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I am doing it wrong, but not sure what...
by Mark Lunday 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

Back about 7 years ago, I was able to hear and work all the birds using a pair of FT817ND rigs and even my VX6R: FO-29, VO-52, SO-50, AO-7, AO-16, AO-27, AO-51. It was so easy, even a caveman (me) could to it. I now have an IC910H, second owner. The rig does work, I made a couple of EME QSO's back in 2010 on a 2M9 yagi in my back yard. I am now dusting it off and trying to work satellites after keeping it in the closet for a couple of years. I have a pair of Elk log periodic 2M/440 antennas, using one for 144 MHz and one for 432 MHz. The antennas are mounted on a painter's pole in a closet right next to the roof, about 15 feet from my operating position. I am also using a pair of ARR pre-amps. I am using the HRD satellite tracking software from v5 (free). I am attempting to hear CW beacon from any bird, anywhere. The antennas are fixed pointing south. So far, I have not heard a thing this evening (since 0100 UTC). Attempted to hear CW beacon for FO-29, AO-73, LO-19, CO-55, SO-50. Also listened for passband activity on AO-73 and FO-29. Nada. The pre-amps are working, and I can pick up National Weather Service broadcasts very strong (as expected). I can also hear the telemetry on 144.39. I am double-checking my sat predictions with the AMSAT site. Possibilities: 1. The birds shut off when not in sunlight (according to AO-73 web page that should not be the case) 2. Attenuation of the signal from the roof (unlikely, I have been able to work simplex out to several hundred miles on my 2M9 in the attic) 3. Wrong beacon frequency (I triple checked this) 4. Other? Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com

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Azimuth / Elevation Rotor for sale
by Tim Goodrich 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

For more details, please see http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?448238-Azimuth-Elevation-Rotor <http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?448238-Azimuth-Elevation-Rotor&highlig ht=kenpro> &highlight=kenpro Thank you, Tim K6TW

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ANS-243 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-243 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: * AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Ballot Deadline Approaching * W1AW/7 Satellite Operations * Fox-1 Update - Slow Speed Telemetry * Peruvian Cubesat Chasqui-1 Deployed From ISS * ARISS News SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-243.01 ANS-243 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 243.01 From AMSAT HQ Kensington, MD. August 31, 2014 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-243.01 AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Ballot Deadline Approaching A final reminder that Board of Directors ballots must be returned to the AMSAT- NA office by 15 SEP 2014 in order to be counted. Your returned ballot should be sent promptly, and those from outside North American preferably by air mail or other expedited means. Normally there would be 3 full Board seats open this year, plus 2 alternates. However, with the passing of Tony Monteiro, AA2TX (SK), there will be an additional full Board seat open to fill the remainder of his term. This means that the top three recipients of votes will have two-year terms, the fourth most vote recipient serving as full member for one year. The fifth and sixth highest vote recipients will serve as first and second Alternate, respectively. You may vote for up to 4 individuals. Election of board members is both an obligation as well as an opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of AMSAT-NA. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the Board. [ANS thanks Alan, W4SCA, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- W1AW/7 Satellite Operations Following the schedule for W1AW/x portable activity during 2014, next week will start the second of the two weeks W1AW/7 will air from Arizona. The first W1AW/7 Arizona satellite activity in March was successful (thanks, John K8YSE, for making good use of the K8YSE/7 station in Arizona that week). The next operation will be starting at 0000 UTC Wednesday, 27 August (2000 EDT/1700 PDT on Tuesday, 26 August). Patrick, WD9EWK/VA7EWK, will be operating as W1AW/7 on weeknights, and plan on more activity during the Labor Day weekend (30 August-1 September) that falls within this one-week period. He is working on having additional operators for the weekday passes, when he won't be able to get on the radio. As with any of the W1AW/x activities, ARRL will handle the QSLing. ARRL will upload all W1AW/7 logs to Logbook of the World, in addition to the paper QSL cards that will be available later. If you also work other bands and want to work W1AW/7 from Arizona next week, the W1AW/7 Arizona activity coordinator, Ned Stearns AA7A, has a schedule showing when the other stations operating as W1AW/7 will be on - and on what band/mode combinations. This schedule is still being assembled, so more slots will be filled in as we get closer to next week. You can see that schedule at: http://aa7a.net/W1AW/W1AW_7_AZ_1September.htm Satellite operating times will not appear on Ned's schedule, as Patrick is coordinating that part of the W1AW/7 effort. Patrick will use the AMSAT-BB list and his Twitter @WD9EWK feed (http://twitter.com/WD9EWK ) to send out updates for the W1AW/7 satellite activity. Good luck, and 73! [ANS thanks Patrick, WD9EWK/VA7EWK, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox-1 Update - Slow Speed Telemetry The Fox-1 series of satellites feature a slow speed telemetry, with 200 bps data being sent along with the transponder audio or voice ID activity. This allows telemetry to be sent continuously during normal transponder operation while QSOs are taking place. The slow speed data is contained in the audio spectrum below 300 Hz. Using DSP techniques, high pass filtering is applied to the uplink signal and voice IDs, low pass filtering is applied to the telemetry audio which is generated by the IHU, and the combined audio is sent on the downlink as the voice and data. Forward error correction added to the downlink stream provides data recovery for up to 1/4 second signal fades. Fox-1A slow speed telemetry Screen print of actual Fox-1A downlink slow speed telemetry received over the air on a FUNcube Dongle Pro+ with SDR# and a decoded/displayed with command line version of the AMSAT ground telemetry decoding software used in our testing The slow speed data on Fox-1A contains four different payload types: Current telemetry readings, High telemetry readings, Low telemetry readings, and Vanderbilt University radiation experiment telemetry. The payloads are transmitted in a scheduled rotation that delivers one payload or frame about every 5 seconds. Current telemetry is thus received every 15 seconds, experiment telemetry is received about twice every 15 seconds, and high or low telemetry received once every minute (alternating minutes between high and low). The telemetry contains many satellite health and operation values, including readings such as solar panel output, battery voltages, temperatures from various areas of the satellite, IHU performance, and the Penn State University MEMS gyro experiment data. AMSAT will be providing free GUI software for decoding and displaying both slow and high speed telemetry from the Fox-1 series of satellites, as we get closer to launch. The software will be similar to the user software that was provided for ARISSat-1. AMSAT has an immediate need to raise funds to cover both the launch contract and additional materials for construction and testing for Fox-1C. We have set a fundraising goal of $125,000 to cover these expenses over the next 12 months, and allow us to continue to keep amateur radio in space. Donations may be made through the AMSAT webpage at www.amsat.org, by calling (888) 322-6728 or by mail to the AMSAT office at 10605 Concord Street, Kensington, MD 20895, USA. Please consider a recurring, club, or corporate donation to maximize our chance of success with this mission. You may also dontate via PayPal. Donations will be marked specifically for Fox-1C. Note that PayPal usually allows you to donate with a credit card, even if you do not have a PayPal account. However, PayPal requirements differ depending on your country. We have not control over this issue. You may also contribute through a special “crowd sourcing” campaign on fundrazr.com at the following link. https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6pz92 [ANS thanks Jerry, N0JY, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Peruvian Cubesat Chasqui-1 Deployed From ISS The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos announced that a nano satellite with the designation, NS-1 was hand-launched during a space walk that began at 14:00 UTC Monday, August 18, 2014. The satellite is also referred to as the Peruvian Cubesat Chasqui-1 and weighs 1.5 kg. The satelliteâ€™s main mission is to serve as a platform for testing micro-electronics and optical devices used in cubesat applications. Its secondary mission is to operate as an amateur radio satellite. Itâ€™s transmit downlink is 437.025 MHz. The craft will send information in CW mode. It also transmits images stored in memory, photos taken by two on board cameras and will send telemetry. Data transmissions will use either 1200 bps AFSK AX.25 or 9600 bps GMSK modes. [ANS thanks , for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News A direct contact with students at Dorothy Grant Elementary School, Fontana, CA, USA was successful Wed 2014-08-27 18:31:28 UTC 83 deg. Astronaut Alexander Gerst, KF5ONO was able to answer 7 questions for students during the communication window. Dorothy Grant Elementary School proudly earned the California Department of Educationâ€™s 2013 Title I Academic Achievement Award and is a California Distinguished School. This prestigious honor is a reflection of the schoolâ€™s system of support for all students at all learning levels. Innovative intervention strategies and differentiated instruction greatly impacted school- wide student performance to meet state and federal standards of excellence. On October 27, 2012, the Dorothy Grant Elementary Amateur Radio Club was established. Each year nearly 50 students in the 4th and 5th grades learn about amateur radio and participate in activities and programs that teach them about electronics and radio communication techniques. Amateur radio has enhanced reading, writing, mathematics, geography, and communication skills for all students. The club recently installed a 50 ft. Rohn tower and beam antenna in hopes of making more international contacts on 10, 15, and 20 meters. The use of technology is strongly emphasized throughout the curriculum and used as a tool to enhance class lessons. ********** A telebridge contact via IK1SLD providing an interview for students at SPACE KAMP Sterrenlab, Noordwijk, The Netherlands with astronaut Alexander Gerst, KF5ONO was successful Tue 2014-08-26 11:36:32 UTC 65 deg. Gerst answered 18 questions for students. The Amicale Space Camp includes 25 children aged 8-13 years old of different European nationalities. It includes children of the European Patent Office staff and takes place in Noordwijk (Stay Okay hostel) from the 25th to the 29th of August 2014. All camp activities are designed to entertain children, stimulate their creative and manual skills, and teach them about science and space. The contact with the International Space Station will be a key activity in the program as it gives the children the opportunity to talk with an astronaut and understand that space is an international endeavor. ********** A direct contact with students at Winfree Bryant Middle School, Lebanon, TN, USA was successful Tue 2014-08-26 16:12:47 UTC 24 deg. Astronaut Gregory Wiseman, KF5LKT answered 16 questions for students. [ANS thanks Charlie, AJ9N 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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CW and Packet Signal on 145.825
by Nitin Muttin 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

I have been hearing a CW signal followed by a packet signal on 145.825 for the past couple of days. Did not try decoding as I was mobile in my car. Google search also shows a video on youtube http://youtu.be/mS-2Y5R6Sak BTW, there was no ISS pass over Bangalore during the time I heard the signal. Does anyone know which satellite this could be. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Re: [amsat-bb] local yokels
by Doug - k4gkj 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

I'm an extra, and grew up learning ham etiquette from my grandfather, although I've only been a ham a relatively short time. I had never been exposed to satellite work, taught very little by other elders, and have found it rather difficult to find a good source that taught the various aspects. I entered this facet of the hobby via request from a local school wanting to make contact with the ISS (scheduled for end of October). I have had a struggle gaining good Intel on getting it done right and inexpensively.... Until jumping into this facet, I had no idea there were certain freq's I needed to avoid. And it took another few months to realize that I needed to use caution on power output! I was being told I needed a amp of up to 200 watts to talk to the ISS, but never was informed of the damage I could cause to other birds with this amp....(no, have not done so!) . And I honestly am worried about being too strong for the ISS. My point, these basic concepts are just not taught well enough. Many basic concepts aren't being taught or expected to be learned.... I dont know who is try so hard to make it so easy to be a ham, but it is working, and at the same time causing problems of all kinds for the rest of us... My apologies for not knowing these frequencies of concern.... I sincerely hope I never walked on another! It should be protested to have more teaching and test questions on the Tech exam to avoid this. May also help to have these freqs listed on the band plan chart? I feel like I am learning a whole new hobby, with a very long way to go. Doug Bennight K4GKJ -------- Original message -------- From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> Date: To: "&lt,amsat-bb(a)amsat.org&gt," <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] local yokels Hi all! Was monitoring the 1645z pass of AO-73. Got blown out of my chair by direct, in the passband interference on 145.95. Looked like FM. Sure enough, two of the good old boys have a local simplex channel. Did send one (the other doesn't have an email on QRZ, go figure!!!) an email explaining that their conversation could have been retransmitted all over north America, had FO-29 or AO-7 mode A been overhead. Is there any regulatory body to report this type of stuff to? There is enough RF trash being transmitted by xboxes and the like. Don't need more. Norm n3ykf _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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local yokels
by Lizeth Norman 30 Aug '14

30 Aug '14

Hi all! Was monitoring the 1645z pass of AO-73. Got blown out of my chair by direct, in the passband interference on 145.95. Looked like FM. Sure enough, two of the good old boys have a local simplex channel. Did send one (the other doesn't have an email on QRZ, go figure!!!) an email explaining that their conversation could have been retransmitted all over north America, had FO-29 or AO-7 mode A been overhead. Is there any regulatory body to report this type of stuff to? There is enough RF trash being transmitted by xboxes and the like. Don't need more. Norm n3ykf

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W1AW/7 from DM33/DM43 for SO-50 passes today
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 30 Aug '14

30 Aug '14

Hi! I will operate as W1AW/7 from the DM33/DM43 grid boundary in Phoenix for the two upcoming SO-50 passes, at 1933 and 2114 UTC. This is the spot where I used to work satellite passes for many years. I will be on AO-73 as W1AW/7 from my back yard - DM43 only - for the next pass at 1820 UTC, before I head out and set up at the grid boundary. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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pc sat ISS
by jerry keeton 30 Aug '14

30 Aug '14

I must retract My previous statement . I cannot confirm My hop from pc sat to ISS or vice/versa . I missed a good opportunity . WB5LHD

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Re: [amsat-bb] UIView32 Config for ISS APRS
by M5AKA 30 Aug '14

30 Aug '14

Peter, some links that may be useful can be found at: http://amsat-uk.org/beginners/how-to-work-the-iss-on-aprs-packet-radio/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: [amsat-bb] UIView32 Config for ISS APRS
by Mineo Wakita 30 Aug '14

30 Aug '14

Please refer the following my web. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ui32uiss.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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ps sat ISS
by jerry keeton 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

made the hop . 00:00:09:03 : WB5LHD]RS0ISS,W3ADO-1*,qAS,KE5NOB:=3106.15N/09322.30W-Leesville , EM31HD

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WTB Funcube Dongle (not pro)
by Jeff Kelly 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

Send email to: K2SDR at verizon.net Jeff

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aurora alert
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

For all you weak signal operators look at www.spaceweather.com There is a huge aurora reaching south WA4HFN em55 Damon www.starcommgroup.org

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ARRL/TAPR DCC Speaker Schedule Announced, Austin, TX, 9/5 - 9/7/14 (Walk-In Registrations at DCC Welcome)
by Mark Thompson 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

DCC Speaker Schedule Announced 2014 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Austin, TX September 5 - 7, 2014 http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2014_Schedule_2014-08-27.pdf Register for the DCC Walk-in registrations at DCC are very welcome. Online Registration Form https://www.tapr.org/dccregistration.php Pre-registration will close on August 30th to allow the office staff to complete preparations (print badges and stuff envelopes) and travel to the conference. Use of the on-line registration form after August 30th is encouraged, as it will save time at the registration desk filling in hard copy forms and wait for credit card processing.. Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Phone: (972) 671-TAPR (8277) Contact TAPR Office: http://www.tapr.org/inforequest.php

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Satellite Close Approach
by W2JV 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

The United States Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) has identified a close approach between DELFI C3 (SCC# 32789) and SCC #9961 Time of Closest Approach: 2014/09/01 06:19:49.000(UTC) Overall miss distance: 566.0m Radial miss distance (RELATIVE_POSITION_R): -58.8m In-Track miss distance (RELATIVE_POSITION_T): -95.2m Cross-track miss distance (RELATIVE_POSITION_N): -555.2m. 73 W2JV

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CU1CB expresses interest in amateur satellites.
by Joe Fitzgerald 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

Do we have any Portuguese speakers/writers on the list? Manuel, CU1CB has contacted us and expressed interest in satellites. Drop me a note for his e-mail address. Thanks! -Joe KM1P

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UIView32 Config for ISS APRS
by Peter Kaminski 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

Hello, I have a few question to the experts of APRS via ISS. Very often I got packets back from the ISS with my location - so my signals are copied. But it seems to be that not all station could decode my infos sending out. Sometime on aprs.fi my position will be shown but in the last heard list my callsign will not appear. So I read the following article: http://www.aprs.org/iss-aprs/issicons.html Interesting to me but I am not shure how to optimize my UIView32 configuration. May be somebody can help me. In the Station Setup dialog I set (of course text without ") Unproto port: "1" Unproto address: "APRS,ARISS" Beacon comment: (no input) UI-View Tag: (set to on) So can I optimize my Unproto address/APRS path and may be it usefull to deactivate UI-View Tag?? In the article the author says it is possible to send also grid and operator name. Is this still correct? So if so how can I do this. Is "APRS,ARISS,JO43XO,Peter" the correct way to do it in UIView32?? The article says also it should be neccessary to incluce "CQ VIA" in the path field. But is this realy neccessary in UIView32? Anothing thing is that the article says a ">" should be as first character in the status text. Is this correct for UIView32 too?? regards Peter DL9DAK

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Re: [amsat-bb] IC-910H for sale
by Glenn Miller - AA5PK 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

Sorry, it's joew5ui(a)gmail.com -----Original Message----- From: Clayton Coleman Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2014 7:19 PM To: Glenn Miller - AA5PK Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] IC-910H for sale You put joew5iu ... is it joew5ui? :) On Thu, Aug 28, 2014 at 7:10 PM, Glenn Miller - AA5PK <aa5pk(a)suddenlink.net> wrote: > A local, Joe W5UI, has a IC-910H for sale. Cosmetically it's a 10. > > I checked it out on FO-29 and it works as well as my own 910. It's bare > bones--no DSP or CW filters--just comes with the hand mic. > > For price negotiation or further information, contact Joe Kent at (325) > 896-2038 or email him at joew5iu(a)gmail.com. > > 73 > Glenn AA5PK > _______________________________________________ > 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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IC-910H for sale
by Glenn Miller - AA5PK 29 Aug '14

29 Aug '14

A local, Joe W5UI, has a IC-910H for sale. Cosmetically it's a 10. I checked it out on FO-29 and it works as well as my own 910. It's bare bones--no DSP or CW filters--just comes with the hand mic. For price negotiation or further information, contact Joe Kent at (325) 896-2038 or email him at joew5iu(a)gmail.com. 73 Glenn AA5PK

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has the bbs moved?
by Perry Yantis 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

for months now I haven't seen the bbs?? did it move and if so where?? Perry WB8OTH py41(a)att.net sent from my Apple Macbook Pro

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VC-H1 Kenwood Visual Communicator FS
by n4qwf . 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

I have one of these in like new condition. It has the cable to connect it to the Kenwood D7 handheld. It also has the cable to connect it to the 9 pin computer comport. The original instruction manual is also included. I offer it here for $250.00 including shipping to lower 48 before I list it on eBay. I also have the Kenwood D7 handheld but I really don't wont to sell it. I will consider a package deal if someone insist. First email offering to buy gets it. Thanks for your consideration. 73's << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator Email N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ 8BDXCC DXCC mixed 309 WAS HF #57,114 WAZ HF #9073 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 OSCAR-11 20th birthday #1 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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INVADER (CO-77) Final Message Mode
by Akihiro Kubota 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

Dear all, The last day (deorbit) of INVADER is approaching. INVADER's CW moved into the "Final Message Mode" today. It (only) count up numbers, report temperature and some words from INVADER. Please listen and report the will of INVADER to http://api.artsat.jp/report/ Final Message Mode CW Formart: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1336163/INVADER_CW_FORMAT_WILL.xls https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1336163/INVADER_CW_FORMAT_WILL.pdf Thanks in advance and all the best, Akihiro Kubota, ARTSAT project

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ISS Keplerian elements direct from NASA
by Wayne Estes 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

A few months ago I was trying to help a new SatPC32 user track the ISS. His prediction was way off because of a recent boost in the ISS orbit. He was getting bad predictions using elements from AMSAT and Spacetrack. I figured that NASA must surely be the most authoritative source of the ISS orbit. I stumbled onto a NASA web page that supplies details of each boost and DAILY predicted ISS 2-line elements after the boost. http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/JavaSSOP… The date is in epoch format, so you have to convert it to today's calendar date. Today is 2014 day 239, which in epoch format is described at 14239. Here's a link to an epoch converter: http://www.epochconverter.com/epoch/daynumbers.php It's kind of a nuisance to convert the date and manually copy today's predicted 2-line elements into your Keps file before attempting to hear the ISS. But it works! Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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San Marino Dxpedition
by Andrew Glasbrenner 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

This was posted on the AMSAT North America Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/7828379515/) today, and I thought the group might be interested. 73, Drew KO4MA Boris, T7/9A2GA and Neven, T7/9A5YY plan to operate the amateur radio satellites from the Republic of San Marino (grid JN63FW) from Friday 5th September until Sunday 7th September 2014 and will be active during the day on the majority of satellite passes. They plan to be on air via AO-7, FO-29 and SO-50 satellites (CW, SSB, FM) Please, be short giving reports and give others chance to do satellite QSO with them. QSL via home calls 9A2GA and 9A5YY, for details see: http://www.qrz.com/.

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Symposium
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

I will be attending the Symposium and would like to share a room. I will be there Thursday through Saturday. Please let me know if you want to save a little money. Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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UKube-1 (FUNcube-2) Communications in the news
by M5AKA 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

Satellite Today article at http://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2014/08/26/communications-anomaly-… The story mentions the primary communications link anomaly but says the FUNcube Educational Subsystem is operational and running at high power (300 mW). ---- 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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ISS - SSTV
by Clive G7SVI 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

This was posted on the ARISS Blog http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.co.uk/ Aug 27 report The SSTV transmissions occurred on schedule and even occurred well after the planned termination time of 13:00 UTC (after 17:00 UTC). The new cable appears to have solved the constant carrier issue but now the audio from the program is not being transmitted. The end result for the day was no images but several well timed carriers that lasted for 180 seconds. 73s Clive - G7SVI

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W1AW/7 Arizona activity, after two nights...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

Hi! I don't have many QSOs in the log, but it has been fun to put W1AW/7 on the satellites once again. I'm trying to work at least one FO-29 pass and one or two AO-73 passes on weeknights. Unfortunately, SO-50 is not passing by in the evenings, but will be fine on the holiday weekend with the early afternoon passes. On FO-29 earlier tonight, I worked Sawson KG6NUB in northern California. I haven't heard him on the satellites in a long time. Sawson reported that he was transmitting with an FT-857, receiving with a FUNcube Dongle, and both were connected to his Arrow Yagi. The interesting part of all this - Sawson had it all in his living room! Tomorrow evening, I will try to get on the FO-29 pass at 0112 UTC, followed by at least the AO-73 pass at 0430 UTC. If there is any interest from west- coast stations to work W1AW/7 on the 0607 UTC pass, please let me know. Friday evening will see similar activity, and on Saturday I am looking to start working passes in the morning and try for as many passes as I can get on until the evening - especially the SO-50 passes in FM. I'm hoping AO-73 will have its transponder all day Saturday and Sunday, for more chances to get W1AW/7 on the satellites during the weekend. Time for bed... 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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W1AW/8 ARRL Centennial Ohio Satellite Operation
by fl＠papays.com 28 Aug '14

28 Aug '14

Thanks to everyone who worked me as W1AW/8 over the past week. I made 221 qso's with 93 unique callsigns and 83 grids. DX included G, XE, GM, PV, OZ, VE, OY, CO, EI. 73, John K8YSE

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Western Grid Expedition by K8YSE
by fl＠papays.com 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

I will be embarking on a grid expedition to some Western States beginning shortly after Labor Day. The grids that I will definitely operate from are: CN93 CN96 DN03 DN05 DN07 DN14 DN15 DN20 DN21 DN22 DN23 DN48 DN54 DN68 DN76 DN78 DM38 DM48 DM49 There will be many other grids on the route but I'll only operate from them if the situation permits. This is a tent camping trip and the weather will play a role in when and if I can operate. The first grid will be DN54 although there may be one or two before that depending on the timing. I will be using an Icom 910H and an Arrow or Elk antenna rather than the setup in my truck that was used on the Lake Superior Expedition. Setup time and weather will be a factor. I don't anticipate operating in darkness although it may be possible at campsites. I will be using computer control on the linear birds. We don't have many satellites now and since AO-7 is now switching between Mode A and B, it will only be available every other day. The primary birds will be FO-29 and SO-50. There may be some AO-73 but not likely. If AO-7 is weak, I may operate on CW on that bird only. I will be trackable as k8yse-9 (3g/4g) and/or k8yse-12 on RF. Sometime in October I will plan a short trip over to DM63/64 if anyone needs those grids. And on January 1st, 2015, I will operate at least one pass from FM13 in the afternoon. I don't anticipate doing LOTW for this expedition. Cards should be sent direct. If you have many contacts to confirm, a log excerpt can be sent that I can sign and return to you. Please make sure you indicate which grid I was in for each qso. I plan to record all passes and log on paper as well. QSO's will be confirmed sometime in December. SO-50 is our only FM bird now. It is difficult to hear and suffers from QRM. I'm sure you have witnessed a station operating from a rare grid that has had trouble making qso's. Sometimes others are not hearing the bird but are still calling; sometimes others are not aware that someone is operating from a rare grid and they will call someone that they have worked many times. You can always work a regular when there is low activity but you and others may only have one chance to work a rare grid. Please give those operating in a remote grid some space to work the bird. It is not a matter of how much power you run, but rather a matter of courtesy. Another issue we have on SO-50 is QRM from simplex users. You may hear a word or two from them at the end of a valid satellite transmission. They are often very strong and can prevent us from getting into a satellite. There is not much we can do about this problem but if you hear someone on 145.85 locally, please advise them about the ARRL Bandplan that reserves 145.8-146.0 for satellite inputs and ask them to choose another frequency for their simplex activity. Since they are not running 67 Hz PL, we only hear them at the tail end of a valid satellite transmission before the squelch closes. I hope to work many of you on this trip. Good Luck. 73, John K8YSE

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iss sstv ????
by F5GVA Claude 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Hi all third pass of the day and still no audio signal. The carrier is very strong 59+60 db. Curious ! someone there any information ? 73 Claude F5GVA/77-JN18IT Member : Amsat 780-REF 34929-CDXC 1480-EPC 16293-ERC 641-30MDG 5772-F6KOP TEAM 56-BCS 886-DMC 6992-BDM 4171 Satellite Amateur Radio Station Site web : http://pagesperso-orange.fr/f5gva/

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SATPC32 Problem tracking ISS
by wa7eth＠frontier.com 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Thanks to everyone for the assistance in solving my problem tracking the ISS with SATPC32. I discovered it was an operator problem on my end (somewhat digitally challenged here ! ! !) and now all is well. I appreciate everyone's help and I have learned a lot. . 73'...Ed WA7ETH

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ISS SSTV Aug 27 1100-1300 GMT
by M5AKA 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

The PD180 SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station on 145.800 MHz FM should take place during the 1100-1300 GMT orbit on Wednesday, August 27, see http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/23/iss-sstv-august-27/ When the ISS is in range of London you should also be able to receive the transmissions online using the SUWS WebSDR, further details at http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/15/suws-websdr-moves-to-new-site/ ---- 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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ISS passage 15h37 TU
by F5GVA Claude 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Hi all In this passage : very strong carrier 59+60 but still no audio signal It lacks the BF cable? it's a shame ! 73 Claude F5GVA/77-JN18IT Member : Amsat 780-REF 34929-CDXC 1480-EPC 16293-ERC 641-30MDG 5772-F6KOP TEAM 56-BCS 886-DMC 6992-BDM 4171 Satellite Amateur Radio Station Site web : http://pagesperso-orange.fr/f5gva/

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DCC Proceedings Abstracts Announced - 2014 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Austin, TX September 5-7, 2014
by Mark Thompson 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

http://www.tapr.org/pub_dcc33.html DCC Proceedings Abstracts: 33rd ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference September 5-7, 2014 ________________________________ High-Speed Wireless Networking in the UHF and Microwave Bands by David Bern, W2LNX and Keith Elkin, KB3TCB Abstract: This paper discusses building an amateur radio wireless network using commercial off the shelf wireless networking equipment that is currently available. As an example, four Ubiquiti NanoStation M3 3.4 GHz digital radios are used to assemble a demonstration network of two wireless network links that operate on two different frequencies. In conclusion, the paper invites the amateur radio community to build a nationwide highspeed amateur radio wireless backbone network to connect all local amateur radio area community wireless networks. Proceedings Paper Clarifying the Amateur Bell 202 Modem by Kenneth W. Finnegan, W6KWF and Bridget Benson, PhD The Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) and Its Potential for Amateur Radio by Eduardo Gonzalez , Dr Stan McClellan and Dr Wuxu Peng SDR-based DATV-Express Exciter for Digital-ATV by Ken Konechy, W6HHC A Radioteletype Over-Sampling Software Decoder for Amateur Radio by Joseph J. Roby, Jr, K0JJR An HF Frequency-Division Multiplex (FDM) Modem by Steven Sampson, K5OKC Modulation - Demodulation Software Radio by Alex Schwarz VE7DXW and Guy Roels ON6MU Installing a LIF port into the FT-950 transceiver by Alex Schwarz, VE7DXW Installing a LIF port into the IC-756ProIII transceiver by Alex Schwarz, VE7DXW The European HAMNET - A Large Scale High Speed Radio Network by Jann Traschewski, DG8NGN Implementation of Basic Analog and Digital Modulation Schemes using a SDR Platform by Jose M. Valencia and Omar H. Longoria

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ISS UK Passes - SSTV
by David Barber 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

UK passes today at 10.48utc, 12.23utc & 14.00utc. Very strong carrier at 3 minute intervals, duration as expected for proposed mode of transmission but no modulation. David Barber G8OQW ********

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SATPC32 Question
by wa7eth＠frontier.com 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

I am having difficulty with SATPC32 tracking the ISS accurately. All other satellites appear to track OK but the ISS is way off compared to several web based tracking sites. I would appreciate any tips on how to troubleshoot this problem. Please respond off the AMSAT-BB to WA7ETH(a)frontier.com . Thanks. Ed WA7ETH

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Re: [amsat-bb] EVA Photos of Chasqui-1 Deployment Posted on AMSAT web
by Mineo Wakita 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Sorry. Chasqui-1 photos upon release, http://es.gizmodo.com/asi-despliega-un-astronauta-un-nanosatelite-en-el-esp… JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: [amsat-bb] EVA Photos of Chasqui-1 Deployment Posted on AMSAT web
by Mineo Wakita 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Chasqui-1 photos upon release,http://es.gizmodo.com/asi-despliega-un-astronauta-un-nanosatelite-e…, Mineo Wakita

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Funding
by Joe 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Has anyone thought of trying something like Kickstarter to help fund a linear LEO at least? Like the guy and the cold butter knife, got on there wanting 40 grand to make it, he has 1/4 million and still counting! Joe WB9SBD -- Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com

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Summer 2014 TAPR PSR Digital Communications Journal Available
by Mark Thompson 27 Aug '14

27 Aug '14

Summer 2014 TAPR PSR Digital Communications Journal Available http://www.tapr.org/psr/psr126.pdf

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EVA Photos of Chasqui-1 Deployment Posted on AMSAT web
by JoAnne Maenpaa 26 Aug '14

26 Aug '14

Hello everyone, The AMSAT web at http://www.amsat.org/?p=3181 has been updated with photos taken on August 18 during the EVA activity to deploy the Chasqui-1 cubesat. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Re: [amsat-bb] Fun Cube Dongle
by Steve May 26 Aug '14

26 Aug '14

Norm, That might be the issue I am having with the RTL-SDR right now. Something "just isn't right" the way it is set up for HDSDR. It will fire up but it seems like everything is significantly over-modulated. SDR# is working properly, and I was able to install the correct files to add the DDE plugin to allow the two to communicate. I am also in complete agreement with you that SDR is the future. Really powerful way to use a radio. -- Steve May, W5IEM Amateur Extra - Georgetown, KY (520) 261-7847 - Cell Skype: USHorseman Steve.W5IEM(a)gmail.com *This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the email along with any and all attachments from your system* On Tue, Aug 26, 2014 at 1:02 PM, Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Steve, > All you should have to do is download the appropriate software > interface file (.dll) that is specific to each receiver. Assuming > HDSDR is installed, go to c:/program files (x86) /HDSDR then drop the > .dll file (after it's unzipped) into that folder. > Start HDSDR, pick your bandwidth and start the receiver. > Took me a while to figure it all out. SDR is the next generation. > Norm n3ykf > > > On Tue, Aug 26, 2014 at 12:24 PM, Steve May <steve.w5iem(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Patrick and Lizeth, > > > > Thank you both very much. I appreciate the suggestions, and I guess I > will > > just plan on buying a FCD Pro+ this Friday. > > > > I will say that I am enjoying the RTL-SDR for some other non-satellite > > projects. It is great for monitoring my local repeaters and listening to > > the commercial stations in my area, so it is certainly not a complete > loss, > > and even if it was it was only ~$20. > > > > I have not been able to get HDSDR to work with the dongle, though, but I > > was able to add the plugin to SDR# to interface with SATPC32 last night. > > Perhaps I will have better luck with the FCD Pro+. > > > > In the end the FCD Pro+ is probably something I will use with some other > > radio projects on HF, so I am sure that I will get plenty of use out of > it > > no matter what, but I am excited to find out all of the satellite uses I > > will have for it. > > > > Thank you again for the information. I'll catch you guys on the linear > > satellites in the near future. > > > > -- > > Steve May, W5IEM > > Amateur Extra - Georgetown, KY > > (520) 261-7847 - Cell > > Skype: USHorseman > > Steve.W5IEM(a)gmail.com > > > > *This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to > > which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, > > confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the > reader > > of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified > that > > any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying the communication > is > > strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, > > please notify the sender immediately and delete the email along with any > > and all attachments from your system* > > > > > > On Tue, Aug 26, 2014 at 12:17 PM, Patrick STODDARD <patrick(a)wd9ewk.net> > > wrote: > > > >> Hi Steve! > >> > >> My answer to your Million Dollar Question would be - YES! The FUNcube > >> Dongle Pro Plus, at around US$ 200 depending on the exchange rate with > >> the British pound, is a good value. I also have an RTL-SDR dongle, and > >> previously had the original FUNcube Dongle Pro. The RTL-SDR dongles are > >> OK, but lack some of the things I like with the FCD Pro+. The FCD Pro+ > >> is more sensitive, and has better front-end filtering. Where the RTL-SDR > >> dongles are intended for digital television reception, needing a much > >> wider front-end on its receiver, the FCD Pro+ has filtering that helps > >> it perform very well in the amateur 2m and 70cm bands. It still works > >> fine in other parts of the RF spectrum it receives. > >> > >> The RTL-SDR dongles, as well as the original FUNcube Dongle Pro, were > not > >> usable as my downlink receiver when working AO-73 or any other > satellite. > >> Whenever I would transmit with my FT-817, even at 500mW, the RF from the > >> 817 would shut down the dongles. The FCD Pro+, on the other hand, works > >> very well with my FT-817 for working satellites. Between the dongle and > >> the software you run on a computer, there is a slight lag in hearing the > >> audio from the downlink, something you don't hear when using a radio to > >> receive the downlink. If you use software with the FCD Pro+ like HDSDR, > >> that software can be controlled by SatPC32 just like another radio - one > >> way to deal with the lag in hearing the downlink signals on the > computer. > >> > >> For my satellite station, I normally use two FT-817s, connected through > >> a diplexer to my Elk handheld log periodic. If I had an Arrow Yagi, I > >> could skip the diplexer and run coax from each radio to the appropriate > >> feedpoints on the antenna. At 5 watts, and with the diplexer in the > >> coax feedline out to the antenna, I have taken steps that should protect > >> the dongle from stray RF. If I had an Arrow Yagi, I would consider > using > >> a diplexer in line to the dongle, with the appropriate band port > connected > >> to the dongle to prevent other RF from coming down the coax line to the > >> dongle. > >> > >> Good luck, and 73! > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > >> http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > >> > >> > >> > >> On Tue, Aug 26, 2014 at 8:51 AM, Steve May <steve.w5iem(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >> > >>> So the Million Dollar Question (actually, I guess it is the > "$180-higher > >>> cost + shipping" question) is whether the Funcube Dongle is > significantly > >>> better than one of the cheap $20 RLT-SDR tuners? I have been > experimenting > >>> with the cheapo version the last couple of days, and so far I have been > >>> able to pick up my local repeaters fairly well with a mag-mount > antenna. I > >>> tried to pull in AO-73 late last night with an Arrow and a preamp but > had > >>> some issues with SATPC32 that I have since resolved. I am pretty sure I > >>> heard something but I am still getting used to using SDR#. I need to do > >>> some more tuning. > >>> > >>> I am going to keep on working with this, at least for the next few > days, > >>> but should I just plan on shelling out the money for the Funcube > Dongle if > >>> using the computer to receive the linear satellites is my long-term > plan? > >>> > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 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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AmsatDroid (1.0.10)
by David A B Johnson 26 Aug '14

26 Aug '14

Hi, New version of AmsatDroid (1.0.10) available on Google Play. The calendar widget is now disabled on the date picker as it was taking up too much screen realestate on mobile phones. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.me.g4dpz.HamSatDroid&hl=en… 73 Dave, G4DPZ

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Old school cool
by Lizeth Norman 25 Aug '14

25 Aug '14

Hi all! Between changing and feeding my two very small children, I'm spending quality time with my station and Fun Cube Dongle. Listening around, I find UO-11 still transmitting what appears to be telemetry. My software modem won't decode it. I suspect that the telemetry frames are not in compliance with AX.25, therefore ignored. There is a way to disable the CRC in this particular modem. Haven't tried that yet. What type of modem is used to receive UO-11? The internet suggests converting a telephone type unit. I remember turning down a boxful of 1200 baud modems. Ham radio is a pack rat/hoarder's hobby. Why does the 1200 baud AFSK signal from UO-11 look MUCH different than, say, the RF envelope developed by the ISS packet transmitter? Can illustrate this with little trouble. Trawling the net revealed a piece of software written by Doug, KA2UPW, a few years ago that (surprisingly!!) runs on Win7. It processes audio files recorded at 11k sample rate with a word size of 8 (!) bits. It does say Beta. Have listened up for ANTELsat. Strong on 437.575 (Not the published primary freq of 437.28!). Managed to collect a few frames of telemetry. Supposedly the payload will start xmission of a SSTV picture in martin1 given the correct (published) 1200 baud AX.25 signal on it's VHF command channel. Google for the engineering document the team prepared for general users. Still trying to decode received frames from ANTELsat. They (all four I got over two days, two kinds say the manual!) break the decoders available. One particular word gives the status of the SSTV experiment. Probably should try it by hand. Norm n3ykf

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Unsubscripcion MSAT-BB
by Luis Quintas 25 Aug '14

25 Aug '14

Hi I am receiving many mails from AMSAT-BB. I didnt subscribe to this service. Can you unsubscribe me? Thank you for your help. Best 73 de --luis LU6QI

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Mode J Transponder on NEXUS CubeSat
by M5AKA 24 Aug '14

24 Aug '14

NEXUS CubeSat will have Mode-J transponder http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/24/nexus-cubesat-mode-j-transponder/ ISS Slow Scan TV on August 27 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/23/iss-sstv-august-27/ ISS SSTV transmissions have not always been available in the Americas. It should be possible to receive the transmission online using the satellite SUWS WebSDR located near London, UK. Listen at http://websdr.suws.org.uk/ Further information at http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/15/suws-websdr-moves-to-new-site/ ---- 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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Banquet Speaker & Sunday Seminar Annouced at ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference), Austin, TX, 9/5 - 9/7
by Mark Thompson 24 Aug '14

24 Aug '14

The 2014 ARRL/TAPR DCC Saturday Night Banquet Speaker & Topic will be Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR presenting "Accidental Company, the making of Flex Radio" ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Stan Horzepa <stanzepa(a)sbcglobal.net> To: tapr-announce(a)tapr.org Sent: Friday, August 15, 2014 7:12 AM Subject: [tapr-announce] DCC in 3 weeks The 2014 ARRL/TAPR DCC will be on Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th at the Austin Marriott South in Austin, Texas. The DCC has two days of technical forums on Friday and Saturday and a concurrent introductory forum on Saturday. On Saturday night, the banquet will feature an interesting speaker andthe Sunday morning seminar will be "Introduction to SoC FPGA Programming for Mixed Signal Systems" by Chris Testa, KD2BMH. There will be free tables in the demo room to demonstrate projects and vendors to demonstrate products. Time is running out, so those interested in attending should register for the DCC and make hotel reservations ASAP. More DCC information is available at: www.tapr.org/dcc _______________________________________________ tapr-announce mailing list

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AO-7 Daily Mode Switching
by Paul Stoetzer 24 Aug '14

24 Aug '14

It appears that AO-7 has resumed daily mode switching between Mode A and Mode B as it is now in constant sunlight through next April. AO-7 was last heard in Mode B just before 0100Z ( http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php) It was not heard in Mode B at 0846Z, so the 24 hour timer is switching modes sometime between 0100Z and 0846Z. Reports from any of those within the footprint between those times are appreciated to narrow down the approximate time of the switch. 73, Paul, N8HM

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Duchifat-1 Heard
by Roland Zurmely 24 Aug '14

24 Aug '14

Hi Nitin, See here Duchifat over Brazil: por PY4ZBZ em 28 por PY4ZBZ em 28 por PY4ZBZ em 28-07-2014 Duchifat-1 4X4HSL Herzliya Space Laboratory é um projeto dos estudantes do Herzliya Science Center, Israel. View on www.qsl.net Preview by Yahoo 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Duchifat-1 Heard
by Nitin Muttin 24 Aug '14

24 Aug '14

Heard the CW beacon (partial) saying DE 4X4???? Duchifat1) and the BPSK signal on 145.980 during the pass over India. Does anyone know when the APRS payload on 145.825 Mhz will be turned ON. Decoding of the BPSK was tried using Warbler developed by PE4WJ http://www.madaim.org.il/hsl/php/duchifat1-en.php 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Re: [amsat-bb] Sats predictions with az/el/doppler
by Amsat Argentina 24 Aug '14

24 Aug '14

On http://amsat.org.ar/sat.htm were added locations Barbados & Winnipeg. Planning to allow users enter own locator. Tks for comments & suggestions. 73, lu7abf, Pedro

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Re: [amsat-bb] Decoding 9K6baud telemetry via SDR help
by Cor PDØRKC 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Hello Larry, Maybe you should try soundmodem "soundcard" packet software from UZ7HO. Soundmodem decodes weak 1200 baud packets with a bit noise good. And 9k6 low signals decodes often good. Soudmodem decodes much better compared to my expensive TNC modem. Soundmodem website: http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm Direct download software link for 300bd/600bd/1200bd/2400bd: http://uz7.ho.ua/modem_beta/sm2ch44.zip Direct download software link for 9K6bd decoding: http://uz7.ho.ua/modem_beta/G3RUH-modem16.zip If you try let us hear about your receiving results! 73's Cor PD0RKC

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Re: [amsat-bb] FUNcube/AO-73 Mode change
by Fabiano Moser 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

It´s seem so good pass over Europe tonight and NO STATION´s on the SAT. I called alone CQ from AOS to LOS middle EU pass and anyone to make a QSO :( Very strong signal from my uplink . Loud and Clear! 73 Fabiano CT7ABD IM58kp On Fri, May 16, 2014 at 8:56 PM, Jim Heck <jimlist(a)zoho.com> wrote: > Hi Folks, > > FUNcube/AO-73 is now in continuous transponder mode with low power > beacon, > as at 19:53 UTC. Change back to Auto eclipse mode planned for Sunday PM > UTC. > > Enjoy the transponder > > 73s Jim G3WGM > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > 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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Sats predictions with az/el/doppler
by Amsat Argentina 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

http://amsat.org.ar/sat.htm has been updated. Now shows graphs & figures for azimuth, elevation and Doppler freq at pass time. Allows selection of Sat & Location showing results in local time. Comments, suggestions, welcome. 73, lu7abf, Pedro pconver at gmail.com

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ISS SSTV August 27 - 145.800 FM
by M5AKA 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

It looks like Slow Scan TV (SSTV) may be active from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, August 27 using 145.800 MHz FM. See the post by Dmitry Pashkov R4UAB at http://r4uab.ru/?p=7237 ---- 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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AmsatDroid Satellite App 1.0.9 Released
by David A B Johnson 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Hi, I am pleased to announce that the latest version has been released. It has a bug fix for the problem where the Sky Map was using the wrong IARU locator and location. I've also change the width of the satellite selector spinner so that it shows more of the satellite name, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.me.g4dpz.HamSatDroid Regards Dave, G4DPZ

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Yaesu G-5500 question
by Mark L. Hammond 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Hello All, Will a Yaesu G-450A rotator replace the azimuth rotator on a G-5500 az/el unit as a direct swap? The specs are "really close" on the G-450A but wondering if anybody has actually done this. I know the stand alone elevation G-550 rotator will replace the G-5500 elevation directly (I've done it). Thanks--- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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SpaceX Test Vehicle Explodes
by B J 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Sorry about the earlier empty post. I was a bit fumble-fingered when I started writing . http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/22/spacex-bad-day-mcgregor/ http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/22/spacex-statement-mcgregor-rocket-exp… http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/22/video-spacex-rocket-explosion-mcgreg… This reminds everyone that spaceflight is hard. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Aug 26 Deployment for Lambda-Sat ?
by M5AKA 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

The Cyprus Amateur Radio Society website report that Lambda-Sat is expected to be deployed from the ISS on Aug 26 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/23/lambdasat-cubesat-iss-deployment/ ---- 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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Galileo 1260-1300 MHz - Protection Radius
by M5AKA 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

In a previous post I mentioned a paper written in 2006 which indicated a 700 watt ERP amateur station might knock out a users 1260-1300 MHz Galileo receiver at a distance of 18 km. http://www.southgatearc.org/articles/galileo.htm This may be a considerable underestimate. Two German ATV repeaters were shut down due to interference to a user's Galileo receiver which was being used to evaluate the initial 4 test satellites, the repeaters were: DB0QI which was 18 km from the receiver and DB0ITV which was 55 km from the receiver My understanding is that both repeaters were running an ERP of just 15 watts, but I've been unable to confirm that figure. The first two satellites of the operational Galileo GPS constellation were launched today to be followed by the rest over the next 3 years. Given the substantial investment in these satellites it seems to me likely that more European countries will follow the example of Germany and Austria and seek to protect the 1260-1300 MHz downlink. 73 Trevor M5AKA

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More On SpaceX Mishap
by B J 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

http://www.newspacejournal.com/2014/08/23/falcon-9-test-vehicle-destroyed-i… http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/spacex-static-fire-asiasat-6-test-fa… http://innerspace.net/spacex/spacex-f9r-test-accident-in-texas/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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more from the Satpc32 aggravation file
by Lizeth Norman 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Why would altering the doppler.sqf file not work with direct modification via Windows Notepad? The symptom is that the frequency is not recognized, although the line in the doppler.sqf file is apparently correct. Going over to the .tle file to check the spelling, spacing and so forth on the satellite name, the bright idea overcame me to find out what happens when I copy and paste the name (obviously the same to the EYE!!!) from the .tle file to the doppler.sqf file. Low and behold, it worked. Nothing in the rest of the line in the doppler.sqf file was altered. I surmise that even though the displayed characters are the same, somehow they are not. What is the formatting issue that I'm running into? This has happened before AND I have not, until today found out why. How do I fix this? I have spent a fair amount of headbanging here. This is just the latest episode. If I looked at the file in a hex editor, I am sure I would not know what to look for. Probably break more than I fix. Norm n3ykf

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Decoding 9K6baud telemetry via SDR help
by larry 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Good day all, I am wondering if (m)any of you are decoding telemetry from the CubeSats. If so, how are you doing it? I've tried using my FunCube with a Virtual Audio Cable and AGWPE, and just can't seem to decode any packets. The satellite I've tried so far is STRaND-1 and although there's a noticeable trace on the waterfall, it's only a lighter color blue and not a yellow, red, or white like I see from my TM-D700. As a matter of fact, I can't decode that radio either. I don't expect it to be a redish color on the WF since that would mead a really strong signal, but at this point I think I have some sort of a configuration issue. Can anyone assist please? Thanks, Larry N1MIW

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(no subject)
by B J 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

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EM60-70-80, EL89 25-27AUG
by Andrew Glasbrenner 22 Aug '14

22 Aug '14

I'll be on the road to and from Pensacola through these grids Monday-Wednesday next week. Let me know if you need a QSO for a new grid along the way. 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone

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Finally!
by Martha 22 Aug '14

22 Aug '14

Yes, I am going on vacation! The office will be closed through Monday, Sept 1. We will reopen on Tuesday, Sept 2nd at 10:00AM -- 73- Martha

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W1AW/7 on satellites starting Wednesday (UTC time)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 22 Aug '14

22 Aug '14

Hi! Following the schedule for W1AW/x portable activity during 2014, next week will start the second of the two weeks W1AW/7 will air from Arizona. The first W1AW/7 Arizona satellite activity in March was successful (thanks, John K8YSE, for making good use of the K8YSE/7 station in Arizona that week), and I'm hoping for another successful week starting at 0000 UTC Wednesday, 27 August (2000 EDT/1700 PDT on Tuesday, 26 August). I will be operating as W1AW/7 on weeknights, and plan on more activity during the Labor Day weekend (30 August-1 September) that falls within this one-week period. I am working on having additional operators for the weekday passes, when I won't be able to get on the radio myself. As with any of the W1AW/x activities, ARRL will handle the QSLing. ARRL will upload all W1AW/7 logs to Logbook of the World, in addition to the paper QSL cards that will be available later. If you also work other bands and want to work W1AW/7 from Arizona next week, the W1AW/7 Arizona activity coordinator, Ned Stearns AA7A, has a schedule showing when the other stations operating as W1AW/7 will be on - and on what band/mode combinations. This schedule is still being assembled, so more slots will be filled in as we get closer to next week. You can see that schedule at: http://aa7a.net/W1AW/W1AW_7_AZ_1September.htm Satellite operating times will not appear on Ned's schedule, as I am coordinating that part of the W1AW/7 effort. I'll use the AMSAT-BB list and my Twitter @WD9EWK feed (http://twitter.com/WD9EWK ) to send out updates for the W1AW/7 satellite activity. Good luck, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Hello Europe? Florida calling on the 1715z AO-7 pass!
by Lizeth Norman 22 Aug '14

22 Aug '14

Listened to the early pass this am 0730 UTC and copied ei5v fb with the fcd. Could even hear myself on the downlink with no desense and no cavity filter. Max elevation:1.7 degrees. Not bad for a 10' tower. Took just a little too long to go from passive listening mode to finding myself and answering. Don't want to plug the square connector into the round hole and apply power. Never worked Europe, period. Next time just keeps me going..

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AmsatDroid Error
by David Johnson 22 Aug '14

22 Aug '14

Hi, It has been reported that there is a problem on the SkyMap in the latest version that shows an incorrect IARU locator. I have replicated the problem and will be fixing it in the next few hours. I will let you know when it's available in the Google Play store. My apologies for any inconvenience caused. 73 - Dave, G4DPZ

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marks from space
by Lizeth Norman 22 Aug '14

22 Aug '14

Hi all! Latest craze is trying to decode 1200 baud ax.25 packets from satellites. Satellite telemetry is not a busy terrestrial packet frequency. As the number of chances that a ground station get at receiving are limited and the environment different in the extreme, I'd like to get some input on how recover more data. Will concentrate on using a Fun Cube dongle pro + as the receiver. Have never had much success. Received a few frames from the ISS with a Byonics Tiny Tracker 4. Last time I chased beepsats was a year and a half ago. Blew up the rotator control box it spun around so much. Since then, it's been one failure or another. Nothing has torched itself in a week or so. It's time to be daring. Found a (software modem) program called "Dire wolf" amongst others. It does a good job on the local APRS/packet traffic. I will try my TT4 again at some point. Did ask a similar question on that mailing list. Also asked about the 9k6 TT4 rx feature. Was told that it was a software switch, nothing more needed to be done. Enabling it should allow the tnc to decode the data. Since it won't encode that rate, setting one up with a pc in another part of the house and using remote desktop to monitor/control it and test isn't an option. Doing some reading about software decoders gives me the impression that if the center of the passband is off 100 Hz or more, the algorithm that decides what is a "mark" and what is a "space" fails. How does a hardware modem compare? Are they different? Obviously, ensuring the receiver is calibrated and centered on the correct frequency with the correct mode/ IF filter is one factor. Another is transmitter LO temperature drift. Doppler correction is a factor. Amplitude of the audio input is a variable. There is a copy of virtual audio cable on my pc. It is possible to route the signal from the receiver to an audio spectrum analyzer as well as the software modem. Would this be any help troubleshooting? Norm n3ykf

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B-64 Balloon Passes Iceland
by M5AKA 21 Aug '14

21 Aug '14

434.500 MHz balloon B-64 returning to UK again after 6 week journey http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/21/434-mhz-balloon-b-64-returning-to-uk-again/ UKHAS Conference Videos Now Available http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/20/ukhas-conference-videos-now-available/ Schedule for RSGB Convention Released http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/21/schedule-for-rsgb-convention-released/ ---- 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] Chasqui-1 Cubesat
by Clint Bradford 21 Aug '14

21 Aug '14

Nothing heard on a great pass over Southern California just now ... ISS packet not heard, either. Project manager Hector just advised me "no beacon heard yet," too ... Clint K6LCS 10:03PM PDT / 05:03AM GMT

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Chasqui-1 Cubesat
by Nitin Muttin 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

Tried listening to the satellite during 08:35 UTC pass over India on 20th nothing heard on 437.025 and 145.800 (Possible relay from ISS) . Has anyone heard this satellite which was hand launched from the ISS. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Galileo Deployment Phase starts tomorrow
by M5AKA 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

So far the only Galileo satellites in orbit have been the four used for system test purposes. They have a downlink across 1260-1300 MHz. Thesefour test satellites havealready resulted in two 23 cm repeaters in Germany being closed down along with repeaters in Austria. The deployment of the operational network starts tomorrow, Aug. 21, at 12:31 GMT and the launch can be seen live at: http://www.arianespace.tv/ http://www.esa.int/esatv/Television The Galileo constellation will be gradually deployed with six to eight satellites launched per year. A paper indicates that an amateur 23cm station running 700 watts ERP could "knock-out" a user's Galileo receiver at a distance of 18 km (11miles), see http://www.southgatearc.org/articles/galileo.htm A chart showing GNSS use of 23 cm is at http://amsat-uk.org/2014/08/13/23-cm-band-and-wrc-2018/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Activation DL73. Special Call 4C2L
by David Maciel (XE3DX) 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

*Mexican radio ham operators, are proud of the great engineering Mexican effort that the BALUARTE bridge represents.* *Hence, to honor it, they launch this special radio communications event with the special call sign.* *4C2L.* *The Baluarte Bicentenario [1] Bridge is a suspension bridge located in the municipalities of Pueblo Nuevo in Durango andConcordia in Sinaloa, along the Durango-Mazatlán highway in Mexico. It has a length of 1,124 meters and a cable-stayed span of 520 meters and a height above the Baluarte River up to 402.57 meters."It is the highest suspension bridge in the world"* *TEAM RADIO OPERATORS:* *SSB_____XE2L, XE2MCC, XE2RFX, XE2LSP, XE2YD.* *RTTY____XE2KJ* *6MTS____XE1AY* *CW_____XE2i, XE1AY* *SATELLITE_____ XE1AY* David Maciel XE3DX *http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ <http://www.qsl.net/xe3dx/>* *david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com <david.xe3dx(a)gmail.com>*

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Question On LO-75
by Dave Marthouse 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

Is LO-75 still functioning? Any information would be appreciated. -- Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com

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Re: [amsat-bb] WX SAT de W4BUE
by Fraser Bonnett 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

I can second Paul's suggestion. I use a Funcube Dongle 2.0, controlled by SDR-Radio software. Antenna is a Quadrifilar helix in the attic. Using WXtoimg I can get some stunning pictures. 73, Fraser, W3UTD On Wed, Aug 20, 2014 at 7:32 AM, Rich/wa4bue <richard.siff(a)verizon.net <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: > Would someone please suggest an inexpensive broadband receiver for the > weather SATS? > > We are gearing up for the new school year in Chesapeake, VA. > > Rich W4BUE / K4AMG > > --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com

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Intercontinental DX on AO-73
by Paul Stoetzer 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

Good evening, On the 0250Z pass of AO-73, I was delighted to hear and work Paulo, PV8DX, very soon after AOS. While I have worked Paulo many times (five other times in just the past week), this was my first intercontinental QSO on AO-73 and my first intercontinental QSO on any satellite other than AO-7 and FO-29 with their higher orbits. My elevation was between 2 and 3 degrees during the QSO. AO-73 is in a slightly elliptical orbit of 682 km x 595 km, but it was at it's perigee of 595 km during this QSO. The distance between Paulo and I is 4,337 km, 899 km short of the theoretical maximum of 5,236 km at perigee. I have posted audio and a graphic from SatPC32 showing the satellite's footprint at the time of the QSO on YouTube: http://youtu.be/HLzMV7MGz0U Although I rushed the QSO as I did not know how much longer Paulo would be in the footprint, he was heard for another 30 seconds or so. Equipment used was my normal satellite station: two Yaesu FT-817s, a High Sierra Microwave LNAA146FIL preamp, and an Arrow II 146/437-10BP handheld yagi. I was operating off my apartment balcony with a very good view of the southern horizon in southwest Washington, DC. 73, Paul, N8HM

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Chasqui-1 Cubesat.
by Cor . 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

I have listened several passes hoped to receive some signals from Chasqui-1 Cubesat. Also here nothing heard on my RTL-SDR usb receiver, ssb electronics preamp and a M2 436CP30 cross yagi. No reports seen from the team. 73s Cor PD0RKC

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Chasqui release photo
by Jeff Yanko 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

Hi all! Here's a photo of Chasqui just after its release. http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/08/19/astronauts-take-spacewalk-outside… 73, Jeff WB3JFS

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W1AW/8 Ohio Satellite Operation
by john＠papays.com 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

K8YSE will be operating as W1AW/8 beginning at 0001z 20 August 2014 on SO-50 as well as the linear birds. There was no satellite operation during the previous Ohio week in the first half of 2014. This will be the last chance to work this special event station in Ohio. I will operate on as many passes as my schedule permits. This will include FO-29 and AO-7B passes that cover Europe. Hope to work you. 73, John K8YSE

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2m Link Budget - Chinese Satellite 4M-LXS
by Simon Brown 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Hi, Has anyone thought about a 2m XPOL Yagi for receiving the 4M-LXS payload? I currently have the WIMO shorter WX208 and could get 5dB more gain with the WX220. I use a SSB Electronics pre-amp. I'll be getting my antenna mast & satellite stuff assembled next week with luck. Simon Brown G4ELI http://v2.sdr-radio.com

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Re: [amsat-bb] ISS and QSL Card Requests
by Clint Bradford 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

>> ... So exactly how do you know what percentage of people requested QSL cards and why would you care? A voice contact with an orbiting astronaut is an extraordinary event. And I have run into a few operators who had no idea that they could apply for and receive a QSL card for their efforts. How do I know any numbers? I made a phone call to the ARRL manager who has the numbers. Like I always do, I use the best-available information ... So - What, exactly, is the problem posting the procedure to obtain a QSL card from an ISS contact? Clint posts an informative, upbeat, factually correct, on-topic post. And those without as good as Rolodex as I possess can't stand it. And so it goes ... Clint Bradford K6LCS

4 4

Kenwood TS-2000 FS
by Stefan Wagener 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Have a nice TS-2000 for sale. Radio is in excellent condition with only minor signs of use. Late serial number: B28xxxxx Has blue display (picture on request) and comes with an original box, manual, power cable and mic. $1000 shipped with insurance within Canada or USA. Interested? Please email me directly (my callsign @ gmail.com) Tx, Stefan, VE4NSA

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AMSAT bb
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Glen, I see you have been sucessful in posting to the AMSAT BB. I have made several attempts to post a question I have about the old track box but it never appears. I have used amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. All indications are it goes out, doesn't appear in the undeliverable box but nothing on the daily list of messages. Used the address that worked for years in my address book, typed it by hand uppercase, lower case and it just disappears into a black hole. Used to have no problem but since things changed on the bb awhile back no luck. Any help?? 73 Tom K8TL

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT bb
by Andrew Glasbrenner 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Tom, this is what I got when I replied to you to let you know the message went through: >I apologize for this automatic reply to your email. >To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand. >If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the short request form (see link >below). Once I approve you, I will receive your original message in my inbox. You do not need to resend your >message. I apologize for this one-time inconvenience. >Click the link below to fill out the request: >https://webmail.pas.earthlink.net/wam/[email protected]&id=11e4-27… That might be the issue. I use EarthLink too, and very little gets through their spam filters now. You might consider dropping the shields a bit. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Tom Lubbers K8TL <k8tl(a)earthlink.net> >Sent: Aug 19, 2014 9:51 AM >To: aa5pk(a)suddenlink.net >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT bb > >Glen, >I see you have been sucessful in posting to the AMSAT BB. I have made several attempts to post a question I have about the old track box but it never appears. I have used amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. All indications are it goes out, doesn't appear in the undeliverable box but nothing on the daily list of messages. Used the address that worked for years in my address book, typed it by hand uppercase, lower case and it just disappears into a black hole. >Used to have no problem but since things changed on the bb awhile back no luck. Any help?? > >73 >Tom K8TL > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >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] 2m Link Budget - Chinese Satellite 4M-LXS
by Andrew Glasbrenner 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Attachments are stripped from -bb emails. Can you post to a webpage or dropbox or similar, then send the link? 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: "Michael R. Lengruesser" <mlengruesser(a)amsat-dl.org> >Sent: Aug 19, 2014 3:28 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 2m Link Budget - Chinese Satellite 4M-LXS > >See attachment > >Michael R. Lengruesser, DD5ER > >AMSAT-DL e.V. > >-- International Satellites for >Communication, Science and Education -- > >mlengruesser(a)amsat-dl.org >http:/www.amsat-dl.org > >Am 18.08.2014 10:11, schrieb Simon Brown: >> Hi, >> >> >> >> Has anyone thought about a 2m XPOL Yagi for receiving the 4M-LXS payload? I >> currently have the WIMO shorter WX208 and could get 5dB more gain with the >> WX220. I use a SSB Electronics pre-amp. >> >> >> >> I'll be getting my antenna mast & satellite stuff assembled next week with >> luck. >> >> >> >> Simon Brown G4ELI >> http://v2.sdr-radio.com >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> 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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Cheap linear sat rig? TS-2000 AS-IS
by Kevin M 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?447439-Kenwood-TS-2000-**-AS-IS**-UHF-… Provided it also works on SSB/CW on VHF/UHF might make someone a good sat rig. 73 N4UFO

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QSLs from W6ZKH
by Glenn Miller - AA5PK 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Several have been concerned because John's QRZ entry says he no longer QSLs. I mentioned that to him in an email this evening and he assures me that he will QSL. He added this to his QRZ entry this evening and asked me to pass the info along: Notice: I will now only QSL on Satellite contacts. These contacts are the ones I make while traveling and visiting various rare Grid Squares, to help other ops obtain the needed various Grid Squares in their VUCC awards. SASE would be greatly appreciated, but not a requirement. Be advised, that return card will be after I arrive back at home base in Visalia, Ca.. thank you for your help. I still do not QSL other contacts. Hope that clears things up. 73 Glenn AA5PK

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AMSAT FD 2014
by Wyatt Dirks 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

This afternoon I was reading through the latest amsat journal when I got to the article on Amsat Fd 2014. I got to the chart with the scores and was surprised to see K0kbx in spot number one as that's the club I operated with on FD. I was the sole operator this year at the satellite station and just want to share quickly what I had setup for a station. I really wasn't planning on operating sats for fd this year but about a week before fd a local club decided they were going to partake in fd for the first time in a few years. Well I decided I would come out and join but really didn't have time to put a decent station together so I used the a basic setup I recently mounted on the truck for the June vhf contest. I had a pair of 7 element yagis on 2m and two 8ft long yagis on 435 mhz one mounted horizontally and the other mounted vertically. All these antenna were aimed at the horizon and could only be moved left and right. No elevation this time. I used my ic910 for the radio but no computer control. And because my laptop was being used as a logbook I used my phone with amsatdroid to track the sats. I went with a fairly simple setup and really just hoped to make a few contacts to help others out. Turns out the campground we setup in was on a hill and very low noise so even though I had no elevation I could hear the sats almost the entire pass. But above 15 degrees or so my ability to get in to the bird decrease greatly so most of my contacts were made with less then 15 degrees. I was really surprised that which such a simple setup it seemed to work ok. I also made two ao7 mode a contact for which I used a 10m dipole up at 35ft for rx. That seemed to work great. To bad there were more stations ready to work mode a. I think the key to working fd on the satellites is knowing how to use your equipment and the characteristics of the satellites your going to operate. I heard plenty of stations that spend the whole time trying to find there downlink or just calling cq and never answering because they couldn't hear. Look forward to Amsat Field Day 2015! 73 Wyatt AC0RA Ps the photo in the journal that's says it's k0kbx station its not.

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ISS QSL Card Requests
by Clint Bradford 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

I am not sure WHY ... but just a small percentage of those who actually DID communicate with astronaut Wiseman last Field Day weekend have requested QSL cards from their efforts! It is not hard to get one of these coveted cards. Just submit your request (QSL card, or typed report) and include ... - the date - the time in UTC - frequency and mode (voice, packet, or SSTV) Include a large self-addressed, stamped return envelope with sufficient postage. For US contacts, submit your request to ... ARRL HEADQUARTERS ARISS QSL 225 Main Street Newington CT 06111-1494 For those of you outside North America, please refer to ... ARRL FAQ - http://www.arrl.org/frequently-asked-questions Clint K6LCS

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Re: [amsat-bb] AO-51
by Andrew Glasbrenner 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

AO-51 remains non-operational. We still try to restart her occasionally, in case a cell opens, but that isn't likely. Here's the original announcement from 2+ years ago: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2011/000571.html The good news is at least two Fox-1 sats will launch next year, both carrying Mode B FM repeaters, as well as at least one camera and several university experiments. There are several ways to donate to the program at http://www.amsat.org/ 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: "Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE" <kevin(a)eaglecreekobservatory.org> >Sent: Aug 18, 2014 9:27 AM >To: 'AMSAT BB' <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 > >What's the status of AO-51? I've read that it's dead and I've also read that people are still using it. > >Thanks, > >Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE >Grid-EL09uf >Eagle Creek Observatory >http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org >I'd be unstoppable if it weren't for law enforcement and physics > > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >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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73 on 73 Award Announcement
by Paul Stoetzer 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

I am pleased to announce that I will be sponsoring a new award to promote activity on AO-73 (FUNcube-1). The requirements for this award are simple: 1. Work 73 unique stations on AO-73. 2. Contacts must be made on or after September 1, 2014. 3. There are no geographic restrictions on your operating location. There will be no cost for this award (donations to AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NA's Fox program are encouraged though). No QSLs are required. When you complete the requirements, email your log extract including the callsign of each station worked, UTC, and date to n8hm(a)arrl.net as well as the address where you'd like the award certificate sent. Enjoy AO-73's transponder! 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC

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UK SDR Question
by Dave Marthouse 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

What's the grid square for the SDR in the UK that was mentioned in this week's ANS news? I think it's at the university of South Hampton. -- Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com

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OSCAR NEWS 207 from AMSAT-UK
by Graham Shirville 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

The Editors of OSCAR NEWS are starting the preparation of the next edition – #207. We would welcome any articles for this edition which need to be submitted before the end of August! Long or short articles about technical, operational or historical matters are all equally welcome. Exciting and/or amusing photographs would also be appreciated. Many thanks in advance for your support 73 Graham G3VZV and Jim G3WGM

3 2

test 14 08 18 -1
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

Please ignore Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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W6ZKH travels
by Glenn Miller - AA5PK 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

John is still underway in CN73. He should be parked for the next SO-50 pass. He plans to spend a couple of days in CN73 before heading to CN76 where he will spend 3-4 days. After that he's headed to Olympic National Park in CN87. Then across the border to BC and over to Jasper Nat'l Park and Banff Nat'l Park in Alberta. His return trip will be through MT, ID, and NV to Lake Tahoe. He said to listen to SO-50 on passes as he'll try to work it when he's in the footprint. 73 Glenn AA5PK

1 2

CO6CBF/P FL10/FL00
by Clayton Coleman 17 Aug '14

17 Aug '14

Hector, CO6CBF will continue his grid operations from eastern Cuba with one pass near the grids FL10/FL00 scheduled for FO-29 17-August at 11:10 UTC. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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ANS-229 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 17 Aug '14

17 Aug '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-229 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: * 7 weeks Until Symposium * Satellite Road Trip * 2014 AMSAT Symposium Trips, Social Events, and Tours * 2014 AMSAT Space Symposium Papers Due Septmeber 15 * Dnepr Launch Planned for October * SUWS VHF/UHF/Microwave WebSDR moves to new site * LUSAT-1 alive at night! * OSCAR NEWS 207 from AMSAT-UK * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-229.01 ANS-229 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 229.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE August 17, 2014 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-229.01 7 weeks Until Symposium Charm City Space Symposium 32nd Space Symposium and Annual Meeting October 10-12, 2014 Baltimore, Maryland * Board of Directors meeting on October 9 and morning of October 10. * Technical presentations on satellite design/operating begin the afternoon of October 10 and continue October 11. * Meet AMSAT Officers and Board members. * Meet and greet fellow satellite operators. * Satellites on display. * Annual general meeting afternoon of October 10. * Saturday evening annual banquet with door prizes. * Sunday morning Area Coordinator's breakfast. * Sunday ARISS Operations Team meeting. * Sunday and Monday tours. Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton -- Baltimore - BWI Airport 890 Elkridge Landing Rd, Linthicum, Maryland, 21090 Phone: 410-859-8400 Ask For: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation Group or use the Code: RAS AMSAT Special Room Rate--$99.00 per night $10 Breakfast Buffet Coupons--Full Hot and Cold Breakfast* FREE Parking FREE WiFi Free Airport and Close-in Transportation Easy Train/Light Rail Service to Baltimore Inner Harbor & D.C. Metro Walking distance to National Electronics Museum Special Guest Presentations *Purchase at check-in A registration form for the Symposium and all events may be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/ANS208-SymposiumRegistration Online registration is available through the AMSAT Store http://tinyurl.com/ANS208-OnlineRegistration [ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Road Trip Ron, N8RO says he started on a vacation road trip on Saturday August 16, 2014. He plans satellite operation only on SO-50 & FO-29. He will attempt to be on one morning and one evening pass of the satellites, but it's a vacation and nothing is set in stone. He plans to return home around September 20, 2014. The trip will be divided into three phases: + The first phase will include TX, NM, AZ and CA. The first stop will be in DM62 and ending up in CM87 on August 26, 2014. + The second phase of the trip will start in AK, BP52, on August 27, 2014 and will end in CN89 on September 6, 2014. A major portion of this part of the trip will be aboard a cruise ship and if he is permitted to operate as N8RO/MM he will only be on SO-50 with a HT and a whip antenna, so contacts may be difficult. + The final portion of the trip will start on September 8, 2014 and will include CA, NV, UT, CO, NM & TX starting again in CN89 and ending in EM00. [ANS thanks Ron Oldham, N8RO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2014 AMSAT Symposium Trips, Social Events, and Tours We will have two "working" events scheduled Sunday morning (October 12)-the Area Coordinators Breakfast and the ARISS Operations Team Meeting. Similar to last year's symposium, two opportunities for tours are planned for the 2014 Space Symposium: 1) On Sunday October 12 (Afternoon), several Small Group/Light Rail tours are being planned. Symposium participants can choose one of the following tours: Baltimore Inner Harbor Tour (including the Aquarium), the B&O Railroad Museum, Edgar Allen Poe House or the National Electronics Museum. 2) On Columbus Day, Monday October 13 we will take a bus to the Washington Dulles airport area to tour the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. Udvar-Hazy is a phenomenal museum with hundreds of aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, an SR-71, Enola Gay, and many others. The plan is to leave the hotel at 9 am and return around 4 pm. In order to get maximum benefit from all the holiday weekend events, the symposium committee suggests that symposium participants consider scheduling their airline flights for no earlier than 6 pm on Monday October 13. Online registration is available through the AMSAT Store http://tinyurl.com/ANS208-OnlineRegistration [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2014 AMSAT Space Symposium Papers Due Septmeber 15 The 2014 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium will be held on the weekend of October 10-12, 2014, at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), Baltimore, Maryland. (See information above) Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, but no later than August 1. The final copy must be submitted by September 15 for inclusion in the printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz at n8fgv at amsat.org [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dnepr Launch Planned for October According to an ITAR-TASS report the launch of a Russian-Ukrainian conversion rocket Dnepr (RS-20) with Japanese satellites, should take place in early October from the Orenburg region, southern Urals. On Wednesday, August 13, when asked by ITAR-TASS whether the plans had not been affected by Japanese sanctions against Russia a source in the Russian Military Industrial Commission said "The launch is scheduled for the beginning of October. There have been no cancellations so far". The rocket will orbit five Japanese satellites, including four micro ones. "The satellites will be brought to Russia on August 20," the source said, adding that this year's third Dnepr launch was scheduled for December. The Dnepr rocket conversion programme was initiated in the 1990s by the presidents of Russia and Ukraine to convert RS-20 Voyevoda ICBMs for civilian uses. Dnepr rockets are launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, and the Yasny Launch Site of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces in the Orenburg region under a joint project commenced by Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The Dnepr rocket is a three-stage liquid-engine vehicle. Its takeoff mass is 210 tones. The first two stages are the regular stages of the RS-20 rocket and have not been changed. The third stage has been worked on to improve its flight control system. The rocket is injected from an RS-20 silo by propellant gases. Its engine turns on after the whole vehicle has come out of the silo. The rocket is made by the Ukrainian company Yuzhmash in Dnepropetrovsk. Source ITAR-TASS http://en.itar-tass.com/non-political/744861 The five satellites are understood to be: * ASNARO 1 * ChubuSat 1 * Hodoyoshi 1 * QSAT-EOS * Tsubame [ANS thanks ITAR-TASS and AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SUWS VHF/UHF/Microwave WebSDR moves to new site The Southampton University Wireless Society SUWS VHF/UHF/Microwave WebSDR has now moved to its new site in Farnham. You can use the free online SUWS Web Software Defined Radio (WebSDR) from your PC or Laptop to receive the International Space Station (ISS) and the many amateur radio satellites transmitting in the 144- 146 MHz or 435-438 MHz bands. The WebSDR also provides reception of High Altitude Balloons in the 434 MHz band and coverage of the microwave 10368-10370 MHz band. Martin Ehrenfried G8JNJ has equipped the SUWS WebSDR with omni- direction helix antennas for both 144-146 MHz and 432-438 MHz which have proved effective for both high altitude balloon and satellite reception. The SUWS WebSDR is located at Farnham not far from London, 51.3 N 1.15 W, listen to it at http://websdr.suws.org.uk/ Martin says this about the special satellite antennas "I had been experimenting with single turn 'twisted halo' design, and decided to try stacking them to see if I could achieve more gain. Modelling suggested that a stretched 3 turn helix with a helix circumference of approx 1/2 wave length and an overall length of 1/2 wave at 70cm, and fed with a gamma match at the centre would offer reasonable gain, an omni-directional pattern and mixed polarisation." Full details of the antennas are available at http://g8jnj.webs.com/currentprojects.htm [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- LUSAT-1 alive at night! Pedro, LU7ABF, reported to the AMSAT-BB, "We knew that our LUSAT start transmitting again a couple of years ago, but only when illuminated by sun, and was not heard during the night. On the occasion of testing the application http://amsat.org.ar/sat.htm saw there was a nightly pass, which was tried to listen. Without much hope tuned 437.125 MHz, surprised to hear the usual strong 900mW continuous carrier +/- Doppler, but this time after 22 minutes of being LUSAT in the dark. Commenting locally, several other hams also tried and received LUSAT. It's almost a miracle that after almost 25 years, LUSAT vintage Ni- Cd batteries can receive and hold charge. It seems LUSAT is willing to greet hams on his 'Silver Jubilee' due next Jan-22 thru continuing talking with us from space after its more than 128,000 orbits. The LO-19, next to Oscar-7 and UO-11 is one of the most long-lived active amateur satellites. We have included short report and audio on http://amsat.org.ar/?f=z , Amsat-LU logs. More information on LUSAT (although in Spanish) on http://lusat.org.ar Reports welcomed at info at amsat.org.ar [ANS thanks Pedro, LU7ABF, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- OSCAR NEWS 207 from AMSAT-UK The Editors of OSCAR NEWS are starting the preparation of the next edition - #207. We would welcome any articles for this edition which need to be submitted before the end of August! Long or short articles about technical, operational or historical matters are all equally welcome. Exciting and/or amusing photographs would also be appreciated. Many thanks in advance for your support [ANS thanks Graham G3VZV and Jim G3WGM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News + A Successful contact was made between Amino Kita Elementary School, Kyotango, Japan and Astronaut Gregory Wiseman KF5LKT using callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2014-08-06 10:25 UTC UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via 8J3AK. ARISS Mentor was 7M3TJZ. + A Successful contact was made between Canada Science and Technology Museum Summer Day Camps, Ottawa, ON, Canada and Astronaut Alexander Gerst KF5ONO using callsign OR4ISS. The contact began 2014- 08-13 17:18 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was telebridged via IK1SLD. ARISS Mentor was VE3TBD. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Zuni Hills Elementary School, Sun City, AZ, telebridge via K6DUE Contact is a go for: Fri 2014-08-22 17:47:05 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over Help AMSAT launch Fox-1C satellite in 2015! https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6pz92 [ANS thanks AMSAT 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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