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12 CubeSats launched with NROL-39
by Gregory Beat 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

Twelve CubeSats are set to launch aboard an Atlas V rocket with the NROL-39 primary payload from Vandenberg AFB in California on December 5, 2013. The CubeSat payloads have been provided through NASA's Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program and the NRO's Mission Integration Directorate (MID). CubeSat Project will be using the #cubesat IRC channel to coordinate object identification. -- Justin Foley KI6EPH CubeSats on the Atlas V GEMSat Launch 2013 http://cubesat.org/index.php/missions/upcoming-launches/134-l39-launch-alert Follow ongoing chat on the #cubesat IRC channel see http://www.cubesat.org/index.php/collaborate/ground-operators == w9gb Sent from iPad Air

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NROL-39 TLE
by M5AKA 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

1 99991U 00000 13340.43204282 0.00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 0006 2 99991 120.5031 227.3464 0297856 339.9554 93.2232 14.64196995000009 Successful Launch of NROL-39 CubeSats http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/06/successful-launch-of-nrol-39-cubesats/ Delfi-n3Xt Update December 5 http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/05/delfi-n3xt-update-december-5/ ---- 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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NROL-39 launch seen in San Diego
by Phil Karn 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

Kimberly and I picked it up visually here in San Diego about a minute before staging. Because of the high inclination (reportedly 123 degrees) it was faint and far away, but it was unmistakable in binoculars despite local light pollution. The plume was gradually broadening as it rose into thinner air. It disappeared at staging. I didn't expect to see the Centaur upper stage at night since it burns H2/O2. The primary payload is a NRO spooksat (reportedly radar imaging) so coverage stopped at fairing jettison. No word on the cubesat deployments, but they probably won't be for a while. Several are supposed to transmit on 70cm.

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Re: AO-73 QSOs on the beacon?
by Michael Fletcher 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

AO-7, mode B, happens pretty often... --

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AO-73 QSOs on the beacon?
by n0jy 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

During the eclipse passes while copying telemetry with my Funcube Dongle Pro + I am hearing SSB QSOs on the beacon frequency. They usually "walk" across it but what puzzles me is that the website info indicates that the transponder passband is well away from the beacon frequency. Am I experiencing some weird stuff with my Dongle or is it possible for stations to work on an uplink that puts their downlink on the beacon frequency? Thanks, Jerry N0JY

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Oscar-10 AMSAT Satellite Spacecraft Kiln Dry Wood Model Large New
by Stefan Wagener 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

Here you go! Ebay # 321247180758 Anyone has one of these? Stefan

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Triton-1 and PI9CAM 25 meter dish
by M5AKA 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

Triton-1 recovered with help of PI9CAM 25 meter dish http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/05/triton-1-recovered-with-help-of-pi9cam-25-me… ---- 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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Lituanica SAT-1
by andy thomas 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

I was pleased to work on HF (30m CW) yesterday LY2013SAT - evidently very proud of the upcoming launch. Looking forward to hearing her from orbit. 73 de andy g0sfj

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(no subject)
by Ellis Foley 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

Hi Joe, the link below is for a coax calculator. its self discribatory, it will let you see the difference the various coax's have agains each other vs freq. The hight you go in Freq, the lossier the cables are. Two good barometers are to run comparisons on 2m and 400 mhz. ie. 144, and 432 Mhz, 100ft runs leave the 100 watt input the same and watch the watts out !. that will give you a really good idea of cable loss. now you can see why I recommended some RG213 over the RG58 you're running now. you are losing over 50% of your power to the cable loss. that's way to costly for operation performance. We all cut corners but there are some things not to cut and running "a good" not necessarily the best feed lines out there is a good thing to get in the habit of. and a good cable will last you your lifetime almost. Ok have fun with the calculator. de Ellis WA1RKS http://www.saarsham.net/coax.html

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D Star /Amsat users net
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

Hello all The D star / Amsat users net is tonight at 0200 utc on REF 60B Memphis Repeater W4LET. Hope to see you there 73 WA4HFN Damon EM55

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CAPE-2 over Cuba
by Pavel Milanes Costa 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

Hi to all... Just now I have heard the CAPE-2 sat in Orbit 221 over Camagüey Cuba (FL11bj) a very good pass (89 degrees) 4 dec 2013 ~1315z Clean packet 1200 bps signal... I'm runing to get to work and had no time to setup the decoder... Hard here is RTL-SDR + LNA + Gqrx + Gpredict for doppler 73

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Re: Logbook of the World & AO-73
by Kevin M 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

I can load an ADIF file, but that's about it. I downloaded the config.tq6 file, but I can't find any informaiton where it should go. Just double click on the TQ6 file... windows will launch TQSL and it will import it. 73, N4UFO ------------------------------------------------------------------ "Control is the need of the fearful mind. Trust is the need of the courageous heart."

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Heard KK4AJJ
by Rick Elverum Sr. 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

What satellite is 9600 baud kiss format On 437.405 FM With the. Call of KK4AJJ Heard over Breckenridge On Dec 03 21:45 UTC Dec 4 21:45 UTC I'm a little Out of the loop Thank you. Rick KB0VBZ

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Logbook of the World & AO-73
by Clayton Coleman 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

I attempted to upload a QSO using AO-73 as a satellite name in Logbook of the World. Since the satellite was a recently assigned this OSCAR number it appears the ARRL does not yet recognize it. I've opened a ticket with the LoTW helpdesk to resolve this issue. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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NROL-39 / GEMSat CubeSat Launch December 5
by M5AKA 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

NROL-39 / GEMSat CubeSat Launch December 5 http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/04/nrol-39-gemsat-cubesat-launch-december-5/ CAT: Launch a Water-Propelled Satellite into Deep Space http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/02/cat-launch-a-water-propelled-satellite-into-… Live Video Streaming from the ISS http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/01/live-video-streaming-from-the-iss/ HD Video Cameras sent to ISS November 25, 2013 http://www.urthecast.com/launch ---- 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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FS: Icom AG-2400 Downconverter
by Les Rayburn 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

The item is not mine, and I have no relationship to the seller, but thought I'd pass this along to AMSAT members who might be interested. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Icom-AG-2400-2-4-Ghz-Downconverter-NEW-IN-BOX-Excel… A new in the box, Icom AG-2400 2.4 GHz downconverter that mates with the Icom IC-910H transceiver. Perfect for US and LS mode satellite operations (someday). These don't come up for sale or auction very often. -- -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light

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SPACEX SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES FIRST MISSION TO GEOSTATIONARY TRANSFER ORBIT
by Eric Rosenberg 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

FYI -- 73, Eric W3DQ Washington, DC ----------------------- December 3, 2013* * *SPACEX SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES FIRST MISSION TO GEOSTATIONARY TRANSFER ORBIT* /Upgraded Falcon 9 launch vehicle delivers SES-8 satellite to targeted orbit/ Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida -- Today, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) successfully completed its first geostationary transfer mission, delivering the SES-8 satellite to its targeted 295 x 80,000 km orbit. Falcon 9 executed a picture-perfect flight, meeting 100% of mission objectives. Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at 5:41 PM Eastern Time. Approximately 185 seconds into flight, Falcon 9's second stage's single Merlin vacuum engine ignited to begin a five minute, 20 second burn that delivered the SES-8 satellite into its parking orbit. Eighteen minutes after injection into the parking orbit, the second stage engine relit for just over one minute to carry the SES-8 satellite to its final geostationary transfer orbit. The restart of the Falcon 9 second stage is a requirement for all geostationary transfer missions. "The successful insertion of the SES-8 satellite confirms the upgraded Falcon 9 launch vehicle delivers to the industry's highest performance standards," said Elon Musk, CEO and Chief Designer of SpaceX. "As always, SpaceX remains committed to delivering the safest, most reliable launch vehicles on the market today. We appreciate SES's early confidence in SpaceX and look forward to launching additional SES satellites in the years to come." Today's mission marked SpaceX's first commercial launch from its central Florida launch pad and the first commercial flight from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in over five years. SpaceX has nearly 50 launches on manifest, of which over 60% are for commercial customers. This launch also marks the second of three certification flights needed to certify the Falcon 9 to fly missions for the U.S. Air Force under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. When Falcon 9 is certified, SpaceX will be eligible to compete for all National Security Space (NSS) missions. High-resolution photos are available for download at www.spacex.com/media <http://www.spacex.com/media>.

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rtl sdr
by Lizeth Norman 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

Hi all! Where can I get/ who makes the best of the rtl/sdr dongles? I'm looking to get something for specifically the band that the FCD does not cover. Would you believe that I have some precision frequency sources that when combined with a mixer give me an IF right in the FCD's frequency hole. Norm n3ykf

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Yaesu FT-736R for Sale
by Tom Worthington 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

I am selling a Yaesu FT-736R for the benefit of a SK estate here on Maui. I have used it for QSO's on both FO-29 and AO-7(b). Includes USB interface cable. No keyer or Tone options. 2m and 70cm only. Price $800.00 Please contact me off line. 73 and Aloha, Tom, NH6Y (BL10ts)

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Tampabay Hamfest new times and location
by Andrew Glasbrenner 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

AMSAT will have a booth this weekend at the Tampa Bay Hamfest, which is now a Friday-Saturday Hamfest, and has moved from Bradenton to Plant City. See http://www.fgcarc.org/pdf/2013FlierTampaBayHamfest.pdf for times and directions. Depending on available volunteers, we will have the opportunity to do some live demos, answer questions on the new satellites launched this month, and as always will have books, software, and memberships available. We are also scheduled for an AMSAT Forum at 9AM on Saturday. This time means that for the forum to happen, I will need some booth volunteers right at the beginning of the hamfest. Also, the more volunteers, the more live demos I can do. If you are able to help, please drop me and email or call me at 727 612 6626 and let me know when you can help. If you have particular things you want covered in the forum or answered at the booth, please let me know that as well, and I will do my best to be prepared. Thanks and 73, Drew KO4MA

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PicFall transmission on AO-73 transponder
by Roland Zurmely 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

Please see here: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/fc1.htm#i 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Help Hawaii get on AO73 (FT-847 SatPC32 issues
by Robert Smith 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

Aloha For years I have run HRD and SATPC32 in conjunction. HRD controls my Doppler and SatPC32 controls my rotator (tracking). In light of several new birds it seems prudent to operate my Yaesu FT847 with only one software package. I understand how to add birds, keps, frequencies etc into SatPc32 so that is the program of choice. With my radio in the non satellite mode (APRS happened to be on both the xmit and recv side 144.390) 1. When I start up SATPC32 the radio goes into the Satellite MODE (good). In today's case AO7 was the bird active in the program. 2. The UPlink and Downlink DOPPLER are moving correctly on the computer screen within SATPC32. 3. The FT-847 receive VFO (main VFO) has the correct frequency for example AO7 (145950 MHz USB) and it is running properly with the Doppler frequency changes. 4. The FT-847 transmit VFO (sub VFO) has some random frequency displayed (145962 FM): This VFO frequency is stable and not following the Doppler changes I see on the xmit frequency of SatPC32. 5. If I xmit (PTT) the transit side of radio displays ERROR. 6. Under setup> radio setup the CAT delay is 20, Satellite MODE is checked and the radio is correct. A brief check of the Operating manual doesn't appear to acknowledge software control per se. I just need to get the xmit piece functional. Any insight, recommendations, suggestions greatly appreciated. Mahalo Respectfully, robert smith, NH7WN Honolulu PS: Due to computer overload fm the BBS and EME bbs and others I "disconnected" , it may be best to email me directly at dukenuke(a)pixi.com if you have comments. Mahalo

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BPSK
by jerry keeton 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

What software program is used to capture " bpsk" ? I see there are several of the just launched satellites that are send data 1200 BPSK . Jerry WB5LHD

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new computer new controller?
by Scott Smith 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

Hi folks, Santa(me) has got me a new computer for Christmas, it has Windows 8.01. I have been using my faithful Kansas city Tracker/Tuner for many years and would like to update my system. I have the Kenpro 5400a and would like some input as to which is the best system to use to control it with my new computer. Any help will be appreciated. 73 de Scott VE6ITV

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Successful Launch For SpaceX
by B J 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

The vehicle lifted off on time and had a smooth flight into orbit. The second stage will be restarted later to boost the payload into GEO. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: AMSAT-BB problems
by MICHAEL 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

Hi Everyone I have found that some of my messages from the BB were going to my spam folder. Some web based e-mail services have really "tight" spam filters and you may actually have to make a filter to prevent it from happening again. 73's Mike/N8GBU

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Re: AO-73 keps
by Ronald G. Parsons 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

Using the keps from this morning (epoch 13330.154), the Doppler corrections by SatPC32 are much closer than yesterdays keps. I got the following frequencies from a nearly overhead pass about 1722 UTC. The frequencies are the frequency “at the satellite” calculated by SatPC32 to place the center of the telemetry in the middle of my 3.0 kHz USB passband. Thus the frequency of the center “at the satellite” are 1.50 kHz higher than these. Elevation xx where the frequency is 145935.xx MHz 5 .90 10 .85 15 .80 20 .75 30 .68 40 .65 50 missing 60 .59 70 .52 60 .50 50 .49 40 .47 30 .41 20 .37 15 .34 10 .29 5 .24 Thus a change of only about 660 Hz over the entire pass. Ron W5RKN

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Re: AO-73 DTMF Last Command Unknown Command (0)
by Rob styles 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

Ok thanks Graham. Rob

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[amsat-bb] AO-73 DTMF Last Command Unknown Command (0)
by Rob styles 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

I wonder what attempt was made,and if the attempt was by AMSAT-UK, I see the last attempt failed and returned an Unknown command. Rob M0TFO Sent from Windows Mail

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CAPE-2 over Brazil orbit #202
by Roland Zurmely 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

New CW mode : FM with 500 Hz tone. Please see here: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/cape.htm 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ GH70un

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CAPE-2 received
by Mineo Wakita 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

05:58-06:10 UTC, 3 Dec 2013, Ele 63 NW-S-SE, 145.825MHz CW -> Voice -> Packet http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/31203ca2.mp3 http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/31203ca3.mp3 CAPE-2 39380U 13064A University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Fwd: South American station on AO-7
by PY5LF 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: PY5LF <py5lf(a)falautomation.com.br> Date: 2013/12/2 Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] South American station on AO-7 To: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> Hi Paul Probably is my friend Renato , PU2RAS . He is very active on sats . 73 PY5LF Luciano 2013/12/2 Paul Stoetzer <n8hm(a)arrl.net> > Good evening, > > Just after AOS on AO-7 this afternoon around 2117Z, I heard a station > calling with the suffix RAS. He never was heard after that. I was just > curious who that could have been. I assume it's a station from South > America and I heard him just before his LOS. Anybody have any ideas? > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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Re: South American station on AO-7
by f6htj＠aol.com 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

Good evening, Just after AOS on AO-7 this afternoon around 2117Z, I heard a station alling with the suffix RAS. He never was heard after that. I was just urious who that could have been. I assume it's a station from South merica and I heard him just before his LOS. Anybody have any ideas? 73, Paul, N8HM ----------------------------------------------------- LW1DXH-@ 145950.0 PU2RAS SAT. AO-07 2139 18 Aug Brazil 73 de Michel F6HTJ

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Panadapter for the FT-817
by Mike Seguin 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

Hi Patrick, I think there are several advantages to adding the Panadapter interface. 1.) It uses the common IF of the FT-817, so it works with whatever band/mode you tune with the FT-817 - 160M through 432. The Funcube stays on 68.33 MHz. 2.) It's fully integrated with the FT-817, so no need to worry about accidentally transmitting in to your FunCube. (this was a big one for me!) 3.) It has band pass filtering on the 68.33 MHz common IF feed. Sensitivity is very good. I use it primarily with HDSDR. Using OmniRig within HDSDR linked to the FunCube creates a very powerful system. You lock the Funcube setting to 68.33 MHz (I actually use 68.32 to get away from the center channel spike). In HDSDR, the display is the actual FT-817 frequency. You now can tune either the FT-817 or HDSDR and they both track - The Funcube stays on 68.32 MHz so you always see ± 48 kHz of your center tuning (I use the original Funcube, so 96 kHz). HDSDR has DDE as well. I'm sure there is more and there are specific benefits for satellite work. Once you start working with a Panadapter on satellite, I don't think you'll ever want to go back to the old way. Seeing the whole transponder at once or the ability to record the full I&Q bandwidth for post processing later is very powerful. (no more "audio recorder" to log qso's) The choice is really whether to use the FunCube standalone or integrated via the interface. Both of my FT-817's have the Interface! Mike On 12/1/2013 9:32 PM, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: > > To those who suggested I modify one of my FT-817NDs to > have a panadapter interface and then use both the 817 > and dongle on the downlink, what advantages would I > have in doing that, instead of just using the dongle > as the downlink receiver? I apologize if this is a > silly question, but I'm wanting to learn more about > what I can do with this dongle, by itself or alongside > my existing gear. I'm looking forward to seeing N1JEZ's > article in an upcoming AMSAT Journal, and will look at > the link Mike suggested to learn more about this option.-- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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South American station on AO-7
by Paul Stoetzer 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

Good evening, Just after AOS on AO-7 this afternoon around 2117Z, I heard a station calling with the suffix RAS. He never was heard after that. I was just curious who that could have been. I assume it's a station from South America and I heard him just before his LOS. Anybody have any ideas? 73, Paul, N8HM

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CAPE-2 Tracking Information Updated 12/02/2013
by Rizwan Merchant 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

Here is a link to all information the CAPE Team currently has for tracking the Satellite. A program will be released in the next few days to decode data. http://ulcape.org/cape-2-tracking-update-12022013/ On behalf of the CAPE-2 Team, we would really appreciate any data you can relay to us on the satellite. Sincerely, Rizwan Merchant Call Sign: KF5BNL Notice of Confidentiality This E-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521 and is legally privileged. This information is confidential information and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. This email communication contains private and confidential information that is intended for the specific recipient, if you have received this communication in error please contact the sender immediately by phone or email to be removed from the contact list and please destroy all contents immediately.

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CAPE-2 CW over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/cape.htm 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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SpaceX To Attempt Launch Later Today
by B J 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/007/status.html SpaceX's comments on what caused this past Thursday's scrub: http://www.spacex.com/webcast/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Juno flyby news
by andy thomas 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

On enquiry, I'm told by JPL that they hope to share some information about the ham radio particpation in the Juno flyby, next week at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union. 73 de andy g0sfj

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Re: CAPE-2 CW over Brazil
by g0mrf＠aol.com 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

Hi Nick. Yes, can hear what I believe is CAPE-2 in London. But still don't know the sequence of transmission. 14.11 Carrier on 145.824 - did not hear the modulation (below the city rooftops) pos interference. 14.12 Good CW signal - S5 very easy copy. Frequency low and pulled by CW (chirp) 14.14 Single 1200 packet burst. 14.16 More CW from below roofline. In CW mode on IC706 this was best received on 145.920 Could be that you are a couple of KHz low of 825. Keps used are: CAPE-2 1 39380U 13064A 13334.93341659 .00001167 00000-0 59607-4 0 257 2 39380 040.5145 186.8069 0003506 014.0453 346.0304 15.21277316 1661 Regards David G0MRF

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AMSAT assigned Booth #62 - Atlantic City - August 28-29th
by Thomas Doyle 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

A well deserved thanks to John, David and James. http://www.tomdoyle.org/AtlanticCity-2.jpg http://www.tomdoyle.org/AtlanticCity-1.jpg W9KE Tom Doyle

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Re: AO-73/FUNcube-1 videos, observations
by Mark L. Hammond 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

Hi Patrick, Quick response---the 500mW reference was mentioned for 2 reasons--first, you said it could work ;) and second, I suspect if you're using an Elk full duplex, you'll see some interaction at higher powers (whatever that is...). So, you might be fine at 5W. Let us know how it works! 73 and have fun... Mark N8MH At 02:32 AM 12/2/2013 +0000, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: >Hi Mark! > >Thanks for your e-mail. Since I do lots of satellite >demonstrations and get the questions about what it >takes to work satellites like the new AO-73, I figured >I'd put together some information in those videos and >my -BB posts. I'll use your message as the one I reply >to, but acknowledge the others who replied to my late- >night post on the -BB and in direct e-mails today. No >radio tonight, since I have to be in the office early >tomorrow, but I will probably be outside tomorrow night >for at least one of the AO-73 passes. > >AC0RA mentioned last night on the western AO-73 pass >that he could receive the transponder and use the >dashboard to receive telemetry at the same time. Wyatt >didn't go into detail on what he had to do on the laptop >on the air, but he mentioned he used HDSDR with the >dashboard software. I may follow Hector's (CO6CBF) >suggestion of working the transponder and recording >everything during a pass, then run that through the >dashboard using whatever configuration I need so that >the playback can be piped into the dashboard and decoded. >I may be able to work SSB/CW satellites without a computer >from almost anywhere I go, but the SDR stuff is something >I am trying to (quickly) learn. Especially when the >dongle's namesake is now in orbit and operational. :-) > >Since I will be at a hamfest on Saturday morning, I may >work on just using the dashboard by itself to copy the >telemetry, to have something else to show off at the >hamfest on AO-73's morning passes (if the transponder is >not turned on), then "worry" about trying to hear the >transponder and receive telemetry with the dashboard >later. > >You mentioned that I could work the transponder and >receive telemetry at the same time if I transmit at >500mW. This would be possible on higher passes based >on my tests in the past week, but is there a reason >why 5W would be too much with the Pro+ dongle and its >filtering along with a diplexer between the radios >and the Elk antenna? I'm not looking to run more power >than 5W, since I'm not planning to add an amplifier or >replace one of my FT-817NDs with something like an >FT-857 at this point. > >To those who suggested I modify one of my FT-817NDs to >have a panadapter interface and then use both the 817 >and dongle on the downlink, what advantages would I >have in doing that, instead of just using the dongle >as the downlink receiver? I apologize if this is a >silly question, but I'm wanting to learn more about >what I can do with this dongle, by itself or alongside >my existing gear. I'm looking forward to seeing N1JEZ's >article in an upcoming AMSAT Journal, and will look at >the link Mike suggested to learn more about this option. > >I haven't even started thinking about getting SatPC32 >mixed in with all of this SDR stuff, but know that I >could do that. I still need to get it working my two >FT-817NDs, something that remains on my satellite "to >do" list. > >73! > > > > > >Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK >http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > >On Sun, Dec 1, 2013 at 2:12 PM, Mark L. Hammond <marklhammond(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> >> Hi Patrick, >> >> Great sharing of your experiences---thanks! Nice to have AO-73 operations >> futher characterized. >> >> >> Regarding the Funcube Dongle Pro Plus (FCDP+)---you should enjoy the >> experience of learning how to use it! It's such a neat receiver. >> >> Some quick thoughts/pointers/questions: >> >> Are you planning to capture telemetry and work the transponder >> simultaneously during evening passes? It might work, depending on your >> antenna system, especially if you can get buy with only 500mW uplink. I'll >> be interested in your experiences with this... >> >> There is one thing to remember--you'll need two audio streams decoding at >> the same time. SDR-Radio V2.1 will do this, with "VFO A" and "VFO B". >> They each have separate audio out selections, so you can pipe the telemetry >> to something like VB Audio Virtual Cable into the Dashboard, and the other >> VFO and audio stream to your laptop speakers or headphone jack. SDR-Radio >> V2.1 also has built in satellite tracking for doppler correction, and you >> can record the pass at the same time! >> >> >> On the other hand----if you don't want to try to do telemetry and the >> transponder simultaneously, you have some more options... >> >> SatPC32 has great DDE support, and you can use that with either HDSDR or >> SDRSharp to tune your FCDP+ as a separate receiver. It works great, and >> it's pretty easy to do, if you want your receiver following the >> Doppler/frequency from SatPC32. >> >> Now, if you want to use your FCDP+ as a receiver AND be able to click on a >> frequency and have the transmit match it---that's another trickier setup >> involving HDSDR, SatPC32, and virtual comports. It works and is slick, but >> it's not for the faint of heart. You can read about that setup here: >> http://www.tomdoyle.org/FUNcube-SatPC32/FUNcube-SatPC32.html >> I did similar to that writeup by Tom, but found I could do 56k serial port >> speeds just fine. >> >> Have fun! >> >> 73, >> >> >> >> >> So, lots of options.. >> >> >> >> >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: AO-73/FUNcube-1 videos, observations
by Mark L. Hammond 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

Hi Patrick, Great sharing of your experiences---thanks! Nice to have AO-73 operations futher characterized. Regarding the Funcube Dongle Pro Plus (FCDP+)---you should enjoy the experience of learning how to use it! It's such a neat receiver. Some quick thoughts/pointers/questions: Are you planning to capture telemetry and work the transponder simultaneously during evening passes? It might work, depending on your antenna system, especially if you can get buy with only 500mW uplink. I'll be interested in your experiences with this... There is one thing to remember--you'll need two audio streams decoding at the same time. SDR-Radio V2.1 will do this, with "VFO A" and "VFO B". They each have separate audio out selections, so you can pipe the telemetry to something like VB Audio Virtual Cable into the Dashboard, and the other VFO and audio stream to your laptop speakers or headphone jack. SDR-Radio V2.1 also has built in satellite tracking for doppler correction, and you can record the pass at the same time! On the other hand----if you don't want to try to do telemetry and the transponder simultaneously, you have some more options... SatPC32 has great DDE support, and you can use that with either HDSDR or SDRSharp to tune your FCDP+ as a separate receiver. It works great, and it's pretty easy to do, if you want your receiver following the Doppler/frequency from SatPC32. Now, if you want to use your FCDP+ as a receiver AND be able to click on a frequency and have the transmit match it---that's another trickier setup involving HDSDR, SatPC32, and virtual comports. It works and is slick, but it's not for the faint of heart. You can read about that setup here: http://www.tomdoyle.org/FUNcube-SatPC32/FUNcube-SatPC32.html I did similar to that writeup by Tom, but found I could do 56k serial port speeds just fine. Have fun! 73, So, lots of options.. At 12:46 AM 12/1/2013 -0800, Patrick STODDARD $WD9EWK/VA7EWK$ wrote: >Hi! > >Over the past few nights, I've been working the new AO-73 >satellite from my back yard. Most of the time, I have been >using my normal portable all-mode satellite station - two >Yaesu FT-817NDs, Elk handheld 2m/70cm log periodic >antenna. Last night, I replaced one of the FT-817NDs with >a Kenwood TH-F6A - using its all-mode receiver to copy the >downlink. Tonight, I used an Icom IC-R20 receiver for the >downlink. I have used these radios in the past on other >satellites, and for some hamfest demonstrations on VO-52 >I have used the FT-817ND/TH-F6A combination. I have >made a series of videos (satellite audio combined with >slideshows) from several AO-73 passes I've worked this >week, and those are available at: > >http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk > >One of the AO-73 videos I recorded contains audio from two >passes, and is about twice as long as the others which have >audio from a single pass. > >After working these passes, I am convinced that this new >satellite performs as well as VO-52, for both its uplink and >downlink. This is a very good thing! AO-73 hears very well, >as long as I'm careful to match the polarization of the satellite's >antennas. The downlink is strong enough to allow me to use >any of these radios as the receiver on higher passes. For >lower passes, I would probably use my second FT-817ND for >the downlink receiver. It is good to know that, at least on the >higher passes, there are lots of options for a downlink receiver. >On the same higher passes, I know that I can cut my power >down from 5W to 1W and even 500mW. High power is not >necessary to be heard through the transponder. > >Next project for me with this satellite: using a FUNcube Dongle >Pro+ that I have had for a few months as the downlink receiver, >for both the transponder and telemetry, while working the >transponder with an FT-817ND as my transmit radio. I reinstalled >HDSDR and its ExtIO DLL for the Pro+ dongle on my 64-bit >Windows 7 laptop, and it is working well. I have downloaded the >FUNcube-1 dashboard software, and need to get that installed. >I also have an old netbook with Linux on it, and am curious to >see how the dongle works with that operating system. I am >hoping to be able to use the dongle and a laptop as the downlink >receiver, without being wiped out by the 5W signals from an >FT-817ND. > >If this is successful, I may have a new combination for my all- >mode satellite station I can use for upcoming demonstrations. >Using the dongle and dashboard software during daytime AO-73 >passes at hamfests would be something different, and a great >thing to show off to the hamfest crowds. > >Thanks, again, to all who worked on getting this satellite built >and launched. Even with the transponder on only for the nighttime >passes, it has been fun to be on a new satellite so soon after >its launch. Time for bed... 73! > > > > > >Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK >http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > >_______________________________________________ >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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Use of Elecraft K3 or KX3 with satellite sw
by Edward R Cole 01 Dec '13

01 Dec '13

I very rarely post anything to this reflector, but I have a question that maybe someone has already has done and has answers. Shortly Elecraft will be offering a 2m module for its popular new SDR radio, the KX3. This will provide 2m multi-mode operation using this nice little HF/6m radio. Some years ago I sold my old satellite radios (FT-847 & FT-817) so am looking into a two radio configuration for cross-band duplex satellite operation. I have a K3 with 435-437 transmit capability using a Down East Microwave transverter and would be able to receive on 145 using the new KX3-2M combo. (I also still have my s-band downconverter and L-band up converter for if/when these bands are activated). What is unknown is if there is any sw support of the Elecraft radios on any satellite tracking sw? I am primarily interested in SSB thru transponders so frequency tracking under sw control would be "nice". I have both NOVA and SatPC32. I have a tracking interface to control antenna tracking using a B5400 Yaesu az-el rotator. Both these radios have computer control ports. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com dubususa(a)gmail.com "Kits made by KL7UW"

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FW: SATPC32 & AO73 question
by Ted 01 Dec '13

01 Dec '13

Any help appreciated 73, Ted -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ted Sent: Friday, November 29, 2013 2:23 PM To: 'AMSAT-BB' Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 & AO73 question Hi all, In spite of my usual ineptness with this program, I have managed to have it talking to my FT-847, downloaded the keps for AO73 and appear to be tracking it!! However, I can't seem to get the radio to hold the up/dn frequencies in the proper VFO's. I start out with the uplink showing in VFOA, but after a min or so the frequencies swap and I have to use the a><b button to get them back. Am I missing a setting? Any help appreciated And Happy Thanksgiving to all 73, Ted K7TRK _______________________________________________ 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 3

Video: Commanding the WREN SSTV PocketQube
by M5AKA 01 Dec '13

01 Dec '13

Video: Commanding the WREN SSTV PocketQube http://amsat-uk.org/2013/12/01/video-commanding-the-wren-sstv-pocketqube/ FUNcube-1 Update Nov 30 / Dec 1 http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/30/funcube-1-update-november-30/ TshepisoSat – You can help recording telemetry data http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/30/tshepisosat-you-can-help-recording-telemetry… PicoDragon team ask for reports http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/29/picodragon-team-ask-for-reports/ Firefly CubeSat Mission to Study Lightning http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/29/firefly-cubesat-mission-to-study-lightning/ ---- 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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New Award from the Star Comm Group
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 01 Dec '13

01 Dec '13

The Star Comm Group has a new satellite award called Got Grids? that will be effective 1 Jan 2014. The award can be seen along with the rules at http://www.starcommgroup.org/gotgrids.html The rules for the 5in EM55 award have been changed to make it a little easier also. http://www.starcommgroup.org/5in55.html This award is open to the world with the new rules. Example you can work 5 stations that have the award anywhere, without working anyone in EM55 or any combination, say 2 stations in em55 and 3 stations that have the award from any other state or country. A 3rd award is in the planning stages , GRID MASTERS rules and design to come soon. These awards are free. Donations to Amsat are welcomed. Please note on your check STAR Comm Group Award. We hope to increase activity on the birds. Comments or questions contact wa4hfn(a)comcast.net Damon wa4nvm(a)comcast.net Rick

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Any k3 users?
by Lawn, Richard 01 Dec '13

01 Dec '13

I've had some frustrations lately with my current satellite stations and am looking for alternatives, but they must offer panadapter options. I was looking at the k3 since I have a kx3 and found it to be an excellent radio. But the question then becomes what tracking software supports the elecraft radios. Let me know of you are using any elecraft products. Rick W2JAZ Sent from my iPad http://RickLawn.com

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AO-73/FUNcube-1 videos, observations
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 Dec '13

01 Dec '13

Hi! Over the past few nights, I've been working the new AO-73 satellite from my back yard. Most of the time, I have been using my normal portable all-mode satellite station - two Yaesu FT-817NDs, Elk handheld 2m/70cm log periodic antenna. Last night, I replaced one of the FT-817NDs with a Kenwood TH-F6A - using its all-mode receiver to copy the downlink. Tonight, I used an Icom IC-R20 receiver for the downlink. I have used these radios in the past on other satellites, and for some hamfest demonstrations on VO-52 I have used the FT-817ND/TH-F6A combination. I have made a series of videos (satellite audio combined with slideshows) from several AO-73 passes I've worked this week, and those are available at: http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk One of the AO-73 videos I recorded contains audio from two passes, and is about twice as long as the others which have audio from a single pass. After working these passes, I am convinced that this new satellite performs as well as VO-52, for both its uplink and downlink. This is a very good thing! AO-73 hears very well, as long as I'm careful to match the polarization of the satellite's antennas. The downlink is strong enough to allow me to use any of these radios as the receiver on higher passes. For lower passes, I would probably use my second FT-817ND for the downlink receiver. It is good to know that, at least on the higher passes, there are lots of options for a downlink receiver. On the same higher passes, I know that I can cut my power down from 5W to 1W and even 500mW. High power is not necessary to be heard through the transponder. Next project for me with this satellite: using a FUNcube Dongle Pro+ that I have had for a few months as the downlink receiver, for both the transponder and telemetry, while working the transponder with an FT-817ND as my transmit radio. I reinstalled HDSDR and its ExtIO DLL for the Pro+ dongle on my 64-bit Windows 7 laptop, and it is working well. I have downloaded the FUNcube-1 dashboard software, and need to get that installed. I also have an old netbook with Linux on it, and am curious to see how the dongle works with that operating system. I am hoping to be able to use the dongle and a laptop as the downlink receiver, without being wiped out by the 5W signals from an FT-817ND. If this is successful, I may have a new combination for my all- mode satellite station I can use for upcoming demonstrations. Using the dongle and dashboard software during daytime AO-73 passes at hamfests would be something different, and a great thing to show off to the hamfest crowds. Thanks, again, to all who worked on getting this satellite built and launched. Even with the transponder on only for the nighttime passes, it has been fun to be on a new satellite so soon after its launch. Time for bed... 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

2 1

ICube-1 reception reports wanted
by Andrew Garratt 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

I have been messaging with Khurram Khurshid the manager of the ICube-1 team and they are struggling a little ".. we received icube for a couple of days using FunCube / HumSat TLE's but not anymore we are looking for our own TLE's but haven't been able to track icube for the past few days" They may officially ask for assistance but after unexpectedly making the first signal report back on the 21st November, I thought I was just ask if anyone could keep an ear out. ICube-1 was released as part of the UNISAT-5 payload and if still functional is in CW mode on 145.947MHz and the message is "First Cubesat of Pakistan" Some info/links http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/25/unisat-5-mission-update-november-24/ http://nerdsville.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/im-famous-and-icube-1-move-and-vel… The ICube-1 facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ICUBE1 Thanks Andrew Garratt M6GTG

1 0

As new VHF & UHF CP Antennas for sale
by Clayton Coleman 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

I purchased two antennas from Gulf Alpha and waited many months for delivery from the manufacturer. The craftsmanship and assembly is exceptional. However, I have changed my station and will not be putting these antennas into service. These antennas have been assembled but have never seen "the light of day." I have pictures available upon request. I will disassemble and pack as neatly as they were sent to me. The VHF antenna is a circularly polarized 5x5. The UHF antenna is a circularly polarized 8x8. Detailed specifications are below. For sale only as a pair. $400 FIRM shipped CONUS. I will ship international however the price will be adjusted to compensate for tax, duty, and additional handing. Willing to deliver anywhere between Dallas and Houston, Texas on I-45 at same price assembled. 73 Clayton W5PFG VHF Model No. 2M-5ELSat Boom Length-92" Boom dia. -1 1/4" dia. No. of elements-5 vertical 5 horizontal Freq. range-145-146.5 MHZ Feed Point Impedance-50 Ohms Power Handling-400 watts Forward Gain-8.30 dbdc Front to Back ratio-24 db Beamwidth Azimuth @ 3db- 52.0 degrees Beamwidth Elevation@ 3db-67.0 degrees UHF Model No. 70CM-8ELSat Boom Length-67" Boom dia. -1 1/4" dia. No. of elements-8 vertical 8 horizontal Freq. range-430-438 MHZ Feed Point Impedance-50 Ohms Feed Connector- type N Power Handling-400 watts Forward Gain-11.40 dbdc Front to Back ratio-53 db Beamwidth Azimuth @ 3db- 40.0 degrees Beamwidth Elevation@ 3db-43.6 degrees Mast mounting dia.-1 1/4" to 2" dia.

1 0

Nova For Windows
by Kelley Shaddrick 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

I've owned Nova for a number of years but recently had to reload it when I upgraded my PC. For some reason, the maps don't seem to look the same as they used to. Is there a separate download for better maps? I've been to the website, but can't seem to find anything. Thanks, Kelley -- Kelley - WØRK

1 0

SpaceX Might Try Launching Monday
by B J 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/11/30/spacex-aiming-falcon-9-launch-attemp… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Funcube Handbooks
by richard limebear 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

Folks It seems some people are unable to find the handbook (in English, French and Italian). Look here: <http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-handbook/> I am awaiting the translations into Dutch and Spanish, maybe the translators were waiting for me to get back from holiday (got back yesterday) 73 Richard G3RWL

1 0

tle-new.txt
by David W0DHB 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

Tle-new.txt is now designating AO-73 as AO-73, not 2013-0066B , ditto Triton1 and others

2 1

help with satpc32iss
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

I am running xp pro and I cannot get satpc32 to load any suggestions nick Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

4 5

AO-73 frequency fluctuations
by Ronald G. Parsons 30 Nov '13

30 Nov '13

Using the keps from this morning (epoch 13333.066), I measured the frequency of the telemetry signal of AO-73 during a 43 deg pass at about 1648 UTC (Nov 29). This is a pass with the satellite in the sun The frequencies are the frequency “at the satellite” calculated by SatPC32 to place the center of the telemetry in the middle of my 3.0 kHz USB passband. Thus the frequency of the center “at the satellite” are 1.50 kHz higher than these. Elevation xx where the frequency is 145935.xx MHz 0 .94 5 .87 10 .81 15 .73 20 .70 25 .62 30 .60 35 .56 40 .57 43 .54 40 .48 35 .42 30 .37 25 .39 20 .36 15 .32 10 .30 5 .27 0 .20 Thus a change of about 600 Hz over the entire pass with the frequency DECREASING. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Using the keps from this evening (epoch 13333.744), I measured the frequency of the telemetry signal of AO-73 during a 21 deg pass at about 0340 UTC (Nov 30). This is a pass with the satellite in shadow, running on batteries. The frequencies are the frequency “at the satellite” calculated by SatPC32 to place the center of the telemetry in the middle of my 3.0 kHz USB passband. Thus the frequency of the center “at the satellite” are 1.50 kHz higher than these. Elevation xx where the frequency is 145934.xx MHz 0 145933.98 5 .00 10 .12 15 .16 **** 20 .21 **** 20 .32 **** 15 .48 **** 10 .50 5 .65 2.5 .74 0 .76 Thus a change of about 800 Hz over the entire pass with the frequency INCREASING. However, where noted with ****, there were were sudden shifts in frequency up and down of 1.0 to 1.5 kHz. During this pass, the linear transponder was on, and I assume the sudden shifts of frequency noted by **** could have been caused by changes in total power used by the transponder. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first pass above was during battery charging and the frequency decreased. The second pass was during battery discharging and the frequency was increasing. The sudden shifts of frequency are very obvious when you are in QSO on the transponder. It would be interesting for someone to correlate the frequency shifts with some parameter such as voltage or temperature. Ron W5RKN EM10ci

1 0

SATPC32 & AO73 question
by Ted 29 Nov '13

29 Nov '13

Hi all, In spite of my usual ineptness with this program, I have managed to have it talking to my FT-847, downloaded the keps for AO73 and appear to be tracking it!! However, I can't seem to get the radio to hold the up/dn frequencies in the proper VFO's. I start out with the uplink showing in VFOA, but after a min or so the frequencies swap and I have to use the a><b button to get them back. Am I missing a setting? Any help appreciated And Happy Thanksgiving to all 73, Ted K7TRK

1 0

help with the CAPE II sat
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 29 Nov '13

29 Nov '13

Hi AMSATERS The CAPE team is having trouble copying the bacon's from out sat below is a table of our receiver noise with different azimuths notice our system temperature terminated in a 50 resistor is 367 deg k and when connected to an antenna ranges from 4000 to 12000 deg k. The noise appears to be white noise Question 1. Does this seem reasonable? 2. If the noise is not reasonable how to you go about trouble shooting it? 3. We are concerned about the gain of our antenna to help us trouble shoot this question what is the bacon at 145.935 mhz received level on fundcube-1 what is your antenna gain and what range to the sat did you observe the receive level? date frequency(mkz) bandwith (hz) termination (type) Az (deg) Ele (deg) input (dbm) Tempreture (k) 13 11 29 0500 145.825 7000 50 ohm res **** *** -134.5 367 145.825 7000 ant #2 KLM 0 0 -122.8 5433 145.825 7000 ant #2 KLM 90 0 -119.1 12736 145.825 7000 ant #2 KLM 180 0 -123.7 4416 145.825 7000 ant #2 KLM 270 0 -125.9 2661 Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

1 0

AO73 pass @ 0632 UTC tonight
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 29 Nov '13

29 Nov '13

Hi! I will be on the next AO-73 pass at 0632 UTC tonight. Hope to hear anyone else out west that might still be up and around the radio at that hour. The last pass around 0455 UTC was the best pass to the east that I've worked on this satellite so far. I made only 2 QSOs, but could hear my 5W signals through the transponder from 2 minutes after AOS almost until LOS, up around .965 to .967. That was fun! 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

Today's SpaceX Launch Scrubbed
by B J 29 Nov '13

29 Nov '13

The first attempt scrubbed due to low engine thrust after ignition. The second attempt ended at less than 1 minute to go. There was no announcement on the live Internet feed about what the cause was or when the next attempt will be made. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

2 3

W5PFG/P grid trip to DM95,DM96,EM05,EM06,EM14
by Clayton Coleman 29 Nov '13

29 Nov '13

Monday (evening) 11/2 - DM95/96 Tuesday (evening) 11/3 - EM05/06 Wednesday morning (early) 11/4 - EM14 If you need these grids confirmed, please email me off-BB. Can work all sats except AO-7 mode A. 73 Clayton W5PFG

1 0

Commands for WREN SSTV Released
by M5AKA 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

It seems the SSTV PocketQube WREN is currently in a mode where it beacons on 437.405 MHz for 1.6 seconds then listens for 6 minutes on that frequency for any commands. If none are received it goes to sleep for 2 minutes before transmitting the beacon again. The team have released the commands to enable WREN to transmit a SSTV picture, see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/28/commands-for-wren-sstv-released/ FUNcube-1 Video http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/28/funcube-1-command-success/ Delfi-n3Xt 2400 bps BPSK decoded in Japan http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/27/delfi-n3xt-2400-bps-bpsk-decoded-in-japan/ FUNcube-1 Whole Orbit Data Displayed http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/27/funcube-1-whole-orbit-data-displayed/ ---- 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

AMSAT-NA Keps Page
by Clint Bradford 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

Two hours ago, I went to the AMSAT.org site, and checked on the Keplerian data files that were available. But I just now clicked on it, and it throws me to the 2005-era Keps page - with the light blue background ... My browser's cache isn't THAT old ... Clint

7 13

Delfi-n3Xt over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/Dn3Xt.htm 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

1 0

CAPE-2 over Brazil
by Roland Zurmely 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/cape.htm 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

1 0

sat on 145.825 Mhz
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

Yesterday about 1630 GMT I heard a sat on 145.825 Mhz with a tone on it does anybody on the list have an idea which sat it might be? Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

1 0

Anyone for AO-73 @ 0610 UTC tonight?
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

Hi! If anyone out west will be up in an hour or so, I will be outside looking to work the AO-73 pass that will be going by around 0610 UTC. With tomorrow being a holiday, and with no need for an alarm clock (other than my four-legged alarm clock, who has her own schedule), I'll be on there trying to make some QSOs and trying things out with my radios from the back yard. I have uploaded a pair of videos with satellite audio and photos from a couple of AO-73 passes I have worked over the past two nights. This is from a pass I worked on Monday evening (Tuesday, UTC): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQConRaseLQ and here is one from Tuesday evening (Wednesday, UTC): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad0ug1xGT3Q The second link in particular is a good one for those not on the US west coast to hear the activity out here. That was a very good, orderly pass for those of us who stayed up to play radio. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

Re: HumSat-D (Bill Ress)
by Rob styles 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Many thanks Bill N6GHZ, I will try again tomorrow, good to know the TLE’s are close. Any one interested in HumSat-D should visit http://www.humsat.org/ Regards Rob M0TFO

1 0

FT-847 + MD-100 for sale!
by Stefan Wagener 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Have a nice FT-847 and a beautiful MD-100 matching microphone for sale. Comes with the original box and power cord. Tested it on the local repeater. Works fine. Condition 8 out of 10. Case is nice with very minor wear. Display has a scratch. Power button works fine. It is a year 2000 model. The MD-100 microphone looks like new. These items were donated to our ARISS telebridge station and this is a fundraising sale. Will sell both within continental US and Canada for $950 shipped (!) as well as considering offers on the radio and the microphone separately. Picture available. Please contact me directly if interested (my callsign at gmail.com). Thanks, Stefan VE4NSA

1 2

Re: AO73 keps in NWF.
by Cor . 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Hello Jim, You have to load AO73 keps manually into Nova for windows. Read my posting earlier on amsat-bb http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/48hour/msg99759.html 73's Cor PD0RKC

1 0

help with satpc32iss
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Satpc32iss starts up and goes away any suggestions? Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

4 4

Antenna Check
by Jeff Kelly 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

I am planning on rebuilding my satellite station with smaller linear beam antennas. I just don’t have room for the 22C and 40CX. The plan is to use a 3 element 2 meter M2 beam and a 6 element 435 M2 beam on a Yaesu rotator. I still have my 847 and a 2 meter amp if needed. Would these antennas work ok for FuneCubeSat? Thanks, Jeff K2SDR

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AO-73 keps in NFW
by Jim Sanford 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

All: I trued to get keps for AO-73, but do not see that bird listed in Nova for windows, after updating from celestrak.com. Any suggestions? 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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HumSat-D
by m0tfo＠m0tfo.com 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Any news on HumSat-D ? HumSAT project last report was on the 22nd Nov -Anyone receiving beacons or telemetry Humsat-D (University of Vigo – Spain) 437,325 MHz CW. 437,525 MHz GMSK-1200bps CW beacon with different parameters of the satellite (only in sunlight) TM every 150 seconds with all the housekeeping parameters (only in sunlight). The latest TLE’s I have are :- HUMSAT-D 1 99999U 99999 13329.00000000 .00007343 00000-0 87509-3 0 00055 2 99999 097.8049 041.5704 0032992 194.8244 256.4110 14.84000018000018 Reports to humd.reports at humsat.org Rob M0TFO

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Re: AO-73 keps
by Ronald G. Parsons 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Using the keps from this morning (epoch 13331.102), the Doppler corrections by SatPC32 are slightly closer than yesterdays keps. I got the following frequencies from a 40 deg pass about 1739 UTC. The frequencies are the frequency “at the satellite” calculated by SatPC32 to place the center of the telemetry in the middle of my 3.0 kHz USB passband. Thus the frequency of the center “at the satellite” are 1.50 kHz higher than these. Elevation xx where the frequency is 145935.xx MHz 5 .88 10 .78 15 .76 20 .71 25 .68 30 .68 35 .62 40 .55 35 .48 30 missing 25 .44 20 .43 15 .35 10 .33 5 .28 Thus a change of only about 600 Hz over the entire pass, a little better than yesterday. Ron W5RKN

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AO-73
by Tom Worthington 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

I will be on the 0722z pass tonight. Is anyone awake on the West coast? 73, Tom NH6Y, BL10ts

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lots of activity on 0411 UTC AO-73 pass
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Hi! I just tried the AO-73 pass at 0411 UTC. Lots of stations across the transponder, some in CW, but mostly in SSB. This was a low pass for me here in Arizona, up to a maximum elevation of 11 degrees, with the first few degrees covered up by mountains toward my east and northeast. Despite all of that, my two FT-817NDs and Elk log periodic were able to work two stations in SSB - Wyatt AC0RA in Iowa, and Doug KD8CAO in Michigan. Thanks for the QSOs! I will attempt the next pass to the west coast, around 0545 UTC (going from memory - my iPod with tracking app is with the radios out in the yard), hoping to hear more than my own voice on the transponder. :-) I will probably try to use my TH-F6A HT as the downlink receiver in place of one of my FT-817NDs, to see how it performs with this downlink. I may also adjust my transmit power from 5W down to 2.5W or even 1W, to see how that sounds. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Looking for a terrestrial 9600 station in Los Angeles
by Ryan Caron 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Despite S5+ signals from some of these ORS satellites, we cannot decode them. Is there a terrestrial 9600 station in Los Angeles we can test against? Reply to -bb & off-list, since I get the digest. Setup is FT-897, ubuntu linux, & soundmodem through the 9600 line on the data jack. A similar setup with an FT-817, and they can talk with each other, and we've tuned the levels by observing with a Funcube Dongle Pro (not +, at least not yet). We scanned around the SCRRBA frequencies (431.1ish & 431.5ish) and didn't here anything Thanks and 73, NX1U / W6YRA Bruin Amateur Radio Club University of California, Los Angeles

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QSO with Yuri UT1FG/MM in GL67
by Roland Zurmely 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

On orbit #178.616 from AO-7 mode B at 19:37 UTC 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Re: amsat-bb] AO-73 sometimes hard to access
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Make your computer clock is synchronized with WWV exactly. I've noticed the time sync problem on VO-52 (LEO) and especially doing downlink telemetry from MASAT-1 (LEO). The satellite is moving very fast so if your computer clock is off, your antennas will not be at the correct position. Since FO-29 and AO-7 are higher, they moving slower across the sky and are more forgiving with this time issue. Check regularly for updated Keps as they are changing for AO-73. AO7 and FO-29 have been around a while so their Keps are pretty stable. AO-73's Keps are still unsettled and so the resulting Doppler problems. LEOs seems to need their Keps updated more regularly then FO-29 and AO7. Again, I found this out when doing telemetry down loading on MASAT-1. And again, AO-73's circuits maybe not quite stable yet. GL, have fun, Mike, K9QHO

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CAPE cubesat spinning?
by Robert Bruninga 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

At 1748z today 26 Nov, in Maryland, I heard what sounded like a solid carrier on 145.825 Cape frequency with clear spin modulation. It was right on schedule with the other Wallops launch birds. Like I said, sounded like a carrier only, so the spin modulation of the antenna was very obvious. Though it could have been some other data or modulation. Just thought Cape would like to know. Come to think about it, the rate was pretty high like 1 RPS and I doubt it was spinning that fast, so donno what it was. I was late for a meeting with my boss, so didn’t have time to figure out more. Bob, Wb4aPR

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WREN 437.405 MHz Help Needed
by M5AKA 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

The WREN team report that they have had no confirmed reception of the signal from their SSTV PocketQube satellite which was launched on November 21, see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/26/wren-437-405-mhz-help-needed/ ---- 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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AO-73 keps
by Ronald G. Parsons 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

The keps from this morning (epoch 13330.154) brings the sat LOS a little early. I was clearly hearing the telemetry down to –1.0 deg after “LOS”. AOS, of course, a little late. Ron W5RKN

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WA6ARA to DM 16 only
by Mike Herr 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

I'm sorry, just realized, I am only going to DM16, on November 27th and 28th. Sorry for the mistake. -- Mike Herr WA6ARA DM-15dp Home of The QRP Ranch

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Success AO73
by Perry Yantis 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

After not being able to get into AO73 last night I today reloaded my keps. I noticed that AO73 had a newer element set then I had before. As a result tonight I did get into AO73 and worked KC9ELU and K8YSE. I did have to retune my transmit every time I started talking. This is something I usually don't have to do on other satellites. So hopefully as the keps improve, so will the accuracy of the tracking programs. Only time will tell. I was impressed with the strong signals considering it was in the low power mode. Perry WB8OTH

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TenTec 2510 dial string ...
by Gregory Beat 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Dial Cord Restringing From the Ten-Tec Reflector March 19, 2006 http://www.tentecwiki.org/doku.php?id=dialrestring Traditionally, restring kits from Ten-Tec were available. It is only a couple of dollars and includes sufficient lengths of the main cord and the flex cord to redo at least two transceivers. Normally doesn't come with instructions. 2510 PTO Rebuild http://www.tentecwiki.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=pto_rebuild.pdf Mode B Satellite Station, Model 2510 http://www.tentecwiki.org/doku.php?id=2510 == w9gb Sent from iPad Air

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UniSat 5 Update + WREN + ICUBE-1
by M5AKA 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

GAUSS have issued an update on the UniSat-5 mission, see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/25/unisat-5-mission-update-november-24/ They mention that the SSTV PocketQube WREN team have detected what may be its 437.405 MHz downlink. Possible Keps are: WREN 1 39422U 13066G 13326.48861818 -.00000055 00000-0 00000+0 0 75 2 39422 097.8066 039.1177 0023760 211.9046 148.0730 14.86334042 151 http://amsat-uk.org/2013/10/24/wren-a-ham-radio-sstv-pocketqube/ ICUBE-1 is listed by IARU as having a BPSK beacon that has the capability of being reconfigured to a 435/145 FM-DSB transponder. http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/24/foundation-radio-amateur-first-to-receive-ic… ---- 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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Ten Tec 2510 dial string help, please....
by tom fleissner 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

I have a ten tec 2510 that needs the dial string re strung...I took the front panel off and see that there is some black string and a spring hanging there, along with a thinner string around the dial shaft. I have no idea whats right and what needs to be done...can someone send me a picture of what a correct dial string looks like, please? thanks tom

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AO-73 QSOs on 0523 UTC pass tonight!
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Hi! I was able to be in the yard for an AO-73 pass at 0523 UTC this evening. Following advice on which element set to use (2013-066B) and to go up 10 kHz higher than the originally published uplink, I was able to quickly find myself and work a couple of stations from my yard in DM43bn. Angelo N5UXT in New Orleans (EM40) was my first QSO on this bird, then Jack KC7MG south of me in DM42 called for his first QSO on the bird. This was a high pass, maximum elevation of 72 degrees, covering much of the continental USA at this late hour. There was some CW sweeping the transponder, but I was able to stay around 145.965 MHz on the downlink with nothing more than adjustments on my uplink frequency. High power is definitely not needed for this satellite. My station was my usual portable all-mode setup - two FT-817NDs, Elk handheld dual-band log periodic antenna. Transmitting at 5W, I could hear myself early in the pass. I need to do better twisting the antenna at both ends of the pass to have an easier time copying the downlink. At the midpoint of the pass, I cut my power down to 500mW. I could barely hear myself, weak but readable. I will try the other two power levels the FT-817ND has on other passes, to get a better idea on how sensitive the satellite's uplink receiver is. I should also be able to hear the transponder on my TH-F6A HT, my backup radio for satellite work. I hope to publish a little video in the next day or so with the audio I recorded and photos I took. No rain tonight, but the temperature was around 50F/10C when I was on the radio. My dog didn't want to stay in the house while I was playing radio, so she ran around the yard. I will put a photo or two of her in the video. Thanks to AMSAT-UK, AMSAT-NL, and everyone who worked to get FUNcube-1 (AO-73) in orbit and operational. Good night, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Activating DM16 27 - 28 Nov
by Mike Herr 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

I'll be in Death Valley, DM16, 27 and 28 of November. Will be on AO-07, FO-29, VO-52 and maybe AO-73 -- Mike Herr WA6ARA DM-15dp Home of The QRP Ranch

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Re: ICOM IC-PCR-1000
by Joe Leikhim 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Brock; I bought one of these receivers a year ago to use for LMR signal strength measurements. It is a very versatile receiver multimode receiver, It is NOT SDR however, so extracting some digital modes may require a "discriminator tap" which is well documented on various sites. As was pointed out, the lack of a serial port on the host computer will require a USB to serial "dongle-thingy". The biggest complaint by users is support of USB. That being said, I got mine working, so if you have any trouble I will give it a shot. Hope my memory serves. I did however download a whole lot of software and info. I would recommend avoiding the "BONITO" software that was often bundled with it. Mine just plain did not like their product and acted in very funny ways. I got worse than no support, very cryptic people to ask for help. Try the ICOM software to get it going and then branch out. Beware of any utilities to back up, retune or modify the firmware. -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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FUNCube Telemetry Received in Havana with RTL-SDR
by Raydel Abreu Espinet (CM2ESP) 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Hi all, I was able to receive up to 10KB (size of the resulting .funcubebin file) of Telemetry from FUNCube-1 (AO-73) here at my home in Havana, Cuba, (EL83sc) during the 03:41-03:52 UT pass of Nov. 26th. I used a MAR-8 MMIC pre-amp with ZERO filtering, a QFH antenna and a cheap RTL-SDR dongle. Software was SDRSharp with Plugin for Doppler Control and Orbitron as Sat Tracking Software. Even with the poorly filtered and not too much sensitive RTL-SDR dongle the signals amplified with the also poorly filtered MAR-8 pre-amp was VERY STRONG even in complete Eclipse. I used Virtual Audio Cable software to feed the demodulated audio into the FUNCube Dashboard software and it was very smooth. I am very happy because after many days being busy I was finally able to get some free time to try listening to FUNCube. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FUNCUBE AND AMSAT-UK TEAM!!! Today at the GROS (the Cuban Satellite Group) we created and registered an account in the FUNCube Warehouse data server to upload all the received Telemetry. The most common Internet access in Cuba are at workplaces which usually has a proxy server for Internet navigation and the FUNCube Dashboard has no proxy compatibility, that's why many of our hams cannot upload directly the received telemetry frames. To overcome this issue and to contribute with the telemetry forwarding the GROS_Cuba user was created and we will be sending the telemetry through a direct Internet line at IGA (Cuba's Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy, see: www.iga.cu). This morning a total of 124 frames received from Hector CO6CBF and Pavel CO7WT were uploaded. Tomorrow I will upload more telemetry received, including the frames received by me and also Pavel's and Hector's data in case they have some more frames from today. 73, Raydel Abreu Espinet, CM2ESP EL83sc, Havana, Cuba.

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Falcon 9 Ready For Launch Later Today
by B J 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

http://innerspace.net/2013/11/25/spacex-falcon-9-v1-1-stands-ready-to-enter… http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/11/spacex-falcon-9-v1-1-milestone-ses-8… http://www.americaspace.com/?p=45686 This rocket's carrying a payload to GEO. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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AO-73 sometimes hard to access
by James Luhn 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

I have had the same experience as Perry with AO-73 with regards to signal problems. I have an IC-910 transceiver and a M2 2mcp14 (2 meters) and M2 436CP30 antenna with a Yaesu G-5500. I have the IC-910 set to about 25 watts on UHF. I have made one contact on AO-73. It has taken me forever to get the doppler correct as I usually cannot hear my signal. Last night my returning signal was extremely strong for about 1 minute. In comparison, the received signal from FO-29 is extremely strong so I am assuming that my UHF antenna is working fine. Like Perry, I have never experienced this before. At times AO-73 takes some very deep fades (telemetry). With such a small little cube, I would not think the satellite is blocking the antenna (although 4 inches is starting to get close to 435 wavelength. The frequency offset confused me at first. I just kept cranking up the frequency and there I was but very, very weak. I'm not gripping as I am having a blast. Those of you with experience are probably getting a laugh at what I report. I am a newbie to this satellite stuff and learning as I go and extremely excited to make even one contact. Maybe the geese overhead are causing me some problems. :-) 73, -james W5AOO ...a ham for 50+ years and enjoying every minute of it!

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Further To Today's SpaceX Launch Scrub
by B J 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

http://moonandback.com/2013/11/25/spacex-launch-is-scrubbed-next-window-thi… http://www.americaspace.com/?p=45691 http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/11/spacex-falcon-9-v1-1-milestone-ses-8… http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/11/25/falcon-9-turns-turkey-pad-thanksgivi… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Nova for AO-73
by Jerry Ehlers 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Can anyone help get me get AO-73 on my Nova??? I have put the Keps in but it says its the wrong catalog number. contact me off line Jerry w0sat w0sat2(a)gmail.com

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Live Coverage Of SpaceX Launch
by B J 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

http://spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/007/status.html 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: Nova for windows Funcube-1 keps manually update.
by Cor . 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Hi Jerry, I have uploaded manually the Funcube-1/AO73 keps in my Nova satellite tracker software without any problem. Copy and paste this 2 line keps into a text file: Funcube-1 1 39417U 13066B 13328.52822701 .00004709 00000-0 65186-3 0 152 2 39417 97.7995 41.0710 0063010 185.6906 174.3718 14.77115537 473 I gave the file name the name funcube1.txt Go to Nova for windows menu to ---> Kep Elements---> Disk file update---->Manual update from file-----> Click on the "Update" button. Now you see a window appear and browse to the funcube1.txt file. If you can not find click in the same window all files. If you have uploaded the keps from the file than go to the Nova menu to ---> Views configure current view ---> Click on Artificial satellites ---> browse through the satellite - list till you see Funcube-1 and drag it to the right window. Click on the OK button and now you should see Funcube-1 on the world map. I have written this message verry basic so I hope others with less experience understand it too. Good luck with Funcube-1. 73's Cor PD0RKC --------------------------------------------------------------------- Can anyone help get me get AO-73 on my Nova??? I have put the Keps in but it says its the wrong catalog number. contact me off line Jerry w0sat w0sat2(a)gmail.com

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Funcube Donlge SDR
by Kevin Deane 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

I thought there would be more users out there with all these new Baby Monitor Sats. I was hoping to use this for working AO-7, VO-52, FO-29. Anyone with some experience and a little detail would be much appreciated. Kevin KF7MYK

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