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Coax routing question
by Dave J 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

I am assembling a satellite antenna system using the M2 2MCP22 and 436CP30 circularly polarized antennas with polarity switches and a fiberglass cross arm. The M2 instructions specify the feedline going off the rear of the antennas. Mechanically I would prefer to route the feedline and polarity control up the boom to the cross arm. I plan on mounting the antennas in a cross pattern with no element parallel to the cross arm. Since the RF connectors face the rear I was planning on making a hairpin loop at the rear of the boom or using good quality 90 degree elbows. Just wondering if folks have had experience setting things up this way and what effect (if any) this would have on performance. Thanks and Happy Holidays Dave WB9YIG

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Fat Deer Key
by Kevin M 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Who/what/when is that guy that was going to be on SO-50 from Fat Deer Key in Florida about this time? Can't find original email. Best CONUS DX from Seattle. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle Pretty sure you mean Sean KX9X... he was on the 0237z pass of SO-50 tonight. If he's on the next pass, might be your last shot at him. His QRZed page says he would be there Dec 13th through the 18th, which was today. Good luck!

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ISS SSTV Recording via SDR-Console V2.3 over Europe?
by Stefan Wagener 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hi, If anyone is able to record the ISS SSTV transmissions over Europe tomorrow (and or Saturday) using the SDR Console V2.3 data IQ recording function, please let me know. Would appreciate some raw data files made with that software (no plain audio recording please). Why over Europe? Because the SSTV transmission schedule is primarily set up for Europe. By the time the ISS is hitting NA, the SSTV transmissions are almost finished. We have one pass over the eastern part of the US that might work and it is still a low horizon pass for the middle of Canada (Winnipeg). Much appreciated! 73 Stefan, VE4NSA

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MMSSTV problem with automatic saving pictures.
by Cor PDØRKC 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hello radio friends, I use MMSSTV to receive ISS SSTV pictures. Today ISS transmitted SSTV pictures in the PD180 mode. The received photo comes perfect on the main MMSSTV screen. But when I look into the MMSSTV History folder I see distorted photos on harddisc. This is one of the distorted pictures. http://www.zendamateur.com/download/file.php?id=11857&mode=view This problem never happend before with other SSTV modes. After receiving an ISS SSTV photo I have made a screenshot photo and cutted out the good quality picture. Anyone knows what might be the problem? 73's Cor PD0RKC

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS voice over is announcing countries -=for KB2M=-
by Cor PDØRKC 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hello Jeff, MMSSTV suport the PD180 mode. http://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv.php 73s Cor PD0RKC

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ISS voice over is announcing countries
by andy thomas 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

My Russian is shamefully rusty but I heard the female voice underneath the signals announcing Spain, France, Ireland and Germany as they were sub-station. I have recoredd the transmission through mmstv and will listen again later. Perhaps our Russian-speaking friends can enlighten us further? 73 de andy g0sfj

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gagarin night sky images
by andy thomas 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Thanks Cor. An interesting new sound from the ISS! I've also noticed, by reference to what could be Cassiopaea, next to the Soyuz, that the night sky behind the different Gagarin stamps is not exactly the same as you toggle between pictures 1, 9 and 12 in the series (I have only received 1,9 and 12)... I wonder if it is showing rotation or something else? Or nothing at all? 73 de aandy g0sfj

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS voice over is announcing countries
by Cor PDØRKC 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hello Andy, Russians have tracking software active (on the same laptop for SSTV) with a voice telling them the positions above earth. 73s Cor PD0RKC

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Fat Deer Key
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Who/what/when is that guy that was going to be on SO-50 from Fat Deer Key in Florida about this time? Can't find original email. Best CONUS DX from Seattle. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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Happy Holidays
by Group of Astrodynamics 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Dear Sir/Madam, G.A.U.S.S. Team wishes You his warmest thoughts for a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gentile Signore/Signora, il Team G.A.U.S.S. desidera porLe i migliori auguri di serene festività e di un felice anno nuovo. -- Gruppo di Astrodinamica per l'Uso dei Sistemi Spaziali - Group of Astrodynamics for the Use of Space Systems Via Lariana, 5 00199 Roma website <http://www.gaussteam.com> facebook <https://www.facebook.com/GaussSrl?fref=ts>

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iss sstv 15.59 UT
by Fer 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hello another pic from ISS, seems a 8 minutes interval from picture to picture ISS sstv 18dec14 15_59 UT.jpg | | | | | | | | | | | ISS sstv 18dec14 15_59 UT.jpgShared with Dropbox | | | | View on www.dropbox.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | | 73 Fer iw1dtu

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ISS transmitting SSTV images.
by Cor PDØRKC 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hello radio friends, Russian ISS crew started transmitting SSTV images. Amateur radio operators from several different countries have received SSTV images from ISS. Some of them have sended their received SSTV images to the ARISS SSTV gallery: http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php If you have received SSTV images please send them via the ARISS SSTV submission page: http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/submit.php We may not be able to display every image because of quality or duplication. But we keep them in the archieve for futher investigation. Thanks in advance! 73's Cor PD0RKC

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ISS OVER CHILE CA3SOC
by Raul Romero 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k9jpeawr5pl441s/ISS%202014-12-18%20CA3SOC.jpg?dl=0 KENWOOD TS-2000X OPEK UVS200 VERTICAL ANTENNA 73 RAUL CA3SOC

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ISS Celebrates Gagarin's 80 th birthday
by andy thomas 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Pictures now being broadcast on 145.8 celebrate 80 years since the birth day of Yuri gaagrin. the pictures are in pd 180 format and have fm audio underneath. I have the second ha;f of the first image as she rose above my horizon. This orbit is too far East for me, unless I demolish the house next door! 73 de andy g0sfj

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ISS SSTV active
by Fer 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

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COSMOS-2499/RS47 CW telemetry
by Jean-Pierre Godet 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hi all ! Looks like the RS47 is now more often in CW telemetry mode. The 435.565 MHz TX is always transmitting the digital DOKA-B when in view of Moscow (>= 4 deg above horizon) as does often the 435.465 TX, but when this last frequency was not busy, then the CW telemetry could be heard this morning (orbits 2675, 76 and 77): orbit 2675 from 06:53:21 till 06:54:51 UTC: RS47 UBS 464 UAB 163 IBS 0 IAB 127 M (then digital transmission until LOS here) orbit 2676 from 08:40:13 till 06:47:29 UTC: IBS 0 IAB 127 MPWA 0 MPWB 145 TTXA 157 TTXB 155 TNAP 154 TGBV 154 TCON 160 MCON 69 SMA 86 SMB 79 MRXA 26 MRXB 14 RS47 UBS 165 UAB 164 IBS 0 IAB 128 MPWA 0 then about one minute and a half of digital transmission and this short sequence from 06:49:08 till 06:49:29 UTC: RS47 UBS 165 (the digital DOKA-B until LOS). A short piece of the orbit 2676 pass is here: http://f5yg.pagesperso-orange.fr/forum/COSMOS-2499_orb2676_18dec2014.mp3 Best 73 ! Jean-Pierre F5YG -- Powered by Linux (Adafruit Occidentalis 0.2 on Raspberry Pi - Kernel 3.1.9)

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ignore
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 17 Dec '14

17 Dec '14

This is a test Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn

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DESPATCH Cosmic Poem under data reconstruction
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 17 Dec '14

17 Dec '14

Dear all, The DESPATCH spacecraft is still alive over 5,000,000km far away. As it is in the phase3, the cosmic poem finished to send. Now the members are trying to reconstruct the data. You can see the process from: https://github.com/ARTSAT/DespatchTelemetry The screen shot pictures are included here, and the decoded data is listed in the file named "poem.txt". The data are only bits raw, but you will get the meaning after you apply the format infomation on the wik i: http://despatch.artsat.jp/en/Cooperative_Data_Reconstruction Than you! de ji1izr/Masahiro ********************************** 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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Astronaut’s first school contact from ISS
by M5AKA 16 Dec '14

16 Dec '14

Samathantha Cristoforetti IZ0UDF has written about her first amateur radio school contact from the International Space Station http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/16/astronauts-first-school-contact-from-iss/ ---- 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] Congratulations GRID MASTER #2
by Andrew Glasbrenner 16 Dec '14

16 Dec '14

Great work Doug! It is an impressive accomplishment. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Doug Papay <doug.papay(a)gmail.com> >Sent: Dec 16, 2014 8:55 AM >To: wa4hfn(a)comcast.net, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, starcom-bb(a)star-com.net >Cc: Rick - WA4NVM <wa4nvm(a)comcast.net>, John Papay <k8yse(a)papays.com> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Congratulations GRID MASTER #2 > >Hi Damon, > >Thanks for recognizing my accomplishment, it certainly would not have been possible without the help of the many individuals that went to extra effort to activate so many rare grids. These include those who recently helped put the last 30 or so girds in the log: my father K8YSE, Tom KA6SIP, Denny WB8K, Bill N2COP, Ron N8RO, Craig KL4E, Ed WA7ETH, Steven KF7SLV, Wyatt AC0RA, and Clayton W5PFG. Special recognition goes to my father K8YSE, Jim ND9M, Patrick WD9EWK, and Ted AA5CK for having been major contributors over the years to this accomplishment. I’m sure there are may more that I have not mentioned, and so I’m thankful for every effort, every contact is appreciated! > >I also want to thank Rick WA4NVM for the heads-up via text from my father K8YSE about FM13 on Sunday morning—while I missed Bill N2COP that day, this head’s-up gave the motivation to be at the radio on Monday morning, and sure enough Bill was there and the contact was logged. Without these guys watching out for me I would have missed the grid yet again. (Thanks Rick!) > >73, Doug KD8CAO > >Ps. Grid #488 (FM13 via SO-50 with N2COP) was logged on 15/Dec/2014 @ 1252Z. > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 2 >Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:56:02 +0000 (UTC) >From: wa4hfn(a)comcast.net <mailto:[email protected]> >To: AMSAT <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]>> >Cc: "gol, Grid" <starcom-bb(a)star-com.net <mailto:[email protected]>> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Congratulations GRID MASTER #2 >Message-ID: > <122214469.4659184.1418658962927.JavaMail.zimbra(a)comcast.net <mailto:[email protected]>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > >Congratulations to Doug KD8CAO for having worked all 488 US grids > GRID MASTER award # 2 12-14-2014 >Great Job Doug > >WA4HFN Damon >www.starcommgroup.org <http://www.starcommgroup.org/> > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed >are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. >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] Congratulations GRID MASTER #2
by Doug Papay 16 Dec '14

16 Dec '14

Hi Damon, Thanks for recognizing my accomplishment, it certainly would not have been possible without the help of the many individuals that went to extra effort to activate so many rare grids. These include those who recently helped put the last 30 or so girds in the log: my father K8YSE, Tom KA6SIP, Denny WB8K, Bill N2COP, Ron N8RO, Craig KL4E, Ed WA7ETH, Steven KF7SLV, Wyatt AC0RA, and Clayton W5PFG. Special recognition goes to my father K8YSE, Jim ND9M, Patrick WD9EWK, and Ted AA5CK for having been major contributors over the years to this accomplishment. I’m sure there are may more that I have not mentioned, and so I’m thankful for every effort, every contact is appreciated! I also want to thank Rick WA4NVM for the heads-up via text from my father K8YSE about FM13 on Sunday morning—while I missed Bill N2COP that day, this head’s-up gave the motivation to be at the radio on Monday morning, and sure enough Bill was there and the contact was logged. Without these guys watching out for me I would have missed the grid yet again. (Thanks Rick!) 73, Doug KD8CAO Ps. Grid #488 (FM13 via SO-50 with N2COP) was logged on 15/Dec/2014 @ 1252Z. ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:56:02 +0000 (UTC) From: wa4hfn(a)comcast.net <mailto:[email protected]> To: AMSAT <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]>> Cc: "gol, Grid" <starcom-bb(a)star-com.net <mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Congratulations GRID MASTER #2 Message-ID: <122214469.4659184.1418658962927.JavaMail.zimbra(a)comcast.net <mailto:[email protected]>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Congratulations to Doug KD8CAO for having worked all 488 US grids GRID MASTER award # 2 12-14-2014 Great Job Doug WA4HFN Damon www.starcommgroup.org <http://www.starcommgroup.org/>

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Last night's DM36 activity by AD7DB & N7JY
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

Hi! I received another e-mail from Dave AD7DB this morning, following up on the quick stop he and his brother John N7JY made in northwestern Arizona for an SO-50 pass late last night. It sounded like they enjoyed working that pass from a rare spot. Dave and John were driving from Utah back to southern California, and found that they could stop in grid DM36 for one SO-50 pass last night. DM36 covers much of the Grand Canyon, along with portions of Arizona north of the canyon and around the small section of I-15 that connects Nevada and Utah. Dave and John stopped at milepost 12 along old US-91 (the highway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, before I-15 was built), 3 miles north of Beaver Dam. This spot was in grid DM36aw. Dave said they had a great view of the sky to work SO-50, and also see some of the Geminid meteor shower last night. Dave and John were using an older Kenwood TM-V7A 2m/70cm FM mobile transceiver, connected to an Elk 2m/70cm log periodic antenna, operating full-duplex. This is the setup they have been using to work SO-50 lately. While I was in the footprint, I heard AD7DB and N7JY work several other stations after I worked AD7DB - W5CBF and N0JY in Texas, AC0RA in Iowa, WN8QGV in Michigan, and N4UFO in North Carolina. Dave and John are relatively new to working satellites, and did a good job to hand out QSOs from that spot near the middle of nowhere. :-) They will prepare QSL cards with grid DM36 and that location listed on the card, when they return home. Thanks to Dave and John for making the effort last night. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Congratulations GRID MASTER #2
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

Congratulations to Doug KD8CAO for having worked all 488 US grids GRID MASTER award # 2 12-14-2014 Great Job Doug WA4HFN Damon www.starcommgroup.org

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73 on 73 Award #4 - EA5TT
by Paul Stoetzer 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

Congratulations to Manuel D. Ruiz Carrasco, EA5TT, for becoming the fourth recipient of the 73 on 73 Award. He submitted a list of 73 stations worked via AO-73 between September 1, 2014 and December 8, 2014. For more information on the award see http://amsat-uk.org/funcube/73-on-73-award/ 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM

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DM36 on SO-50 tonight @ 0550 UTC
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

Hi! I received an e-mail from Dave AD7DB, saying that he and his brother John N7JY will be in grid DM36 in northern Arizona for the SO-50 pass at 0550 UTC (2150 PST/0050 EST) tonight. One pass only, according to Dave's e-mail. I do not know which call will be heard on that pass. Good luck, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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FUNcube-1 AO73 weekend mode
by Graham Shirville 14 Dec '14

14 Dec '14

Hi All, During the 0930 pass over Europe, we commanded FUNcube-1 AO73 into amateur transponder mode for the weekend. We apologise for not having done this last evening (UTC) but last night the operators were away starting their holiday festivities..... thanks and 73 Graham G3VZV

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test
by Kevin Schuchmann 14 Dec '14

14 Dec '14

test

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SatPC32 question.
by Bob's hamshack 14 Dec '14

14 Dec '14

I remember this problem being solved before on the list but have been unable to find it in the archive. What does "Ungultige gleitkommoaoperatioin" mean? I get this on startup after a new install of satpc32 on the Windows 8.1 side of a dual boot 64 bit machine. Satpc32 is running fine on the Windows 7 side of this same dual boot. Bob, k4vb N ALA

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ISS APRS in low power?
by Pavel Milanes Costa 14 Dec '14

14 Dec '14

Hi to all... From a few days now (3 actually) I have been monitoring the ISS APRS digipiter, and seems to me that the power has been turned down or equipment changed... Today I conducted a (long delayed) maintenance to my 3 antennas on the back yard, two J-poles and the HF doublet... I was worried about the performance of my antennas, nope... SWR is 1.2 and lower on the two J-poles... and I can reach the usual local and quasi-dx repiters in my area... (hombrew copper pipe J-Poles and AH LDF-4 on both...) So, I'm right? ISS APRS equipment has reduced power? I remember working ISS APRS with this setup and signals was very strong, now I have to open the squelch to hear something... 73 from CO7WT.

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ANS-348 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 14 Dec '14

14 Dec '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-348 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: * SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station * Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule * OSCAR Number for DESPATCH * UWE-3 CubeSat Update * Send your code into space with astronaut Tim Peake KG5BVI SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-348.01 ANS-348 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 348.01 From AMSAT HQ Kensington, MD. December 14, 2014 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-348.01 SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station The Russian ARISS team members plan to activate SSTV from the ISS on Thursday December 18 and Saturday December 20, 2014. 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. Start time would be around 14:20 UTC on December 18 and 12:40 UTC on December 20. The transmissions should terminate around 21:30 UTC each day. For ongoing information visit the ARISS SSTV Blogspot http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ Also, the full set of archived SSTV images are located at: http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php Those that receive images can upload to the above link. The best of the best uploads may make it to the blog. SpaceX CRS-55 will be launching this week and delays in the launch could adjust SSTV operational times. [ANS Thanks Gaston ON4WF, ARISS-Europe chairman, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Istituto Tecnico Statale Economico e Tecnologico "Elena di Savoia" -- " Piero Calamandrei", Bari, Italy, direct via IZ7EVR and State Technical Institute of Technology Alessandro Volta, Bitonto, Italy, direct via IZ7EVR Contact is presently scheduled to be with IRØISS Contact is a go for: Mon 2014-12-15 15:18:40 UTC 44 deg Yekaterinburg, Russia, direct via TBD Contact is presently scheduled to be with RSØISS Contact is a go for Sun 2014-12-21 11:55 UTC (primary) or Sun 2014-12-21 13:00 UTC (backup) Kursk, Russia, direct via TBD Contact is presently scheduled to be with RSØISS Contact is a go for Thu 2014-12-24 TBD UTC Kursk, Russia, direct via TBD Contact is presently scheduled to be with RSØISS Contact is a go for Fri 2014-12-25 TBD UTC ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. For US schools, just a reminder that proposals for hosting an ARISS contact are due December 15, 2014. [ANS thanks Charlie, AJ9N, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- OSCAR Number for DESPATCH Prof. Akihiro Kubota of the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan has informed AMSAT-NA of the successful launch on December 3 of deep space probe DESPATCH. One important mission for DESPATCH is an experiment in what is called "cooperative diversity communication." In this experiment, an attempt will be made to collect signals from the spacecraft received not only at the ground station in Tokyo, but also at many ham radio stations around the world. This is in order to reconstruct the original data from the spacecraft. Reception of such weak signals to reconstruct data from the spacecraft will require the expertise of exceptionally skilled ham operators. The builders are thereby providing a rare opportunity to receive radio signals transmitted by a spacecraft in deep space, and ask for cooperation radio amateurs around the world in the project. Initially, it was expected that the spacecraft would last only a few days but now it appears that this assessment was pessimistic with a longer life now expected.. Since DESPATCH appears to have met all of the requirements for an OSCAR number, including IARU coordination, I hereby with the authority vested in me be the AMSAT-NA President, do confer on DESPATCH, the OSCAR number Fuji OSCAR 81 or FO-81. I use the Fuji designation in recognition of the long history of contributions the Japanese have made to Amateur Radio satellites. I trust that Fuji OSCAR-81's mission will be successful and much valuable date collected. 73, William (Bill) Tynan, W3XO OSCAR Number Administrator Further information about the Cooperative Data Reconstruction project can be found at the link below. http://despatch.artsat.jp/en/Cooperative_Data_Reconstruction [ANS thanks Bill, W3XO, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- UWE-3 CubeSat Update UWE-3 was launched with FUNcube-1 on November 21, 2013, the team says they will now be temporarily ending operations. Today, more than one year after launch, there will be a temporary end of operations caused by the end of funding. However, UWE-3 is in a very good health condition with fully charged batteries and operations may be continued depending on future research plans. Without any reception from ground, UWE-3 will carry out a warm reset every four days and switch regularly between the redundant on-board processors and radios. Therefore, UWE-3 will switch back to its nominal frequency of 437.385 MHz. Nevertheless we appreciate the extensive support we received from the HAM amateurs in the past and hope that also in the future the status of UWE-3 will be monitored with your support, like you did so many times in the past year. Thank you so much for the very helpful cooperation in this respect! UEW-3 News http://www7.informatik.uni- wuerzburg.de/forschung/space_exploration/projects/uwe_3/uwe_3_news/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Send your code into space with astronaut Tim Peake KG5BVI Leading UK space organisations have joined forces with UK Astronaut Tim Peake KG5BVI and Raspberry Pi to offer students a chance to devise and code their own apps or experiment to run in space. Two Raspberry Pi computers are planned to be flown to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Tim's 6 month mission and both will be connected to a new "Astro Pi" board, loaded with a host of sensors and gadgets. Launched December 10 at an event held by the UK Space Agency, the Astro Pi competition will be officially opened at the BETT conference (January 21-24) and will be open to all primary and secondary school aged children who are resident in the United Kingdom. The competition will be supported by a comprehensive suite of teaching resources that are being developed by ESERO-UK and Raspberry Pi. During his mission to the ISS, Tim Peake KG5BVI plans to deploy the Astro Pi computers in a number of different locations on board the ISS. He will then load up the winning code whilst in orbit, set them running, collect the data generated and then download this to Earth where it will be distributed to the winning teams. Speaking at the Astro Pi launch event, Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, also revealed that the UK Space Agency has been given a £2 million programme, as part of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, to support further outreach activities around Tim's mission, particularly to help inspire interest in STEM subjects. Tim Peake KG5BVI said I'm really excited about this project, born out of the cooperation among UK industries and institutions. There is huge scope for fun science and useful data gathering using the Astro Pi sensors on board the International Space Station. This competition offers a unique chance for young people to learn core computing skills that will be extremely useful in their future. It's going to be a lot of fun! To help students on their way in developing their code, five inspirational themes have been devised to stimulate creativity and scientific thinking. The themes are Spacecraft Sensors, Satellite Imaging, Space Measurements, Data Fusion and Space Radiation. In the primary school age category, teams will be asked to devise and describe an original idea for an experiment or application which can be conducted on the Astro Pi by Tim during his mission. The two best submissions will get the opportunity to work with the Astro Pi team to interpret their ideas and the team at the Raspberry Pi Foundation will then code them ready for flight on the ISS. In the secondary school age group, the competition will be run across three age categories, one for each of Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 (in England and Wales, and their equivalent ages in Scotland and Northern Ireland). In the first phase, competitors can submit their ideas for experiments and applications. At least the best 50 submissions in each age category will win a Raspberry Pi computer and an Astro Pi board on which to code their idea. In phase 2, all teams will develop code based on their original concept and two winning teams will be selected in each age category. The winning teams' code will be readied for flight by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and CGI. As well as having their code uploaded to the ISS, all winning teams will each receive a class set of Raspberry Pi and Astro Pi boards, meet the Astro Pi team and participate in a winners event during Tim's flight. In addition to the main prizes, each of the UK space companies supporting the project have offered a prize. These prizes will be awarded to the best submission associated with each of the themes, across the age ranges. ESERO-UK and Raspberry Pi are developing a comprehensive suite of teaching resources to link to the curriculum and assist teachers of STEM subjects in engaging their students in the competition. As well as explaining how to use and write code for the Astro Pi and its sensors, the resources will provide a context for the Astro Pi in the curriculum and link to teaching subjects and areas. The first two resources of the series are available now in the National STEM Centre eLibrary and the rest will follow. Launching the Astro Pi computers, and consequently the successful implementation and completion of this competition is subject to nominal progress through the ESA integration programme and operations on-board the ISS. BBC TV News: Astronaut Tim Peake KG5BVI invites Raspberry Pi challenge http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30415207 Astro Pi: Your code in space http://astro-pi.org/ [ANS thanks the UK Space Agency for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

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MIR 16th Anniversary of SSTV
by Farrell Winder 13 Dec '14

13 Dec '14

December 12, 2014 marked the 16th year anniversary of the historic and very successful event of receiving live SSTV pictures from the Mir Space Station. On December 12, 1998 the 1st pictures were received on Earth and continued through April 2000 consisting of several hundreds of exciting images of the crew, space and of the Earth. Many of the pictures as catalogued by Marexmg.org may be viewed at: http:www.marexmg.org/imagessstv/fulllist. Pictures were created by a small SSTV System developed through the efforts of several Amateur Radio Operators including Don Miller, W9NTP, Hank Cantrell, W4HTB, Farrell Winder, W8ZCF, Miles Mann, WF1F, David Larsen, N6CO and Sergej Samburov, RV3DR. Mir was deorbited in March, 2001 after a 15 year voyage. Above note compiled by Farrell Winder, W8ZCF, e-mail: fwinder(a)fuse.net

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DESPATCHtrack and ShinEn2track Revised
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 13 Dec '14

13 Dec '14

Hello, I revised the utilities for the spacecrafts, DESAPTCH and ShinEn2. The formar versions occur error when you crick the "Now" button today. The new versions of the date and time range are revised according to the revision of the API data. You can get the new ones from: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ham_satellite/in_english/index.html Thank you. ji1izr/Masahiro ********************************** 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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DESPATCH becomes FO-81
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 13 Dec '14

13 Dec '14

Dear all, The DESPATCH spacecraft becomes FO-81. You can see the announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7828379515/permalink/10152961856929516/ Thank you so much for your support! The DESPATCH is still alive over 2,000,000 km far away from the earth. ji1izr/Masahiro ********************************** 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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ignore
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 13 Dec '14

13 Dec '14

Test email 14 12 12 Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn

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Appreciate posting of the following text on the AMSAT-BB today if possible. Thanks
by Farrell Winder 13 Dec '14

13 Dec '14

Note to AMSAT. Today December 12, 2014 marks the 16th year anniversary of the historic and very successful event of receiving live SSTV pictures from the Mir Space Station. On December 12, 1998 the 1st pictures were received on Earth and continued through April 2000 consisting of several hundreds of exciting images of the crew, space and of the Earth. Many of the pictures as catalogued by Marexmg.org may be viewed at: http:www.marexmg.org/imagessstv/fulllist. Pictures were created by a small SSTV System developed through the efforts of several Amateur Radio Operators including Don Miller, W9NTP, Hank Cantrell, W4HTB, Farrell Winder, W8ZCF, Miles Mann, WF1F, David Larsen, N6CO and Sergej Samburov, RV3DR. Mir was deorbited in March, 2001. Above note compiled by Farrell Winder, W8ZCF, e-mail: fwinder(a)fuse.net

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SSTV transmissions from the ISS Dec 18 and 20
by M5AKA 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

SSTV transmissions from the ISS Dec 18 and 20 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/10/sstv-from-iss/ PocketQubes in SatMagazine http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/10/pocketqubes-in-satmagazine/ Polish radio amateurs two million km record http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/09/despatch-2m-km-record/ Ofcom Amateur Radio Licence Statement http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/05/ofcom-amateur-radio-licence-statement/ RSGB licence review forum http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2014/december/rsgb_licence_review_forum.htm ---- 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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Mir SSTV 16th Annniversary
by Farrell Winder 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

To: AMSAT BB It would be very much appreciated if the attached note could be listed on the AMSAT- BB . Farrell Winder, W8ZCF

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Re: [amsat-bb] Design The Next AMSAT Satellite
by Tom Schuessler 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

Even if this PSK/FM design was only in LEO it would be very heavily used I believe but I think there would be limitations to the volume of traffic that it would get at a higher orbit. The disadvantage of the L/S in the higher orbit is it will take away the advantage I mentioned about a ready pool of HF PSK operators to immediately use the thing. That would put it back into the realm of a niche hobby for the few. 73 de N5HYP Tom Schuessler _____________________________________________________ Message: 5 Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 18:45:59 +0000 (UTC) From: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> To: Tom Schuessler <tjschuessler(a)verizon.net> Cc: AmsatBB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Design The Next AMSAT Satellite Message-ID: <202739126.1160172.1418323559913.JavaMail.zimbra(a)comcast.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Add to the aforementioned - all in a sat that is in a Molniya type orbit with L & S band capability like AO-40 (sobsob) 73 Bob W7LRD

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ignore
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

Testemail Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn

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Re: [amsat-bb] Design The Next AMSAT Satellite
by Tom Schuessler 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

Bob, Even if this PSK/FM design was only in LEO it would be very heavily used I believe but I think there would be limitations to the volume of traffic that it would get at a higher orbit and higher frequencies. The disadvantage of the L/S in the higher orbit is it will take away the advantage I mentioned about a ready pool of HF PSK operators to immediately use the thing. That would put it back into the realm of a niche hobby for the few. To help us get to our goal of higher and more sophisticated satellites, we need to create excitement in other facets of the hobby that can overlap to our niche and thus increase the pool of AMSAT supporters. 73 de N5HYP Tom Schuessler _____________________________________________________ Message: 5 Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 18:45:59 +0000 (UTC) From: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> To: Tom Schuessler <tjschuessler(a)verizon.net> Cc: AmsatBB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Design The Next AMSAT Satellite Message-ID: <202739126.1160172.1418323559913.JavaMail.zimbra(a)comcast.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Add to the aforementioned - all in a sat that is in a Molniya type orbit with L & S band capability like AO-40 (sobsob) 73 Bob W7LRD

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fo-29 pileup
by jeff griffin 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

I was amazed to work Brad kc9uqr in em87in a pileup a few minutes ago on fo-29. It was kinda cool to work a pileup on a satellite again, last time I did that was on AO-40. I'm very glad I got my sat station back online, and a big thanks to Brad.. 73 Jeff kb2m

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FUNcube-1 Launch: Date and time confirmed
by M5AKA 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

The latest news about the launch date and time has just been confirmed by Kosmotras. The launch date of RS-20B rocket (Dnepr) with a group of satellites (DubaiSat-2 cluster mission) from Dombarovsky missile area (Yasny Launch Base) has been established for November 21, 2013 at 07:10:11 UT. The back-up launch date is November 22, 2013 at 07:10:11 UT. We will shortly be providing prelaunch TLEs and, in about 7/10 days, the Dashboard software that is needed to demodulate and display the telemetry information. More information about the Dashboard can found here http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/ FUNcube Yahoo Group http://amsat-uk.org/funcube/yahoo-group/ ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Design The Next AMSAT Satellite
by Tom Schuessler 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Hello all, This is relating to the brainstorming activity that AMSAT-NA is promoting to design the next AMSAT satellite. I know there is lots of talk about using 10Ghz for HEO birds doing yet to be developed digital communications modes that can carry multitudinous amounts of digital communications on a transponder, but I would like to reinvigorate a thread that Bob Brunnings, WB4APR tossed out over a year ago on this forum and have heard nothing about it since. Bob suggested a satellite that would have a linear to FM transponder specifically to run PSK31. This "Analigital" mode is very efficient in spectrum usage as anyone has seen during a contest like Field Day, where 30 or more signals can coexist in a 3KHz chunk of 20 meters around 14.070. As I remember his idea was to allow for uplink to the satellite on 2 meters into a linear transponder with a downlink on FM 435Mhz. The BFO audio output would be decoded and re-applied to an FM (Always on) transmitter. Because the output would be FM, the only hard Doppler correction would need to be on the uplink side and decode could be on nothing more than an HT connected to a computer sound card with the only need to do the 2.5 or 5 Khz step tuning we all use with our HTs for SO-50 passes to keep signals coming in clear. Perhaps, and somebody could speak to this area, perhaps the uplink could be on the 10 meter satellite sub-band or an arranged portion of the higher side of the 10 meter phone band, away from other terrestrial PSK activity. 10 meter Doppler to the satellite would be quite small and would minimize the amount of AFC that the PSK RX software would have to negotiate. Even a non-full-length receive whip on the satellite should be able to pick up the uplink signals transmitted at normal PSK levels below 30 watts. listening to the audio output of the FM radio, would make it easy to keep ones drifting signal in place for decode. The normal 3Khz bandwidth pass band for FM will work just wonderfully for PSK 31. For this up/down configuration In full duplex, you would be able to hear your own PSK signal and keep in place relatively easy with just a bit of practice. Oh yeah, there would be signals floating across the band but that is how it is now on SSB and CW when operators cannot use full computer aided correction. Here is the real plus to this idea; We would open up the world of Amateur radio satellites to a whole new collection of operators around the world who love these digital modes and would relish a challenge of learning how to do PSK in a different way. It would be much more efficient than a pure FM voice transponder yet it still will be VERY accessible to the vast majority of Hams like me who are under significant budgetary constraints on equipment purchases. Also bringing satellite accessibility to a new segment of the Ham community could increase the support level for AMSAT projects and that would bring more dollars to build more elaborate ideas. I wonder if since Fox 1D is still uncommitted for launch if it could not be reconfigured to a 2 up SSB/70 down FM configuration to give this a try? Might be interesting. I really think Bob was on to something here and I have been surprised that nobody else has picked up on it or that I heard nothing about this coming out of the AMSAT Symposium that last October. Here's hoping that the discussion will continue and that we can see something like this get flown. Just a few thoughts from a little guy. 73 de Tom, N5HYP

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ignore
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

This is a test Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn

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Re: [amsat-bb] satpc32 not DL new KEPS
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

I have this same problem when needing Keps for a sats not on the list. 1. Go to the AMSAT website and bring up the Keps screen. 2. Press "Ctrl" and "A" key at the same time. This high lights the entire Keps listing. 3. Select "file" from the top menu then select "Save as." 4. A screen comes up where to save it, what name you want, and the file type. 5. Pick a place to save it where you can find it. 6. I usually give it a name like NASA_12Dec2014. 7. I always save it as a text file. 8. Click "save." 8. You should be able to find this file using SatPC32. Choose "Sat" from the SatPC32 menu, Instead of doing the download, find the file you just created at same sat screen location. I'm away from the QTH and the XP system so I'm doing this from memory. This computer is Windows 8. Also SatPC32 isn't on this computer. If needed, I can download SatPC32 onto this computer. GL, Mike (K9QHO) ------------------------------------------------- Subject: [amsat-bb] satpc32 not DL new KEPS I have two older XP computers each with Satpc32 one downloads the KEPS from the list, the other with the same list does not. The not working one works fine online. The non working one is the one I use for my 910 and rotor control. The last down load was three days ago and worked fine. Ideas, for the digitally challenged? 73 Bob W7LRD _______________________________________________

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LVB Tracker Display Header Pin
by Philip Berkowitz 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

I am working on replacing the display in my LVB Tracker. I have the display but need some help regarding the part number for the 16 pin header that goes into the display board. Thanks for your help! 73 Phil WX1CT

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PreAmp
by Craig 10 Dec '14

10 Dec '14

Is anyone using the Mirage KP 2/440 Mast Mounted Preamp ? I just ordered one to give it a try as I have been having issues with AR2.. Yes Clayton, I should have listened to you haha. So now the quest is on for a less expensive alternative that will give good results. On Paper it looks really good, so if anyone has any input let me know, and if not I¹ll post my findings after it gets here on Saturday 73 Craig W1MSG

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W1AW/9 - IL - Thank you!
by Grant Zehr 10 Dec '14

10 Dec '14

Thanks to everyone who took time to call in to W1AW/9 over the past week while we were operating from Illinois. I had a great time and got to chat with a lot of the 'regulars' and some new folks as well. Contacts were made on AO-7 (mode B only), FO-29, SO-50, AO-73 and the ISS packet repeater. A total of 225 contacts are in the log, with some stations working W1AW/9 - IL several times on different satellites, passes, and modes (which is great!). Somewhere around 100 unique call signs were logged, final count is not yet done. QSL's will be handled by the ARRL, with Logbook of the World being the preferred method of submitting requests. Here is the link to ARRL Centennial QSO party QSL information: http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party Be sure that you log the contact information in the correct format. Satellite QSO's require additional information which is not required for terrestrial QSO's. N5JB wrote up the instructions for using LOTW to confirm satellite QSO's. I have followed his advice and it does work with LOTW. Here's the link http://www.arrl.org/files/file/LoTW%20Instructions/N5JB.pdf ISS keyboard contacts with W1AW-9 should be logged with: QSO mode = Pkt * Tx band = 2 meters * Propagation mode = Satellite * Satellite name = ARISS * Satellite mode = <blank> The fields with (*) MUST match or you will not get credit for the QSO. Satellite mode is not a required field, I leave it blank because it's redundant. Thanks again! Grant Zehr AA9LC (ex-W1AW/9 - IL)

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satpc32 not DL new KEPS
by Bob- W7LRD 10 Dec '14

10 Dec '14

I have two older XP computers each with Satpc32 one downloads the KEPS from the list, the other with the same list does not. The not working one works fine online. The non working one is the one I use for my 910 and rotor control. The last down load was three days ago and worked fine. Ideas, for the digitally challenged? 73 Bob W7LRD

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Re: [amsat-bb] Fwd: [Hearsat] W9YRC repeater on 484.250MHz (Andrew Glasbrenner)
by Joe Leikhim 10 Dec '14

10 Dec '14

Very interesting! A DX opportunity for FM operators! -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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AMSAT SKN ON OSCAR 2015
by RSoifer1＠aol.com 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

You are cordially invited to participate in Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2015, sponsored by AMSAT for radio amateurs throughout the world. This year's event is being held in memory of Captain Charles Dorian, W3JPT, who passed away in 2014, aged 92. Chuck, who had held many senior positions in the U.S. Coast Guard, was one of AMSAT's earliest members and served as secretary of the Board of Directors. Participation in AMSAT SKN on OSCAR is easy and fun. Just operate CW, using a straight key or non-electronic "bug," through any amateur satellite between 0000 and 2400 UTC on January 1, 2015. There is no need to send in a log, but all participants are asked to nominate someone they worked for "Best Fist." Your nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, only of those you worked. Send your nomination to w2rs(a)amsat.org. A list of "Best Fist" nominees will be published in early February.

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Huge Thank You to Patrick Stoddard
by Steve May 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

I wanted to take just a minute to offer a huge "Thank You" to Patrick for doing what he does best - teaching and promoting amateur satellite work. I have had a very slow time getting on the linear satellites for a variety odd reasons. But a business trip to Tucson this week allowed me to re-route through Phoenix today after Patrick agreed to meet up with me and help troubleshoot my receive setup. So today finally rolled around, and Patrick went out of his way to drive across town, sit down with me, help me tweak my setup, and then try it out on an FO-29 pass. Things worked great, and Patrick then gave me some great advice on my transmit setup. We capped it off with a great meal and good amateur radio conversation, followed by a little tour of Scottsdale, Tempe, and downtown Phoenix. It was a great and productive today that helped me out tremendously. So thank you again for your help, Patrick, for all your time and assistance today. Steve May, W5IEM

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PV8DX GJ08 expedition complete
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

Paulo asked me to let everyone know he was back home after operating from GJ03 over the weekend. He has uploaded his log to LOTW, and will make a video of the operation to share soon. Thank you Paulo for the grid expedition, and I hope to work you on many more. 73, Drew KO4MA

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FUNcube Data Warehouse Satellite Pos Map
by David Johnson 07 Dec '14

07 Dec '14

Hi, We're greatful to Chip, N2YO for providing us with new map functionality that will predict the time of the next pass based on the browser ip geocoordinates http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk/satmap.html?satelliteId=2 73 Dave, G4DPZ

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FUNcube-1 AO73 mode changed
by Graham Shirville 07 Dec '14

07 Dec '14

Hi All, During the 22:35UTC pass over Europe this evening, FUNcube-1 was returned to autonomous operation and will now switch between amateur and education modes as she moves from eclipse into sunlight. The FUNcube team are considering whether to extend the usual “weekend” amateur mode period over the upcoming holiday period. We might leave the spacecraft in amateur mode between say, the 23rd December and the 4th of January. If you have any education outreach activities planned over this period, where this proposal could interfere with your event, could you please contact us at operations at funcube.org.uk thanks and 73 Graham G3VZV

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Elecraft transverters
by Richard Lawn 07 Dec '14

07 Dec '14

I'm interested in communicating with anyone who has or is using Elecraft transverters for satellite operation. I know about the Downeast but am curious about Elecraft. I just picked up a flex 1500 and hope to use it for uplinks. Let me hear from you. Thanks 73 W2JAZ

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COSMOS2499 (RS-47?)
by Pedro Converso 07 Dec '14

07 Dec '14

Try http://amsat.org.ar/sat.htm has updated keps. 73, lu7abf, Pedro Converso

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Ariane Launch Webcast December 6
by JoAnne Maenpaa 06 Dec '14

06 Dec '14

For those who enjoy a rumble in the jungle of an Ariane launch, Arianespace announced this morning that Ariane Flight VA221 to launch DIRECTV-14 and GSAT-16 from Kourou, French Guiana has been rescheduled for Saturday evening. Saturday, December 6, as early as possible in the following launch window: >From 5:40 p.m. to 6:49 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana >From 3:40 p.m. to 4:49 p.m. in Washington D.C. >From 8:40 p.m. to 9:49 p.m. UTC, >From 9:40 p.m. to 10:49 p.m. in Paris, >From 2:10 a.m. to 3:19 a.m. in Bangalore, on Sunday, December 7. The webcast starts 15 minutes before these times on http://www.arianespace.tv/ -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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KB2M BACK OTA
by jeff griffin 06 Dec '14

06 Dec '14

Yesterday I got my new downsized sat station up and running here in Turnersville,NJ FM29ks, on 2m and 70cm. Only real issue was the LVB tracker's screen went blank for no apparent reason. I had to open it up and do a reset and then re calibrate. All appears to be working ok now. Made several contacts on FO29, and AO73 while working on getting the LVB pointing the antennas in the right direction. It's good to be back on the birds! 73 Jeff kb2m

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FT-847 Mentor
by wa7eth＠frontier.com 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

I am looking for someone who can be an "Elmer" for me on operating a Yaesu FT-847 in satellite mode. I have been having some limited success but would love to talk to someone who is currently using an FT-847 in the manual mode. I do not have my 847 connected to SATPC-32 yet. Please contact me off the BB at wa7eth(a)frontier.com. Thanks..73'..Ed WA7ETH

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NOAA Weather Satellite receiver
by Rupesh Lad 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

Hello all; I am an undergraduate Engineering student and a SWL. I have tracked many Amateur satellites from COEP Ground station, VU2COE. I want to Home brew a NOAA satellite image receiver as my academic project. I will be using WXtoImg to decode the image transmitted by NOAA satellite on APT frequency. So the task for me is to get the audio frequency output. Literature says that NOAA satellites transmit a signal of 40 kHz bandwidth. I have also observed the spectrum on Spectrum analyzer using my antenna. Want to know whether this is only RF bandwidth? and if it is so, then what is IF bandwidth of such signals? Can anyone help us in designing the receiver? -- Regards, Rupesh Lad Secretary, COEP HAM Club +91 82376 79081

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W1AW/9 -IL update
by Grant Zehr 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

W1AW/9 operations - update W1AW/9 satellite operations are underway with lots of contacts in the log. I am planning to continue to get W1AW/9 - IL on the air during as many satellite passes as possible through the weekend and into next week. Some notes regarding W1AW/9 satellite operations: SO-50 - I seem to have trouble hearing SO-50 well below 5-10 degrees elevation. I have made a number of contacts, but have missed a few as well. If you would like to work W1AW/9 - IL and can only operate SO-50, I would be willing to make a schedule during a late night pass, which would probably not be as congested as the usual daytime passes. Contact me at aa9lc(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]> . Serious enquiries only!! FO-29 - Still the workhorse with nice signals. I usually call in SSB mode. If you prefer CW, just call me back in CW and I will switch modes. I'm good at straight key rates (15-20 wpm range). AO-73 - Remember, W1AW/9 - IL counts as another call for your 73 on 73 award. ISS packet - evening to late night passes are available now. I'll try to get on the ones that don't conflict with AO-73. AO-7 - Saturday afternoon should be good for DX from here into Europe. I plan to be on AO-7 and FO-29 looking for DX on Saturday afternoon. I will be operating from EN-50. I don't need your grid for a complete QSO, call sign and report is enough. I can switch to CW to complete a contact if necessary. Weekend schedule: W1AW/9 - IL should be active Saturday AM and afternoon, and again Sunday afternoon and evening. Thanks for all the calls! It's great fun. Grant Zehr AA9LC

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UISS Modul SatGate
by Peter Kaminski 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

Hello APRS freaks, I have a question about the UISS APRS SatGate module. As default the server" satgate.aprsca.net" is set in the APRS settings. Very often it seems to be that my gateway aprs data is not passed to aprs.fi So my question is can I use "euro.aprs2.net" for example as an alternative or is there anything special with satgate? Are the satgate data also passed to http://www.ariss.net/?? I coul not find anything about the routing. regards Peter -- Peter Kaminski Vogt-Wells-Str. 5 22529 Hamburg Germany Phone: +49 40 41477811 Mobile: +49 172 4053333 Skype: peter.kaminski.hh Web: www.dl9dak.de

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Re: [amsat-bb] VIBE table available to government agencies or programs
by Robert Bruninga 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

This VIBE table suitable for vibration testing of Cubesats is still available… Hate to see it go to the DRMO where the government will set it out in the rain for a few years, and loose all the components and documentation before making it available as surplus… *From:* Robert Bruninga [mailto:[email protected]] *Sent:* Thursday, October 23, 2014 10:18 AM *To:* amsat-bb(a)amsat.org *Subject:* VIBE table available to government agencies Our vibe system is available to other government activities or programs. You do the paperwork… It is only a few years old, is working fine. But we got another one – bigger. We needed one to provide a full 20G vibe on a 3U cubesat. This one can only get to 20 g on a 1U. Here is what it looks like: http://www.labworks-inc.com/general_purpose_systems/lw127_123-500D12.htm I have no idea how things get transferred, but I am certain that our comptroller will only let us transfer it inter-agency. So if you are not somehow able to get a government transfer, please don’t bother asking. And we are still waiting to see if any other department on campus wants it. This thing is big. The image on the above web page has a 19” half-rack for the amp as shown on the left, but the image of the VIBE table itself is at HALF that same scale in that image. SO it is actually twice as big, about 4’ long, 3’ high and 2’ wide and very heavy half inch steel, double the size shown. Bob, WB4aPR

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NOAA Weather Satellite receive
by K5VOU 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

-- Message: 3 Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2014 15:04:10 +0530 From: Rupesh Lad <rupeshdlad2738.rl(a)gmail.com> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Cc: Shimoli Shinde <shimolishinde(a)gmail.com>, Ashwini Jambagi <ashjam145(a)gmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] NOAA Weather Satellite receiver Message-ID: <CAD1MXRqc_39cS+++sL6Ei4Byg_5O2cgohUj78_ReN9WPXyrP1g(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Hello all; I am an undergraduate Engineering student and a SWL. I have tracked many Amateur satellites from COEP Ground station, VU2COE. I want to Home brew a NOAA satellite image receiver as my academic project. I will be using WXtoImg to decode the image transmitted by NOAA satellite on APT frequency. So the task for me is to get the audio frequency output. Literature says that NOAA satellites transmit a signal of 40 kHz bandwidth. I have also observed the spectrum on Spectrum analyzer using my antenna. Want to know whether this is only RF bandwidth? and if it is so, then what is IF bandwidth of such signals? Can anyone help us in designing the receiver? ========================================== Are you receiving 1391 MHz GOES or 137.5 LEO WX Sats?? Tom K5VOU

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AMSAT @ Superstition (Mesa AZ) hamfest on Saturday, 6 December
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

Hi! I will have an AMSAT table at the Superstition Superfest hamfest in Mesa, Arizona, this Saturday (6 December 2014). The hamfest starts at 7am/1400 UTC, and officially runs until 2pm/2100 UTC - although in the past most have packed up and left by midday/1900 UTC. More information about the hamfest is available at: http://www.superstitionsuperfest.com/ The hamfest site is in grid DM43. During the hamfest, and weather permitting, WD9EWK will be on the air for demonstrations of amateur satellite operation. If you hear WD9EWK, please call and be a part of the demonstrations. I hope to be ready to work passes between 1230 and 1300 UTC. If you work WD9EWK and would like a QSL card, please e-mail me after the hamfest with the QSO details. QSOs will also be uploaded to Logbook of the World. During the hamfest, I will post photos and updates on my @WD9EWK Twitter feed. If you do not use Twitter, my feed can be viewed using a web browser at http://twitter.com/WD9EWK 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Orion Launch Scrubbed
by B J 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

The announcement was just made that another attempt to fly will be made tomorrow. There were numerous holds due to excessive wind speeds as well as several mechanical problems during the launch window this morning. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Fwd: [Hearsat] W9YRC repeater on 484.250MHz
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

I thought the list might find this interesting. 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: > From: "P.J. Marsh" <pjmarsh(a)uhf-satcom.com> > Date: December 3, 2014 at 4:07:53 PM EST > To: hearsat(a)mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Hearsat] W9YRC repeater on 484.250MHz > > Evening all, > > I copied W9YRC repeater from Chicago tonite on 484.250MHz which I believe might be the transponder aboard Meridian 7. At the top it was on the Russian apogee and low elevation from Chicago. If anyone else can check this satellite that would be handy, I have significant DTV QRM all over 478MHz so its a little painful to RX etc. The W9YRC seems to TX on 442.875MHz so the satellite has a pretty good receiver - still not bad DX from Chicago to UK via a 40,000Km high satellite! > > regards, > > Paul. > -------------------------------------------------------------------- > Contributor to: www.uhf-satcom.com - http://twitter.com/UHF_Satcom > > UHF Satcom Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UHF-Satcom/ > > IRC - pjm @ #hearsat on irc.starchat.net > > Correspondents should note that all communications to this address > are automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded for lawful > or other purposes. > > Telephone: 0044 (0)845 193 0050 Skype: M0EYT_Paul > -------------------------------------------------------------------- > ______________________________________________________________ > HearSat mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hearsat > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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DESPATCH is still alive
by Akihiro Kubota 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

Dear all, Hello, ARTSAT2:DESPATCH is working. However, the transmission of cosmic poem repeats 20min sending and 50min stoping due to some unknown reasons. The frequency of CW is -140Hz. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. Akihiro Kubota, ARTSAT project

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K8YSE Western Grid Expedition QSL Status
by John Papay 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

All requests for qsl cards for my Western Grid Expedition, September 2014, have been processed as of December 3, 2014. If you have not sent for your cards yet please do so right away. Cards received after Christmas may not be processed until the Spring of 2015. Thanks to all who took the time to work me. There were 22 stations worked on the FO-29 pass from DN21/DN22. A few years ago the activity on the ssb birds was such that working 20 stations on a single pass would not have happened. Many have moved up from the FM birds which is an indication that there is plenty of interest in satellites. Once more FM birds are launched, grid expeditioning will be more productive. But even with what we have to work with right now, many are making the effort to operate from grids away from home. This is very encouraging. If you have not tried operating from grids other than your own, please consider doing so. You will find it very rewarding. And don't be afraid to ask someone to operate from a nearby grid. Sometimes that is all that it takes to get them to try it. 73, John K8YSE

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Launch Success of Shin-en2 and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH
by JH3XCU 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

JAXA Press Release; Launch Success of H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 with "Hayabusa2" Onboard Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA) successfully launched the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 (H-IIA F26) with t he Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2” onboard at 1:22:04 p.m. on December 3, 2014 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehi cle flew as planned, and at approximately one hour, 47 minutes and 21 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the Hayabusa2 to earth-escape trajectory was confirmed. http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2014/12/20141203_h2af26.html 73, Hideo JH3XCU.

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Predict information utilitiy for Shin-en2
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

Dear all, I provide the predict information utiliy for Shin-en2 like as DESAPTCHtrack. Please refer to: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ham_satellite/2014/12/artsat2-despa-3.html ********************************** 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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HAMSAT II Announced
by Nitin Muttin 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

We are pleased to announce that AMSAT India and Dhruva Space Pvt. Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 30th 2014 to pursue the development of a follow up mission to HAMSAT launched in 2005 on-board the PSLV-C6. HAMSAT II is envisioned to fill the gap created by the recent end of life of HAMSAT and shall continue servicing the societal needs in disaster management, amateur/emergency radio communications and education. Some of the contemplated payloads for HAMSAT II include - U/V Analog FM Transponder - U/V Linear Transponder, 50 kHz - APRS Digipeater - Digitalker More information can be found at www.amsatindia.org and photos of the MOU signing under Gallery section of the website. Economic Times has also published the press release from Dhruva Space about this project. Visit http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/inspired-from-isros-mars-m… 73Nitin [VU3TYG]Secretary, AMSAT INDIA

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HAMSAT II – Dhruva Space and AMSAT India
by M5AKA 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

The Economic Times carries an article about HAMSAT II http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/03/hamsat-ii-dhruva-space-and-amsat-india/ ---- 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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W1AW/9 via ISS
by Clayton Coleman 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

I think it's cool that Grant AA9LC operated packet via ISS tonight as W1AW/9. I can't recall if any other states did it. Very fun to work him on packet right after we had a brief AO-73 QSO. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Launch of Shin-en2 (JG6YIG) and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH Live Broadcast
by JH3XCU 02 Dec '14

02 Dec '14

Launch of Hayabusa2/Shin-en2/ARTSAT2-DESPATCH H-IIA F26 Live Broadcast Rollout was successfully finished. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzZZnId0JaM ------------------------------------------------------------ JAXA Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" Launch Live Broadcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9TwlwZobc4 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jaxa-live Part I 03:25UTC thru 04:40UTC (75 minutes) on Dec. 3 (Wen.) Prior and after liftoff of H-IIA F26/Hayabusa2 - Introduction of the Hayabusa2 mission including a VTR of its preparation ope ration - Introduction of piggyback payloads - Live launch report from the control room *The scheduled launch time is 04:22UTC. Part II 05:45UTC thru 06:25UTC (40 minutes) on Dec. 3 (Wen.) - Prior to and after the Hayabusa2’s separation from the launch vehicle * Images of piggyback payloads’ separation will NOT be broadcast. * Hayabusa2’s separation is scheduled to take place one hour and 47 minutes a fter liftoff. ------------------------------------------------------------ NECOVIDEO VISUAL SOLUTIONS - NVS NVS is an amateur group of Webcast about aero space and science. H-IIA Rocket F26 rollout Over a period of about 30 minutes, H-IIA rocket will be moved to the first lau nch pad from building called VAB (large rocket Assembly Building). 15:00UTC- Dec. 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzZZnId0JaM Note: Rollout was successfully finished. H-IIA F26 Hayabusa2 Launch Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" Launch Live Broadcast 03:30UTC- Dec. 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5TmrQ_ySfg After launch press conference (TBD:about 3.5 hours after launch) 08:00UTC- Dec.3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkzppB3RyF4 ------------------------------------------------------------ 73, Hideo JH3XCU.

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Fox Delta ST2 interface problem
by Tim Goodrich 02 Dec '14

02 Dec '14

Hi All, I'm posting this here because the Fox Delta Yahoo group seems to be quite inactive and I haven't received any responses that might fix this problem yet. On my ST2, the azimuth indication doesn't stay at one heading. Instead, if it should be on say 210 degrees, it will rapidly change from 207, to 223, to 215, to 205, etc.. Fluctuating within a 15-20 degree range. After being in contact with Dinesh and having replaced the PIC and crystal, the problem persists. Any ideas of what could be causing this? Thanks, Tim K6TW

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COSMOS-2491 is RS-46
by M5AKA 02 Dec '14

02 Dec '14

Dmitry Pashkov R4UAB reports that COSMOS-2491 is RS-46 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/02/cosmos-2491-rs-46/ ARISS Officers for 2015-16 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/12/02/ariss-officers-for-2015-16/ COSMOS-2499 Callsign RS-47 ! http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/30/cosmos-2499-callsign-rs-47/ RAGazine now available for download http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/29/ragazine/ Surrey Space Centre SME-SAT http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/29/surrey-space-centre-sme-sat/ DESPATCH and Shin'en2 launch to deep space Dec 3 at 04:22:04 UT http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/28/ham-radio-deep-space-launch-delayed/ ---- 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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Orbit Expert needed
by Robert Bruninga 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

I need an Orbit Guru for our next APRS satellite. We need someone to be able to generate a ground track (LAT/LONG) table for a mildly elliptical LEO orbit that starts at 5 South,0 E, with integer values (rounded) every minute for 95 minutes. This gets loaded on the satellite so that it can automatically send out its APRS POSITION as it flies. Thus, ground users will actually see the distance and direction to the satellite live in their mobiles or portables and on their maps. Yes, we did it manually from Instantrack (took HOURS) but we will need to do it quickly at the last possible pre-launch opportunity, so we need someone that can generate the table quickly and in our final format. Thanks Bob, WB4APR

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W1AW - 9 IL - Satellite operations
by Grant Zehr 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

W1AW/9 - Illinois - Satellite Operations W1AW/9 - IL operations will begin at 0000 UTC on December 3, 2014. I will be activating the satellite operations for W1AW/9 - IL and will attempt to be available for contacts during as many passes as possible. Contacts will be available through AO-7, FO-29, SO-50, AO-73, and through the ISS packet repeater. Only 'live' 2 way contacts through ISS will qualify as 2 way QSO's. QSL is via ARRL. Logbook of the World QSL should be available a couple weeks after the operation closes on December 9. Remember that W1AW/9 - IL will count as a new call sign for the AO-73 award. If you hear me on, please give me a call! 73 Grant Zehr AA9LC

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404-ing... AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 9, Issue 404
by Peter VK1PE 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

Seriously, people, watch what you "quote below", please. 404 was a small-time offender digest. But, one with an alter-message for those with tech-savvy/ Seriously, cut off the 'quotation' stuff and make it easy for us all. Thanks, Peter VK1PE

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Revised utilities are available
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

Hello all, I have finished to revise my utilities for the DESPATCH spacecraft prediction. You can get them from: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ham_satellite/in_english/index.html Thank you for your concern in the project. ji1izr/Masahiro ********************************** 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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NA-EU DX today on AO-7 and FO-29
by Andrew Glasbrenner 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

Just a little report that satellite DX is alive and kicking. Today I worked EA5TT in IM99 on AO-7 Mode B SSB on our second attempt, a distance of 7437km. We were both at about 2 degrees elevation for the QSO. Thank you Manuel! Soon after, I was on FO-29 and worked EA1JM, G3VKV, and F6CTW on a 3 or 4 degree max pass. At the beginning of the pass I did hear a FM5 cq'ing, but didn't get an answer and he disappeared after my first call. I assume this was FM5EP that Clayton on a subsequent pass. I'm open for any schedules with stations that need Florida or EL88, or who are in a grid that I need, and there are several in Europe and South America still! My QRZ entry has a map of confirmed grids, but there is a higher resolution one in my Dropbox, visible at https://www.dropbox.com/s/6huzfap6jfsv0ed/8-2-14%20grids.jpg?dl=0 73, Drew KO4MA

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FM5EP & HK4QYE on FO-29
by Clayton Coleman 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

At 23:06Z I worked Mauro HK4QYE in FJ26. I also heard FM5EP calling CQ. It is nice to hear some good DX activity on FO-29! 73 Clayton W5PFG

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COSMOS 2499: callsign RS-47!
by M5AKA 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

COSMOS 2499 was kaunched on May 23, 2014 into a 1,510.6 km by 1,158.8 km 82.4 degree orbit. See the video by Dmitry Pashkov R4UAB http://r4uab.ru/?p=8695 ---- 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-1 AO73 mode
by Graham Shirville 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Hi All, FUNcube-1 AO73 was switched back into autonomous mode during the 21:40 UTC pass over Europe this evening. Therefore she will be in in telemetry only educational mode when in sunlight and the transponder will be active only when in eclipse. 73 Graham G3VZV

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FL11 in the next SO-50 pass of ~1804z today...
by Pavel Milanes Costa 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

It's Working... !!! Hi to all, this is CO7WT... A few hours before I finished of homebrew my cross yagui for satellites... (2m: 3 elements / 70cm: 6 elements) from a design of DK7ZB with 28 ohms feeding... It's a bit down in freq (SWR of 1.1 in 430 Mhz) but worked fine in the last pass of SO-50 receive only, the 2m yagui is ok on freq... I will be with a baofeng UV-5R on rx and a FD-268A in tx, so a kind of QRP here... I have LoTW... see you on the next pass... 73 de CO7WT.

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Re: [amsat-bb] unknown satellite on 466MHz
by Richard Tejera 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Probably NOAA-19. NOAA-18 & NOAA-19 are very close in orbit. Not uncommon to have an overlapping window. http://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/satellites/view/341 The wx data on 137kHz is downloadable using wxtoimg software. 73 Rick K7TEJ On November 30, 2014, at 06:27, Gabor Berczi <mail(a)gabucino.hu> wrote: On Nov 30, 2014, at 2:06 PM, Nico Janssen wrote: > Those are probably telemetry downlinks of meteorological satellites. Thanks. -- G _______________________________________________ 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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Now revising Predict programs for DESPATCH
by ji1izr/Masahiro Sanada 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Dear all, As you have already known, the launch schedule of the spacecrafts, DESPATCH and Shin-en2, has been postponed to Dec. 3rd. According to that, the programs I have provided should be revised. I will inform you when I am ready to provide the revised ones. I will also make some additonal revision on the program, or I am plannning to provide the programs fit for Shin-en2. ji1izr/Masahiro ********************************** 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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unknown satellite on 466MHz
by Gabor Berczi 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Greetings, Which satellite is this? It seemingly transmits only a constant buzz: http://gabucino.hu/tmp/SDRSharp_20141129_224829Z_465981kHz_AF.mp3 As to identifying its position, once it went under the horizon at 2014.11.25 17:33 CET, as evidenced below: http://gabucino.hu/tmp/466sat.jpg Interestingly, sometimes two satellites can be seen after each other: http://gabucino.hu/tmp/2sat.png -- G

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[Press Release] Shin-en2 and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH has been postponed again.
by JH3XCU 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

November 30, 2014 (JST) Launch Postponement of Hayabusa2 by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency h ave decided to postpone the launch of the Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 (H-IIA F26) from the Tanegashima Space Center to December 3 (Wed.), 2014 (Japan Standard Time,) as a result of the go/no go dec ision meeting today which carefully checked the weather forecast and found tha t strong wind exceeding the weather restrictions was projected around the laun ch pad at the scheduled launch time on the previous schedule launch day of Dec . 1 (Mon.), 2014. The launch time on Dec. 3 (Wed.) will be at 1:22:04 p.m. (JST.) The launch may be delayed further depending on weather conditions and other fa ctors. URL: http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2014/11/20141130_h2af26.html Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= - 73, Hideo JH3XCU.

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Shin-en2 and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH has been postponed again.
by JH3XCU 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Shin-en2 and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH has been postponed again. JAXA announcing; Launch date Shin-en2 and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH has been postponed again in December 3 04:22:04 UTC. Soon, there will be a press release. 73, Hideo JH3XCU.

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ANS-334 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-334 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: * CubeQuest Challenge, a NASA Centennial Challenges Competition * 20 Meter AMSAT Net - 1900 UTC, Sundays * W7O Wraps Up 10 Day AO-7 Commemoration * Deadline Looms for Proposals to Host Scheduled ISS Contacts in 2015 * Design The Next AMSAT Satellite! * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-334.01 ANS-334 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 334.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE November 30, 2014 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-334.01 CubeQuest Challenge, a NASA Centennial Challenges Competition Registration now is open for NASA's Cube Quest Challenge, the agency's first in-space competition that offers the agency's largest- ever prize purse. Competitors have a shot at a share of $5 million in prize money and an opportunity to participate in space exploration and technology development, to include a chance at flying their very own CubeSat to the moon and beyond as secondary payload on the first integrated flight of NASA's Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. "NASA's Cube Quest Challenge will engage teams in the development of the new technologies that will advance the state of the art of CubeSats and demonstrate their capabilities as viable deep space explorers," said Michael Gazarik, associate administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Prize competitions like this engage the general public and directly contribute to NASA's goals while serving as a tool for open innovation." Challenge objectives include designing, building and delivering flight-qualified, small satellites capable of advanced operations near and beyond the moon. The challenge and prize purse are divided into three major areas: Ground Tournaments: $500,000 in the four qualifying ground tournaments to determine who will have the ability to fly on the first SLS flight; Lunar Derby: $3 million for demonstrating the ability to place a CubeSat in a stable lunar orbit and demonstrate communication and durability near the moon; and Deep Space Derby: $1.5 million for demonstrating communication and CubeSat durability at a distance greater than almost 2.5 million miles (4,000,000 km), 10 times the distance from the Earth to the moon The Cube Quest Challenge seeks to develop and test subsystems necessary to perform deep space exploration using small spacecraft. Advancements in small spacecraft capabilities will provide benefits to future missions and also may enable entirely new mission scenarios, including future investigations of near-Earth asteroids. "Cube Quest is an important competition for the agency as well as the commercial space sector," said Eric Eberly, deputy program manager for Centennial Challenges at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "If we can produce capabilities usually associated with larger spacecraft in the much smaller platform of CubeSats, a dramatic improvement in the affordability of space missions will result, greatly increasing science and research possibilities." All teams may compete in any one of the four ground tournaments. Teams that rate high on mission safety and probability of success will receive incremental awards. The ground tournaments will be held every four to six months and participation is required to earn a secondary payload spot on SLS. The Lunar Derby focuses primarily on propulsion for small spacecraft and near-Earth communications, while the Deep Space Derby focuses on finding innovative solutions to deep space communications using small spacecraft. Together, these competitions will contribute to opening deep space exploration to non-government spacecraft. NASA's Centennial Challenges drive progress in aerospace technology - - of significant value to the agency's missions -- and encourage broad-based participation in aerospace research and development. The challenges help find the most innovative solutions to technical challenges through competition and cooperation. There have been 24 Centennial Challenges events since 2005. NASA has awarded more than $6 million to 16 challenge-winning teams. NASA's Centennial Challenges Program is part of the agency's Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is responsible for innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use on future NASA missions. During the next 18 months, the directorate will make significant new investments to address several high-priority challenges for achieving safe and affordable deep space exploration. For more information about the directorate, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech The Centennial Challenges Program is managed at Marshall and the Cube Quest Challenge is administered by the agency's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. For more information on the Cube Quest Challenge, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/cubequest To learn more about NASA's challenges and citizen science efforts, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/solve [ANS thanks David E. Steitz and NASA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Meter AMSAT Net - 1900 UTC, Sundays There has been an uptick in participation on the AMSAT 20 Meter net since it announced their new format which began 9 Nov. The results have been encouraging. Check-ins have gone from 2-3 before the change to 11 last Sunday, 23 Nov. We did not run the net on 16 Nov. due to excess competition with the ARRL Sweepstakes - SSB Contest. Comments have been favorable so we will continue the net for a while and try to put out an occasional reminder. Once again, dust off your 20 Meter Rig, put up at least a dipole, and give us a call. The net meets at 1900 UTC, Sunday afternoons, on 14.282 MHz. Bring your questions and comments - we'll try to provide a "Hole." [ANS thanks Keith W5IU and Larry W7LB for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- W7O Wraps Up 10 Day AO-7 Commemoration The W7O activity wrapped up on Monday afternoon November 24. Patrick Stoddard WD9EWK/VA7EWK thanks the 24 operators who put W7O on the air from locations all over the continental USA, on both HF and the satellites, . These operators logged almost 2500 QSOs as W7O on several HF bands, all of our current amateur satellites supporting voice and CW (AO-7, AO-73, FO-29, SO-50), and even one QSO using the ISS packet/APRS digipeater. Patrick is in the process of designing the W7O QSL card. It will be a folding card, with photos and a brief history of AO-7. It will incorporate the original AMSAT AO-7 QSL card issued for SWL reports from the 1970s. Patrick thanks Andy W5ACM "for providing me a high- resolution scan of a clean card! I have already received over 100 QSL requests in my mailbox, and Logbook of the World is reporting 781 W7O QSOs have been confirmed in that system. "It has been fun to hear people talking about the oldest amateur satellite still in operation. Some of W7O's HF operators were active on AO-7 in the 1970s, and at least one had worked W7O before emailing me to request being a W7O operator." The following is the list of operators who put W7O on the satellites: AA5PK KB1PVH KB1RVT KB6LTY KF5YXV (now W5CBF, also CO6CBF) W1PA W4UOO W5PFG W5RKN WA3NAN WD9EWK The following stations are those who volunteered to work HF as W7O from all over the continental USA:. AC0RA K6FW K7QI KB6LTY KC4LE KF5YXV (now W5CBF) KK5DO KK6NWJ N5HYP NX9G W1GIV W2JV W5PFG W6GMT W6ZQ W7OO Patrick is quick to pass on credit to where it is due. "Brock W6GMT was on HF every morning during the 10 days from Minnesota. Other satellite operators helped by working many HF shifts. George W1GIV in Connecticut worked many hours during the first weekend, logging almost 400 stations across the USA and many other countries - and he has never tried working the satellites!" Whether an operator worked only one satellite pass, one 60-minute shift on HF, or every single day during the 10-day event, the success of this special-event station is owed to everyone who wanted to be a part of W7O. This worked out so much better than Patrick could have hoped, and certainly better than W7O would have been if Patrick were the only operator putting the call on satellite passes. [ANS thanks Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadline Looms for Proposals to Host Scheduled ISS Contacts in 2015 Message to US Educators Amateur Radio on the International Space Station Contact Opportunity There are just two weeks left for submitting contact proposals for the May 1 to December 31 period. Please share the following with teachers, administrators and leaders at your local schools, museums, science centers and scouting organizations. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between May 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. THE DEADLINE TO SUMBIT A PROPOSAL IS DECEMBER 15, 2014. The Opportunity Crew members aboard the International Space Station will participate in scheduled Amateur Radio contacts. These radio contacts are approximately 10 minutes in length and allow students and educators to interact with the astronauts through a question-and-answer session. An ARISS contact is a voice-only communication opportunity via Amateur Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space station and classrooms and communities. ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS. Students also will have an opportunity to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio science. Because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, organizations must demonstrate flexibility to accommodate changes in contact dates and times. Amateur Radio organizations around the world, NASA, and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe sponsor this educational opportunity by providing the equipment and operational support to enable direct communication between crew on the ISS and students around the world via Amateur Radio. In the US, the program is managed by AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) and ARRL (American Radio Relay League) in partnership with NASA. More Information Interested parties can find more information about the program at www.ariss.org and www.arrl.org/ARISS. More details on expectations, audience, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Sessions are available at www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact. Please direct any questions to ariss(a)arrl.org. [ANS thanks ARISS 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 at amsat dot org) for more details on the criteria. A guidebook to the criteria is now available for download at http://tinyurl.com/ANS334-DesignGuide. 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 Jerry N0JY for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News >From 2014-11-10 to 2014-12-07, there will be no US Operational Segment (USOS) hams on board ISS. So any schools contacts during this period will be conducted by the ARISS Russia team. ARISS-US Contact Proposal Window for 2015 contacts Closed December 15 One more reminder that the window for submitting proposals for an US ARISS contact during 2015 ends December 15. See the related post above. Interested parties can find more information about the program at www.ariss.org and www.arrl.org/ARISS. More details on expectations, audience, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Sessions are available at www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact. Please direct any questions to ariss(a)arrl.org. All are encouraged to share this information with schools and other educational entities. A simple conversation with a teacher or an administrator can make all the difference in getting a school involved in the once in a lifetime opportunity. [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + ARRL Public Relations Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, is featured as he hunts satellite DX from the ARRL Headquarters station, W1HQ. During a pass that brought the FO-29 satellite up the middle of the Atlantic, Sean worked DF6WE on CW on November 19. See the video at https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152636637992408 [ANS thanks the ARRL Facebook Page for the above information] + Artsat2 Ham radio deep space launch postponed http://amsat-uk.org/2014/11/28/ham-radio-deep-space-launch-delayed/ [ANS thanks ASMSAT-UK for the above information] + Popular Electronics magazine archive from the 1950's through the 1980's has been made available online. They are PDF files: http://tinyurl.com/ANS334-Poptronics [ANS thanks americanradiohistory.com 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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KJ6WNS @ DM45 on early Monday AM pass
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Hi! I just received an e-mail from Steve KJ6WNS, who has been on SO-50 lately from southern California. He is about to start a road trip, and will make a stop in Flagstaff AZ Sunday evening. Even though it will be very early for him, he is planning to be on the SO-50 pass around 0942 UTC Monday morning. Flagstaff is in grid DM45, and Steve is very aware how early that pass will be (2.42am local time in Flagstaff!). One pass only, then back on the road. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Launch of Shin-en2 (JG6YIG) and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH Live Broadcast
by JH3XCU 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

Launch of Hayabusa2/Shin-en2/ARTSAT2-DESPATCH H-IIA F26 Live Broadcast ------------------------------------------------------------ JAXA Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" Launch Live Broadcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9TwlwZobc4 Part I 03:25UTC thru 04:40UTC (75 minutes) on Dec. 1 (Mon.) Prior and after liftoff of H-IIA F26/Hayabusa2 - Introduction of the Hayabusa2 mission including a VTR of its preparation ope ration - Introduction of piggyback payloads - Live launch report from the control room *The scheduled launch time is 04:22UTC. Part II 05:55UTC thru 06:25UTC (30 minutes) on Dec. 1 (Mon.) - Prior to and after the Hayabusa2’s separation from the launch vehicle * Images of piggyback payloads’ separation will NOT be broadcast. * Hayabusa2’s separation is scheduled to take place one hour and 47 minutes a fter liftoff. ------------------------------------------------------------ NECOVIDEO VISUAL SOLUTIONS - NVS NVS is an amateur group of Webcast about aero space and science. H-IIA Rocket F26 rollout Over a period of about 30 minutes, H-IIA rocket will be moved to the first lau nch pad from building called VAB (large rocket Assembly Building). 14:00UTC- Nov. 30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzZZnId0JaM H-IIA F26 Hayabusa2 Launch Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" Launch Live Broadcast 03:30UTC- Dec. 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5TmrQ_ySfg After launch press conference (TBD:about 3.5 hours after launch) 08:00UTC- Dec.1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkzppB3RyF4 ------------------------------------------------------------ 73, Hideo JH3XCU.

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Launch Day of Shin-en2 (JG6YIG) and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH (JQ1ZNN)
by JH3XCU 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

Launch Day of Shin-en2 (JG6YIG) and ARTSAT2-DESPATCH (JQ1ZNN) The launch time will be at 04:22:43UTC December 1 (Mon.) 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------ Launch Day of Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA) announced they would postpone the launch of H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 with the Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2” onboard from the Tanegashima Space Ce nter till no earlier than December 1 (Mon.), 2014 (Japan Standard Time.) After carefully examining the weather conditions at an emergency meeting today , we have decided to conduct the launch on December 1 (Mon.) 2014. The launch time will be at 1:22:43 p.m. (The date and time are JST.) The launch may be delayed further depending on weather conditions and other fa ctors. http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2014/11/20141129_h2af26.html ------------------------------------------------------------ 73, Hideo JH3XCU.

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73 on 73 Clarification - W1AW Portables
by Paul Stoetzer 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

Good evening, Please note that each W1AW portable operation counts as a separate call for the 73 on 73 Award. For example W1AW/5 has been on from TX, AR, and LA. You can count each as a separate call for this award. 73, Paul, N8HM

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SpinSat deployed
by am25544＠gmail.com 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

SpinSat deployed sometime after 17:00 UTC, Friday. Object number 40314. 73, Armando. N8IGJ

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Re: [amsat-bb] cushcraft PS-4
by jeff griffin 28 Nov '14

28 Nov '14

Or a rough schematic of a PS-4 will also do :-) 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: jeff griffin [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, November 28, 2014 15:56 PM To: 'amsat-bb(a)amsat.org' Subject: cushcraft PS-4 Does anyone have a Cushcraft PS-4 they would like to part with? 73 Jeff kb2m

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cushcraft PS-4
by jeff griffin 28 Nov '14

28 Nov '14

Does anyone have a Cushcraft PS-4 they would like to part with? 73 Jeff kb2m

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