- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Congrats!
by Gaston BERTELS 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Dear Jim, A memorable day! A great achievement! Congrats to the Team! 73, Gaston Bertels - ON4WF ARISS- Europe chairman

1 0

FUNcube1
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Congratulations to all involved in the FUNcube-1 project. To quote a very well known statement: " THE DREAM IS ALIVE " Thanks also to launch providers they did not let us down - Also wish others on the payload every success. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat-UK Amsat NA

1 0

FUNCube-1 Data Warehouse URL
by Bryce Salmi 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Live telemetry when stations are receiving it! https://warehouse.funcube.org.uk/

1 0

FUNcube-1 Launch - Video Feeds + Keps
by M5AKA 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Live video from Bletchley Park FUNcube-1 Monitoring Station http://batc.tv/streams/funcube1 CPUT South Africa Launch Video Streaming http://live.cput.ac.za/live.html Keps http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/20/funcube-1-ground-station-is-ready-for-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 ----

1 0

Dnepr - ADD
by Clint Bradford 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Russian Ministry of Defense says no live launch video. Wonder what this University will be showing??? http://live.cput.ac.za/ Clint

2 2

Dnepr - Celestrak
by Clint Bradford 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

http://celestrak.com/events/dnepr.asp

1 0

Re: Wallops Launching 12 Cubesats Tuesday 7:30 PM
by Richard Ferryman 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Then why are those cubesats using amateur frequencies? Dick G4BBH > Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:37:06 -0600 > From: Stefan Wagener <wageners(a)gmail.com> > To: Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > Cc: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wallops Launching 12 Cubesats Tuesday 7:30 PM > Message-ID: > <CAKu8kHDd8cKL=S2h8d7pXpDm3BK0OjOPW3=NE-Uf2HaKEh9JEA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 > > Very simple reason. > > None of these cubesat developers has made any significant attempt to rally > the amateur radio satellite community. In contrast, Funcube has a great > community PR "machine" and we are all very excited for them. > > At the end you get what you ask for. > > Stefan, VE4NSA >

6 9

Tonight's Dnepr Launch
by Clint Bradford 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

Watch the ZACUBE-1 launch live - The launch of ZACUBE-1 from Yasny Launch Base in Russia will be streamed live on the CPUT website on Thursday 21 November. http://live.cput.ac.za/ ALSO - the #cubesat IRC channel at ... http://webchat.freenode.net/ ... will be alive! And I hope the AMSAT-BB list, too! Clint K6LCS

1 0

Fwd: linear sats
by Jerry Ehlers 21 Nov '13

21 Nov '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jerry Ehlers <w0sat2(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 9:40 AM Subject: linear sats To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.og Hi: How many of these new birds that were launched or going to be are linear birds ? What are the modes and when will they be in service. ??? I,m not interested in Cubesats . Thanks Jerry w0sat

3 2

Launch
by DJ Nise 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

I wish I had a camera. I parked alongside one of the runways at Logan Airport last night, and watched it with a coworker. It was crystal clear, and easily spotted to the left of the city of Boston, less than 1 minute after lauch. This isn't going to get old!

1 0

Re: Dnepr launch - online streaming?
by Jeff Yanko 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Thanks for the info Ciaran! 73, Jeff WB3JFS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ciaran Morgan" <Ciaran(a)it-sparkles.co.uk> To: "'Jeff Yanko'" <wb3jfs(a)cox.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:34 PM Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Dnepr launch - online streaming? > AMSAT-UK will be running a live web stream of the FUNcube-1 launch event, > which is one of the satellites on the dnepr, from 0700UTC November 21 > 2013. > > Unfortunately we don't have a live feed from the launch site but we will > be > streaming the events from the National Radio Centre based at Bletchley > Park, > where the team that designed and built the satellite, the FUNcube Dongle > and > the software developers responsible for the Dashboard software and the > Data > Warehouse, will be present . > > We will continue to stream live video from the National Radio Centre for > the > first passes of FUNcube-1 over the UK, which we expect to be approximately > 1 > hour and 40 minutes after launch, and will continue with the passes that > will take place during the remaining of the morning. > > The web stream can be accessed at www.batc.tv/streams/funcube1 > > The Dashboard software can be downloaded from > http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-telemetry-dashboard/ > You can also download some guidance notes that will help in the setting up > of the Dashboard software and there are instructions in the notes on > registering with the Data Warehouse so that any data you may capture can > be > uploaded into the Data Warehouse. > > > 7 and a half hours to go.... > > On behalf of the FUNcube-1 project team. > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Jeff Yanko > Sent: 20 November 2013 21:41 > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Dnepr launch - online streaming? > > Will the upcoming launch be streamed on-line? > > > 73, > > Jeff WB3JFS > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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

Dnepr launch - online streaming?
by Jeff Yanko 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Will the upcoming launch be streamed on-line? 73, Jeff WB3JFS

2 1

Re: Minotaur Launched
by Mark L. Hammond 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

I got to see it clearly from North Carolina! Very cool. 73, Mark N8MH At 01:35 AM 11/20/2013 +0000, B J wrote: >The payload is on its way, but downlink from the launch vehicle ended >due to a scheduled LOS by a tracking station. The cubesats will be >deployed a few minutes from now. > >73s > >Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL >_______________________________________________ >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 4

Re: Public Relations Lacking
by Clint Bradford 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

>Is the guide available ... This is not the exact one I used for our ARISS contact ... but it is close ... https://files.secureserver.net/0fgxMFjvG2DaFC I will upload the other one tonight - to the same folder. Clint 909-241-7666 - cell ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

5 6

Re: Dnepr Launch - AMSAT Echolink Conference
by Clint Bradford 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Yes, I know it is a sign of some sort of mental illness to answer one's own inquiries on the "Net ... Cubesat teams will again maintain a presence on the #cubesat IRC channel at ... http://webchat.freenode.net/ ... as well as via the AMSAT-BB. Clint ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

1 0

Public Relations Lacking
by Clint Bradford 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

> ... None of these cubesat developers has made any significant attempt to rally the amateur radio satellite community ... That is because very few of the organizations/campuses with satellites being deployed this week have public relations professionals to properly promote their projects. And if they do have public relations departments, they have not been "educated" as to the true value of their projects to the amateur radio world. That's OUR responsibility. And we all can share the blame for this. NASA does it well with their 28-page Guide to conducting an ARISS contact. Included are timetables for media alerts (used to be called "press releases"), detailed step-by-step instructions for micro-managing every aspect of the project ... THAT'S what "we" should develop for EVERY one of these amateur radio satellite projects for schools and amateur satellite builders could use to better promote their projects. Of course, project managers can opt not to use such a guide. But when they realize the free publicity their project could easily garner (media attendance and coverage, promotion by AMSAT on their various Web sites, et al) - "we" would make it very attractive TO use such a guide. I think AMSAT-NA should take the lead on this, and establish a committee to develop such a plan for future projects. I volunteer. Clint Bradford K6LCS 909-241-7666 - cell, California ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

4 3

FUNcube-1 monitoring station ready for tomorrows launch
by M5AKA 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

FUNcube-1 is planned to launch Thursday at 07:10:11. The monitoring station at Bletchley Park has been set up and is ready to receive the first signals. See http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/20/funcube-1-ground-station-is-ready-for-launch/ There are about 19 other satellites carrying amateur radio payloads on tomorrows launch. Frequency list for amateur radio satellite deployments in November http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/13/three-amateur-radio-satellite-deployments-in… ---- 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

Dnepr Launch - AMSAT Echolink Conference
by Clint Bradford 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Last night was exciting with the IRC chat room covering the NASA launch ... Is anyone going to be entering the AMSAT Echolink conference for the Dnepr launch tonight? Or is there another congregation point for insomniacs - er, I mean, satellite launch fans? Clint K6LCS ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

1 0

de W4BUE INFO PLEASE
by Rich/wa4bue 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

I understand that Wallops Island sent up a CUBE SAT fabricated by a high school. I would like to know if there are any articles about this, pictures etc. that I can bring back to our school system. God Bless Rich W4BUE Pres K4AMG.org Trustee W4FOS

4 4

FT-736R Question
by Gregory Beat 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

N6BIL developed a hardware widget (PIC and USB interface) for the Yaesu FT-736R to work as a FT-847 (Hardware Emulator). That address some issues. http://home.comcast.net/~tinkyr/736/N6BIL%20Hardware%20Emulator.htm Sent from iPad Air

5 4

Amsat-BB archives
by Fabio A. IZ5XRC 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Hello everybody, I was wondering if there is an Amsat-BB archive for the years 1990-1998. Now we can read only from 1998. Is there any "forward-looking" guy out there that has such an archive on his PC? thanks! 73s Fabio iz5xrc

1 0

Re: Are you ready for the new satellites?
by Clint Bradford 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

>> ... Are you ready for the new satellites? (PA3GUO) Yes - no problem working ALL of the new birds in portable mode! -one hand for the handheld beam antenna for RX -one hand for the handheld beam antenna for TX -one hand for the HT - uplinks -one hand for the FT-817ND - downlinks -one hand for the speaker-mic -one hand holding an iOS device with sat pass info -one hand for clipboard to write down callsigns as heard -one hand with (of course!) my Fisher Space Pen(tm) -one hand for the Pina Colada ... WHAT A WEEK FOR AMATEUR SATELLITES!!! Clint K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

3 2

kep for CAPE II
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

The Keps for the ors launch are the last set of elements on this list. We copied the beacon for CAPE II at 2100 CST nick OSCAR 7 (AO-7) 1 07530U 74089B 13315.90099179 -.00000030 00000-0 85017-4 0 8213 2 07530 101.4474 300.1250 0011995 1.2248 31.8155 12.53599872784295 PHASE 3B (AO-10) 1 14129U 83058B 13314.86328493 -.00000437 00000-0 00000+0 0 1206 2 14129 26.5000 249.6942 5993062 306.8464 300.9572 2.05871928200755 UOSAT 2 (UO-11) 1 14781U 84021B 13315.53116646 .00000765 00000-0 10522-3 0 3334 2 14781 97.8852 14.5981 0009573 162.4202 197.7343 14.81096746595741 PACSAT (AO-16) 1 20439U 90005D 13315.43874558 .00000159 00000-0 74948-4 0 8810 2 20439 98.4861 252.1359 0012068 85.1849 53.8071 14.32228779243317 LUSAT (LO-19) 1 20442U 90005G 13315.71785666 .00000161 00000-0 75319-4 0 8205 2 20442 98.4560 253.7300 0012961 75.0733 335.0211 14.32436742243550 EYESAT-1 (AO-27) 1 22825U 93061C 13316.09478306 .00000171 00000-0 83871-4 0 5243 2 22825 98.6359 258.6645 0008021 207.1679 217.1442 14.29610749 49760 ITAMSAT (IO-26) 1 22826U 93061D 13315.16682652 .00000139 00000-0 71102-4 0 2786 2 22826 98.6299 258.0024 0008630 203.2753 280.8872 14.29899341 49766 RADIO ROSTO (RS-15) 1 23439U 94085A 13314.51061746 -.00000039 00000-0 10000-3 0 6263 2 23439 64.8142 185.3565 0148004 125.3742 236.1116 11.27559776777340 JAS-2 (FO-29) 1 24278U 96046B 13316.11465449 -.00000026 00000-0 73607-5 0 2389 2 24278 98.5355 354.7573 0351345 140.6472 301.1528 13.53009415851318 TECHSAT 1B (GO-32) 1 25397U 98043D 13315.87658182 .00000109 00000-0 66260-4 0 2041 2 25397 98.4372 277.3634 0001132 166.9245 221.0126 14.23372924796950 SEDSAT 1 (SO-33) 1 25509U 98061B 13316.20898277 .00000726 00000-0 13296-3 0 6246 2 25509 31.4322 309.4715 0350542 13.9178 78.7891 14.29222117786085 ISS (ZARYA) 1 25544U 98067A 13316.12160880 .00017806 00000-0 31833-3 0 9993 2 25544 51.6489 95.4085 0001206 108.1040 229.8552 15.50084009857644 PCSAT (NO-44) 1 26931U 01043C 13315.21786971 .00000135 00000-0 84292-4 0 4637 2 26931 67.0526 240.4671 0006864 263.4405 253.8388 14.29983646632449 SAUDISAT 1C (SO-50) 1 27607U 02058C 13315.24123964 .00000697 00000-0 12798-3 0 2200 2 27607 64.5554 176.3952 0032412 103.5191 359.3756 14.73172861585374 CUTE-1 (CO-55) 1 27844U 03031E 13315.49833560 .00000293 00000-0 15434-3 0 7849 2 27844 98.7007 322.4354 0009963 178.1642 344.0524 14.21305494537658 CUBESAT XI-IV (CO-57) 1 27848U 03031J 13315.00803105 .00000255 00000-0 13778-3 0 7254 2 27848 98.7096 321.5437 0009742 185.4960 199.8138 14.21019581537512 MOZHAYETS 4 (RS-22) 1 27939U 03042A 13316.09763860 .00001241 00000-0 24148-3 0 9396 2 27939 97.7993 136.2627 0014422 78.3280 281.9534 14.64661895540948 ECHO (AO-51) 1 28375U 04025K 13316.13536122 .00000362 00000-0 12104-3 0 6992 2 28375 98.2224 265.8046 0082059 288.7530 137.2744 14.41201762492643 HAMSAT (VO-52) 1 28650U 05017B 13315.52819402 .00001923 00000-0 23394-3 0 5768 2 28650 97.5638 326.5653 0026627 152.5704 10.0164 14.84310349460939 CUBESAT XI-V (CO-58) 1 28895U 05043F 13315.78720803 .00001006 00000-0 21215-3 0 6181 2 28895 97.8506 163.7797 0016906 340.7266 19.3294 14.61326310428491 CUTE-1.7+APD II (CO-65) 1 32785U 08021C 13315.43852997 .00001955 00000-0 23912-3 0 7859 2 32785 97.7338 8.6503 0014405 178.9062 307.0289 14.84280384299712 DELFI-C3 (DO-64) 1 32789U 08021G 13315.40077666 .00006166 00000-0 64640-3 0 7966 2 32789 97.7534 15.5142 0013824 164.4609 254.4370 14.89833592300035 YUBILEINY (RS-30) 1 32953U 08025A 13316.07688861 .00000010 00000-0 00000+0 0 3720 2 32953 82.5044 336.2285 0017480 270.9054 89.0036 12.43039161248283 PRISM 1 33493U 09002B 13316.17808015 .00005718 00000-0 64399-3 0 3569 2 33493 98.2329 118.2374 0018958 72.7730 287.5571 14.86923245259904 STARS 1 33498U 09002G 13315.40447480 .00002156 00000-0 33321-3 0 1881 2 33498 98.1660 79.1867 0011495 232.0713 164.7515 14.74310385257958 KKS-1 1 33499U 09002H 13315.51492852 .00001198 00000-0 19610-3 0 2035 2 33499 98.1652 76.7907 0009076 235.1022 190.4063 14.72636154257808 SWISSCUBE 1 35932U 09051B 13315.13214668 .00000948 00000-0 23684-3 0 1574 2 35932 98.3677 62.4223 0007100 337.1943 22.8937 14.53797306219201 BEESAT 1 35933U 09051C 13315.23713407 .00000852 00000-0 21229-3 0 4458 2 35933 98.3663 63.1816 0005403 355.6707 4.4442 14.54177272219291 ITUPSAT1 1 35935U 09051E 13316.19683678 .00001035 00000-0 25895-3 0 3504 2 35935 98.3763 64.3496 0007569 336.0743 24.0100 14.53520454219347 HOPE-1 (HO-68) 1 36122U 09072B 13316.11131608 -.00000044 00000-0 00000+0 0 547 2 36122 100.2848 9.2947 0007394 17.9161 342.2235 13.16308642187874 JUGNU 1 37839U 11058B 13315.85050934 .00000482 00000-0 11602-3 0 5007 2 37839 19.9607 132.0339 0018966 109.9044 25.0379 14.12202195107799 SRMSAT 1 37841U 11058D 13315.82415622 .00000430 00000-0 92148-4 0 4991 2 37841 19.9709 147.1750 0011890 57.3009 55.0988 14.10264055107638 RAX-2 1 37853U 11061D 13315.28263080 .00011504 00000-0 83983-3 0 6416 2 37853 101.6989 237.1158 0229977 325.4003 201.7746 14.85181117110266 AUBIESAT-1 (AO-71) 1 37854U 11061E 13315.29439723 .00012591 00000-0 89702-3 0 6284 2 37854 101.7028 238.3276 0229135 323.5553 187.7421 14.86092587110290 M-CUBED & EXP-1 PRIME 1 37855U 11061F 13315.71522319 .00015125 00000-0 10821-2 0 6366 2 37855 101.7027 238.5850 0230613 323.0423 59.0973 14.85658255110342 CHIBIS-M (RS-39) 1 38051U 11062C 13316.08213384 .00037489 00000-0 10025-2 0 9643 2 38051 51.6352 214.5049 0011681 90.0870 47.1024 15.37630045100493 ORS3-2.5C 1 99906U 00000 13324.06862326 0.00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 0002 2 99906 40.5214 249.9768 0003075 205.2431 337.9664 15.19728651000001 Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

1 0

Launch
by Craig Gagner 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Did this launch have any of the linear sat's on it or are they all just beacons and telemetry ?

3 2

digitally challenged
by Bob- W7LRD 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

once again for the digitally challenged where is that simple "show and tell" for manually entering keps into Satpc32? 73 Bob W7LRD

2 1

Fifteen Years Of ISS
by B J 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

http://moonandback.com/2013/11/19/the-international-space-station-turns-15/ http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/11/19/catch-wave-celebrate-isss-15th-anniv… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

2 1

FUNcube Dashbaord version 806 just released
by Graham Shirville 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Hi all, At the risk of using too much bandwidth of this BB... The final pre-launch Dashboard update has just been released at http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-telemetry-dashboard/ Many thanks for the feedback received so far! A couple of issues have come to light and have been corrected in this latest version. - enhancements to the audio capture and processing. - Audio Devices now handled correctly when a Dongle is attached with Dashboard running. - User Warehouse settings will now be retained for future upgrades to the Dashboard. - Updates error messages. - Should no longer crash when going to settings and help pages We encourage everyone to update their own set ups for smoothest possible operations on the day thanks Graham G3VZV

2 1

Minotaur Launched
by B J 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

The payload is on its way, but downlink from the launch vehicle ended due to a scheduled LOS by a tracking station. The cubesats will be deployed a few minutes from now. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Re: AO-7 calibration
by DeYoung James 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Bob et al. A paper, by the undersigned--of course, on the variability of the uplink/downlink frequency for AO-7 appeared in the AMSAT Journal Vol. 30, No. 3, May/June 2007 p.23 - 26. The bottom line is the LO in the spacecraft is being affected by spacecraft temperature. The spacecraft temperature is related to the amount of time the spacecraft is in shadow/sunlight. This variability probably has always been there since the day it was launched and was deemed acceptable back in 1974. The frequency variation appears in both the transponder and the 2m beacon. Up to 6-KHz of variation was observed between full sun and maximum shadow time thru the transponder while the 2m beacon variation was around 2-KHz. The fact that both varied with spacecraft temperature shows clearly it is an AO-7 contribution. A second paper concerning the solar array power actually used and analyzed the good high-speed RTTY telemetry that was transmitted by AO-7 during the March 2009 time frame, see AMSAT Journal Vol. 33, No. 1, January/February 2010, p. 4 - 15. Now that the solar array is the only power supply it is possible that voltage and current fluctuations do affect the AO-7 LO but are likely dominant around the period of entering/leaving sunlight or when transponder loads are high. When I operated AO-7 I remember many passes where the CW ops were pumping the passband which possibly caused some frequency variations, along with the FM'ing, etc. but are impossible measure or figure out. To repeat, the dominate factor in the slow frequency variation over time is spacecraft temperature. I would recommend getting the two papers from somewhere to get the full details rather than depending on the highly-condensed versions above. Best regards, Jim, N8OQ (formerly KG4QWC)

1 0

Re: Launch Time
by george abbott 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Launch MAY have been put on hold due to problems with a transmitter at a tracking site.W1GMA > Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:49:03 +0000 > From: va6bmj(a)gmail.com > To: kb1qys(a)hotmail.com > CC: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Launch Time > > On 11/19/13, DJ Nise <kb1qys(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all. > > > > Earlier posts said the launch is scheduled for 18:30 EST. > > > > This site says it's schedule for 19:30. > > http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home/index.html > > > > Any clarification is appreciated. > > > > Paul > > KB1QYS > > That time appears to be correct, according to: > > https://twitter.com/spaceflightnow/ > > 73s > > Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL > > <snip> > _______________________________________________ > 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

Re: NASA-TV coverage of tonight's launch of multiple student CubeSats begins at 6:30 PM
by Clint Bradford 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

On right now ... one-hour hold ... On Nov 19, 2013, at 1:44 PM, kq6ea(a)verizon.net wrote: Will NASA be streaming this on the Internet?

2 1

Launch Time
by DJ Nise 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Hi all. Earlier posts said the launch is scheduled for 18:30 EST. This site says it's schedule for 19:30. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home/index.html Any clarification is appreciated. Paul KB1QYS

2 1

PicoDragon
by Nader Omer 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

very strong CW beacon heard 2215 UTC. congratulation to PicoDragon team members 73's

1 0

NASA-TV coverage of tonight's launch of multiple student CubeSats begins at 6:30 PM
by Perry Klein 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

The NASA-TV schedule is showing that NASA-TV coverage of tonight's launch of multiple student CubeSats begins at 6:30 PM. The launch should be visible along the East Coast since it's from Wallops Island.

3 2

Re: NASA-TV coverage of tonight's launch of multiple student CubeSats begins at 6:30 PM
by John Becker 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

On 11/19/2013 3:04 PM, Jari Koivurinne wrote: > That's 11:30 UTC... ?? > > -jari oh3uw > There you go no confusion or even guessing daylight savings or not.

2 1

Re: NASA-TV coverage of tonight's launch of multiple student CubeSats begins at 6:30 PM
by Clint Bradford 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

I apologize for being so U.S.-centric ... Clint K6LCS ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

1 0

Re: NASA-TV coverage of tonight's launch of multiple student CubeSats begins at 6:30 PM
by Clint Bradford 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

That's 6:30PM Atlantic ... 3:30PM Pacific ... Clint ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

2 1

Are you ready for the new satellites?
by PA3GUO 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

With a lot of upcoming launches: Are you ready ? Myself, I just installed SDR-Radio.com, from http://www.sdr-radio.com/ Works excellent (so far) with my 'old' FunCube Dongle. SDR-radio.com is free for the FCD. This SDR SW is running here on a 10 year old Windows XP PC (cool: this SDR SW does not hog down the PC!). For simplicity reasons I always use the HO-68 CW beacon (435.790MHz) for validation of my system: antenna tracking, SNR of the downlink signal, doppler correction etc. When either the antenna/pre-amp/receiver/kepler set/computer time/.. is not correct you immediately notice this test to fail. SDR-radio.com provides perfect dopler compensation: the entire pass of HO-68 I did not hear a single shift in frequency (with an extremely narrow software CW filter). The set-up: 435MHz antenna = 16 element DK7ZB, horizontal polarization (only). Plus an SSB pre-amp. For 144MHz I will use a 2x6 element DK7ZB (also with an SSB pre-amp). Antenna tracking is my 18 year old home-build microprocessor system that controls the Kenpro rotators: the KR400 and KR500. Not sure if I will use the SDR set-up (wider rx spectrum, can record and analyze later) or the ('good old trusted') Kenwood TS2000. Trusted as in: less configuration options (compared to SDR), so less errors I can make (read: the trust statement reflects on the operator (me), not the equipment of choice). Anyway: I am very interested to learn about your plans, are you ready for the new sat's: - receiver (hardware of software) ? - antenna (directional or not during the first passes)? - good/bad/funny experiences you want to share? - .. Looking forward to hear from many stations sharing their plans here on the BB! Henk, PA3GUO, The Netherlands

1 0

50 years of humans in space
by andy thomas 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Please see video from ESA re-released today: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Highlights/Humans_in_sp… I used this at the Gagarin 50 day in 2011 73 de andy g0sfj

1 0

Mon AF and Tune Drive Level Control
by Keith O'Brien 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Don't know if you saw this but it's pretty neat... Everyday I learn something new about the Flex and PowerSDR.... Bob (GM4CAQ) wrote : >and no audio level control on the sidetone!. Bob .. the sidetone level (same as Monitor level for SSB .. useful when using a double-sided headset) can be modified in two different ways. If you got to SETUP/Transmit You will see something labelled "Monitor TX AF" that is what you want to change. Playing with it this morning I discovered another way to do this that was previously unknown to me. If you transmit a carrier in CW (or hit the TUNE button) The AF control near the upper left of the PSDR display switches to control the Monitor (i.e. Sidetone) level. So as long as you are transmitting a carrier, varying the AF level changes the sidetone volume level. Also note that the DRIVE control behaves in a similar manner. Normally adjusting DRIVE controls the % of RF Power out, but if you adjust this after clicking on TUNE then you are setting the DRIVE level just for TUNE. This is a neat feature that allows you to reduce your output power while tuning your antenna, without messing with normal DRIVE setting. I hope that this helps. Best of luck with your 1500. Michael VE3WMB

1 0

Triton-1 update #1 19 November 2013 15:00UTC
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Hi all, As you may be aware, on the 21st of November, 07:10UTC a DNEPR launch vehicle will lift off from Yasny Launch Base, Russia, carrying a number of payloads. One of them is the Triton-1 satellite, a 3-unit cubesat developed by ISIS - Innovative Solutions In Space from Delft, The Netherlands. Note that the Triton-2 satellite is not on this launch, its launch date is to be determined at this stage. Triton-2 will be similar to Triton-1, the main difference being that it will also carry an S-band downlink and associated mode US transponder. Triton-1 is a satellite which will serve as a test bed for an experimental receiver, designed to receive Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages from ships. During the first three months after launch, the plan is to characterize the AIS receiver in orbit. After approximately three months of experimenting, we intend to activate a single channel FM to DSB mode UV transponder (similar to AO-16's transponder). The exact transponder uplink frequency in the 435-438MHz band will be announced at that time as well. We have created an amateur radio information page which contains all information related to its downlink signals at: http://www.isispace.nl/HAM/ We intend to publish regular status updates on the AMSAT-BB as well as on the aforementioned page. Kind regards on behalf of the Triton-1 team, Wouter Jan Ubbels PE4WJ

3 2

Re: Pico Dragon??
by JoAnne Maenpaa 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

At approximately 1630 UTC on the cubesat internet relay chat (irc://irc.freenode.org #cubesat channel) I saw a posting of receiving Pico Dragon: > UB4UAD cubesat deployed > TokaiGS PicoDragon signal received just now. > TokaiGS Decorded "DRAGONVIETNAM5" Not sure where on the planet TokaiGS is at. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT Journal

1 0

PicoDragon CW heard
by Mineo Wakita 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

I heard and recorded now CW signal from PicoDragon, but nothing heard 9k6 signal from ArduSat-1,X in this pass. PicoDragon 16:08-16:17 UTC, 19 Nov 2013, Ele 28 S-E-EN, 437.250MHz CW http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/31119pic.mp3 > PICODRAGON VIETNAM ..... JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

1 0

Wallops Island Launch
by DJ Nise 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Hi all, Does anyone have the link to the map that shows the launch path, and where it will be visible from? The only link I've been able to find, says that the launch window is between 19:30 - 21:30 EST. Have they determined a specific launch time yet? Thanks much & 73 Paul

2 1

Re: Wallops Island Launch
by Andrew Glasbrenner 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/minotaur/ors3/status.html Top left corner. This and other links are on the top article on www.amsat.org. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: DJ Nise <kb1qys(a)hotmail.com> >Sent: Nov 19, 2013 9:05 AM >To: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Wallops Island Launch > >Hi all, > >Does anyone have the link to the map that shows the launch path, and where it will be visible from? > >The only link I've been able to find, says that the launch window is between 19:30 - 21:30 EST. >Have they determined a specific launch time yet? > >Thanks much & 73 >Paul > >_______________________________________________ >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

Minotaur-1 Launch: Keplerian Two-Line Elements
by M5AKA 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

For the preliminary Keps see: http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/19/minotaur-1-launch-keplerian-two-line-element… ---- 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

PBS Documentary On New Space Companies
by B J 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

http://blogs.kqed.org/science/video/silicon-valley-goes-to-space/ Although it doesn't have anything to do with amateur radio satellites, it's worth seeing. Maybe a company like the ones shown could provide the means of putting a future ham bird into orbit. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Wallops Launching 12 Cubesats Tuesday 7:30 PM
by Robert Bruninga 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Watch for a dozen new cubesats Tuesday from Wallops at about 7:30 PM. I have seen a lot of email about Funcube, but haven’t seen much about the Wallops launch. All of them downlink on 435 MHz band except for Naval Academy downlinkning on 145.870. Seven downlinks are at 9600 baud, one at 1200 baud and the others are CW or other. See: http://cubesat.org/index.php/missions/upcoming-launches/135-ors3-launch-ale… Sorry if this is a dupe, I hve not been following the AMSAT-BB that closely. Plus, you can see this launch from the east coast in the dark! Bob, Wb4APR

5 5

Next Stop: Mars
by B J 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

MAVEN was successfully launched and spacecraft separation was reported a few minutes ago. It still has to deploy its photovoltaic arrays and complete a checkout. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

2 1

Re: Wallops Launching 12 Cubesats Tuesday 7:30 PM
by Andrew Glasbrenner 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Ahem, cough, "transponder", cough. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Stefan Wagener <wageners(a)gmail.com> >Sent: Nov 18, 2013 6:37 PM >To: Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> >Cc: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Wallops Launching 12 Cubesats Tuesday 7:30 PM > >Very simple reason. > >None of these cubesat developers has made any significant attempt to rally >the amateur radio satellite community. In contrast, Funcube has a great >community PR "machine" and we are all very excited for them. > >At the end you get what you ask for. > >Stefan, VE4NSA > > >On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 4:25 PM, Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: > >> Watch for a dozen new cubesats Tuesday from Wallops at about 7:30 PM. >> >> >> >> I have seen a lot of email about Funcube, but haven’t seen much about the >> Wallops launch. >> >> All of them downlink on 435 MHz band except for Naval Academy downlinkning >> on 145.870. >> >> >> >> Seven downlinks are at 9600 baud, one at 1200 baud and the others are CW or >> other. >> >> >> >> See: >> >> http://cubesat.org/index.php/missions/upcoming-launches/135-ors3-launch-ale… >> >> >> >> Sorry if this is a dupe, I hve not been following the AMSAT-BB that >> closely. >> >> >> >> Plus, you can see this launch from the east coast in the dark! >> >> >> >> Bob, Wb4APR >> _______________________________________________ >> 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

2 1

AO7 calibration
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

Hello...More often than not I have to "adjust" the up link calibration on satpc32 in order to accurately track the sat. It is not always the same adjustment, it can vary from a few cycles to as much as 2.5 khz. Given AO-7 is a grand old lady, is she just being temperamental, or do I have an issue (operator error). 73 Bob W7LRD

5 4

Delfi-n3Xt Satellite
by M5AKA 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

The Delfi-n3Xt has a 435/145 MHz linear transponder and is on the November 21 Dnepr launch. See http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/18/delfi-n3xt-update/ ---- 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

Dnepr satellites mounted on launcher
by M5AKA 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

ISC Kosmotras report that on November 15, 2013, the Dnepr Space Head Module with the satellites was transported to the launch pad and mounted on the launch vehicle. The final checkout and tests of the launch vehicle with the SHM are presently in progress. The launch is scheduled for November 21, 2013 at 11:10 Moscow time (07:10 UT). Picture at http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/18/dnepr-satellites-mounted-on-launcher/ Frequencies of amateur radio satellites launching in November http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/13/three-amateur-radio-satellite-deployments-in… Live TV coverage of satellite launches http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/17/tv-coverage-of-two-ham-radio-sat-launches/ The #cubesat IRC channel should be active on launch days http://webchat.freenode.net/ ---- 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

Bryan Klofas
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

Bryan Please contact me off line Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

1 0

Help needed with the CAPE II sat
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

On Nov 20 at 00 30 00 GMT The CAPE II satellite is scheduled to be launched. The frequencies are 145.825/437.325 Mhz. On the VHF frequency the beacon will be in CW and AX.25 Please listen to our sat and send reports to me at quadpugh(a)bellsouth.net. Please include your location and time you first here our sat. Preliminary TLE are ORS3-2.5B 1 99905U 00000 13323.95403993 0.00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 0009 2 99905 40.5214 208.6139 0003075 205.2431 337.9664 15.19728651000004 Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

1 0

Re: FUNcube-1 launch week has arrived!
by paul robinson 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

Thanks for the hard work,and overcoming all the red tape to hopefully give us another usefull satalite,ive got every thing crossed! Ill be keeping an ear out this week for signals off funcube-1 and others...best wishes again ....Paul 2E1EUB Amsat uk Amsat NA RSGB

2 1

FT-736
by Tom Worthington 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

Thanks for all the responses on the FT-736 and the pointers to the pic hardware emulator. Just to be clear, does the N6BIL emulator allow the manual tuning of the FT-736? It would seem that the lack of the ability to tune is a significant problem to making contacts. 73 and Aloha, Tom, NH6 Y

4 3

Re: FUNcube-1 launch week has arrived!
by Matty Cunningham 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

Graham and the FunCube team, A huge thankyou to all of you for the hard work and regular updates of progress, I think I first heard about the FunCube satellite when I was made aware of the FunCube Dongle, shortly before it was released for sale. I was very lucky and managed to get serial no. 104 of the very first batch, I've had a great time with this receiving various satellites and terrestrial stations, I'm also very happy Simon Brown added support for this with is SDR console software. I'll have this running for the launch, along with the dashboard software - but will be at work for the day, and a good part of the evening - hoping I can remote in to home to check up on the reception occasionally. We have a busy week with launches - I'll be a happy chap to have some new 'toys in space' to play with. Good luck on the launch, and thank you to everyone involved in the team again for their fantastic work. Matty MD0MAN

1 0

Remote Satellite SDR station with Raspberry Pi.
by Matty Cunningham 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

I have been experimenting with Raspberry Pi, for streaming SDR and rotator control with Simon Brown's SDR Console V2. I am looking for a way to remotely stream the audio from my FUNCube Dongle (plugged into a Raspberry Pi) and control my rotator (G6LVB type tracker). So far I have been able to use an ethernet connection only (wired) from the controlling PC running SDR console, with the Raspberry Pi, RTL type TV dongle and serial port & rotator controller at the antenna end (eliminating lossy and expensive runs of quality coax). I am running this on the Raspberry Pi as a 'serial console server' http://lesser-evil.com/2013/04/raspberry-pi-ser2net-cheap-nm16a-serial-cons… And running VSPM on the main PC:- http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=VSPM I have managed to use the DDE server from SDR console, to send data to a virtual comm port on the PC with VSPM, this connects over TCP/IP to the Raspberry Pi and is controlling the rotators hooked up to a G6LVB type tracking interface. I get around 2mhz of I/Q data from the RTL Dongle into the SDR console by running rtl_tcpip on the Raspberry Pi. SDR Console v2 now has DDE rotator support and a satellite tracking module that does automatic doppler correction. So far so good - I'm very pleased with the results, however I would prefer to use the FUNCube dongle for the RF front end, rather than the RTL TV dongle as it has better filtering on-board and is vastly superior. Does anyone know a way of using the rtl_tcpip software with the FUNcube dongle? I'm hoping this is possible. Thanks and regards Matty MD0MAN

1 0

FunCube Dashboard under Wine?
by Greg D 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

Hi all, Before I try, does anyone know if the new FunCube Dashboard software will run on Linux under Wine? Except under unusual circumstances, the only windows in the shack are the glass kind... Thanks, Greg KO6TH

3 2

SatPc32 Cubesat SQF files
by Rob styles 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

Any one had the chance to write up some SatPC32 Sqf (Doppler/AmsatNames.txt. files for the latest Cubesats due to be launched this week. I understand the TLE’s might change. Rob

2 1

MAVEN Ready For Launch
by B J 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

http://www.americaspace.com/?p=45239 http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av038/131117preview/ http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av038/rollout/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

FUNcube-1 launch week has arrived!
by Graham Shirville 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

Well it has finally arrived. Little did we think, back in 2009 that we would not be launching FUNcube-1 until late 2013 but, at last, we are almost there. The past four years have been spent trying to find a suitable launch opportunity, dealing with many legal and administrative issues, in addition to finalising the technical requirements for the spacecraft. We also then had to convert those requirements and ideas into reality. The core FUNcube team comprises of just about a dozen of us – radio amateurs from the UK and the Netherlands together with software specialists from both countries. A few of us even have skills in both the analogue and digital domains! We have met on numerous occasions for “face to face” meetings over weekends and held weekly Skype chats almost every Sunday evening. We have had highs and lows along the way but the end result – FUNcube-1 our tiny spacecraft, is now sitting in an ISIPOD on the launch vehicle ready to take its chances in space on Thursday. Many hours of evaluation and verification testing of both the Flight Model and also the earlier Engineering Model have been undertaken, so we are as confident as we can be that we have done the best job possible. This mission could not have been carried forward without the efforts of the team members but neither could it have been completed without the tremendous support that it has received from individual radio amateurs and others and other AMSAT groups around the world. Thursday November 21st 2013 is our launch day and most of the team will be assembled at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park to man a monitoring station for at least the first two days following the launch.The first signals from FUNcube-1 should be heard in Southern Africa and then in Hawaii and then Alaska. After that, we hope to hear signals in the UK on a very low pass to the east around 08:50 UTC. We are very grateful to the RSGB for their support in allowing the use the NRC facilities which should be perfect for this operation. http://www.nationalradiocentre.com/ Although it is not large enough to be able issue an open invitation to everyone to join us on the day, we will be trying to do our best to keep everyone in touch with what is happening. We will be setting up a webstream from the NRC using the services of the BATC.tv server http://www.batc.tv/ch_live.php?ch=3 This should be available from around 07:00 UTC on Thursday and will keep running for as long as we have something to show. As well as shackcam views it will also have a breaking news “tickertape” and some videos created during the development of the spacecraft. Additionally we will maintain a presence on the #cubesat IRC channel which can be easily accessed by a web client from here: http://webchat.freenode.net/ Of course our own www.funcube.org.uk website will also be kept up to date as possible and updates will be provided here on AMSAT-BB. So all we ask everyone to do now is to, download the FUNcube Dashboard, read the guidance notes, register with the Data Warehouse and hang on for an interesting Thursday. Oh and keep your fingers crossed. Very many thanks for your support! 73 Team FUNcube

3 3

FT-736R question
by Tom Worthington 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

I am testing an FT-736R with the intention of selling it for the estate of a SK here on Maui. I have it running with PCSat32 and it tracks frequency as expected and I have successfully heard myself on FO-29, AO-7 and VO-52, however I am unable to tune the radio manually. Am I doing something wrong, is it a problem with the CAT interface, or is this not possible? I would appreciate any help. 73 and Aloha, Tom, NH6Y (BL10ts)

2 1

ANS-321 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-321 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: * FUNcube-1 Dashboard Software Released * FUNcube Dashboard/Data Warehouse Registration * Hector Martinez, CO6CBF/KF5XYV Earns US Technician License * FUNCube Handbook is Available * Election Results from AMSAT-India * ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano Back Home - Made 231 Random QSO’s * FUNCube PreLaunch Keps * Crossband Transponders on AMSAT Argentina November 23 Balloon Flight * Happy Birthday to AO-7! * KySat-2 Announces Telemetry Dashboard Software and Tracking Aids * Symposium Photos for Journal Requested by December 1 * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-321.01 ANS-321 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 321.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. DATE November 17, 2013 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-321.01 FUNcube-1 Dashboard Software Released In advance of the FUNcube-1 launch next week on November 21st at 07:10:11 UTC, this first release of the FUNcube Dashboard User Interface software is now available for download here: http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-telemetry-dashboard This software, when used with a FUNcube Dongle or other SSB capable VHF receiver, will decode and display all the 58 telemetry channels, all the on-board status flags and also the Fitter messages from the spacecraft. The FUNcube Dashboard will also enable users to upload the telemetry they are receiving to a central Data Warehouse so that others around the world can see what is happening on board. A fully illustrated set of installation and operating guidance notes can also be downloaded from that page. Additionally we also have some IQ and audio files available here that can be used for testing. http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/telemetry-examples/ Full details of the telemetry format, which has considerable heritage from AO-40, can be found here. http://tinyurl.com/ANS321-FuncubeTestFiles We are very grateful to our software development team for their efforts in developing the Dashboard and we look forward to your feedback. Please let us have questions and experiences at the FUNcube forum at http://forum.funcube.org.uk/viewforum.php?f=3 [ANS thanks Graham G3VZV for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNcube Dashboard/Data Warehouse Registration With the release of the FUNcube Dashboard and it's associated documentation, we have also released help info on how to register your Dashboard for use with the Data Warehouse. Please visit: http://forum.funcube.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=18 If you have any follow up questions, please submit them as replies on the forum so that others can see them. [ANS thanks Dave G4DPZ for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hector Martinez, CO6CBF/KF5XYV Earns US Technician License The idea was first conceived during the 30th AMSAT Space Symposium in Orlando 2012 by Clayton Coleman W5PFG after hearing Hector Martinez CO6CBF’s desire to operate with his own callsign during his visit to the United States. There is no reciprocal agreement between the US and Cuba. At that time he was able toidentify three Volunteer Examiners but they lacked the testing materials to test Hector at that time. Fast forward one year to the 31st AMSAT Space Symposium in Houston. A few weeks before the Symposium Clayton contacted the AMSAT-BB asking for AMSAT members who were ARRL or W5YI VEs to contact him in order to see if we might be able to set up a testing session for Hector. Clayton received many responses and four ARRL VEs stepped up to assist the effort. Douglas Phelps K9DLP took the lead as Team Liaison and brought testing and filing materials with him. Others joining the team included EMike McCardel KC8YLD, Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, and Jerry Buxton N0JY Late Thursday evening, rather serendipitously, three of the VEs happened to find themselves in the same place at the same time. Shortly thereafter Clayton W5PFG, Patrick WD9EWK and Hector also happened by. The team immediately went into planning mode to set up a time and place to conduct the test, preferably early Friday. Then came the suggestion, why wait, everyone is here, why can't we do it now? When the team asked Hector if now would be good his immediate response was, "Yes, yes, NOW!" The team went to their rooms to collect their credentials and materials and then convened 15 minutes later in a quiet, well lit area of the hotel lobby and presented Hector with a copy of the Technician Exam. Hector took and passed the exam. The next morning the exam materials and application were forwarded onto the ARRL VEC by means of US Postal Priority mail which assured delivery by Monday noon, in hope that his license would be granted before his return on Wednesday. At shortly before 3pm CST Monday Hector's license cleared the FCC ULS database and he officially was granted callsign KF5YXV. We can't laud Maria Somma AB1FM and the folks at the ARRL enough for their efficiency. Minutes after all became aware that Hector had been assigned his callsign, he began working the birds. Clayton reports, "We had a blast on Monday evening through Wednesday working every satellite pass available to us. He was as exciting to watch as a kid getting his license for the first time." Hector adds "Thanks very much for all your help and the great time! It was very fun to operate for first time on AO-7 mode B." Congratulations to Hector and all who participated in this expression of International Goodwill. [ANS thanks Clayton W5PFG and EMike KC8YLD for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNCube Handbook is Available on funcube.org The FUNCube handbook is now at the funcube.org website. http://tinyurl.com/ANS321-FUNCubeHandbook A French and Italian version has also been published [ANS thanks Richard G3RWL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Election Results from AMSAT-India The AGBM was held as per schedule and all points as per the agenda were discussed and closed. Following members have been elected as office bearers of AMSAT INDIA. President - Ramesh Ramsubbu, VU2RMS Vice President - Dr. M.S.Giridhar, VU2MGD Secretary - Nitin Muttin, VU3TYG Treasurer- Venkatesh Katta, VU3ICC Technical Director- M.R. Raghavendra, VU3GTI Director, Educational Relations - B.A Subramani, VU2WMY Executive Committee Somashekhar Kummur- VU3HCJ Ganesan. N- VU3GEK Somashekhar- VU3JBA Dr. Raveendranath P - VU2RVJ K Balaji- VU3PZA Air Cmde V.Subramanian - VU2UV We would like to thank all those members who attended the AGM and participated actively in the proceedings. We would also like to thank all those members who wished (by email and phone) us for a successful AGM. [ANS thanks Nitin VU3TYG for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano Back Home - Made 231 Random QSO’s 11 November 2013 ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, Russian commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg returned to Earth, landing in the Kazakhstan steppe. Their return flight, landing at 02:49 GMT (03:49 CEWT), was in the same Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft that flew them to the International Space Station on 29 May. Luca spent five months on the International Space Station for his VOLARE mission under a bilateral agreement with the Italian space agency and NASA. He conducted more than 30 scientific experiments, performed two spacewalks and operational tasks as well as maintaining the orbital outpost. Luca Parmitano has proven to be an enthusiastic and passionate radioamateur with great availability for ARISS school contacts. When all questions prepared by the students could not be answered during the scheduled pass, Luca used to come back whenever possible to continue the space talk on the following orbit. In terms of ARISS school contacts performed during a single expedition, Luca Parmitano is 4th in ranking of the ISS astronauts. Luca expressed his feelings regarding amateur radio in a message entitled "Message in a bottle", published on the ESA blog. Luca Parmitano went beyond his mandate as ISS crew member and HAM operator for ARISS school contacts, performing many random contacts with hams on earth. Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF served as manager for the IRØISS logbook, collecting reports from ISS for most of the random contacts, totaling 231 QSO’s. Our thanks to Luca Parmitano who did the effort to log the QSO’s and to forward the log to earth for almost all random contacts. All details about IRØISS random contacts during the "Volare" mission are available at: https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000293001 Many thanks also to ARISS Europe School Contacts Manager Francesco De Paolis IK0WGF for his great work and support. [ANS thanks Gaston Bertels ON4WF for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNCube PreLaunch Keps Here are some provisional pre-launch keps. We may well receive an updated set nearer to the day of launch but we expect that these should be good enough for the first few hours/days after launch. Satellite: FUNCUBE-1 Catalog number: 99991 Epoch time: 13325.309563080 Element set: 1 Inclination: 97.7956 deg RA of node: 38.2570 deg Eccentricity: 0.0059925 Arg of perigee: 198.5190 deg Mean anomaly: 336.5388 deg Mean motion: 14.77841394 rev/day Decay rate: 0.00000106 Epoch rev: 1 FUNCUBE-1 1 99991U 00000 13325.30956308 .00000106 00000-0 10000-3 0 00010 2 99991 097.7956 038.2570 0059925 198.5190 336.5388 14.77841394000015 The particular method of deployment used by this Dnepr launch vehicle means that the dispersion of all the objects may be somewhat more rapid than we are commonly used to, so this may help the experts determine which object is which. FUNcube-1 will initially be transmitting only about 30 mW of output power, this is its "Safe Mode", so a steerable yagi will greatly help reception. Telemetry will be transmitted from the spacecraft on 145.935 MHz. When the spacecraft is eventually transmitting data in its normal "Educational Mode" the signal is expected to be about 10dB louder. To stay up-to-date with what has happening with the FUNcube project and, in particular, with the FUNcube-1 spacecraft please visit www.funcube.org.uk You can register for automatic email notifications of all the updates by clicking on the "follow this blog" tab towards the bottom right hand corner of the front page. [ANS thanks Graham G3VZV for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Crossband Transponders on AMSAT Argentina November 23 Balloon Flight AMSAT Argentina says they plan to fly a high altitude balloon on November 23 at approximately 1200 EST from Victorica, La Pampa, Argentina (36.234304S, 65.40298W Grid: FF73HS). This flight will carry launch experiments for the AMSAT Argentina LUSEX satellite. The Betty III Payload includes: + FM Voice Transponder Uplink: 435.950 MHz 123Hz CTCSS), Downlink: 145.950 MHz + CW and APRS Beacon on 144.930/145.950 MHz + SSTV R-36 pictures live on 145.950 MHz. The Mafalda Payload includes: + Linear Mode A Transponder for Multiple simultaneous users CW, PSK, JT, RTTY, Hell, etc. Uplink: 28.226 MHz USB Downlink: 145.850 MHz FM + PSK31 Beacon on 28.227 MHz The flight can also be tracked via aprs.fi - search for the LU7AA-11 callsign. [ANS thanks AMSAT Argentina for the above information] [ANS thanks for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Happy Birthday to AO-7! Launched on 11/15/1974 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Continued congratulations to all those involved in the design, building, launch, and operations of this satellite. It's an amazing achievement that, other than the batteries, most of the circuitry continues to function normally 39 years after launch. Here's to hopefully many more years of service to the amateur community! For more information about the lead-up to and the launch of AO-7, as well as the first years of operation, see the 1974-1981 AMSAT Newsletters on KA9Q's website: http://www.ka9q.net/AMSAT-Newsletter-1974.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/newsletters.html N4HY has a wonderful gallery of photos from the construction and launch of AO-7 on his Smugmug page: http://n4hy.smugmug.com/AMSAT/AMSAT-Oscar-7 [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- KySat-2 Announces Telemetry Dashboard Software and Tracking Aids The KySat-2 CubeSat launch is scheduled as part of the ORS-3/ELaNa-4 mission on November 19 from Wallops Island, VA. The Kentucky Space Team request that Amateur Radio stations track and help in the collection of telemetry data. To help track KySat-2, a web page has been setup to assist radio amateurs. To help decode packets from KySat-2, software for radio amateurs to download and install is available at: http://ssl.engineering.uky.edu/amateur-radio-operators/ Initially, the software will support receive-only operation, but after spacecraft checkout, it is intended that the software will also support limited commanding. An Advanced Satellite Orbit Tracking Tool to visualize KySat-2's orbit in real-time can be viewed at: http://k2asot.engr.uky.edu/ For more information on general information on KySat-2, visit: http://kysat2.engr.uky.edu/ and http://kentuckyspace.com/ [ANS thanks the KySat-2 Team at Kentucky Space for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Symposium Photos for Journal Requested by December 1 AMSAT Journal Editor JoAnne Maenpaa K9JKM would appreciate receiving selected photos, or a link to your on-line albums for photos from the 2013 AMSAT Symposium and Annual General Meeting. With the November/December Journal in-progress it is time to begin planning for full coverage of the Symposium, Banquet, and tour of the Johnson Space Center in the January/February 2014 AMSAT Journal. Please send you photos and/or link information to me by December 1. Submit to k9jmk at amsat dot org [ANS thanks JoAnne K9JKM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News + A Successful contact was made between Rancho Romero Elementary School Alamo, CA USA and Astronaut Michael S. Hopkins KF5LJG using callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2013-11-13 19:44 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via KJ6TWN. ARISS Mentor was W6MU. A detailed write-up of this contact was reported in the November 13 San Jose Mercury News http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_24517762/headline + A Successful contact was made between Cradle of Aviation Museum Garden City, NY USA and Astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP using callsign IRØISS. The contact began 2013-11-04 14:24 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was telebridged via IK1SLD. ARISS Mentors were W2CYK and KB9UPS. + A Successful contact was made between Warren County Technical School Washington, NJ USA and Astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP using callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2013-11-04 14:08 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via KC2WT. ARISS Mentor was AA4KN. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Salisbury Middle Schools, Salisbury, New Brunswick, Canada, telebridge via W6SRJ Contact is a go for: Wed 2013-11-20 17:18:42 UTC ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Gaston ON4WF with 112 Francesco IKØWGF with 100 Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 869. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 848. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 46. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Radio Amateurs Launch Fun In A Cube (Satellite) Satnews Publishers has just carried a story "AMSAT UK, AMSAT-NL + ISIS BV?Radio Amateurs Launch Fun In A Cube (Satellite)" http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=474690875 [ANS thanks Jill Durfee and Satnews.com for the above information] + KUDOS, KU4OS ANS-293 was Lee McLamb's KU4OS 100th issue that he has edited since Dec 2007. Congratulations, Lee! [ANS thanks ANS Editors for the above information] + ARRL Kids Day is always the first Sunday of January and the third Saturday of June, from 1800UTC – 2359 UTC. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate working satellites and a chance to give kids some hands on experience. This is especially true with the launch of FUNCube and other satellites next week. [ANS thanks Sean Kutzko, KX9X for the above information] + 2014 Year in Space Calendars Now Available The Year In Space in cooperation with The Planetary Society has published their 2014 edition calandar of YearInSpace. More information can be found at http://www.yearinspace.com/ They also maintain a free weekly online calendar at http://www.yearinspace.com/the-week-in-space.html In addition is a free weekly email newsletter available for subscription. http://www.yearinspace.com/weekly-e-mail.html [ANS thanks Steve Cariddi, Publisher for the above information] + Indian Gujarat Video Claudio Ariotti, IK1SLD recently received a link from India about the ARISS contact (November 14, 2012) between Sunita Williams KD5PLB and Gujarat Council of Science City - Ahmedabad - Gujarat. This is the youtube link: http://youtu.be/Dz7Sto3zXWg [ANS thanks Claudio IK1SLD for the above information] + Minotaur-1 mass CubeSat launch November 19 The launch window for KySat-2 and over a dozen other CubeSats from Wallops Island opens November 19, see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/12/kysat-2-in-november-cubesat-launch/ [ANS thanks Trevor M5AKA for the above information] + Czech Statocaching APRS ham radio balloon http://tinyurl.com/ANS321-czech-statocaching [ANS thanks Trevor M5AKA for the above information] + Frequencies for the 37 satellites carrying amateur radio payloads expected to be deployed in the next 10 days http://tinyurl.com/ANS321-NovCubeDeployments [ANS thanks Trevor M5AKA 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

1 0

Dnepr Coverage
by EarthLink 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

I am not giving up ... (Grin) Any know if Kosmotrans (Dniepr company ) or Roscosmos or Flight today will carry Dnepr launch live? Sent from my iPod touch.

4 4

Dnepr Launch Coverage
by Clint Bradford 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

The launch of ZACUBE-1 from Yasny Launch Base in Russia will be streamed live on the Cape Peninilla University of Technology Web site on Thursday 21 November. http://live.cput.ac.za/live.html http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/zacube1 Clint K6LCS

1 0

Looking for Dnepr Coverage ...
by Clint Bradford 16 Nov '13

16 Nov '13

I am not giving up ... (grin) Anyone know if Kosmotrans (Dniepr company ) or Roscosmos or Flight Today will cover the Dnepr launch live next week? If not, I need to check how many frequent flier miles my wife has ... Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

1 0

ISS CubeSats Deploy Tuesday and Wednesday
by M5AKA 16 Nov '13

16 Nov '13

Next week three CubeSats with amateur radio payloads -- Pico Dragon, ArduSat-1 and ArduSat-2 -- will be deployed on Tuesday, and the fourth Cubesat, TechEdSat-3p, will be deployed Wednesday. http://www.nasa.gov/content/expedition-38-wraps-up-first-week-on-station/ ---- 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

ESA (Written) Word on Dnepr Coverage
by Clint Bradford 16 Nov '13

16 Nov '13

Darn ... As Graham advised yesterday. (Should I tell my contact at the Canadian Space Agency? Or let them think they'll be watching their investment? (grin)) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear M Bradford, Next week we cover the ESA Swarm launch from Plesetsk on top of a Rokot on 22 November but unfortunately we will not relay the Dniepr launch. Regards Dominique DETAIN ESA TV Producer European Space Agency 8-10 rue Mario Nikis 75738 Paris cedex 15, FRANCE dominique.detain(a)esa.int / http://television.esa.int T +33 1 53 69 77 26 / + 33 1 53 69 76 90 / M + 33 6 85 11 46 81 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Clint K6LCS

1 0

Re: ESA to Carry Live Video
by Clint Bradford 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

Darn ,,, a friend at the Canadian Space Agency was one source for this ... Keeping fingers crossed ... SO MANY countries and institutions involved in this single launch! Clint K6LCS On Nov 15, 2013, at 3:22 PM, Graham Shirville wrote: Sorry..this is not the Dnepr launch from Yasny on Nov 21st but about a launch the following day ...

1 0

KySat-2 Amateur Radio Page + Czech Statocaching
by M5AKA 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

KySat-2 amateur radio page: http://ssl.engineering.uky.edu/amateur-radio-operators/ KySat-2: Calling all radio hams and space enthusiasts! http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/15/kysat-2-calling-all-radio-hams/ FUNcube-1 Dashboard – New Version http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/15/funcube-1-dashboard-new-version/ Czech Statocaching APRS ham radio balloon http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/14/czech-statocaching-aprs-ham-radio-balloon/ Frequencies for the 37 satellites carrying amateur radio payloads expected to be deployed in the next 10 days http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/13/three-amateur-radio-satellite-deployments-in… ---- 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

ESA to Carry Live Video
by Clint Bradford 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

OK - ESA just called back, and they will be providing live video next week of the Dnepr launch. Probably at ... http://www.esa.int/esatv/Television Clint K6LCS ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

2 1

Dnepr Launch - Video Coverage?
by Clint Bradford 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

Man, I've talked to several "participants" of next week's Dnepr launch ... but cannot find a live feed source for the launch anywhere ... Anyone have a source for live video for it? Clint K6LCS 909-241-7666 - cell ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

1 0

Happy 39th Birthday to AMSAT-OSCAR 7!
by Paul Stoetzer 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

Happy Birthday to AO-7! Launched on 11/15/1974 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Continued congratulations to all those involved in the design, building, launch, and operations of this satellite. It's an amazing achievement that, other than the batteries, most of the circuitry continues to function normally 39 years after launch. Here's to hopefully many more years of service to the amateur community! For more information about the lead-up to and the launch of AO-7, as well as the first years of operation, see the 1974-1981 AMSAT Newsletters on KA9Q's website: http://www.ka9q.net/AMSAT-Newsletter-1974.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/newsletters.html N4HY has a wonderful gallery of photos from the construction and launch of AO-7 on his Smugmug page: http://n4hy.smugmug.com/AMSAT/AMSAT-Oscar-7 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Washington, DC (FM18)

1 0

Funcube 1 and SatPC32 setup
by Richard Ferryman 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

Can someone remind me of what I need to do to get Funcube 1 on to SatPC32. Obviously there is no keps for this bird on the normal downloads yet. I have the temporary 2-line keps from Amsat UK and frequencies. Doppler.SQF should be easy but where do I put the keps? V12.8c has a separate list for cubesats so will this affect where I put the keps? Will I need to add/alter AmsatNames.txt? I just want to test the system ready for next week. Dick G4BBH

2 1

FUNcube-1 Interview on BBC Radio
by M5AKA 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

I believe the BBC recording should be available worldwide, let me know if it isn't. See http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/11/funcube-1-on-bbc-radio/ ---- 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 ----

8 9

FUNcube Dashboard/Data Warehouse Registration
by David Johnson 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Hi, With the release of the FUNcube Dashboard and it's associated documentation, we have also released help info on how to register your Dashboard for use with the Data Warehouse. Please visit: http://forum.funcube.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=18 If you have any follow up questions, please submit them as replies on the forum so that others can see them. 73 - Dave, G4DPZ

5 7

D STAR is here to stay
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Well lets see there is digital sstv digital HF Look at Ham Radio Deluxe, how many modes it has D Star is FFC approved and is legal to use and is here to stay guys..... It is a reliable form of communication. You don't have to connect to the world wide wed to use it. Oh and the folkes in the UK are going to launch a DSTAR sattelite,should someone tell them its a bad idea? Just because you dont like DSTAR ?Well maybe DSTAR doesnt like you LOL I would like to see the DSTAR users pick a REFLECTOR and use it as a state side intercomm. How cool would that be? Some one asking the group , hey who was that in fm-- or CN--or what was the call of the guy in DN--. Look at how we could all help each other while working the birds. So stop all the negative crap and lets work to the good of the hobby and the use of the birds, OK? I also see alot of post on this BB of people I havent heard on the birds . hummmmm OH well lets use what we have for the good and stop crying and complaining ,this is a hobby 73 and have FUN thats an order LOL Damon

9 12

DSTAR AMSAT users net
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

D STAR AMSAT users net tonight @ 0200 utc on REF 60 B on W4LET B Memphis repeater We had several new stations last week .Its good to see it is growing Check http://amsat-uk.org/2013/10/22/integration-of-worlds-first-d-star-cubesat/ a new DSTAR satellite is going up.Hope to see some UK stations on the net tonight. Looks like satellites are coming too. For those that are so hell bent that DSTAR is so bad , IM sorry you feel that way ,but dont try to ruin it for the ones that like it PLEASE KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO YOUR SELF. HIT your delete button and let that be it D STAR IS HERE TO STAY and all your crying aint gona change a thing Lets enjoy this hobby and stop all the B--- S--- support your local AMSAT sattelite programs. Get active on the birds not on the BB. I still havent heard some of the people on the BB on the birds yet Lets all get along enjoy this hobby OK , if you want to complain PLEASE do it direct and not here 73,s c u on the birds and the net tonight WA4HFN em55 Damon www.starcommgroup.org

1 0

FUNcube-1 Dashboard User Interface App Now Available
by M5AKA 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

See http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/14/funcube-1-dashboard-user-interface-app/ ---- 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

FUNcube-1 Dashboard software "Premier Edition" just released
by Graham Shirville 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Hi All, In advance of the FUNcube-1 launch next week on November 21st at 07:10:11 UTC, this first release of the FUNcube Dashboard User Interface software is now available for download here: http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-telemetry-dashboard This software, when used with a FUNcube Dongle or other SSB capable VHF receiver, will decode and display all the 58 telemetry channels, all the on-board status flags and also the Fitter messages from the spacecraft. The FUNcube Dashboard will also enable users to upload the telemetry they are receiving to a central Data Warehouse so that others around the world can see what is happening on board. A fully illustrated set of installation and operating guidance notes can also be downloaded from that page. Additionally we also have some IQ and audio files available here that can be used for testing. http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/telemetry-examples/ Full details of the telemetry format, which has considerable heritage from AO-40, can be found here.http://funcubetest2.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/fun_downlink_data_draf… We are very grateful to our software development team for their efforts in developing the Dashboard and we look forward to your feedback. Please let us have questions and experiences at the FUNcube forum at http://forum.funcube.org.uk/viewforum.php?f=3 best 73 Graham G3VZV

1 0

I am tired of D-star thread/argument
by Tom Gentry 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

I don't have it, don't want it, don't want to hear about it. Lets talk about the new satellites going up. Tom K5VOU On 11/13/2013 2:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: International Designators (Ken Ernandes) > 2. Re: D STAR is here to stay (Joe) > 3. Re: D STAR is here to stay (B J) > 4. Re: D STAR is here to stay (R Oler) > 5. Re: D STAR is here to stay (Rich/wa4bue) > 6. Re: D STAR is here to stay (Gordon JC Pearce) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 07:34:30 -0500 > From: Ken Ernandes <n2wwd(a)mindspring.com> > To: Graham Shirville <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> > Cc: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: International Designators > Message-ID: <272D661F-0A68-420E-8F98-8E8682D6698E(a)mindspring.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > It shouldn't disrupt systems. The specification for the international designator allows for one to three (3) suffix characters (i.e., A through ZZZ). > > 73, Ken N2WWD > > Sent from my iPad > > > > On Nov 13, 2013, at 5:44 AM, "Graham Shirville" <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> At least one of the forthcoming launches is planning to having more than 26 objects being deployed. I think this is the first time that this has occurred. >> >> Our TLEs include these references. I understand that after Z is used, the sequence will be AA, AB, AC, AD, etc. >> >> Question - will this extra digit disrupt the existing systems we have for distribution of this data or when importing the files into the various prediction programmes that we all use? >> >> I may be worrying unnecessarily but ..........just in case! >> >> thanks >> >> Graham >> G3VZV >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:16:44 -0600 > From: Joe <nss(a)mwt.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR is here to stay > Message-ID: <528389CC.3000005(a)mwt.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > I agree on that also. > > Now I'm not picking on them here. But I am a member of Four local > Amateur Radio Clubs. And have been an Amateur since 1975 and have seen > this "Hobby" change a lot through the years. And in all four clubs 90% > of the newly licensed get into this Hobby now, through the Public > service aspect of the hobby. IE: Skywarn, communications during > disasters, support like in parades etc. While there is nothing wrong > with this. But these newcomers do not seem to get the thrill of just > getting on the air, and throw out a CQ just to see who comes back. Just > for the thrill of the unknown. And that is sad. > > I feel that Amateur Radio is more to them as the Service part of the > Amateur Radio Service. Not the experimenting and exploring part. > > Joe WB9SBD > Sig > The Original Rolling Ball Clock > Idle Tyme > Idle-Tyme.com > http://www.idle-tyme.com > On 11/12/2013 10:34 PM, Donald Jacob wrote: >> Gordon, >> If you use that logic, then why use amateur radio at all. Just use your >> cell phone and you can talk to anyone, anywhere (that will answer!). >> >> Hobby, learn, have fun, meet others with the same interests etc.... >> Guess something got lost along the way! >> >> WB5EKU >> >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 12:24 PM, Gordon JC Pearce <gordonjcp(a)gjcp.net>wrote: >> >>> On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 06:57:39PM +0000, wa4hfn(a)comcast.net wrote: >>>> I would like to see the DSTAR users pick a REFLECTOR and use it as a >>> state side intercomm. How cool would that be? Some one asking the group , >>> hey who was that in fm-- or CN--or what was the call of the guy in DN--. >>> Look at how we could all help each other while working the birds. >>> >>> Why not just use your phone? Far more reliable, far better coverage, far >>> better battery life and a tiny fraction of the cost... >>> >>> -- >>> Gordonjcp MM0YEQ >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >> >> > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 15:40:59 +0000 > From: B J <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> > To: Joe <nss(a)mwt.net> > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR is here to stay > Message-ID: > <CAP7QzkODbgtcmEUvYzM_r8EJkj1BQ8BWk0Zgpp0Vq_h1O+VY-A(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > On 11/13/13, Joe <nss(a)mwt.net> wrote: >> I agree on that also. >> >> Now I'm not picking on them here. But I am a member of Four local >> Amateur Radio Clubs. And have been an Amateur since 1975 and have seen >> this "Hobby" change a lot through the years. And in all four clubs 90% >> of the newly licensed get into this Hobby now, through the Public >> service aspect of the hobby. IE: Skywarn, communications during >> disasters, support like in parades etc. While there is nothing wrong >> with this. But these newcomers do not seem to get the thrill of just >> getting on the air, and throw out a CQ just to see who comes back. Just >> for the thrill of the unknown. And that is sad. >> >> I feel that Amateur Radio is more to them as the Service part of the >> Amateur Radio Service. Not the experimenting and exploring part. > I often get a similar reaction when I talk about amateur radio, > particularly from younger people. They can't quite grasp why I'd want > to put together a station and, perhaps, talk with someone when there > are easier ways of doing that. Even if I don't have any contacts, I > like to find out just what the hardware can do and how far my signal > can go. It's fun to know that I can reach a satellite that's, say, > somewhere over the Arctic Ocean north of Siberia putting only 5 W into > my Arrow yagi. > > Many peope, I suppose, have become accustomed to the plug-and-play > aspect of electronic devices and expect to have clear 2-way > conversations every time. Tinkering with something in order to hear > or be heard is likely something they wouldn't like or would be too > bothersome to them. > > Then again, my interest in radio began as an SWL while I was still in > high school over 40 years ago and I listened to broadcasts from, as > the song says, "far away places with strange-sounding names". It was > fun bragging to my classmates that I listened to, say, Radio > Australia, not that any of them paid much attention to it. > > 73s > > Bernhard VA6BMJ@ DO33FL > > <snip> > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 22:38:32 +0600 > From: R Oler <orbitjet(a)hotmail.com> > To: B J <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> > Cc: Joe <nss(a)mwt.net>, "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR is here to stay > Message-ID: <BLU406-EAS204CFF2A8B652BD0DBE2C3FD6F90(a)phx.gbl> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > in large manner chat rooms and the like have taken the place for some of the CQ...Robert WB5MZO/S2 > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Nov 13, 2013, at 9:51 PM, "B J" <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> On 11/13/13, Joe <nss(a)mwt.net> wrote: >>> I agree on that also. >>> >>> Now I'm not picking on them here. But I am a member of Four local >>> Amateur Radio Clubs. And have been an Amateur since 1975 and have seen >>> this "Hobby" change a lot through the years. And in all four clubs 90% >>> of the newly licensed get into this Hobby now, through the Public >>> service aspect of the hobby. IE: Skywarn, communications during >>> disasters, support like in parades etc. While there is nothing wrong >>> with this. But these newcomers do not seem to get the thrill of just >>> getting on the air, and throw out a CQ just to see who comes back. Just >>> for the thrill of the unknown. And that is sad. >>> >>> I feel that Amateur Radio is more to them as the Service part of the >>> Amateur Radio Service. Not the experimenting and exploring part. >> I often get a similar reaction when I talk about amateur radio, >> particularly from younger people. They can't quite grasp why I'd want >> to put together a station and, perhaps, talk with someone when there >> are easier ways of doing that. Even if I don't have any contacts, I >> like to find out just what the hardware can do and how far my signal >> can go. It's fun to know that I can reach a satellite that's, say, >> somewhere over the Arctic Ocean north of Siberia putting only 5 W into >> my Arrow yagi. >> >> Many peope, I suppose, have become accustomed to the plug-and-play >> aspect of electronic devices and expect to have clear 2-way >> conversations every time. Tinkering with something in order to hear >> or be heard is likely something they wouldn't like or would be too >> bothersome to them. >> >> Then again, my interest in radio began as an SWL while I was still in >> high school over 40 years ago and I listened to broadcasts from, as >> the song says, "far away places with strange-sounding names". It was >> fun bragging to my classmates that I listened to, say, Radio >> Australia, not that any of them paid much attention to it. >> >> 73s >> >> Bernhard VA6BMJ@ DO33FL >> >> <snip> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:49:39 -0500 > From: "Rich/wa4bue" <richard.siff(a)verizon.net> > To: "R Oler" <orbitjet(a)hotmail.com>, "B J" <va6bmj(a)gmail.com>, > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR is here to stay > Message-ID: <EADB84786F104E0183B83D3AF7E6C0DF@RichardPC> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; > reply-type=original > > Hi all, > > I agree with what is being said. > > The K4AMG MARC works with you in a VO TECH center Broadcast Radio > Class -WFOS FM 88.7, for over 10 years now. You can Google the station 24/7 > and listen to live stream. When the students are in class they are on the > air. We are also in the early stages of assisting with an electronics > class in the Chesapeake, VA Public Schools. > We see teens all of the time. Today most of the teens we see kind of know > what a screw driver and a pair of pliers are, but never heard of a ratchet > and socket. > Case in point: > > Last May we gave the teens assembly instructions and tools so they could > assemble our YAGI antennas for OSCAR communications, and install the rotor - > in general get the antennas ready for a OSCAR pass. > We had to show them how to use the tools! Walk them through each step of > the instructions as they texted to their friends this NOVEL experience. > > You might had heard us on FO 29, W4FOS, the schools club station. > > We have also worked with "BOE BOT" robot in the school. It requires > moderate assembly. Assembly was a problem for them - programming went > fairly well (circles. squares etc). > > On a good note a few years ago we bought RAMSEY FM Radio receiver kits and > as class projects we taught them how to solder and in less then 3 classes 2 > hours 6 hours they put the radios together, and with less then,, and hour > they used a scope and debugged the one radio that did not work, so they can > do hands on when they want to. > > What I am finding is shops (hand on stuff) is disappearing and to work in > trades, the teens are now required to take 2 year JR. College to be > certified. > > Back to class, for many years we have put the students on HF during School > Club Roundup, and they get insulted and jammed by older hams that own HF > frequencies. We tried to place them on "IRLP" and around here any way some > of the old guys are so bitter they are using bad language and distasteful > conversations, not that the teens don't know and use this language, but not > in the class room, so we don't go there. > Even one of our largest clubs in the area don't want to work with teens. > > This year we will try to introduce ISS data and SSTV to the class. By the > way we can not go SSTV on HF, most of the pictures are not suitable for the > class room. > > In short it is difficult to give teens a full view of amateur radio when > some of the idiots on the air and are just that real idiots. This part of > the same discussion "Ethics" on the School Club Roundup users group ... > Enough Venting. > > And finding volunteer Elmers to teach in the class room, very difficult, as > most hams of the 80s and beyond know nothing but how to operate their > radios, can not even make their antennas. The exception are those wonderful > guys that worked in electronics and communications in the service or their > day to day work. God Bless them. Our newest and best resource for Elmers > are members of the Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 54, they have > taken time off to teach in the class room. > > You can check out our home page at K4AMG.org, to get an idea about what we > are trying to do. Please give us some input about what you think we are > doing right or wrong. > > God Bless > > Rich > W4BUE > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "R Oler" <orbitjet(a)hotmail.com> > To: "B J" <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> > Cc: "Joe" <nss(a)mwt.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 11:38 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR is here to stay > > >> in large manner chat rooms and the like have taken the place for some of >> the CQ...Robert WB5MZO/S2 >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >>> On Nov 13, 2013, at 9:51 PM, "B J" <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> On 11/13/13, Joe <nss(a)mwt.net> wrote: >>>> I agree on that also. >>>> >>>> Now I'm not picking on them here. But I am a member of Four local >>>> Amateur Radio Clubs. And have been an Amateur since 1975 and have seen >>>> this "Hobby" change a lot through the years. And in all four clubs 90% >>>> of the newly licensed get into this Hobby now, through the Public >>>> service aspect of the hobby. IE: Skywarn, communications during >>>> disasters, support like in parades etc. While there is nothing wrong >>>> with this. But these newcomers do not seem to get the thrill of just >>>> getting on the air, and throw out a CQ just to see who comes back. Just >>>> for the thrill of the unknown. And that is sad. >>>> >>>> I feel that Amateur Radio is more to them as the Service part of the >>>> Amateur Radio Service. Not the experimenting and exploring part. >>> I often get a similar reaction when I talk about amateur radio, >>> particularly from younger people. They can't quite grasp why I'd want >>> to put together a station and, perhaps, talk with someone when there >>> are easier ways of doing that. Even if I don't have any contacts, I >>> like to find out just what the hardware can do and how far my signal >>> can go. It's fun to know that I can reach a satellite that's, say, >>> somewhere over the Arctic Ocean north of Siberia putting only 5 W into >>> my Arrow yagi. >>> >>> Many peope, I suppose, have become accustomed to the plug-and-play >>> aspect of electronic devices and expect to have clear 2-way >>> conversations every time. Tinkering with something in order to hear >>> or be heard is likely something they wouldn't like or would be too >>> bothersome to them. >>> >>> Then again, my interest in radio began as an SWL while I was still in >>> high school over 40 years ago and I listened to broadcasts from, as >>> the song says, "far away places with strange-sounding names". It was >>> fun bragging to my classmates that I listened to, say, Radio >>> Australia, not that any of them paid much attention to it. >>> >>> 73s >>> >>> Bernhard VA6BMJ@ DO33FL >>> >>> <snip> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 19:32:54 +0000 > From: Gordon JC Pearce <gordonjcp(a)gjcp.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR is here to stay > Message-ID: <20131113193254.GA28908(a)gjcp.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > On Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 01:49:39PM -0500, Rich/wa4bue wrote: >> This year we will try to introduce ISS data and SSTV to the class. >> By the way we can not go SSTV on HF, most of the pictures are not >> suitable for the class room. >> > You know, they're teenagers. Whether or not you agree with what *some* (a small minority) of SSTVers transmit, I think there's a fair chance they've seen swimsuit pictures already. > > Good luck with getting the ISS to transmit any usable SSTV. The past few times it's all been a bit broken. Maybe we can devise a nice solid SSTV subsystem to take up? >

5 4

Call for Symposium Photos
by JoAnne Maenpaa 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Hello Everyone, I would appreciate receiving selected photos, or a link to your on-line albums for photos from the 2013 AMSAT Symposium and Annual General Meeting. With the November/December Journal in-progress it is time to begin planning for full coverage of the Symposium, Banquet, and tour of the Johnson Space Center in the January/February 2014 AMSAT Journal. Please send you photos and/or link information to me by December 1. Thanks! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT Journal

1 0

G5500/LVB Tracker question
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

For the second time in three years, the my az rotor on my G5500 has stopped working. I bought it brand new and I'm using an Easy Rotor Controller for an interface. I noticed that when the rotor is swinging around after reaching its stop that every time SatPC32 sends an updated position to it, it will stop for about a second and then start moving again. I'm not sure if this repeated start-stop is causing the problem. Does the LVB Tracker do the same thing? Thanks Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless Droid RAZR

2 1

International Designators
by Graham Shirville 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

Hi All, At least one of the forthcoming launches is planning to having more than 26 objects being deployed. I think this is the first time that this has occurred. Our TLEs include these references. I understand that after Z is used, the sequence will be AA, AB, AC, AD, etc. Question - will this extra digit disrupt the existing systems we have for distribution of this data or when importing the files into the various prediction programmes that we all use? I may be worrying unnecessarily but ..........just in case! thanks Graham G3VZV

2 1

Funcube Handbook - French
by Richard Limebear 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

Guys The handbook has been translated into French by Christophe Mercier. It is now on some of the FUNcube websites, hopefully it will be on the main funcube.org website shortly 73 Richard G3RWL

1 0

D STAR
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

D STAR is growing across the US and the world http://www.dstarinfo.com/repeater-maps.aspx Amsat UK has info about a D STAR satellite http://amsat-uk.org/2013/10/22/integration-of-worlds-first-d-star-cubesat/ If you don't have a radio, you can use a DV Dongle on your computer Give it a try 73 WA4HFN Damon

19 37

RE(4); 58
by f6htj＠aol.com 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

referral link http://tago.re/sunami/NETOFFER.php Sent: 11/12/2013 11:13:30 PM >From Michel Respaut

1 0

Re: H.E.O.?
by Daniel Schultz 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

Keith Crittenden asked: > > I'm interested to know if there are any plans to put a H.E.O. amateur > satellite into orbit in the near future, and if so does anyone have an idea > as to what mode it would be likely to work in? A small committee of AMSAT members was formed at the Houston Symposium to study the issues involved in launching a HEO Cubesat mission. The work is ongoing but conclusions so far are: 1. A HEO Cubesat mission *MIGHT* be feasible under certain circumstances. A lot depends on the launches that will be available in the coming years. 2. It will not be an "Easysat", users will need to invest in some ground station equipment. We can already hear the cries of "elitism" on amsat-bb. The transponder modes are dependent on what antennas can be fit inside and deployed from the Cubesat, and whatever choice we make is going to disappoint somebody somewhere. 3. The present state of AMSAT's financial and human resources will not allow such a launch for at least a couple more years. 4. AMSAT cannot do the mission by itself, there is a need to form strategic partnerships with other organizations to gain access to technology and resources that are needed. If you want to contribute to the committee work please get in touch with me. Dan Schultz N8FGV

1 0

Re: D STAR
by aflowers＠frontiernet.net 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

Hi Jerry, > I use D-STAR Digital Data on 1.2 GHz for my Winlink RMS Packet CMS connection, 24/7. > The Pactor 3 mode that I use for Winlink HF forwarding is proprietary. But nobody else has come up with anything near as good (yet). So a lot of hams use it because it does the job well. I think that was Rob's point. There is no opportunity to learn from it let alone improve upon it because the protocol is at the very least a guarded trade secret if not patented (FWIW, the case of protocols used for HF email mostly outside ham bands I would think there would be very good business reasons for the manufacturer to keep it so). It closes off the doors of learning from it let alone finding ways to improve upon it, and relegates us to nothing more than a consumers of a product. One might argue that ingraining it in a permanent network, whether it be HF email or a shared satellite channel, does more of the same. Having a consumer base that is happy with what they have is pretty good discouragement for incremental innovation....after all, all these consumers have just spent all this money on their radios and modems, why would they want to change or even support it? In the end you may find that "just because it works" sounds specious to people who believe that Amateur Radio Service has had much more to offer than simply transferring information from point A to point B with "maximum efficiency" or whatever. There's a philosophical pragmatism behind this that some people see as having the potential to trump the balance of purposes that define the Amateur Radio Service. I think that's why Rob pointed to the enumerated purposes in CFR part 97.1. (For those outside the US you probably have a similar wording in your countries' laws since this all pretty much summarizes the ITU definition, so this isn't just a "US thing"). (As a side note for the spectators, if you have strong feelings about this you may want think about the long-term consequences the ARRL's upcoming NPRM as it relates to HF digital communication). Back to satellites. I have no idea if D star has a issue with Doppler shift on radios that tune in 5Khz increments of whatever, but it's been suggested that it could be handled with finer tuning, narrower channels, or some kind of AFC. So, you ask your box manufacturer to allow finer tuning (or the chip manufacturer to enable some kind of AFC). They do the market research and decide that you don't represent a big enough market to justify the redesign. If as one commenter has has is true, then you the consumer have no (legal) recourse. Even if you wanted to do improve it your hands are tied. The alternative of having the ability to change and adopt the code to suit various constraints could certainly be handled in an open and possibly very messy manner involving failed experiments but in which everyone has the ability to learn something according to his or her ability if he or she wishes to participate. It sounds like there are people doing just that. (It's the same reason I am on this reflector but don't talk much--I think there are many more, but the list admin would know for sure). Or you can just buy "what works" (works for what?) off the shelf, which is certainly the hope of the commercial interests. But something in my bones (and maybe yours, too) tells me that that kind of pragmatism might not be so good in the long run. It's our future, I guess, and I can't make that decision for anyone, but to dismiss these concerns out of hand in the name of "progress", as it often is, seems rather foolish to me. There's a big picture here that everyone owes it to themselves to take some time to ponder. I'm glad this is being discussed. Cheers, Andy K0SM/2

6 5

Re: D STAR
by Angelo Glorioso 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

Last question. Do you know for a fact that the AMBE codecs was not developed by a ham radio operator for that company??? A lot of hams are in that business. 7 3 de Angelo > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Rob" <pabutusa(a)gmail.com> > To: <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 12:16 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR > > >> An example of an enhancement to the radio art would be PSK31 for example. >> >> Created by an amateur radio operator used by amateur radio operators. An >> amazing technology for weak signal work. Multiple conversations tacking >> place in a single SSB "channel." >> >> Don't misinterpret what I'm saying ... D-STAR is neat .... but if I (or >> someone smarter than me) can't fabricate it from core technologies it >> can't >> be fully understood or improved upon. Which is what this hobby is suppose >> to be about. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 5:48 PM, Angelo Glorioso <n5uxt(a)hotmail.com> >> wrote: >> >>> Sorry. I thought we were comparing apples with apples. >>> >>> PS: By the way, apple (big brother is watching you ) :-) >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob" <pabutusa(a)gmail.com> >>> To: <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> >>> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 11:26 AM >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR >>> >>> >>> I can do all that with my iphone .... which are the enhancements? >>>> >>>> >>>> On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 5:18 PM, Angelo Glorioso <n5uxt(a)hotmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> "To help the believer " :-) >>>>> >>>>> Either you have not used Dstar before or have not used it >>>>> in a long time. >>>>> >>>>> Have your tried to send a picture with Dstar?? >>>>> >>>>> Have you chatted voice and text as the same time?? >>>>> >>>>> Have you tried to surf the web with DStar. >>>>> >>>>> Have you used DRats for Emergencies, trainings or other exercises ??? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Just to mention a few things that add to the enhancement of the >>>>> radio art!!!!!! >>>>> >>>>> 7 3 de Angelo >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob" <pabutusa(a)gmail.com> >>>>> To: <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> >>>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 10:39 AM >>>>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: D STAR >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> "To help the non beleiver.. " >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Well I guess it official ... it's now become a religious argument. >>>>>> >>>>>> D-STAR is the "fast-food" of amateur radio (much the same way >>>>>> repeaters >>>>>> are >>>>>> ... but I digress) >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm not arguing the technical merits .... but it does not enhance the >>>>>> radio >>>>>> art ... it does not promote innovation ... >>>>>> >>>>>> Sure you can buy a radio ... plug it in .... program it or what ever >>>>>> you >>>>>> need to do to get on "the net" and talk to someone .... you've >>>>>> learned >>>>>> nothing and you've given nothing back. >>>>>> >>>>>> The spectrum we use is very valuable .... if we're not generating any >>>>>> value >>>>>> for what we've been entrusted with it's going to be sold off to the >>>>>> highest >>>>>> bidder. >>>>>> >>>>>> We need more of this -> http://wc2fd.com/eaps/ >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 4:32 PM, <lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> On 11 Nov 2013 at 15:22, Gordon JC Pearce wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> > On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 08:46:24AM -0600, damon runion wrote: >>>>>>> > > Well back in the days of AM and when SSB came out it was the >>>>>>> > > same >>>>>>> > > thinking then BUT what has happened to AM . Same thing with >>>>>>> > > DSTAR >>>>>>> > > it >>>>>>> > > is growing and will grow . Thats what makes ham radio so much >>>>>>> > > fun, >>>>>>> > > there is something for everyone >>>>>>> > > 73,s Damon >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > But the difference there is that *anyone* can make an SSB rig. >>>>>>> > Only >>>>>>> > > >>>>>>> one >>>>>>> manufacturer is allowed to make AMBE codecs, and they will only sell >>>>>>> to a >>>>>>> handful of approved radio manufacturers. >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > It is illegal to make your own DStar radio, without buying the >>>>>>> > AMBE >>>>>>> codec from DVSI. That sort of thing has no place in amateur radio. >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > -- >>>>>>> > Gordonjcp MM0YEQ >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> > 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 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> To help the non beleiver.. just read this: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> http://www.eham.net/articles/30174 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> And yes telephone and satellite phone are available but if one >>>>>>> choose >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> use DSTAR it is relevant to discredit him? If you think something >>>>>>> has no place im amateur radio just don't use it and let those who >>>>>>> wants >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> use it enjoy one of the most reliable digital communication >>>>>>> protocol available. Yes some will say DMR, MotoTRBO are better it's >>>>>>> just >>>>>>> to say competition is already present. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The cost question. >>>>>>> You can already interface a lot of recent HF transceiver to DSTAR >>>>>>> for >>>>>>> 700$ >>>>>>> and much less if you are technicaly inclined.See below it's just >>>>>>> an example and i'm not connected to their business. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> http://dstarradioclub-international.com/dv-adapters- >>>>>>> --for-more-information--manual-links.html?success=1& >>>>>>> ucfid=510239683496259871&text=Thank+ >>>>>>> you.+Your+information+has+been+submitted >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I don't know where this "I don't use it and as i think it's not Ham >>>>>>> radio >>>>>>> no one should use it" trend come from but it's getting old... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I'm an avid DSTAR user just put my call sing in your URCALL and you >>>>>>> will >>>>>>> be able to reach me all over the globe. If you don't like the >>>>>>> internet component you better to go back to the cave man, or you >>>>>>> don't >>>>>>> live on my planet. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Just let folks live free... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Luc Leblanc VE2DWE >>>>>>> WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> 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 >> >

4 4

H.E.O.
by Burns Fisher 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

Hi Keith, Just so you know, HEO is probably the most contentious issue around (next to FM vs Linear). I think it is fair to say that EVERYONE would love to have an HEO bird, but it's hard-to-impossible to find a launch for free or cheap. As Domenico said, the German AMSAT (AMSAT-DL) has an HEO bird ready to fly, but they are still looking for launch opportunities, and have been for a while now. AMSAT-NA is currently focusing on LEO cubesats (and we already have commitments for two launches). The first launches will be FM satellites. The future may hold software defined radios which we could program for any modulation type. About rotators etc: It depends. Some satellites (generally FM) are available from some handhelds with just a whip, but that is kind of iffy. Much better to have a handheld antenna with some gain, which is what I think Domenico was aluding to. I'm a fan of baby steps. First try to listen with an HT (handheld). Maybe you can transmit to the satellite, maybe not, since FM only allows a single user at a time. Then try a handheld satellite antenna (Eagle for example...look in the AMSAT store). If you already have a fixed base station, try it with an omni (e.g. an eggbeater or something). You might spend your money on a pre-amp next before a rotator. The short answer probably is that a nice directional antenna on a rotator with a good preamp is probably best if your goal is to talk via satellite and get the strongest signal for the longest time. But starting small, you learn a lot. Using a handheld is kind of cool because you can think to yourself "I'm pointing this thing at a satellite...there is NOTHING between me and this cool piece of machinery in space". BTW, I can say all this, but I have to admit that I have not yet been terribly successful transmitting. I can receive very well...even SO50 (1/4 watt) comes in reasonably well on my HT with a rubber ducky and no preamp (when it is high in the sky). But I think I only just managed get into SO-50 pretty recently. I think my problem is 1) Omni antenna, not beam and 2) Not a terribly good location. Hope this helps... 73, Burns, W2BFJ Message: 10 > Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:21:12 +0100 > From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> > To: "Keith Crittenden" <Keithcrittenden(a)eircom.net>, "Amsat - BBs" > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: H.E.O.? > Message-ID: <002801cedfdc$59f12c60$0401a8c0@b3o7f1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hi Keith > > Only God know if and when a HEO Amateur Satellite will be placed in orbit > by > AMSAT. > > AMSAT-DL is working around P3E wich is a satellite similar to OSCAR-13 > using all modes from the VHF to Microwave but there are no money sufficient > to pay for the launch at the moment. > > About to work the actual operational satellites the extra expences of > buying a rotator /elevator is recommended while starting the activity you > can use a more simple low cost yagi antenna for 2 m and 70 cm manually > aimed toward the satellite. > > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Keith Crittenden" <Keithcrittenden(a)eircom.net> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 9:43 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] H.E.O.? > > > > Hi, > > > > Two Questions from a newbie; > > > > I'm interested to know if there are any plans to put a H.E.O. amateur > satellite into orbit in the near future, and if so does anyone have an idea > as to what mode it would be likely to work in? > > > > And, (second question) as I'm in the process of setting up a station > (pretty much from scratch) for the purpose of working satellites I'm > wondering if it's considered worth the extra expense of buying a rotator > /elevator or just a rotator. > > > > All knowledgeable opinions would be appreciated. > > > > Keith. >

1 0

Minotaur-1 mass CubeSat launch November 19
by M5AKA 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

The launch window for KySat-2 and over a dozen other CubeSats from Wallops Island opens November 19, see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/12/kysat-2-in-november-cubesat-launch/ Also on the AMSAT-UK site: Ham Radio Balloon on 7, 10 and 14 MHz http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/12/ham-radio-balloon-on-7-10-and-14-mhz/ FUNcube-1 Handbook now in Italian http://amsat-uk.org/2013/11/12/funcube-1-handbook-now-in-italian/ ---- 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: D STAR
by Gregg Wonderly 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

What is most important to consider is that there is only one choice, because of the investment and low return there is because HAM radio operators don't want to spend money. Yet, we buy antennas (isn't there only one source for patented antenna designs that we flock to?), coax, power systems and lots of other things which are largely single sourced by manufacturers that do a great job creating a valuable product. Ultimately, that is the decision to make. Is the money for the product the right value to pay? If you really believe you can't get a chip, I think you are mistaken. Can you get the cheap price in single quantities? No. But, they are available last I had heard. At this point, we are moving into the world of "software" components. These are things such as micro-controllers, DSPs and Codecs which are all put together to create a useful RF based device. In the end, SDR is what we actually need to be focused on. That would allow everyone to "write their own radio" and expand our capabilities with "digitial" emissions well beyond where we are at now. The future is automatic frequency selection, varied modulation techniques combined with embedded FEC to create an instantaneous solution to interference problems. Gregg Wonderly W5GGW On 11/11/2013 9:22 AM, Gordon JC Pearce wrote: > On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 08:46:24AM -0600, damon runion wrote: >> Well back in the days of AM and when SSB came out it was the same >> thinking then BUT what has happened to AM . Same thing with DSTAR it >> is growing and will grow . Thats what makes ham radio so much fun, >> there is something for everyone >> 73,s Damon > > But the difference there is that *anyone* can make an SSB rig. Only one > manufacturer is allowed to make AMBE codecs, and they will only sell to > a handful of approved radio manufacturers. > > It is illegal to make your own DStar radio, without buying the AMBE codec > from DVSI. That sort of thing has no place in amateur radio. > > -- > Gordonjcp MM0YEQ > > _______________________________________________ > 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

H.E.O.?
by Keith Crittenden 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

Hi, Two Questions from a newbie; I'm interested to know if there are any plans to put a H.E.O. amateur satellite into orbit in the near future, and if so does anyone have an idea as to what mode it would be likely to work in? And, (second question) as I'm in the process of setting up a station (pretty much from scratch) for the purpose of working satellites I'm wondering if it's considered worth the extra expense of buying a rotator /elevator or just a rotator. All knowledgeable opinions would be appreciated. Keith.

2 1

Funcube Handbook - Italian
by richard limebear 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

Guys The handbook has been translated into Italian by Pierluigi IW4BIG. It is now on some of the FUNcube websites, hopefully it will be on the main funcube.org website shortly 73 Richard G3RWL

1 0

Re: D STAR - try freeDV instead
by Ross Whenmouth 12 Nov '13

12 Nov '13

Hi, Rather than trying to get a D-Star radio to QSY in less than 5 kHz steps, you could try freeDV with your existing SSB transceivers? D-Star occupies 6.25 kHz bandwidth on the transponder, but freeDV only needs 1.25 kHz (half of a normal SSB voice emission). You can get freeDV (experimental) software here: http://freedv.org/tiki-index.php Unlike the early days of SSB (which has been the subject of various patents) AMBE is unlikely to ever be free, even after the patents expire as DVSI Inc. treats AMBE as a TRADE SECRET, and the only way to get the codec is to buy the chip (a locked TI DSP pre-loaded with AMBE). DVSI's patents cover some of the technology used in AMBE, but these patents do not explain enough about the AMBE process or protocol for someone to write their own AMBE-compatible codec. Once the patents expire, someone with the right resources might be able to hardware reverse engineer the firmware in the AMBE chip (very difficult!) and write a specification of the AMBE process/protocol, which someone else who has never seen inside the AMBE firmware can then use to write a "clean room" AMBE compatible codec. Depending on the laws in force at the time, it might also be illegal to de-bond the AMBE chip and reverse engineer the codec therein. However, all this is probably requires far more effort than it is worth - better to spend time, energy and money on developing an alternate codec that is truly "open". FreeDV uses an OFDM modem (16 QPSK carriers + 1 BPSK pilot), designed to have strong resistance to the multi-path propagation typical on the HF bands that it was originally intended to be used on. However, this means that is has a ~ 12dB peak to average power ratio, which imposes linearity requirements on the transmit signal path. For satellite operation, where path loss is a much greater concern than multi-path, the use of a serial tone modem (single carrier QPSK, BPSK, GMSK, etc) for freeDV would reduce the linearity requirements of the transmit signal path making it easier for an otherwise marginal ground station to produce enough EIRP to work the bird. 73's ZL2WRW Ross Whenmouth

1 0

FUNcube-1 Project Update
by Graham Shirville 11 Nov '13

11 Nov '13

Hi All, Our software team is working feverishly to complete the FUNcube Dashboard software that we will be using to decode and display the telemetry that will be transmitted from the spacecraft on 145.935 MHz. Whilst they finish their work here are some provisional pre-launch keps. We may well receive an updated set nearer to the day of launch but we expect that these should be good enough for the first few hours/days after launch. Satellite: FUNCUBE-1 Catalog number: 99991 Epoch time: 13325.309563080 Element set: 1 Inclination: 97.7956 deg RA of node: 38.2570 deg Eccentricity: 0.0059925 Arg of perigee: 198.5190 deg Mean anomaly: 336.5388 deg Mean motion: 14.77841394 rev/day Decay rate: 0.00000106 Epoch rev: 1 The particular method of deployment used by this Dnepr launch vehicle means that the dispersion of all the objects may be somewhat more rapid than we are commonly used to, so this may help the experts determine which object is which. FUNcube-1 will initially be transmitting only about 30 mW of output power, this is its "Safe Mode", so a steerable yagi will greatly help reception. When the spacecraft is eventually transmitting data in its normal "Educational Mode" the signal is expected to be about 10dB louder. To stay up-to-date with what has happening with the FUNcube project and, in particular, with the FUNcube-1 spacecraft please visit www.funcube.org.uk You can register for automatic email notifications of all the updates by clicking on the "follow this blog" tab towards the bottom right hand corner of the front page. best 73 Graham G3VZV

1 0

Hawaii to VK/ZL qso?
by Tom Worthington 10 Nov '13

10 Nov '13

I occasionally have passes where I can copy myself when the footprint of either FO-29 or A-07 shows some coverage to extreme North East Australia and the North Island of New Zealand, but I've never heard any signals from there. Are there any operators who would like to try a QSO? 73 and Aloha de Tom, NH6Y

1 0