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Wonderful Kid and Space Video
by Larry Koziel 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

I ran across this short video on DX-World.net: http://www.dx-world.net/like-2/ or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxU1ZhINaHk. It was done by MTN Group, a South Africa mobile telecom company, but what a terrific heart-warming portrayal of a kid's aspiration to talk to an astronaut in space and to become an astronaut himself. Larry K8MU

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Fwd: [CDXC] Very latest from K1N
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

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Colorado amsat net checkins 2/12
by Skyler F 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

Hello, This is Skyler KDØWHB here, I have ran the Colorado Amsat net for about a year. When connected to the East coast reflector, I get quite a few check-ins, but dont' do anything with them, they just sit there. Last night, I was not connected to the East coast reflector, because its AllStar bridge was down, but here is the list of check-ins for 2/12. kd0mdpJeffColorado SpringsK0jscJeffCanon Cityad0jlRichardPueblokb8jnmMichaelEastern Ohiok1ddnAmandaCanon Cityw0dhbDaveLongmontkd2hwnJohnRochester NY If anybody wants to join the net, feel free to, we are on IRLP, AllStar, and EchoLink (not recommended). The details on the time and how to connect is at the website *AMSATNET.INFO <http://amsatnet.info/>* on the home page (scroll down to the bottom). 73 Skyler KDØWHB Denver, CO -- Skyler Fennell amsatnet.info KDØWHB electricity440(a)gmail.com

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FUNcube Datawarehouse Maintenance
by David Johnson 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

Hi, I need to make some changes to the services which support the data warehouse and there may be some outages between 10:00 and 20:00 on Sunday 15th Feb. Specifically I am moving from Tomcat to Glassfish as the web application server to enable better long term control of the system and from Java 7 to Java 8. I will try to limit these outages to when the satellite is over the Pacific. 73 Dave, G4DPZ

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K1N Sats QSOs
by LU2DPW Juan Carlos 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

Hello to all Congratulation to all station made QSO wit K1N. I tried morning and aftenoon pass days agi. NIL The morning pass in better for South South American stations the mutual visibilty are 3 to 4 minutes but the afternoon are 1 min to seconds. I'm not sure they attention to very low pass in AOS and LOS. This morning I could not be on radio. I will be this afternoon an tomorrow and the Sunday also. 73 de Juan LU2DPW - GF05gi

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K1N sat log
by kb2m＠arrl.net 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

Just talked to the K1N chief pilot on 80m. He said there are 29 contacts in the sat log so far. 73 Jeff kb2m

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ATV-5 Undocking on Web Streaming
by JoAnne Maenpaa 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

ESA Space News reports that web streaming will be available (in French and English) when ATV-5 undocks from the ISS. Live coverage via CNES begins on 14 February, Saturday 14:00 Central European Time (CET is UTC + 1). Coverage via NASA begins at 14:15 CET. Links to both streams is posted at: http://blogs.esa.int/atv/ -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org AMSAT VP User Services

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Colorado Amsat net checkins 2/12
by Skyler F 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

Hello, This is Skyler KDØWHB here, I have ran the Colorado Amsat net for about a year. When connected to the East coast reflector, I get quite a few check-ins, but dont' do anything with them, they just sit there. Last night, I was not connected to the East coast reflector, because its AllStar bridge was down, but here is the list of check-ins for 2/12. kd0mdpJeffColorado SpringsK0jscJeffCanon Cityad0jlRichard Pueblo kb8jnm MichaelEastern Ohiok1ddnAmandaCanon Cityw0dhbDave Longmontkd2hwnJohn Rochester NY If anybody wants to join the net, feel free to, we are on IRLP, AllStar, and EchoLink (not recommended). The details on the time and how to connect is at the website *AMSATNET.INFO <http://AMSATNET.INFO> * on the home page (scroll down to the bottom). 73 Skyler KDØWHB Denver, CO

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Am I crazy...
by Bryan Green 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

...or would I have a shot at K1N on FO-29 tomorrow morning at 10:49Z? ;) -- bag KL7CN/W6 CM98

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K1N on FO-29
by Paul Stoetzer 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

Great to hear so many stations working K1N on FO-29. I worked them on the 2008Z pass and listened to the 2151Z pass. Here are my recordings of the passes from my south facing balcony in Washington, DC. https://soundcloud.com/paul-stoetzer/k1n-on-fo-29 https://soundcloud.com/paul-stoetzer/k1n-on-fo-29-2151z-12-feb-2015 I hope everyone who wasn't able to work them today can get them over the next couple of days. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC (FM18lv)

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K1N - Worked at 2011 UTC Wed- Check on the next pass
by Grant Zehr 13 Feb '15

13 Feb '15

After my long list of instructions, K1N showed up on the east coast pass of FO-29 this afternoon and was listening almost exactly on his own frequency. I managed a QSO by ignoring all my previous advice (!). Only a few stations were on. I'm guessing that he will be on during the next pass (AOS around 2150 UTC). Good luck and Good DX to all. (If he gets busy, he may go split in which case my previous suggestions apply) 73, Grant AA9LC

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Re: [amsat-bb] funcube dongle
by Stephan Greene 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

I'm looking into a different approach - USB extenders that use Cat-5 or better cables. For home use, Cat 5 is MUCH cheaper than decent coax, even if I have to replace it periodically from exposure or errant lawn mowers. And ZERO possibility of transmitting directly into it (probably still have to protect against 3rd harmonics when operating mode VU). As an interim test, I used my usual LMR400 into the shack, then the dongle and a coil of about 50ft of cat 5 and the USB extenders. Seemed to work well receiving AO73 telem - no worse than dongle straight into the PC. Need to try it again with the dongle at the antenna. Goal would be a weather proof enclosure and as close as I can get the dongle to the antenna. Bought the cable and extenders from Monoprice; don't recall the model. This approach would work well, I think for portable ops, too. Maybe without extenders, just a long USB cable. I think USB 2.0 is rated to 10-15 ft without boosting the signal. 73 Steve KS1G > -----Original Message----- > From: "Clayton Coleman" <kayakfishtx(a)gmail.com> > Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 10:37 > To: kb2m(a)arrl.net > Cc: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] funcube dongle > > > > Jeff, > > Like Alan, I use a manual system to switch between the transceiver and > the FCD. When I am receiving on the FCD, there is no transmitter > connected to any feedlines for that band. I manually disconnect it > from the radio and connect it directly to the FCD. Thus far, this > technique has managed to dodge my incompetence and protect my precious > dongle. > > I have plans to incorporate relays at some point down the road. > > 73 > Clayton > W5PFG > -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve Greene ks1g04(a)gmail.com <kay ess one gee zero four>@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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K1N on FO-29!
by Alan 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

K1N was on the ~2200 UTC pass and was working them like satellite experts. Well done, guys. 73s, Alan WA4SCA ----------------------------------- Keep Calm and Carry On

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K1N 2149-2202Z recording online
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

I'm very happy. That's all. 73, Drew KO4MA https://www.dropbox.com/s/yh0g70fb3prkm6p/k1n%202149-2202Z%202-12-15.wav?dl= 0

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K1N Worked on FO-29 at 2150z 2/12
by k3sv＠pa.net 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Worked him early in his US pass from EL88. Many are in the log now. 73 Bill K3SV

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K1N - FO29 2207z
by Sean K. 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Well, if it wasn't a pirate, I worked K1N on FO29 at 2010z today. A few others made it, too. Sean Kutzko Amateur Radio KX9X

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Re: [amsat-bb] Those were the days
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Drew, I think the best source of info on forthcoming DXpeditions is Bernie, W3UR (bernie(a)dailydx.com). He sells the Daily DX and Weekly DX e-newsletters for a very reasonable price, but there is also a lot of free DXpedition news on his web site (www.dailydx.com). 73 Ray

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Re: [amsat-bb] Those were the days
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Paul, Yes, there's certainly less interest in satellite operating than 30-40 years agp, but here's what we did. Most satellite DXers were also active HF DXers, and any time we worked someone in a country or state we needed on OSCAR, we would talk up satellte operating. :The informal leaders of this actiivity were Ben, W2BXA, and Pat, G3IOR. Ben is now SK but Pat is very much alive and kicking at 84. Unfortunately, though, the only operating he does these days is FM on his local repeaters. Since most of the people we worked already had good 10m setups, all they needed to get on Mode A was a 2m transmitter and antenna. They usually could cannibalize the latter from their FM rigs or borrow one from a neighbor, so all they needed was the transmitter. Ben got a few used Ameco TX-62s and appropriate crystals, and we appointed him AMSAT Loaner Equipment Manager. A DX station op could borrow a TX-62 free for several months, as long as he agreed to put it on the air and, when the loan was over, ship it to the next borrower at his own expense. That arrangement worked fine for several years until AO-10 came along. A bit like Drew loaning equipment to the K1N guys. Glad to see activity perking up. Hope it keeps going. 73 Ray W2RS

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Those were the days
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Bob, Yes, the AO-10/AO-13/AO-40 days "were the days" for DX. But so were the 1970s and pre-AO-10 1980s, when a lot of us were working DX on AO-6, AO-7, FO-12 and the RS birds. It was more challenging than HEO operating, but IMHO it was a lot of fun, and about a dozen of us made WAC and DXCC, all-LEO. There was some SSB, but most LEO DXing was on CW. We used all satellite modes, of course, but more DX was worked on Mode A than B or J. Mode A had a slightly better downlink range than B or J, if you had a good 10m beam and a low-noise QTH. For a discussion of that, see my QST article on the AO-5 propagation test results. The good news is that AO-7 and FO-29 (successor to FO-12) are still with us, so we can still do it. Let the good times roll! 73 Ray W2RS

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Sat Pc Cat Frequencies
by mm0kjg 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Hello all. Would somebody be kind enough to email me a copy of their current up-to-date file used for setting the cat frequencies in Satpc please. Cant remember how to update manually. Only seem to have So-50 F029 and A07 and none of the new Birds . Thanks Kev MM0KJG

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K1N operations
by Grant Zehr 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Here's my take on the K1N DX-pedition from the satellite point of view. 1. I could hear him well on SSB today (Wed) in spite of a lot of activity on the bird. So his power is adequate, in my opinion, on a clear freq. 2. He announced that he was listening at 435.820 which was about 10 KHz down from his uplink frequency. 3. That means that if we transmit where we hear ourselves (his transmit frequency) we'll never work him. I'd suggest the following which would give us all a chance: 1. Listen for him in the lower 50 KHz of the passband. 2. When you hear him, listen to his instructions. He'll either say listening up, down or give a frequency (on his radio). 3. Leave your receiver on his frequency so you can hear him, and then move your transmit freq. to approximately where he says. For FO-29 you move the transmitter UP 10 kHz to show up DOWN 10 KHz on his dial. Don't worry about being exactly on his listening frequency. He's going to be tuning around to pick out calls. It's better if we spread out and let him find us. Figure out how to do this on your rig before the pass starts. 4. Call him even though you don't hear yourself. That feels weird, but it will work. 5. Remember, if you hear him and call over him, then he for sure won't hear you and NO ONE ELSE will hear him either. 6. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIS GRID SQUARE.you can look it up on a map later! 7. When he gets your call correct, give him a 'QSL 59, thank you', and give the next guy a chance. If we can stay off his transmit frequency, spread out in the general area where he is listening, and keep the calls really short, then he can easily work 20-30 of us in one pass. These guys are not used to satellite operations, but they are great ops and very bright guys. There is still time for all of us to get in their log if we turn off our computer frequency tracking and follow the operators instructions. Remember - Don't call on his frequency! Go where he tells you. Good luck! 73 Grant Zehr AA9LC

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K1N today
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

K1N has sent word they will attempt to be on satellite today. That's all the info I have. Listen for them 435.820 +/- Doppler on FO-29, and remember they are half-duplex. Good Luck. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Spacex / Discovr Mission
by Clint Bradford 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Ten minutes after launch ... All looks perfect! Sent from my iPod touch.

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K1N
by kb2m＠arrl.net 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

That was fun, did anyone get in his log? 73 Jeff kb2m

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Fwd: DSCOVR Launch is live!
by Bryce Salmi 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Livestream <notifications(a)livestream.com> Date: Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 2:44 PM Subject: DSCOVR Launch is live! To: bstguitarist(a)gmail.com <http://www.livestream.com> Bryce Salmi, SpaceX <http://new.livestream.com/spacex?origin=stream_live&mixpanel_id=a3817fd678e…> is broadcasting live video on DSCOVR Launch <http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/3783845?origin=stream_live&mixpanel…>. Log in <http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/3783845?origin=stream_live&mixpanel…> to join the conversation! [image: DSCOVR Launch] LIVE <http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/3783845?origin=stream_live&mixpanel…> DSCOVR Launch <http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/3783845?origin=stream_live&mixpanel…> *Wednesday, February 11th, 2015* at *5:45 PM EST* on spacex <http://new.livestream.com/spacex?origin=stream_live&mixpanel_id=a3817fd678e…> SpaceX’s customer for the DSCOVR mission is the United States Air Force, in conjunction with NOAA and NASA. In this flight, the Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the DSCOVR satellite to a 187 x 1,241,000 km orbit at 37 degrees. The DSCOVR launch window will open at approximately 6:10pm EST on Sunday, February 8, 2015, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. If all goes as planned, the DSCOVR satellite will be deployed approximately 35 minutes after liftoff. Watch Event <http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/3783845?origin=stream_live&mixpanel…> You are receiving this notification because you follow SpaceX <http://new.livestream.com/spacex?origin=stream_live&mixpanel_id=a3817fd678e…>. To stop receiving notifications like these you can unfollow this account <https://new.livestream.com/accounts/1626812/unfollow/142499/d8b564?origin=s…> . <http://new.livestream.com/spacex?origin=stream_live&mixpanel_id=a3817fd678e…> SpaceX <http://new.livestream.com/spacex?origin=stream_live&mixpanel_id=a3817fd678e…> SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft. View Profile <http://new.livestream.com/spacex?origin=stream_live&mixpanel_id=a3817fd678e…> - Livestream <http://new.livestream.com/livestream> · - Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/livestream> · - Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/livestream> · - Help <http://help.livestream.com/> This message was sent to bstguitarist(a)gmail.com Not interested in this email? Visit your account settings <http://new.livestream.com/my_account/notification/edit> to control which notifications you receive from Livestream or unsubscribe here <https://new.livestream.com/unsubscribe/1626812/fd83cd/stream_live>. Livestream, LLC. 195 Morgan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237

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Re: [amsat-bb] K1N pass on FO29 at 2057z
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Too far east for me in DM41. 73 Ray W2RS

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Re: [amsat-bb] K1N today
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

You've got it right, Paul. If there are a lot of callers, the satellite's power has to be shared too many ways, especially since many of those callers won't stop calling even when the DX station is transmitting :-( I've made lots of low-power QSOs too, but I don't use SSB. CW works better for me. 73 Ray W2RS

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K1N pass on FO29 at 2057z
by kb2m＠arrl.net 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

I guess I should of changed the subject :-) 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of kb2m(a)arrl.net Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 15:46 PM To: 'Bob Schenck N2OO' Cc: 'AMSAT-BB' Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] satellite Thanks Bob, I will, and I will be there.... 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: Bob Schenck N2OO [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 15:10 PM To: kb2m(a)arrl.net Subject: satellite Jeff, I just heard that they will be trying the pass at 2057. Pass the word! See ya' in the Pileups! Bob Schenck, N2OO Chief Pilot, K1N - Navassa DXpedition http://www.navassadx.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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: [amsat-bb] satellite
by kb2m＠arrl.net 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Thanks Bob, I will, and I will be there.... 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: Bob Schenck N2OO [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 15:10 PM To: kb2m(a)arrl.net Subject: satellite Jeff, I just heard that they will be trying the pass at 2057. Pass the word! See ya' in the Pileups! Bob Schenck, N2OO Chief Pilot, K1N - Navassa DXpedition http://www.navassadx.com

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Re: [amsat-bb] K1N today
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Paul, As I see it, at least three things would help the next satellite DXpedition 1. As you said, the DX operator should get familiar with satellite operating before going on the big DXpedition. 2. The DXpedition needs a strong signal to be heard clearly. 5W to an Arrow produces maybe 25 W peak EIRP on 145 MHz, and if SSB then no more than 5-10 W average. That's not enough for an analog sat, especially if there are a lot of callers. 3. The practice of DX stations operating "split" is well established on HF but is virtually nonexistent at VHF/UHF, where simplex operation is the norm. Many satellite ops have little or no HF DXing experience. They need to learn. Hope this helps. 73 Ray W2RS

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ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ?
by M5AKA 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

There is a report on Twitter that ARISS SSTV is being planned for PD180 mode images starting Feb 21 at 10:00 UT and ending on Feb 23 at 21:30 UT. Not yet seen any other confirmation but good news if true. ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK Website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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funcube dongle
by kb2m＠arrl.net 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Got my Funcube Dongle PRO + today and was wondering about the consequences of transmitting into it. No I haven't done it yet, but in the past with such devices you operate on a system that requires you tx on 2 banks alternately this will happen. How do I know this? In the AO-40 days I think I replaced the front end in my 2.4 gig downconverter at least 3 times. It wasn't so bad after the first time, after I ordered several replacement chips to fix the one I fried in the frontend of the Drake D/C. I see the Funcube is sealed so I must ask, has anyone had the misfortune to do this? Or does anyone have a protection scheme to share? 73 Jeff kb2m

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RTL-SDR for satellite receive
by Jacob Tennant 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Is anyone using this type of setup? I have a system built but not much luck until my new antennas arrive. Got it setup to work with Orbitron for doppler correction. Jacob Tennant WF8S

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WD9EWK from DM03, Saturday (14 February) afternoon
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Hi! After a speaking engagement on Saturday (14 February) morning, I'm planning to work some passes from grid DM03 in or near Los Angeles before driving home. I had asked on Twitter if anyone needed any grids generally near the I-10 freeway between Phoenix and Los Angeles, and had one request for DM03. There is a fair amount of activity on SO-50 from DM03, but not so much on the SSB birds lately. Depending on how the morning goes, I'm tentatively looking to be on the air starting with the 2122 UTC AO-7 pass - if AO-7 continues on its present pattern. After that pass, I see passes on AO-7, FO-29, and SO-50 I can try through 0030 UTC, when I would plan to start my 6+ hour drive back to Phoenix. I may also try to make packet QSOs through the ISS digipeater on the 2237 UTC and *possibly* the 0015 UTC pass. For the ISS, please use APRS messaging if you are trying to work me. If you don't have a program capable of sending APRS messages (like a basic terminal program), it's not hard. Type in my APRS call WD9EWK-9, then a space followed by a colon, and then a brief one-line message. If the ISS digipeater hears your transmission, it will retransmit it and I should see it on my TH-D72A. I will post updates during Saturday on my @WD9EWK Twitter feed. If you don't use Twitter, you can see my Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/WD9EWK using a web browser. I will also have my TH-D72A squawking my location via APRS as WD9EWK-9, and my APRS traffic should be visible at http://aprs.fi/WD9EWK-9 among other places online. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World after the trip, including the grid locator of wherever I happen to work from. If you would like a QSL card for QSOs on Saturday, please e-mail me with the QSO details. If you're in my log, I will be happy to send you a QSL card. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ?
by Roger Kolakowski 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Politics should be banned on amsat-bb Roger WA1KAT Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: >Paul, This will be my last comment on the subject: > >First of all, the absurd notion that a comment on a ham radio bulletin board is going to result in an international political storm resulting in the grounding of the ISS is beyond any logic. It is really not worth the time to debate. >Secondly, for you and Stefan to attempt to 'censure' my joke/comment in the name of international relations is arrogant, uninformed and specious. If AMSAT US wants to pull my comments, that is up to them, not YOU. You and Stefan are not spokesmen for AMSAT or anyone else. Ham radio is a hobby, not a lifestyle. 'Satellite' and related ham radio is a miniscule part of the hobby. You take yourself way too serious. > >Your ridiculous premise that we need to tip toe on this board lest we tee off some Russian is ludicrous !! The Russian government is one of the most repressive on the planet. They routinely enslave and murder their own citizens. Now, they are in the process of doing the same to the people of Ukraine. The ISS is way, way down on their list. > >Do not attempt to impose your misguided values on me. > >Ted >K7TRK > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: prstoetzer(a)gmail.com [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Paul Stoetzer >Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 4:49 PM >To: Ted >Cc: Stefan Wagener; AMSAT BB >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? > >Ted, > >I would remind you and everyone else that Stefan is making a very valid point here. Obviously we are free to make jokes and express political beliefs, but there are two critical points to make here: > >1. It's not out of the realm of possibility that continuing a discussion along these lines could seriously harm the international partnership that makes ARISS possible. >2. Our freedoms in this country mean that the government cannot censor our speech. Those freedoms do not extend to privately owned message boards such as this one. AMSAT is free to control the posting privileges on this board and to edit or delete messages from the board archives as they see fit. > >73, > >Paul, N8HM > > >On Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 7:32 PM, Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: >> And HERE in America, at least for the time being, we are free to make jokes and express political beliefs. >> >> >> >> Sorry if you are wound so tight that you can’t do that. >> >> >> >> 73, Ted >> >> K7TRK >> >> >> >> From: Stefan Wagener [mailto:[email protected]] >> Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 4:18 PM >> To: Ted >> Cc: Simon Brown; AMSAT BB >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? >> >> >> >> Hi Ted, >> >> >> >> The reason we have SSTV from the Russian module is because we DO NOT mix politics with ham radio. The reason we still have the ISS and all the different crews because we DO NOT mix politics with human space flight! >> >> >> >> >> >> Hope that helps, >> >> >> >> Stefan, VE4NSA >> >> >> >> On Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 5:45 PM, Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: >> >> Maybe some pictures of the Russian 'non-invasion' of Ukraine ! >> >> TK, K7TRK >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] >> On >> >> Behalf Of Simon Brown >> Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 8:13 AM >> To: 'AMSAT BB' >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? >> >> As long as they change the pictures. >> >> Simon Brown G4ELI >> http://v2.sdr-radio.com >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] >> On Behalf Of M5AKA >> Sent: 10 February 2015 13:47 >> To: AMSAT BB >> Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? >> >> There is a report on Twitter that ARISS SSTV is being planned for >> PD180 mode images starting Feb 21 at 10:00 UT and ending on Feb 23 at >> 21:30 UT. Not yet seen any other confirmation but good news if true. >> >> ---- >> Trevor M5AKA >> AMSAT-UK >> Website http://amsat-uk.org/ >> Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk Twitter >> https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK >> ---- >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >> Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect >> the official views of AMSAT-NA. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://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://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://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://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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ?
by Roger Kolakowski 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Politics and religion belong no higher in frequency than 75 meters. Roger WA1KAT Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: >And HERE in America, at least for the time being, we are free to make jokes and express political beliefs. > > > >Sorry if you are wound so tight that you can’t do that. > > > >73, Ted > >K7TRK > > > >From: Stefan Wagener [mailto:[email protected]] >Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 4:18 PM >To: Ted >Cc: Simon Brown; AMSAT BB >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? > > > >Hi Ted, > > > >The reason we have SSTV from the Russian module is because we DO NOT mix politics with ham radio. The reason we still have the ISS and all the different crews because we DO NOT mix politics with human space flight! > > > > > >Hope that helps, > > > >Stefan, VE4NSA > > > >On Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 5:45 PM, Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: > >Maybe some pictures of the Russian 'non-invasion' of Ukraine ! > >TK, K7TRK > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > >Behalf Of Simon Brown >Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 8:13 AM >To: 'AMSAT BB' >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? > >As long as they change the pictures. > >Simon Brown G4ELI >http://v2.sdr-radio.com > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of M5AKA >Sent: 10 February 2015 13:47 >To: AMSAT BB >Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS SSTV Feb 21-23 ? > >There is a report on Twitter that ARISS SSTV is being planned for PD180 mode >images starting Feb 21 at 10:00 UT and ending on Feb 23 at 21:30 UT. Not yet >seen any other confirmation but good news if true. > >---- >Trevor M5AKA >AMSAT-UK >Website http://amsat-uk.org/ >Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk Twitter >https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK >---- > > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all >interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions >expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official >views of AMSAT-NA. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://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://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://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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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ISS in LOTW
by Ted 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

What is the name for ISS that is accepted by LOTW? I tried 'ISS' and got an error using HRD Logbook Thank you, Ted K7TRK

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Re: [amsat-bb] K1N today
by Roger Kolakowski 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

The other way is to operate split and spread the callers away from your frequency...that's what they are doing on 10...the ops walk around the band picking out calls that are in the clear. Of course you would have to maintain a stable xmit frequency for him/her to find you to confirm but if the calling op is operating full duplex it would be most efficient. Roger Wa1kat Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> wrote: >A cooperative effort from everyone would be needed to maximize the >QSOs. If everyone has their power cranked to 11 and they keep calling, >you'll never hear the 5 watt signal of K1N when they attempt to >respond to someone. > >That's probably too much to ask though. Maybe the only way to do a >satellite DXpedition in an entity as rare as this is to have everyone >register their interest, then assign skeds and have the DXpedition >operator call through the list pre-prepared for each pass. > >73, > >Paul, N8HM > >On Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 5:12 PM, k3sv(a)pa.net <k3sv(a)pa.net> wrote: >> Heard K1N calling in the 435.823 area but there were several calling on his >> frequency so very hard to hear any replies. He called a few times but too >> many callers on or close to his transmit frequency. This was on the FO-29 >> pass around 2200z. >> >> 73 Bill K3SV >> >> >> Quoting Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>: >> >>> K1N has sent word they will attempt to be on satellite today. That's all >>> the >>> info I have. >>> >>> >>> >>> Listen for them 435.820 +/- Doppler on FO-29, and remember they are >>> half-duplex. >>> >>> >>> >>> Good Luck. >>> >>> >>> >>> 73, Drew KO4MA >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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://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://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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Fwd: Weekly Webcast - Amateur Radio Roundtable
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "W5KUB Broadcast" <wa5kub.video9(a)gmail.com> To: "Tom Medlin" <wa5kub.video9(a)gmail.com> Sent: Monday, February 9, 2015 8:13:14 PM Subject: Weekly Webcast - Amateur Radio Roundtable You are invited to Amateur Radio Roundtable, a new series of W5KUB.com <http://w5kub.com/> weekly webcasts. The webcast will be *Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM Central Time* (0200 UTC Wednesdays) at W5KUB.COM <http://w5kub.com/> Amateur Radio Roundtable is an informal discussion of all aspects of ham radio with the intent of allowing viewers to watch this live webcast or be a guest via Skype or Google Hangout. A question and answer session with viewers will follow each topic. This week’s show will cover subjects; such as, near space balloon launch, SDR, digital modes, DXing, home brewing, etc · To watch Amateur Radio Roundtable: Go to w5kub.com, click on Live Events and sign in. If you have a W5KUB account, use your User Name and Password. If you don’t have a W5KUB account, sign in with a call or name without a password. · To be a guest on Amateur Radio Roundtable: Guests will need a Google+ account, microphone, and camera. Guests will be provided with a link (midway through the show) to make a virtual appearance in the Roundtable. If you have a specific subject that you would like to present in a future show, send an email to tom(a)W5KUB.com. Join us for fun and interesting ham radio programming. See you on the webcast! Tom Medlin, W5KUB To follow our webcasts and to discuss ham radio, please join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/w5kub/ If you would like to be removed from these mailings, please click Reply and type 'Remove' in the subject line.

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Re: [amsat-bb] Sorry for the QRM on SO-50
by Roger Kolakowski 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

Yes...thank you Clint, I couldn't have said it better myself, but usually I've taken a preamp out in the process... Roger WA1KAT Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: >...and so, having obtained Clint's forgiveness and blessing, Bill went on to >raise a family, lead a pure and fruitful life, never to cause qrm again.. > >God Bless you, Clint > >73, Ted >K7TRK > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of Clint Bradford >Sent: Monday, February 09, 2015 4:07 PM >To: AMSAT BB >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Sorry for the QRM on SO-50 > >>> ... I apologize for the QRM I caused on SO-50 ... > >It takes a big man to admit when he's made a mistake ... >it takes an even bigger man to apologize. > >In my talks, I label such on-the-air "errors" as "Clint-isms," >'cause, in reality, we ALL have made just about every inadvertent mistake >out there ... (grin) > >Clint K6LCS > >_______________________________________________ >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://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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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NASA TV and Arianespace TV Webstreaming Coverage of Space Events
by JoAnne Maenpaa 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

Tuesday, February 10 - NASA TV ------------------------------ http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.htm NASA Television will provide live coverage of Dragon's departure beginning at 1345 EST (UTC - 5). The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to detach from the Earth-facing side of the station's Harmony module and release through commands sent by ground controllers in mission control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston operating the Canadarm 2 robotic arm. Mission control will maneuver Dragon into place for its release, which is scheduled for 1409 EST. Dragon will execute three thruster firings to move a safe distance from the space station for its deorbit burn at approximately 1900 EST. The spacecraft will splash down in the Pacific Ocean around 1944 EST. The deorbit burn and the splashdown will not air on NASA TV. In the event that weather at the landing zone does not permit a Feb. 10 departure, the next available opportunity is on Feb. 11 with a 1317 EST. departure time with NASA TV coverage beginning at 1245 EST. Wednesday, February 11 - Arianespace TV --------------------------------------- http://www.arianespace.tv/ A Vega launch from the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana, will orbit the European Space Agency's IXV atmospheric reentry demonstrator. The launch will be from the Vega Launch Site (SLV) in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2015 between 0800 and 0943 EST. (UTC - 5) Webcast starts 15 minutes before. You can also watch the video transmission live on your iPad, iPhone or Android 4+ devices, the Arianespace HD App is available for free. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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Re: [amsat-bb] Sorry for the QRM on SO-50
by Clint Bradford 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

>> ... I apologize for the QRM I caused on SO-50 ... It takes a big man to admit when he’s made a mistake ... it takes an even bigger man to apologize. In my talks, I label such on-the-air "errors" as "Clint-isms," 'cause, in reality, we ALL have made just about every inadvertent mistake out there ... (grin) Clint K6LCS

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GRIFEX update 09 Feb 2015
by James Cutler 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Dear HAM Community, On the behalf of the GRIFEX team, thanks for all your help in tracking GRIFEX over the past week and a half. The students (and me) working on this mission have had blast working with HAMS all over the world. It seems that everyday someone new engages with the students and lets them know they heard GRIFEX. We'll be making QSL cards shortly so let us know if you need one. GRIFEX so far is doing great. We're in a sun-sync terminator orbit, so we see the sun all the time. We have plenty of power but we are fairly warm. We have active magnetic control as well that we may try later on so that our colleagues down under can get some better signal reception! We had about five new students get their HAM license in support of this launch. Anywhere from 5-10 students get their license per year in the lab. Thanks for your support! -- James, KF6RFX -- James W. Cutler, Associate Professor University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering 1320 Beal Avenue 3013 FXB Building Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2140 Ph: 734-615-7238 Fax: 734-763-0578 http://www.umich.edu/~jwcutler/

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Sorry for the QRM on SO-50
by k3sv＠pa.net 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

I apologize for the QRM I caused on SO-50 a few minutes ago. I had my 440 preamp in the "off" position and was not hearing. I should not have been transmitting when I didn't hear. Sorry for the confusion I caused and the QSO's I may have wrecked. 73 Bill K3SV portable in EL99

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Fwd: K1N sat ops
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Hi Bernie, Guess I was wrong! Checked my 1978 log, and I see that I worked them on 20, 40 and 80 meters, but not on OSCAR. Congrats to those who worked them. 73 Ray W2RS

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Re: [amsat-bb] K1N sat ops
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Jeff, As far as I am aware, none of the previous Navassa operations made any satellite contacts, so if/when K1N gets on the bird, it will be an ATNO (all-time new one) for everyone. GL, Ray W2RS

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K2BSa/5 active on SO-50 this coming Saturday 2/14
by Tom Schuessler 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Hi all, We are doing another Radio Merit Badge workshop at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas, EM12, this Saturday, Feb. 14th. We will again be activating the callsign K2BSA/5 for the activities which will include a SO-50 pass at 2205Z AOS. This will for us be a 49 degree westward elevation that should touch almost all of the continental US. Please give us a call and give a group of Boy Scouts and parents a thrilling cap to our day. We will also be active on HF (Probably 20 or 15 meters near the World Scouting Frequencies) during the afternoon hours (CST) as well as local VHF and can be reached on Echolink by looking for the WA5CKF repeater. Email me if you want to set up an HF schedule. Looking forward to working some of you on SO-50. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP n5hyp(a)arrl.net

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RS demise - taking back 11 meters?
by Robert Bruninga 08 Feb '15

08 Feb '15

Here is an idea. Radio Shack was the #1 seller and supporter of CB radios. But as they close down, there remains a few BILLION dollars worth of 27 MHz spectrum sitting on the table. Why not come up with a proposal for the FCC to give it back to HAMS? What for? That is the BIG question. Its wavelength is IDEAL for mobile operation. And HAMS love making use of old radios. I do not want this to smack of self-interest, but APRS seems like a pretty good use of a channel. And it does not involve speakers having to listen to foul language.. So what is the KILLER APP for 11 Meters? How do we make it happen? Does anyone know of any "under used channel" for experimentation? Who would like to get an STA from the FCC to "experiment? We already have a space segment at 29 MHz, and I dont think that AM is of much use for satellites... so I have no ideas for specific AMSAT applicatiojns.... But how could we u se all those $5 radios and antennas at flea markets..... Bob, Wb4APR

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Fwd: Live on YouTube: SpaceX - DSCOVR Launch!
by Bryce Salmi 08 Feb '15

08 Feb '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: YouTube <noreply(a)youtube.com> Date: Sun, Feb 8, 2015 at 2:57 PM Subject: Live on YouTube: SpaceX - DSCOVR Launch! To: Bryce Salmi <bstguitarist(a)gmail.com> SpaceX <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/user/spacexchannel…> is live streaming DSCOVR Launch <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/watch%3Fv%3DTWlnkV…>. <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/watch%3Fv%3DTWlnkV…> DSCOVR Launch <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/watch%3Fv%3DTWlnkV…> <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/user/spacexchannel…>by SpaceX <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/user/spacexchannel…> SpaceX’s customer for the DSCOVR mission is the United States Air Force, in conjunction with NOAA and NASA. In this flight, the Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the DSCOVR satellite to a 187 x 1,241,000 km orbit at 37 degrees. The DSCOVR launch window will open at approximately 6:10pm EST on Sunday, February 8, 2015, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. If all goes as planned, the DSCOVR satellite will be deployed approximately 35 minutes after liftoff. You were sent this email because you chose to receive updates from SpaceX <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/user/spacexchannel…>. If you don't want these updates anymore, you can unsubscribe here <http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=gJRHn98X1KE&u=/channel_updates_un…>. ©2014 YouTube, LLC 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066

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K1N sat ops
by kb2m＠arrl.net 08 Feb '15

08 Feb '15

Has anyone worked Navassa Island on Satellite ? 73 Jeff kb2m

3 3

UKUBE
by jerry keeton 07 Feb '15

07 Feb '15

A good strong signal here this 10:30 AM pass of UKUBE - 1 . Downloaded using the funcube dashboard . Jerry WB5LHD EM31

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FUNcube Data Warehouse outage
by David A B Johnson 07 Feb '15

07 Feb '15

Hi, Further to my message this morning regarding the outage between 01:50 and 08:50 UTC, I can conirm that 616 unique packets (1268 before deduplication) in total from 20 users were received by the warehouse. Their dashboards uploaded the data automatically when the data server came back on line. Current Stats. since deployment: 444 days in orbit Satellite has transmitted 7672320 packets (1.96GB + FEC) 1868015 distinct packets stored in warehouse db (478MB) Worlwide Packet recovery: 24.3% G/S have uploaded 7980389 packets (2.04GB) before deduplication On average, 4 g/s are receiving each packet when the satellite is in view of a major area of population. As always, thanks our many groundstations for uploading data. 73 Dave, G4DPZ FUNcube Team Member

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Re: [amsat-bb] Splitter for receiving system?
by Mark L. Hammond 07 Feb '15

07 Feb '15

Thanks to all the great replies and suggestions on this splitter thing. I ordered a pair of these Mini Circuit units (surplus, stateside) to have in the shack, and will try out when they come next week: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270725394050 For my application, should work fine. Just has to be better than a TV splitter, if for no other reason than 75 ohms vs 50 ohms, SMA can be used here with fewer adapters, etc. :) Mark N8MH >Hello All, > >I am really wishing for a "splitter" for my receiving system, good for both >2M and 70cm (so say, 144-450MHz or so.) > >Any suggestions? I really don't to lose 3dB in the process, but fear the >only way to avoid that is some powered/amplified system. I recall such a >device, but cannot for the life of me think where or the possible source. >I do not need to xmit through it; receive only. Also, I do not need to >pass 12V to power preamps, etc. So, just a low loss splitter good for 2M >and 70cm. SMA, BNC, N connectors--any will work in my shack. > >Do folks refer to these as splitters? Combiners? Power splitters? I know >about Mini Circuits--that's a sensory overload of stuff to pick through :) > >Any pointers to sources or such devices will be welcomed! > > > >Thanks--- > >-- >Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 3 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 14:05:20 +0000 >From: David Johnson <dave(a)g4dpz.me.uk> >To: AmsatBB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2015 ? Call For Speakers >Message-ID: > <CAHOBG6XOyMpEuY2wedoZ-6znywEYp5u504jvpOkMej3afQx91w(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >This is the first call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2015 >which will be held from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, July 26 2015 at >the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, United Kingdom. > >http://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/colloquium-2015/ > >AMSAT-UK invites speakers, to cover topics about micro-satellites, >CubeSats, Nanosats, space and associated activities, for this event. > >They are also invited to submit papers for subsequent publishing on >the AMSAT-UK web site. We normally prefer authors to present talks >themselves rather than having someone else give them in the authors? >absence. We also welcome ?unpresented? papers for the web site. > >Submissions should be sent *ONLY* to G4DPZ, via the following routes: >e-mail: dave at g4dpz dot me dot uk >Postal address at http://www.qrz.com/db/G4DPZ > >AMSAT-UK also invite anyone with requests for Program Topics to submit >them as soon as possible to G4DPZ. Invitations for any papers on >specific subjects will be included in the future call. Likewise if >anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other >information to G4DPZ. > >73 > >Dave, G4DPZ > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 4 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 16:27:31 +0100 >From: Wouter Weggelaar <wouterweg(a)gmail.com> >To: "Mark L. Hammond" <marklhammond(a)gmail.com> >Cc: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Splitter for receiving system? >Message-ID: > <CAKXf1rF+WHKaFvf_e+J5PUDtq9S4bafk4wnc7mnKexwRxCLm7A(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >Hi Mark, > >As you already mentioned, the 3dB is just the split itself. atop of that, >you will get some loss in the actual splitter. >There is indeed no way around this 3dB, because thats just what happens >when you split the signal into two equal parts. you can minimise the loss >though. >If you have a pre-amplifier with sufficient gain, you may not actually have >to worry too much about this, but without one, all the decibels add up to >your noise figure! > >So do you have a pre-amplifier? You mentioned not having to pass 12V, but >that does not mean you don't have one..;) >If you have, dont worry about the power loss in the splitting process. > >I am using minicircuits ZFSC-2-1, but thats just a junkbox find without >selection. > > >Wouter PA3WEG > >On Fri, Feb 6, 2015 at 2:00 PM, Mark L. Hammond <marklhammond(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> Hello All, >> >> I am really wishing for a "splitter" for my receiving system, good for both >> 2M and 70cm (so say, 144-450MHz or so.) >> >> Any suggestions? I really don't to lose 3dB in the process, but fear the >> only way to avoid that is some powered/amplified system. I recall such a >> device, but cannot for the life of me think where or the possible source. >> I do not need to xmit through it; receive only. Also, I do not need to >> pass 12V to power preamps, etc. So, just a low loss splitter good for 2M >> and 70cm. SMA, BNC, N connectors--any will work in my shack. >> >> Do folks refer to these as splitters? Combiners? Power splitters? I know >> about Mini Circuits--that's a sensory overload of stuff to pick through :) >> >> Any pointers to sources or such devices will be welcomed! >> >> >> >> Thanks--- >> >> -- >> Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] >> _______________________________________________ >> 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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 5 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 11:22:59 -0600 >From: John Geiger <af5cc(a)fidmail.com> >To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] TYT TH-9000 on satellites >Message-ID: > <CAHZ3kP9dob-=0Bk=gGUrC3-pVD0c4JDbL84JYZPK2Jq=ybj4RA(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >Has anyone used one of the TYT TH-9000 UHF models on the satellites? I am >currently using a Baofeng UV-3R Plus for the SO50 downlink, and think that >the receive could be better on a different radio. The price is nice for >the TYT for a brand new FM UHF rig. > >The Jetstream JTS-270M also looks tempting for a dualbander. > >73 John AF5CC > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 6 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 17:51:16 -0500 >From: "Mark L. Hammond" <marklhammond(a)gmail.com> >To: Howie DeFelice <howied231(a)hotmail.com> >Cc: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Splitter for receiving system? >Message-ID: > <CAPRXzyqtTSBwJ6nK=0zWGtq857dNVuDvgik7Jb0TyYf9-4Tuiw(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >Thanks everybody for the great help. I didn't describe my setup or goals >very well...but lots of ideas coming in. > >I have multiple SDRs in the shack now. I have a 2M array with low >noise/high gain preamp and 70cm array with low noise/high gain preamp that >I use for receive only (mast mount preamps, externally powered). So, my >goal is any band with any SDR, no switching or cables. Even 2 SDRs, same >band, same time...so here is what I envision: > >I have separate feedlines coming into the shack--one for 2M one for 70cm. >Tie them together via a single diplexer. Then, the single diplexer output >(carrying both 2M and 70cm) going into a splitter with multiple >outputs--going to FCDPP, Airspy, whatever...with a single split, it's 3dB. > >The easy and cheapest solution had occurred to me---which is use a >cable/satellite TV splitter (I know, 75 ohms). But a good idea from one of >you was to get the "variable amplified" version from RadioShack or >wherever. I was thinking something more "elegant" at 50 ohms might be >worth while. > >I'll probably try to the TV splitter and see how it works and if the loss >is OK. Shouldn't be bad, given the preamps. > >Anyhow, fun to chat about--thanks for all the private and public >responses. Once I get a bit more time, I'll try to summarize some other >suggests a little better. > >73! > >Mark N8MH > > > > > >On Fri, Feb 6, 2015 at 10:30 AM, Howie DeFelice <howied231(a)hotmail.com> >wrote: > >> Hi Mark, no matter what you use you will lose 3 db + the splitter >> insertion loss. If you are putting the splitter after a LNA, then the added >> loss is usually not important. However, if you are putting the splitter >> directly between the antenna and your receiver the loss of the splitter >> will add directly to the receiver noise figure, which in weak signal work >> is the real difference between hearing and not hearing a signal. >> >> If you can afford the 3+ dB increase in system noise figure, a plain old >> TV splitter is actually not bad. The outdoor variety are water tight, >> F-connectors are pretty good at UHF (in some ways better than a BNC). If >> it's RX only, RG-6 is low loss, inexpensive and the slight mis-match is not >> that significant. >> >> If noise figure is important, a low gain, low noise figure amp before the >> splitter (which can be turned around and used as a combiner) is a good idea. >> >> Mini-circuits are great components and have a great variety of quality >> RF/IF components. The only problem is that their distribution network is >> limited and unless you find a retail source that has what you want getting >> parts can be a little difficult .... and you will start getting called by >> the "area rep" wanting to know how many hundred you will be needing every >> few months :) That said, they HAVE been accomodating when I needed >> something that wasn't available through distribution. >> >> - Howie, AB2S >> >> >> > Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 08:00:04 -0500 >> > From: marklhammond(a)gmail.com >> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Splitter for receiving system? >> > >> > Hello All, >> > >> > I am really wishing for a "splitter" for my receiving system, good for >> both >> > 2M and 70cm (so say, 144-450MHz or so.) >> > >> > Any suggestions? I really don't to lose 3dB in the process, but fear the >> > only way to avoid that is some powered/amplified system. I recall such a >> > device, but cannot for the life of me think where or the possible source. >> > I do not need to xmit through it; receive only. Also, I do not need to >> > pass 12V to power preamps, etc. So, just a low loss splitter good for 2M >> > and 70cm. SMA, BNC, N connectors--any will work in my shack. >> > >> > Do folks refer to these as splitters? Combiners? Power splitters? I know >> > about Mini Circuits--that's a sensory overload of stuff to pick through >> :) >> > >> > Any pointers to sources or such devices will be welcomed! >> > >> > >> > >> > Thanks--- >> > >> > -- >> > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > > > >-- >Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 7 >Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2015 16:59:30 -0700 >From: Jim White <jim(a)coloradosatellite.com> >To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] tracking software and Doppler interface >Message-ID: <54D55562.60001(a)coloradosatellite.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > >Before I start buying stuff I want to be sure the following setup will work. > >SatPC. >USB interface to an LVB tracker to a G-5400B (DIN connector). >USB CI-5 interface cable (EBay) to IC910 for Doppler and freq control. > >(I assume) USB - serial adapter to M2 RC2800 rotor controller > >Can anyone advise if that config will work? Anything else I need for >rotor (2 different ones) and radio (IC-910) control? > >Can I buy an LVB tracker assembled and tested? All I see on the AMSAT >web site is extras for it. > >Thanks, >Jim > >jim(a)coloradsosatellite.com >wd0e(a)amsat.org > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 8 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 21:37:04 -0500 >From: Jacob Tennant <jakewf8s(a)gmail.com> >To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT launches??? >Message-ID: > <CAMM2CtVRgdYqAt+uY7-7AWnMnjfWHdADJuGEuyM8VfQH8o5zhQ(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >This seems so smart that I don't know why they haven't done this already. > >http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/06/darpa-alasa-video/?utm_source=Feed_Class… > >Jacob Tennant WF8S > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 9 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 18:56:12 -0800 >From: Bryce Salmi <bstguitarist(a)gmail.com> >To: Jacob Tennant <jakewf8s(a)gmail.com> >Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT launches??? >Message-ID: > <CAN5j0srRd2jHseAv7SNKch5=6-0XDA7TK8sb17DOXmsJ+EA=Rw(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >This has existed for a long time. There's not much new. > >The rocket equation tells you that you need lots of fuel to send mass to >orbit. That is referred to as delta V, change in velocity. LEO is about >17,500 mph, this jet gets to maybe 1,000 mph? > >Most rockets are not big because they can be, they are big because they >have to be. > >This project isn't actually getting to orbit yet. Is it actually 1 million >in cost to get there or is that before profit? Then you're talking more >like 3-4 million at minimum. > >Bryce > >On Friday, February 6, 2015, Jacob Tennant <jakewf8s(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> This seems so smart that I don't know why they haven't done this already. >> >> >> http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/06/darpa-alasa-video/?utm_source=Feed_Class… >> >> Jacob Tennant WF8S >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <javascript:;>. 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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 10 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 19:02:37 -0800 >From: Brenton Salmi <kb1lqd(a)gmail.com> >To: "bstguitarist(a)gmail.com" <bstguitarist(a)gmail.com> >Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT launches??? >Message-ID: > <CA+7Uq1h=bCCLVoecnKJD+4cXxZ7wFwSUEN-OZV1OP8=cdC46Yg(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >For $1 million that's a small rocket. The only benefit to airplane launched >rocket is any orbit anytime, very nice in the spy world too :) > >Also, likely not much of a secondary payload so you're likely buys all of >the rocket unlike jumping on as cheap ballast to a big rocket. > >Just give the free Kerbal space program game a spin and you'll realize how >easy it is to get 400km high but very very hard and lots of fuel to get to >orbit... Which is the point of satellites! > >Interesting article though! > >On Friday, February 6, 2015, Bryce Salmi <bstguitarist(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> This has existed for a long time. There's not much new. >> >> The rocket equation tells you that you need lots of fuel to send mass to >> orbit. That is referred to as delta V, change in velocity. LEO is about >> 17,500 mph, this jet gets to maybe 1,000 mph? >> >> Most rockets are not big because they can be, they are big because they >> have to be. >> >> This project isn't actually getting to orbit yet. Is it actually 1 million >> in cost to get there or is that before profit? Then you're talking more >> like 3-4 million at minimum. >> >> Bryce >> >> On Friday, February 6, 2015, Jacob Tennant <jakewf8s(a)gmail.com >> <javascript:;>> wrote: >> >> > This seems so smart that I don't know why they haven't done this already. >> > >> > >> > >> http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/06/darpa-alasa-video/?utm_source=Feed_Class… >> > >> > Jacob Tennant WF8S >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <javascript:;> <javascript:;>. 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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <javascript:;>. 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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 11 >Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 19:34:28 -0800 >From: Bryce Salmi <bstguitarist(a)gmail.com> >To: Jacob Tennant <jakewf8s(a)gmail.com> >Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT launches??? >Message-ID: > <CAN5j0sqm71Ro4Qc46s9Fqur=kRVc6gpOt6VeXoXkuSqNmTLrsQ(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >More info: > >This ALASA concept/project: >https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_Launch_Assist_Space_Access > >Pegasus (An already flying air launch orbital rocket) which cost $11 >million per launch.. in 1994: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_(rocket) > >Video of a launch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFUPkYre06E > >Bryce >KB1LQC > >On Fri, Feb 6, 2015 at 6:37 PM, Jacob Tennant <jakewf8s(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> This seems so smart that I don't know why they haven't done this already. >> >> >> http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/06/darpa-alasa-video/?utm_source=Feed_Class… >> >> Jacob Tennant WF8S >> _______________________________________________ >> 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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 12 >Date: Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:05:52 -0400 >From: Gus <gus(a)8p6sm.net> >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT launches??? >Message-ID: <54D58F20.1010406(a)8p6sm.net> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > >On 02/06/2015 10:56 PM, Bryce Salmi wrote: >> This has existed for a long time. There's not much new. >> >> >The idea of using an F-15 as a launch platform has been around for >decades. The Starwars program planned to use this technique to shoot >down enemy satellites in wartime. And that was back when Reagan was in >the Whitehouse. > >-- >Gus 8P6SM >The Easternmost Isle > > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 13 >Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2015 05:02:46 +0000 >From: B J <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> >To: Gus <gus(a)8p6sm.net> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT launches??? >Message-ID: > <CAP7QzkPG-JTGd=cfG-xdu3CTZbLX5O=DTbfQGWLum_foEDkscA(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >On 2/7/15, Gus <gus(a)8p6sm.net> wrote: >> On 02/06/2015 10:56 PM, Bryce Salmi wrote: >>> This has existed for a long time. There's not much new. >>> >>> >> The idea of using an F-15 as a launch platform has been around for >> decades. The Starwars program planned to use this technique to shoot >> down enemy satellites in wartime. And that was back when Reagan was in >> the Whitehouse. > ><snip> > >The feasibility of this was demonstrated in a test conducted nearly 30 >years ago. An F-15 launched a small rocket and it destroyed a defunct >satellite. > >73s > >Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 14 >Date: Sat, 07 Feb 2015 09:10:08 +0000 >From: David A B Johnson <dave(a)g4dpz.me.uk> >To: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNCube Warehouse Outage >Message-ID: <54D5D670.40208(a)g4dpz.me.uk> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > >Hi, > >The hosted server was restarted at 01:50 UTC on Saturday morning by the >hosting company. > >Whilst the server itself came up cleanly, the warehouse and data web >services did not. > >We therefore lost about 7 hours of data, 0.0006% of all data :-) > >Will fix the startup process so that it doesn't happne again. > >73 > >- Dave > > >------------------------------ > >_______________________________________________ >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://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 10, Issue 46 >****************************************

1 0

W5PFG/P EM11
by Clayton Coleman 07 Feb '15

07 Feb '15

Next weekend, February 14-15, I will be operating several satellite passes from EM11. If you need this grid square confirmed, I would be glad to QSL via LoTW or paper after our QSO. I'll post more detailed pass time information in near real-time next weekend via my Twitter feed: @w5pfg or http://www.twitter.com/w5pfg I might take a short drive west and operate from EM01 that Sunday afternoon. 73 Clayton W5PFG

1 0

FUNCube Warehouse Outage
by David A B Johnson 07 Feb '15

07 Feb '15

Hi, The hosted server was restarted at 01:50 UTC on Saturday morning by the hosting company. Whilst the server itself came up cleanly, the warehouse and data web services did not. We therefore lost about 7 hours of data, 0.0006% of all data :-) Will fix the startup process so that it doesn't happne again. 73 - Dave

1 0

The future of AMSAT launches???
by Jacob Tennant 07 Feb '15

07 Feb '15

This seems so smart that I don't know why they haven't done this already. http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/06/darpa-alasa-video/?utm_source=Feed_Class… Jacob Tennant WF8S

5 5

tracking software and Doppler interface
by Jim White 06 Feb '15

06 Feb '15

Before I start buying stuff I want to be sure the following setup will work. SatPC. USB interface to an LVB tracker to a G-5400B (DIN connector). USB CI-5 interface cable (EBay) to IC910 for Doppler and freq control. (I assume) USB - serial adapter to M2 RC2800 rotor controller Can anyone advise if that config will work? Anything else I need for rotor (2 different ones) and radio (IC-910) control? Can I buy an LVB tracker assembled and tested? All I see on the AMSAT web site is extras for it. Thanks, Jim jim(a)coloradsosatellite.com wd0e(a)amsat.org

1 0

Splitter for receiving system?
by Mark L. Hammond 06 Feb '15

06 Feb '15

Hello All, I am really wishing for a "splitter" for my receiving system, good for both 2M and 70cm (so say, 144-450MHz or so.) Any suggestions? I really don't to lose 3dB in the process, but fear the only way to avoid that is some powered/amplified system. I recall such a device, but cannot for the life of me think where or the possible source. I do not need to xmit through it; receive only. Also, I do not need to pass 12V to power preamps, etc. So, just a low loss splitter good for 2M and 70cm. SMA, BNC, N connectors--any will work in my shack. Do folks refer to these as splitters? Combiners? Power splitters? I know about Mini Circuits--that's a sensory overload of stuff to pick through :) Any pointers to sources or such devices will be welcomed! Thanks--- -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

3 3

TYT TH-9000 on satellites
by John Geiger 06 Feb '15

06 Feb '15

Has anyone used one of the TYT TH-9000 UHF models on the satellites? I am currently using a Baofeng UV-3R Plus for the SO50 downlink, and think that the receive could be better on a different radio. The price is nice for the TYT for a brand new FM UHF rig. The Jetstream JTS-270M also looks tempting for a dualbander. 73 John AF5CC

1 0

AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2015 – Call For Speakers
by David Johnson 06 Feb '15

06 Feb '15

This is the first call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2015 which will be held from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, July 26 2015 at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, United Kingdom. http://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/colloquium-2015/ AMSAT-UK invites speakers, to cover topics about micro-satellites, CubeSats, Nanosats, space and associated activities, for this event. They are also invited to submit papers for subsequent publishing on the AMSAT-UK web site. We normally prefer authors to present talks themselves rather than having someone else give them in the authors’ absence. We also welcome “unpresented” papers for the web site. Submissions should be sent *ONLY* to G4DPZ, via the following routes: e-mail: dave at g4dpz dot me dot uk Postal address at http://www.qrz.com/db/G4DPZ AMSAT-UK also invite anyone with requests for Program Topics to submit them as soon as possible to G4DPZ. Invitations for any papers on specific subjects will be included in the future call. Likewise if anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other information to G4DPZ. 73 Dave, G4DPZ

1 0

Grid square map "app"?
by Steve Kristoff 06 Feb '15

06 Feb '15

Does anyone know of a downloadable or online grid square map that you can add markers and notation to, like on Google Maps? I'd like to be able to map out my contacts by grid square on the computer. Any and all suggestions welcome! Steve Kristoff AI9IN skristof(a)etczone.com

5 6

First impressions on FO-29
by Daniel Estévez 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

Hi everybody, I'm setting up a portable satellite station to work the linear and FM birds. The equipment is a Funcube Dongle Pro+ for RX (with a diplexer to avoid desensing), an FT-817ND for TX and a homebrew handheld yagi similar to the arrow satellite antenna (3el on 2m and 6el on 70cm, DL6WU spacing). I use computer control for Doppler on both RX and TX. I'm quite a newbie to the satellite world and yesterday it was the first time I managed to hear myself on the downlink of some satellite, after a few unsuccessful attempts (in which I also had to cope with bad weather). It was on FO-29, at about 17:00UTC, 4th February (my locator is IN80do). I'm quite excited about it. Hopefully, next time I will be able to work some contacts. I have some impressions and some questions on operating tips that may be useful. The first impression is that it's very nice to use an SDR with Doppler correction for RX, because I get to see the full passband of the transponder and the beacon of the sat, and the frequencies I see at my screen are the frequencies as transmitted by the satellite. I can see the Doppler of the satellite by looking at how local spurs sweep up across the band, and I can also check the precision of my TLE's by checking if the beacon drifts. This time it was rock solid. It also seems that most people tune only their receive, since the QSOs slowly get higher in frequency. This is probably the most sensible thing to do if you're not using computer Doppler control, because FO-29 is V/U. I've also seen that most people crowd the centre of the passband, at about 435.850MHz. FO-29's transponder is 100KHz wide but I've heard that the downlink is stronger near the centre of the passband. Does anyone know how much the difference is or if this hardly matters at all? Also, since I'm using full Doppler control, is there any suggestion for a frequency on which to call CQ? If I'm just next to a station which is tuning only the downlink, I will be run over when he goes up due to Doppler shift, so I have the impression that I'll be probably better at something like 435.840MHz, with most people above me. Or is this lower part of the passband for CW? Of course this question is only for FO-29. It doesn't apply to AO-73 because its passband is only 20KHz, so there is not much free room usually. Another nice thing of the SDR is that I have it calibrated to report signal strength in S-units (with S9 = -93dBm) in a more or less accurate way. This way, I can see that my noise floor is S2, the beacon ranges between S3 and S4, and strong stations are S5 to S6 in the downlink. Would you guys consider it useful if I use this "true" measurements when giving signal reports? I hear that most people go with 59 or 58 or nothing at all, but keep in mind that with my setup a report of 56 really means 12dB above the beacon, and nobody will likely be 59 if that's at all possible, keeping in mind the power of the satellite and the path loss equation. My own downlink had about the same signal strength as the beacon. I guess that's about right to make plenty of contacts. I also read somewhere that you should adjust your power to be about the same strength as the beacon. I keep hearing stations much stronger than the beacon, so I guess that it's not practical for everybody to measure their downlink strength or lower their power. I also heard people working some stations that for me where completely in the noise for me, so I guess these people have much better RX equipment than me. Those of you with good RX, could you provide an accurate measurement of strength of the beacon for you so I can compare with my own measurements? Another thing that I observed is that there were FM signals on two frequencies being repeated by the transponder. This had the Doppler shift that a fixed frequency 2m signal will have when repeated by the satellite. One of the signals had CTCSS while the other didn't. The signals where two weak to copy, but it seemed that the language was Spanish. It seems that it people talking on FM simplex about 145.985MHz. Does this happen often? It's a pity that people don't follow good operating practices. Finally, sorry for the long post, and in case anyone wants it, I have a full SDR recording of the pass. I will usually be recording the SDR when I'm working satellites, so if anyone finds these useful, please let me know. Hope to work you soon on the satellites. 73, Dani EA4GPZ.

2 1

Re: [amsat-bb] First impressions on FO-29
by Daniel Estévez 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

El 05/02/15 a las 17:08, John / NS1Z escribió: > Daniel, do you think you could walk me thru the steps necessary to set > up my FunCube Dongle Pro Plus SDR receiver to work like your setup? > > I have made a couple of attempts but one thing or another always stopped > me. I have the Yaesu FT-857D but will probably upgrade to the FT-817ND > after we get the receiver working. > I have SatPC32 working well on the PC but of course it is only one way. > > Thanks for listening to my plea.. Sure. I'll contact you off list with the description of how everything fits together. If anyone else is interested in this things, my current setup is linrad, gpredict and rigctl, all running on linux, but of course the same kind of principles and tricks can be used on other software. 73, Dani.

1 0

UKUBE-1 Telemetry
by Peter Kaminski 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

Hello, since about two weeks I do not receive any telemetry signals from UKUBE-1 at 145.915 MHz. AO-73 on 145.935 MHz is still strong in daytimes and ISS on 145.850 MHz also strong. So RX, antenna and preamp working well on my site ... Is the beacon output of UKUBVE-1 set to low power or is the beacon off? 73 Peter DL9DAK

3 2

UK press story on ISS SSTV reception with dongle
by M5AKA 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

ISS ham radio SSTV reception by dongle in UK press http://amsat-uk.org/2015/02/04/iss-sstv-in-uk-press/ AESP-14 CubeSat deployment from ISS todayhttp://amsat-uk.org/2015/01/17/aesp-14-cubesat-on-iss-awaiting-deploym… Iran’s Fajr Satellite - Use of Amateur Radio Bands http://amsat-uk.org/2015/02/03/iran-fajr-sat-on-ham-band/ UWE-3: Preliminary continuation of operations http://amsat-uk.org/2015/02/02/uwe-3-preliminary-continuation/ ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK Website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Create rotor parts
by Starr 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

Hi All, I have a Create RC5 rotator which requires a new part as a nasty wind broke a couple of teeth off one of the gear wheels. Could anyone inform me please as to where parts are available for this rotator? Thanks in advance. 73 Starr ZL3CU

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73 on 73 Award #11 - RN6MA
by Paul Stoetzer 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

Congratulations to Victor Nesterenko, RN6MA, for becoming the eleventh recipient of the 73 on 73 Award. He submitted a list of 73 stations worked via AO-73 between September 1, 2014 and February 2, 2015. For more information on the award see http://amsat-uk.org/funcube/73-on-73-award/ 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM

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AESP-14 Deployment Update
by Edson W. R. Pereira 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

Hello everyone, I just received an update from the AESP-14 team that the AESP-14 cubesat release from the ISS will take place tomorrow at 12:45~12:55 UTC. The satellite should go live transmitting AX.25 telemetry on 437.600 MHz using 9600 bps GMSK modulation (G3RUH standard) 30 minutes after the release. Information about the project, including the telemetry format is available at: http://www.aer.ita.br/~aesp14/ The AESP-14 team would appreciate any information from any amateur that could monitor the downlink frequency. Updates can be sent here on the BB or directly to me at this time. A web page has been designed to process information about the receiving contest being promoted by the Americana Amateur Radio Club. The contest page is available at: http://wabicafe.com.br/aesp14/cram.php 73, Edson PY2SDR

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Navassa Satellite Station Photo
by John Papay 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

There is a photo of the satellite station in a box on the K1N website, www.navassadx.com Look for it under the "photos" tab. 73, John K8YSE/4

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QSL Card for ARTSAT1:INVADER CO-77
by Nitin Muttin 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

Received a unique QSL card for decoding telemetry from ARTSAT1:INVADER -CO-77. This QSL card is unique made of plastic depicting the panel of Cubesat in actual cubesat dimension. A photo is uploaded is attached and also uploaded at http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=55208 Thanks ARTSAT Team. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Re: [amsat-bb] [amsatindia] QSL Card for ARTSAT1:INVADER CO-77 [1 Attachment]
by giri456＠yahoo.co.in 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

Congratulations Nitin! Can you please let us know what information the telemetry carried? Thanks. Giri. -------- Original message -------- From: "Nitin Muttin vu3tyg(a)yahoo.co.in [amsatindia]" <amsatindia(a)yahoogroups.com> Date: 03/02/2015 9:07 PM (GMT+05:30) To: [email protected],[email protected] Subject: [amsatindia] QSL Card for ARTSAT1:INVADER CO-77 [1 Attachment] Received a unique QSL card for decoding telemetry from ARTSAT1:INVADER -CO-77. This QSL card is unique made of plastic depicting the panel of Cubesat in actual cubesat dimension. A photo is uploaded is attached and also uploaded at http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=55208 Thanks ARTSAT Team. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG] __._,_.___ View attachments on the web Posted by: Nitin Muttin <vu3tyg(a)yahoo.co.in> Reply via web post • Reply to sender • Reply to group • Start a New Topic • Messages in this topic (1) Check out the automatic photo album with 1 photo(s) from this topic. VISIT YOUR GROUP • Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use . __,_._,___

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Fajr downlink in 70 cm band
by Nico Janssen 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

All, The Iranian satellite Fajr (i.e. 'Dawn') was launched on 2015-02-02 just before 09:00 UTC from Semnan launch center with a Safir rocket. The 50 kg satellite (40387, 2015-006A), Iran's fourth satellite, has a cold gas thruster, so it can change its orbit. It carries a camera for earth observations. It should have a telemetry downlink on 437.538 MHz and a command uplink in the 2 m band. 73, Nico PA0DLO

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Palm Springs HamFest 2015
by Clint Bradford 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

The 2015 Palm Springs Hamfest will once again be held at the beautiful Palm Springs Pavilion, near the Palm Springs Baseball Stadium, Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s hamfest will offer a VE testing session before the opening of the regular event. Admission: Still just $5 - with free parking available. Where else can you get a day’s worth of entertainment for that? Forums include ... • Keynote by Gordon West • Andre Hansen presents on Broadband Hamnet • Dennis Kidder ("Arduino Projects for Amateur Radio") will talk about Maker Faire • Clint Bradford will present “How to Work the Amateur Satellites with your HT” • Bob Brehm, Chief Engineer at Palomar Engineers will present on curing RFI, working more DX and keeping your neighbors happy Visit the event's Web site at ... http://www.palmspringshamfest.com /end/

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Gagarin meets "Public service Broadcasting"
by andy thomas 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

enjoy this one and its links: PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING - GAGARIN | | | | | | | | | | | PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING - GAGARIN | | | | View on www.youtube.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | | (if link does not appear then go to Youtube and enter "Race to Space" and "Public Service Broadcasting" it's an artistic event btw...H'mm.. 73 de andy g0sfj

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Re: [amsat-bb] First satellite QSO
by James 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Steve Kristoff AI9IN, I think most of us using satellites had similar experiences as you with our first contact. I know that I was totally amazed how well things worked. For years I used the excuse that working satellites was much too difficult. I now usually use a little Olympus recorder when operating. I just lay it by the speaker, nothing fancy here. This recorder was extremely helpful when working AO-51 mobile. If you really want to have some fun, try a linear satellite like FO-29. You will need to operate SSB or CW which is not possible with your portables. The linear satellites have plenty of bandwidth making many contacts easily possible. Welcome and have fun! 73, -james W5AOO

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Re: [amsat-bb] First satellite QSO
by Rob Rousseau 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

If you have a smartphone, one could also record it using a smartphone app "Voice Recorder" or something similar instead of having to go out and buy a small tape recorder. If you want to use your headphones, you can use one of these to hook it up. http://www.ebay.com/itm/390837998302 Either way, it's all fun! 73, -Rob KI4BKE OSCAR Satellite Communications Achievement Award #465, 14 May 2008 South African AMSAT Award #US-122, 14 May 2008 On Tue, Feb 3, 2015 at 7:00 AM, <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2015 17:42:25 -0800 > From: "Ted" <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> > To: "'Steve Kristoff'" <skristof(a)etczone.com>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] First satellite QSO > Message-ID: <001f01d03f52$a991fed0$fcb5fc70$@net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hi Steve, a workaround for this in lieu of pencil and paper is a small > cassette recorder (commonly used for dictation). They are all over ebay or > other sites cheap. You can just stick it in your shirt pocket and it will > record your voice speaking to the station you are working (incl the call > sign). You could also get fancy and plug it into your receive Baofeng and > record that way > > Good luck and 73, Ted > K7TRK >

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Back on the satellites!
by John Geiger 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Put up the UHF antenna today, so I am back on the satellites have a couple of years break. Used to be NE0P and AA5JG, some of you might recognize those calls. I have tried Oscar 7 in Mode A a few times in the past couple of months with no luck. I am running an Icom 706 original with a Cushcraft 7 element yagi for the Mode J uplink, and a Baofeng UV-3R plus with a Diamond 15 element yagi for the downlink. Both antennas fed with 50 feet of Jetstream 9913 flex. I have a MFJ 10m Moxon Yagi for the Mode A downlink. Caught 2 passes of SO50 tonight with good results. Even worked a new Grid (DO20)! I recently sent in QSLs to the ARRL that will get me the 200 grid endorsement on my Satellite VUCC (#129) and have 50 or so more waiting on LOTW. It is great to be back! 73 John AF5CC

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First satellite QSO
by Steve Kristoff 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Well, I got my first satellite contact this evening on a pass of SO-50. Thank you for the help from the forum for getting me started. I used two Baofeng UV82 handhelds and an Arrow antenna. Problem is that I wasn't necessarily expecting it to work, so I didn't plan on a way to record the QSO. So, if you happened to be the person who called back to AI9IN in EM79 between 2331 and 2345 UTC this evening, thank you, thank you, thank you! If you send me your info, I'd be happy to send you a QSL and put you in LoTW. If getting this confirmed by email is "illegal", I understand and won't officially count it, but I'd still like to know who you are so I can send you another set of "Thank yous". Steve Kristoff AI9IN Grid: EM79 Oldenburg, IN skristof(a)etczone.com

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FM15 Ayden, NC area AMSAT members?
by Clayton Coleman 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

A gentleman who posted on another form is looking for some local support form someone who can either loan him or help him build a small antenna capable of satellite reception. He has been showing interest in satellites but needs some local help. The ham is located in FM15, near Ayden, NC. If you can offer assistance, email me off-BB and I will send you his callsign and email address. Thank you, Clayton W5PFG

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My DM23/DM24 road trip on Saturday
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

Hi! First of all, many thanks to everyone who worked WD9EWK from the DM23vx/DM24va grid boundary on Saturday. I had not been out there in a couple of years, and was looking for a day-trip somewhere that didn't have snow or ice. Put "34.0 N 114.21533 W" into your favorite mapping Web site or application to see where this is. It was a nice high spot, overlooking a highway junction, which let me work passes in a couple of directions all the way down to the horizon. Between some passes, I was able to drive northwest to Parker - a small town along the Colorado River - to get something to eat and return to the grid boundary in time for more passes. I left home a couple of hours before sunrise, hoping to make it out there in time for the SO-50 pass around 1545 UTC (0845 local time). I made it with time to spare, a good thing. I planned on working whatever passes were available from that time until a little after sunset, not wanting to stay out there well into the night. The day went well, and made for a nice road trip of about 400 miles/640km in 18 hours. APRS coverage in this part of Arizona is pretty good, with the grid boundary stop covered by 3 different mountaintop digipeaters. I logged 69 QSOs on 11 passes of the 4 satellites that currently support voice communications: 5 SO-50 passes, and two passes each for the 3 SSB/CW satellites (AO-7, AO-73, and FO-29). I also tried a third AO-73 pass just after noon, a 4-degree pass, where I only heard myself. I tried two NO-44 passes in the afternoon, and saw a station on each pass, but wasn't able to log a QSO. I was able to log 12 QSOs on two of the SO-50 passes, and one SO-50 pass saw 16 QSOs go in the log. FO-29 was also busy, with 8 QSOs logged on one pass that went over the middle of North America. Thanks, as always, to the AMSAT-UK command stations for making AO-73's transponder available day and night on the weekends! After I wrapped up my operating at DM23vx/DM24va, I made two stops on the drive home to copy the ISS SSTV transmissions. The first stop was at a truck stop in Quartzsite, Arizona, in grid DM23vp. I copied one picture, and part of another picture, from here around 0251-0259 UTC Sunday (Saturday evening, local time). For the next ISS pass, I drove about 75 miles/120km east to another truck stop in Tonopah, Arizona, in grid DM33ml. Again, I received part of one picture and all of another picture during the 0426-0436 UTC pass. The complete picture was not received as cleanly as the picture I received earlier in Quartzsite. I uploaded all of my SSTV pictures to the ARISS SSTV archive from Saturday night on the road, as well as last night's pictures I received at home. They are visible at: http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php (one from last night is on this page, and the others are on the archive pages) I uploaded my log from Saturday's activity to Logbook of the World yesterday. If anyone wants to receive a QSL card to confirm a QSO, please e-mail me with the QSO details. There's no need to first send me a QSL card and/or SASE to get my card. This location is well outside my VUCC 200km limit, so I don't look to collect QSL cards for the QSOs I make. Just like I enjoy working new station and grids when I'm at (or near) home, I enjoy giving out the contacts when I am on the road. Thanks again, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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ISS SSTV
by PY5LF 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

Hi Here are ISS SSTV signal heard yesterday over here ; http://youtu.be/zJibQ-FNwhc 73 PY5LF Luciano Fabricio Curitiba-PR-BR GG54jm http://www.qrz.com/db/PY5LF

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K1N satellite ops
by Andrew Glasbrenner 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

>From announcements on http://navassadx.com/, it looks like K1N might be on the air (on HF at least) sometime this evening. This would be a good time to update everyone on the planned satellite operations. I spoke with Gregg, W6IZT last Tuesday morning as he was packing for his departure the following day. Gregg will be the satellite op, although others may also participate. Gregg will be operating half-duplex with a Yaesu FT-817 (provided by AMSAT) and an Arrow antenna. Gregg has pass prediction information for FO-29 and SO-50, for all passes that are 20 degrees or higher at the island (thanks to John K8YSE for preparing those). While the focus will be on FO-29, it is possible they may try SO-50 as well. Gregg did mention satellite operations are more likely in the second half of the expedition as opposed to the first half. The radio is programmed with 5 split-band memory channels for SO-50, and has two high quality LMR-240UF jumpers to connect directly to the Arrow via the front and back antenna ports. Additionally, the VFOs are programmed for FO-29 operation with a fixed uplink of 145.980, for a downlink at 435.813 to 435.827 depending on Doppler. This is the important part: Gregg will be tuning his receive for replies, and may not be listening directly on his own downlink. Calling while he is transmitting will not work since he is half-duplex. This is much the same way other rovers such as KL7R and UT1FG operate. This particular frequency scheme was chosen to reduce QRM (both given and received) and allow a quick tune to the beacon for antenna pointing when there are not many callers. Gregg has my email and cell phone number, and I have asked him to alert me if possible, no matter the hour, when they decide to get on FO-29, which I will pass along to the list and the AMSAT twitter feed immediately. The team is still in need of financial help for the expedition. Please consider helping them out at http://69.89.25.185/~trexsoft/t-rexsoftware.com/k1n/donate.htm Good Luck and 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations

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UT1FG/MM Tentative Itinerary
by John Papay 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Yuri, UT1FG/MM, is heading to Riga Latvia and expects to be there February 3-4. The next port will be Klaipeda, Lithuania, February 5-7. Once loaded he will sail across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. His ports will be in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on the Pacific side. He is very busy with his shipboard duties. Ship traffic is very heavy and leaves little time for operating. Once enroute crossing the Atlantic there should be more time for operating. Yuri always tries to operate from new grids as much as possible. Good Luck. 73, John K8YSE

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RTL-SDR for satellite downlink???
by Jacob Tennant 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

After seeing a article online for setting up a RTL-SDR unit with Orbitrack for listening to the downlink of satellites I have got it setup here at home but have notice a few quirks and was hoping to echange emails with anyone else that had tried this. Also anyone else use Orbitrak for predictions? Been watching satellites go by this afternoon comparing the locations between my trusted MacDoppler and Orbitrak and notice that even with fresh keps. that Orbitrak shows the satellite in a much different location. The reason I trust MacDoppler as my benchmark is after comparing it to the AMSAT online predictions & current locations, MacDoppler was always 99.9% accurate. Any thoughts while I work on some new antennas as the snow piles up outside. . . Jacob Tennant WF8S

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9 different Yuri Gagarin photos in the ARISS SSTV Gallery.
by Cor PDØRKC 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Hello radio friends, Amateur radio operators from different countries have sended 9 different Yuri Gagarin SSTV pictures to the ARISS SSTV Gallery. http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV 1/12 2/12 3/12 6/12 7/12 8/12 10/12 11/12 12/12 Missing 4/12, 5/12, 9/12. There are 12 pictures in total with the Russian ISS crew so lets hope to see the missing 3 soon. Good luck! 73s Cor PD0RKC _______________________________________________ Ariss-sstv mailing list Ariss-sstv(a)amsat.org http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ariss-sstv

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS
by Frank Bauer 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Pavel, The ISS Kenwood D710 is being duty cycled 3 minutes on and then 3 minutes off to minimize overheating. That is why you heard no signal in that period. Thank you for your interest in the ARISS program and AMSAT (via -bb). 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO ******** Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2015 20:50:51 -0500 From: Pavel Milanes Costa <co7wt(a)frcuba.co.cu> To: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS Message-ID: <54CD867B.7050102(a)frcuba.co.cu> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed Just received 2 pictures #6 and #? 01/feb/2015 ~0031z here in Camag?ey Cuba, FL11aj The start of the picture was just a few seconds of AOS, #6 with medium quality (jpole and HT whip antennas), unusual strong signal, in the middle of the second photo the signal dropped to the noise... Three receivers here (RTL-SDR + base kenwood and baofeng UV-5R) and power down was noticed on the tree and stanle... Just curious... does anyone have a explanation on that?... there was about 3 min to the LOS from a 9 min+ pass and the signal just dropped and stayed that way until LOS, not fadding... Maybe a solar panel get on the path of the signal? 73 El 31/01/15 a las 18:11, graham mcphee escribi?: > Pictures still coming down at 2300UTC > Graham VK2AYE

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ISS SSTV Active
by wa7eth＠frontier.com 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

2116 Pacific Coast time received two images nearly perfect here in the northwest. Waiting for the next pass for some more..73'...Ed WA7ETH

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DESPATCHtrack revised and the DESPATCH Poem
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Dear all, I revised my utility, "DESAPTCHTtrack", so as easy to see. The new version is available from: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ham_satellite/2015/02/artsat2-despa-1.html There is some additinal information about the Poem. Thank you for your concerning. ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada ********************************** Masahiro Sanada de ji1izr Hiratsuka-city Kanagawa,Japan ji1izr_1975(a)nifty.com ji1izr(a)jarl.com ji1izr(a)jamsat.or.jp web: http://ji1izr.atnifty.com/ blog: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ **********************************

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ISS SSTV Jan 30 and Feb 1
by M5AKA 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Slow Scan TV (SSTV) from the International Space Station (ISS) on 145.800 MHz FM this weekend http://amsat-uk.org/2015/01/29/iss-sstv-this-weekend/ ---- Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK Website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatuk Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Re: [amsat-bb] Gulyas BNC-to-SMA Adapters - Updated
by Clint Bradford 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

My three-page .pdf is actually a little more detailed and updated than Stephan's Web site is ... It won't hurt you to download a simple doc from my site ... If it is painful, I'll email it to you. Clint >> ... or does everyone have to go through yours to get the info?

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Fwd: [FLWSS] Fwd: Satellite / EME equipment Available
by Andrew Glasbrenner 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

This came across a local list. I thought it may be of interest to the group. I have no personal affiliation with the SK or seller. 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: > From: Chuck Hoover <k0vxmfl(a)gmail.com> > Date: January 28, 2015 at 6:07:37 PM EST > To: FLWSS Reflector <flwss(a)flwss.net> > Subject: [FLWSS] Fwd: Satellite / EME equipment Available > > Hi All, > Am forwarding this for K9ES. Looks like interesting stuff. > 73 Chuck KØVXM > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Eric Smitt <k9eseric(a)gmail.com> > Date: Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 7:09 PM > Subject: Satellite / EME equipment Available > To: > > > I have access to a 6M Dish (mesh) that has S-Band Up-converter with 200W > Linear Power Amp. All power supplies included. Complete Chesapeake > Microwave documents included. The unit is presently mounted on a Massive > Az/El pedestal mount that goes to the buyer. This amplifier is water > cooled. The feed point has S-Band LNA, Filters, Down-converter to 70 MHz. > Has to be taken apart for removal. > > Asking $500.00 or best offer. > > There is a 2M Dish on Az/El pedestal with GaSFET LNA also available. $200 > OBO. > > L-Com HG2412 HyperLink Wireless 2.4GHz 12dBi gain Wireless LAN Mini Panel > Antenna (Qty 2) $ 150 each (OBO) > > Pair of Gunplexers - Advanced Receiver Research 24 GHz Transceivers $250 > each > Gunplexer RF Head - 10.25 GHz - $125.00 > > Fujitsu FLL300IL-2 L Band Power GaAsFET Modules 44.5 dBm output - 10 each > > Other equipment: Make Offer > > LA3000A 3KW PEP Output 2 M Linear Amplifier > AML Communictions AL1702505 > K & L 3C20 GaAsFET Preamp - 135.6 to 4.5 GHz, N connectors in and out, > power via the Output N-Connector > MiniCircuits ZFSC 2-1 Splitter (qty 2) > MiniCircuits ZFSC 4-3 Splitter (qty 2) > Anderson Scientific SC-2.5 Satellite Converter (new) > Kalmus Engineering MM400 Linear Amplifier 200-400 MHz, 100 Watts Output > Luxor 220-9759 DC Passing Amplifier 950 MHz - 1450 MHz, 20 dB Gain > Gardiner C-Band LNA Down Converter 3.7 - 4.2 GHz input 950-1450 MHz output > 65 dB gain, Noise Figure 30 degrees (Quantity 2) new in box > Down East Microwave LNA > Hamtronix Receiver Preamps > DX Antenna Power Block CR7 (900 MHz - 1.45 GHz) > Assorted C-Band LNA's for Dish Mount, some fore waveguide, some with N > Female connectors > Servo Amplifiers mounted in 3 foot rack > > Equipment is located in Malibar, 3 miles South-East of I-95 / Malabar Road > exit. > > If interested in anything, reply via email. Must be able to pick up at > silent key's home. > Contact me via email: k9eseric(a)gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > Website http://www.flwss.net > > FLWSS mailing list > FLWSS(a)flwss.net > http://flwss.net/mailman/listinfo/flwss_flwss.net

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ANS-032 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-032 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-1 "In The Bag"! * 15 Schools Move Forward Into The Next Stage of ARISS Selection * iCubeSat 2015 - 4th Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop * January/February 2015 AMSAT Journal is Complete * Design The Next AMSAT Satellite! * SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station * Dick Flagg, AH6NM, Receives YASME Award * NASA OSSI Online Career Week * ELaNa-X Cubesats Launched From Vandenberg on January 31 * * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-032.01 ANS-032 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 032.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE February 1, 2015 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-032.01 Fox-1 "In The Bag"! Fox-1, the first Fox-1 series satellite (a.k.a. Fox-1A to the AMSAT Engineering Team) completed the final required testing January 16 through 23. The tests included the launch provider required "DITL" (Day In The Life) and "environmental testing" subjecting the CubeSat to Vibration and Thermal Vacuum Bakeout, the latter two sometimes referred together as "shake and bake". DITL is required to show that Fox-1 will not deploy her antennas nor transmit any signals prior to a minimum of 45 minutes after she is deployed from the PPOD into orbit. The test was conducted at the "Fox Labs" QTH of Jerry Buxton NØJY on January 16. Bob Fitzpatrick KB5SQG assisted on site with Jonathan Brandenburg KF5IDY and Kevin Bishop KG7NSD supporting via GoToMeeting. It was a somewhat suspense filled test waiting for 45 minutes hoping nothing will happen, followed by another 11 minutes hoping something will happen. Everything performed as expected and the test was a success, with transmit antenna deployment at 56 minutes 21 seconds, receive antenna deployment at 56 minutes 32 seconds, and first transmission at 59 minutes 12 seconds. On Monday January 19 Fox Engineering Team members Bob Davis KF4KSS, Burns Fisher W2BFJ, and Jerry Buxton NØJY traveled to Orlando FL to conduct the "shake and bake" at Qualtest. Upon arrival Fox-1 was tested, inspected, and integrated into the TestPOD at the hotel and then the team traveled to Qualtest. Assisted by Lou McFadin W5DID, photographed by Dave Jordan AA4KN and observed by Ed Krome K9EK the vibration testing took place on Wednesday January 21 with frequencies and amplitudes that simulate the ride Fox-1 will be experiencing on the Atlas V rocket during launch, tested in all three (X,Y,Z) axes. After the "shake" a Short Functional Test and Aliveness Test were conducted, and Fox-1 worked like a charm! Thursday January 21 Fox-1 was put into the thermal vacuum bell jar to be subjected to a 12 hour pre-soak at high altitude and temperature near the required test temperature in order to remove any rough contaminants that might harm the ion pump used during the "bake" procedure. Friday the 22nd Fox-1 went through the launch required Thermal Vacuum Bakeout which sustains a vacuum <1E-4 torr at a specified temperature for 6 hours in order to thoroughly remove any contaminants that might be left over from construction and handling and which could cause problems once the satellite and materials are exposed to the vacuum of space. Given the vacuum actually achieved during the process, we are very happy that Fox-1 was a "clean machine" even prior to the start of the procedure! Once the "bake" was complete Fox-1 was allowed to cool to near room temperature and then subjected to the same Short Functional Test and Aliveness Test as done on arrival in Florida and after the vibe test. Once again, Fox-1 worked as it should and was officially declared ready for launch! While it is somewhat anti-climactic, Fox-1 was then carefully placed in an anti-static bag and will remain there until delivery and integration into the PPOD which is scheduled for mid-March 2015. Battery will be charged by the umbilical but no other handling, changes, testing, or function can be performed as once she passed the environmental testing Fox-1 officially became "hands off". As previously announced launch is scheduled for late August 2015. Official photos and more information will be included in an upcoming AMSAT Journal. If you are on Facebook, the AMSAT North America Facebook page has some photos that were uploaded during the environmental testing. [ANS thanks NØJY and the Fox-1 Engineering Team for the information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 US Schools Move Forward Into the Next Stage of ARISS Selection Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), US managing partners of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), are pleased to announce that 15 of the schools/organizations that submitted proposals during the recent proposal window have been accepted to move forward into the next stage of planning to host a scheduled contact with crew on the ISS during 2015. This is a significant step in ARISS' continuing effort to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities and raise their awareness of Human Space Flight. ARISS-US was encouraged by the high level of interest in the education community evidenced by the significant number of submitted proposals and the quality of the submissions. The ARISS program anticipates that NASA will provide 12 scheduling opportunities for US host organizations for the May - December 2015 time period. These 15 schools/organizations must now complete an acceptable equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute the ham radio contact. Once their equipment plan is approved by the ARISS technical team, the final selected schools/organizations will be scheduled as their availability and flexibility match up with the scheduling opportunities offered by NASA. ARISS does not expect to be able to schedule all 15 schools on the list. The schools and organizations are: Bay View Elementary School, Burlington, WA Corpus Christi Catholic School, Chambersburg, PA Daggett Montessori School K-8, Fort Worth, TX Dearborn Public Schools, Dearborn, MI Grady High School Robotics Team, Atlanta, GA Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, Vestal, NY Maconaquah School Corporation, Bunker Hill, IN Moon Day/ Frontiers of Flight Museum, Dallas, TX New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM Pima County 4H/Vail Vaquero's 4H Club, Tucson, AZ Space Jam 9, Rantoul, IL Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Elementary School, Warson Woods, MO Tulsa Community College, NE Campus, Tulsa, OK United Space School, Seabrook, TX West Michigan Aviation Academy, Grand Rapids, MI [ANS thanks ARISS-US for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- iCubeSat 2015 - 4th Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop 26 - 27 May 2015, Imperial College London, United Kingdom iCubeSat 2015, the 4th Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop, will address the technical challenges, opportunities, and practicalities of interplanetary space exploration with CubeSats. The workshop provides a unique environment for open wide ranging practical collaboration between academic researchers, industry professionals, policy makers and students from around the world developing this new and rapidly growing field. Technical Program Talks and round tables will focus on three themes: technology, science, and open collaboration. The program will also include unconference sessions to provide additional opportunities to engage with the interplanetary CubeSat community and potential collaborators. Talks and supporting material will be streamed and archived on the conference website. A lively social program in and around summertime London will be arranged for participants and their guests. Abstract Submission and Dates Talks on astrodynamics, attitude control and determination systems, citizen science, communications, landers, launch opportunities, open source approaches, outreach, payloads, policy, power systems, propulsion, reentry systems, ride-shares, science missions, software, standardization, structures, systems engineering and other related topics are all welcome. 1st June 2014 Registration opens at http://iCubeSat.org/registration/ 1st April 2015 Abstract upload deadline via http://iCubeSat.org/submit-an-abstract/ 15th April 2015 Notification of abstract acceptance 22nd May 2015 Presentation (and optional paper) upload deadline Please confirm your interest in presenting or attending as soon as possible (to assist us size the venue) by completing the registration form at http://iCubeSat.org/registration/ Exhibition CubeSat specialists and other vendors are invited to contact exhibit(a)iCubeSat.org for details of exhibition opportunities. Location The fourth Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop will be held on the Imperial College South Kensington campus, London, United Kingdom on Tuesday, May 26th and Wednesday May 27th, 2015. For more details please visit the conference website at www.iCubeSat.org [ANS thanks CubeSat mailing list for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- January/February 2015 AMSAT Journal is Complete The January/February 2015 AMSAT Journal is complete and has been sent to the print shop. In this issue you'll find .... + AMSAT Announcements - 2015 Symposium in Dayton, Ohio + Apogee View by Barry Baines, WD4ASW + Fox-1A Flight Model Passes Environmental Testing (with photos) + There's an App for That: Smart Phone Applications for Satellites by Mark D. Johns, K0MDJ + New Column: Orbital Debrief for January/February by Paul Stoetzer, N8HM + 4M: a Moon mission by Ghislain Ruy, LX2RG + Ballistically Reinforced Communications Satellite (BRICSat-P): The Enhancement of the APRS Amateur Radio Network Through Micropropulsion by Ensign Christopher Dinelli, et al + Report from the 2014 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Meeting in Baltimore + Support our 2014 Prize Donors! + The AMSAT Space Symposium Photo Gallery + Recognition and Thanks to Our Dedicated Volunteers in 2014 Look for this issue to arrive in your mailbox in the next few weeks. As always, please send your articles, operating photos, and announcements to the Journal mailbox at journal(a)amsat.org or to k9jkm(a)comcast.net. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Journal Team, Bernhard, VA6BMJ; Douglas, KA2UPW/5; Howard, K3JPH; Joe, KB6IGK; JoAnne, K9JKM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Design The Next AMSAT Satellite! At the 2014 AMSAT Space Symposium AMSAT Vice President - Engineering Jerry Buxton announced the plan for the next generation of AMSAT satellites. "The door is open for everyone, to submit their ideas. AMSAT Engineering has a long term strategy and this is the first step." The Engineering long term strategy includes the following goals * Advancement of amateur radio satellite technical and communications skills * Enhance international goodwill * Grow and sustain a skilled pool of amateur radio satellite engineers * Establish and maintain partnerships with educational institutions * Develop a means to use hardware common to all opportunities With respect to the last goal Jerry said "Within the bounds of the type of satellite it takes to achieve any of the various orbit opportunities, let's consider in those plans the possibility of developing a platform that can suit any and all orbits. Perhaps a modular CubeSat, using a common bus as we did in Fox-1, which gives great flexibility in building and flying different sizes and configurations of CubeSats with simple common-design hardware changes." Submissions should be thorough and contain the following information. The purpose of the proposal is not just in suggesting an idea; being an all-volunteer team AMSAT needs your help in carrying out the idea. Design Implementation - CubeSat platform Estimated timeline Cost - volunteer resources, commercial (COTS) units Launch - how does it get to orbit Strategy - how it fits into AMSAT's Engineering long term strategy As mentioned above the idea should be based on the CubeSat platform. This is the standard through which we will look for launches in the foreseeable future. In considering your proposal, Jerry encourages you to contact him, (n0jy(a)amsat.org using Subject: Design the Next AMSAT Satelleite), for more details on the criteria. A guidebook to the criteria is now available for download at http://tinyurl.com/ANS032-SatelliteGuide. In particular, if you plan to include a university as a partner to provide experiments or other support and you are not representing that university, please contact Jerry for assistance in working with our existing partners or establishing a new partnership. "Being amateur radio operators, it is easy for us to fall into a particular trap because of our history of communicating with other amateurs throughout the world" says Jerry. "Specifically, most people who are not already involved in the world of satellite technology are unaware of or simply overlook the provisions of the current ITAR and soon to be EAR export rules particularly with regard to deemed exports which requires governmental permission to discuss satellite projects with foreign nationals." While all amateurs are invited to submit ideas, U.S. amateurs must take particular care of they choose to become involved in a collaboration which includes individuals from other countries. It is permissible to receive ideas and proposals from outside the U.S., but it is not permitted for U.S. Persons to export or share design ideas with other countries unless they have taken the proper steps to insure compliance with ITAR and deemed export rules. Additionally, those wishing to work on proposals should use care in presenting themselves in their contacts. While the goal is for AMSAT to build and launch the satellite, it is not an AMSAT project until it is accepted by the AMSAT Board of Directors. It is acceptable to represent yourself as members of a project team that plans to submit a proposal to AMSAT for a future satellite project, as the AMSAT name is well known. "It is not our intention that ideas be submitted to AMSAT-NA which would be more appropriately handled by an AMSAT organization in a country where AMSAT is established. AMSAT-NA is seeking ideas from amateurs in North America and will certainly consider ideas from amateurs in countries which do not have an established AMSAT organization or relationships with an existing AMSAT organization." The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2015. After the submission date the ideas will be screened for completeness and then reviewed by a board consisting of the AMSAT Engineering Team, AMSAT Senior Officer and Board of Directors representatives, and aerospace industry members. The review board may modify or consolidate ideas and will consider which meet the criteria to become a project based on feasibility, cost, and the ability to bring value to the amateur satellite community. The review process is expected to be completed in September 2015. For those ideas selected to become a project which satisfy the requirements for an ELaNa launch, the idea authors will be asked to work with the AMSAT Engineering Team on an ELaNa proposal. The Engineering Team will then work on the details of execution for the selected project(s) and present a proposal to the AMSAT Board of Directors in October 2015 for final approval to begin work. Once approved, any ELaNa proposals will be submitted in November 2015 and the project(s) will move forward. Now is the time for YOU to begin working on the next AMSAT satellite! [ANS thanks AMSAT Engineering for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station The Russian ARISS team plan to activated SSTV from the ISS on Saturday January 31 and will cintinue on Sunday February 1, 2015. Expected SSTV mode will be PD180 on 145.800 MHz with 3 minute off periods between transmissions. A total of 12 different photos will be sent during the operational period. This is the second series of pictures to be transmitted. Start time would be around 10.00 UTC on January 31 and 9.00 UTC on February 1. The transmissions should terminate around 21:30 UTC each day. [ANS thanks Gaston ON4WF for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dick Flagg, AH6NM, Receives YASME Award Champion of integrating Amateur Radio and space science is honored for achievements ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) is pleased to share the news that the 2015 Yasme Excellence Award has been presented to Dick Flagg, AH6NM, for his contributions to the success of the ARISS program and other efforts in support of Amateur Radio and space science-related initiatives. The Yasme Award is given to outstanding individuals who have served the Amateur Radio community in areas of technical advancement, operating arts and good will. Recipients are chosen by the not-for- profit Yasme Foundation. ARISS, which gives students the opportunity to ask questions of astronauts on board the ISS (International Space Station) via Amateur Radio, aims to spark an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and careers among young people while simultaneously serving as an introduction to Amateur Radio. Flagg first supported the SAREX (Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment) program, the pre-cursor of ARISS, on the 1990 STS-35 mission, with Astronaut Dr. Ron Parise, WA4SIR (SK), on board. Flagg helped pioneer the telebridge concept for Dr. Parise's mission, which is now an operational capability for ARISS. The telebridge enables school students to talk to on-orbit crew members through amateur radio ground stations that are not co-located at the school but are linked to the school through a phone line connection. His pioneering work on the telebridge concept has allowed hundreds of schools to contact the ISS when conditions, such as ground obstructions or high buildings, would have prevented the contact. Flagg provided critical SAREX support by helping students communicate with Dr. Parise and other astronauts on STS-35 using the telebridge ground station he pioneered in Hawaii. Since then, Flagg has been involved in more than 115 contacts to the Shuttle and ISS from the ARISS Hawaii telebridge ground station located at Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu, an all- girls school where he emphasized STEM through student involvement in the contacts. The award also recognized Flagg's contributions to the NASA Radio Jove educational outreach program, which has introduced radio telescope kits to nearly 2,000 student groups and radio amateurs around the world. "While it was indeed an honor for me to receive this award from the Yasme Foundation," says Flagg, "I feel that I am accepting it for both the ARISS and Radio Jove teams. Congratulations to all of you." For more on the Yasme Foundation and the Yasme Award, visit www.yasme.org. For more on the ARISS program, visit www.ariss.org. You may also join ARISS on Facebook and follow it on Twitter: @ARISS_status. [ANS thanks Dave AA4KN and YASME for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- NASA OSSI Online Career Week The NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative, or OSSI, is hosting the NASA OSSI Online Career Week Feb. 10-12, 2015. This online event will connect you with NASA, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, employers and top graduate programs nationwide. Engage with representatives from all 10 NASA centers to learn about internship, scholarship and fellowship opportunities available at NASA. Interact with recruiters from top STEM employers, and explore internship and job opportunities in the private sector. Learn about highly ranked STEM graduate programs and network with admissions officers from the comfort of your home, dorm, smartphone or tablet. Register for one or all events and launch your career today! NASA OSSI Online Career Week Live Events -- NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships Day -- Feb. 10, 2015 (1-5 p.m. EST) -- STEM Industry Day -- Feb. 11, 2015 (1-5 p.m. EST) -- STEM Graduate Programs Fair -- Feb. 12, 2015 (1-5 p.m. EST) Starting on February 9, you will be able to research participating organizations and explore opportunities listed. Complete your profile, and prepare a few questions for the centers, companies or graduate programs you are interested in. During the live events, you will engage in one-on-one text-based conversations directly with a recruiter or admissions officer at those organizations. You can share your background, experience and resume and ask questions. Maximize your time in the event by getting in line to chat with representatives from more than one center, company or university at a time. To attend, please register at http://nasaossi.brazenconnect.com/. For more information, please contact nasaossi at hsf dot net. [ANS thanks NASA Education Express Message for Jan. 29, 2015 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ELaNa-X Cubesats Launched From Vandenberg on January 31 Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, reported on his SatBlog (http://www.dk3wn.info) that the Saturday, January 31 Delta II launch from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying the Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, satellite also included a secondary payload with ELaNa cubesats. The main payload and secondary payload were deployed successfully. Cubesat Downlink ----------------- ------------------- Firebird-II FU3 437.405 MHz 19k2 FSK Firebird-II FU4 437.230 MHz 19k2 FSK GRIFEX 437.485 MHz 9k6 FSK Exocube (CP-10) 437.270 MHz 9k6 FSK (source DK3WN http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=54555) Jan, PE0SAT described his receiving and decoding configuration on his website: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/2015/grifex-active-and-decoded/ The University of Michigan released updated software to decode GRIFEX packets: http://exploration.engin.umich.edu/blog/?p=2555 Mike, DK3WN shows screen captures of receiving Firebird-II FU3 and FU4 at: http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=54977 [ANS thanks Mike, DK3WN and Jan, PE0SAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News + A Successful contact was made between Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)"Masakame event" Tokyo, Japan event and Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti IZØUDF using NA1SS. The contact began 2015-01- 24 14:21 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via JK1ZRW. ARISS Mentor was 7M3TJZ. 8 questions were answered and approximately 200 people were in attendance. The event was covered by NHK TV station. + A Successful contact was made among Istituto Salesiano "G. Bearzi", Udine, Italy; Intercultura Onlus, Milano, Italy and Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti IZØUDF using NA1SS. The contact began 2015-01-31 08:38:59 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was telebridged via K6DUE. ARISS Mentor was IKØWGF. 13 questions were answered. 400 were in attendance at Salesiano "G. Bearzi" and 100 at Intercultura Onlus. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Scuola Media Locatelli-Oriani, Milano, Italy and Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado "Bachelet", Cernusco sul naviglio, Italy are expected to make contact with Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti IZØUDF on 2015- 02-05 10:37:35 UTC. The contact is scheduled as a Telebridge via W6SRJ. The ISS downlink should be audible over portions of the Western United States. Presentation Scuola Media Locatelli-Oriani The middle school Locatelli Oriani is located in the center of Milan, just a few steps from the planetarium. It's part of the comprehensive institute Pisacane and Poerio: two buildings with primary school and middle school. All the activities, both from educational and didactical point of view are primarily focused on well-being of students. The educational proposal, following the ministerial indication, has been enriched by educational trips, schools trips, sports days, concerts, music, theatre and dance as well as themed initiatives in science, languages and art. Among these there are KET and PET (in-depth courses about foreign languages), summer holidays abroad, participation to the math games held by Bocconi university and "Scatti di scienza" (photographs and movies competition about science made by students). The school was involved also in Mission X 2012 and, together with Rai Scuola (the national TV), have been realized a documentary movie for the ministerial project "Salute". There is the student council, two students per class elected by the others. They meet monthly to discuss and propose new ideas and initiatives on how to improve the school and develop solidarity, community spirit and recognition of human and civil rights. Since several years the council is taking care of children remote adoption, together with humanitarian organizations. Presentation of Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado "Bachelet" The school V. Bachelet is a natural continuation of the educational work begun in 1981 by some parents and teachers, founding the Elementary School "The Aurora", they were attempting to create a school in a cooperative solidarity-based education. Since 2006 the Institute Aurora-Bachelet is twinned with the Little Prince Primary School in Nairobi and since September 2012 is based in the brand new facility located in Via Buonarroti in Cernusco S/N. The students from the third classes followed, over the last few years, an articulated astronomy course marked by significant moments: realization of a book to celebrate the 40th Moon landing anniversary, visit the astronomical observatory in Cernusco S/N, see the live event between Pope Benedict XVI and the ISS, meet ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, meet the professor Amalia Ercoli Finzi from Milan University, meet mr. Valerio Nassi and his hand-made space models and meet eng. Marco Molina (Selex ES) who introduced in several lessons the human space exploration and robotic space exploration (specially focused on Rosetta mission). Preparing for the school contact with ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, eng. Marco Molina introduced to students all the details about her Futura mission and provided an autographed Samantha's potrait picture. The schools will alternate questions during the contact. The English translation of the anticipated questions include: 1. Elena: We know that in space is possible to grow plants, but how do you put water and how do you prevent topsoil from floating around? 2. Diana: Is, the precise schedule on the ISS, a constraint or a needs for you? 3. Gaia: Thanks to microgravity, the ISS is a barrier-free environment: do you think space could be considered the new frontier especially for people with disabilities? 4. Maria: Looking at the Sun rising so many times a day is affecting in some way your body and mind? Which are the most important body modification you feel in microgravity? 5. Andrea: Are the computer used in space different from what we use on earth? Which operating system do they have? 6. Davide: How did you discover your passion for astronomy? Did you remember people or events that helped to? 7. Alessandro: Node 2 and 3 have been built in Italy. Do you feel home moving inside these modules? 8. Lia: How do you spend your free time, if you have it, on the ISS? 9. Rebecca: Would you take part in a trip to Mars and back? 10. Andrea: Which people and things do you miss most while living on ISS? How is the life in orbit with just a few people? Do you feel alone? 11. Filippo: We see that you share your experience from the beginning and you still do from there: do you plan to write a book at your return to Earth? 12. Laura: Despite your very long training, did you see things on the ISS that you would never imagined? 13. Filippo: What will you bring back to Earth both physically and mentally? 14. Daniela: Which activities and experiments are you performing on the ISS? 15. Alessia: What was the detail that impressed you most on the ISS? 16. Sergio: How and what do you eat in space? Which are your favourite foods and what is the flavour? 17. Vincenzo: Is it more difficult doing activities without the effect of weight? 18. Claudia: Did you see the historical landing of Rosetta on a comet? If yes, what was your feeling? 19. Loredana: Coming back to Earth, wow are you going to get back used again to weight and gravity, coming back to Earth? 20. Anishta: Do you think it would be possible living in space for normal people like us as students? 21. Anna: What was your feeling after the launch, as soon as you realized of being in space? 22. Matteo: Did you have troubles on the ISS up to now? If yes, what? [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N, David AA4KN for the above information] Television Report about ARISS, Produced by Italian RAI-3 TV The ARISS contact performed Friday January 9, 2015 with three Italian schools was reported extensively by the "Spaziolibero" television program, sponsored by the Italian parliament. Emanuele D'Andria I0ELE, President AMSAT Italia, Francesco De Paolis IK0WGF, secretary AMSAT Italia and Piero Tognolatti I0KPT did an outstanding job presenting ARISS and Amateur Radio to the general public. The program - in Italian - is presently available at: http://tinyurl.com/ANS032-ARISSonTV The video narration gives visibility to the ARISS program, ARISS school contacts and HAMTV. Congratulations to our Italian colleagues for outstanding public relations! [ANS thanks Gaston, ON4WF, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Upcoming NASA Educator Professional Development Webinars NASA Educator Professional Development (EPD) presents free webinars open to all educators. Join NASA Education Specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources to bring NASA into your classroom. Visit the NASA EPD website for more information and to register for any upcoming webinars at https://paragon-tec.adobeconnect.com/admin/show-event-catalog [ANS thanks NEON - NASA Educators Online Network for the above information] + Test Flight for Privately Funded LightSail Spacecraft Lightsail flies in May... Planetary Society Blog Page: http://tinyurl.com/ANS032-BlogLightsail Planetary Society Press Release http://preview.tinyurl.com/ANS032-ReleaseLightsail [ANS thanks the Planetary Society for the above information] + This homebrew satellite antenna project looks quite do-able: http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=30585 [ANS thanks JoAnne K9JKM and DXZone 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, KC8YLD kc8yld at amsat dot org

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Gulyas BNC-to-SMA Adapters - Updated
by Clint Bradford 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Stephen Gulyas has been fabricating the absolute best BNC-to-SMA antenna adapters for several years. These are not "one size fits all" adapters: Stephen realizes that to protect your handheld radio's delicate SMA connector the adapter must "mate" solidly to the case of the radio ... He has just updated his offerings - now covering more than 50 HT models. And the reasonable price has remained the same for as long as I can remember. If you swap antennas a lot ... or otherwise connect/disconnect antenna/cables a lot, then you need one of these adapters. Otherwise, budget for a $45-75 antenna jack replacement repair job down the line ... (grin) The three-page .pdf document is posted on the ANTENNAS page at ... http://www.work-sat.com Clint Bradford K6LCS 909-241-7666

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ISS
by graham mcphee 01 Feb '15

01 Feb '15

Pictures still coming down at 2300UTC Graham VK2AYE

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Received Images
by David Hopkins 31 Jan '15

31 Jan '15

I received two images a few minutes ago here on the east coast of Australia. There was a female voice in the background. She appeared to be giving location as I heard the word Australia several times. David David G. Hopkins (VK4ZF) CAPALABA QLD AUSTRALIA 27.32.38S 153.12.03E QG62OL Skype :- davhop

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Pair of Advanced Receiver Preamps for Sale
by Clayton Coleman 31 Jan '15

31 Jan '15

I am selling a pair of Advanced Receiver Research preamps. One is 2m and one is 70cm. Both are the mast-mount (outdoor) models. They will handle 160 watt of RF through their relays. Both units have been sent to Advanced Receiver Research after they were taken down for service and have not been used since. They were used with the RF choke installed so that you can power them via coax from your rig. I will also supply the original power connector so that you can remove the choke if you desire to power them separately. I do not have the original mounting hardware but you can source it locally with ease. MSP144VDG-160 is the 2m preamp and MSP432VDG-160 is the 70cm preamp. They sell for $259 new. I'm asking $357 for the pair, shipped anywhere in the continental US. I'm willing to ship them internationally but the price will be adjusted according to the destination. I will not separate the pair. Reply directly to this email and not to the BB, please. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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SSTV from ISS now operational
by M5AKA 31 Jan '15

31 Jan '15

Slow Scan TV from the ISS this weekend on 145.800 MHz FM next UK pass at 20:46 GMT http://amsat-uk.org/2015/01/29/iss-sstv-this-weekend/ You can receive it online via SUWS WebSDR near London http://amsat-uk.org/2014/09/06/iss-sstv-on-suws-websdr/ http://websdr.suws.org.uk/ ----Trevor M5AKAAMSAT-UKWebsite http://amsat-uk.org/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amsatukTwitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK----

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ISS - SSTV
by Roland Zurmely 31 Jan '15

31 Jan '15

18:49 UTC over Brazil:Very strong carrier, 3 mn ON, 3 mn OFF, and no SSTV modulation :-( 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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ISS pictures
by graham mcphee 31 Jan '15

31 Jan '15

Good quality pictures received here in VK at 2130 pass Graham VK2AYE

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS - SSTV
by Roger Kolakowski 31 Jan '15

31 Jan '15

Just going over my recordings from yesterday and I have two women speaking in Italian, both sides of conversation, excellent radio procedure complete with " overs" on 145.800. As it acted like a Leo reception I assume it was specialist Samantha. Roger WA1KAT

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