleanly when tuning for Doppler, starting at around 145.917 MHz near AOS and tuning up to 145.923 MHz near LOS. An FM only radio with only 5 kHz steps may not work well for accessing this transponder. There was also a clear SDR delay on the downlink signal which makes things interesting and it seems to require a bit of power to break the squelch. I was using about 30 watts on this pass. Equipment used was 2 FT-817s, a High Sierra Microwave preamp, a Microset VUR-30 amplifier, and an Alaskan Arrow antenna with the top section removed (8 elements on 70 cm and 3 elements on 2 m) Unfortunately, the satellite's life is destined to be quite short due to the incorrect orbital insertion with a very low perigee. The 2016-083A keps from CelesTrak's TLE-NEW.txt file seemed pretty accurate. I have posted a recording of the pass. Skip ahead to about 2:35 of this recording: https://soundcloud.com/paul-stoetzer/by70-1-1706z-28-dec-2016 73, Paul, N8HM

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EN84/85 line today
by Paul Stoetzer 28 Dec '16

28 Dec '16

Good morning, I will work the following two passes from the EN84/85 line this afternoon. AO-7 - 2019 UTC SO-50 - 2045 UTC Look for me around 145.940 MHz on AO-7. 73, Paul, N8HM

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Re: [amsat-bb] BY70-1 launched into too low orbit
by Mineo Wakita 28 Dec '16

28 Dec '16

2016-083A 1 41907U 16083A 16363.24809891 -.00000705 22256-5 00000+0 0 9993 2 41907 97.5819 74.7012 0229687 7.1141 353.3224 15.66601177 03 13:43-13:48 UTC, 28 Dec 2016, Ele 5 SW-W-WN, 436.200MHz USB I confirmed the signal from BY70-1 with a pass of the elevation angle 5 degrees. On this pass it was sending a signal every 5 seconds. I received it with 436.200 MHz USB, but it might be FM. The visible circle of the satellite is very small. Therefore this satellite will decay and burn up in the atmosphere soon. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/61228by7.jpg http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/by70ca45.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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BY70-1 launched into too low orbit
by Nico Janssen 28 Dec '16

28 Dec '16

All, Today, 2016-12-28, BY70-1 was launched at 04:23 UTC from Taiyuan launch center with a Long March 2D launch vehicle, together with two GaoJing (SuperView) remote sensing satellites. But unfortunately none of the satellites entered the planned circular orbit at 520 km altitude. All four objects from this launch (41907-41910) are in an low elliptical orbit with a perigee of only around 213 km and an apogee of 524 km. Therefore these objects will decay and burn up in the atmosphere soon. 73, Nico PA0DLO

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Re: [amsat-bb] High Altitude Balloon micro battery recommendation
by Ted 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

Skyler, you may want to look at various li-po batteries at your local hobby store. You may find more capacity at the same or close to same weight as watch batteries 73, Ted K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Skyler F Sent: Monday, December 26, 2016 8:21 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] High Altitude Balloon micro battery reccomendation I am going to send up a few micro beacons (milliwatt HF CW transmitters) probably using Walmart balloons and thin wire as the active antenna/payload string. The CW beacon RF module is a really simple oscillator that drifts a certain amount with temperature - that way I can tell how cold it is based on the received frequency from on the ground. An ATtiny or something similar will probably be used to keep the beacon legal and send out CW every 10 mins to break the carrier. So the whole RF module and beacon is extremely light, basic transistor/crystal oscillator + ID chip so I don't have to worry about recovery. The only consideration is the battery. I will probably have something operational between 3 and 7 volts, so I am thinking about just stringing a few watch batteries together. Is there a certain recommendation for low temperature operation miniature batteries? I need to make this payload as light as possible. The goal is the cheapest Amateur Radio balloon project where recovery is not a worry. Signal strength reports across the country as well as wind predictions can get a good idea of where the balloon travelled. I can then match this data up with the daily National Weather Service launch data to determine how high my balloon went based on temperature. 73 Skyler KD0WHB _______________________________________________ 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] AO-85 and SatPC32
by Richard Tejera 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

What file are you using? It shows up in the NASABARE.TXT file. Due to it having been launch as a secondary payload with a classified primary payload, it won't show in most element sets. Rick Tejera K7TEJ Saguaro Astronomy Club www.SaguaroAstro.org Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club www.w7tbc.org On December 27, 2016, at 01:34, Walter Holmes <Walterh(a)k5wh.net> wrote: I must be going blind somewhere. :) I have searched up and down through the Keps and can't seem to find AO-85 or Fox1 in there anywhere. And because of that, I can't find that in SatPC32 of course. Is there some other name that it shows up as in the keps file that I have missed somewhere? Many thanks, Walter/K5WH _______________________________________________ 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 2016-12-27 22:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-12-27 22:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France, Direct via F4KJV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-12-31 11:31:12 UTC 44 deg Collège Mathilde Marthe Faucher, Allassac, France, direct via F1IMF The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 11:16:26 UTC 30 deg (***) Rainbow Middle School, Rainbow City, AL, direct via K4JMC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 17:29:40 UTC 80 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 121 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 2016-12-27 22:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. 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 1102. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1067. 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 2016-12-22 15:30 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. 49 on orbit Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Andrei Borisenko Sergey Ryzhikov Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Oleg Novitskiy **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-12-27 21:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-12-27 21:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France, Direct via F4KJV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-12-31 11:31:12 UTC 44 deg Collège Mathilde Marthe Faucher, Allassac, France, direct via F1IMF The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 11:16:26 UTC 30 deg (***) Rainbow Middle School, Rainbow City, AL, direct via K4JMC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact is a go for: Wed 2017-01-04 17:29:40 UTC 80 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 121 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 2016-12-27 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 1102. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1067. 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 2016-12-22 15:30 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. 49 on orbit Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Andrei Borisenko Sergey Ryzhikov Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Oleg Novitskiy **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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AO-85 and SatPC32
by Walter Holmes 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

I must be going blind somewhere. :) I have searched up and down through the Keps and can't seem to find AO-85 or Fox1 in there anywhere. And because of that, I can't find that in SatPC32 of course. Is there some other name that it shows up as in the keps file that I have missed somewhere? Many thanks, Walter/K5WH

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High Altitude Balloon micro battery reccomendation
by Skyler F 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

I am going to send up a few micro beacons (milliwatt HF CW transmitters) probably using Walmart balloons and thin wire as the active antenna/payload string. The CW beacon RF module is a really simple oscillator that drifts a certain amount with temperature - that way I can tell how cold it is based on the received frequency from on the ground. An ATtiny or something similar will probably be used to keep the beacon legal and send out CW every 10 mins to break the carrier. So the whole RF module and beacon is extremely light, basic transistor/crystal oscillator + ID chip so I don't have to worry about recovery. The only consideration is the battery. I will probably have something operational between 3 and 7 volts, so I am thinking about just stringing a few watch batteries together. Is there a certain recommendation for low temperature operation miniature batteries? I need to make this payload as light as possible. The goal is the cheapest Amateur Radio balloon project where recovery is not a worry. Signal strength reports across the country as well as wind predictions can get a good idea of where the balloon travelled. I can then match this data up with the daily National Weather Service launch data to determine how high my balloon went based on temperature. 73 Skyler KD0WHB

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Another Balloon - what frequency?
by Scott 26 Dec '16

26 Dec '16

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas. I see that there is another balloon headed my way: https://tracker.habhub.org/#!mt=roadmap&mz=6&qm=1_day&mc=37.13154,281.71854… ... and on the side legend it indicates "Received 1h 56m ago via: APRS, W4DEX". I have searched but cannot find what frequency this thing might be on. Since APRS is indicated, that would be 144.39 in this part of the world but it could also be using something like 145.825 and be picked up by iGates configured to receive the previously-used ISS packet traffic on VHF. I'm usually fairly decent at finding things on Google, but no luck so far with this. Would anyone more familiar with balloon tracking possibly point me in the right direction? Thanks! -Scott, K4KDR Montpelier, VA USA twitter: scott23192

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HM58 Christmas Op + Considerations
by Pedro Sousa 26 Dec '16

26 Dec '16

Hi All, First of all, thank you all for the QSOs on my trip to HM58. Being a rare grid these days, I've done my best to keep up to you all. My initial setup was a FT-857 and a portable home made V/U yagi. Eventually my brother, CU7BC, lend me his TS2000 so I got upgraded to full-duplex. It helped a lot, but not being computer assisted I was still floating around the passband. The problems I face with my home made yagi were far from over, but still we made it. I've uploaded all QSOs as CU2ZG to LoTW and eQSL. The accurate grid was HM58qm, and if you want a more accurate location, please look into QRZ.com for CU7BC, my brother. All QSOs were established from his lawn. Those wishing for a paper QSL please let me know. I've logged the stations (below), so if I missed any please let me know - I took all callsigns and times from my external recordings. EB1AO, CT3FM, G7SVF, F0DIH, CU3EQ, KB1RVT, KO4MA, HI8KW, WB8RJY, N1AIA, N8IUP, K8YSE, F4DXV, DG1EA, F4EJW, KK4FEM, YV4DJY, K4FEG, N8HM. I couldn't pass this opportunity without adding a remark about over-power. Being in the middle of nowhere I get to operate satellites when no one else is on them, while those footprints are entirely over the ocean. Having the full available power to myself is a great opportunity to check theories, antennas and setups. Also great to check on satellite's health, and all those other things only possible where urban noise is virtually zero. I remember that at the AMSAT Symposium Clayton, W5PFG, was shouting a quiz at us, and one of the questions was about APRS satellites. He said that NO-44 digipeater was not entirely healthy, to which I objected saying that if you find yourself alone on the footprint you'd find that this particular satellite is still alive. Having this said, there was no way I couldn't notice that there are some stations, many (according to my standards), operating way too much power on linear satellites. When the satellite's footprint is over water I'm expecting no one but me or a couple of station where island are seen. Being on an announced grid expedition, 10kHz from the center frequency, I'd expect that people would come on looking for me, or at least show up in an orderly fashion. I was totally wrong. Once the footprint hits the USA I get flooded by people calling CQ, almost randomly - "is this frequency in use" still applies for satellites? - More than half of them are using so much power that now I can barely hear myself on the downlink. It reminded me of CQ contests where you must squeeze yourself into a "safe" spot in the spectrum. My best solution was to move away to some 20kHz from the center leaving my skeds alone and looking around for me. Some never made it. Those following me on Twitter found an angry twit of mine saying that "this is not HF". This past year using an omni antenna at my home station had me find some passes where my downlink was nowhere to be found. I'm tempted, now, to say that the problem was desense caused by over-power from other stations. Please don't take this as a problem existing only in North America. I got the same thing on European passes. I'm sure it happens all over the World. The passband is a limited resource. The satellite is not infinite. Power is not infinite. Use it wisely. Thank you All for this Christmas op. It was great talking to friends again. 73 de CU2ZG Pedro HM77fr (HM58qm on this op) --- Este e-mail foi verificado em termos de vírus pelo software antivírus Avast. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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bad G-5500 rotor
by Jeff Griffin 26 Dec '16

26 Dec '16

I'm back up here in the frozen north for the holidays and today had some time to work on my G-5500's azimuth problem. I took my 5500 control box up here with me from my station in Florida to help test. Now I've got it down to the Azimuth rotor itself. I used to have a repair guide for this rotor, but I haven't worked on one in many years and 2 moves ago and can't find it anywhere including online. Does anyone have a copy they could email me? I have the cable disconnected from the rotor control box. I'm interested in taking some meter readings to try to determine what parts if any to order from Yaesu. Thanks in advance. Everyone have a very Merry Christmas, happy holiday, and a HNY. 73 Jeff kb2m

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Amateursatelliten im Nasa2line-format
by Albert Kerschensteiner 26 Dec '16

26 Dec '16

Danke Albert DF8MV Von meinem Windows Phone gesendet

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ISS Packeting
by Gerald Payton 25 Dec '16

25 Dec '16

MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL. I think that I may have asked this before, but I have slept since. SORRY I DO NOT want to use UISS software as it is primarily for sound modem installation. Previously, I received good replies, but most suggested the UISS software and AGWE usage. I have a TNC and want to use it. My question is for those Ops that are using "other" terminal programs. What terminal software is operational with Windows 10? Most that I find online are older programs, even in DOS. My computer does not like that. I guess that my solution is to find a compatible terminal software, configure it properly for use through the ISS and go from there. ANY suggestions will be appreciated. 73, Jerry AB5R

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Satellite logging software
by Kim Hansen 25 Dec '16

25 Dec '16

Hi, all Getting into sats and I've been poking around for software (windows). Seems like most are using SATPC32, is that the go-to tracking program? Any others that I should also consider? How about logging software, any favorites for sats? I've been using DXLab, (great for DX, not so much for sats.) Used to use LOGic, may try to configure it for satellite logging. In any event, want to use whatever I end up with just for sats and dump their logs into DXLab (hold complete station logs). Also, how about grid square chasing? I see paper (printed) grid maps for US, abut anything for windows? Found "WorkedGrids_v7, but seems to be for terrestrial, not sats. Would like something that could show current worked/confirmed grids other than on paper. Again. any ideas? Thanks -- Lee

7 6

WispDDE client Problem
by Vincenzo Mone 25 Dec '16

25 Dec '16

Hi folks, I am trying the WispDDE client to set the radio frequencies for a Kenwood TS-2000. I've noticed that when I have a NOAA and METEOR satellite, the frequency is not configured properly, but it affirms me on the radio with a frequency of only three digits or it does not set the frequencies. Any help how to do it or can suggest me other clients that I can interface with Orbitron or Pass setting correctly all the satellites? Thanks and Merry Christmas to all 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ******************************************* ****** GSM +39 328 7244294 ****** ***** SMS +39 328 7244294 ***** *******************************************

2 1

Satellite software
by Kim Hansen 25 Dec '16

25 Dec '16

Hi, all Getting into sats and I've been poking around for software (windows). Seems like most are using SATPC32, is that the go-to tracking program? Any others that I should also consider? How about logging software, any favorites for sats? I've been using DXLab, (great for DX, not so much for sats.) Used to use LOGic, may try to configure it for satellite logging. In any event, want to use whatever I end up with just for sats and dump their logs into DXLab (hold complete station logs). Also, how about grid square chasing? I see paper (printed) grid maps for US, abut anything for windows? Found "WorkedGrids_v7, but seems to be for terrestrial, not sats. Would like something that could show current worked/confirmed grids other than on paper. Again. any ideas? Thanks -- Lee

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ANS-360 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Joseph Spier 25 Dec '16

25 Dec '16

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-360 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: * Fox-1Cliff and Fox-1D launch now likely 2Q 2017 * AMSAT CW Activity Day * STARS-C reports requested * Extra - Extra - Read all about it - LVB Tracker * BY70-1 2U CubeSat Scheduled for Launch 01/08/201 * Pratham student satellite returns to life * FUNcube Transponders Info * AMSAT Events * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts from All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-360.01 ANS-360 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 360.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE December 25, 2016 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-360.01 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox-1Cliff and Fox-1D launch now likely 2Q 2017 AMSAT Vice President Engineering Jerry Buxton said that because of the delays SpaceX has experienced following their September 1 anomaly, it is likely that the launch of the Fox-1Cliff and Fox-1D CubeSats will be no earlier than the second quarter of 2017. The two Fox-1 CubeSats will be carried to orbit in the Spaceflight Sherpa platform on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg AFB. The last period set for our launch would have closed November 30 of this year but was delayed due to the anomaly. The new launch period is not yet set but SpaceX expects to return to flight with their Iridium-1 launch in early January, 2017. Based on that expectation, we are looking forward to a 2Q 2017 launch of Fox-1Cliff and Fox-1D. [ANS thanks Jerry Buxton, NØJY, AMSAT Vice President for Engineering for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT CW Activity Day January 1, 2017 (UTC) will be AMSAT's first annual CW Activity Day! As with the old Straight Key Night, this is a fun event, not a contest. It will run for 24 hours on January 1, 2017 (UTC). All forms of CW are welcome, -- straight keys, bugs, keyers, even keyboards and decoders. Since it is not a contest, there is no required exchange. A QSO is a QSO. Working the same station on more than one satellite is permitted. Instead of submitting Best Fist nominations, all participants are asked to post their results, including "Soapbox" comments, to AMSAT- BB. Please include the satellites you used, and the number of CW QSOs you had on each. While it is not necessary to post your full log, you may do so if you wish. [ANS thanks Ray W2RS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- STARS-C reports requested A group here in Huntsville is attempting to help the STARS-C team collect signal reports and data from the STARS-C satellite recently launch from the ISS. The team will filter the data and forward it to the STARS-C team at Shizuoka University in Japan. A NASA colleague received an email from Professor Yoshiki Yamagiwa, an engineering professor at Shizuoka University in Japan, requesting help listening for signals from a pair of CubeSats recently released from ISS. University orbiter set to lift space elevator technology The Asahi Shimbun http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201607060005.html provides overview information about the STARS-C (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite-Cube). The basic configuration is two 1U satellites, a mother and a daughter, connected by a tether. Our understanding is that the STARS-C team is trying to receive the CW beacons as part of the first step of their operations, but their signals they're getting are too weak for data analysis, especially from the daughter satellite. They're reaching out to ham operators and ground stations at universities, and would appreciate reports on CW data received. Orbit and frequency info for the satellites: 19 Dec 2016 18:19:55 J-SSOD#5 Satellite Name: STARS-C Time: (UTCG) 19 Dec 2016 08:50:19.273 Semi-major Axis (km) 6785.004 Eccentricity 0.0009020 Inclination (deg) 51.6492 RAAN (deg) 214.6791 Arg of Perigee (deg) 33.9061 Mean Anomaly (deg) 293.7118 (*1) True of Date Coordinate System, Osculating Orbit # Mother satellite: CW 437.245MHz, FM downlinks 437.405MHz # Daughter satellite: CW 437.255MHz, FM downlinks 437.425MHz Details of the telemetry format are at http://www.ipc.shizuoka.ac.jp/~vk127139/download/Telemetry%20Format.pdf http://www.ipc.shizuoka.ac.jp/%7Evk127139/download/Telemetry%20Format.pdf The STARS-C team will appreciate any info that reaches your ears, automated receivers, or whatever! For additional information here is a link from the AMSAT UK group: https://amsat-uk.org/2016/11/08/jaxa-iss-ham-radio-cubesats/ Please email all reports with date and time directly to scotty.collect(a)gmail.com You can see the deployment on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOseY2mE5LY I hope you will like it though it is in Japanese. JAXA announced another 6 CubeSats transported to ISS by HTV-6 will deploy in January 2017. [ANS thanks Tim, N8DEU for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Extra - Extra - Read all about it The AMSAT On-Line Store has been stocked with LVB Tracker Complete. A limited number are available. Shipments will not go out until after Christmas due to long lines at the post office and the labor contract of the elves at the AMSAT Office. There is no choice in the color of the LED, some are Blue and some are Amber. You get what is in the box when shipped. Do not forget, these make great after Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year, birthday, or just because, presents for that special ham (or yourself - we know that's what you really wanted). [ANS thanks Bruce KK5DO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- BY70-1 2U CubeSat Scheduled for Launch 12/26/2016 BY70-1 is a 2U CubeSat project led by China Center for Aerospace Science and Technology International Communications for school education and amateur radio. The amateur radio station onboard will provide telecommand, telemetry and FM repeater functions. The spacecraft will be 3 axis stabilized and have deployable solar panels. Proposing a V/U transponder and requesting a 436.2MHz downlink and a 145.920 MHz uplink, this satellite has been IARU coordinated. It was planned to launch from Jiuquan on Dec 26th 2016 into a 530km circular SSO. The launch has now been rumored to be delayed due to weather. More info at http://english.spacechina.com/n16421/index.html [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Pratham student satellite returns to life The Mumbai Mirror reports on the return to life of the Pratham satellite launched on September 26, 2016. Pratham carries an amateur radio payload and was built by students at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B). The newspaper says: After one month of radio silence, the ground station at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, received a signal from Pratham satellite on the morning of December 17, suggesting that it was still alive and kicking. Pratham is the first satellite to be sent into space by an IIT. The satellite had received signals in the first few weeks after its launch on September 26, this year, but had gone quiet in November, due to technical difficulties, causing team members to worry if it was still operational. “The fact that we received a signal on Saturday suggests that the satellite has now stabilized and is back to collecting data,” said Ratnesh Mishra, project manager of Pratham. While Mishra says that the incoming signal means that the satellite is functional, data transfer is yet to take place. Read the full article at http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/IIT-Bs-satellite-gets-a-sig… -from-space/articleshow/56075162.cms Pratham info https://amsat-uk.org/2016/09/07/pratham-student-satellite/ https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/20/pratham-returns-to-life/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNcube Transponders Info AO-73 has just changed into continuous transponder mode. Plan is to switch back to auto mode on Sunday 8 Jan 2017 pm UTC. This will give a long opportunity for transponder operations over the Holidays. Pls see below for FUNcube transponder info Have FUN with the transponder. All the best for the holiday season, and for 2017 AO-73 FUNcube-1 The transponder is normally operational only when the satellite is in eclipse, ie the solar panels are NOT being illuminated. During weekends (from pm Fridays UTC to PM Sundays UTC) the transponder is operational 24/7. When the transponder is switched off, the telemetry beacon is on full power, when the transponder is on the beacon it is on low power. During holidays, eg Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc, the transponder maybe activated for extended periods. Watch AMSAT-BB for announcements which are usually made on Friday evenings (UTC) The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.150 - 435.130 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.950 - 145.970 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.935 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 15kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) FUNcube-2 aka FUNcube on UKube The FUNcube-2 sub-system continues to operate autonomously and, almost continuously, in amateur mode. The transponder is operational and the telemetry downlink is functioning with about 70mW output. The FUNcube-1 Dashboard does not correctly display the telemetry but it does correctly decode the data and uploads it to the FUNcube Data Warehouse from where it can be examined. Most of the real time data channels are operational and these include battery voltages, temperatures and ADCS data coming via the main On Board Computer (OBC). The transponder is interrupted for a few seconds every 2 minutes when the other transmitter sends its CW beacon and, occasionally, for a few seconds when the main OBC reboots (approx seven times each orbit). The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.080 - 435.060 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.930 - 145.950 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.915 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 10kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) EO79 FUNcube-3 Due to power budget constraints the transponder cannot be operational 24/7 and an orbit specific schedule has been developed. The transponder will commence operation 27 minutes after the spacecraft enters sunlight and will stay on for a period of 25 minutes. This schedule may be modified in future months as a result of experience. The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.077-435.047 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.935-145.965 MHz USB All FUNcube transponders are sponsored by AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL. We are very grateful for the assistance given by Innovative Solution In Space Bv, The Netherlands. [ANS thanks Jim, G3WGM and the FUNcube team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Events Information about AMSAT activities at other important events around the country. Examples of these events are radio club meetings where AMSAT Area Coordinators give presentations, demonstrations of working amateur satellites, and hamfests with an AMSAT presence (a table with AMSAT literature and merchandise, sometimes also with presentations, forums, and/or demonstrations). *Sunday, 8 January 2017 – Ham Radio University in Bethpage, NY *Saturday, 14 January 2017 – Thunderbird Hamfest 2017 in Phoenix AZ *Thursday, 26 January 2017 – presentation for Arizona Repeater Association in Tempe AZ *Saturday, 4 February 2017 – Palm Springs Hamfest in Palm Springs CA *Friday-Sunday, 10-12 February 2017 Orlando HamCation in Orlando, FL *Friday and Saturday, 17-18 February 2017 – Yuma Hamfest in Yuma AZ *Friday-Sunday, March 31, April 1 & 2, 2017, NVCON in Las Vegas, NV [ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Successful Contacts * Maristes High School, Toulouse, France, direct via F8IDR The ISS callsign was scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut was Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact was successful: Mon 2016-12-12 13:29:47 UTC * A direct contact with students at The Communication College Of Vologda and Information Technologies, in Vologda, Russia, was successful Tue 2016-12-13. * Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado “Niccolò Pisano”, Marina di Pisa, Italy, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign was scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut was Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact was successful: Sat 2016-12-17 12:23:31 UTC * Ecole Communale de Saint Sylvestre, Saint Sylvestre, France, direct via IK1SLD The ISS callsign was scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut was Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact was successful: Wed 2016-12-21 13:46:38 UTC 29 deg Very good contact between the school Nelson Mandela / St Sylvestre and Thomas Pesquet this afternoon. All 20 questions answered plus 2 spare minutes for congratulations and applause. Very clear audio all the way long Thanks to Claudio / IK1SLD who made a great job. Reported more than 300 people present in the gymnasium, with: 1 regional TV (France 3) 1 regional radio (France Bleu) 3 local Radios (Alouette FM, Beaub FM, Flash FM) 2 newspapers (Le Populaire du Centre, l'Echo du Centre) Live audio streaming on Beaub FM web site Upcoming Contacts * Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France, Direct via F4KJV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-12-31 11:31:12 UTC 44 deg Watch http://www.ariss.org/upcoming-contacts.html for information about upcoming contacts as they are scheduled. [ANS thanks ARISS and Charlie, AJ9N for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over Best Wishes for the Holidays and the New Year All the editors at the AMSAT News Service wish to extend to you and yours the best wishes this holiday season and great success in the New Year. May your launches be high, your birds sing true, and have life beyond their years. [ANS thanks Joe, Lee, and EMike 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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WispDDE Client
by Vincenzo Mone 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

Hi folks, i am trying the WispDDE client to set the radio frequencies for a Kenwood TS-2000, but i am emcountering problems 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ******************************************* ****** GSM +39 328 7244294 ****** ***** SMS +39 328 7244294 ***** *******************************************

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BY70-1 + UBSEDS21 + AO73 + JY1Sat in OSCAR News
by M5AKA 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

The new Jordanian CubeSat JY1Sat with FUNcube linear transponder and camera to transmit images features in the latest edition of OSCAR News now available for AMSAT-UK members to download https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/23/winter-oscar-news-2016/ The FUNcube team have announced that the AO-73 satellite will be in continuous transponder mode until 2017 GMT on January 8 https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/communications/funcube-1/ BY70-1 a 2U CubeSat with 145.935 to 436.200 MHz FM transponder launches December 26, 2016 http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/formal_detail.php?serialnum=531 The UK Bristol student Around-The-World solar powered balloon UBSEDS21 with 434 MHz and APRS has completed its first circumnavigation of the globe and is currently over Spain https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/ Merry Christmas 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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IC910H High Stability Crystal
by Mvivona 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

If any of you in the U.S. are looking for a high stability crystal for your iCom 910H, I just put one up for bid on eBay. I was having issues where my frequencies would drift slightly after saving them and inadvertently ordered 2 of the CR-293 modules. It definitely did the job, it's rock solid now, but need to sell the second one. Michael KC4ZVA

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South Florida QRM to FO-29 satellite
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

Is there anyone down that way that could listen on a 2m frequency for a errant IRLP type node causing QRM to FO-29? We have several recordings, including CW IDs, but the owner of the call is not cooperating so far. Here is a recording from tonight: https://www.dropbox.com/s/shuci1f9qb7p56m/24dec16%200355%20FO29%20Winsystem% 20QRM.mp3?dl=0 The ID is very plain at about 10:50. About the time the signal became unreadable, FO-29 was far enough south that only Florida was left from the US in the footprint. The uplink/node frequency is about 145.990 or .995. The audio is very interesting. Also looking for any OOs that would like to help. 73, Drew KO4MA

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STARC CW Possible Capture
by Pedro Converso 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

On Orbit 28, Dec-23 at 22:27 UTC over Buenos Aires Think STARC-Mother CW had been received, partial decode: 2F28 Recorded audio at http://amsat.org.ar/starc3.wav Frequency was about 1.5 Khz higher than calculated. Using http://amsat.org.ar/pass.htm selecting STARC 73, lu7abf, Pedro

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Questions On Balloons With Amateur Packages
by Dave Marthouse 23 Dec '16

23 Dec '16

I have seen posts from time to time on the BB about balloons with amateur radio payloads on them. I've got a question regarding the missions that carry payloads around the world. What stops the balloons from going up until they explode do to the high altitude. How are the packages kept from doing this to achieve such long distance flights? -- Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com

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EN74/75 line on December 23rd
by Paul Stoetzer 23 Dec '16

23 Dec '16

Good evening, I will work the following passes from the EN74/75 line near Gaylord, MI tomorrow December 23rd. FO-29 - 1643 UTC SO-50 - 2019 UTC SO-50 - 2159 UTC Other passes will be from EN74 only. Look for a few passes from EN84/85 at some point over the next week as well. 73, Paul, N8HM

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Winter Wonderland Grid Expedition Schedule
by Ken Alexander 23 Dec '16

23 Dec '16

The Winter Wonderland Grid Expedition (FN16, FN17, FN26 & FN27) will run from December 26th to December 29th. A few notes: The majority of the passes are higher than 20 degrees at my location. Generally, I have found that lower passes get lost in the trees and rocks and have not yielded good results. However, if you need one of these grids and the passes I have posted don’t work for you then let me know and we will try to work something out. I will do some nighttime passes from FN15 on the evening of the 26th and the evening of the 29th. I have a lot of driving to do on those days and will be tired. Therefore, if activity drops off after the first few passes then I will call it an early night and let everyone know via Twitter. You can find me on the following frequencies on the linear satellites, plus or minus QRM: FO-29, TX on 145.920 AO-07, RX on 145.960 XW-2A, RX on 145.680 XW-2B, RX on 145.745 XW-2C, RX on 145.810 XW-2D, RX on 145.875 XW-2F, RX on 145.995 AO-73, RX on 145.965 UKube-1, RX on 145.945 EO-79, RX on 145.955 Transmit/receive accordingly to meet me on these frequencies. Finally, once you work me, please stand aside on subsequent passes so that others can work a new grid. These passes are only a few minutes long and it's not fair to others if I have to spend precious time on QSOs with people I already worked. I don't mind if you want an insurance QSO, and if you want to work me on every satellite pass from a given grid that's fine too...but be mindful that you may be making it difficult for someone to work me for the first time. Please be considerate and wait until things die down before calling for that additional contact. December 26th evening in FN15 26.12.2016 XW-2C 22:01 26.12.2016 XW-2F 22:29 26.12.2016 XW-2D 23:27 27.12.2016 XW-2A 00:03 27.12.2016 AO-73 00:53 27.12.2016 AO-85 01:41 December 27th in FN16/FN17 27.12.2016 AO-73 14:14 27.12.2016 FO-29 14:50 27.12.2016 EO-79 15:32 27.12.2016 FO-29 16:36 27.12.2016 EO-79 17:10 27.12.2016 AO-07 17:38 27.12.2016 SO-50 18:44 27.12.2016 AO-07 19:28 27.12.2016 SO-50 20:23 27.12.2016 AO-07 21:24 27.12.2016 XW-2D 21:41 27.12.2016 XW-2B 21:44 27.12.2016 XW-2C 21:49 27.12.2016 SO-50 22:06 27.12.2016 XW-2F 22:17 December 28th in FN26/FN27 28.12.2016 AO-73 14:33 28.12.2016 FO-29 15:40 28.12.2016 EO-79 15:44 28.12.2016 AO-07 16:41 28.12.2016 EO-79 17:23 28.12.2016 AO-07 18:29 28.12.2016 SO-50 19:08 28.12.2016 AO-07 20:22 28.12.2016 SO-50 20:50 December 28th Evening in FN15 29.12.2016 AO-85 00:51 29.12.2016 AO-73 01:30 29.12.2016 SO-50 01:57 29.12.2016 AO-85 02:32 29.12.2016 SO-50 03:37 As always, follow @ve3hls on Twitter for updates, reports and general silliness. Happy Holidays and hope to work you next week! 73, Ken Alexander VE3HLS

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-12-22 15:30 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-12-22 15:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Ecole Communale de Saint Sylvestre, Saint Sylvestre, France, direct via IK1SLD (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact was successful: Wed 2016-12-21 13:46:38 UTC 29 deg (***) Primary School Georges Wallers, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (59), France, Direct via F4KJV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG (***) Contact is a go for: Sat 2016-12-31 11:31:12 UTC 44 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 121 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 2016-12-22 15:30 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 1102. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1067. (***) 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 2016-12-22 15:30 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. 49 on orbit Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Andrei Borisenko Sergey Ryzhikov Exp. 50 on orbit Peggy Whitson Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Oleg Novitskiy **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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LVB Tracker USB serial port driver for Windows 7 x64?
by Bill Bordy, NJ1H 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Has anyone located a driver for the LVB Tracker internal USB to serial port adapter on Windows 7 x64? If not, has anyone reverted to the serial port connection on LVB Tracker and used an external USB to serial port adapter successfully with SatPC32 on Windows 7 x64? I have an Edgeport multiple USB to serial port that has drivers for Windows 7 x64 that I will use if I have to. I would prefer using the LVB Tracker with its USB to serial adapter if someone has another solution. 73, Bill NJ1H

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Full Duplex with Fldigi?
by Alan 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Morning, Both DM780 and MixW support full duplex, and I have both, but I am looking for a freeware program to recommend to people who ask. I have been looking at the Fldigi software, and am wondering if anyone has experience using it full duplex? Being a very capable, free suite of programs, there is a large user base. I did RTFM, or more accurately did a lot of searching for terms, but didn't find anything. A query to the support group only came back with the recommendation that "I think you can run two versions simultaneously, and that might help." 73s, Alan WA4SCA

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Pratham copied in Buenos Aires
by Pedro Converso 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Nice CW copy of Pratham, orb.1268 Dec-22 01:19 UTC 145.976 KHz. VU2BUG PRATHAM IIT BOMBAY STUDENT SATELLITE Audio at http://amsat.org.ar/prath1612220119.wav decoded with CWGET Conditions Ft-736 + 5 elem. horiz. yagi pointing to sat, no pre. 73, lu7abf, Pedro

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perhaps meteor scatter would be more deterministic ...
by Todd Deckard 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Sorry for the SO-50 QRM this afternoon on the high mid-west pass. I failed to adjust for the Doppler on the RX. KE0CMD Todd

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SatPC32 Help
by Vincenzo Mone 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Hi Folks, Anyone can give me an hand to understand this program before I go to buy it?, I cannot understand how to have all the satellites under my eyes. what have I done is: Went in Satellites/ Sat-Groups And have created 5 Groups: STANDARD IK8OZV IK8OZV_1 IK8OZV_2 IK8OZV_3 In each group I have put 12 satellites but I have noticed that if I have set Standard as group, if there will be a satellite rising in others group it will not advise till I switch the group that has the satellite raising. Where am I missing? Thanks 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ******************************************* ****** GSM +39 328 7244294 ****** ***** SMS +39 328 7244294 ***** *******************************************

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Re: [amsat-bb] AO-73/FUNcube Mode change
by Jim Heck 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Hi folks, I have just changed the sat into continuous transponder mode. Plan is to switch back to auto mode on Sunday 8 Jan 2017 pm UTC. This will give a long opportunity for transponder operations over the Holidays Pls see below for FUNcube transponder info Have FUN with the transponder. All the best for the holiday season, and for 2017 73s Jim G3WGM and the FUNcube team. AO-73 FUNcube-1 The transponder is normally operational only when the satellite is in eclipse, ie the solar panels are NOT being illuminated. During weekends (from pm Fridays UTC to PM Sundays UTC) the transponder is operational 24/7. When the transponder is switched off, the telemetry beacon is on full power, when the transponder is on the beacon it is on low power. During holidays, eg Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc, the transponder maybe activated for extended periods. Watch AMSAT-BB for announcements which are usually made on Friday evenings (UTC) The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.150 - 435.130 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.950 - 145.970 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.935 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 15kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) FUNcube-2 aka FUNcube on UKube The FUNcube-2 sub-system continues to operate autonomously and, almost continuously, in amateur mode. The transponder is operational and the telemetry downlink is functioning with about 70mW output. The FUNcube-1 Dashboard does not correctly display the telemetry but it does correctly decode the data and uploads it to the FUNcube Data Warehouse from where it can be examined. Most of the real time data channels are operational and these include battery voltages, temperatures and ADCS data coming via the main On Board Computer (OBC). The transponder is interrupted for a few seconds every 2 minutes when the other transmitter sends its CW beacon and, occasionally, for a few seconds when the main OBC reboots (approx seven times each orbit). The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.080 - 435.060 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.930 - 145.950 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.915 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 10kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) EO79 FUNcube-3 Due to power budget constraints the transponder cannot be operational 24/7 and an orbit specific schedule has been developed. The transponder will commence operation 27 minutes after the spacecraft enters sunlight and will stay on for a period of 25 minutes. This schedule may be modified in future months as a result of experience. The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.077-435.047 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.935-145.965 MHz USB All FUNcube transponders are sponsored by AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL. We are very grateful for the assistance given by Innovative Solution In Space Bv, The Netherlands.

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Re: [amsat-bb] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the US : amateurradio
by David G0MRF 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

That's an interesting situation: If the balloon is on 145.825 and Aeronautical mobile is not permitted on the UK licence...... Who holds the transmitting licence for this? David G0MRF AMSATs in New England and Cape Cod! You’ll be the last to get hits from the balloon. It is now (1700 EST) out south of Nantucket and heading east. Got one hit from an IGate in Boston. Should have a few more hours range to good Oscar stations… Its on 145.825. Call is AD6AM-13 bob *From:* M5AKA [mailto:m5aka at yahoo.co.uk] *Sent:* Tuesday, December 20, 2016 3:54 PM *To:* AMSAT-BB at amsat.org; bruninga at usna.edu *Subject:* Re: [amsat-bb] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the US : amateurradio Bob, the students included 145.825 in the hope of being digipeated via the ISS. Unfortunately that digipeater is no longer operating so they've been hoping one of the other APRS sats on 145.825 may pick it up. Info at https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 11, Issue 399
by AF7XI Doug 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Unsubscribe af7xi(a)arrl.net <mailto:[email protected]> please. 73, AF7XI Doug > On Dec 21, 2016, at 5:51 AM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > > 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..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Low Noise RF Sensing Preamps (Fred Castello) > 2. Extra - Extra - Read all about it - LVB Tracker (Bruce) > 3. Re: FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller (Albert van Deursen) > 4. Re: FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller (Jim Jerzycke) > 5. Re: FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller (Ted) > 6. Donations to AMSAT... smile (Bruce) > 7. Statistics 6 Grid activated (weekend) (David Maciel (XE3DX)) > 8. Pile Up FO-29 on EK57 (David Maciel (XE3DX)) > 9. Yopp! First satellite QSO (almost!) (Todd W. Deckard) > 10. Re: Yopp! First satellite QSO (almost!) (andy thomas) > 11. Re: 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the > US : amateurradio (Robert Bruninga) > 12. Re: 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the > US : amateurradio (M5AKA) > 13. Re: 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the > US : amateurradio (Robert Bruninga) > 14. AO73 special YOTA Fitter message + UK Balloon UBSED21 (M5AKA) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 16:08:02 -0500 > From: Fred Castello <fredcastello(a)gmail.com> > To: AMSAT bbs <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Low Noise RF Sensing Preamps > Message-ID: > <CACc4i9AE-2CqybgWJf8cGzVo8_fE3pPbhJSTDcM4O6VW_aPX1g(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Hi Folks, > > I am in need of two RF sensing preamps one for 2 meters and one for 70 > cms. If you have either that you would be willing to sell/part with, > please contact me through my email at : fredcastello(a)gmail.com. > > Thanks so much for your time! > Best, > Fred-KF4FC > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 15:18:27 -0600 > From: Bruce <kk5do(a)arrl.net> > To: "amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Extra - Extra - Read all about it - LVB Tracker > Message-ID: <183c3255-7e85-3eb2-c317-2218816f38e5(a)arrl.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > Extra - Extra - Read all about it > > I stocked the shelves at the AMSAT Online Store with LVB Tracker > Complete. A limited number are available. > > Shipments will not go out until after Christmas due to long lines at the > post office. There is no choice in the color of the LED, some are Blue > and some are Amber. You get what is in the box when shipped. > > Do not forget, these make great stocking stuffers and under the tree > gifts. Although you will have to box a card saying one is on the way > after Christmas. > > 73...bruce > > -- > > 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 23:21:24 +0100 > From: "Albert van Deursen" <avdeur(a)home.nl> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller > Message-ID: <002901d25a46$3bf94c50$b3ebe4f0$@nl> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hi Jeff, > Further to the discussion on the fake chips etc can only recommend to go for > the real stuff. No cheap FTDI imitations nor Prolific ones as I was running > constantly into a lot of (driver) problems. Long story but after some time > of driver problems decided to throw all cheap(er) ones out and go for the > 100% real. Since than zero problems. Have the FT-736,FT-817 and IC-910 all > connected this way at the same time to HRD. All my problems were gone once I > decided to only use the original FTDI sets as eg advertised e.g. on > http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml. > 73 > Albert > PD0OXW > > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > Sent: 19 December 2016 18:46 > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 11, Issue 398 > > 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..." > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 22:40:24 +0000 > From: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)verizon.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller > Message-ID: <6ec52ea4-7383-4bc0-de30-96ff555545eb(a)verizon.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > > I still get mine on eBay, but look for vendors that state they have > GENUINE Prolific or FDTI chips. > > > 73, Jim KQ6EA > > > > On 12/19/2016 10:21 PM, Albert van Deursen wrote: >> Hi Jeff, >> Further to the discussion on the fake chips etc can only recommend to go for >> the real stuff. No cheap FTDI imitations nor Prolific ones as I was running >> constantly into a lot of (driver) problems. Long story but after some time >> of driver problems decided to throw all cheap(er) ones out and go for the >> 100% real. Since than zero problems. Have the FT-736,FT-817 and IC-910 all >> connected this way at the same time to HRD. All my problems were gone once I >> decided to only use the original FTDI sets as eg advertised e.g. on >> http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml. >> 73 >> Albert >> PD0OXW >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of >> amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org >> Sent: 19 December 2016 18:46 >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 11, Issue 398 >> >> 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..." >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 14:40:44 -0800 > From: "Ted" <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> > To: "'Albert van Deursen'" <avdeur(a)home.nl>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller > Message-ID: <000301d25a48$ef935100$ceb9f300$(a)charter.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > FYI, > > The cables from RT Systems also work flawlessly. You can get cables with or > without programming software > > http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/ > > 73, K7TRK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Albert van > Deursen > Sent: Monday, December 19, 2016 2:21 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller > > Hi Jeff, > Further to the discussion on the fake chips etc can only recommend to go for > the real stuff. No cheap FTDI imitations nor Prolific ones as I was running > constantly into a lot of (driver) problems. Long story but after some time > of driver problems decided to throw all cheap(er) ones out and go for the > 100% real. Since than zero problems. Have the FT-736,FT-817 and IC-910 all > connected this way at the same time to HRD. All my problems were gone once I > decided to only use the original FTDI sets as eg advertised e.g. on > http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml. > 73 > Albert > PD0OXW > > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > Sent: 19 December 2016 18:46 > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 11, Issue 398 > > 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..." > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 17:01:43 -0600 > From: Bruce <kk5do(a)arrl.net> > To: "amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Donations to AMSAT... smile > Message-ID: <ff0878f8-79da-348d-a575-aed2d57036c3(a)arrl.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > As you place orders for the holiday season, if you use Amazon.com, > please remember that you can place your order at smile.amazon.com and a > percentage of your order will be donated to AMSAT. > > I just placed another order on Amazon and used smile.amazon.com as I > usually do. I had not noticed before, on the main smile.amazon.com > webpage, under the search window is a "Supporting Radio Amateur > Satellite Corporation" showing who my donations go to. Hover your mouse > over the wording and a pop up will show you how much your orders have > generated for AMSAT. If you click in the pop up window on "Your > AmazonSmile impact", it will show you how much everyone's orders have > contributed to AMSAT. > > My orders alone have given AMSAT $33.09 and all of the other people that > have used smile.amazon.com have given $1,325.93 > > That is not bad for not doing anything except ordering what you normally > would.This could really be used as a no load fund raiser. It costs AMSAT > nothing to receive a donation and it costs the person ordering from > Amazon nothing to choose AMSAT as their supporting charity. It is a > win/win for everyone. > > remember.... smile.amazon.com to place your amazon orders. You can place > everything in your cart at amazon.com, just remember to go to > smile.amazon.com when you are ready to check out. > > 73...bruce > > -- > > 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 17:43:20 -0600 > From: "David Maciel (XE3DX)" <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com> > To: Grupo Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Statistics 6 Grid activated (weekend) > Message-ID: > <CA+3j0OMEd1gC6--iwLu1apdJEcOmnyaTAeVnX_sOwgBpDUVGCA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Today I finish the work by different rare grids of the southeast of Mexico, > some of difficult access and zones of jungle, thanks to the stations that > were listening to my trip. > > 151 stations worked, in 6 activated Grids ( 4 Days ) > EK37-EK47 = 42 stations (line) > EK57 = 38 stations > EK48 = 38 stations > EK37 = 06 stations (Many work before online EK37-EK47) > EK38 = 12 > EK27 = 15 > > 151 Workstations. > > * Contacts will be on LoTW tonight, please if you do not use LoTW do not > send QSL card, first check on http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ or > https://www.qrz.com/lookup/xe3dx if you are in the log. > > > > > > David Maciel XE3DX > > *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* > > *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>* > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 19:19:58 -0600 > From: "David Maciel (XE3DX)" <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com> > To: Grupo Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Pile Up FO-29 on EK57 > Message-ID: > <CA+3j0OMWaA+e2wr=OiZJELaGs2sXAxdks2VG1-1V8EPMrAGgug(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > EK57 give a big Pile Up on FO-29, I could only work 19 stations, many > others not listen. > > Thanks, I had a lot of fun. > > > https://soundcloud.com/w5pfg/fo-29-2016-12-17-1600z-xe3dx-ek57 > > > > Thanks Clay W5PFG for Recording > > > > > > David Maciel XE3DX > > *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* > > *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>* > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 20:13:40 -0600 > From: "Todd W. Deckard" <twdeckard(a)earthlink.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Yopp! First satellite QSO (almost!) > Message-ID: <AD0DCF80-CEEA-4288-B0D1-033568B2A173(a)earthlink.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Finally tried transmitting into a 43 degree pass for SO-50 and was heard by two stations (K8YSE/Y and W0DHB)! > > Unfortunately they never heard my response; but I be smothering myself transmitting from inside the snow covered sun room. Might also be poor microphone technique. > > https://youtu.be/O5nFwU_wl18 <https://youtu.be/O5nFwU_wl18> > > Still, enough progress to encourage ? Arizona/Colorado from Minnesota ? a thousand miles and 50F. > > 73 > KE0CMD > Todd > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 10 > Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 19:21:04 +0000 (UTC) > From: andy thomas <andythomasmail(a)yahoo.co.uk> > To: Amsat Bulitin Board <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Yopp! First satellite QSO (almost!) > Message-ID: <1747110306.975016.1482261664667(a)mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > You're doing well! SO-50 can be hard to get into, but you were heard. Well done! > 73 de andy g0sfj > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 11 > Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 14:29:01 -0500 > From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains > states of the US : amateurradio > Message-ID: <14e98914ec2f6fb9f6d51ed53a559351(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Just heard it on my mobile, (Im in Annapolis MD) but the radio says the > balloon is 115 mi NE (probably over NJ) No Course and Speed. > > > > The radio was on 145.825, the ISS frequency! At 1420 or so EST. > > > > Call is AD6AM-13 > > Bob > > > > On Tue, Dec 20, 2016 at 11:56 AM, W4TGA <radio.w4tga(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Forwarded the info to Ken in Annapolis. He should start hearing the beacon > in the next 30 minutes. He will advise if he hears anything. > > > > bk > > > > > > On Dec 20, 2016, at 10:23 AM, Olive, George <george(a)universalcogs.com> > wrote: > > > > I miss read it. It is ad6am-13 > > George Olive > > ---------------------- > Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate > replies on the phone. > > > > On Dec 20, 2016 10:13 AM, "Steve Garrison" <steve.n4tty(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Is adam6 a valid call sign? I guess you can beacon anything you want, but > to be legal wouldn't it need to be a valid call sign? > > Steve G./N4TTY > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Dec 20, 2016, at 10:05 AM, Olive, George <george(a)universalcogs.com> > wrote: > > The call is adam6-13 I think > > George Olive > > ---------------------- > Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate > replies on the phone. > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: "Olive, George" <george(a)universalcogs.com> > Date: Dec 20, 2016 10:03 AM > Subject: Re: 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the US : > amateurradio > To: "Barry Kanne" <radio.w4tga(a)gmail.com> > Cc: > > I think the call is adam6-13 > > George Olive > > ---------------------- > Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate > replies on the phone. > > > > On Dec 20, 2016 10:01 AM, "Olive, George" <george(a)universalcogs.com> wrote: > > There was a link in the first or second comment that went to aprs.fi and > tracked it > > George Olive > > ---------------------- > Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate > replies on the phone. > > > > On Dec 20, 2016 9:27 AM, "W4TGA" <radio.w4tga(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Would be helpful if we knew the callsign being beaconed so we could track > it on APRS.FI <http://aprs.fi/>. Any way to find out? > > > > bk > > > > > > > > On Dec 20, 2016, at 7:09 AM, Steve Garrison <steve.n4tty(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > 434.610 using Contestia 16/1000 (I think). > > > > Keep us posted if you hear it!! > > Steve G./N4TTY > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Dec 19, 2016, at 10:25 PM, Olive, George <george(a)universalcogs.com> > wrote: > > It seems there is a high altitude British balloon over the use. It is > currently around Nebraska coming east. > > > > The title in this link is also a link to a map. Also there is aprs info in > the comments. > > > > I would guess maybe sometime tomorrow or the next day it might be in range > of GA > > > > https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/5javjt/434_mhz_balloon_from_… > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 12 > Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 20:53:31 +0000 (UTC) > From: M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> > To: "AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org" <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org>, "bruninga(a)usna.edu" > <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains > states of the US : amateurradio > Message-ID: <1645603066.1094804.1482267211699(a)mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Bob, the students included 145.825 in the hope of being digipeated via the ISS. Unfortunately that digipeater is no longer operating so they've been hoping one of the other APRS sats on 145.825 may pick it up. > Info at https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/ > > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 13 > Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 17:21:52 -0500 > From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > To: M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk>, AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains > states of the US : amateurradio > Message-ID: <e5cd47400b1452c663ac7ba1689cb7a8(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > AMSATs in New England and Cape Cod! > > > > You?ll be the last to get hits from the balloon. It is now (1700 EST) out > south of Nantucket and heading east. Got one hit from an IGate in Boston. > Should have a few more hours range to good Oscar stations? > > > > Its on 145.825. Call is AD6AM-13 > > bob > > *From:* M5AKA [mailto:[email protected]] > *Sent:* Tuesday, December 20, 2016 3:54 PM > *To:* AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org; bruninga(a)usna.edu > *Subject:* Re: [amsat-bb] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains > states of the US : amateurradio > > > > Bob, the students included 145.825 in the hope of being digipeated via the > ISS. Unfortunately that digipeater is no longer operating so they've been > hoping one of the other APRS sats on 145.825 may pick it up. > > > > Info at https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/ > > > > > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 14 > Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:48:12 +0000 (UTC) > From: M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> > To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73 special YOTA Fitter message + UK Balloon > UBSED21 > Message-ID: <876184133.484743.1482324492350(a)mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > Look out for the special Fitter message today from the FUNcube-1 AO73 satellite to the 6th Staines Scouts, Cubs and Beavers who are hosting GB16YOTA for Youngsters On The Air Month. > > If you see it Tweet it back to the Chertsey Radio Club @chertseyRC > > Youngsters On The Air with Chertsey Radio Club > https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk/photos/a.555434137832973.1073741826.208113… > > Newspaper report on Pratham student satellite returning to life > https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/20/pratham-returns-to-life/ > > Keep tracking the UK student Around-The-World balloon UBSEDS21 434MHz + APRS now approaching the final leg of it's journey > https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/ > > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > ---- > AMSAT-UK?http://amsat-uk.org/ > Twitter?https://twitter.com/AmsatUK > Facebook https://facebook.com/AmsatUK > YouTube?https://youtube.com/AmsatUK > ---- > > > ------------------------------ > > 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 11, Issue 399 > *****************************************

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Ecole Communale de Saint Sylvestre, Saint Sylvestre, France
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Ecole Communale de Saint Sylvestre, Saint Sylvestre, France on 21 Dec. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 13:46 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 IK1SLD. The contact should be audible over Italy and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in French. SAINT-SYLVESTRE is a French town in the Haute-Vienne department, in the new Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes area. There are 914 inhabitants. It is 30 kilometers north of Limoges, in Ambazac mountains. The Nelson Mandela school currently hosts hundreds of students in 4 classes. It is the students of CM1-CM2 participating in the ARISS project. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Qu'est-ce que tu as ressenti au moment du décollage? 2. Qu'est-ce qui t'a le plus impressionné lors du voyage et en arrivant sur l'ISS? 3. Est-ce que ton séjour se passe bien? 4. Est-ce que tu t'entends bien avec les autres astronautes? 5. Est-ce que ce que tu vis est à la hauteur de tes espérances? 6. Peux-tu nous dire quel était le programme de ta journée d'hier? 7. Alors, quelle est ton activité préférée dans l'ISS? 8. Depuis que tu es dans l'ISS, as-tu réalisé une sortie extra-véhiculaire? 9. Tu dors bien? 10. Qu'est-ce que vous allez manger pour Noël? 11. Peux-tu nous dire ce que tu vas offrir à tes compagnons de voyage? 12. As tu pris ton saxophone? 13. Qu'est ce que cela fait de voir la Terre comme une bille? As tu l'impression de nous voir comme des fourmis? 14. Penses-tu que tu seras le même homme lorsque tu vas rentrer? 15. La Terre, tu la préfères vue d'en bas ou vue d'en haut? 16. Je t'annonce que ta mission est prolongée de 6 mois. Tu es d'accord? 17. Aimerais-tu vivre sur l'ISS toute ta vie avec ta famille? 18. Est-ce qu'on voit plus d'étoiles, quand on est dans l'ISS? 19. As-tu ressenti le mal de l'espace? 20. Et une question en anglais : Could you say hello to your colleagues for us? And we wish you a Merry Christmas. Translated: 1. What did you feel when you left earth? 2. What was the most impressive thing during the journey and when you arrived to the ISS? 3. Does your stay go well? 4. Do you get along well with the other astronauts? 5. What you're living now is up to your expectations? 6. Could you tell us what was your program yesterday? 7. What is your favorite activity in the ISS? 8. Since you arrived on board, did you realize an extra-vehicular activity? 9. Do you sleep well? 10. What will you eat for Christmas? 11. Could you tell us what you're going to give to your fellows, as a present for Christmas? 12. Is your sax on board? 13. How do you feel when you look at the Earth, as small as a marble? Does it give you the feeling that we are some kind of ants? 14. Do you think you'll be the same when you'll be back? 15. The Earth, do you prefer when you look at it from the ground or from above? 16. I announce you that your mission is extended of 6 months. Do you agree? 17. Would you like to stay in the ISS all you life, with your family? 18. Can we look at more stars when we're in the ISS? 19. Did you feel the space sickness? 20. And last question in English : Could you say hello to your colleagues for us? And we wish you a Merry Christmas. PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): TBD About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the 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 special YOTA Fitter message + UK Balloon UBSED21
by M5AKA 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Look out for the special Fitter message today from the FUNcube-1 AO73 satellite to the 6th Staines Scouts, Cubs and Beavers who are hosting GB16YOTA for Youngsters On The Air Month. If you see it Tweet it back to the Chertsey Radio Club @chertseyRC Youngsters On The Air with Chertsey Radio Club https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk/photos/a.555434137832973.1073741826.208113… Newspaper report on Pratham student satellite returning to life https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/20/pratham-returns-to-life/ Keep tracking the UK student Around-The-World balloon UBSEDS21 434MHz + APRS now approaching the final leg of it's journey https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/ 73 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] 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the US : amateurradio
by Robert Bruninga 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

Just heard it on my mobile, (Im in Annapolis MD) but the radio says the balloon is 115 mi NE (probably over NJ) No Course and Speed. The radio was on 145.825, the ISS frequency! At 1420 or so EST. Call is AD6AM-13 Bob On Tue, Dec 20, 2016 at 11:56 AM, W4TGA <radio.w4tga(a)gmail.com> wrote: Forwarded the info to Ken in Annapolis. He should start hearing the beacon in the next 30 minutes. He will advise if he hears anything. bk On Dec 20, 2016, at 10:23 AM, Olive, George <george(a)universalcogs.com> wrote: I miss read it. It is ad6am-13 George Olive ---------------------- Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate replies on the phone. On Dec 20, 2016 10:13 AM, "Steve Garrison" <steve.n4tty(a)gmail.com> wrote: Is adam6 a valid call sign? I guess you can beacon anything you want, but to be legal wouldn't it need to be a valid call sign? Steve G./N4TTY Sent from my iPhone On Dec 20, 2016, at 10:05 AM, Olive, George <george(a)universalcogs.com> wrote: The call is adam6-13 I think George Olive ---------------------- Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate replies on the phone. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Olive, George" <george(a)universalcogs.com> Date: Dec 20, 2016 10:03 AM Subject: Re: 434 MHz balloon from the UK over the plains states of the US : amateurradio To: "Barry Kanne" <radio.w4tga(a)gmail.com> Cc: I think the call is adam6-13 George Olive ---------------------- Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate replies on the phone. On Dec 20, 2016 10:01 AM, "Olive, George" <george(a)universalcogs.com> wrote: There was a link in the first or second comment that went to aprs.fi and tracked it George Olive ---------------------- Sent from my phone. I blame all misspellings, errors, and inappropriate replies on the phone. On Dec 20, 2016 9:27 AM, "W4TGA" <radio.w4tga(a)gmail.com> wrote: Would be helpful if we knew the callsign being beaconed so we could track it on APRS.FI <http://aprs.fi/>. Any way to find out? bk On Dec 20, 2016, at 7:09 AM, Steve Garrison <steve.n4tty(a)gmail.com> wrote: 434.610 using Contestia 16/1000 (I think). Keep us posted if you hear it!! Steve G./N4TTY Sent from my iPhone On Dec 19, 2016, at 10:25 PM, Olive, George <george(a)universalcogs.com> wrote: It seems there is a high altitude British balloon over the use. It is currently around Nebraska coming east. The title in this link is also a link to a map. Also there is aprs info in the comments. I would guess maybe sometime tomorrow or the next day it might be in range of GA https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/5javjt/434_mhz_balloon_from_…

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Re: [amsat-bb] Yopp! First satellite QSO (almost!)
by andy thomas 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

You're doing well! SO-50 can be hard to get into, but you were heard. Well done! 73 de andy g0sfj

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Yopp! First satellite QSO (almost!)
by Todd W. Deckard 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

Finally tried transmitting into a 43 degree pass for SO-50 and was heard by two stations (K8YSE/Y and W0DHB)! Unfortunately they never heard my response; but I be smothering myself transmitting from inside the snow covered sun room. Might also be poor microphone technique. https://youtu.be/O5nFwU_wl18 <https://youtu.be/O5nFwU_wl18> Still, enough progress to encourage … Arizona/Colorado from Minnesota … a thousand miles and 50F. 73 KE0CMD Todd

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Pile Up FO-29 on EK57
by David Maciel (XE3DX) 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

EK57 give a big Pile Up on FO-29, I could only work 19 stations, many others not listen. Thanks, I had a lot of fun. https://soundcloud.com/w5pfg/fo-29-2016-12-17-1600z-xe3dx-ek57 Thanks Clay W5PFG for Recording David Maciel XE3DX *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>*

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Statistics 6 Grid activated (weekend)
by David Maciel (XE3DX) 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Today I finish the work by different rare grids of the southeast of Mexico, some of difficult access and zones of jungle, thanks to the stations that were listening to my trip. 151 stations worked, in 6 activated Grids ( 4 Days ) EK37-EK47 = 42 stations (line) EK57 = 38 stations EK48 = 38 stations EK37 = 06 stations (Many work before online EK37-EK47) EK38 = 12 EK27 = 15 151 Workstations. * Contacts will be on LoTW tonight, please if you do not use LoTW do not send QSL card, first check on http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ or https://www.qrz.com/lookup/xe3dx if you are in the log. David Maciel XE3DX *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>*

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Donations to AMSAT... smile
by Bruce 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

As you place orders for the holiday season, if you use Amazon.com, please remember that you can place your order at smile.amazon.com and a percentage of your order will be donated to AMSAT. I just placed another order on Amazon and used smile.amazon.com as I usually do. I had not noticed before, on the main smile.amazon.com webpage, under the search window is a "Supporting Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation" showing who my donations go to. Hover your mouse over the wording and a pop up will show you how much your orders have generated for AMSAT. If you click in the pop up window on "Your AmazonSmile impact", it will show you how much everyone's orders have contributed to AMSAT. My orders alone have given AMSAT $33.09 and all of the other people that have used smile.amazon.com have given $1,325.93 That is not bad for not doing anything except ordering what you normally would.This could really be used as a no load fund raiser. It costs AMSAT nothing to receive a donation and it costs the person ordering from Amazon nothing to choose AMSAT as their supporting charity. It is a win/win for everyone. remember.... smile.amazon.com to place your amazon orders. You can place everything in your cart at amazon.com, just remember to go to smile.amazon.com when you are ready to check out. 73...bruce -- 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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Re: [amsat-bb] FT-736 CAT Cable & Rotor controller
by Albert van Deursen 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Hi Jeff, Further to the discussion on the fake chips etc can only recommend to go for the real stuff. No cheap FTDI imitations nor Prolific ones as I was running constantly into a lot of (driver) problems. Long story but after some time of driver problems decided to throw all cheap(er) ones out and go for the 100% real. Since than zero problems. Have the FT-736,FT-817 and IC-910 all connected this way at the same time to HRD. All my problems were gone once I decided to only use the original FTDI sets as eg advertised e.g. on http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml. 73 Albert PD0OXW -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org Sent: 19 December 2016 18:46 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 11, Issue 398 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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Extra - Extra - Read all about it - LVB Tracker
by Bruce 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Extra - Extra - Read all about it I stocked the shelves at the AMSAT Online Store with LVB Tracker Complete. A limited number are available. Shipments will not go out until after Christmas due to long lines at the post office. There is no choice in the color of the LED, some are Blue and some are Amber. You get what is in the box when shipped. Do not forget, these make great stocking stuffers and under the tree gifts. Although you will have to box a card saying one is on the way after Christmas. 73...bruce -- 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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Low Noise RF Sensing Preamps
by Fred Castello 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Hi Folks, I am in need of two RF sensing preamps one for 2 meters and one for 70 cms. If you have either that you would be willing to sell/part with, please contact me through my email at : fredcastello(a)gmail.com. Thanks so much for your time! Best, Fred-KF4FC

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STARS-C deployed
by Masahiro Arai 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

STARS-C was deployed from ISS using JSSOD at 0830z 19th Dec. You can see the deployment on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOseY2mE5LY I hope you will like it though it is in Japanese. JAXA announced another 6 CubeSats transported to ISS by HTV-6 will deploy at Jan. Masa JN1GKZ Tokyo Japan

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CAT Cable and Rotor Controller for FT-736R
by Jeff Bollettino K4AMK 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Hi all, I'm getting back into the hobby after a lengthy absence. I had to re-test for extra as my old license had lapsed and I've taken care of that and shortened my call by one letter by getting an available vanity call sign. So now I want to get my old Yaesu FT-736R operating the satellites and could use some help. First up is interfacing SATPC32 on a new windows 10 machine to the CAT interface. I've read through all the AMSAT-BB threads I could find on the topic, with one approach being to add an RS-232 interface to the PC and building a TTL to RS-232 cable with some electronics. If I can buy rather than build I'd prefer to do that for time reasons. I found a cable on the UK site radioarena.co.uk that is a "Yaesu USB Programming / CAT Cable for Radios with 6-pin DIN Connector" which sounds perfect but one learns to be suspicious when it seems too easy. Has anyone tried this USB to Yaesu CAT cable with an FT-736R, or otherwise knows why it would or would not work? Here's the link: https://radioarena.co.uk/programming-cables/yaesu/yaesu-usb-programming-/-c… Second, I'm planning to get an Arrow LEO antenna with a low noise figure preamp and try a fixed elevation with just an azimuth rotator, mounted in an attic. Could I get some suggestions on the rotor controllers that interface most easily/best with SATPC32? I know there's a list of all of them in the read me file but this program's been around for awhile and I'm looking for what is easily available and integrates without running into unnecessary snags. I haven't owned a rotator before, and so I'm not familiar with them. I think what I need with a small, attic antenna is probably at the small end of the rotor scale. I'll probably go through Norm's Rotor service, but it would be great to have some experienced recommendations on what to get. thanks for any guidance you can offer 73 Jeff

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Required - ICOM UT-84 CTCSS Unit
by Nitin Muttin 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Hi All, I am in need of ICOM UT-84 CTCSS unit for my ICOM 821H. If anyone has one for sale please write to me directly. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Re: [amsat-bb] Pratham: IITB Student Satellite
by Aayush Yadav 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Hello all, We are glad to inform you that PE0SAT was able to receive the beacon of the satellite yet again. We have started the preparation to track the satellite in the hopes of establishing if the satellite is active again. We would be glad if you could help us in this and try receiving the signal from Pratham. Downlink: Frequency: 437.455 MHz Modulation: FSK Beacon: Frequency: 145.98 MHz Modulation: CW OOK Morse code. Kind Regards, Team Pratham.

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Re: [amsat-bb] youtube video(s) of prototype satellite tracker
by John Brier 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

Heh. It happens. We can just say you were in the weeds coding your Arudino and didn't have time for such trivial things as radio settings. ;-) 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Sun, Dec 18, 2016 at 2:05 PM, Todd Deckard <twdeckard(a)earthlink.net> wrote: > There you go! I learned something already. A bit chagrined that by the > time this project is done they are going to take my Electrical Engineering > degree away. > > The little Baofeng is FM only. In fact I think I wasted no small amount > of time flogging a homebrew Yagi from the Kent Britain article because of > this critical misunderstanding. > > Most of the energy up till now has been on the tracker and software -- > but I am a bit embarrassed that your polite tip uncovered a technical gaff > in my first experiments. > > Doh! > ( and Thanks) > Todd > > > -----Original Message----- > From: John Brier > Sent: Dec 18, 2016 12:53 PM > To: Todd Deckard > Cc: AMSAT BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] youtube video(s) of prototype satellite tracker > > Just skimmed through your videos. Looks cool. > > The FO-29 pass, I could hear some voice, but it wasn't demodulated right. > That might be because FO-29 is a linear satellite for SSB/CW, and that > radio is FM only. I'm not sure though. Does it do SSB? > > 73, John Brier, KG4AKV > >

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youtube video(s) of prototype satellite tracker
by Todd Deckard 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

Greetings! Here are some youtube videos of a satellite tracking system built around an Arduino. It is still in its early stages. I am still lurking on the birds; very new to amateur radio and listening. Looking forward to making contacts as I get dialed in. Morse Code telemetry from ITUpSAT1: https://youtu.be/FjZ26e1FFKo Voice downlink from SO-50 https://youtu.be/6gNwKH6FKcM: Unsuccessful FO-29 pass (perhaps the snow on the plexiglass solarium enclosure or the -20F temperature was an issue). Faint unintelligible voice chatter https://youtu.be/sWNyVoTBM3c: Bad code on github (with thanks to James Miller G3RUH and VE9QRP). https://github.com/twdeckard/AE-35 73 KE0CMD Todd

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ISS packet 70cm weak?
by PA3GUO 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

Anyone else finds the signals weak ? Uplink as well as downlink? Maybe worse in EU compared to other continents? PA3GUO Henk

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Satellite APRS balloon over NA + Galileo + Dec 19 ISS CubeSat
by M5AKA 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

UK student Around-the-World balloon with 434 MHz Contestia and 145.825 MHz APRS crosses Pacific and is now over North America https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/09/ubseds21-145-825-aprs/ Real-Time track https://tracker.habhub.org/#!mt=roadmap&mz=2&qm=All&f=UBSEDS21&q=UBSEDS21 ISS CubeSats with Amateur Radio payloads may be deployed from December 19 https://amsat-uk.org/2016/12/02/school-tancredo-1-tubesat/ Galileo GNSS/satnav system now live. Read the Peter Blair G3LTF 2006 paper on the 1260-1300 MHz downlink http://www.southgatearc.org/articles/galileo.htm Satellite launches planned for end of December - BY70-1 FM transponder satellite from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC) December 26 - CubeSats from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) December 31? Anyone know what the CubeSats are? The book Getting Started with Amateur Satellites is available from the AMSAT-UK shop https://amsat-uk.org/2016/06/27/getting-started-with-amateur-satellites-201… 73 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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SatPC32 - Yaesu-232B follow up
by Brian Sarkisian, KG8CO 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

At this point, I now have the computer talking to the GS-232B and talking to the G-5500. I was having the issue with the Sat32PC version C. Version C was looking for Yaesu SDX program. As it turns out, it couldn't find the SDX program in Version C, however, I uninstalled version C and installedVersion B the SDX program appeared. (not sure why) So at this point .... things are communicating. So here is the next question. The elevation and azimuth readings on the computer and rotor control box do not match up. It seems the meters on the Yaesu control box move much faster than the readings on computer. I have adjusted the output adjustment pots on the rotor control box, and this is the best I can come up with for comparison purposes ...... When the rotor controls say the elevation is at 45 the computer says 22 When the rotor controls says the azimuth is at 180 the computer says 146 Are there any suggestions. Thank you Brian, KG8CO

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Copied PRATHAM here in michigan
by jeffory broughton 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

Strong signal on 145.980 mhz it was sending cw at 36 wpm.kept repeating , PRATHAM student satellite VU2BUG BOMBAY OVER AND OVER AGAIN. jeff broughton

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Gonna be on 1606 UTC ISS digi pass trying to make a video of a 2-way contact. - KG4AKV
by John Brier 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

FYI.

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ANS-353 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-353 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: * Gould Smith, WA4SXM appointed Director-Field Operations * AO-73/FUNcube Holiday Transponder Operation * HM85 Christmas Weekend Operation * 18 Years of SSTV and Human Spaceflight * WB8ELK Balloon Completes Second Lap Around the World * 18th Annual Long Island Section Convention SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-353.01 ANS-353 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 353.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE December 18, 2016 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-353.01 Gould Smith, WA4SXM appointed Director-Field Operations AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW has appointed G. Gould Smith, WA4SXM as Director-Field Operations. The public announcement was made during the Field Operations Forum held in conjunction with the 34th AMSAT Space Symposium held on board Carnival Liberty on 12 Nov 2016. Field Operations consists of AMSAT volunteers who serve as Area Coordinators in their local areas. As “Ambassadors of AMSAT”, they give AMSAT presentations at local club meetings or at hamfests, manage an AMSAT table/booth at a hamfest, or support local satellite operations as ‘elmers’ to new satellite operators. Gould previously served as Director-Field Operations from 2004-2008 prior to becoming VP-User Services from 2008-2013. Gould is also the author of several books published by AMSAT starting in 1990 with “Getting Started With Amateur Satellites” the current AMSAT publication that carries his name. Due to medical issues, Gould was forced to resign from the Board of Directors and as VP-User Services in 2014 to focus on his medical concerns. Two years later, Gould’s medical recovery is now such that he’s once again in position to support AMSAT. In conjunction with this transition, Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK now serves as “Lead Area Coordinator”, essentially functioning as Gould’s Executive Officer. Together, Gould and Patrick will work to enhance the Field Organization. “Having Gould back in an AMSAT leadership role is welcome news” notes AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW. “Gould is passionate about amateur radio in space and wants to encourage amateurs to become involved with satellite operations. The Field Organization will benefit from Gould’s focus on providing support to our Area Coordinators and developing materials that will assist our volunteers to speak on AMSAT’s behalf at club presentations and hamfests.” Initially, Gould has been spending some time getting back up to speed on the current status of the Field Organization and establishing a line of communication with the Field Ops Team. Gould notes, “As a long time AMSAT volunteer I am excited to be re-engaging with the organization since my health has improved significantly. The Field Operations position is one that I have experience with and am looking forward to leading with the help of Patrick, WD9EWK. I have looked at the current Area Coordinator list and their activities and know most of the members. One of the first things I will be doing is getting to know the newer coordinators and determining how best we can serve AMSAT, it's members and prospective members. Please let me know of any ideas or suggestions to improve he Field Operations team.” [ANS thanks AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AO-73/FUNcube Holiday Transponder Operation The AO-73/FUNcube plan for the Holidays is to switch to continuous transponder mode on Wed 22 Dec pm UTC, and revert back to auto transponder switching on Sunday 8 Jan 2017 ppm UTC. Have FUN with the transponder. [ANS thanks Jim, G3WGM, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- HM85 Christmas Weekend Operation Pedro, CU2ZG, reports that Christmas HM58 operation will take place from December 23rd to December 25th. Pedro will be SSB equipped and plans to operate on the following satellites: AO-7, FO-29, SO-50, AO-73, EO-79, XW-2A/B/C/D/F, and AO-85. Logs will be uploaded as CU2ZG. [ANS thanks Pedro, CU2ZG, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Years of SSTV and Human Spaceflight December 12, 2016, marked the 18th anniversary of the activation of the MIR SSTV Amateur Radio developed System which was transported and put aboard the MIR Space Station. The MIR SSTV System sent pictures over a period of about 2 years and 4 months to the delight of Amateur Radio Operators and others worldwide. (Mir was deorbited in March, 2001) For those interested in this historical event and background, the publication Amateur Television Quarterly (ATVQ), Spring 2015 issue has an article, “How Did the MIR SSTV System come into Existence”? Back issue copies of ATVQ containing this article are available via WA6SVT(a)aol.com. See also web address: www.ATVQuarterly.com. A small sampling of perhaps thousands of received pictures may be found in web sites: http://www.marexmg.org/marexmirweb/fileshtml/galleryimagepage1.htm http://www.qsl.net/dg7ro/afu/mirsstv.htm Background information and initial efforts on developing the MIR System and early efforts to provide SSTV for the ISS may be reviewed at: http://www.marexmg.org/fileshtml/sponsorspeople.htm The ISS is now transmitting a similar series of SSTV Transmissions to that of MIR: https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv [ANS thanks Farrell, W8ZCF, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- WB8ELK Balloon Completes Second Lap Around the World After flying for over 41,000 miles, the WB8ELK HF WSPR Skytracker balloon has completed its second lap after crossing over into Indiana on 12 Dec 2016. For those of you capable of listening to 20m WSPR mode, it transmits at the 4-minute and 6-minute marks every 10 minutes on 14.09560 MHz USB during daylight hours. [ANS thanks Bill WB8ELK and the BALLOON_SKED group on yahoogroups for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 18th Annual Long Island Section Convention Ham Radio University (HRU) is scheduled for January 8th, 2017, there will be 30 forums with Tom Gallagher, CEO, of ARRL as the keynote speaker. Peter, W2JV, will be doing a forum at 10 AM on ‘Getting Started with the Amateur Satellites”, AMSAT will have a table in the club room to answer your questions. There will be demonstrations on the air as time and weather permits, on both the FM and linear transponder satellites. Look for W2JV, or others on the air. [ANS thanks Peter, W2JV, 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, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

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Re: [amsat-bb] Pratham Satellite Heard
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

Further to the reports regarding "Pratham " being heard on145.980 Mhz. I am pleased to report and add my call- sign and country to the list of those that have once again heard the satellite beacon. Sunday 18th December 2016 pass beginning 1105 hrs - going North to south max elevation 39 degress. Same equipment "Elk " antenna with tracking software and my Kenwood TS-2000 - Same warbling signal and easy to copy as I heard in the very early stages after its launch - No confusion. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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help satpc32
by Nick Pugh 18 Dec '16

18 Dec '16

Hello AMSAT-ers When I load TLE of a sat that has deorbited I get a nasty division by 0 error. Is there a solution for this? nick

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SatPC32 Rotor Setup
by Brian Sarkisian, KG8CO 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

I am using Com 4 to talk with the FT-847 and I need to use Com 5 to talk with the Yaesu G-232B. How do I set up SatPC32 to use Com 5 ? Thank You Brian, KG8CO

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PCSAT32 Number of sats
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

You can have up to 48 satellites at your finger tips. Go to SET UP then CONFIG. You can load 12 sats in each config. Ourself we have CONFIG 1 and 2 with the analog sats (chinese in 2) in three is the APRS and digital birds. Four is empty. 73 Tom and Rose K8TL and KB8OZV

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transfering satellite gear
by altencza＠verizon.net 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

Ham friends, If you would like some excellent Ham satellite gear, please call me. Al NX2Q (973) 772-1279 73

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Need EN92?
by Ken Alexander 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

A few people still need EN92. I'll be down there tomorrow afternoon and will be available as follows (weather permitting as always): 18.12.2016 FO-29 16:04 18.12.2016 EO-79 16:54 18.12.2016 AO-07 17:16 18.12.2016 AO-07 19:03 18.12.2016 AO-07 20:56 18.12.2016 SO-50 21:35 18.12.2016 XW-2D 21:58 Follow @ve3hls on Twitter for updates. 73, Ken VE3HLS

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IC 970H
by Glenn T Webb 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

Hi AMSAT BB, I have some radios that have been sitting around for several years, and now am going to sell them. I started poking around ebay and other sites, and discovered a note about the IC 970 H on this AMSAT BB. I have one literally in perfect condition (has the 1.2 module), that I would like to sell. I thought maybe someone could give me a thought on the best way to go about this. I am a life member of AMSAT and ARRL, but have never been active on any of their sites. I also have an FT-ONE in perfect condition. Regards, Glenn Webb, W6FP

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Pratham CW beacon detected
by skristof＠etczone.com 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

The CW beacon from the Pratham satellite was detected here in grid EM79 around 1533 UTC today. I have a turnstile antenna going into an RTL-SDR and I use SDR# software, so I'm no super station. But I did definitely pick up some CW on the SDR# trace at the correct time and frequency. Steve AI9IN

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AMSAT Journal archives?
by Mark Johns 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

Is the AMSAT Journal archived online somewhere? Even an index of articles? If so, can someone point me to it? I had to pitch all my past issues for a move, and I'm looking for an article from a couple years back on using the cheap, eBay, USB-SDR sticks. -- Mark D. Johns, KØMDJ Decorah, Iowa USA EN43 ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain

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nothing hears
by Perry Yantis 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

I have seen post on the Amsat web page that others are hearing LO-87 and Liliacsat-2.I have listened many times recently and have never heard these birds.Has anyone else noticed this??? Perry WB8OTH py41(a)att.net sent from my Apple Macbook Pro

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In Route to EK57 EK58
by David Maciel (XE3DX) 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

Satellites to work from EK57 and EK58, (grids difficult to work, to be able to say that only activate 2 or 3 times in 30 years) the only means of contact is twitter @xe3dx when to have signal, to be in jungle zone, not to have telephony and Internet. We heard in the bird. UTC 2016-12-17 16:58:31 FO-29 2016-12-17 23:45:00 XW-2B 2016-12-17 23:50:16 XW-2C 2016-12-18 02:49:12 AO-73 2016-12-18 14:49:36 AO-73 2016-12-18 14:53:25 AO-85 2016-12-18 20:57:18 AO-07 2016-12-18 21:32:07 SO-50 2016-12-18 23:32:35 XW-2B 2016-12-18 23:37:54 XW-2C 2016-12-19 05:09:14 FO-29 2016-12-19 13:01:35 XW-2A 2016-12-19 15:08:26 AO-73 2016-12-19 16:53:31 FO-29 2016-12-20 00:53:02 XW-2A David Maciel XE3DX *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>* Before printing, please think about your responsibility and commitment with the* ENVIRONMENT.* *Antes de Imprimir, *piensa en tu responsabilidad y compromiso con el *MEDIO AMBIENTE.*

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AO-73/FUNcube Mode change
by Jim Heck 17 Dec '16

17 Dec '16

Hi folks, I have just changed the sat into continuous transponder mode. Plan as normal to switch back to auto mode on Sunday pm (UTC). Apologies for the late switch this weekend. Please note that our plan for the Holidays is to switch to continuous transponder mode on Wed 22 Dec pm UTC, and revert back to auto transponder switching on Sunday 8 Jan 2017 ppm UTC. Have FUN with the transponder. 73s Jim G3WGM

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