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Ofcom - Interference to 2400 from proposed LTE band
by M5AKA 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

The UK communications regulator Ofcom have published a consultation on the technical coexistence issues for the proposed 2300 and 3400 MHz LTE (4G cellphone) bands. http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/19/ofcom-coexistance-issues-for-2300-and-3400-m… In is worth noting that Ofcom use the ITU-R frequency filing database as the source of information for the usage of the Amateur-Satellite Service bands. This highlights the importance of all amateur satellites being correctly registered in the ITU-R database. ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK Website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Videos from last weekend's Yuma Hamfest
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

Hi! I have posted some videos from last weekend's Yuma Hamfest of some demonstrations, along with a non-ham-related video that might be of interest. The demonstration videos were all done on Saturday, 15 February. First, an SO-50 pass at 1444 UTC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eHOGcrUVWM followed by FO-29 about an hour later, at 1556 UTC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlDf7WKLts8 Just after noon (1900 UTC), there was an AO-73 pass where I was outside copying the telemetry with my FUNcube Dongle Pro+, Elk log periodic, Dashboard software, and laptop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO2HwBtsyJI Thanks to Frank N7ZEV (AMSAT Area Coordinator from Las Vegas NV) and Israel AD7ND (AMSAT member from the Phoenix area) who were around during the AO-73 pass. Alex XE2BSS/N2IX from Calexico CA (west of Yuma) ran the camera for these three videos, and did a little bit of commentary in each. On Friday (14 February) morning before the official start of the hamfest, I was outside watching the activity at the airfield across from the hamfest site. That airfield is a joint-use airfield, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma for the military, and Yuma International Airport for the civilians. As it was a weekday, there were Marine planes taking off for training. I saw AV-8B Harriers, F-5s (these are "aggressors", simulating the "enemy" for training Marine pilots), and even the new F-35 Lightning II which is going to eventually replace the Harriers in Marine service. I was not able to get a video of the F-35s, but caught a Harrier as it was landing. Even at a normal airfield, Harriers land vertically. This video shows a Harrier descending to its landing pad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGWwvuU1bkw The radio traffic heard in this video was from the 119.300 MHz AM frequency used by the Yuma airport control tower. I was holding a receiver near my camera, and the camera picked up the radio chatter as I recorded the video. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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ARRL Centennial QSO Party - Satellite Operations
by Rolf Krogstad 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Info about W1AW portable operations. See the link at the bottom to get authorization to operate as W1AW. The Minnesota state coordinators for W1AW/0 had divided by HF and VHF-and-above. I contacted them and suggested that they add a third category of SAT, which they did. Like most hams satellites weren't on their radar screen. I believe it is up to us, the satellite operators, to make our presence and desire known if we want to use the W1AW call during our state's week. Unfortunately, my VFO on one of my two rigs went kaput on the second night of operation and I only made about 35 QSOs. I am planning to be on the birds again in June as W1AW/0 (from Mn): - MINNESOTA UTC – Tuesday June 11, 0000 UTC – June 17, 2359 UTC As the W1AW operator you will not have to do any QSLing. All you have to do is log the calls you work and when done submit the log file in ADIF format along with your call, county and grid square to your state coordinator. The coordinator will submit them to the ARRL for upload to LOTW and for paper QSLing. Here is a link to the schedule for what states will be on for each week of the year: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/On%20the%20Air/W1AW_2014_sked.pdf This link also has the name of the person or club you should contact to get authorization to use the W1AW call during your state's week. 73 Rolf NR0T Grid EN34 Amsat #39995 On Tue, Feb 18, 2014 at 4:01 PM, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> wrote: > So far we've only had New York, Minnesota, and Hawaii active. W100AW > has been on a few passes and W100AW/4 was on for the Orlando Hamcation > a couple of weekends ago. > > I know we have a few states scheduled for operations later this year, > and I'll be doing my part as W1AW/3 from the District of Columbia in > early July, but I have been disappointed in the lack of participation > by the satellite community so far. > > Let's get the W1AW portable operations active on the birds! Contact > your state hosts and get on the air. > > The Michigan coordinator (Randy, AA8R) tells me that they don't have > anybody for this week. Operations from Michigan start in two hours > (2/19/14 at 0000Z). If you're in Michigan, contact him at aa8r(a)aol.com > and get on the air! > > The Centennial QSO Party is supposed to be a celebration of all facets > of amateur radio, lets get more of the operations on the satellites > too. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> > Date: Thu, Dec 19, 2013 at 4:41 PM > Subject: ARRL Centennial QSO Party - Satellite Operations > To: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > > Does anyone have plans to be active on the satellites as W1AW/X? First > up is W1AW/4 in North Carolina and W1AW/8 in West Virginia for the > week of January 1st. > > Contact your state/territory/district's hosts and get W1AW portable > operations on the birds for this year long event! > > I'll be activating W1AW/3 in the District of Columbia on the birds > during the week of July 2nd and I'll be posting detailed operating > plans as that week approaches. > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Washington, DC > _______________________________________________ > 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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ARRL Centennial QSO Party - Satellite Operations
by Paul Stoetzer 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Does anyone have plans to be active on the satellites as W1AW/X? First up is W1AW/4 in North Carolina and W1AW/8 in West Virginia for the week of January 1st. Contact your state/territory/district's hosts and get W1AW portable operations on the birds for this year long event! I'll be activating W1AW/3 in the District of Columbia on the birds during the week of July 2nd and I'll be posting detailed operating plans as that week approaches. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC

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so50 question
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

got it figured out-thanks to all who helped 73 Bob W7LRD

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so-50 question
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

found the tones in the sqf file, what exactly is the setup for a 910H for the two tones? 73 Bob W7LRD

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SO-50 question
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

using Satpc-32 under the CAT button should there be a line showing the tones required? Trying confirm I have the two tones required. 73 Bob W7LRD

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SO50 passes for School demo
by Dale Hershberger 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

I know this is a very short notice but I am trying to get all info together for tomorrow. On Feb 18 KL4E will be operating from Sand Lake Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska. Craig will be operating an HT and Arrow Antenna from the school with students. He is doing this for Engineers week. He is the Chair for this year and this is one of his projects. He is a PE. I will give you the times and passes for here in Alaska and will post passes for the week of Feb 26 also. Feb 18....SO 50 1924 UTC 2105 UTC 2246 UTC Dale-KL7XJ Area Coordinator for Alaska

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AMSAT in Iridium GO! article
by M5AKA 17 Feb '14

17 Feb '14

Michael Kassner mentions AMSAT and the OSCAR satellites in this article on Iridium GO! which "enables satellite connectivity for your mobile devices where terrestrial networks cannot." http://www.techrepublic.com/article/iridium-go-a-mobile-wi-fi-hotspot-for-a… 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Yasny CubeSat launch May
by M5AKA 17 Feb '14

17 Feb '14

Over 20 microsats, Cubesats and PocketQubes on the Dnepr launch, some are listed at http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/formal_detail.php?serialnum=378 Delfi-n3Xt transponder to be tested Feb 20-21 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/17/delfi-n3xt-transponder-to-be-tested/ BIS prepares for KickSat Sprite launch March 16 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/17/bis-prepares-for-kicksat-sprite-launch/ ARRL Radio Waves Newsletter Features FUNcube http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/16/arrl-radio-waves-newsletter-features-funcube/ Cape-2 Video http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/16/university-of-louisiana-cape-ii-cubesat-desi… ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK Website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Re: Funcube Dongle Software
by Clint Bradford 17 Feb '14

17 Feb '14

Minor typo in the cited site - correct site is ... http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-telemetry-dashboard/ Clint K6LCS

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CAPE-2 over Brazil #1350
by Roland Zurmely 16 Feb '14

16 Feb '14

Two successful commands : 12:57 W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# 1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=66> +W5UL,CAPE-2,4,OR,201301281916CST,5319mV,010-2,4,9C,2C,ulcape.org# 12:58 W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *dump# 1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=57> W5UL,5247,816,5234,-2,5234,44,5234,OR,001,7,4,ulcape.org# 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ GH70un

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Yuma Hamfest - day 2
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 16 Feb '14

16 Feb '14

Hi! The 2014 Yuma Hamfest has wrapped up, and day two was a good day out here in southwestern Arizona. A full day of activity, followed by a barbecue in the evening. Just like yesterday afternoon, there were lots of people visiting the hamfest, and activity at the AMSAT booth in the main hall as well as outside the hall during demonstrations. Visitors... Larry WA6DIR and Endaf KG6FIY, two satellite operators from southern California, stopped by the hamfest and visited the booth. I posted a picture of Larry on my Twitter feed @WD9EWK (http://twitter.com/WD9EWK for those not on Twitter), and Endaf posted a photo of him and me to his Twitter feed @endaf_99 (http://twitter.com/endaf_99 ). Others that stopped by included Alex XE2BSS/N2IX, Larry KI6YAA, and Neil W6FOG - with his parrot. Other people would stop by and ask questions about satellites and AMSAT, along with questions on all sorts of topics. Satellites... thanks to the 8 stations across the continental USA and Mexico that worked WD9EWK during the SO-50 pass around 1444 UTC this morning. This was just before the official start of the hamfest at 1500 UTC, but there was a crowd milling around the main hall entrance where I was set up. A nice demonstration. That was followed by an FO-29 pass just over an hour later. Although I only talked with two stations (thanks to AC0RA and N5UXT for the calls!), Wyatt AC0RA was kind enough to chat with me for several minutes during the pass. That helped pass the time during the pass, instead of the crowd hearing several minutes of CQ calls until Angelo called me late in the pass. Alex XE2BSS/N2IX recorded videos of me working these two passes, and those should be up on YouTube in a few days, after I get back home. Along with these two passes, I made use of an AO-73 pass just after noon (1900 UTC) to copy some telemetry and feed it to the FUNcube data warehouse server from outside the main hall where I had done my earlier demonstrations. Using a FUNcube Dongle Pro+, Elk Antennas 2m/70cm log periodic, and the FUNcube Dashboard software on my laptop, I was able to successfully copy and upload 47 data frames during this pass. There were 45 other frames that I didn't copy completely, which I attribute to not pointing my antenna at the satellite well enough during parts of the pass. Alex XE2BSS/N2IX was back outside again with the camera recording another video, and Frank N7ZEV - he helped me with the AO-7 demonstration yesterday - was outside helping answer questions as the data was being received. It was nice to show the crowd the FUNcube data warehouse web page during the pass, where they could see WD9EWK-DM22 pop up on the web page along with the other stations feeding data to that server. I defined a new configuration for my Dashboard program just for the hamfest with its latitude and longitude, as opposed to WD9EWK-DM43 I normally use in the program at home. Thanks, once again, to the Yuma Amateur Radio Hamfest Organization for providing AMSAT a booth and allowing us to be a part of another successful weekend. This was the 6th consecutive year AMSAT has been a part of the Yuma Hamfest. Thanks to all of those who helped with the demonstrations, along with Ron W6ZQ and the other ARRL card checkers, as well as Francisco N6CRX (a ham from nearby Calexico CA), for keeping an eye on the AMSAT booth while we were outside with the demonstrations. And thanks to everyone who called and worked WD9EWK during the satellite demonstrations. Time for bed, then the drive home tomorrow (plus a stop somewhere in grid DM32 for some passes in the morning). 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Satellite Splat on Sunday
by JoAnne Maenpaa 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hello, I saw a space story on-line which is interesting in case it burns up over your QTH. A Kosmos satellite is estimated to re-enter and crash on Sunday: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/02/15/russian-reconnaissance-satel lite-to-hit-earth-sunday/ or ... http://tinyurl.com/psgbbwh in case line-wrap clobbers the URL. The article includes a link to the n2yo.com page for tracking the Kosmos. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssss
by Vincenzo Mone 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hi Folks, tonight at 21:47 UTC i had the pass of AO-73 and with a big pleasure a could receive and decode with the FUNCUBE DDASHBOARD Software, the Telemetry. I would like to give my big thanks to everyone who had helped me to get into the bird. Now I ask if there is a possibility to decode the ESTCUBE-1 and the STRAND-1 birds That are at 9k6 baud. Which programs I need and which is the procedure step by step? Any help will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance and again thanks for the help got before. 73's de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ********************************** ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *********************************

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HRD Sat tracking and IC-9100
by Gabriel - EA6VQ 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Is someone using the HRD Satellite tracking program with the IC-9100 for Doppler correction? I am evaluating this software and I don't manage to make it change the uplink frequency in the rig following Doppler changes. It updates the downlink frequency, but no the uplink. Is it a bug in the software or am I doing something wrong? SATPC32 does the job more or less, but I also have some issues with it so I am looking for an alternative. Thanks. 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ _________________________________________________________ Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.com _________________________________________________________

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Satellites in ARRLs Radio Waves Newsletter
by M5AKA 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

The Winter 2014 edition of Radio Waves, ARRL's e-newsletter for instructors and teachers, is now available. Among the selection of articles: “High School Students Put Packet Radio to Work for Local Environmental Study,” “Club Boasts Fourfold Increase in New Licensees/Upgrades,” “Instructor Corner — News, Ideas, Support,” and “In The Classroom: Teaching Ohm’s Law.” The newsletter also features the AMSAT-UK FUNcube satellite project. Radio Waves aims to provide information that will help educators and instructors with licensing or classroom instruction and to share experiences and stories of other instructors and teachers that may offer ideas for you to incorporate in your own activities. Download the Winter Radio Waves at http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Radio%20Waves%20Newsletter/Winter%202014%20R… Source ARRL http://www.arrl.org/news/winter-edition-of-new-radio-waves-e-newsletter-for… ----73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: Funcube dongle software
by PA3GUO 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hi Robert, (assuming you mean the SDR software, not the Funcube telemetry decoding SW) I have played around a few years with HD-SDR, sdr-radio.com, etc. running on a Win XP machine with 2.5GB memory. Not too long ago I was fed up with their relative large CPU load so I tried SDRSharp. Light-weight CPU load wise, but has all I need. Plug & play for the FCD. And I purchased SatPC32, which plugs into SDRSharp, also no large CPU load. That's my SDR set-up these days. Next step to take is to connect SatPC32 to my TS2000 as well, I didn't have time to figure that out yet. For the TS2000 I still use HRD, but it takes minutes for the PC to start up the Satellite tracker of HRD. Once it runs, it's all fine, although I always feight with keppler sets in HRD. Same btw with SatPC32, also there I still struggle how to create a single set of satellites that are spread over multiple URL's (eg MCubed-2 is not in the standard kepler overviews but at a different location). ps: I am (still) about to purchase a new PC, and still doubting which O/S to go for (taking all the various programs discussed above into account on one hand and the upcoming end of selling of Windows 7 on the other hand). Henk, PA3GUO >Can anyone recommend suitable software for the Funcube dongle please? >Regards Robert G8ATE

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Small-beam Syndrome
by K5OE 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Cliff, Having suffered from this malady for many years, I simple came to the conclusion that no matter how big your beam is, you can never have a beam too big. I believe this view is held by many, including the ARRL, who publish a Handbook every year with many articles devoted to encouraging you to employ an ever-bigger beam. These article are replete with pictures, of course, leading to an even more widespread condition: beam envy. 73, Jerry, M0GOE

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Missing Mails
by Vincenzo Mone 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hello, please apologize if i am using this list. I had problems with my PC and have lost all my emails. I had some discussion on this list about how to decode the AO-73 with a Dongle USB Stick. Please anybody can tell me if I can recover my emails on the list or If can help me how to decode the Bird? Any help will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance 73's de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ********************************** ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *********************************

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Funcube dongle software
by Robert Turlington 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Can anyone recommend suitable software for the Funcube dongle please? Regards Robert G8ATE

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Yuma Hamfest - day 1
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hi! The first day of the two-day Yuma Hamfest in southwestern Arizona was a great day. A huge crowd showed up as the hamfest opened at midday, there was steady traffic through the main hall where my AMSAT booth was located, and I had a nice crowd watch and listen to a demonstration on AO-7 in the afternoon. The hamfest continues tomorrow, with a full day of activities wrapping up with a barbecue in the evening. Thanks to AC0RA, W5PFG, AA5PK, and N8HM for the contacts on the AO-7 pass around 2240 UTC. This was the only demonstration I gave today. This pass showed how well this 39-year-old satellite is still working, and these stations - in Iowa, two different parts of Texas, and Washington DC - illustrated the coverage of this satellite. I had some help for this demonstration. Frank N7ZEV, a satellite ham and AMSAT Area Coordinator from Las Vegas, was outside for this pass with his TH-F6A HT and the 2m part of his Arrow Yagi listening in as I worked the pass. Keeping an eye on my booth in the hamfest's main hall during this demonstration was a group of ARRL card checkers, including long-time satellite ham Ron W6ZQ. The hamfest continues at 8am (1500 UTC) tomorrow morning, and I am planning to get on passes during the day. I am going to try to work SO-50 as it passes by at 1441-1453 UTC, just before the official starting time of the hamfest, and other passes later. Please call me if you hear WD9EWK on any of these passes. I'm also planning on going outside the hall to copy AO-73 telemetry on at least one of the two passes later in the morning. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Clint Bradford 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

>> ... I guess but it's pretty meaningless for those of us in the rest of the country. About 60,000 licensed hams were within earshot in this region - I am not going to ignore such an "open mic" opportunity to "spread the word" on the birds. Clint K6LCS ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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FOX-2 Information (was: "Flying repeater" inquiry)
by Clayton Coleman 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hi Michael You're in luck. The Phase 2 Fox series are based on the SDX transponder as tested on ARISSat-1 and not your favorite "flying repeaters." Learn more by visiting the "Meet the Fox Project" page at: http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1113 Welcome aboard. You can join AMSAT and renew via the web store or by calling the office. See http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ and click on "Membership" for several options. 73 Clayton W5PFG On Feb 14, 2014 4:04 PM, "Michael" <Mat_62(a)charter.net> wrote: > If Fox 2 is a linear bird, I'll even put my money where my mouth is and > renew my long dormant membership in AMSAT because I will feel that they > are moving in a direction that I and many others have interest in. If it's > just another flying repeater though well..... YAWN....I'm getting sleepy > now. > 73, > Michael, W4HIJ > >

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Re: Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Angelo Glorioso 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

Amen!!!!!!! T-Mobile. America's First Nationwide 4G Network Anthony Monteiro <aa2tx(a)comcast.net> wrote: Dear Friends, Please use the BB to discuss satellites. Any other communications should take place off of the BB. Thank you! Tony AA2TX --- On 2/14/2014 3:45 PM, Roger Kolakowski wrote: > For all the dissenters... > > What have you done to promote AMSAT and how many people outside of nthe > satellite hobby have you affected? > > I consider the reports of "missionaries" to be a promotion of ideas on > how to spread the word. > > If 60,000 doesn't impress ask one of the "missionary's" how you can link > to their presentation either via RF or internet and find you own 60,000 > followers. > > Roger > WA1KAT > > > On 2/14/2014 12:44 PM, Michael wrote: >> Wow a whole 60,000? So how many of the rest of us couldn't hear it? I >> honestly think it's great what you do for the satellite hobby Clint. >> At least for the part of it that likes to user HT's and handheld >> antennas exchanging grid squares on flying repeaters. At the same time >> I get tired of your constant grandiose self promotion. Your E-mail to >> the BB did little more than tout how "great" you are to everybody. It >> also had the unintended consequence ( by you) of someone calling you >> on your BS. Here's an idea, how about keeping on doing what you're >> doing for your segment of interest in the hobby and let the accolades >> fall where they may instead of constantly patting yourself on the >> back. That would be a refreshing change. >> 73, >> Michael, W4HIJ >> On 2/12/2014 9:30 PM, Clint Bradford wrote: >>>>> ... I guess but it's pretty meaningless for >>> those of us in the rest of the country. >>> >>> About 60,000 licensed hams were within earshot in >>> this region - I am not going to ignore such an >>> "open mic" opportunity to "spread the word" on >>> the birds. >>> >>> Clint K6LCS >>> >>> >>> ---------------------------------- >>> Clint Bradford, K6LCS >>> http://www.clintbradford.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 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ 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: Promoting the Satellites
by Clint Bradford 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

>> ... Here we go again...I, Me, My. Obviously a sufferer of the aforementioned condition, and in denial ... Clint Bradford

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Promoting the Satellites
by Clint Bradford 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

>> ... At the same time I get tired of your constant grandiose self promotion ... A couple "negative" folks here are displaying a very common health problem. They are afflicted with what is commonly referred to as "small beam syndrome." They are suffering, obviously, by the anxiety caused by thinking that their handheld beams are too small. Small-beam syndrome sufferers have hope, though. Urologists Kevan R. Wylie of Royal Hallemshire Hospital and Ian Eardley of St. James Hospital in Leeds, England, review the literature on this syndrome in a recent issue of the urology journal, BJU International. They urge Web site owners and educators not to laugh away these very real worries over an imaginary defect. "It is very common for men to worry about the size of their beams," Wylie says in a news release. "It is important that these concerns aren't dismissed as this can heighten concerns and anxieties." For more information - and help - I offer this valuable online resource: http://www.baus.org.uk/ So excuse me, but I have work to do. I am preparing another presentation that will be given to a club on the East Coast - as I surpass 80 such talks on the satellites. And I am preparing another satellite article for publication in a national magazine. And I have to reply to another email request for a presentation ... Oh, that loud, hysterical laughter you just heard from afar just now? I happened to be on the phone with my accountant, and I told her that I was being accused of "grandiose self-promotion," and knowing my expenses versus income for performing the educational activities that I do, she nearly fell off her chair ... And so it goes ... Clint Bradford K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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CAPE-2 over Brazil #1305
by Roland Zurmely 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=70> [12:35:21R] +W5UL,CAPE-2,3e,PK,201301281922CST,5212mV,01001,3e,21C,13C,ulcape.org# 1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=70> [12:35:51R] +W5UL,CAPE-2,42,PK,201301281923CST,5190mV,01001,42,19C,14C,ulcape.org# 1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=70> [12:36:03R] +W5UL,CAPE-2,44,PK,201301281923CST,5203mV,01002,44,20C,14C,ulcape.org# 1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=70> [12:36:08R] +W5UL,CAPE-2,45,PK,201301281923CST,5120mV,01002,45,19C,15C,ulcape.org# 1:Fm W5UL-15 To W5UL <UI F/C Pid=F0 Len=70> [12:36:38R] +W5UL,CAPE-2,48,PK,201301281925CST,5224mV,01002,48,27C,16C,ulcape.org# 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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EL96 SO-50 15-16Feb2014
by John Papay 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

I will try to operate on SO-50 from EL96 on Saturday and Sunday, 15 and 16 February as follows: 15Feb2014 1302-1315utc 46deg elev max 15Feb2014 2322-2334utc 31deg elev max 16Feb2014 1149-1201utc 36deg elev max 16Feb2014 2209-2221utc 53deg elev max The morning passes will have limited visibility to the north, however, I will try to operate from a better location on the late afternoon passes. I cannot promise that I will be on all passes but I will try. If you work me and need a card, please send an email to my qrz.com address with qso details. Do not send any SASE's. 73, John K8YSE

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Communications
by Clint Bradford 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

>> ... I thought my net comment was funny considering it was named a 2 Meter Tech Net, get it? Well, Mr. Grumpy here did NOT get it - at first. That is exactly what you explained: An Internet message group's message and intent do not always shine through as expected. I mis-took your comment as a "slam" against us lowly Technicians - and that "techs" were excluding others in some manner. "Tech" to me is sometimes used derogatorily and almost as a "slur" when speaking with hams with advanced (pun intended) licenses. So when Mr. Grumpy - er, I mean - when I - read it, I saw it as possibly meaning that "techs" only were involved ... Whatever. I mis-read it. It IS actually funny - now. Clint K6LCS

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NASA to Televise Cygnus Departure
by Clint Bradford 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

NASA MEDIA ADVISORY M14-028 NASA Television Airs Departure of Commercial Cargo Ship from Space Station Orbital Sciences' Cygnus cargo spacecraft, which delivered almost a ton-and-a-half of supplies and scientific experiments to the International Space Station in January, will complete its month-long mission to the orbiting laboratory Tuesday, Feb. 18. NASA Television will provide coverage of its departure beginning at 6 a.m. EST. Expedition 38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, with the assistance of Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, will use the station's robotic arm to detach and release Cygnus. The pair will operate from the station's cupola robotics workstation. Now loaded with trash, the U.S. commercial resupply craft will be detached from the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module about 5:30 a.m. and will be released at 6:40 a.m. Undocking coverage will be recorded and replayed during live coverage of Cygnus release. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, after it has maneuvered to a safe distance away from the station, Cygnus will fire its engines twice in a maneuver that will enable it to slip out of orbit for a destructive entry into Earth's atmosphere. Cygnus will burn up over the Pacific Ocean. The deorbit sequence will begin shortly after 8 a.m. There will be no television coverage of Cygnus' deorbit. For more details about Cygnus' mission and the activities of the International Space Station Expedition 38 crew, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station -end-

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Re: Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Clint Bradford 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

Wow - you have no idea what you are talking about. That is NOT how I was dismissed from AMSAT-NA. And if someone told you that was how it all went down, then they are misrepresenting the truth. Clint Bradford ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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Re: Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Dino Papas 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

I am so out of here….someone please let me know when to turn this reflector back on when we start talking about satellites again. Dino KL0S On Feb132014, at 1122 AM, Clint Bradford <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net> wrote: >>> As a board member, I am well aware of what transpired. > > By reading your public message, NO, you were not told accurately what occurred. > You were not told of all the content of an hour-plus phone interrogation by an > AMSAT-NA appointee and what was discussed. And I did not see you CC'd in > those email messages from the board president. > > Your current board president has no clue as to the value of what many volunteers > were doing on behalf of AMSAT-NA. There are at least four devoted, fervent, > dedicated advocates of AMSAT-NA that have been turned off and dismissed by > this "criteria" that has popped up. Some have been told to alter their presentations. > > You have a board president who wrote, after being advised that AMSAT-NA was > cited in CQ magazine a couple of times in my articles, that " ... AMSAT-NA's mention > in magazine articles is the relative value of published articles diminishes over time ... " > > Those are words of someone who has no clue as to the power of the Internet. You > cannot BUY the type of marketing and positive exposure that I have given AMSAT-NA > the past eight years. > > As I wrote in January at ... http://www.work-sat.com/2014.html ... > > I doubt that any AMSAT-NA leaders could name ANY OTHER volunteer who has > promoted the organization as often and as fervently as have I ... yet this > well-documented history of promotion - worth many thousands of dollars in ANY > public-relations professional’s portfolio - through my time and efforts has been > judged as “lacking” by the current leadership of AMSAT-NA. > > Clint Bradford K6LCS > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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D STAR Amsat users net
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

Hi All DSTAR AMSAT users net tonight on REF 60B 0200 utc. Hope you can checkin and share some useful satellite news. DX stations welcomed. If you have radio equipment for sale or if you maybe looking for some, please feel free to list. Check www.starcommgroup.org we have a tab for sale or trade, KA2BSM runs it, send items to list to Rick Thanks again to Frank K4FEG for the great job he is doing on the Star Com BB Lots of great grid info has been shared there for USA and DX. Thanks WA4HFN em55 Damon

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Re: Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Kevin M 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

Tony, I believe you are a bit mistaken... I could be wrong, but it's my understanding that Clint WAS an AMSAT Area Coordinator and he was recently asked to step down from the position. Or informed he was stepping down involuntarily... whatever way you want to say it. As for comments about negativity on the board... ham radio is a part of life and negativity in life exists. Sometimes that negativity is veiled behind smiles, snarky comments and orchestrated presentations and the negativity that is obvious & easily observed is merely the reaction to the veiled form. Also, try to remember that with the written word, intent is not always clear and humor does not always come across. A number of the people that post here have a dry sense of humor and use it to combat what they perceive as narcissistic ramblings. In other words, a lot of people write like they speak but you can't hear the sarcasm in their voice. I also don't believe all contributions are always welcome. When the motives of an individual are self-serving and/or contrary to the motives of the greater organization, it's usually time to cut ties and have all parties go their separate ways. A lot of the time when this happens, the leadership of an organization has it's reasons, but doesn't want to be 'negative' and publicize the details. - Q.E.D. 73 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey Clint, I know you think this is just a funny inside joke but the negativity and cheap shot at Barry is uncalled for. We both know that you were ASKED to be an Area Coordinator and you DECLINED because you did not want to take on the full responsibilities of an Area Coordinator. That is perfectly fine, not everyone wants to take on that level of commitment. But, you were also told, by Barry, that AMSAT would still appreciate any marketing and publicity activities that you cared to do on your own to benefit AMSAT. So, you may think it is just your little inside joke since you were the one to reject the position but poking fun at someone else is not acceptable behavior on the BB and certainly not in the spirit of amateur radio fellowship. You owe Barry an apology. Tony AA2TX ------------------------------------------------------------------ "Control is the need of the fearful mind. Trust is the need of the courageous heart."

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CNN report amateurs receiving lunar radio signals
by M5AKA 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

CNN report amateurs receiving lunar radio signals http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/13/cnn-report-amateurs-receiving-lunar-radio-si… Also on AMSAT-UK website Brown University LED CubeSat http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/12/brown-university-led-cubesat/ FUNcube satellite talk at Sutton and Cheam http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/12/funcube-satellite-talk-at-sutton-and-cheam/ FUNcube Data Warehouse Min-Max Values http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/13/funcube-data-warehouse-min-max-values/ $50SAT PocketQube Update http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/12/50sat-pocketqube-update/ CubeSats deployed from International Space Station http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/11/cubesats-deployed-from-international-space-s… ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Clint Bradford 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

LIVE from 8805 feet of elevation of the Big Bear (CA) amateur repeater this evening - we conducted our weekly "Tech Tuesday" net - with my ten-minute "Satellites" segment. We discussed today's deployments from the ISS - and what else is scheduled for the rest of the week from the Expedition 38 crew. We also leaned how to pronounce "LituanicaSAT-1" (grin) and learn where its home country is on the planet. We discussed the modes and frequencies for the four new ham satellites that astronaut Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA will be deploying - CubeSats that were launched from the Wallops Flight Facility, VA to the International Space Station (ISS) in the Cygnus freighter on January 9. We conduct this satellite session every Tuesday night at 7PM Pacific time. The Big Bear Amateur Radio Club club was established in 1975, and this "Tech Tuesday Net" is right in alignment with their stated mission to educate and stimulate interest in amateur radio. The BBARC is an affiliated club member of the American Radio Relay League, and its prestigious, high-level two meter repeater on 147.330 +.600 131.8 is heard from Mexico to Ventura, and from Catalina Island to Western Arizona. Tech Tuesday will be taking a two-week hiatus - come join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 for another installment! SITES CITED THIS EVENING: http://www.bbarc.org/ http://www.amsat-uk.org http://funcube.org.uk/ http://www.work-sat.com https://www.facebook.com/Lituanicasat1 https://twitter.com/Astro_Wakata http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/31/video-deploying-cubesats-from-the-space-stat… http://m.ustream.tv/channel/live-iss-stream Clint Bradford K6LCS k6lcs(a)ham-sat.info

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Re: SimpleSat
by Clint Bradford 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

His program requires .Net 4 so you will have to install it if you do not have it installed already. Not sure ? Try running the program - if it runs you have it - if you do not have it you will see a message box telling you that you do not have it. Unlike most ham radio programs this program uses most all of the new bells and whistles of .Net 4 and WPF. Unfortunately this means that it may not run on a few computers even thought most all the other ham programs run just fine. http://www.microsoft.com/net/download The program runs well on Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista or XP. How well the program runs depends on a couple of things: Your computer speed - if you have an old computer that does not run very well this program will probably not run well. Your internet connection - if you have a poor internet connection the Tracking Map scroll will not be very smooth. If the vertical screen resolution on your computer is less that 768 pixels you will have some problems. Many netbooks have only 600 pixels of vertical screen resolution so they may not be entirely satisfactory. I have run the program on a old netbook running XP that has a 768 pixel vertical resolution emulation mode for its 600 pixel screen and it works great. -from Tom's FAQ

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Re: Another Great Tech Tuesday Net
by Clint Bradford 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

Detractors used to bother me. I wondered, "What did I do incorrectly?" But I have learned that some are just never pleased with others' success. I have literally scores and scores of messages like this one" ================================================= "I attended a presentation that you were giving, via Skype, at the Chattanooga, Tennessee Amateur Radio Club. I really enjoyed this presentation and I can literally say that it brought my Satellite operation to life. "Before Work-Sat, ZERO. After Work-Sat, I haven’t been able to keep up with the amount of contacts I have made." ================================================= And so it goes ... Clint K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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FUNcube Data Warehouse Realtime Min Max Values
by David Johnson 12 Feb '14

12 Feb '14

Hi, Since deployment, we have been capturing the minimum and maximum Realtime values for each channel when they have been uploaded by a groundstation. This has given us a good overview for the early operation and initial commisioning. We have now moved into a steady state of operation and need to check for long-term trends. To achieve this, we have changed the min-max data collection such that it resets every 7 days and we capture the values each time it does so. At reset you will see the reference date change on the page and the min/max values converge. They will diverge again within an orbit. We did think about a rolling 7 day period but that is quite a heavywieght process on the server as it has to be run each time we get an upload! As always, many thanks to all those who are uploading data to the warehouse. Any feedback to the forum as usual please: http://forum.funcube.org.uk 73 Dave, G4DPZ FUNcube Team Member

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Re: 150 cubesats to provide global WIFI multicasting
by Howie DeFelice 12 Feb '14

12 Feb '14

Just in case anyone was curious about the practicality of actually transmitting WiFi from a cubesat, I did a quick link budget. Based on typical 802.11 specs, the MDS of a receiver is about -90 dBm. The path loss at 2.4GHz between a ground station and a satellite overhead in a 600Km orbit is a little over 155 dB. Assuming a zero gain antenna on the typical WiFi client radio, the required EIRP from the cubesat is in the neighborhood of 4KW. I don't think we are quite there yet with current solar cell technology.... not to mention the difficulty keeping the PA cool :) - Howie AB2S

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Re: ISS sats deployed?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Feb '14

12 Feb '14

So far, looks like just two of the PlanetLabs cubesats... 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> >Sent: Feb 11, 2014 9:17 AM >To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS sats deployed? > >A tweet from Nanoracks indicates the first batch of cubesats have been deployed from ISS. I'm trying to confirm if the amateur radio ones are in this batch, including the two Lithuanian ones with repeater/transponders. Freqs for these are on the AMSAT.org front page news item, if you get a chance to listen. > >73, Drew > > >_______________________________________________ >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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Satellite contact logging question
by Tom Worthington 12 Feb '14

12 Feb '14

I made some satellite contacts as W1AW/KH6 last week. How can I generate the proper ADIF formatted log? I normally just log satellite contacts by hand and then send real cards. 73, Tom NH6Y

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DM32 activity around Yuma Hamfest later this week
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 12 Feb '14

12 Feb '14

Hi! I don't know when I will drive out to Yuma on Thursday in advance of the hamfest. I will keep a printout of upcoming passes in the car, so I can try to work from grid DM32 as I drive out there. I plan on driving home on Sunday morning, and I should be able to work passes for a couple of hours from somewhere in grid DM32. Since there isn't much in grid DM32, and almost nothing between the I-8 freeway and the Mexican border except for an Air Force bombing range, I won't plan on setting up out there before sunrise. I might try to work from the DM22/DM32 boundary on the north side of I-8, a place I have worked from many times in the past, about 25 miles/40km east of Yuma. Depending on APRS coverage east of Yuma along the freeway, you may be able to see my location on http://aprs.fi/WD9EWK-9 as I drive out there. I'll also post updates on my Twitter feed @WD9EWK which can also be seen at http://twitter.com/WD9EWK if you don't use Twitter. Just like with QSOs I make at hamfests, including at the upcoming Yuma hamfest, I will upload my log to Logbook of the World. Anyone wanting a QSL card for working me can just e-mail me the QSO details. I'll be happy to send you a card if you're in the log. No SASE needed. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Yuma (Arizona) Hamfest, 14-15 February 2014
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 12 Feb '14

12 Feb '14

Hi! I will have an AMSAT booth at the Yuma (Arizona) Hamfest later this week, on Friday and Saturday (14-15 February 2014). This will be the 6th year I have made the trip to Yuma to host an AMSAT booth. The AMSAT booth will be in the main hall at the hamfest site, the Yuma County Fairgrounds - south of the I-8 freeway, across the street from Yuma International Airport and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. More information about the hamfest is available at: http://www.yumahamfest.org/ During the hamfest, Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, WD9EWK will be on various satellite passes from outside the main hall. Yuma is in grid DM22, for those interested in grids via satellite. Please call me if you hear WD9EWK on the passes, and be a part of the satellite demonstrations. Not knowing if I can get outside for every possible pass during the hamfest, I will try to post updates to this mailing list of when I will be on the air. I should not have a problem with weather out there, as it could reach 91F/33C on Saturday afternoon. In mid-February! Also keep an eye on my Twitter feed @WD9EWK - or use http://twitter.com/WD9EWK if you aren't on Twitter - as I can quickly post updates that way from my mobile phone. I will upload all QSOs made from the Yuma Hamfest to Logbook of the World. Please e-mail me directly with QSO details if you would like to receive a WD9EWK QSL for our QSO. No need to send me a card or SASE. The printer at home is ready to print some QSL cards. :-) Thanks, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ P.S.: This hamfest, along with other hamfests and events with an AMSAT presence, are listed at: http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=218 on the AMSAT web site.

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FUNcube Data warehouse
by David A B Johnson 11 Feb '14

11 Feb '14

Hi, You might find that the Realtime MinMax values look a bit strange this evening while I do some tests on the date range. I'll fix them up when I've finished. - Dave, G4DPZ

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Interesting CubeSat Study
by Bryce Salmi 11 Feb '14

11 Feb '14

http://www.sei.aero/eng/papers/uploads/archive/SpaceWorks_Nano_Microsatelli… Really goes to show you the demand of CubeSats and what market AMSAT is participating in. Taking this article for being correct, they estimate between 2014 and 2020 there will be at least 2,000 CubeSats looking for launches. If that's true, whoa! Bryce KB1LQC

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ISS sats deployed?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 11 Feb '14

11 Feb '14

A tweet from Nanoracks indicates the first batch of cubesats have been deployed from ISS. I'm trying to confirm if the amateur radio ones are in this batch, including the two Lithuanian ones with repeater/transponders. Freqs for these are on the AMSAT.org front page news item, if you get a chance to listen. 73, Drew

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W1AW/0 on Satellites
by Rolf Krogstad 11 Feb '14

11 Feb '14

I will be operating on the satellites as W1AW/0 from the state of Minnesota (Grid EN34) from 0000z on Jan. 29th through 2359z on Feb. 4th. Operating times will be evenings and on Sunday, as work permits. I will work SSB and CW on the analog birds and FM on SO-50. QSL per the instructions on the ARRL website (copied below): http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party 73 Rolf NR0T Grid EN34 =============================================== http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party QSLs <http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party#Top> QSL cards from W1ØØAW and W1AW operating portable will be sent automatically via the QSL Bureau system to each U.S.A. station who signs-up online to receive such cards [this form is not ready yet -- please watch for an announcement]. This is a one-time only use of the QSL Bureau for this purpose. QSLs will automatically be sent to stations outside the U.S.A. via the QSL Bureau as normal. QSLs may be requested directly also, with an SASE required for return.

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AO-7 Sounding Great Today!
by Paul Stoetzer 11 Feb '14

11 Feb '14

On the last pass of AO-7, I was trying out various power levels as it was a nearly overhead pass of a maximum elevation of 81 degrees. With just 20 degrees of elevation, I heard my downlink at S8 while running 500 mW to my Elk. With about 7 dBd of gain at 432 MHz, I estimate my EIRP to have been around 4 watts. With a feedline of 8 feet of LMR-240, my losses at 432 MHz are very low, but it shows you how little power it takes to get a good signal from the transponders. Thanks to KC7MG and W4VAS for the QSOs on AO-7 at 500 mW PEP. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC (FM18lv)

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ANS-040 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 10 Feb '14

10 Feb '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-040 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: * Ham radio CubeSat deployment postponed * Ham TV Commissioning Postponed until March 8 * Satellites News from the Magazines * Can Radio Hams receive NASA's ISSE-3/ICE ? * Send Your Name to the Asteroid Bennu! * Outernet - Shortwave radio from space * FCC Seeks Comments on WR-2015 Draft Rcommendations * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.01 ANS-040 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 040.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. DATE MMMM DDDD, YYYY To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-040.01 Ham radio CubeSat deployment postponed The deployment of amateur radio CubeSats from the International Space Station (ISS) planned for Thursday, February 6 has been postponed. NASA say: Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA spent his morning working in the Japanese Kibo module to install a deployer mechanism that will be used in concert with the Kibo robotic arm to "launch" the first set of NanoRacks CubeSats. Wakata, who ran into some difficulty last week installing an electronics box that would help control the deployment of the mini-satellites, successfully installed that box after troubleshooting an alignment issue. The deployment of the first batch of CubeSats, which had originally been scheduled for this week before being postponed following last week's installation issue, has been postponed further to make sure that the CubeSats do not fall into the intended orbit of the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite launching later this month. The exact date of the CubeSat deployment is still being evaluated. [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Ham Video Commissioning postponed ESA postponed the Ham Video Commissioning to March 8. Possible dates for the four Commissioning steps are March 8 (step 1), March 9 (step 2), and March 16 (step 3). Step 3 could be turned into step 4. These dates are all on the weekend. With this agenda, we have just 1 week of blank transmissions. The agenda is still to be finalized. [ANS thanks Gaston ON4WF, via HamTV Bulletin #6 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellites News from the Magazines Steve Ford, WB8IMY, mentions Mineo Wakita's, JE9PEL, list of amateur satellite frequencies in February's QST. Check it out on page 52. Included are the links to the list on the web and to his Excel list. Web Satlist: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.htm Excel Satlist: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.xls February issue of CQ is their QRP Edition. On pp. 54-59 see Mike Herr's article "Satellites and the QRPer...or Don't Worry About Sunspots". The Department article "vhf plus", page 88, features a Teen led ISS contact, Victor CO6CBF/KF5YXV acquiring his US Technician license, FUncube, and Saying Hi to Juno There are many other articles, that even though aren't specific to Amateur Satellites, should be of interest for portable operators. Note that CQ's three sister magazines "Popular Communications", "CQ VHF", and "World Radio Online" have all merged into a digital supplement to the digital CQ to be called "CQ Plus". If you subscribe to one of these magazines your subscriptions will be transfered to CQ. [ANS thanks QST and CQ for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Can Radio Hams receive NASA's ISSE-3/ICE ? A post on the Planetary Society website wonders if radio amateurs will be able to pick up the signal from the ISSE-3/ICE spacecraft as it passes Earth Emily Lakdawalla says: The International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE- 3), a spacecraft that was launched in 1978 to study Earth's magnetosphere and repurposed in 1983 to study two comets. Renamed the International Cometary Explorer (ICE), it has been in a heliocentric orbit since then, traveling just slightly faster than Earth. It's finally catching up to us from behind, and will return to Earth in August, 2014. It's still functioning, broadcasting a carrier signal that the Deep Space Network successfully detected in 2008. Twelve of its 13 instruments were working when we last checked on its condition, sometime prior to 1999. The 36 year-old satellite is still apparently operational but it appears that NASA can no longer send commands to it because the transmitters to do so were removed in 1999. Emily sums up: So ISEE-3 will pass by us, ready to talk with us, but in the 30 years since it departed Earth we've lost the ability to speak its language. I wonder if ham radio operators will be able to pick up its carrier signal - it's meaningless, I guess, but it feels like an honorable thing to do, a kind of salute to the venerable ship as it passes by. The satellite carries Redundant S-band transponders, each with 5 Watt RF output Transponder A: 2090.66 MHz RHCP uplink, command or ranging 2270.40 MHz RHCP downlink, telemetry or ranging Transponder B: 2041.95 MHz LHCP uplink, command 2217.50 MHz LHCP downlink, telemetry Transmit antenna: medium gain with dual inputs for simultaneous right and left hand circular polarization downlink, 8 rows of 4 elements, 7 dBi, ±6° beamwidth, multibeam, electronically steerable, four lobe, omni directional coverage in azimuth Receive antenna: 2042 MHz, intermediate gain, 1 row of 4 elements, 0 dBi, ±45° beamwidth Read the Planetary Society post at http://tinyurl.com/ANS040-emily-lakdawalla ISSE-3/ICE Telecommunications Summary http://mdkenny.customer.netspace.net.au/ISEE-3.pdf [ANS thanks The Planetary Society via Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Send Your Name to the Asteroid Bennu! NASA is inviting people around the world to submit their names to be etched on a microchip aboard a spacecraft headed to the asteroid Bennu in 2016. The "Messages to Bennu!" microchip will travel to the asteroid aboard the Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, spacecraft. The robotic mission will spend more than two years at the asteroid, which has a width of approximately 1,760 feet (500 meters). The spacecraft will collect a sample of Bennu's surface and return it to Earth in a sample return capsule. The deadline to submit names online is Sept. 30, 2014. Participants who submit their names to the "Messages to Bennu!" campaign will be able to print a certificate of appreciation to document their involvement. For more information and to submit your name, visit http://planetary.org/bennu. Participants who "follow" or "like" the mission on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OSIRISREx) will receive updates on the location of their names in space from launch time until the asteroid samples return to Earth in 2023. Facebook fans also will receive mission progress and late-breaking news through regular status updates. For more information about the OSIRIS-REx mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex and http://osiris-rex.lpl.arizona.edu. Questions about this opportunity should be directed to tps(a)planetary.org. [ANS thanks NASA Education Express Message -- Feb. 6, 2014 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Outernet - Shortwave radio from space Outernet is described as the modern version of shortwave radio broadcast from space It is planned that the Outernet will consist of a constellation of hundreds of low-cost, CubeSats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Each satellite receives data streams from a network of ground stations and transmits that data in a continuous loop until new content is received. In order to serve the widest possible global audience, the entire constellation utilizes UDP-based multicasting over WiFi. Although still not common, WiFi multicasting is a proven technology, especially when the data requires only one hop to reach the recipient. Outernet claims to be able to bypass censorship, ensure privacy, and offer a universally-accessible information service at no cost to global citizens. They say lack of an Internet connection should not prevent anyone from learning about current events, trending topics, and innovative ideas. Although Outernet's near-term goal is to provide the entire world with broadcast data, the long-term vision includes the addition of two-way Internet access for everyone - for free. The team hope to have the first test CubeSats launched in 2015. http://tinyurl.com/ANS040-SpaceShortwave Outernet https://www.outernet.is/ [ANS thanks Southgate ARC for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FCC Seeks Comments on WR-2015 Draft Rcommendations The FCC has invited comments by February 18 on the latest batch of draft recommendations of its Advisory Committee for World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-2015). At its January 27 meeting, the Advisory Committee (WAC) approved draft recommendations on a number of issues that will be considered by WRC-2015. Some items, including one which could possibly lead to changes to 60 meters in the long term, could affect the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services. Of interest to the Amateur Radio Satellite community, WRC-2015 will consider a number of issues that could impact amateur allocations above 420 MHz, including a possible extension of the current worldwide allocation to the Earth Exploration-Satellite service in the band 9300 to 9900 MHz by up to 600 MHz "within the frequency bands 8700 to 9300 MHz and/or 9900 to 10,500 MHz" Incumbent services in the 9900 to 10,500 MHz range include the Radiolocation, Fixed, Mobile, Amateur, and Amateur-Satellite services. The Amateur Service is secondary at 10,000 to 10,500 MHz worldwide, and the Amateur-Satellite Service is secondary at 10,450 to 10,500 MHz worldwide. The FCC said comments provided by interested parties will assist it in its consultations with the US Department of State and NTIA in the development of US positions for WRC-2015. "The recommendations...may evolve in the course of interagency discussions as we approach WRC-15 and, therefore, do not constitute a final US Government position on any issue," the FCC Public Notice stressed. Comments should reference IB Docket 04-286 and specific recommendations by WAC document number. Interested parties may file comments via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ . The ARRL plans to file comments in this proceeding. [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Successful ARISS Contacts + A Successful contact was made between Takatsuki Dai 1 Junior High School, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan, and Astronaut Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA using callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2014-02-08 09:11:01 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via 8N3T. ARISS Mentor was 7M3TJZ. The Dai 1 Junior High School Area Education Council is the organization where many organizations, such as a school, a local resident, etc. of the Dai 1 Junior High School Division, have participated. The Dai 1 Junior High Schoolarea education council is in the center of Takatsuki city. A secretariat is located in the Dai 1 Junior High School. The 10th anniversary of foundation will be celebrated this year.Their reason for a ARISS contact was to give their children a dream as a commemorative event. The Dai 1 Junior High School opened April 22, 1947. It is the oldest Junior High School in the Takatsuki city and has a long history. Its centrally located and is next to the old castle foundation. There are now 404 students in attendance. They all study hard abd pursue sports actively. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Chuuou Elementary School, Toyoake, Japan, direct via 8N2TCES Contact is a go for: Sun 2014-02-09 08:22:48 UTC Escola Estadual "Gonçalves Dias" , Boa Vista, Brazil, direct via PV8DX Contact is a go for: Thu 2014-02-13 17:19:54 UTC ITIS Giovanni Caramuel, Vigevano, Italy, telebridge via AH6NM Contact is a go for: Sat 2014-02-15 10:11:54 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Nh6Y Operating as W1AW/KH6 for one week starting on February 5. DX Newsletter DXNL 1870 - February 5, 2014 KH6, Hawaii: Tom, NH6Y, is going to cover the satellite operations of W1AW/KH6 for one week starting on February 5. [ANS thanks DX Newsletter for the above information] + DC Area Technician Class The Montgomery Amateur Radio Club has scheduled a free amateur radio Technician class for six Saturday mornings starting March 1st. These will be held at Montgomery College, in Rockville, MD. The schedule and location can be found via http://www.marcclub.org/mweb/exam_classes.html We have a classroom, a schedule and instructors, but we need more students at this time. Please spread the word to help us to get students for this free class. In addition, they have posted their scheduled public exam sessions. The details are at http://www.marcclub.org/mweb/exam_details.html [ANS thanks David, W2LNX and AMSAT-DC for the above information] + Heavens-Above adds AO-73 Chris Peat, who runs Heavens-Above states that FUNcube-1 has been added to the list of Amateur Satellites. http://www.heavens-above.com/AmateurSats.aspx [ANS thanks David G4DPZ for the above information] + Video: Deploying CubeSats from the Space Station http://tinyurl.com/ANS040-DeployCubes [ANS Thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] + FUNcube Fitter Messages A text file which contains ALL the Fitter Messages that have been captured by groundstations can be downloaded using the link on the Fitter Messages page on the FUNcube Warehouse at: http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk/fitter.html The process to generate this file is executed once per day at midnight UTC. The live page will show that Fitter Messages captured during the past 7 days. + AMSAT at ARRL Centennial July 17 AMSAT will offer a day long session on the basics of Amateur Satellites. The following is from the ARRL Centennial site. https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/tab2.aspx?EventID=1248082 Amateur Satellites: The Basics - Barry Baines, WD4ASW Since Amateurs heard the first transmissions of Sputnik and OSCAR-1, they have asked, "How can I do that?" This daylong session will provide best practices and helpful hints that will allow even the modest station to be used to communicate with the amateur "birds in space." [ANS Thanks ARRL 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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Re: 150 cubesats to provide global WIFI multicasting
by Gregg Wonderly 10 Feb '14

10 Feb '14

As the birds dropped out of the sky above the ground station, there might be some objections. What has to happen for long range, gigabit bandwidth, is a wide frequency range with little time on any particular frequency so that there is no concentrated effects on a single frequency where heating would start to occur. Frequency hopping over large spectrum is not a new thing, but it's something that could alleviate a number of issues with safety. Gregg Wonderly W5GGW On 2/10/2014 11:46 AM, Howie DeFelice wrote: > Just in case anyone was curious about the practicality of actually transmitting WiFi from a cubesat, I did a quick link budget. Based on typical 802.11 specs, the MDS of a receiver is about -90 dBm. The path loss at 2.4GHz between a ground station and a satellite overhead in a 600Km orbit is a little over 155 dB. Assuming a zero gain antenna on the typical WiFi client radio, the required EIRP from the cubesat is in the neighborhood of 4KW. I don't think we are quite there yet with current solar cell technology.... not to mention the difficulty keeping the PA cool :) > > - Howie AB2S > _______________________________________________ > 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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Colorado W1AW/0 Centennial QSO party Satellite operations.
by David W0DHB 10 Feb '14

10 Feb '14

I looking for CO folks who would like to operate a satellite pass or passes as W1AW/0 for the ARRL Centennial QSO party. Colorado operations will be during the weeks starting 21 May 2014 and 16 July 2014 . More info on the QSO party at http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party I'd sure like to get as a many operators in as many different CO grids as possible. Please contact me off of BB if you are interested. Thanks Dave W0DHB

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Re: 150 cubesats to provide global WIFI multicasting
by Robert Bruninga 09 Feb '14

09 Feb '14

> for the life of me, I can't think where we could find 70 Mbytes > of ham radio content. Not useful content, anyway. A good example is the way some people stream live tracking data for all satellites in view plus an update to the DX list of passes over the next 3 hours that is captured and displayed on all APRS radios in the local area. The APRS radios capture this and display on the front panel the range and bearing to the satellite, the uplink and downlink freqs and the Doppler. Everything you needed to know to work the satellite while mobile in real time. In addition, if you have the voice module in the radio, the radio will SPEAK the announcement of the satellite in view and will SPEAK the elevation angle as "LOW or HIGH" every minute during the pass. In addition, at any time during the day (or when you arrive in a parking lot and just before you turn off the radio) one can hit the LIST button on the radio and bring up the DX list and it will contain the next three hours of pass times. (useful if there is one only 2 minutes away and worth waiting for). This way one never has to refer to a PC for tracking data, but simply watch (or listen) for satellite alerts on your APRS radio. In fact it is ideal to get alerts while you are in the mobile because that is also where you can work em! There are many satellites that you can work from a mobile with an FM rig, why not? We have had this capability in all Kenwood and now Yaesu APRS radios going back to 1998. You can see examples of the front panel displays on the APRS HT on this web page http://aprs.org/localinfo.html about 90% down the page under the paragraph heading LOCAL SATELLITE ALERTS. And this is only a small part of the continuous streaming data on the APRS channel (useful for the traveler). You also get the following data in real time: * FREQ, and TONE of locally recommended traveler Voice repeaters (accessible with just a press of the TUNE or QSY button) * FREQ, and TONE of nearby IRLP, Echolink or Allstar links * TIMES and days of any local nets on these repeaters * Times and dates of any local club meetings *Announcements about upcoming HAMfests or events * FREQ, location and distance to any other APRS mobile op in voice range * Actual PING alerts if any other APRS mobile operator is in simplex range. Too many people simply ignore APRS as a "tracking system" when it never was intended that way. It was intended as a mobile data resource, pushing relevant local content to the front panel about everything going on in HAM radio in the local area for instant access. (And that includes satellites in view) The APRS radios have over 900 pages of data memory that are being refreshed constantly and are avaialble at any time. (Plus 10 pages of DX list) Plus the data can be sorted for display by age, callsign, or frquency, or distance. See the above web page for all the content already available. But like anything else in Ham radio, if no one is transmitting content in a local area, then no one is even aware of this powerful Ham radio technique. While traveling and just watching the data coming in from APRS, I have stumbled into Hamfests, Pig roasts, club meetings and nets of all kinds to just drop-in on along the road. Bob, WB4APR On Sat, Feb 8, 2014 at 6:15 PM, Gus <gus(a)8p6sm.net> wrote: > On 02/08/2014 09:24 AM, Robert Bruninga wrote: > > Any ham... to collect this content simply puts his 9600 bd radio > > listing to that repeaer INPUT to join the net! An AP runs together > > building a buffer of that 70 Mbytes of ham radio content per day, which > > is then instantly accessible at any time with is browser. > > Again, we have the sites, the atnennas, the freqs and the radios. > > But for the life of me, I can't think where we could find 70 megabytes > of ham radio content. Not useful content, anyway. >

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How to get a cheap handheld broadband RF preamp
by andy thomas 09 Feb '14

09 Feb '14

This is primarily for the team getting ready for the Kicksat Sprite project but I am posting it on the amsat -bb as well as there may be a science teacher out there who may be interested.I'm not claiming it's revolutionary, but timely. The requirement is for an inexpensive antenna-head preamp, lightweight, running on a battery. I wouldn't claim it is a low noise preamp, but CATV ampifiers are available for under £5 including delivery from China. I bought one in a car boot sale for a £1. It was supposed to work on mains electricty (220 volts!) and is therefore obviously unsuitable to use outside. So I have taken out the mains transformer and the diode rectifier matrix and now run it off a 9 volt battery. I've also shown that the input and output sockets can be changed. This is simple soldering as even I can do it. Obviously the same principle applies to any TV amplifier, broadband, and needing filtering at the antenna head. Just look to see if 435 MHz is included in the bandwidth. At some point I'll design and construct an input filter. For those who may be interested, here's a direct link to my page: https://sites.google.com/site/andythomasorg/funcube/cheap-rf-amplifier or you can get there by going to http://www.andythomas.eu , choosing "Funcube" from the drop down menu and then get the page from the bottom of the Funcube page. 73 de andy G0SFJ

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Next SpaceX Dragon Launch Scheduled
by B J 09 Feb '14

09 Feb '14

http://www.newspacejournal.com/2014/02/08/spacex-sets-date-for-next-crs-mis… http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/02/spacex-dragons-crs-3-launch-march-16/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: 150 cubesats to provide global WIFI multicasting
by Gus 09 Feb '14

09 Feb '14

On 02/08/2014 09:24 AM, Robert Bruninga wrote: > Any ham wanting to collect this content simply puts his 96000 baud radio > listing to that repeaer INPUT to join the net! An AP runs together > building a buffer of that 70 megabytes of ham radio content per day, which > is then instantly accessible at any time with is browser. > > Again, we have the sites, the atnennas, the freqs and the radios. But for the life of me, I can't think where we could find 70 megabytes of ham radio content. Not useful content, anyway. -- Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle

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AO-7 Mode B Beacon
by Paul Stoetzer 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

I had a 75 degree pass of AO-7 this afternoon and thought I'd try to hear the beacon. I've tried a couple of times now and not heard anything. Maybe my high local noise level prevents me from hearing it, but I don't have much noise with the antenna pointing almost straight up. Does the Mode B beacon on 145.975 MHz still function or has it failed? 73, Paul, N8HM

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SatPC32 CAT with IC-9100
by Gabriel - EA6VQ 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

I am testing SatPC32 V.12.8c together with my new IC-9100 for Doppler correction. The only problem I notice is that when I activate the CAT (C+) it doesn't set the rig in satellite mode and I have to do it manually in the transceiver. Not a very big trouble, but I wonder if I am doing something wrong as I can't believe something so simple is not done by the program. I will appreciate your comments. 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ _________________________________________________________ Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.com _________________________________________________________

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Re: Listening on USB when operating CW
by Kevin M 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

> Computer-control stations and manual-control stations are adjusting for > Doppler differently. I have done - and will continue to do - both. In my > opinion, neither is incorrect; they simply differ from each other. This was posted during the assemblage of my long winded reply. I think it gets at the same thing I was beating around the bush at. I'm glad to know when I am eventually able to get back on the linear birds (yagis, preamps, cables and rotor in the closet... conduit for burying piled up outside) I will be able to find someone to work without getting my rig hooked up to a PC. (It will be enough to get the rotor hooked up to one!) I just hope I can remember which dial to turn when... anyone hearing me screw the pooch, please send instructions promptly! X^D 73 all, Kevin, N4UFO proud to be a full fledged Gridiot!

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IiNUSAT nanosatellite
by M5AKA 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

The Indonesian IiNUSAT nanosatellite is slated for an April/May launch on the Indian PSLV C23. A paper describes it as having a 9600 bps downlink on 436.915 MHz with an uplink at 145.950 MHz. http://tinyurl.com/pmzu3ph 73 Trevor M5AKA

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ICE/ISEE-3 to return to an Earth no longer capable of speaking to it
by ka2pbt 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

>From Emily Lakdawalla of The Planetary Society: "So ISEE-3 will pass by us, ready to talk with us, but in the 30 years since it departed Earth we've lost the ability to speak its language. I wonder if ham radio operators will be able to pick up its carrier signal -- it's meaningless, I guess, but it feels like an honorable thing to do, a kind of salute to the venerable ship as it passes by." http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2014/02070836-isee-3.html

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FUNcube Data Warehouse Server disruption
by David A B Johnson 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

Hi, You may experience some outages to the server this weekened as I make some changes to it's database and operation. These are to improve the accuracy of the date and time receords in the database and hence the reporting / graphing. If the outages are short-lived, the Dashboard will retry and perform the upload. If possible, please capture bin files for later replay. 73 and thanks, Dave, G4DPZ

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Re: 150 cubesats to provide global WIFI multicasting
by Andre 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

On 08-02-14 14:24, Robert Bruninga wrote: > Already Ham Radio has the technology, bandwidth, and evreything needed to > implement distribution of over 70 megabytes of Ham Radio data to every > mobile and handheld operator every day. That's a lot of content. > > And the frequencies exist, and the sites exist. THink about it. Every > single VOICE repeater is sitting there with an INPUT channel that NOONE is > listenitng to. Therefore, that repeater can stream at 9600 baud this 50 > megabytes of ham radio data all day long using existing radios, existing > packet and existing TNC's from that repeater site on its input. > > Every second, it drops the stream for 100ms to listen to see if any VOICE > user wants to use the repeater. If no carrier is there, then the stream > continues. If a voice user has keyed up, then the repeater acts normally, > bringing up its voice transmitter for the duration of the voice contact. > When the repeater evntually drops, it goes back to streaming the megabytes > of ham data. > > Any ham wanting to collect this content simply puts his 96000 baud radio > listing to that repeaer INPUT to join the net! An AP runs together > building a buffer of that 70 megabytes of ham radio content per day, which > is then instantly accessible at any time with is browser. > > Again, we have the sites, the atnennas, the freqs and the radios. > > Just a thought. > Bob, WB4APR > > Nice idea but won't work because in a lot of areas the geochraphical spacing between sites is to close and the 9600 baud signal will cause other repeaters to open even when used with ctcss because of the nature of a 9k6 signal. It might work on duplex packet sites but in that case you might just as well stream the data on the output. with 1k2 2k4 or maybe 4k8 it might work but even then the question comes up, why not stream on the output and only transmit ctcss when there is voice trafic, that would be simpler to implement on all repeater sites and not just the ones that use 2 transievers. And to get back on topic of this list, that would also work on cubesats. 73 de Andre PE1RDW

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Re: Listening on USB when operating CW
by Kevin M 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

> Many times I have been engaged in a QSO only to have someone CQ'ing on > CW drift across my existing QSO. Anyone who operates satellites has > probably had this happen to them many times. Sometimes myself or > others in QSO may try to tell the CW operator "Hello - QSO in > progress" but it is apparent they are not hearing us. > > My question is, does it make sense for people using CW on the > satellites to have their receiver set to USB? Do some operators do > this? At first I was a little confused by the question... CW receive on almost any rig I have ever used IS USB receive (as opposed to LSB), just a different dial setting, perhaps with a slightly narrower bandwidth. Then I realized you are asking because of the passband inverting... Since CW is neither LSB or USB, just a carrier, then yes, the norm is to listen for CW with the down link set to CW or USB depending on preference. But to address the issue of who is passing over who... is it not also possible from the prospective of the CW op that it is the SSB QSOs that are passing over them causing QRM? I've tried about four times now to write an explanation of how one used to operate, but the bottom line is, if a station is running with manual doppler correction and sending CW, my experience is he doesn't adjust the transmit VFO while sending... the receiving station adjusts the receive VFO while copying and then on the 'over' as he starts to send adjusts his transmit to match where he heard the other station last in the downlink. (It's also my experience that manual tuning SSB stations did the exact same thing.) So compared to doppler correction and possibly the one true rule, the manual tuning stations drifted... BUT, please understand that part of my confusion in remembering is that I mostly worked mode K, which was a different animal; you never adjusted uplink due to being on an HF band... you might drift into a terrestrial QSO. I did work a little mode A for a while and we sometimes had mode KA active. But, it was never a problem that I could tell because the lower half of the passband was CW and the upper half was SSB and usually they were equally occupied. Nowadays SSB far outnumbers CW. (I would work more CW if more stations were on... I prefer it; guess that's a catch 22 thing now, huh.) I am merely suggesting that a CW op is more likely to be an 'old school op' and more likely to use 'manual correction'... in other words, more likely to 'tune the old way'. I may be way off base here, but it's my honest estimation/recollection. However, if I am right, then your characterization of the CW drifting across the SSB QSO as opposed to the SSB stations drifting across a CW QSO (which happened to me many times last summer) is perspective biased. It boils down to what is considered a 'stable frequency' as another poster said... relative to ground reception or passband edges. It is a very old discussion in ham radio... AM versus SSB was one of the earliest issues of group norms versus emerging technology. Meaning, the evolving technology began to force a change in accepted norms as the technology was adopted. And the points of view were equally biased... 'SSB does not have good sound quality'... 'AM takes up too much bandwidth'. But people still operate AM today. Room is still made for both and they can co-exist. However, I must admit it is a quandary when the practice in question involves shifting frequencies and how to do it. I'm merely saying, for you the CW station is the offender and for a "seasoned manual tuning op" the fancy computer doppler guys are the offenders. The question is whether to argue or how to co exist? But to address what I think you were actually asking... As a CW op I can tell you that you will hear a CW signal sweep by with greater "ease" because the intelligence is communicated by simple on/off keying and can therefore be heard and copied over a greater time period. But from the CW ops point of view, sweeping SSB is charlie brown's teacher sounds changing pitch and the period in which the speech is intelligible is a fleeting amount of time... In other words what the ear catches is, "Wub-wub-wub-in QSO-squeak-squeak-squeak", where as you hear the beeping all the way through. Because like most any male we still draw on the genetically passed down ability to narrow our focus to only that prey which we seek to the ignorance of all else. =^D 73 and hope to see you back on the birds soon... Kevin, N4UFO

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Re: Listening on USB when operating CW
by Clayton Coleman 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

Hi Tim, I completely agree that different methods of Doppler shift correction yield slightly different results. The "one true rule" is a good source for guidance however some don't follow it -- even remotely. I do apologize if my generalization rubbed you the wrong way. Since your direct email indicated to me you adjust your transmit frequency on AO-7 mode B, that would indicate you are following a good practice of correction. Likely meaning you are NOT one of the stations who drift during their entire sequence of calling CQ for five minutes..... Not everyone plays nice in the schoolyard. I've been known to screw up and probably am not immune from it in the future. I still wonder if the offenders listened on USB would they realize they've come onto a frequency being used by two or more stations engaged in a voice QSO? 73 Clayton W5PFG On Fri, Feb 7, 2014 at 3:45 PM, <tim(a)n3tl.com> wrote: > I'm hoping this post makes it to the AMSAT-BB, although I have sent Mr. > Coleman a longer response directly. > > I have to take issue with this statement, Mr. Coleman, which begins your > second sentence in response to Mr. Ng: > > "A station not adjusting properly for Doppler shift...." > > Computer-control stations and manual-control stations are adjusting for > Doppler differently. I have done - and will continue to do - both. In my > opinion, neither is incorrect; they simply differ from each other. > > 73 and God Bless, > Tim - N3TL > Evansville, Ind. - EM68 > > > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Listening on USB when operating CW > From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx(a)gmail.com> > Date: Fri, February 07, 2014 2:04 pm > To: "Ng, Peter" <Peter.Ng(a)bccdc.ca> > Cc: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Peter, > > That is correct and what I have attempted to describe. A station not > adjusting properly for Doppler shift will appear to "move" across the > passband into stations who are making corrections. (voice or CW) > > There are several categories for correction, as I see it by order of > occurrence...(and there may be more) > > 1 - People who use "full" Doppler correction via software, adjusting > both TX and RX to stay on the satellite's frequency. > > 2 - People who use "half" Doppler correction by tuning the higher of > two frequencies. This is common for people who are portable or want > the simplest method of staying on another station. In the mode, you > will move slightly. I do this often in the field. It's not perfect. > > 3 - People who use "TX only" correction. I see this often and I > believe it's an incorrect practice to always tune TX because sometimes > that means on mode J you'll likely move across QSO's in progress. > > 4 - Probably the least common I observe, people who use "full" Doppler > correction manually. I believe it is a little more difficult to do > this on fast moving LEO's, especially on CW. > > My original email was trying to discover whether or not listening on > USB while transmitting on CW might make it easier for "CW drifters" to > know they are part of a problem. Occasionally when this problem > occurs with USB voice, the perpetrating stations are not able to hear > well enough to know they are causing a problem. > > 73 > Clayton > W5PFG > > On Fri, Feb 7, 2014 at 11:33 AM, Ng, Peter <Peter.Ng(a)bccdc.ca> wrote: >> Yes, the frequency in use by the CW station that is not adjusting for >> doppler will appear to be moving for stations that are adjusting for >> doppler....right? >> >> Peter ve7ngp >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >> Behalf Of John Becker >> Sent: February 7, 2014 09:27 >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Listening on USB when operating CW >> >> >> On 2/7/2014 11:18 AM, Ng, Peter wrote: >>> Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't automatic doppler corrections >>> dynamically change your frequency to compensate for doppler? Would this mean >>> anyone engaging in doppler correction are actually drifting into a stable >>> frequency? >>> >> by "stable" do you mean a freq already being used? >> >> John, W0JAB >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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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SO-50 sat//Arctic/n6spp
by Eric T-N6SPP 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

Hi guys(+bcc list here too)-Portable with Ft-530 and anli800 tele whip from grid- BQ40SI76 Will try for the following passes: (All AK local time) 2/7 friday 1849-1900 ,good w.usa/kl7 2/7 friiday 2027-2037, AK only pass? 2/8 saturday 1916-1926 2/9 sunday 1803-1815 (All times are within 2min accuracy) Work schedule and wx permitting, I will be on these passes.. There is a chance that I will move to another work qth in a few days (new grid?!)about 40miles west of here). Hope to wk you 73 Eric n6spp ~via iP5

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Listening on USB when operating CW
by Clayton Coleman 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

I assume many home station satellite operators utilize some kind of full-duplex radio or combination of two radios for CW on the current satellites. Lately, as I have been listening a lot more with my FUNcube Dongle Pro+, I have observed many CW stations drifting across the satellites' passband. I realize this is not a new phenomenon. I would assume these drifting stations are NOT using any type of computer Doppler correction. If they were using computer control, I would assume their CW would stay on the same place in the transponder's passband. It is visually apparent when the stations manually make larger frequency movements because of the curve displayed on my SDR application's waterfall display. Many times I have been engaged in a QSO only to have someone CQ'ing on CW drift across my existing QSO. Anyone who operates satellites has probably had this happen to them many times. Sometimes myself or others in QSO may try to tell the CW operator "Hello - QSO in progress" but it is apparent they are not hearing us. My question is, does it make sense for people using CW on the satellites to have their receiver set to USB? Do some operators do this? If listening on a VFO with USB and had your transmit VFO set to CW, would this help make it easier for CW ops to know when they have drifted into an existing voice QSO? 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Colorado AMSAT net returns...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

Hi! Last weekend, I saw a tweet that from Jeff K0JSC that AMSAT retweeted, saying that there would be a new AMSAT net starting up on Thursdays at 1900 local time (currently 0200 UTC Friday). I e-mailed Jeff for more information about the net, so I could update AMSAT's list of nets at: http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=2113 I was also hoping to be able to connect into the net. Jeff explained that the net was available on the Rocky Mountain Radio League's 146.940 MHz repeater near Denver, as well as on his system of repeaters in Colorado. After some back-and-forth e-mails, I was able to find a way to connect into the Allstar Link system and get to Jeff's repeater system as the net was starting up last night. The web site for Jeff's repeater system http://www.k0jsc.com/ provides an audio feed from the repeater system, for those wanting to listen in on the activity. The net control last night was Skyler KD0WHB, a 15-year-old ham. If I didn't hear it mentioned on the net, I wouldn't have realized this was the first time he had been a net control. Skyler read satellite-related news bulletins, took check-ins, and asked everyone who checked in if they had ever worked satellites. There were 10 check-ins to the net, 9 from around Colorado plus me. Congratulations to KD0WHB for running a great net, K0JSC and the Rocky Mountain Radio League for allowing those repeaters to be used for the net, and everyone who checked in. It was great to hear the discussion related to satellites. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Ham Video
by Gaston BERTELS 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

HamTV Bulletin #6 Februari 7, 2014 Ham Video Commissioning postponed ESA postponed the Ham Video Commissioning to March 8. Possible dates for the four Commissioning steps are March 8 (step 1), March 9 (step 2), and March 16 (step 3). Step 3 could be turned into step 4. These dates are all on the weekend. With this agenda, we have just 1 week of blank transmissions. The agenda is still to be finalized. 73, Gaston Bertels, ON4WF ARISS Europe Chairman

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NASA Announces Fifth Round of CubeSat Candidates
by Clint Bradford 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

NASA RELEASE 14-042 NASA Announces Fifth Round of CubeSat Space Mission Candidates NASA has selected 16 small satellites from nine states to fly as auxiliary payloads aboard rockets planned to launch in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The proposed CubeSats come from universities across the country, a primary school, non-profit organizations and NASA field centers. CubeSats are a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites. The cube-shaped satellites measure about 4 inches on each side, have a volume of about 1 quart and weigh less than 3 pounds. The selections are from the fifth round of the agency's CubeSat Launch Initiative. After launch, the satellites will conduct technology demonstration, educational research or science missions. The selected spacecraft are eligible for launch after final negotiations, depending on the availability of a flight opportunity. The organizations sponsoring satellites are: -- Boston University, Boston -- Brown University, Providence, R.I. -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla. -- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md. -- Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lexington, Mass. -- Marquette University, Milwaukee -- NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. -- NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. -- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, N.M. -- St. Thomas More Cathedral School, Arlington, Va. -- The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, Calif. -- University of California, Los Angeles -- University of Florida, Gainesville -- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor -- Utah State University, Logan (2 CubeSats) In the previous four rounds of the CubeSat Launch Initiative, 99 CubeSats from 28 states were selected. To date, 27 CubeSats have launched through the initiative as part of the agency's Launch Services Program's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite Program. This year, four separate launches will carry 17 CubeSats. For additional information on NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, visit: http://go.nasa.gov/CubeSat_initiative For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov -end-

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Alliance U110
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

I have an Alliance U110 taking up shack space. Used as an elevation rotor. Hardware very oxidized but otherwise ok. If interested contact me at k8tl(a)earthlink.net. Tom K8TL

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Problem Deploying from ISS
by Clint Bradford 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

>From NASA - Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata spent his morning working in the Japanese Kibo module to install a deployer mechanism that will be used in concert with the Kibo robotic arm to “launch” the first set of NanoRacks CubeSats. Wakata, who ran into some difficulty last week installing an electronics box that would help control the deployment of the mini-satellites, successfully installed that box after troubleshooting an alignment issue. The deployment of the first batch of CubeSats, which had originally been scheduled for this week before being postponed following last week’s installation issue, has been postponed further to make sure that the CubeSats do not fall into the intended orbit of the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite launching later this month. The exact date of the CubeSat deployment is still being evaluated. Clint K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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ISS CubeSat trouble??
by Masahiro Arai 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

I was watching Live ISS stream about one hour aog. It showed Koich Wataka looked like struggling with NanoRacks CubeSat Launcher cable trouble The stream is silent now. Does anyone know the the status?? http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/iss_ustream.html JN1GKZ Masa Tokyo Japan

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STAR COMM AWARDS
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

Check your logs and look at the list of 5 in em55 award holders, you may qualify http://www.starcommgroup.org/5in55.html If you have worked 5 satellite stations that have an the award then send us the list Thanks WA4HFN Damon em55

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CAPE-2 #1185 over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

3 successful commands: W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: +W5UL,CAPE-2,1,GR,201301281926CST,5158mV,010-1,1,11C,11C,ulcape.org# W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *dump# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: W5UL,5249,820,5245,-1,5221,55,5221,GR,001,22,12,ulcape.org# W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: +W5UL,CAPE-2,2,GR,201301281928CST,5145mV,010-1,2,16C,13C,ulcape.org# 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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How to decode Signal from Dongle
by Roland Zurmely 05 Feb '14

05 Feb '14

Please see here (use Google translator): http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/strand.htm 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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FUNcube Data Warehouse maintenance
by David A B Johnson 05 Feb '14

05 Feb '14

Hi, As part of the changes to improve the calculation of satellite time I've got to take the server down for about 20 minutes to make and validate some database changes. I detail, I'm changing attributes currently stored as datetime into timestamp. This gives us sub-second accuracy which I need for calculating the packet times and hence better graphing and csv contents. I plan to do this between 12:30 - 14:00 UTC (4th Feb). Any problems, with that I will delay it until 19:30 UTC (4th Feb) - Dave, G4DPZ

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Re: Great satellite article in February 2014 CQ
by Dino Papas 05 Feb '14

05 Feb '14

Don’t think the issue was QST (which almost always arrives according to schedule)…however, CQ’s print publications have been being delivered later and later over the last year or so. Obviously they’re having problems as they’ve now shifted several pubs over to electronic form only and I think CQ itself is their only remaining print publication. Dino KL0S On Feb052014, at 0857 AM, Burns Fisher <burns(a)fisher.cc> wrote: > How odd! I've had the January QST for weeks. In fact, I think I got it in December. I remember because I was particularly looking forward to the article by Mark Spencer, WA8SME, about the inexpensive Az/El rotor that he showed at the AMSAT Symposium. > > Burns,W2BFJ > > > On Tue, Feb 4, 2014 at 3:20 PM, Dino Papas <kl0s(a)cox.net> wrote: > The January and February issues are now available on Zinio…got announcement e-mail from CQ earlier today. Yet to see January in print yet though. > > Dino KL0S > > On Feb042014, at 1436 PM, Lee Maisel <maisel(a)lobo.net> wrote: > > > February? Well weirdly enough I just got my DECEMBER issue about 2 weeks ago. I dont know what's going on with CQ Mag. > > > > > > On 2/4/2014 10:54 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > >> Mike Herr, WA6ARA, has an excellent article on pp. 54-59 of the > >> February 2014 CQ Magazine entiitled "Satellites and the QRPer...or > >> Don't Worry About Sunspots" focusing on operating the linear > >> transponder satellites using QRP equipment. > >> > >> Very nicely done, Mike! > >> > >> 73, > >> > >> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > _______________________________________________ > 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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How to decode Signal from Dongle
by Vincenzo Mone 05 Feb '14

05 Feb '14

Hi to the list, I am trying to decode the 9600 baud received from the Dongle USB Stick. Anybody can tell me the procedure and which software I need? Thanks 73's de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ********************************** ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *********************************

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Re: Great satellite article in February 2014 CQ
by Dino Papas 05 Feb '14

05 Feb '14

The January and February issues are now available on Zinio…got announcement e-mail from CQ earlier today. Yet to see January in print yet though. Dino KL0S On Feb042014, at 1436 PM, Lee Maisel <maisel(a)lobo.net> wrote: > February? Well weirdly enough I just got my DECEMBER issue about 2 weeks ago. I dont know what's going on with CQ Mag. > > > On 2/4/2014 10:54 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >> Mike Herr, WA6ARA, has an excellent article on pp. 54-59 of the >> February 2014 CQ Magazine entiitled "Satellites and the QRPer...or >> Don't Worry About Sunspots" focusing on operating the linear >> transponder satellites using QRP equipment. >> >> Very nicely done, Mike! >> >> 73, >> >> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM

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Great satellite article in February 2014 CQ
by Paul Stoetzer 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

Mike Herr, WA6ARA, has an excellent article on pp. 54-59 of the February 2014 CQ Magazine entiitled "Satellites and the QRPer...or Don't Worry About Sunspots" focusing on operating the linear transponder satellites using QRP equipment. Very nicely done, Mike! 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM

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CAPE-2 over Brazil #1170
by Roland Zurmely 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

3 succesfull commands ! Satellite date/time set to Brazilian time ;-) (I could not put the CST time...) W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *clock201402041624CST# W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *dump# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: W5UL,5014,881,5004,7,4995,56,4995,OR,001,20,24,ulcape.org# W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: +W5UL,CAPE-2,9,OR,201402041625CST,5190mV,01007,9,20C,24C,ulcape.org# Please see here: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/cape.htm#l 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ.

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help with satpc32
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

I have been using satpc32 for years wsing win 7. All of a sudden the AOS time is incorrect and the LOS is not displayed. Using satpc32iss everything works five. Help nick Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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Logging software - eQSL
by Protest 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on HRD and eQSL. I have now configured HRD to send each QSO, including satellites, automatically, as well as LoTW. It was very easy (when you know how). Peter G8KEK Sent from my iPad

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GO ... SATS!!!
by Clint Bradford 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

SO-50 just flew right over my barn here in Jurupa Valley, CA - talked to San Diego, Hesperia, and Colorado ... at least SOME folks aren't busy preparing guacamole for later ... And AO-73 just flew over - telemetry strong. Didn't expect to hear the new Delfi-N3XT, but was already outside ... nada heard. In the spirit of the day: GO SATS! Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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Re: FUNcube-1 Dashboard - auto start data capture?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Feb '14

03 Feb '14

Hi Ken, I don't have an answer, but I felt you might want to know that Dashboard will run for weeks with no issues, or at least it has on my system. I've seen the failed decode increment over 100,000, without issue. I guess what I'm saying is I just let it run 24/7. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Ken Swaggart <k.swaggart(a)charter.net> >Sent: Jan 31, 2014 1:19 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNcube-1 Dashboard - auto start data capture? > > >Is there anyway to auto-start the data capture? I'm trying to fully automate >the telemetry capture and can start the dashboard when the satellite rises >and kill the process when it sets, but can't auto start "Capture from >FUNcube Dongle". Could this be added to a future release? > >Tnx, >Ken, W7KKE > > >_______________________________________________ >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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FUNcube-1 (AO-73)
by David Johnson 03 Feb '14

03 Feb '14

Hi, I've just had confirmation from Chris Peat, who runs Heavens-Above that FUNcube-1 has been added to the list of Amateur Satellites. http://www.heavens-above.com/AmateurSats.aspx 73 Dave, G4DPZ FUNcube Team Member

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Decoding Satellite with USB Stick
by Vincenzo Mone 03 Feb '14

03 Feb '14

Hi Folks, anybody can point me how to decode the satellites with a RTL-SDR FM+DAB USB DVB-T Dongle DVB-T STICK RTL2832U+R820T? I have tried to attach the antenna coming from the roof into the USB Stick, Turned on the downlink frequencies of the various bird but nothing heard. I can hear local Broadcast radio but I would like to decode the birds like 9600 Baud and the AO-73 Beacon. Can anybody help me step by step which program I need and how to set them properly? Maybe out the list. Thanks in advance. 73's de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ********************************** ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *********************************

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Battleship Texas
by Bruce 02 Feb '14

02 Feb '14

For those of you that visited Houston back in November for the symposium and then took the tour of the Battleship Texas, it will be celebrating a birthday on March 15. Take a look at the video. They will be firing the 4 forward guns off. Will be a sight to see. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/html5/video?id=9416496&pid=null&section=null 73...bruce

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Possible Balloon launch in VA 8 Feb?
by Robert Bruninga 02 Feb '14

02 Feb '14

> Sure would had liked advanced notice on this. > A project we would have enjoyed doing. I have some students planning a possible launch in Northern VA sometime this coming weekend. Probably Saturday. Wont know details until the day before. Intent is to predict the path the morning of, and then drive to a launch point to get a desired landing point. It will be a HIGH altitude one with APRS on 144.39 Details (if any) will be posted when avaialble. (This is students, not me, so nothing is guaranteed). Bob, Wb4aPR

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SATPC32 and LVB Tracker
by Scott Smith 02 Feb '14

02 Feb '14

Hi Folks, I got in touch with Martha at Amsat and I’m on the list for when the next batch of LVB Trackers are available. I have a question..... I have heard that the unit using the USB that comes with it gives problems. has this been fixed in the new batches or should I buy one with the RS232 and buy a usb to serial converter?. (I’m using a laptop no serial ports) Any help appreciated. 73 de Scott VE6ITV

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ISS 145.825 MHz preamp
by Andrew Rich 02 Feb '14

02 Feb '14

Anyone using a preamp for the ISS ? - Andrew Vk4TEC -

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Fwd: [APRS] URGENT HELP NEEDED IN EASTERN VIRGINIA
by Robert Bruninga 01 Feb '14

01 Feb '14

Balloon near Richomnd headed east at 60 MPH. See it on http://aprs.fi/k4wcu-11 and copy it on 144.39 APRS. I'm hearing it direct over 170 miles away in Baltimore. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: PaulY <paul(a)mtnlist.com> Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2014 at 1:30 PM Subject: [APRS] URGENT HELP NEEDED IN EASTERN VIRGINIA To: APRS(a)yahoogroups.com K4WCU-11 is a balloon launched by the Physics Department at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. An as-yet undetermined inflation error resulted in underinflation of the balloon, and slower than expected ascent. As of this moment, it is at approximately 67,000 feet near Keysville, still climbing, and heading 88 degrees at 63 MPH. The current track passes over Petersburg. The balloon may burst over the ocean, or over eastern Virginia. Should it wind up on land, help with recovery from APRS-equipped hams in the area would be greatly appreciated. The equipment package(s) are marked with contact information. For further information, email me at paul at mtnlist dot com, or call me at 828 400 9442. 73 de W4SKI

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CAPE-2 over Brazil #1109
by Roland Zurmely 01 Feb '14

01 Feb '14

Successful commands: W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: +W5UL,CAPE-2,c,GR,201301281947CST,5051mV,01011,c,42C,32C,ulcape.org# W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *dump# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: W5UL,5016,936,5004,11,5009,0,5009,GR,001,42,32,ulcape.org# 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Re: Video: Deploying CubeSats from the Space Station
by Mineo Wakita 01 Feb '14

01 Feb '14

Satellite Uplink Downlink Beacon Mode --------------- ------- --------- ------- -------------------------- [ISS_KIBO, 6 Feb 2014] LitSat-1 435.180 145.950 145.950 SSB,CW LitSat-1 435.550 145.850 . AX.25 LituanicaSAT-1 145.950 435.180 . FM LituanicaSAT-1 145.850 437.550 437.275 AX.25,CW ArduSat-2 . 437.xxx . 9600bps MSK CCSDS SkyCube . 915.000 . 57.6kbps UAPSat-1 145.980 437.385 . AX.25 --------------- ------- --------- ------- -------------------------- [JAXA ALOS-2, xx Feb 2014] SPROUT 145.xxx 437.xxx . 1200bps AFSK, 9600bps GMSK RISING-2 435.xxx 2401.xxx . 1200bps 9600-96000bps UNIFORM-1 . . . SOCRATES . . . --------------- ------- --------- ------- -------------------------- [JAXA GPM, 28 Feb 2014] STARS-II (Mother) . 437.405 437.245 FM,CW STARS-II (Daughter) . 437.425 437.255 FM,CW ShindaiSat . 437.525 437.305 1200bps AFSK,CW TeikyoSat-3 . 437.450 437.450 FM,CW KSAT2 . S,Ku-band . OPUSAT . 437.150 437.150 1200bps AFSK, 9600bps GMSK ARTSAT1-INVADER . 437.200 437.325 FM,CW ITF-1 . . 437.525 CW --------------- ------- --------- ------- -------------------------- http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/lituania.htm http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/jaxalos2.htm http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/jaxa_gpm.htm http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Some Big Game on Sunday?
by Clint Bradford 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

I have already seen the commercials of interest that will be broadcast during some special sporting event that is occurring Sunday ... Who is going to skip the "big game" and walk outside and work a satellite or two? Even just to monitor one of our newer ones ... or to listen to the ISS' packet? Clint K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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Video: Deploying CubeSats from the Space Station
by M5AKA 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

Four amateur radio CubeSats, LituanicaSat-1, LitSat-1, ArduSat-2 and UAPSat-1 are on the International Space Station (ISS) awaiting deployment http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/31/video-deploying-cubesats-from-the-space-stat… UK WUSAT2 Sub-orbital CubeSat to launch 2015 http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/31/uk-wusat2-cubesat-to-launch-2015/ ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

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Funcube - an observation
by John Papay 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

Most everyone knows about Funcube and how successful it has been. If you look at the Funcube Warehouse page you will see that many hams around the world are uploading data from the satellite every day. As of this morning I counted 493 different ground stations and they have uploaded more than 1.15 Million data packets since late November. About half of the stations are located in the US and Britain. The other half are spread out around the world showing that this is not just something that has interested those in the UK. Thirty- three stations have each uploaded more than 10,000 packets! In addition I have to give accolades to Mark Spencer, WA8SME, at the ARRL for his excellent paper describing Funcube, its experiments and how to receive it and make sense of the data. Most everyone on the birds asks about what antennas work best. Mark seeks to quantify the performance of some common antennas like the M2 circular polarized beam, Arrows on rotors or fixed, with or without preamps, 5/8 wave and 1/4 wave ground planes. He does that by comparing the number of packets received on each antenna during a pass. The results are quite interesting. You can download the paper at: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/FUNCube%20Guide.pdf Mark is the reason that the Teacher's Institute has been so successful. If you operate on the satellites you probably have heard his student teachers making contacts on the birds. When he was living on the west coast he went to DN01 and DN00 and put them on the birds for those of us that chase grids. After moving to the east coast he has continued the work with satellites at the League and has developed hardware for satellites including the FT817 interface and most recently a portable az/el rotator system. We see articles about satellites in QST Magazine on a regular basis and I'm sure it is because of his representation at the League. The younger generation is the future of AMSAT and Mark's work is certainly making a difference in terms of introducing them to satellites. The Funcube team and G6LVB have certainly encouraged our young people to get interested in ham radio and satellites. The Funcube SDR was a great fundraiser and facilitated students in their quest to receive data from space and learn from the experiments on board. Congratulations to everyone involved in the highly successful Funcube project. 73, John K8YSE

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Satellite logging software - eQSL
by Peter Wilson 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

Hi everyone, Having been away from the hobby for quite a while I am trying to get to grips with the computer based logging packages. I have an eQSL account and have set up Ham Radio Deluxe to automatically upload my contacts as they are made. However, I cannot find a way of putting a satellite contact in HRD which will then be accepted by eQSL. I have a number of QSO's being rejected as they "disagree" with the recipients log. I'm not that bothered about awards, but I would like to have a seamless way of sending the log files without having to make numerous copies from one logging program to another. I would like to keep using HRD if possible. Anyone use HRD and eQSL for satellites successfully ? If so, how do you do it?????? Peter G8KEK

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