- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

D STAR satellite coming
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

Check out http://amsat-uk.org/2013/10/22/integration-of-worlds-first-d-star-cubesat/ A DStar bird is coming .

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ISS power / antenna
by Andrew Rich 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

Hello Trying to work out a link budget for ISS 145.825 MHz Anyone know power or antenna on the bird ? - Andrew -

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Satellites - JE9PEL
by Clint Bradford 31 Jan '14

31 Jan '14

Kudosfor Mineo JE9PEL's mention in the February, 2014 issue of QST magazine. His history of ham satellites' frequencies page - and Excel(tm) spreadsheet version - were cited: " ... outstanding list ... extensive ... never seen anything quite like it ... " http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.htm Clint K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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FUNcube Fitter Messages available as a text file
by David A B Johnson 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Hi, 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 <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. 73 Dave G4DPZ, FUNcube Team Member

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Re: perl script to manipulate keps
by Andrew Rich 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Slight mod system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/amateur.txt -O /maint/scripts/keps/amateur.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/cubesat.txt -O /maint/scripts/keps/cubesat.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/weather.txt -O /maint/scripts/keps/weather.txt"); ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Rich To: amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2014 7:35 PM Subject: perl script to manipulate keps Enjoy - just keep adding subs for each bird #!/usr/bin/perl system("rm /maint/scripts/keps/*.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/amateur.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/cubesat.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/weather.txt"); system("cat /maint/scripts/keps/*.txt > /maint/scripts/keps/total_keps.txt"); open (outfile,"> /maint/scripts/keps/final_keps.txt"); open (keps,"/maint/scripts/keps/total_keps.txt"); while (<keps>) { if (m/VO-52/) { print outfile $_; $next_line = <keps>; print outfile $next_line; $next_line = <keps>; print outfile $next_line; } } close (outfile);

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CAPE-2 over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Orbit #1094 20:32 UTC Successful commands: W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: +W5UL,CAPE-2,a,OR,201301281950CST,5278mV,01009,a,21C,25C,ulcape.org# W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *dump# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: W5UL,5177,896,5175,9,5171,157,5171,OR,001,21,25,ulcape.org# http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/cape.htm#k 73 de Roland.

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Dstar Amsat users net
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

D Star Amsat users net tonight at 0200 utc on REF60B. Hope to see you there WA4HFN em55 Damon

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 9, Issue 36
by Thomas Frey 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org schrieb: > Message: 14 Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 09:56:49 -0800 From: Bryce Salmi > <bstguitarist(a)gmail.com> To: M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: AMSAT BB > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Fw: [Forum] Launch > provider f?r P3E ? Message-ID: > <CAN5j0so4Rnx1TtYp-WTM0FzdsYOM56BeJMe2ps_VYNW8ch+X_Q(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Oftentimes there are paid > customers nowadays for first launches and yeah, even $10 million is a > steal depending on the size of the payload. Either way you must be > completely fine with the idea of loosing the satellite at launch... > There's a reason it would be discounted, heritage brings premiums! > Bryce On Wednesday, January 29, 2014, M5AKA <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: >> > But bear in mind the rocket has never flown before and it intends to use a >> > launch facility that doesn't exist yet. >> > >> > I suspect they'll still want $10 million or so, but yes it's good to see >> > more launch providers entering the market. >> > >> > >> > 73 Trevor M5AKA >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > On Wednesday, 29 January 2014, 4:34, i8cvs<domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it<javascript:;>> >> > wrote: >> > >> > Hi All , >> > >> > This roket seems to be suitable for P3E ! >> > >> > http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/en/about/launch-vehicle >> > >> > Hallo Alle >> > >> > Dies k?nnte auch eine geeignete Rakete f?r unseren P3E sein: >> > http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/en/about/launch-vehicle >> > >> > Damit w?re die Finanzierungsfrage nat?rlich immer noch nicht gel?st. >> > >> > Hello All I'm a member of AMSAT-DL since many years, since the days of AO-10 and AO-13. My understanding was and is, that AMSAT looks for discounted and cheaper launches and is aware of launch failures at first launches. So I agree with Bryce. We have to be realistic, nobody want to pay 10M $ for a launch. We also have to be patient, its Peter's long time goal to bring P3E into a HEO. -- Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Best Regards, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA ______________________________________________________________________ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/

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Manual sought
by RICK THOMPSON 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Did you ever locate a manual for the microwave modules MML 144/200s ? I could sure use a scanned copy . Rick/ N0HKE Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

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WRC-2015 draft recommendations may impact 10 GHz
by M5AKA 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

WRC-2015 draft recommendations may impact 10 GHz http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/30/wrc-2015-draft-recommendations-may-impact-10… ---- 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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perl script to manipulate keps
by Andrew Rich 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Enjoy - just keep adding subs for each bird #!/usr/bin/perl system("rm /maint/scripts/keps/*.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/amateur.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/cubesat.txt"); system("wget http://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/weather.txt"); system("cat /maint/scripts/keps/*.txt > /maint/scripts/keps/total_keps.txt"); open (outfile,"> /maint/scripts/keps/final_keps.txt"); open (keps,"/maint/scripts/keps/total_keps.txt"); while (<keps>) { if (m/VO-52/) { print outfile $_; $next_line = <keps>; print outfile $next_line; $next_line = <keps>; print outfile $next_line; } } close (outfile);

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usb rotor control
by Jeff Griffin 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

My tried and true KCT card setup is in failure mode. I've been using the KCT for 17 years ! The hard drive controller in the ISA slotted PC appears to have failed. I'm not going to look for yet another ISA motherboard. I'm looking for a USB solution that will work with 32/64 bit WIN7/8, SatPC32, and my 5500 Yaesu rotor. I was thinking of building a LVB tracker, but there doesn't seem to be any kits available. Anyone have any suggestions on what will meet my requirements? 73 Jeff kb2m

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Re: usb rotor control
by Wayne Estes 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

KB2M wrote: I'm looking for a USB solution that will work with 32/64 bit WIN7/8, SatPC32, and my 5500 Yaesu rotor. W9AE replies: The simplest and cheapest USB rotor interface I know of is the "ST1". It's JUST an interface, with no control buttons and no display. Price is $39 for the assembled PCB with no enclosure. Mine was shipped in a very small box from India. General information can be downloaded from: http://www.foxdelta.com/products/st1.htm Installation and setup instructions can be downloaded from: http://www.foxdelta.com/products/satellite/st1/st1-satellitetracker.pdf I never understood why so many people are so eager to pay much more money for a rotor interface box that has buttons and a display. The computer screen and mouse can do that! The interface emulates the old "EasyComm" interface. Real-time azimuth and elevation are displayed in a separate small window on your computer screen. Manual control of the rotor can be accomplished using the SatPC32 Rotor menu. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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FOX-1 Model
by W2JV 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Hello, I just completed building the AMSAT Fox-1 Cardboard Model Satellite, Scale 1:1, pictures attached, it was my first attempt with cardboard modeling and I really enjoyed the effort. Alan, WA4SCA, sent an e-mail via this board, announcing that ‘Through the dedicated work of Stefan Wagner, VE4NSA, AMSAT-NA will debut its new 1:1 scale cardboard model of the Fox-1 CubeSat at Hamvention 2013”. I asked Alan if I could send him the donation to AMSAT of $25, all proceeds will go to supporting the Fox Project, he sent the model to me and I finally put it together. Stefan has designed an exceptionally detailed model that will be a perfect addition to any satellite operators shack, and an opportunity to show visitors what is being done by AMSAT today. If you’re interested, you can go directly to the AMSAT store, http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ thank you for your support of AMSAT. 73’s Pete W2JV

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[amsat-bb] Fw: [Forum] Launch provider für P3E ?
by i8cvs 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Hi All , This roket seems to be suitable for P3E ! http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/en/about/launch-vehicle Hallo Alle Dies könnte auch eine geeignete Rakete für unseren P3E sein: http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/en/about/launch-vehicle Damit wäre die Finanzierungsfrage natürlich immer noch nicht gelöst. -- Mit freundlichen Grüssen, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA ______________________________________________________________________ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/ _______________________________________________ Nachrichten an Mailing-Liste: forum(a)amsat-dl.org Bitte beachten: Das Limit fuer Anhaenge ist 250 KB! Groessere Emails werdenabgewiesen. Falls erforderlich bitte einen Link auf die Datei posten. Der Nachrichteninhalt stellt die persoenliche Meinung des Autors dar. Noch kein AMSAT-Miglied? Treten Sie der AMSAT-DL bei: http://www.amsat-dl.org/beitritt.html Webinterface der Mailingliste unter: http://www.amsat-dl.org/mailman/listinfo/forum

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K4AMG Portable OSCAR ANTENNAS
by Rich/wa4bue 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

We have a lot of extra snow here in Chesapeake, VA. Our portable OSCAR station is available for special events and clubs in the Hampton roads area. We are enjoying our new antennas and preamps. Rich W4BUE

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OSCAR 7
by Rich/wa4bue 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Picture shows a OSCAR display at the Naval Aviation Depot many years ago. OSCAR 7 model provided by Ted W4FJ (SK).

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Fox-1 Model
by W2JV 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Hello, I just completed building the AMSAT Fox-1 Cardboard Model Satellite, Scale 1:1, it was my first attempt with cardboard modeling and I really enjoyed the effort. Alan, WA4SCA, sent an e-mail via this board, announcing that ‘Through the dedicated work of Stefan Wagner, VE4NSA, AMSAT-NA will debut its new 1:1 scale cardboard model of the Fox-1 CubeSat at Hamvention 2013”. I asked Alan if I could send him the donation to AMSAT of $25, all proceeds will go to supporting the Fox Project, he sent the model to me and I finally put it together. Stefan has designed an exceptionally detailed model that will be a perfect addition to any satellite operators shack, and an opportunity to show visitors what is being done by AMSAT today. If you’re interested, you can go directly to the AMSAT store, http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ thank you for your support of AMSAT. 73’s Pete W2JV

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Yaesu G5400B controller
by Robert Smith 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Aloha all >> I think a 120VAC power surge might have killed the primary >> transformer coil in my >> G5400B controller box. Can someone who owns one please measure >> the resistance between the two flat blades of the AC power cord and >> let me know what the value is? Naturally you have to turn the >> device on to complete the circuit while measuring the coil >> resistance. >> >> I broke the power toggle switch in the trouble shooting process, >> anyone know where I can find the replacement. Also, a replacement transformer for that matter. Mahalo Respectfully, robert, NH7WN, Honolulu >

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Just A Test!!
by Bill Ress 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

Thanks.. Bill - N6GHz

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HAMTV Spectrum
by Bill Ress 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

For those of you interested in the my spectrum analyzer HAMTV spectrum plot along with what it will look like on a SDR (at 2.4 Msps) connected to the output of a 2.4 GHz to 144 MHz down converter, go to my Dropbox link..... https://www.dropbox.com/s/jrajw9tg3qdruk1/Test%20Source%20into%20NooElec%20… Regards...Bill - N6GHz

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flotsam and jetsam
by Lizeth Norman 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

HI all, To anyone who was interested in a gps unit and you don't hear from me in the next few hours, it's because all 17 are spoken for. http://www.flickr.com/photos/n3ykf/12188165324/ A pic of my recent trip to Skycraft. Did get to visit a fellow in Sanford, His business, Avitar unlimited sells to the general public by appointment and by way of ebay. Picked up some headers for my project. If you're looking for quality test gear, dc to daylight, this guy has it. Didn't spend too much time as he looked busy. 73 es happy scrapping Norm n3ykf

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QB50 Cubesat Launch Contract Signed
by M5AKA 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

QB50 launch contract has been signed for50 CubeSats to launch between December 2015 and November 2016. The two QB50 CubeSats on the precursor flight this April/May will both carry amateur radio transponders. See http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/28/qb50-cubesat-launch-contract-signed/ ---- 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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TLE distiller / generator
by Lizeth Norman 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

Hi all! What tools are available to work with TLE files? I'm looking for a tool that takes multiple files with TLE sets in them, and outputs at least one file with a custom set of TLE's. Norm n3ykf

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Re: Using AO-40 in Rx for Ham TV?
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Too bad attachments don't come through the BB. Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless Droid RAZR

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Using AO-40 in Rx for Ham TV?
by andy thomas 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

I was just wondering if the AO-40 LNBs connected to a Funcube dongle (and a bias tee for power) would recieve the carrier (is there one on DATV) from the ham TV test transmisisons? If so, that should be a project that could show AOS/LOS , power levels etc, even if it's a black screen being sent: after all, it's RF. maybe this has been thought about before? But I could use my converted blue lnb... 73 de andy g0sfj

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How I generate custom TLE sets
by Clayton Coleman 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

It has been asked here a time or two recently what methods can be utilized to generate custom TLE sets. Some focused on how to manipulate files while I offer a suggestion for downloading a custom set tailored to the satellites you seek to observe. The method I utilize is via the website Space-Track.org. There you can define favorites lists containing the satellites you desire to track. From the Favorites list you can then retrieve a custom set of TLE based on the list you create. You can create multiple Favorites lists containing satellites that suit your fancy. I have two lists created; one for inactive satellites I occasionally monitor and one for active transponder satellites. Visit https://www.space-track.org and follow directions. The site is fairly straightforward to utilize and works fine in Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox.. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Pegasus 915 MHz signal reported
by M5AKA 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Press reports indicate that audio from the 915 MHz Pegasus CubeSat has been detected, see http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=1323163133 The story primarily covers it's successor HDTV CubeSat Krysaor. 73 Trevor M5AKA

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ISS Packet RTL SDR / USRP
by Andrew Rich 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Hello Is anyone using 1. RTL SDR with doppler correction 2. USRP SDR with doppler correction to recieve ISS ? AX25 packet Andrew VK4TEC

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Re: info
by Lizeth Norman 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

This is a personal issue best discussed with a professional. If you choose anger I suggest a sledgehammer and a used automobile. Have a great day! On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Mauri Lucca <iz5ovp(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I'm not interested activations DX > I prefer to do nothing but break my balls! > > http://www.qrz.com/db/iz5ovp > ATTENTION PLEASE! > Someone disturbing with my call IZ5OVP > > -15 meter today at 0815 utc. > You make QRM on FT5ZM frequency. > Please LISTEN!- > e.mail from: Rolf Arne Klepaker rolklepa(a)online.no > > Il giorno 27/gen/2014 14:27, "Joseph Armbruster" < > josepharmbruster(a)gmail.com> ha scritto: > > Norm, > > How would you like the "custom set" of TLEs filtered? Give me a detailed > description. > > Joseph Armbruster > > > On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 4:14 AM, Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth(a)gmail.com > >wrote: > > > > Hi all! > > What tools are available to work with TLE files? I'm looking for a tool > > that takes mu... > >

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Orbitron Question
by Andrew Rich 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Hello Orbitron Can you make a custom list of sats to track ? WX and HAM are spread across two groups Can get them to who up together - Andrew VK4TEC -

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Going out for a drive/cheap gps receivers
by Lizeth Norman 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Hi all! At my favorite electronics store there are NMEA gps with enclosed antenna units for sale. Garmin 17N. Check out the web for specs but the lowdown is they need 12Vdc and report TTL rs232 over a pair of wires. Cost $6 plus shipping. Email me by noon Eastern if you want one. Shipping should be 6-7$$ Norm n3ykf

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Ancient History
by Jim Sanford 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

All: Back in the early days of PACSATs, I ran SatLink, and somehow acquired the source code -- which is printed in a stack of paper several inches high. I would like to electronically archive, and before spending hours at the scanner, wonder if anyone knows where it may be published? Google searches lead me to commercial programs, and I've not found at the amsat web site either. Thanks & 73, Jim wb4gcs(a)amsat.org --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com

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ITAR Fun
by Bryce Salmi 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

In light of the bi-monthly HEO discussions that pop up here I figured I'd share some info that many non-US aerospace industry people may not realize. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a set of laws that those of us in the United States must adhere to, even as volunteers for AMSAT. I just finished up yet another refresher course from my employer so this is fresh on the mind. This email is my own and I don't claim to be 100% to the book accurate, this is my understanding of it. Some notes on what it means: - *Negligence is NOT a waiver for a violation* - just because you didn't realize you violated it, doesn't mean you won't/can't be prosecuted - *Simply inquiring about ITAR related subjects can be a violation* - If I called a company in Germany about their product I'd like to use on Fox-1 but need a small modification to the design and suggest the modification to their product so it works with my design... I could have violated ITAR. *Individual Criminal Violation* - Up to $1,000,000 fine *per violation*, 10 years in prison, or both. *Individual Civil Violation* - Up to $500,000 fine *per violation* Those are the big hitters so-to-speak. They are also some of the main reasons we cannot team up with other AMSAT groups to work on projects together. Plain and simple. Heck, if I was conversing with some of the Funcube volunteers and helped them with one of their designs via email, even simple schematic review to help them I could be violating ITAR. So those of us here volunteering for Fox-1 do our best to operate with these rules in place and watch the other groups do their own thing. *Non- ITAR....Launches* I work in the launch industry and have quickly realized that the commercial rocket industry is filled with companies who's satellites cost upwards of $0.5 to $1 billion each.* To them, a $100 million launch is pocket money as long as its reliability is high*. Until we see reusable rockets this will be the playing field in which every AMSAT group in the world has to abide by. Therefore, cubesats are the ticket into orbit*. On the notion of demo launches for new rockets such as ones obtained my AMSAT for AO-40... Launch integrators no longer have trouble finding payloads for them*. There are more than enough university small sats and cubesats willing to dish out $100,000+ if not a few million for a ride. Why would an integrator pass up the opportunity to reclaim a few million $ on the test launch with people throwing money at them?! Again all thoughts are my own and would like to state that just because some people express opinions on this list doesn't mean they are the opinions/direction of AMSAT. Several posts on here lately have generalized one or two peoples responses as the direction of AMSAT-NA which is very much not the case.

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Suggestions for "I want a HEO"
by Clayton Coleman 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

I'd like to propose some alternatives to the whiney "I want a HEO" BB emails: - Write up your vision for how a HEO linear transponder might be constructed and launched. AMSAT-NA is always looking for articles. - Share with us your plan for obtaining the funds necessary to launch a HEO linear transponder - Publish a paper with your technical design for a next generation HEO - Designate part of your estate towards the launch funds of a HEO - Participate in the various AMSAT-related in-person forums worldwide discussing this issue - Contribute your engineering expertise to current goals so that future technologies can be discovered through one of the many ongoing satellite projects throughout the world The best part about the above suggestions is all but one require no money, perfect for most hams who want to complain but never open a wallet when there is a need. It's also worth noting that you don't have to be a member of an organization to contribute, though it is often beneficial in my humble opinion. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Re: G5400B calibration problems
by Joe Leikhim 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Tim; I believe there are two pots each for the azimuth and elevation meter adjustments. One pair are for the internal meters, the other pair for 0-5V to be used by the TrakBox (or similar) ADC. Make sure you turned the correct pair. However first I would make sure the internal 7806 voltage regulator is producing 6 volts and does not oscillate or have noise on it. Dig out a DVM and scope to make sure. Those regulators, if not properly bypassed with a capacitor may oscillate. -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink
by kc6uqh＠cox.net 26 Jan '14

26 Jan '14

Greg, I had a problem with 70cm jamming 2401 down link many years ago. The problem turned out to be corrosion between the coax connector shell and the aluminum antenna element. Cleaning up the connection solved the problem. The corrosion acts like a diode and will make enough 3 order products to trash any receiver. Use liquid electrical tape or non-corrosive (doesn't smell like vinegar) silicon seal to keep these connections dry and clean. Art, KC6UQH -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of g0mrf(a)aol.com Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 1:23 AM To: ko6th.greg(a)gmail.com; kq6ea(a)verizon.net; w4tas(a)gte.net; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink Hi Greg. Most decent VHF transmitters will already have a pretty good LPF on the output to reduce the harmonics. However, receivers these days tend to be DC-Daylight, so frequently need a filter to prevent 'blocking' by unwanted high level signals. In that case preventing the VHF coming into the UHF receiver can be important Thanks David -----Original Message----- From: Greg D <ko6th.greg(a)gmail.com> To: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)verizon.net>; w4tas <w4tas(a)gte.net>; 'AMSAT Mailing List' <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 3:47 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink I know this has been answered before, but I forget. Given one Diplexer, is it better to put it on the Tx side to limit the 3rd harmionic going out, or better on the Rx side to limit the VHF fundamental coming in? Tony's diagram shows the later; I would have thought the former would be more effective (hitting the problem at its source). Greg KO6TH Jim Jerzycke wrote: > Yep, been using one of those for years! > > I have a Sinclair Labs unit that provides 100dB rejection outside of > the 2 Meter band. > > Jim KQ6EA > > > On 01/19/2014 07:32 PM, w4tas wrote: >> I would also suggest a low pass filter on the two meter transmitter. >> A diplexer will work well for this also. >> This will reduce the third harmonic which is causing your problem. >> >> Good luck, >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- From: Jim Jerzycke >> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 2:09 PM >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink >> >> Buy a diplexer, and connect it as shown in the linked article: >> >> >> http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/ >> >> I also tilt both of my Yagis so they're 45* to the boom, which makes >> them 90* to each other. >> >> Yes, I lose some signal on terrestrial use, but ti helped cut the >> coupling, and desense, down quite a bit. >> >> 73, Jim KQ6EA >> >> On 01/19/2014 06:56 PM, Gabriel - EA6VQ wrote: >>> Hi all, >>> >>> I have a coupling problem in my station when trying to work FO-29. >>> My 2m >>> signal is completely blocking the 435 MHz downlink, and so I can't >>> hear my signal off the satellite. I guess it must be something >>> related to the distance between the two yagis. (I use the >>> terrestrial horizontal yagis you can see at >>> http://www.dxmaps.com/jm19hn.html ). With mode-B satellites there is >>> no problem. I have tried it with two different 435 receivers, and >>> it's exactly the same. >>> >>> Anyone has had this problem o have an idea of the possible reason? >>> And what >>> is more important, of some way to solve it? >>> >>> Thanks for any possible help. >>> >>> 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ >>> _________________________________________________________ >>> Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com >>> VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.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 _______________________________________________ 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

3 2

Re: FunCube observations
by Clint Bradford 26 Jan '14

26 Jan '14

>> ... Most everyone knows about Funcube and how successful it has been. YES - AMSAT-UK knows the value of publicity, marketing, and planning. Their use of several social media programs is fantastic. They KNOW how to throw a "party." Clint Bradford K6LCS

2 1

A quick follow up comment to the " Status" discussion
by Michael 26 Jan '14

26 Jan '14

BTW, What always attracted me to sat operation in the first place was not how "simple" it was but how "complex" it was. I originally took it on because of the challenge involved. A lot of people become bored with things when they become too easy. I think we sometimes do ourselves a disservice with the HT and handheld antenna demos showing everyone how "easy" it is. For example, I had someday hoped to try EME but even that is losing some of it's appeal to me now because it's not as hard as it used to be. Again, just my humble opinion.... 73, Michael, W4HIJ

1 0

status
by John Becker 26 Jan '14

26 Jan '14

Whats the status of a replacement for the likes of AO 40? I know I ask this from time to time but never seem to see anything. I for one would very much like to see this type the a boat load of small FM only type while there is still a place to park one. John, W0JAB

16 30

2014 UK CubeSat Workshop
by M5AKA 26 Jan '14

26 Jan '14

The UK CubeSat Workshop, planned for Tuesday, May 13, 2014, will include presentations on the amateur radio satellites FUNcube-1 and UKube-1, see http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/26/2014-uk-cubesat-workshop/ ---- 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 ----

1 0

G5400B calibration problems
by Tim Goodrich 26 Jan '14

26 Jan '14

Hello All, I could use some help with the alignment/calibrating of my az/el rotor to my rotor controller. I followed the G5400B manual instructions and set the rotor and antennas to the full south position. The meter indicated full stop at the south position as well. I then depressed the azimuth control to bring the rotor around 360 degrees back to south. The first 5-10 seconds, the antennas moved and the meter needle was not moving. However, when the rotation was complete, although the antennas were pointed south, the meter stopped just a couple degrees away from south, so I used the rear pot adjustment to zero it. I then swung the other way attempting to go back to my starting position. After the meter hit full stop at south in the original position, I looked at the antennas and they were about 45 degrees short of full south. According to the manual, I followed the steps correctly, but no matter what I do, I cannot get the meter to always accurately reflect where the antennas are actually pointing. Can anyone tell me what might be wrong? Thank you, Tim K6TW

3 2

LOL
by Kevin Deane 25 Jan '14

25 Jan '14

HA HA Kevin KF7MYK

4 3

OF40R
by Wyatt Dirks 25 Jan '14

25 Jan '14

Good afternoon Just got off a 4 degree ao7 pass and worked OF40R a special event over in Finland. According to QRZ the event is going to be going on for quite some time yet. Tomi(OH4MS) who was the operator had a very good signal into ao7 and seemed to hear just fine. Most of the time the hearing is the hard part. Grid reported was KP24. He was looking for more calls but only a few takers. 73 Wyatt AC0RA

1 0

Re: AO-73 question
by Todd Bloomingdale 25 Jan '14

25 Jan '14

Ok. Yes Sorry was typing my phone. Yes I was talking about SSB. I have an HF all mode, but don't have 2 meter or 70 cm on that radio. I have a couple FM baofengs HT's. So guess I use them for SO-50. Ive been doing some reading and thinking of getting a USB dongle. Ive been reading on the funcube dongles, but not in my budget right not, but was looking at these cheap dongles. Will they work for AO-73 and other satellites? Todd Bloomingdale- KC9LOX Tomah, WI On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 2:38 PM, Patrick STODDARD <patrick(a)wd9ewk.net>wrote: > Todd, > > If you were meaning to type SSB for the type of signals > transmitted from AO-73, then yes - you will need a radio > capable of SSB reception to copy anything from AO-73 - > telemetry or transponder. If you have access to a > Kenwood TH-F6A HT, this radio has an all-mode receiver > which may be sufficient for copying the telemetry and > the transponder from AO-73. For the telemetry, you would > patch the speaker audio from the radio into the mic jack > on a PC running the FUNcube Dashboard software from the > www.funcube.org.uk web site, and set the radio around > 145.935 MHz USB (probably start closer to 145.938 MHz > at the start of a pass, and end up around 145.932 MHz > near the end of the pass). Make sure the radio you use > has small tuning steps, and be ready to tune down during > the pass. > > The daytime passes are the easiest to copy telemetry, as > the transponder is off at that time. The telemetry is still > on at night, but at 1/10 the power level that is used for > the daytime passes (30mW downlink at night, compared to 300mW > in daylight) to allow for the transponder to operate. The > transponder transmits at 300mW across its 20 kHz passband, > betwen 145.950 and 145.970 MHz - use USB for best performance > when listening to the transponder. You can see some slideshow > videos of me working the AO-73 transponder, using different > radios as the receiver, on my YouTube channel: > > http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk > > Hope that helps. 73! > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 1:11 PM, Todd Bloomingdale < > tbloomingdale(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I'm interested in trying to receive the AO-73 telemetry. Currently, I'm >> not >> able to SB, so I know that the transponder is out of question for me. But >> is a SB radio needed for the telemetry? >> >> Todd Bloomingdale- KC9LOX >> Tomah, WI >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > >

5 9

Re: K4AMG on AO-73 today
by Andrew Glasbrenner 25 Jan '14

25 Jan '14

AO-73 is telemetry only during illuminated passes. The transponder is only on when the satellite is eclipsed,at night. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Rich/wa4bue <richard.siff(a)verizon.net> >Sent: Jan 25, 2014 8:40 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] K4AMG on AO-73 today > >If it is a favorable pass K4AMG will be on AO73 this morning at 1420 UTC > >So far only 1 QSO KB3M. Maybe one of you will be on. I will be about >center about .960 freq SSB > >This will complete our test of new antenna system on all linear trasnponder >birds and SO 50. > >God Bless > >Rich W4BUE >K4AMG club > >_______________________________________________ >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

1 0

ARRL Centennial
by W2JV 24 Jan '14

24 Jan '14

Hello, I’ve had a few Satellite operators ask me what’s the point of making contact with any of the W1AW portable stations when a few states at the beginning of the event were not on the air therefore not being able to work all states for an award. The rules indicate that each state will have two opportunities to be on the air, so if you missed the state or it was not on the air, you might have an opportunity to log them the second time around. I’ve selected some of the information about the ARRL year long celebration, you don’t have to be an ARRL member to be part of this Historic event, so get on the air! For more information, http://www.arrl.org/centennial What is the Centennial QSO Party? The ARRL Centennial QSO Party is a year-long operating event that celebrates hams making contacts. In the end you will have accumulated points, worked new stations and made new friends all over the world. The Centennial QSO Party is made-up of two main activities: (1) W1AW operating portable in each state and most territories; and (2) The Centennial Points Challenge which is the accumulation of points from qualifying contacts made throughout 2014. To have a score listed online in the Points Challenge competition, logs must be submitted through the Logbook of the World (LoTW)system. W1AW will be on the air from every state and most territories, and it will be easy to work WAS working only W1AW portable operations. This is the first ARRL-sponsored operating event where every member is worth at least one point, so work as many points as you can during 2014! Earn awards based upon points, working all states or working W1AW portable in every state and territory. This is an on-the-air event like no other. 73 Pete W1AW/2 home call W2JV former WB2OQQ

2 1

M2 large CP yagis for sale
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Jan '14

24 Jan '14

I have a 2m-cp22 and 436-cp42ug for sale or trade. These antennas need a little bit of work, mainly straightening of a few elements, nothing major though. Great for sats obviously, but also superb for terrestrial and meteor scatter. These sell new for ~350 each. At the same time, I am in need of a 2m-cp14, preferably new or like new, as I will be adding a CP switching kit to it. Open to trade suggestions, or offers. Antennas must be picked up in New Port Richey, FL, or at Orlando Hamcation in a few weeks. If you are nearby, we might be able to work terms on delivery. Reply direct and off-list please. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

Deploying software updates to ArduSat in orbit
by M5AKA 24 Jan '14

24 Jan '14

Deploying software updates to ArduSat in orbit http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/19/deploying-software-updates-to-ardusat-in-orb… FUNcube at National Student Space Conference http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/24/funcube-at-national-student-space-conference/ Radio amateurs receive Rosetta signals http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/23/radio-amateurs-receive-rosetta-signals/ $50SAT PocketQube two months after launch http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/22/50sat-pocketqube-two-months-after-launch/ Gillian takes a step towards Mars mission http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/20/gillian-takes-a-step-towards-mars-mission/ ---- 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 ----

1 0

Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Jan '14

24 Jan '14

>From the old AMSAT website...maybe I'll move it to the new one today: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/ 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Gabriel - EA6VQ <ea6vq(a)dxmaps.com> >Sent: Jan 19, 2014 1:56 PM >To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink > >Hi all, > >I have a coupling problem in my station when trying to work FO-29. My 2m >signal is completely blocking the 435 MHz downlink, and so I can't hear my >signal off the satellite. I guess it must be something related to the >distance between the two yagis. (I use the terrestrial horizontal yagis you >can see at http://www.dxmaps.com/jm19hn.html ). With mode-B satellites there >is no problem. I have tried it with two different 435 receivers, and it's >exactly the same. > >Anyone has had this problem o have an idea of the possible reason? And what >is more important, of some way to solve it? > >Thanks for any possible help. > >73. Gabriel - EA6VQ >_________________________________________________________ >Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com >VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.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

2 1

G3RUH plan 13 algorithm help
by Lizeth Norman 24 Jan '14

24 Jan '14

*HI all,Found this at this page:http://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/111.html <http://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/111.html>Orbit Plane:* Fixed (almost) with respect to the stars, in orientation defined by argument of perigee, inclination and RAAN. Origin: Earth's centre. X: Directed towards perigee Y: 90 degrees from perigee round the orbit in direction of satellite's motion Z: Perpendicular to orbit plane I think I understand most of the math in the algorithm. In the above context, what does RAAN mean? Sorry for being obtuse! Norm n3ykf

4 4

DSTAR AMSAT NET
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 23 Jan '14

23 Jan '14

Time correction net is at 0200 utc WA4HFN

1 0

DSTAR AMSAT net tonight
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 23 Jan '14

23 Jan '14

Hi All The D STAR AMSAT users net is tonight on REF 60B at 0230 utc http://www.starcommgroup.org/ Hope to see you there DX stations welcomed Damon WA4HFN em55

1 0

Rosetta spacecraft tracking by F5PL
by f6htj＠aol.com 23 Jan '14

23 Jan '14

http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/ 73 de Michel F6HTJ

2 1

WTB:bundled Flex5000A
by Richard Lawn 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

Could arrange trade for TS2000 and Flex5000A with ATU as part of a deal. Contact me off list - rjlawn at gmail dot com. Rick W2JAZ

1 0

Re: LITSAT-1 KEPLER ELEMENTS WANTED
by Andrew Glasbrenner 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

I don't think it has been deployed from the ISS yet, so there are not any. Once deployed I'm sure they will be published. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Andy Dunham <g6ohm(a)talktalk.net> >Sent: Jan 22, 2014 5:40 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] LITSAT-1 KEPLER ELEMENTS WANTED > >Hello everyone this is my first postage so please be gentle ! > >I am looking for the Kepler elements for LITSAT-1. > >Have looked on Amsat UK website but can't seem to find anything. > >Can anyone help please. > >73 Andy G6OHM > >_______________________________________________ >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

2 1

LVB Tracker Enclosure
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

Does the really nice Ten Tec powder coated enclosure being sold by AMSAT have and opening for the USB port? I am finally getting around to building the board and USB adapter that I have. 73, Joe kk0sd

2 1

LITSAT-1 KEPLER ELEMENTS WANTED
by Andy Dunham 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

Hello everyone this is my first postage so please be gentle ! I am looking for the Kepler elements for LITSAT-1. Have looked on Amsat UK website but can't seem to find anything. Can anyone help please. 73 Andy G6OHM

1 0

Re: SO-50 Acquisition
by Andrew Glasbrenner 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

Have you used SO-50 before? It's not always easy to hear, even with large beams. However, it hears excellently. Before the 74.4 command was made public, I used to enable it automatically with a 2 watt HT and packet beacon every 3 minutes, to an omni. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Peter Wilson <protest(a)virginmedia.com> >Sent: Jan 21, 2014 3:50 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] SO-50 Acquisition > >Hi all, > > > >We had a northerly pass of SO-50 earlier today and I was unable to switch >the timer on, get any response, or hear anyone else. > > > >I used the 74.4 Hz sub tone to arm the timer but nothing. I have 100 Watts >available to steerable beams, so signal strength is not the issue. > >Is this bird difficult to open? > > > >Thanks > > > >Peter > >G8KEK > >_______________________________________________ >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

1 0

SO-50 Acquisition
by Peter Wilson 21 Jan '14

21 Jan '14

Hi all, We had a northerly pass of SO-50 earlier today and I was unable to switch the timer on, get any response, or hear anyone else. I used the 74.4 Hz sub tone to arm the timer but nothing. I have 100 Watts available to steerable beams, so signal strength is not the issue. Is this bird difficult to open? Thanks Peter G8KEK

1 0

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 9, Issue 19
by K4FEG 21 Jan '14

21 Jan '14

Scott, Frank, K4FEG here, I do not know if this would applicable to your situation, but while I was having control issues with my Icom Ic-910H and SatPC32, I reached out to Erich (writer of SatPC32) about the issues and he told me that some of the cables and other interface modules (USB/Serial adapters) need to have the /*FTDI chip set*/ in them, /*I had to search for a specific type of USB/Serial adapter that had the FTDI chip set in it.*/ Once I got this adapter, and plugged it in on my Windows 8 and 7 PC's, both operating systems instantly recognized the device and loaded the proper driver to make the adapter work. /*Erich explained that the PROLIFIC chip set, which is common in North America seems to have an issue with his program.*/ Another note is that there may be a firmware update for you Kenwood. I have had others tell me that their TS-2000 would not properly control with SatPC and when they got the various firmware updates for their specific model radio, it helped to resolve their control issues. I do not know if this information is of help or not but I thought that it might, you may post your question on my BB, Star-COM.net, if you like. My bb tries to cater more to real life situations and operations on the satellites and working with operators and rovers to facilitate working new grids on the "birds" you are most welcome to come visit there if you wish. 73 & best regards, Frank K4FEG

4 3

CAPE-2 text to speech
by Roland Zurmely 21 Jan '14

21 Jan '14

On orbit #950 over GH70un Sete Lagoas, Brazil. "Hello papa yankee 5 lima foxtrot, 73 from papa yankee 4 zulu bravo zulu" with the voice of Perfect Paul and Robo Robert: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/C21py5lf.wav 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

2 1

145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink
by Gabriel - EA6VQ 21 Jan '14

21 Jan '14

Hi all, I have a coupling problem in my station when trying to work FO-29. My 2m signal is completely blocking the 435 MHz downlink, and so I can't hear my signal off the satellite. I guess it must be something related to the distance between the two yagis. (I use the terrestrial horizontal yagis you can see at http://www.dxmaps.com/jm19hn.html ). With mode-B satellites there is no problem. I have tried it with two different 435 receivers, and it's exactly the same. Anyone has had this problem o have an idea of the possible reason? And what is more important, of some way to solve it? Thanks for any possible help. 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ _________________________________________________________ Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.com _________________________________________________________

5 6

AO-73 question
by Todd Bloomingdale 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

I'm interested in trying to receive the AO-73 telemetry. Currently, I'm not able to SB, so I know that the transponder is out of question for me. But is a SB radio needed for the telemetry? Todd Bloomingdale- KC9LOX Tomah, WI

1 0

AO27.org
by K4FEG 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

For those of us who occasionally check on the /*status of AO27*/, I emailed /*Michael, N3UC,*/ and he told me that they have /*had a server crash */and are in the process of getting it back up. No additional information on the "Rescue Operations" for AO27 at this time. Keep your fingers crossed folks! We may yet get AO27 back on the air. Many thanks to the AO27 Group and their efforts to recover AO27 for operations. We really appreciate your efforts! 73 ALL FRM; K4FEG Starcom/SATDX- bb's EM55aj84ta

1 0

Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink
by Jim Jerzycke 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

Yep, been using one of those for years! I have a Sinclair Labs unit that provides 100dB rejection outside of the 2 Meter band. Jim KQ6EA On 01/19/2014 07:32 PM, w4tas wrote: > I would also suggest a low pass filter on the two meter transmitter. > A diplexer will work well for this also. > This will reduce the third harmonic which is causing your problem. > > Good luck, > > > > > -----Original Message----- From: Jim Jerzycke > Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 2:09 PM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink > > Buy a diplexer, and connect it as shown in the linked article: > > > http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/ > > I also tilt both of my Yagis so they're 45* to the boom, which makes > them 90* to each other. > > Yes, I lose some signal on terrestrial use, but ti helped cut the > coupling, and desense, down quite a bit. > > 73, Jim KQ6EA > > On 01/19/2014 06:56 PM, Gabriel - EA6VQ wrote: >> Hi all, >> >> I have a coupling problem in my station when trying to work FO-29. >> My 2m >> signal is completely blocking the 435 MHz downlink, and so I can't >> hear my >> signal off the satellite. I guess it must be something related to the >> distance between the two yagis. (I use the terrestrial horizontal >> yagis you >> can see at http://www.dxmaps.com/jm19hn.html ). With mode-B >> satellites there >> is no problem. I have tried it with two different 435 receivers, and >> it's >> exactly the same. >> >> Anyone has had this problem o have an idea of the possible reason? >> And what >> is more important, of some way to solve it? >> >> Thanks for any possible help. >> >> 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ >> _________________________________________________________ >> Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com >> VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.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 >

5 9

Flex5000A For Satellites
by Richard Lawn 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

I'm considering using a Flex 5000 for satellite communication and wonder how users are powering the mast mount preamps? I'd also like to hear from anyone successfully using a Flex5KA with the V/U module on the Sats. You can contact me on or off the list at rjlawn at gmail dot com. 73 Rick W2JAZ

1 0

Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink
by kc6uqh＠cox.net 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

To All, Solid State transmitters have white noise generated due to the changing I/O reactance as a function of the junction voltage of FET/BJT devices. Since both transmitters have low pass filters for harmonic suppression that also reduce white noise above the transmit frequency the Diplexer is most effective on the 70 cm side preventing white noise from blocking the 2M receiver. BTW Tubes do not have white noise. Art, KC6UQH -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Greg D Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 7:42 PM To: Jim Jerzycke; w4tas; 'AMSAT Mailing List' Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink I know this has been answered before, but I forget. Given one Diplexer, is it better to put it on the Tx side to limit the 3rd harmionic going out, or better on the Rx side to limit the VHF fundamental coming in? Tony's diagram shows the later; I would have thought the former would be more effective (hitting the problem at its source). Greg KO6TH Jim Jerzycke wrote: > Yep, been using one of those for years! > > I have a Sinclair Labs unit that provides 100dB rejection outside of > the 2 Meter band. > > Jim KQ6EA > > > On 01/19/2014 07:32 PM, w4tas wrote: >> I would also suggest a low pass filter on the two meter transmitter. >> A diplexer will work well for this also. >> This will reduce the third harmonic which is causing your problem. >> >> Good luck, >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- From: Jim Jerzycke >> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 2:09 PM >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 145 MHz signal blocking 435 MHz downlink >> >> Buy a diplexer, and connect it as shown in the linked article: >> >> >> http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/ >> >> I also tilt both of my Yagis so they're 45* to the boom, which makes >> them 90* to each other. >> >> Yes, I lose some signal on terrestrial use, but ti helped cut the >> coupling, and desense, down quite a bit. >> >> 73, Jim KQ6EA >> >> On 01/19/2014 06:56 PM, Gabriel - EA6VQ wrote: >>> Hi all, >>> >>> I have a coupling problem in my station when trying to work FO-29. >>> My 2m >>> signal is completely blocking the 435 MHz downlink, and so I can't >>> hear my signal off the satellite. I guess it must be something >>> related to the distance between the two yagis. (I use the >>> terrestrial horizontal yagis you can see at >>> http://www.dxmaps.com/jm19hn.html ). With mode-B satellites there is >>> no problem. I have tried it with two different 435 receivers, and >>> it's exactly the same. >>> >>> Anyone has had this problem o have an idea of the possible reason? >>> And what >>> is more important, of some way to solve it? >>> >>> Thanks for any possible help. >>> >>> 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ >>> _________________________________________________________ >>> Web-Site: HTTP://www.dxmaps.com >>> VQLog 3.1 (build 78): HTTP://www.vqlog.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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arduino balloon beacon via the ISS
by Lizeth Norman 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

Hi all, Was doing some snooping on some of the arduino libraries available. If the chip is aware of it's lat/long and time, via gps, how difficult would it be to calculate the AOS/LOS of the ISS? Given is an appropriate TLE set, of course. Norm n3ykf

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Re: driver problems
by Scott Smith 19 Jan '14

19 Jan '14

Tnx everyone for the help on my drivers issue. also a very big thanks to Erich who wrote the SATPC32 program. i also had the darn wrong Com port lol. Have a great day everyone. 73 de Scott VE6ITV

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rotors
by Jerry Ehlers 19 Jan '14

19 Jan '14

I have a good working 5400B control box and the azimuth and elevation rotors that need repairs all for $250.00 payment US postal money order plus shipping in lower 48 only. Jerry w0sat

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AO 73
by Rich/wa4bue 19 Jan '14

19 Jan '14

Hi All Just getting back to A0 73. Found AO 73 in the CELTEX file, that was great. Is the data signal stable as compared to the transponder? If not what is the technique for tracking the drift? I would like to try to implement at school by April. With a little luck we will have the upgraded Portable SATCOM running next week. Once it is up I will try to get some IT guys setting up the dash board. Also what is the minimal antenna to copy AO 73? We have picked up a second school and looking at a 3rd one maybe next year, Your answers will be a great help. God Bless Rich W4BUE K4AMG.org W4FOS HS Radio Club ----- Original Message ----- From: "M5AKA" <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 6:37 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] New Guide Promotes FUNcube-1's Educational Value > ARRL Education & Technology Program (ETP) Director Mark Spencer, WA8SME > has developed a new FUNcube guide, see > > > http://www.arrl.org/news/new-guide-promotes-funcube-1-s-educational-value > > > ---- > 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 > ---- > _______________________________________________ > 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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ANS-019 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 19 Jan '14

19 Jan '14

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-019 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: * ARRL Features Bringing Space into the Classroom * The Pragmatic Guide for Using the FUNCube Materials Science Experiment in the Classroom * SA AMSAT Invites Educational Payload Proposals * PhoneSat 2.4 Ham Radio CubeSat * UK CubeSat programme in New Electronics * Peter Portanova W2JV To be Active on Satellites as W1AW/2 * Deorbitsail CubeSat * 2014 Eastern VHF-UHF-Microwave Conference -- April 11-13 * FUNcube-1 in Practical Wireless Magazine * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-019.01 ANS-019 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 019.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. DATE January 19, 2014 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-019.01 ARRL Features "Bringing Space into the Classroom" Bringing space into the classroom is an incredibly powerful learning experience for students. The marriage between wireless technology literacy and space literacy is a strong one that produces a portfolio of activities that can engage virtually all students at some ability and interest level. The portfolio of activities can range from simply having a satellite prediction software package running in the back of the classroom on an old, salvaged computer, a simple receiver to collect telemetry data from orbiting satellites, to a full-up ground station to communicate with other hams via satellites, or even with the astronauts in the International Space Station through the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program. New Resources for Classroom Instruction For an overview of recent additions of classroom resources designed to help teachers instruct students about research projects to be launched by AMSAT on its Fox satellites, view a video of a presentation by Mark Spencer, WA8SME at the 2013 AMSAT Symposium. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8HCBEGv4Q This library is a collection of resources designed for teachers who want to explore satellite communications with students. There are also instructional resources designed for classroom exploration of satellite telemetry data used to understand satellite engineering and research deployed on satellites. The classroom resources are manipulatives that can prepare students to understand and utilize live telemetry data that can be captured from orbiting satellites. The collection includes + Satellite Antenna Rotor Simulator + CubeSat Classroom Simulator + Study Satellite "Wobble" Using Telemetry Data + Managing Satellite Power: A Study in Maximum Power Point Tracking + MAREA: Mars Lander Simulation + Using FUNCube to do Materials Science in the Classroom + Studying Satellite Rotation In the interest of supporting teachers who want to bring space into the classroom by actively engaging students with amateur radio satellite communications, the Education Technology Program has developed some equipment resources designed with utility to support ham radio satellite operations for classroom use. + Satellite Tracker Interface + ISS Minimalist Antenna + ISS Minimalist Antenna, UHF Version + Inexpensive Broadband Preamp for Satellite Work + Inexpensive “WRAPS” Rotor for Satellite Work For more information visit http://www.arrl.org/classroom-library-satellite-communications This information nicely supplements other ARRL Educational Information. The ARRL Educational & Technology Program Curriculum Guide http://www.arrl.org/curriculum-guide Reports on classroom activities http://www.arrl.org/reports-on-classroom-activities Amateur Radio Curriculum Connections http://www.arrl.org/curriculum-connections-and-benchmarks and other articles and stories that describe the classroom activities of students http://www.arrl.org/articles-and-stories [ANS thanks Debra Johnson K1DMJ and the ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Pragmatic Guide for Using the FUNCube Materials Science Experiment in the Classroom A guide to supplement the FUNCube Handbook (http://funcube.org.uk/), produced by AMSAT-UK, has been authored to provide some practical advice to interested hams and classroom teachers on how to access and use the Materials Science Experiment (MSE) on-board the satellite. "The Pragmatic Guide for Using the FUNCube Materials Science Experiment in the Classroom" was prepared by ARRL Education & Technology Program Director Mark Spencer WA8SME "The Guide" can be downloaded by visiting this web page on the ARRL web site: http://www.arrl.org/classroom-library-satellite-communications On this page you will find the Guide and other useful information that has been developed for teachers interested in using space technology in their classrooms. There are six chapters included in the Guide, this article provides only a summary glimpse of the material. If this summary peaks your interests, or you think the Guide may contain material that your club or local teacher could use, take a closer look. The first chapter of the Guide includes a brief overview of the MSE and a basic refresher of thermodynamics. The primary mission of the FUNCube is education and the MSE is the focus of that mission. There are actually two different experiments included in the MSE, one using the thermally isolated aluminum bars mounted on one of the satellite faces, the other using four aluminum bars mounted as part of the satellite body in the corners of the cube. The data collected by the MSE is transmitted via a two-meter data link and decoded and displayed by an AMSAT-UK software package called the Dashboard. Collecting the data is only part of the education mission, the other and more meaningful part is interpreting the data. Interpreting data starts with a thermodynamics refresher. In the broadest terms, thermodynamics is the study of how heat moves from one place to another. The amount of heat energy that is absorbed by, or radiated from, a material depends on material’s temperature, the temperature of the surroundings, and the emissivity of the material. The purpose of the FUNCube MSE is to allow students to witness heat transfer by radiation first hand in an environment (space) where convection and conduction are not present. The second chapter discusses how to access the FUNCube telemetry using a typical VHF all-mode receiver (the FUNCube Dongle (SDR) is not covered in the Guide). A simple interface circuit between the receiver audio and the sound card is illustrated. There is a lengthy discussion of the minimum antenna required to receive usable FUNCube telemetry data. It is suggested that a minimum of 50 frames of telemetry data are required to develop a usable data set from directly received telemetry. The performances of various simple antennas, with and without preamps, are compared against this goal of receiving 50 frames of telemetry data. The third chapter presents an affordable Leslie’s Cube experiment set up that you can duplicate. The Leslie’s Cube experiment allows students to explore the concept of emissivity and how that property affects the ability of a material to radiate heat energy (MSE is a space borne equivalent of the Leslie’s Cube experiment). Alternatively, the fourth chapter presents an inexpensive MSE In- class Simulator experiment that can be easily and affordably duplicated for demonstrating the thermodynamics of heat absorption. The simulator uses simple aluminum bars that are coated with black paint and shiny aluminum foil to simulate the MSE panel bars in the FUNCube. Thermistors are mounted in the bars to measure the temperatures of the bars as they are exposed to a heat source, and then as they cool when the heat source is removed. By manipulating the heat source (i.e., turning it on and off at different rates), conditions on orbit can be simulated in the classroom and the students can evaluate the results. This installment produced the greatest surprise results of the whole Guide effort and proved to be instrumental in interpreting the real FUNCube MSE data. The fifth chapter presents a number of examples how to interpret the MSE data, and this is the most important section of the Guide. There is a disconnect between the whole-orbit-data that is received from the FUNCube and what is expected when considering basic thermodynamics. This disconnect is evaluated, discussed, and speculated on at length in this section. Data generated from the Leslie’s Cube presented in installment three, and from the MSE In- class Simulator presented in installment four are used to speculate about and try to explain the observed behavior of the MSE bars on- orbit. The content of the fifth chapter will be controversial, but at the same time thought provoking and could possibly stimulate a lot of classroom discussion. The final chapter simply presents additional ideas and explorations that could be used in the classroom to take the FUNCube MSE to a whole new, and unintended level. On the ARRL web page where the Guide is located, you will also find some additional material that might be of interest. For example, there are some video clips and other graphic materials that you can use to help explain how passive, fixed magnets are used in a cubesat to align the Z-axis of the satellite along the lines of the Earth’s magnetosphere to optimize antenna orientation toward Earth. These visual aids might encourage students take a closer look at the telemetry data from FUNCube to see if they can detect the effects of these magnets in action. “I know there is an ongoing discussion of the value of cubesat telemetry when compared to transponder operations,” Spencer says. “[Y]ou just might find that an occasional look at the telemetry will help you better understand satellites and make you a better satellite operator.” He goes on to state that the FUNcube MSE is “an exceptional educational resource,” and he praised AMSAT-UK’s efforts. “It’s now our turn to gain as much as we can from their efforts, and I hope the Guide will help you get started.” The guide can be directly downloaded at the following link http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/FUNCube%20Guide.pdf [ANS thanks Mark Spencer WA8SME and the ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SA AMSAT Invites Educational Payload Proposals The South African Amateur Radio Satellite Association SA AMSAT is inviting schools and universities to submit proposals for an education project for inclusion in their CubeSat satellite current being developed. SA AMSAT is building a small satellite with a 20 kHz transponder to offer amateur radio enthusiasts on the African continent an opportunity to experience space communications. "We believe this is an ideal opportunity to include an educational project that will be of interest to learners to promote Science and Technology based activities", Hannes Coetzee who leads the project said. "Space is a magical subject and attracts the attention of many young people even those who may not have shown an interest in science as a subject at school or as a past time. Combining Amateur Radio with Space doubles the attraction." "While the satellite will carry a telemetry beacon which report on the health of the satellite and provides interesting opportunities for learners to acquire more knowledge about space, we believe that a student designed project will add the additional magic." Proposals for a project are invited from high Schools and Universities. The most interesting proposal received will be considered for inclusion in the satellite. The criteria for judging includes originality and once operating from space the amount of interest it is likely to draw from young people. "It should also be noted that the project needs to be small enough to fit in with the rest of the equipment of the 10x10x10 cm CubeSat and draw as little as power as possible." "I believe this an ideal opportunity for a school's science club to take a project into space and to be able to monitor information about their project included in the spacecraft telemetry string." Proposals should be documented as comprehensively as possible and be emailed to SA AMSAT at saamsat(a)intekom.co.za. The closing date for proposals is 28 February 2014. [ANS thanks SARL News in English for 1/18/2014 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PhoneSat 2.4 Ham Radio CubeSat Jan Stupl provides an update on PhoneSat 2.4 which was part of the ORS3 / Elana 4 launch from the Wallops Flight Facility on November 19, 2013 By now there are TLEs at space-track for all 29 objects of that launch (NORAD ID 39380 – 39409), but only five of them have been identified on space-track. The PhoneSat team thinks that 39381 is theirs, but 39402, 39400 and 39397 are also (less likely) possibilities. Because the satellites are still close, using the radio beacon for identification is somewhat ambiguous. Getting more observations would be very helpful for everybody on that launch. You find all information about the 437.425 MHz PhoneSat 2.4 on the phonesat.org website and people can submit received packets as well, and comment which TLE they used. The latter is obviously important to gain confidence on the assigned TLEs. PhoneSat 2.4 http://www.phonesat.org/ Minotaur-1 ELaNa-4 Satellites http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/elana-4-cubesats/ [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- UK CubeSat programme in New Electronics "New Electronics" has a feature on the UK CubeSat programme and the amateur radio UKube-1 satellite which it says should be launched from Kazakhstan on March 27, 2014 The article says: Caroline Harper is a programme manager at the UK Space Agency and one programme that comes under her wing is UKube-1. CubeSats can also have a role in education, as Harper pointed out. “We have a payload called FUNCube, which will allow kids in schools to download real housekeeping data from the spacecraft almost in real time and to do their own experiments on that data. We hope that will encourage interest in STEM subjects.” FUNcube was developed entirely by volunteers at the amateur radio organisation AMSAT-UK. TOPCAT, meanwhile, is a payload that will measure the regions of space just beyond the Earth’s atmosphere – the ionosphere and plasmasphere – in order to help GPS users by monitoring and subsequently reacting to variable space weather conditions that adversely affect the Global Positioning System. The payload will consist of a specialised dual frequency GPS receiver that is suitable for operation in the space environment. The development has been led by a postgraduate at the University of Bath, with support from Chronos Technology, RAL and MSSL. Read the article at http://tinyurl.com/ANS019-emerging-opportunities In addition to the educational telemetry beacon the FUNcube boards on UKube-1 will also provide a 435/145 MHz linear transponder for SSB/CW communications. UKube-1 communications subsystem: • Telemetry downlink 145.840 MHz • FUNcube subsystem beacon 145.915 MHz 1200 bps BPSK • 400 mW inverting linear transponder for SSB and CW - 435.080 -435.060 MHz Uplink - 145.930 -145.950 MHz Downlink • 2401.0 MHz S Band Downlink • 437.425-437.525 MHz UKSEDS myPocketQub Downlink March launch for UKube-1 and TechDemoSat-1 http://tinyurl.com/ANS019-UKube-1 The UK CubeSat Forum http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/19/announcing-the-uk-cubesat-forum/ [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Portanova W2JV To be Active on Satellites as W1AW/2 Peter Portanova W2JV will be active on all the amateur satellites from 1/22 - 1/28 as W1AW/2 as part of the W1AW Portable Operations, ARRL Centennial QSO Party The ARRL Centennial "W1AW WAS" operations are taking place throughout 2014 from each of the 50 states, relocating each Wednesday (UTC) to a new pair of states (this week, Nebraska and Delaware. Listen for W1AW/0 and W1AW/3). During 2014 W1AW will be on the air from every state at least twice and from most US territories, and it will be easy to work all states solely by contacting W1AW portable operations. [ANS thanks Peter W2JV former WB2OQQ for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Deorbitsail CubeSat Students and researchers at the Surrey Space Centre (SSC) in the University of Surrey, Guilford, are developing the 3U CubeSat Deorbitsail. It is planned to launch on a Dnepr rocket into a 600 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The aims of the mission are: (1) Deploy a large (5-by-5-metre) square Kapton sail. (2) Deorbitsail is equipped with 3-axis-stabilizing attitude determination and control system. A novel capability of this system is pointing via Centre-Of-Mass / Centre-Of-Pressure (COM/COP) offset. (3) The satellite will deorbit much more quickly than otherwise due to its deployable sail. Satellite pointing will be optimized by the attitude control system for maximum drag. (4) The satellite will provide beacons which radio amateurs will be able to receive. The ISIS UHF/VHF radio will provide a 9600 bps BPSK downlink on 145.975 MHz. For further information read DeOrbitSail Nanosatellite Mission http://tinyurl.com/ANS019-deorbitsail DeorbitSail: A Spacecraft Mission to deploy sails in Space http://www.athena-spu.gr/projects/DeOrbit Kapton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapton Deorbitsail: a deployable sail for de-orbiting by Olive R. Stohlman, University of Surrey and Vaios Lappas, University of Surrey http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2013-1806 Inspection of a co-orbital solar sail using a microthruster attitude control system http://tinyurl.com/ANS019-microthruster-attitude Open access to latest research output from Surrey Space Centre http://amsat-uk.org/2013/06/19/open-access-to-ssc-research/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2014 Eastern VHF-UHF-Microwave Conference -- April 11-13 The 40th Eastern VHF-UHF-MW Conference will be held the weekend before Easter. The 2014 event will be held at the same hotel as it was in 2013. On-line Registration will be available very soon at: http://www.newsvhf.com/vhfconf.html 40th ANNUAL EASTERN VHF/UHF/MICROWAVE CONFERENCE Fri./Sat./Sun. April 11-12-13 2014 BAYMONT INN & SUITES, 20 Taylor St., Manchester, CT 06042 (just a few miles northeast of Hartford, CT off I-84, at Exit 63) FRIDAY--6pm to ?--SUPER HOSPITALITY ROOM & INDOOR SWAP SATURDAY--8am to 5pm--Presentations & Indoor Vendors 7pm-- BANQUET BUFFET, Tom Kirby Award Presentation, Banquet Speaker, Trivia Quiz by Dave Olean K1WHS, Door Prizes SUNDAY 8am--SWAP/TAILGATE in Parking Lot The Baymont Room rates will be the same as last year ......Double $69.00, Suites $99.00 Registration $25 before April 1, $30 after April 1 and at the door Banquet $28. Must order banquet before April 1. On-line Registration will be available very soon at: http://www.newsvhf.com/vhfconf.html We are still looking for your interesting presentation! Want to give a Presentation and/or have something for the Proceedings? Please email Paul Wade, W1GHZ, W1GHZ at arrl dot net Sponsored by: North East Weak Signal Group (NEWS) Questions? Email Mark, K1MAP: map1(a)mapinternet.com or Contact one of the Conference Co-Chairs: Mark K1MAP, (hospitality, hotel, swaps/vendors) Ron, WZ1V, (registration, website, test session) Paul, W1GHZ, (presentations, proceedings) Check: www.newsvhf.com for updates--MORE TO COME! [ANS thanks Eastern VHF/UHF Society and the North East Weak Signal Group for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNcube-1 in Practical Wireless Magazine In the February issue of Practical Wireless, the Data Modes column, written by Mike Richards G4WNC, devotes three pages to describing how to receive the signals from the FUNcube-1 (AO-73) satellite The World of VHF column by Tim Kirby G4VXE also covers FUNcube-1 and what is believed to be the first contact between Cuba and the UK on the FO-29 satellite. The contact took place on October 19, 2013 between Hector Martinez CO6CBF and Peter Atkins G4DOL. It is understood that postal copies of Practical Wireless can be purchased using a Debit or Credit card, by ringing +44 (0)1202 751611 Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 4.00pm. Practical Wireless http://www.pwpublishing.ltd.uk/?page_id=632 G4WNC Data Modes Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/datamodes [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News + A Successful contact was made between Istituto Tecnico Industriale "Galileo Ferraris", San Giovanni Valdarno, Italy and Astronaut Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA using callsign IOR4ISS. The contact began Wed 2014-01-08 12:21 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via IQ5GX. ARISS Mentor was IKØWGF. The Technical Institute "Galileo Ferraris" is active on the territory of the Arno Valley since 1979 and has trained over the years the engineers of the many industrial enterprises in the area. The technical institute in fact offers a solid general education and training of scientific and technical basis necessary for both a rapid entry into the world of work and the professions and for the continuation of studies at university . In particular, enables the student to face the entrance test for the various scientific disciplines . Its strength lies in teaching laboratory accompanied by a solid theoretical and scientific . Branches of study offered the institute is currently divided into the following specializations: o Electronics and electrical engineering. o Chemistry, Materials and Biotechnology o Data processing and telecommunications The time is for all specializations of 32 hours per week , spread over four days per week of five hours (from 8.10 am to 13.10) and two days a week for six hours (from 8.10 am to 14.10 ). The school is equipped with several laboratories and a large gym. Among these, for the two years, we have the laboratories of Physics, Chemistry, Drawing- CAD, Computer Science, for the three years, Chemistry, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Technology Design and Planning, Automatic Systems, Information systems . In addition, the active school every year internships at companies in the area and technical projects in cooperation with such companies. + A Successful contact was made between Zespól Szkól Technicznych, Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland and Astronaut Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA using callsign OR4ISS. The contact began Wed 2014-01-08 10:43:57 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via SP3POW. ARISS Mentors were SP3QFE and IN3GHZ. The Centre of Technical Schools in Ostrów Wielkopolski is a school which educates future electronics and mechatronics engineers, computer scientists and renewable energy specialists. Their school has been cooperating with Polish universities, electronic and mechatronic industrial plants and schools in Germany and the UK, which brings very good results. Thanks to the participation in the ARISS program their school has partnered with the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. Their students participate in various forms of extra-curricular activities which develop their passions and interests. As a result, they have created many interesting electronic and mechatronic devices. For example, some of the recent constructions include fpv plane, a quadrocopter, a stratospheric balloon capsule, some amateur radio equipment and many more. Currently, the school has 800 students aged 16 - 19 years. The Center of Technical Schools has invited its younger mates (students 13 - 15 years old) from Junior High School No. 1 named of Polish Nobel laureates in Ostrów Wielkopolski and 10 - 12 year-old students from Pope John Paul II Primary School in Lamki so that they all can participate in the ARISS program. Preparations for the ARISS contact began in late 2011. A series of amateur radio classes were carried out so that students could learn the rules of work on the radio. It was a very interesting experience to carry out radio communications through amateur radio satellites and to take photos from NOAA satellites. In addition, we monitored other radio signals from space. Most emotions were from the radio contact with the ISS in the APRS system and from listening to ARISS contacts of other schools in Poland and Europe. The schools participating in the ARISS program organized a series of events to promote various fields of science, particularly those that are the most relevant for the development of astronautics. + A Successful contact was made between Berkeley Middle School, Williamsburg, VA, USA and Astronaut Michael S. Hopkins KF5LJG using callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2014-01-08 18:33 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via K4RC. ARISS Mentor was K4SQC. Berkeley Middle School, Williamsburg, VA is one of three middle schools. There are thirty-six core teachers, sixteen elective teachers, a gifted and talented teacher, reading specialist, math specialist, and ten special education teachers. Additionally, there are three administrators, two school counselors, a Student Advancement Coach, and media specialist along with support staff. The student to teacher ratio is 28:1. Uniquely, the school is one of two located in the City of Williamsburg, serving students in the city and county. Over the past few years, enrollment has steadily increased, which is a direct reflection of the growth within the community. At the end of September 2013, the enrollment was 913 with an even distribution among its three grade levels (6-8). Berkeley's student population is approximately 60 percent white, 30 percent black, and 10 percent identify as other ethnicities such as American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, etc. Nearly 30 percent of the student population receives special education services, close to 20 percent are identified as gifted and talented, and less than 5 percent identify as English Language Learners (ELL). At Berkeley, 41 percent of the students qualify for federal free or reduced lunch. In partnership with parents and community members, Berkeley strives to foster a safe, caring and supportive learning environment that: a) knows its population, b) maintains a culture of continuous improvement, c) maximizes learning time, and d) remains focused and determined to close the achievement gap. + A Successful contact was made between Collège Les Gondoliers, La Roche sur Yon, France and Astronaut Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA using callsign OR4ISS. The contact began 2014-01-17 09:51 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via F6KUF/p. ARISS Mentor was F6ICS. Les Gondoliers Secondary School, with its 500 pupils -aged 11-15- is located in Vendée, 70 km south of the city of Nantes, where famous Jules Verne author was born . At the end of the last year, the pupils take an exam called "Diplôme National du Brevet". Their Astronomy Club has resumed its activities this year with the objective to enter in contact with the ISS. The starting point has been the visit of the exhibition "Voyages planétaires" (Planetary spaceflights), in Nantes, during the International Planetary Science Congress. Various astronomy and amateur radio activities were organized, with the help of members of the association of "radioamateurs of Vendée", who came to their school to display their activities and provide students with the tools that were necessary to get in contact with the ISS. + A Successful contact was made between Wallingford STEM Academy/Town of Wallingford, Wallingford, CT, USA and Astronaut Koichi Wakata KC5ZTA using callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2014-01- 18 15:18 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was telebridged via K6DUE. ARISS Mentor was W2CYK. Wallingford STEM Academy is a community based and family oriented organization that excites students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This program, previously known as the Young Astronaut Club of Wallingford and founded in 2000, has been providing STEM enrichment for students in grades 4 through 8 for over thirteen years through Wallingford Youth and Social Services. The Wallingford STEM Academy is a collaborative partnership between the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW), the Town of Wallingford Youth and Social Services Department (WYSS), the Wallingford Education Association (WEA). STEM Academy branches in Wallingford, and Hamden, are the flagship programs for CEA's STEM Education Initiative. They currently serve the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) and the general population. 40% of their STEM Enrichment Academy is comprised of students from the Spanish community and 40% of our students are girls interested in STEM education. Their weekly meetings are conducted at the Spanish Community of Wallingford Great Room and in their STEM Education Classroom next to SCOW. Since 2005, a companion project to Wallingford STEM Enrichment Academy is the Wallingford Family Science and STEM Night Series. At least twice a month, they organize and implement family oriented Science and STEM Family Nights in Wallingford. These events range from evening programs, daytime vacation programs, hands-on investigations, assembly style programs, and night sky observations. The purpose of this organization is to deepen student, and family, understanding of STEM concepts as a compliment to an existing inquiry based STEM curriculum in Wallingford. Their major funders for both STEM Academy and Wallingford Family STEM Nights are the Wallingford Rotary Club's Wallingford Foundation, 3M Charitable Contributions and the Connecticut Education Association. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Marymount University (Fort Belvoir Elem.), Arlington, VA, telebridge via W6SRJ Contact is a go for: Fri 2014-01-24 15:06:04 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Cyber-security: Small satellite dish systems called ripe for hacking Thousands of small satellite dish-based computer systems that transmit often-sensitive data from far flung locations worldwide – oil rigs, ships at sea, banks, and even power grid substations – are at high risk of being hacked, including many in the United States, a new cyber-security report has found. Read the full Christian Science Monitor article at: http://tinyurl.com/ANS019-cybersecurity VSAT terminals are opened for targeted cyber attacks http://intelcrawler.com/about/press05 [ANS thanks Stephen G7VFY and Southgate ARN for the above information] + Japan to test 'magnetic net' that can fish out floating space junk The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) is teaming up with a company that manufactures fishing equipment to create a net that will sweep the heavens of the man-made debris orbiting our planet. See story at http://tinyurl.com/ANS019-magnetic-net [ANS thanks South China Morning Post for the above information] + SatMagazine January 2014 Edition features The Small Satellite Surge... Note AMSAT's own Nick Pugh's picture on page 30. SatMagazine is available online http://www.satmagazine.com/ + January 2014 Edition of MilsatMagazine is now online http://www.milsatmagazine.com/ + Andy Thomas G0SJF describes lessons learned about using dashboard software etc. from the perspective of an interested science teacher using an AMSAT-UK FUNcube Dongle Software Defined Radio (SDR). He says: For those of us about to receive the Kicksat Sprites (when launched), and others using RTL dongles, the experience may be useful. https://sites.google.com/site/andythomasorg/funcube [ANS thanks Andy G0SJC and AMSAT-UK for the above information] + January 432 and Above EME Newsletter The January issue of the free amateur radio 432 MHz and Above EME Newsletter is now available The Word and PDF formats the newsletter can be downloaded from http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/em70cm.html Previous newsletters are at http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/em70cm_arc.html [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] + "Wake Up, Rosseta" Want to be one of those who helps to "wake up" a sleeping comet-chasing ESA space probe?? Well you can. See information at link below: http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/17/tech/rosetta-comet-chaser/ [ANS thanks Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF and ARNewsline 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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New CUBESATS
by Rich/wa4bue 18 Jan '14

18 Jan '14

One More Question I am in formation overload. Which new CUBESATS with Linear Transponders and DATA based signals are now located in CELTEXT files? God Bless R W4BUE ----- Original Message ----- From: "M5AKA" <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 6:37 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] New Guide Promotes FUNcube-1's Educational Value > ARRL Education & Technology Program (ETP) Director Mark Spencer, WA8SME > has developed a new FUNcube guide, see > > > http://www.arrl.org/news/new-guide-promotes-funcube-1-s-educational-value > > > ---- > 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 > ---- > _______________________________________________ > 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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Satellites at 38k4 Baud
by Vincenzo Mone 18 Jan '14

18 Jan '14

Hi folks, As I've been off, now I am back and would like to know If there are still any birds active at 38k4 baud. 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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Practical note on using dongles
by andy thomas 18 Jan '14

18 Jan '14

I've added a "Funcube" page (from the menu) to my website http://www.andythomas.eu describing lessons learned about using dashboard software etc rom the perspective of an interested science teacher using a dongle (rather than just using my ICOM IC-910). I don't feel bad about admitting the problems I encountered. All project managers know that the "lessons learned" log is the bit you wish you'd known before you started the project. For those of us about to receive the Kicksat Sprites (when launched), and others using RTL dongles, the experience may be useful. 73 de andy G0SFJ

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New Fitter Messages from FUNCUBE-1 (AO-73)
by Rick Walter 18 Jan '14

18 Jan '14

Congratulations to Wyatt, AC0RA for showing up on Fitter Message 7. A0-73 is thanking those who uploaded data to the dashboard. The names/callsigns are being posted in alphabetical order. Rick WB3CSY --

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driver problems
by Scott Smith 17 Jan '14

17 Jan '14

Hi, i purchased a Kenwwod USB IF232 cat interface for my TS790a to automatically change my up and downlink frequencies. I'm having problems tring to get the drivers installed. I downloaded the drivers, but keep getting a mesage "no drivers installed" anyone using this unit?. Any help will be appreciated, i bought it from ZLP Electronics in the U.K. 73 de Scott VE6ITV

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Cape-2 #890 over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 17 Jan '14

17 Jan '14

Successful commands ! "Force beacon","Get Health Beacon" and "Send Text to Speech" : Sent text to speech command: *tts2H Hello papa yankee 4 zulu bravo zulu, 73 from cape 2# Recieved voice message !: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/c1701.wav http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/c1701.mp3 Force beacon: W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *forcebeac# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: +W5UL,CAPE-2,3,GR,201301281909CST,3992mV,01000,3,14C,5C,ulcape.org# Get Health Beacon: W5UL>W5UL-15>UI,C,F0: *dump# W5UL-15>W5UL>UI,C,F0: W5UL,5397,814,5385,0,5364,32,5364,GR,001,11,7,ulcape.org# Recieved FM CW beacon : W5UL CAPE2 GN V5347 Recieved telemetry here: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/cape.htm#j 73 de Roland.

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iOS Sat Tracking
by Jeff Davis 17 Jan '14

17 Jan '14

Looking for recommendations for sat tracking on an iPad. Thanks. Jeff, KE9V

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PhoneSat 2.4 CubeSat
by M5AKA 16 Jan '14

16 Jan '14

PhoneSat 2.4 CubeSat http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/16/phonesat-2-4-cubesat/ Videos: Understanding orbits http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/16/videos-understanding-orbits/ Yasny Dnepr CubeSat Launch May ? http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/16/yasny-dnepr-cubesat-launch-aprilmay/ UK CubeSat Programme in New Electronics http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/15/uk-cubesat-programme-in-new-electronics/ ---- 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: W5PFG/P Northeast US - Equipment
by Andrew Glasbrenner 16 Jan '14

16 Jan '14

This is very similar to my portable setup, except I use an Arrow, no diplexer, and swap cables at the antenna to go from J to B. Oh, and my headset is a Heil Proset. I found I get some feedback with the Traveler at my typical volume levels. Hope you are having fun. 73, Drew -----Original Message----- >From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx(a)gmail.com> >Sent: Jan 16, 2014 9:40 AM >To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] W5PFG/P Northeast US - Equipment > >I've had numerous emails inquiring about the equipment I am using >while I'm on my current trip, operating grids as work schedule allows. > >Receiver: Yaesu FT-817 >Transmitter: Yaesu FT-857D >Antenna: Elk LPDA >Headset: Heil Traveler >Diplexer: Comet Triplexer CFX-324A > >I utilize the two VFO's on each radios as follows: >VFO A's are setup for mode J >VFO B's are setup for mode B > >As I change between satellites I need to reverse which radio gets the >UHF/VHF feed from the triplexer and then change VFO on the radio. >The biggest change I need to make is when I go to AO-7 I need to turn >the MHz knob to bring me down into 432 from 435. > >I'm utilizing the Comet triplexer because this one works well with >little or no desense and had the right lengths of coax I needed. I >have and use several diplexers from Diamond and Jetstream. > >73 >Clayton >W5PFG >_______________________________________________ >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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W5PFG/P Northeast US - Equipment
by Clayton Coleman 16 Jan '14

16 Jan '14

I've had numerous emails inquiring about the equipment I am using while I'm on my current trip, operating grids as work schedule allows. Receiver: Yaesu FT-817 Transmitter: Yaesu FT-857D Antenna: Elk LPDA Headset: Heil Traveler Diplexer: Comet Triplexer CFX-324A I utilize the two VFO's on each radios as follows: VFO A's are setup for mode J VFO B's are setup for mode B As I change between satellites I need to reverse which radio gets the UHF/VHF feed from the triplexer and then change VFO on the radio. The biggest change I need to make is when I go to AO-7 I need to turn the MHz knob to bring me down into 432 from 435. I'm utilizing the Comet triplexer because this one works well with little or no desense and had the right lengths of coax I needed. I have and use several diplexers from Diamond and Jetstream. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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D STAR Net tonight
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 16 Jan '14

16 Jan '14

Hi All D STAR AMSAT users net tonight on REF 60 B at 0200 utc. How many satellite ops are close to getting the GOT GRIDS? award. #1 is still open. I think we need some one to go to the DL grid 73 WA4HFN Damon

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Cape-2 #875 over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 16 Jan '14

16 Jan '14

CAPE-2 ORBIT #875 AT 11:25 UTC 16 JAN 2014 IN GH70un Recieved Beacon: +W5UL,CAPE-2,4,GR,201301281918CST,5344mV,01000,4,5C,7C,ulcape.org# Received CW: W5UL CAPE2 GN V5279 Recieved Beacon: +W5UL,CAPE-2,7,GR,201301281922CST,5290mV,01001,7,17C,12C,ulcape.org# Recieved CW: W5UL CAPE2 GN V5308 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Add YOUR Name to an Asteroid Mission!
by Clint Bradford 15 Jan '14

15 Jan '14

Get this to every teacher you know! After entering your name, you can print out a "participation certificate." NASA Invites Public to Send Names on an Asteroid Mission and Beyond 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 agency's Origins-Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft. The robotic mission will spend more than two years at the 1,760-foot (500-meter)-wide asteroid. The spacecraft will collect a sample of Bennu's surface and return it to Earth in a sample return capsule. "We're thrilled to be able to share the OSIRIS-REx adventure with people across the Earth, to Bennu and back," said Dante Lauretta, principal investigator of the OSIRIS-REx mission from the University of Arizona in Tucson. "It's a great opportunity for people to get engaged with the mission early and join us as we prepare for launch." Those wishing to participate in "Messages to Bennu!" should submit their name online no later than Sept. 30 at: http://planetary.org/bennu After a person submits their name, they will be able to download and print a certificate documenting their participation in the OSIRIS-REx mission. "You'll be part of humankind's exploration of the solar system --How cool is that?" said Bill Nye, chief executive officer of The Planetary Society, the organization collecting and processing the entries. Participants who "follow" or "like" the mission on Facebook will receive updates on the location of their name in space from launch time until the asteroid samples return to Earth in 2023. Facebook fans also will be kept apprised of mission progress and late-breaking news through regular status updates. The OSIRIS-REx mission goal is to address basic questions about the composition of the very early solar system, the source of organic materials and water that made life possible on Earth, and to better predict the orbits of asteroids that represent collision threats to the Earth. It will collect a minimum of 2 ounces (60 grams) of surface material. Once the sample return capsule deploys, the spacecraft will be placed into a long-term solar orbit around the sun, along with the microchip and every name on it. "It is exciting to consider the possibility that some of the people who register to send their names to Bennu could one day be a part of the team that analyzes the samples from the asteroid 10 years from now," said Jason Dworkin, mission project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. This mission will assist the agency in its efforts to identify the population of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects, as well as those suitable for asteroid exploration missions. The asteroid initiative brings together the best of NASA's science, technology and human exploration efforts to achieve President Obama's goal of sending humans to an asteroid by 2025. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will provide overall mission management, systems engineering, and safety and mission assurance for OSIRIS-REx. Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver will build the spacecraft. OSIRIS-REx is the third mission in NASA's New Frontiers Program. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., manages New Frontiers for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. For more information about the OSIRIS-REx mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex and http://osiris-rex.lpl.arizona.edu -end NASA media alert 14-017-

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W1AW/2
by W2JV 15 Jan '14

15 Jan '14

Hello, I will be active on all the amateur satellites from 1/22- 1/28 as W1AW/2. W1AW Portable Operations, ARRL Centennial QSO Party The ARRL Centennial "W1AW WAS" operations are taking place throughout 2014 from each of the 50 states, relocating each Wednesday (UTC) to a new pair of states (this week, Nebraska and Delaware. Listen for W1AW/0 and W1AW/3). During 2014 W1AW will be on the air from every state at least twice and from most US territories, and it will be easy to work all states solely by contacting W1AW portable operations. 73, Pete W2JV formerly WB2OQQ

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W1AW/KH6
by Tom Worthington 15 Jan '14

15 Jan '14

I'll be on from Hawaii, BL10, during the week starting Feb 5th as W1AW/KH6 Tom, NH6Y

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APRS packet using Kenwood TS2000 and UISS software
by Rupesh Lad 15 Jan '14

15 Jan '14

Hello all, I am Ground Station Team member of COEP's student satellite mission 'Swayam'(www.coep.org.in/csat).Our Ground Station is functional with uplink and downlink capabilities and is equipped with Kenwood TS2000(having a built-in TNC) transceiver and Yeasu G5500 rotor system. With the vhf and uhf antenna available with us we have successfully received analog beacons from many satellites. To prove our digital capabilities we are focusing on having APRS contact with ISS. We use UISS software by ON6MU along with AGW Packet Engine to connect PC with TS2000. Using the software we successfully transmit packet on air as transmitted packets are clearly heard on hand held Yeasu VX-3R transceiver which is unable to decode any packet. Even though we try to digipeat and data is transmitted, we are not able to receive data on the software screen. whenever we have a pass of ISS some signals are detected and a receiving led glows even in squelch on. But the received signals doesn't sound like packet. Please help us in improvising our ground station for digital communication. Regards, Rupesh VU2COE

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SatPC32 error messages in German
by Red Willoughby 15 Jan '14

15 Jan '14

Some time ago, I saw a post about a patch that would display all SatPC32 dialog box messages in English rather than German. It has really not been so much of a problem, but I would now like to apply that patch. My searches have not turned up the info to accomplish this. Could someone re-fresh me on where to access the info on that procedure? Thanks in advance. Red, KC4LE --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com

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crude receiver
by Joe Leikhim 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

You could. My concerns would be: 1) Noise figure. You will need a low noise amplifier with sufficient gain to overcome the mixer loss. 2) How will you stabilize the frequency of the YIG? You may have better luck with one of the more easily attainable crystal controlled "Brick" oscillators. Hi all! Could I build a microwave receiver for satellite using a yig, mixer, the appropriate Local oscillator and an SDR dongle for receive of some kind? I do have an IF filter and so forth. Norm n3ykf -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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FUNcube Realtime data available as a .csv download
by David A B Johnson 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

Hi, The FUNcube Data Warehouse is now producing .csv files containing Realtime data channels. The data is produced every hour, on the hour and contains 3000 rows, starting 250 minutes before the last record in the database. As we do not have worlwide coverage, there will be missing segments of data. To overcome this, we fill the data with the last value before the gap. All records are have an associated 'satellite time' this is based on the known activation time of the satellite and offset calculated from the sequence number and frame type. The satellite is currently 3 hours 50 minutes ahead of the data server time. Please visit the Real Time Data page and click on the link in the descriptive text. http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk We welcome feedback on the format and content. Please use the forum: http://forum.funcube.org.uk 73 Dave Johnson, G4DPZ, FUNcube Team Member

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Deorbitsail CubeSat + UK 3.4 GHz consultation
by M5AKA 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

The Deorbitsail CubeSat being built at the Surrey Space Centre will use an ISIS UHF/VHF radio running 9600 bps BPSK on the VHF downlink http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/14/deorbitsail-cubesat/ RAG 2014 tickets on sale http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/14/rag-2014-tickets-on-sale/ Ofcom 2.3 and 3.4 GHz Consultation Responses http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/14/ofcom-2-3-and-3-4-ghz-consultation-responses/ FUNcube-1 in Practical Wireless Magazine http://amsat-uk.org/2014/01/13/funcube-1-in-practical-wireless-magazine/ ---- 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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Fw: Re: SWR on Satellite antennas
by i8cvs 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Wilson" <protest(a)virginmedia.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2014 7:08 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] SWR on Satellite antennas > Hi All, > > < snip> > > So, I have two questions. > > 1) Should I be worried about damaging my rig (IC-9100) with the > 2:1 SWR on AO-07 ? > NO damaging to your rig will occur with a 2:1 SWR because the reflected power from the antenna to your rig will be only the 10% of the incident power. > 2) Will future satellites be in the 435 to 438Mhz range? YES > Thanks > Peter > G8KEK 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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Re: SWR on Satellite antennas
by i8cvs 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Wilson" <protest(a)virginmedia.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2014 7:08 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] SWR on Satellite antennas Hi All, < snip> > So, I have two questions. > 1) Should I be worried about damaging my rig (IC-9100) with the 2:1 SWR on AO-07 ? NO damaging to your rig will occur with a 2:1 SWR because the reflected power from the antenna to your rig will be only the 10% of the incident power. > 2) Will future satellites be in the 435 to 438Mhz range? YES > Thanks > Peter > G8KEK 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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9600 Baud GMSK
by Vincenzo Mone 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

Hi Folks, I'm going made to decode the 9600 Baud satellites. Please I would like to know if the 9600 baud GMSK Can be decoded with a G3RUH modem, otherwise What 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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FUNcube-1 Object Number
by Graham Shirville 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

Hi All, We have now concluded that FUNcube-1 is indeed Satellite Number 39444 and International Designator 13066AE. The Celestrak cubesat.txt and amateur.txt files now show the correct name FUNCUBE (AO73) for this object. Many thanks for your patience! (AO)73 Graham G3VZV

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Re: SKN de K4AMG
by Rich/wa4bue 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

Hi All, I did make 2 OSCAR SKN QSOs. Both on FO29. The first was with Glenn AA5PK in DM91. The second was with Frank K9CIS in EM59. Both QSOs were brief. There is not very much CW on the OSCARS these days, not like it was in the 80s on AO7. And as for me being a whole bunch older, I have trouble with the dits and dahs, that little delay going up and coming back down, so my CW sounds very sloppy. It was fun and both Glenn and Frank were very patient with me. I will try more CW for 2014. Currently the Club station, K4AMG is down for upgrades. Our Board of Directors have purchased M2 Circular Polarization antennas for 2 meter and 70 cm. The 2 meter antenna is 14 element and the 70 cm antenna is 30 elements. We also are adding AR2 preamps for 2 meter and 70 cm. We hope to raise the OSCAR antennas support another 8 feet on our trailer to avoid blockages from nearby buildings. April - May time frame we will be operating from the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology Center using the call W4FOS with the system. We are also preparing a hand held OSCAR station for the FM SATS. Looking forward to the new FOX. I wonder if anyone operate modulated CW on FM? Anyway that was SKN on the SATS and an update on K4AMG. God Bless Rich W4BUE

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Re: Satellites Status
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

Hello Enzo, Welcome back and I am sure that you will find many satellites to enjoy bold old and new. You can find the daily status of listed " Radio Amateur Satellites" on the following web site. http://oscar.dcarr.org/ In addition their are also now many "cubesats" operated by Universities etc with downlinks used for science and education. A useful updated list of frequencies was produced by "JE9PEL/1" and is published on his web site. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.htm Although perhaps all are not still operational you will he has kindly taken the time to put together the list and references to other web sites. Of great interest at the moment is "FUNcube-1" ( Now Oscar-37) very easy top hear the data download and read the data with the "Dashbaord" software. The satellite operates in the educational mode for use with the software during the time it is illuminated by the sun. During eclipse ( darkness ) it operates in the amateur mode with a transponder. Please visit the Amsat-UK web site for more information and references. _www.amsat-uk.org_ (http://www.amsat-uk.org) Regards and Good luck. Ken Eaton GW1FKY

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Satellites Status
by Vincenzo Mone 14 Jan '14

14 Jan '14

Hi folks, As i have been for about a year without VHF/UHF radios due to reparations, Now I got them back and I would like to test them but I do not know which satellites Are still active and their sounds. Please anybody can help me telling me which ones are active and how they sounds? Any help will be really appreciated. 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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