- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Fun Cube dongle
by John / NS1Z 25 Jan '13

25 Jan '13

I just finished listening to two guys using TS 2000 rigs and one of them was using the Fun Cube Dongle. I would like to correspond with the FCDPP station about your setup as I have the same equipment here that I wouldd like to use.... Thanks

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Re: Bleep says wanted
by Armando Mercado 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

SRMSAT (object 37841) was active on CW at 1030z on 437.425. 73 Armando N8IGJ

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Satellite Explorer
by Thomas Doyle 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

'Satellite Explorer' is a Windows 8 app that runs on Intel based tablets, laptops and desktops as well as Windows RT tablets like the Microsoft Surface. It is available in the Windows Store - search for 'Satellite Explorer'. The app is of course free but if you find it of value please contribute something to your favorite AMSAT project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0-jPjpDoYs 73 W9KE Tom Doyle

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Re: Newsky dongle
by Mark Spencer 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

Scott, I too have just started playing with the NooElec SDR. One thing that hit me between the eyes is that the SDR is not very sensitive. I have had moderate success copying local two meter traffic and APRS signals on 144.390 by using a broad band preamp at the radio and also one at the antenna, with that arrangement the SDR hears much better. 73, Mark Mark Spencer, WA8SME Education and Technology Program Director ARRL, the national association for Amateur RadioTM 43 Pinelock Dr. Gales Ferry, CT 06335 860-381-5335 860-460-1139 (cell) mspencer(a)arrl.org

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Limited capabilities now on www.amsat.org
by Joe Fitzgerald 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

We are bringing back some capabilities to www.amsat.org. High priority items such as Keplerian elements and e-mail archives are already linked from the main page with more to come. Please let me know what you miss the most (via amsat-bb or directly) and I will attempt move it higher on the priority list. -Joe Fitzgerald KM1P

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From G7HIA
by John Heath 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Hi guys, Currently in hospital on intravenous Meds for a serious blood infection. Hope to be home in week or two. Wishing you all best. John G7HIA

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Small satellites to be launched from military fighters
by ka5fpt＠tx.rr.com 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Recent news about small satellites from the military front. The satellites go by the acronym of SeeMe for Space Enabled Effects for Military Engagements http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/technology/rms13_seeme/?utm_source=socialh… I apologize if this has already been mentioned. I have been on the road and have been out of touch. Paul KA5FPT

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Re: new sat ID's ?
by Dave WØDHB 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Likes like Amsat website is up for the Keps file again. -----Original Message----- From: Ted [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 4:01 PM To: 'Dave WØDHB' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] new sat ID's ? Ah hah ! thanks 73, Ted -----Original Message----- From: Dave WØDHB [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 2:53 PM To: 'Ted'; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] new sat ID's ? Amsat web page is down along with its' Keps file. You're probably picking it up from another Keps file in your search list -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ted Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 3:39 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] new sat ID's ? Just downloaded new keps in my HRD Sat program today and noticed that SO-50 is now listed as Saudisat 1C. Looks like some other ones are also 'renamed'. Anyone else notice this ? 73, K7TRK _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Baikonu launch site - Voice of Russia story
by Trevor . 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Article concerning the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_01_22/We-have-ignition-in-Baikonur-sonflict/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

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amsat.org on archive.org
by Trevor . 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

If you need to access information that was on on the amsat.org site then you can get some of it from the http://www.archive.org/ site For example I wanted to look up info on RS-15, Google tells me it used to be at http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/satInfo.php?satID=6 Putting that URL into archive.org page gives me the RS-15 info as it was on April 26, 2012 73 Trevor M5AKA

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AMSAT-NA Store still open and secure
by Alan 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

All, A quick reminder that the AMSAT-NA Store is still open for business at the following URL: http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ It is running on a separate secure server, and unaffected by issues with the main AMSAT web site. We still haves several of the popular new broadband preamps in stock from the second production run. Unlike some sites, even temporarily, no Viagra. :) 73s, Alan WA4SCA AMSAT Store Stock Boy

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ANS-022 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin - AMSAT-NA Website Down
by JoAnne Maenpaa 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE SPECIAL BULLETIN ANS-022 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-022.01 ANS-022 ANS Special Bulletin - AMSAT-NA Website Down AMSAT News Service Bulletin 022.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 22, 2013 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-022.01 On or about 20 January 2013, AMSAT-NA's main web site www.amsat.org was compromised by an attacker, with the contents of the supporting database, including non-public information, posted on other publicly available web sites. It is likely that the attacker gained enough access to the site to post arbitrary and possibly illegal content, so out of an abundance of caution the main site was shut down. Neither the AMSAT store nor the Fox project web site were affected by this breach. Mail services remain operational. The main site was developed roughly 10 years ago by a AMSAT volun- teers under a more benign Internet threat environment. The team that built that site is no longer associated with AMSAT, so work has been underway over the last several months to move to a modern, maintain- able, secure infrastructure. This recent breach will accelerate that activity. In the interim, www.amsat.org will have limited content. [ANS thanks AMSAT's User Services Team for the above information] /EX

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new sat ID's ?
by Ted 22 Jan '13

22 Jan '13

Just downloaded new keps in my HRD Sat program today and noticed that SO-50 is now listed as Saudisat 1C. Looks like some other ones are also 'renamed'. Anyone else notice this ? 73, K7TRK

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Amsat website
by Richard Lawn 22 Jan '13

22 Jan '13

Is the site acting strange or is I me? Rick W2JAZ

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Re: Bleebsats wanted
by Mike Rupprecht 22 Jan '13

22 Jan '13

Hi Bob, see comments below 73 Mike DK3WN Robert Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> hat am 22. Januar 2013 um 18:14 geschrieben: > Help me delete the dead satellites. > Help me add new Bleepsats. > > We use this list in our Comms Labs for students to try to tune in: > > * marks the operational ones from http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php > ? marks the unknown and need input from you. > > * 07530 AO7 145.950 > ? 20442 LO19 Carrier? -> very weak carrier > - 22825 AO27 dead > * 24278 FO29 435.795 > * 25544 ISS 145.825 > * 26931 NO44 PCsat 145.825 semi > * 27607 SO50 436.795 > ? 27845 Quakesat 436.675 -> dead > * 27848 CO57 XIIV 436.848 > * 27844 CO55 cute1 436.836 > ? 27939 RS22 435.352 -> only short active over Europe for data transmission, > no beacon > * 28650 VO-52 145.86 Bcon > * 28895 CO58 XI-V 437.465 > ? 29655 Genesat-1 437.075 -> deorbited > * 32791 CO66SEEDS 437.485 > ? 32953 RS-30 435.215 -> only sporadic active > ? 33499 KKS-1 437.385 -> CW beacon active (but in loop) > ? 33493 PRISM 437.250 -> active, also mailbox system active > * 32785 CO65cute17 437.275 > * 32789 CO-64 D-C3 145.87 > ? 32791 SO-66 437.485 -> SEEDS is CO-66, active > ? 33498 Stars 437.305 -> only MOTHER active > ? 35870 Sumbandila 435.345 -> not active > ? 35932 SwissCube 437.505 -> CW beacon on, data transmission on request over > Europe > ? 35933 Beesat 436.000 -> only data transmission over Europe > ? 35934 UWE-2 437.385 -> dead > * 35935 ITUpSAT1 437.325 19.2 Kbps > * 36121 HO-68 435.790 > ? 37224 Oreos 437.305 -> active > ? 37225 FASTsat -> not active -> see Fastrack 1/2 > ? 37226 Falconsat5 437.270 dead? -> ??? > ? 37839 JUGNU 437.275 -> not visible in DL > ? 37841 SRMSAT 437.425 -> not visible in DL > ? 37853 RAX2 437.345 -> active > ? 37854 Aubiesat70 437.475 -> very weak CW beacon, active > ? 37855 M-CUBED 437.485 -> extremely weak but active > ? 90021 Rax 437.505 -> dead > ? 90025 Fastrack 1 437.345 -> not active > ? 90025 Fastrack 2 145.825 -> not active > > 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

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Bleebsats wanted
by Robert Bruninga 22 Jan '13

22 Jan '13

Help me delete the dead satellites. Help me add new Bleepsats. We use this list in our Comms Labs for students to try to tune in: * marks the operational ones from http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php ? marks the unknown and need input from you. * 07530 AO7 145.950 ? 20442 LO19 Carrier? - 22825 AO27 dead * 24278 FO29 435.795 * 25544 ISS 145.825 * 26931 NO44 PCsat 145.825 semi * 27607 SO50 436.795 ? 27845 Quakesat 436.675 * 27848 CO57 XIIV 436.848 * 27844 CO55 cute1 436.836 ? 27939 RS22 435.352 * 28650 VO-52 145.86 Bcon * 28895 CO58 XI-V 437.465 ? 29655 Genesat-1 437.075 * 32791 CO66SEEDS 437.485 ? 32953 RS-30 435.215 ? 33499 KKS-1 437.385 ? 33493 PRISM 437.250 * 32785 CO65cute17 437.275 * 32789 CO-64 D-C3 145.87 ? 32791 SO-66 437.485 ? 33498 Stars 437.305 ? 35870 Sumbandila 435.345 ? 35932 SwissCube 437.505 ? 35933 Beesat 436.000 ? 35934 UWE-2 437.385 * 35935 ITUpSAT1 437.325 19.2 Kbps * 36121 HO-68 435.790 ? 37224 Oreos 437.305 ? 37225 FASTsat ? 37226 Falconsat5 437.270 dead? ? 37839 JUGNU 437.275 ? 37841 SRMSAT 437.425 ? 37853 RAX2 437.345 ? 37854 Aubiesat70 437.475 ? 37855 M-CUBED 437.485 ? 90021 Rax 437.505 ? 90025 Fastrack 1 437.345 ? 90025 Fastrack 2 145.825 Bob, WB4APR

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FunCube Dongle Pro for sale
by Bill Dzurilla 22 Jan '13

22 Jan '13

Works well, excellent condition, ver. 1.1, serial no. 3752. $150 shipped CUSA. 73, Bill NZ5N

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DO33,DO23 and DO13 has been cancelled
by Nestor G Punales 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Ezequiel VA7EZE just inform me that he cancelled his trip do to health problems (FLU). He will let me know when he is going to be able to do the trip. Sorry for the misinformation. 73's Nestor K6JTT DM22

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Activating DO 33, DO 23, DO 13.
by Nestor G Punales 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Tomorrow Tuesday 22nd Ezequiel VA7EZE would be activating DO 33, DO23 and DO13 on SO-50 in the afternoon passes. So if anyone needs this grids Ezequiel would be happy to make contact with you. I would hear you on the bird!!! 73 Nestor K6JTT DM22. Sent from my iPhone

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BBC Radio 4 - The Enduring Legacy of Apollo
by Trevor . 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting G3YJO appeared on today's BBC Radio 4 show For All Mankind in which Chris Riley examined the enduring legacy of the Apollo moon missions. Chris Riley talks to astronauts, philosophers and entrepreneurs about the enduring impact of Apollo. By pushing technology to its limits, the missions showed us what we could achieve as a species. In the longer term, they accelerated the development of modern electronics, inspired the environmental movement and even helped thaw Cold War relations. Martin G3YJO mentions the first UOSAT's (UO-9 and UO-11), you can hear him at 08:52 into the recording which is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pcqkk 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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BBC Show Between the Ears - Space Ham Available on web
by Trevor . 20 Jan '13

20 Jan '13

The show should now be available on the web. It features the voices of among others Owen K. Garriott W5LFL, Roy Welch W0SL and Larry Baysinger W4EJA. Hopefully it can be heard overseas but if blocked then using a UK based proxy server may solve the problem. Space Ham - http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12135 Also mentioned on the AMSAT-UK site: - OSSI CubeSat Wiki http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12231 - Glasgow CubeSat Startup Alba Orbital http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12172 - BBC Stargazing Live Balloon http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12124 - WARP DRiVE for UK STRaND-1 CubeSat http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12191 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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ANS-020 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-020 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * SKN on OSCAR 2013 Best Fist Nominations Due * AMSAT-DC Workshop on Portable Satellite Ground Stations * WIA Reports Australian Given an AMSAT Accolade * WA8SME Preamps Back in Stock - ARRL SatCat for FT-817 Kit on Sale * ARISS News, Successful Contacts, Proposal Window Closes Jan 28 * NASA Announces Student Internships for Summer * Unilever Buys 22 Flights On XCOR Lynx Suborbiter For AXE Campaign * Satellite Shorts From All Over * European student codes reach ISS SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-020.01 ANS-020 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 020.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. DATE, 2012 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-020.01 SKN on OSCAR 2013 Best Fist Nominations Due Many thanks to all who participated in AMSAT's Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2013. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to nominate someone you worked for Best Fist. Remember, your nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, only of those you worked. Send your nomination to w2rs at amsat.org. This year's event is dedicated to the memory of John Thompson, W1BIH/PJ9JT, who passed away in 2012, aged 96. Although known primarily as an HF DXer and contester, John was also active on OSCAR, mostly on CW. Those nominated will be recognized in an ANS bulletin in early Feb- ruary, and in The AMSAT Journal. [ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-DC Workshop on Portable Satellite Ground Stations The AMSAT-DC Group is planning for a Spring Workshop 2013, to take place on Saturday, March 23, at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. It will be a nearly all-day event. This is a workshop for those who wish to learn more about satellite operations and develop their own portable ground station. Partici- pants will bring their wares to assemble, show, and explain to others that which will feature one or more of the following: + One's own laptop computer, with appropriate software installed, such as for satellite tracking, SDR receiver control, antenna control (optional), audio recording, time stamp track, and any of many other apps. + The FUNcube Dongle Pro receiver or equivalent. We will emphasize receiving only, and not the transmit side at this particular time. + One or more antennas for 146 MHz and 436 MHz, Arrow, Elk, or homebrew on a camera tripod, small mast, homebrew PVC, or hand- held. + Everything, or almost everything, ought to be designed to be powered from a regulated 12-volt DC source of your choosing. A table will be provided with a shared 120VAC wall outlet with- in about 50 feet. Volunteers are invited to join the planning committee (contact Pat at n8pk(a)amsat.org.) Registration information will be announced by February 15 via the AMSAT News Service (ANS), and on the AMSAT Cal- endar of Events under http://www.amsat.org The workshop cost is expected to be low (for incidental items) or free to AMSAT members. Any non-US citizen who would like to attend must contact Pat by February 15 at the latest. To volunteer or ask questions contact Pat at n8pk(a)amsat.org. Links for antenna ideas: http://arrowantennas.com/ http://www.elkantennas.com/ http://www.g6lvb.com/homebrewarrow.htm http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/faqs/crow/index.php http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/Az_El_Pos.pdf http://www.wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/downloads/iROTOR.pdf http://www.arrl.org/shop/The-ARRL-Satellite-Handbook/ http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm Links for software ideas: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/software.php http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/ http://www.moetronix.com/spectravue.htm http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/faqs/resguide.pdf http://sdrsharp.com/ Links for receiver ideas: http://www.funcubedongle.com/ http://www.amsat.org/amsat/intro/sats_faq.html http://tinyurl.com/cdo9tyo (Spectravue Configuration) http://sdrsharp.com/ AMSAT-DC http://patkilroy.com/amsat-dc/ [ANS thanks Pat Kilroy, N8PK, AMSAT Area Coordinator, Maryland-DC for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- WIA Reports Australian Given an AMSAT Accolade It was a very humble Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI who received an award from AMSAT North America for the voluntary work he has done for the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) pro- gram. In accepting the award, Tony VK5ZAI said it was a very nice hon- our which made him feel humble. "I look at it as a combined effort for all those that have helped over the last 20 years because I couldn't have done it alone," he said. In praise of ARISS, Tony VK5ZAI said, "They're a great group to work with and he has made many friends through it and amateur radio." He is the Australian ARISS Coordinator and a Telebridge Earth Station involved in many contacts between the ISS and schools. The Channel 7 Today Tonight show interviewed Tony VK5ZAI in early 2012, when he gave some great insights as to how Amateur Radio can provide support for NASA, as well as raise public awareness through the ARISS schools program. The segment has been posted to YouTube and NOW features as a prelude to many Australian school contacts with the ISS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fUsoo_oaNkw AMSAT's Award Citation to Tony stated, "For your support and leader- ship to ARISS as the key coordinator and mentor of all the ARISS schools in Australia. AMSAT also commends you for your sustained sup- port as the premier ARISS telebridge station operator. Your efforts and can-do spirit are an inspiration to us all." [ANS thanks the Wireless Institute of Australia and AMSAT-NA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- WA8SME Preamps Back in Stock - ARRL SatCat for FT-817 Kit on Sale One of the AMSAT Store guys, Alan Biddle, WA4SCA reports the initial run of broadband preamps were sold out. This week Alan wrote, "The AMSAT Store now has the popular broadband preamps back in stock. They can be found on the top page at: http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ Thanks to all who have ordered them, and by doing so supported AMSAT operations!" The QST October 2012 SatCat Interface for FT-817 is now on sale by the ARRL. The satellite computer aided tuning interface described in October, 2012 QST (pp. 40-43) for use with SatPC32 and the Yaesu FT-817 radio is being offered for sale by the ARRL Education & Tech- nology Program (ETP). The interface was developed by Mark Spencer, WA8SME, as part of re- source development for the ARRL ETP and is priced to recover cost plus a small increment toward development as well as a cost share donation to AMSAT. For more details of the kit, and to place your order go to: http://www.arrl.org/news/ft-817-satellite-interface-available-as-a-kit [ANS thanks Alan Biddle, WA4SCA and the ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Recent succesful ARISS contacts include Ecole Les Muriers, Saint Maur Des Fosses, France on 07 Jan. The contact was direct between OR4ISS and F6KMX/p. Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is a small city (77,000 people) located at about 15 km South-East of PARIS, separated from the capital by the large Vincennes Forest, and located on the top of a loop formed by the river Marne. The name of the city is inspired from the Chateau of Saint Maur, which was frequently visited by the queen Marie de Medicis in the 16th Century. The school Les Muriers is educating about 500 children in 17 classrooms, aged from 8 to 11 and preparing their access to Middle school. The children's of a classroom of 22 (CM2/ 5th grade) developed with their teacher, the dream of a direct contact, via ham radio, with an astronaut of the ISS. This year, the children are studying the life in space, working on the comprehension of the Space Station and are participating to science and ham-radio activities organized by the Radio-club station of St-Maur (F6KMX). +++++++++++++++++ Missoula Family YMCA, Missoula, MT on 08 Jan. Missoula Family YMCA hosted an ARISS contact January 8, 2013 at 16:14 UTC at Target Range School in Missoula, Montana. It was conducted in English and was direct between NA1SS and W7PX. Students talked to the crew aboard the ISS with the assistance of the Hellgate Amateur Radio Club and asked a pool of questions generated from the student winners of an essay contest. The students represent grades 3 - 9 and attend the following Missoula county schools; Target Range, Loyola, St. Josesph's, Russell, Hellgate Elementary, Lowell and Chief Charlo. The Missoula Family YMCA has been committed to incorporating academic programs to help students figure out their place in the world. We think of the ARISS contact as the real world application of our students' studies of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Our participation in the ARISS event can help us achieve this goal and continue to excite the interest in our youth and to promote NASA STEM activities. Missoula is located along the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers in Western Montana and at the convergence of five mountain ranges. Thus is often described as being the "Hub of Five Valleys". The 2010 Census put the population of Missoula at 66,788 and has been the second largest city in Montana. The city is also home to four high schools, five middle schools, sixteen elementary schools, two private schools and The University of Montana. +++++++++++++++++ An International Space Station school contact was completed by Royal Canadian Air Cadets- Newfoundland Cadet Detachment, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada on 12 Jan. The contact was conducted in English and was direct between NA1SS and VO1BZM. In preparation for the upcoming ARISS Contact Event, the cadets of 515 Air Cadets along with the local Air Cadet Squadrons focused on the aerospace portion of their training program. The Squadron's training staff added in extra classes in this subject area including lessons focused around various Canadian Astronauts to help familiarize the cadets with Chris Hadfield's career and background. We also encouraged the cadets in the squadrons to check out Col Hadfield's Facebook page and Twitter feed along with looking at various websites with lots of information about the International Space Station. We have canvassed the cadets over the last few weeks to develop the questions they will get to ask and in the coming weeks. They conducted a practice run through with those selected to ask questions. Everyone involved in this event was very enthusiastic and enjoyed the opportunity of participating in this as once in a life time learning event. +++++++++++++++++ An International Space Station school contact was successful with participants at Saint Rose Elementary School, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on 17 Jan. The contact was direct between NA1SS and VE9LC and was conducted in English. Students in grades three to five from Saint Rose School excitedly prepared for their upcoming communication with International Space Station Canadian Commander, Chris Hadfield. In preparation for this educational event, they took part in a Saint John Astronomy Club presentation by Kurt Nason. A kick-off assembly with special guest Greg D'Entremont in Novemeber. At this assembly, SRS students met their ten Barnhill Memorial School partners who will be asking Commander Hadfield student created questions. In the month of December, each class worked on space projects linked to curriculum outcomes. Some classroom projects linked to the K-2 curriculum, You and Your World, while some students in grades 3-5 worked on Science connections individually, in small group, or as a class. Event day saw some of the projects highlighted. Their final lead-up event of the 2012 calendar year was December 17th when students enjoyed a presentation by UNBSJ Space Studies Professor, Phil Backman. The "Saint Rose School Space Walk" took place on January 9th. Students walked from classroom to classroom to observe projects, ask questionsof project creators, and selected the projects highlighted on eventday. The week culminated with the Science East Planetarium in the gymnasium that all students visited throughout the day for class presentations. A video of the contact can be found at http://tinyurl.com/a5fv8qk The video is under “LifeStyle”, Then, within LifeStyle, select “Misc.” The title is “Students talk to Space Station”. +++++++++++++++++ NASA Teaching from Space is currently accepting proposals for ARISS contacts to be scheduled May-November 2013. Find details on requirements and submitting a proposal below. The current proposal window closes January 28. US Hams, don’t forget that there is a new process for US school proposals. For US schools to have an ARISS contact, they must fill out a proposal, submit it to NASA, and see if they are approved or not. Once a school is approved and put on the list, an ARISS mentor will be assigned to assist the school. NASA will have two open windows a year for schools to submit a proposal.You must go through NASA to get the proposal material. Contact Teaching From Space, a NASA Education office, at JSC-TFS- ARISS(a)mail.nasa.gov or by calling them at (281) 244-2320. The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. [ANS thanks ARISS and the ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- NASA Announces Student Internships for Summer College Level Internships NASA says they are accepting applications for college level summer internship positions among several NASA field centers. "But don't wait until the deadline," advises NASA mentor and fellow AMSAT member, Pat Kilroy, N8PK. "The opportunities to work on a CubeSat team, for example, are exciting but pretty competitive." It is thought that students who know the "AMSAT way" and who have an Amateur Radio license and some hands on experience have a distinct advantage in the midst of such competition. "That worked for me," said Pat. Students can view opportunities and apply for them in one place. To start, the prospective student should go to: https://intern.nasa.gov/ then click the Student Opportunities tab then select Internships, which will bring you to the OSSI:NIFS page describing the overall internship program. Using the Search Opportunities tab from there, scroll down to the bottom for the "Enter keywords" box and enter "cubesat" without the quotes to view the variety of different opportunities in this field. Pat Kilroy will be the lead mentor for two of the opportunities described. The first, under the title of "CubeSat Engineering Design Team Project," applicants are called to develop a CubeSat spacecraft bus (i.e., the solar panel and battery charging, power regulation and distribution "EPS" subsystem, the RF communications "COM" subsystem, the command and data handling/processing avionics "C&DH" subsystem, the attitude determination and control "ADAC" subsystem, and the mechanical structures "MECH" subsystem) and one instrument (i.e., a camera/telescope payload). Hardware and software skills will be well represented. The team will need a student Systems Engineer as well. Each intern will consult with a NASA engineer in their area of specialty throughout the summer. In the second, under the title "PICetSat Module Development," one or two student interns are called to perform any of a number of tasks, including one to develop a "dual-use" ground station for CubeSats and high-altitude balloon and sounding rocket experiments. This task will involve satellite and balloon tracking, RF systems, test equipment and antennas and antenna control automation. Additional details are available on the OSSI:NIFS site including how to contact the lead mentor for technical questions, and the procedure on how to apply for one of these Goddard Greenbelt positions as well as many others. High School Internship Applications at NASA The application process for high school students to apply for a summer internship can be found on the same OSSI:NIFS Web site as given above for the summer at one of many locations around the country. As noted in the opportunity description already mentioned, up to two local high school seniors will be selected to participate on the CubeSat team in Greenbelt. [ANS thanks NASA for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Unilever Buys 22 Flights On XCOR Lynx Suborbiter For AXE Campaign by Staff Writers Mojave CA (SPX) Jan 15, 2013 Commercial spaceflight is entering the main stream and looking (and smelling) quite good! United Kingdom-based Unilever Group, and Space Expedition Corporation (SXC) announced a 22 flight purchase on XCOR Aerospace's Lynx Mark II suborbital spacecraft for Unilever's space-themed AXEApollo campaign for the AXE brand of men's cologne, body spray, shower gels and other personal care products. Unilever will award the first flight to a lucky winner selected from a drawing just after the Super Bowl on February 3rd, and the 21 other winners will come from a year long, 60 country promotional campaign. That larger campaign includes a 100+ person December 2013 space camp for early stage winners in Orlando called the AXE Apollo Space Academy (A.A.S.A.). The campaign also includes legendary Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin and a 30 second Super Bowl advertisement. For a chance to win, register at www.AXEApollo.com. "When a global brand leader like Unilever makes a significant commitment to a product like our Lynx, it is a clear sign that commercial spaceflight has entered the main stream of worldwide commerce and truly is the Next Big Thing," stated Andrew Nelson, Chief Operating Officer of XCOR Aerospace, "Expect to keep seeing more good news from SXC as they ramp up in 2013!" [ANS thanks space-travel.com for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- European student codes reach ISS European finalists. Operating droids in space was no obstacle for a German-Italian alliance to reach the finish line of the Zero Robotics tournament. The European winners commanded mini-robots to dodge virtual dust clouds and rendezvous with disabled satellites, all in the weightlessness of the International Space Station. This year's competition gave over 130 high-school students from across Europe the opportunity to operate droids in space by coding software. Six alliances made of teams from Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal witnessed how their computer codes worked in the Space Station from ESA's ESTEC space research and technology centre in the Netherlands The RetroSpheres space game involved two mini-robots racing through a course using the least amount of fuel. During the three-minute programmed dance, the volleyball-sized spheres moved using 12 squirts of compressed gas. Competitors could collect extra fuel from decommissioned satellites and deorbit the satellites for extra points while navigating through their opponent's dust clouds. "It is really special to see what these students have created and get to operate their algorithms in space," said NASA's Kevin Ford on the Station. The astronaut, together with crewmate Tom Marshburn, set up the matches from Japan's Kibo laboratory. The team with the most fuel left over in the European finals was the BEER alliance - the Brotherhood of Esteemed European Researchers. German and Italian high-school students developed the software that calculated the winning path for their robot in an exciting final game that demonstrated Newton's laws of motion. Robotic future The challenge to control these robots remotely began in the United States, where an adventurous professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found inspiration from the Star Wars saga. The mini-spacecraft have been used on the Station since 2006 to try out manoeuvres. ESA astronaut Andre Kuipers, who ran the competition from the Station last year, hosted the event from ESTEC. "Europe is embarking on robotic-related missions. Robots are and will be of great help in space," he noted. Spacecraft fuel consumption - carbon dioxide in this case - was a programming issue for the students. "Most of us knew nothing about computer science before this competition. Teamwork and creative strategies helped us to succeed," explained Jaime Sevilla, one of the Spanish players. Teachers were pleased to see their pupils learn to communicate with each other, gaining technical knowledge and boosting their enthusiasm. [ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Tom, K8TL reports a successful December 27 contact with Jari OH2FQV via FO-29. At 7170 km distance this may be a new distance record for this satellite. Tom noted was about a minute between AOS and LOS between the two stations. + Luis, EC4TR reports a successful contact between Spain and Brazil with Paulo, PV8DX via AO-7 mode B on January 11. + AMSAT-India invites interested satellite operators to view the A-I President's Message and 2012 Accomplishments in a presentation at: http://amsatindia.org/reports/AI-2012.pdf (via Nitin, VU3TYG) + The latest TAPR PSR Digital Journal for Autumn 2012 is now avail- able at: http://www.tapr.org/psr/psr120.pdf + Ivo Klinkert, PA1IVO, has posted his article, "A Multi-purpose Portable Setup," on his web at: http://ivok.home.xs4all.nl/pa1ivo/portable_satellite_setup.html The article already appeared in the March 2012 issue of the AMSAT-DL Journal and later in two issues of OSCAR NEWS (July and September 2012), but the on-line version includes more images. + In Series Five, Episode Twenty-Six, of the ICQ Amateur/Ham Radio Podcast Martin M1MRB reviews the Raspberry Pi Linux-based single board computer's uses for Amateur Radio: http://tinyurl.com/ICQ-Podcasts-Pi + Here is a WebSDR receiver, located in Playa de Muchavista - Camp- ello (Alicante - Spain), operated by EA5CV & EA5DOM which allows you to tune two microwave bands: 10.3 GHz and 2320 MHz: http://maxiplaya.dyndns.org:8901/ (via Michel, F6HTJ) + Soyuz rockets will be taking Americans to ISS http://tinyurl.com/baabs67 (via Space Daily) + China to launch 20 spacecrafts in 2013 http://tinyurl.com/al62yml (via Space Daily) [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, KC8YLD kc8yld at amsat dot org

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Re: NIST Phase Noise Measurements Group Noise Figure
by Joe Leikhim 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

I have just sent off an e-mail to David Howe of NIST Metrology requesting clarification. I was shocked when I first saw this and posted it a couple places to get feedback. Domenico's excellent response further demonstrated that explanation is required. I will post NIST's response when I get it. -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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SatPC32 Problems Connecting to TS2000
by Richard Lawn 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

I've had intermittent problems with connecting SatPC32 to my TS2000 via CAT. I finally determined I thought that the Keyspan 4-port USB-Serial hub was the problem. I've had problems with it in the past so this wasn't a surprise. I dug out another single Keyspan USB-serial converter, plugged it in, had to reset the Com port to something higher (17) and tested it first with Ham Radio Deluxe. Whalla it worked connecting at 57600 baud rate. But I try to connect to the radio using the same parameters in SatPC32 and no dice. It tells me that com 17 isn't available. What am I missing. I am using VSP and could it be that I need to set up a pair. The ultimate goal is to control both the TS2000 for uplink and my Flex5KA with downconverters with SatPC32. It worked just fine including the Keyspan hub with my FT847 but not with the Kenwood. What am I missing? Rick W2JAZ

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Re: Please make available for Kindle as wel.
by David Johnson 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

Hi, We will do our best but we cannot target every platform specifically. I already build for four google devices. Nexus 1,S,7 & 10. The kindle fire and Barnes and Noble devices have to be side loaded and we would have to set up a download site and PayPal payment mechanism for the paid version. 73 Dave Since us Kindle users can not directly access the Google Play site, please consider making the apps available to us Kindle Fire and Fire HD users. I like the functionality and am looking forward to the new features.**** ** ** *Tom Schuessler* *2713 Lake Gardens Drive* *Irving, Texas 75060* *972-986-7456* *214-403-1464 (Cell)* *n5hyp(a)arrl.net* ** **

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Re: NIST Phase Noise Measurements Group Noise
by Joe Leikhim 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

Domenico; Your argument certainly makes sense. I think NIST may need to be challenged on the assertion. Perhaps their report is out of context? -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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Broadband Preamps back in stock!
by Alan 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

The AMSAT Store now has the popular broadband preamps back in stock. They can be found on the top page at: http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ 73s, Alan WA4SCA AMSAT Store stock boy.

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WARP DRiVE for STRaND-1 CubeSat
by Trevor . 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12191 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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PSLV-CA (PSLV-C20) Launch Feb 14
by Trevor . 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

The Hindu newspaper reports that ISRO are aiming for a February 14 launch date. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12180 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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Grid EM21hs Contact to Europe - Possible? Let's try.
by Clayton Coleman 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

I am seeking a station located in Ireland, UK, Portugal, or the far west coast of Spain (Ferrol, Muros, or Vigo) for an attempted contact on AO-7 mode B. With my current station I am confident to establish contact in the range of 7600-7700km. This contact may require multiple attempts. I am patient and desire the opportunity to make contact with you. CW or voice. My location is in the eastern region of Texas, USA. Thank you & 73, Clayton W5PFG

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Re: YouTube
by Joe Leikhim 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Cute! On 1/17/2013 4:15 PM, Mauri Lucca wrote: > > www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAxUb6EPPtY > <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAxUb6EPPtY> > > iz5ovp > MauriLucca(a)tiscali.it <mailto:[email protected]> > sent by mobile phone > www.qrz.com/db/iz5ovp <http://www.qrz.com/db/iz5ovp> > -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 8, Issue 17
by Thomas Frey 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org schrieb: > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:53:10 +0000 (GMT) > From: "Trevor ."<m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> > To:[email protected] > Subject: [amsat-bb] PSLV-CA CubeSat Launch February 10 ? > Message-ID: > <1358373190.281.YahooMailClassic(a)web172301.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > The Zarya site is currently quoting February 10 as a possible launch date for PSLV-CA which will carry a number of CubeSats some of which are listed by Zarya. > > Seehttp://www.zarya.info/Calendar.php > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > Hello Trevor The NASA Space Calendar says at 14th February, see http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/calendar/#1302 (PSLV-C20). See also http://www.amsat-dl.org/index.php/satelliten-mainmenu-76/ersicht-aller-main… -- Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Regards, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA ______________________________________________________________________ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/

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NIST Phase Noise Measurements Group Noise Figure kTB correction
by Joe Leikhim 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

This came to my attention yesterday. NIST presents interesting 3 dB correction to historic value assumed for kTB to -177 dBm/Hz . I always assumed -174 dBm/Hz based on past publications. http://tf.nist.gov/phase/noisemeas.html I wonder how this affects metrology and calibration of noise figure meters? -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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HudsonValleySatcomGroupNet-Tonight1/17/13@8PMonEcholink N2EYH-L
by cotejaune2＠aol.com 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

It is time again for the HVSGN on Echolink N2EYH-L and the MtBeacon repeater146.970 pl 100 @ 8 PM eastern.Please join us and share your satellite experience with the Net. 73 Gary wa2aqh. Tom Kc2dtq

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PSLV-CA CubeSat Launch February 10 ?
by Trevor . 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

The Zarya site is currently quoting February 10 as a possible launch date for PSLV-CA which will carry a number of CubeSats some of which are listed by Zarya. See http://www.zarya.info/Calendar.php 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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Sat presentation at the University of Cienfuegos
by Hector, CO6CBF 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

Hello all! Tomorrow 15 /01, the University of my city will be celebrating "the sciences` day" and I have been invited to talk about ham radio during the season. I will focus my presentation in ham radio by satellites and I hope to be on the 1605z FO-29 pass for a demonstration. Please, if you hear me, give me a shout with your name, city, state etc. I will be operating portable running half duplex and CAT controlled. Thanks in advance! 73! Hector, CO6CBF

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EL86 Operation Day 1
by John Papay 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

I was on the 2236utc 15Jan SO50 pass from Captiva Island in EL86. Stations worked were: W5PFG, N8RO, KE4KOL, KB2M, KD8QBA and WA2EFU. Called KK4HEQ but no response. If you need a card, please send me an email. Hope to be on again Wednesday and Thursday. 73, John K8YSE

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Re: Newsky dongle
by Scott Smith 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

Tnx everyone for you help, I downloaded the SDR# (HDSDR) program and tried listening in on our local repeater 146.820 on both NFM and WFM, just noise must be doing something wrong. Maybe needs some driver?. I also ordered the UPconverter and will try listening on some HF stations. Once again tnx folks. 73 de Scott VE6ITV

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G-5500 drama
by Bob- W7LRD 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

Hello all...my rotor problem has been resolved..A few things learned in the process are....Before I even cracked the case I called Yaesu just in case the rotor was "totaled". I asked them how much is it for just a G5500 elevation rotor. They do not sell a single rotor! Why???, I asked, they did not know, that's what they were told from Japan. I am planning on writing to Japan for all the good it will do. After spending a few K on Yaesu products over the years I was a bit po. Anyway, took rotor apart cleaned, replaced bearings, packed them with good grease, replaced all the bolts with stainless steel hex head ones. Why they don't do that in the first place I do not understand. I soon discovered the root cause of the rotor problem, and I will take that information to the grave with me, far to embarrassing to even bring up in confession. My thanks to the many replies particularly from Dave KB1PVH, those links were invaluable. Lots of good information on the bb archive. from the embarrassing LRD compound 73 Bob W7LRD

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HamSatDroid
by David Johnson 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

Hi, Just a note to say that there will be a series of updates coming out in the next few weeks which will introduce some of the most popular feature requests. Also a quick heads up to say that once these are done we will be introducing a paid HamSatDroidPlus version which will have a richer interface targeted at both phones and tablets, where a proportion of the price will go to the AMSAT-UK Satellite Building Fund. More details on this to come. However, if you would like to make suggestions for functionality they will be gratefully received. Something we and others need is a web service that provides a catalog of not just Keps but also satellite capabilities.... Not a textual version but one that can be consumed by other web services. I've got a bare-bones version working but would be happy to collaborate. 73 Dave, G4DPZ AMSAT-UK Committee Member AMSAT-NA Life Member

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FWD:
by N3TL＠bellsouth.net 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

Happy new year! I thank and recommend the site http://congthao.com/cornerdrugjustinjames/?3The%20simple%20mode%20to%20supp…

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EL86 Grid Operation
by John Papay 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

I will try to operate SO-50 from EL86, Sanibel Island Florida on early evening passes on Tuesday thru Thursday 15-17 January. EL86 is fairly rare since it is mostly water. As always, no promises on being active but I will try my best. Send QSL requests via email if you need the card. 73, John K8YSE

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ARISSat-1 Operational Survey at 2012 ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference), Atlanta
by Mark Thompson 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

"ARISSat-1 Operational Survey" by TAPR's Steve, N7HPR at 2012 ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference), Atlanta http://youtu.be/t0i_6in8CE0 More Info about TAPR at: www.tapr.org

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Re: Newsky dongle?
by Glenn AA5PK 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

"Dave Webb KB1PVH" wrote: > Search for funcube upconverter on Ebay, there is one there now. Or go here: <http://preview.tinyurl.com/NooElec> Glenn AA5PK

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Re: Newsky dongle?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 13 Jan '13

13 Jan '13

> >Does anyone know what the conversion spec is? What input range maps to >what output range? Seems like a most basic spec, but I can't find it >anywhere. > "Fire up your favorite SDR software. Tune to 100MHz + (+/- the tuning offset from the tuning procedure) + your desired frequency and enjoy!" 73, Drew KO4MA

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FITSAT-1 LED New Photos
by Mineo Wakita 13 Jan '13

13 Jan '13

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/fitsatle.htm#led JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: G-5500 frozen
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 13 Jan '13

13 Jan '13

Is your drainage hole plugged? I'm sure going to check mine now. Good Luck! Mike K9QHO

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Beacon?
by R.T.Liddy 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

Tonight (1/12) while getting set up for an FO-29 pass I tuned down to the Beacon Frequency 435.795 MHz. In spite of it being more than 5 minutes before AOS, I heard a strong CW signal at around 435.790 MHz. It was about 0214Z and there was a series of longish dashes and some short pauses and finally a CW "XW", then quiet. The Doppler was quite fast compared to what I hear from FO-29 and the signal was much stronger. The signal had moved down to 435.788 MHz in a little more than a minute and went quiet. I don't recall hearing a Beacon move frequency that fast, so whatever was sending it must have been much lower than the Satellites that we expect to be operational at this time. At 0221Z when I began to hear FO-29's Beacon, it was significantly weaker and the CW contained a lot of numbers. It never became anywhere near as strong as the unknown Beacon. When I did an Internet Search of Amateur Satellite Beacons, the only one that I found near that frequency was FO-20. I couldn't find FO-20 listed in SATPC-32 to run an Orbit Prediction to see if it could have been passing overhead at that time. So, I'm curious what Satellite that could have been which was so strong and moving so fast above my QTH at EN91hq. Could FO-20 have come back to life? Anyone have comments/thoughts/guesses about this? TNX, Bob K8BL

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Newsky dongle?
by Scott Smith 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

Hi folks, I now have one of those Newsky dongles and an mcx to bnc adaptor. What else do I need like software etc so I can receive shortwave radio?. Later I would like to use it for the satellites. Any help will be appreciated. 73 de Scott VE6ITV

3 3

Yaesu G-5500
by Bob- W7LRD 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

Hello...Does some one have the service manual or info for setting up the timing marks with the position pot and the end stop switches. Probably the same information for the 5400. 73 Bob W7LRD

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G-5500 frozen
by Bob- W7LRD 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

For those waiting for the on going rotor drama at the LRD compound. Tipped tower over, removed all antennas, rotor etc. took in shop opened case, one big ice cube inside. The gears can not move through ice! I will clean it up, dry it out, does anyone have any experience with sealing this thing up, making gasket etc ? It is the Yaesu G-5500 elevation rotor. It does rain here a bit (Seattle) hihi 73 Bob W7LRD

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SA AMSAT Accelerating the KLETSkous CubeSat Project
by Trevor . 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

SARL news reports that SA AMSAT is in serious need of funding and appeals to radio amateurs to make a financial contribution. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12162 KLETSkous aims to carry a 435/145 MHz linear transponder http://www.amsatsa.org.za/KLETSkous.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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Re: Ham Radio in UK?
by Joe Leikhim 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

Thanks; For some reason, I thought 70CM Repeaters were unavailable in UK, and my W32A might be "contraband". Yes the W32A can work 420-450 MHz, (Mine will :-) ). Yes voice GSM is what we need for the trip. WIFI will have to suffice for data needs. --- On Fri, 11/1/13, Joe Leikhim <rhyolite(a)nettally.com> wrote: > I am planning a trip to UK and was wondering about VHF repeater usage. > > 1) I have an ICOM W32A and it does not generate 1750 Hz tone > as far as I can tell (US Version). Is CTCSS widely used in OK? All 2m repeaters use CTCSS, info on repeaters and coverage maps are at http://www.ukrepeater.net/ > 2) The radio is dual band 2M/70CM but I can disable 70CM > band from front panel. Will Customs hassle me for that > model? Don't know but I've not heard of anyone having problems. BTW can't you open up the 70cm coverage to give 420-450 MHz ? That would enable you to use the UK 70cm repeaters. > 3) Any recommendations for good PMR446, dPMR or similar > radios (low cost) to communicate with my wife should we get > separated? Preferably something readily available and using > AA (not AAA) batteries. > 4) Is GSM still the way to go for basic cell phone service > in UK? We got my son a used blackberry? "world phone" > for his trip last year and it seemed spotty. Maybe he was > getting SIM cards for the wrong provider? If all you want is voice and SMS text messaging then yes GSM is what you are after. For data/internet use you'd need 3G. It's worth checking the coverage provided by each of the Four networks in the areas you'll be visiting before you buy a Sim. Personally I've found Vodafone and O2 give best voice/text coverage as they use the 900 MHz band, other networks EE (Orange/T-Mobile) and 3 are only on the higher bands, 1800 and 2100 MHz with shorter ranges. Coverage Maps: Vod -http://www.vodafone.co.uk/our-network-and-coverage/uk-coverage-map/ O2 -http://www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker EE -https://explore.ee.co.uk/coverage-checker 3 -http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Coverage 73 Trevor M5AKA -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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G-5500 ooops
by Bob- W7LRD 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

hello...it has been a bad week at the LRD compound. My 2M preamp went snafu now the G5500el rotor reads zero degrees and will not move. When the up is pressed the lights in the control unit dim ever so slightly just like the az (which works). Tomorrow (1/12) I'll tip the tower over and see what I have. I realize this is premature to put out a specific question. Hopefully it's something simple. 73 Bob W7LRD

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Ot: commercial space ad
by andy thomas 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

Sorry guys, but it made me laugh. Hopelessly OT. google "youtube lynx apollo fireman ad" and enjoy! (Bet if he's shown her his HT it would have made a difference, HI) 73 de andy g0sfj

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GB1MIR - 1991 MIR Space Station recording
by Trevor . 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

A recording of an amateur radio contact between the UK's first astronaut Helen Sharman GB1MIR and Harrogate Ladies' College GB0JUNO is now available on the AMSAT-UK website. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?page_id=11501 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Ham Radio in UK?
by Joe Leikhim 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

I am planning a trip to UK and was wondering about VHF repeater usage. 1) I have an ICOM W32A and it does not generate 1750 Hz tone as far as I can tell (US Version). Is CTCSS widely used in OK? 2) The radio is dual band 2M/70CM but I can disable 70CM band from front panel. Will Customs hassle me for that model? 3) Any recommendations for good PMR446, dPMR or similar radios (low cost) to communicate with my wife should we get separated? Preferably something readily available and using AA (not AAA) batteries. 4) Is GSM still the way to go for basic cell phone service in UK? We got my son a used blackberry "world phone" for his trip last year and it seemed spotty. Maybe he was getting SIM cards for the wrong provider? Thanks in advance -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim(a)Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM

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HAM RADIO IN UK
by paul robinson 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

Joe,GSM is best mobile ,vodaphone or o2 will be the best,even in fringe locations,all network coverage is good in towns etc.any network. ctcss or 1750 tone will open all repeaters except dig.ham radio. enjoy Paul 2E1EUB

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WD9EWK @ Thunderbird ARC hamfest in Phoenix AZ, tomorrow
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

Hi! I will have an AMSAT table at the Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club's annual hamfest tomorrow (Saturday, 12 January) morning in Phoenix. More information about the event is on the calendar at the AMSAT web site. I plan on working whatever passes are available during the event, including AO-7 - which should change to mode B tomorrow morning. It will be a very cold (for central Arizona) morning, with the temperatures before sunrise probably hovering a few degrees below freezing. If you want a QSL card for a contact with WD9EWK at the hamfest, please e-mail me directly with the QSO details. No need to mail me a card and/or SASE. QSOs will also go into the Logbook of the World. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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BBC show Between the Ears – Space Ham
by Trevor . 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting a show (available on the web) celebrating amateur radio and space exploration. Further details at http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12135 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your AMSAT-UK membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

1 0

The origin of a word "AENEAS"
by Mineo Wakita 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/aene_org.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: new station cn87 and Kenwood TH-F6A
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

My mind is running wild. I received an email some time back from a ham (I think it was Jarred) who said he copied my CW on FO-29 using the TH-F6A or similar hand held. My immediate thought was that Kenwood could add a miniature CW jack and turn this rig into a rig that operates on both the linear and FM birds. Very little engineering cost to implement this. Just Thinking, Mike K9QHO Message: 6 Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:14:11 -0700 From: KERRY LA*DUKE <kladuke1144(a)msn.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] new station cn87 Message-ID: <BAY171-DS2543207D63DAFF50DB93B7BC2A0(a)phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" All, Had a great qso and first contact for WA7GNP this morning on SO-50. Jarred is running a Kenwood TH-F6A and home brew yagi's on a tripod. Jarred has also been listening on the analog birds. 73 WC7V Kerry

4 3

Re: Icom AG-25 schematic
by Greg Beat 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

Bob - Here are the documents, web links, and answers from QRZ Q&A. http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?290978-3SK121-FT-726R-70cm-module-Q01 AMSAT-BB -- December 23, 2001 (Joe Leikhim, K4SAT) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/200112/msg00609.html Toshiba 3SK121 -- TOSHIBA TRANSISTOR Dual-Gate, UHF, 10V, Idss>20mA, Up<4V Datasheet (largely in Japanese). http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/data.../499109_DS.pdf The Icom mast-mounted pre-amplifiers (AG-25, AG-35) use the dual gate 3SK121 Dual Gate FET. The 2 schematics/manuals for the Icom AG-25 and AG-35 units are at QRZ page. You will see Internet recommendations for the 3SK121 replacement on AMSAT and VHF/UHF DX discussion boards based on this usage by Icom. These two distributors indicated they had inventory of this Toshiba Dual-Gate FET. XS Micro http://www.xsmicro.com/rfq.php?pn=3S...&ref=octoparts and Express Electronics (UK) http://www.express-elect.com/ I have seen one Eastern Asia exporter (eBay Seller id: my_mkchan) based in Hong Kong offer a variety of Yaesu parts, including some hard to find (no longer mfg.) transistors. I have seen the European CF-739 or BF981 listed as a suitable substitute. When you substitute check Noise Figures and Gain for your application. BEWARE of Counterfeit (Fake) Semiconductor Parts from Asia ..... http://sound.westhost.com/counterfeit.htm === w9gb ----- Original Message ---- > From: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Sent: Wed, January 9, 2013 4:05:35 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] here's a good one! > > Getting ready for a AO-7A pass, started keying the transmitter, I >noticed the computer monitor was blinking very nicely in time with the >cw, also the az and el indicators on the G5500 control unit were dancing around in tune with the cw. >In fact they danced in tune even with the power off. Tipped over >satellite tower, got out ohm meter, direct open through the 2M Icom >AG-25 preamp. Jumped around the now removed preamp and we're back in >business. Question...The relay contacts seem to be suspect. Should I >get parts and repair the AG-25 or get a better preamp, as I am going to >scratch some EME efforts off my bucket list. If you have a better 2M preamp "laying " around let me know. > > as always > 73 Bob W7LRD

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new station cn87
by KERRY LA*DUKE 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

All, Had a great qso and first contact for WA7GNP this morning on SO-50. Jarred is running a Kenwood TH-F6A and home brew yagi's on a tripod. Jarred has also been listening on the analog birds. 73 WC7V Kerry

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icom AG-25 schematic
by Bob- W7LRD 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

anyone have or can aim me to a AG-25 schematic? I called Icom (5 mi. up the road) they don't have one? Go figure! 73 Bob W7LRD

2 1

here's a good one!
by Bob- W7LRD 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Getting ready for a AO-7A pass, started keying the transmitter, I noticed the computer monitor was blinking very nicely in time with the cw, also the az and el indicators on the G5500 control unit were dancing around in tune with the cw. In fact they danced in tune even with the power off. Tipped over satellite tower, got out ohm meter, direct open through the 2M Icom AG-25 preamp. Jumped around the now removed preamp and we're back in business. Question...The relay contacts seem to be suspect. Should I get parts and repair the AG-25 or get a better preamp, as I am going to scratch some EME efforts off my bucket list. If you have a better 2M preamp "laying " around let me know. as always 73 Bob W7LRD

2 1

Sunita Williams KD5PLB tour of ISS video
by Trevor . 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

I've only just run across this video made by ISS Commander Sunita Williams KD5PLB, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doN4t5NKW-k 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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BPSK9600 reception
by Michael Chen 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Hi, What are your setup for BPSK9600 reception? Michael Chen, BD5RV/4 AMSAT-China: http://www.camsat.cn ----------------------------------- Twitter: http://twitter.com/bd5rv Email: michael.bd5rv(a)gmail.com MSN: bd5rv(a)jsdxc.org Skype: michael-bd5rv

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UKube-1 CubeSat Featured in SatMagazine
by Trevor . 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

The UK CubeSat UKube-1 is featured on the front cover of the January 2013 edition of the free publication SatMagazine, see http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12110 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ Join or Renew your membership at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/category_7/Membership-of-AMSAT-UK.html ----

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Satpc32 install problem
by Richard Lawn 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

Trying to install on my MacBook Pro running win7 under boot camp fails suggesting that I don't have admin permissions At login. I don't understand how to get around this as I login with my password on boot up and don't recall having this problem in the past. Suggestions? Right clicking on setup doesn't seem to show the option I was looking for either. Rick W2jaz

2 1

Broadband Preamps
by Alan 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

The initial run of broadband preamps have been sold. We expect to have more available relatively soon. The first few will be used to cover existing orders. When they are available for purchase, they will be on the AMSAT store, and announcements will be made though AMSAT media. Thanks to all who have ordered them, and by doing so supported AMSAT operations! Alan WA4SCA

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Re: Linux-Sat Tracker
by Vikas N Kumar 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Hello It depends on the Linux in question. I use Debian 6.0 (Squeeze) and I use the following in tandem to get a nice view of satellites: a) predict and predict-gsat b) gpredict I think predict-gsat along with predict running in the background is a better UI overall and gives a nicer view, but YMMV. --Vikas On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 3:00 PM, <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 00:34:58 -0800 > From: Kevin Deane <summit496(a)live.com> > To: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux-Sat Tracker > Message-ID: <BLU174-W21362A62C1EAA1875A966583250(a)phx.gbl> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > > Trying to utilize a couple old computers using Linux and am trying to > install a sat tracker. Anyone with any knowledge for this endeavor please > contact me off the BB. Thank you very much! > > Kevin > > KF7MYK > >

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Linux-Sat Tracker
by Kevin Deane 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Trying to utilize a couple old computers using Linux and am trying to install a sat tracker. Anyone with any knowledge for this endeavor please contact me off the BB. Thank you very much! Kevin KF7MYK

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FITSAT-1 LED New schedules 2013
by Mineo Wakita 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

2013, Flashing LED plan was based on the weather: 10th Jan. 23:57:30 - 23:59:30 New Delhi India (10Hz Green 2min) 11th Jan. 13:52:30 - 13:54:30 San Francisco USA (10Hz Green 2min) 12th Jan. 22:00:30 - 22:02:30 Bangalore India (10Hz Green 2min) 13th Jan. 14:41:30 - 14:43:30 Melbourne Australia (10Hz Red 2min) 14th Jan. 11:03:30 - 11:05:30 Oklahoma USA (10Hz Green 2min) 15th Jan. 22:27:30 - 22:29:30 Wulumuqi China (10Hz Green 2min) http://www.fit.ac.jp/~tanaka/fitsat.shtml http://www.jinkou-eisei.jp/FITSAT/index.html http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/fitsatle.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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ARISS - Contact - F6KMX - les Muriers - 7/01/2012 at 10h57 UTC - Live Streaming
by christophe.mcr 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Bonjour / Hello Direct Streaming : http://webcast.viewontv.com/webcast_tournage_satellite_nasa_012013.html 73's Christophe http://ariss.fr.free.fr

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(no subject)
by G. Gould Smith 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

http://mivglobalnetworks.com/images/addht.php

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G5500 question
by Roy 06 Jan '13

06 Jan '13

Hi Bob, Long time. I have seen this happen in the old KCT controller. Full right rotation is the max pot rotation also. In the KCT case, the control bits that were set to initiate rotation sometimes got set in the full right turn setting and were left that way. Can you determine if the rotor was actually sent to 450 or if it turned, uncontrolled, to the right until the end of rotation limit switch (if one is present) was actuated stopping the rotor? If there is no limit switch, then a thermal switch may have repeatedly opened to protect the rotor from burnout. The rotation bits got set sometimes and were left set when the controller was powered off or the tracking program was closed, etc. when the rotor was moving. This also happened on some PCs anytime the KCT was initially installed and before the calibration was completed. In those cases we had to unsolder the R-L-U-D rotor control leads until the calibration was completed. Your case doesn't resemble this latter problem, however. 73, Roy -- W0SL

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Quick question about G-5500
by Raydel Abreu Espinet (CM2ESP) 06 Jan '13

06 Jan '13

Hello, After reading the previous asked question about the G-5500 and seeing some photos i just wanted to know... Using a properly weight balanced antenna system, What's the maximum weight this rotator can handle??? Thanks, Raydel, CM2ESP ---

2 1

Kline School Solar Arrays Donation
by Alan 06 Jan '13

06 Jan '13

A good SARC article on the recent donation of solar arrays to the Fox Project. http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2013/kline_school_raises_$6500_for_a msat_fox.htm Alan WA4SCA

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ANS-006 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by JoAnne Maenpaa 06 Jan '13

06 Jan '13

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-006 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicat- ing through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org In this edition: * Reminder -- AMSAT Receives $25,000 Matching Funds Challenge * SKN on OSCAR 2013 Best Fist Nominations Due * Proposal Window for U.S. ARISS Contacts Open until January 28 * AMSAT Awards * PhoneSat CubeSat Now Rescheduled for February Launch from Wallops * TAPR DCC Videos Available Online * STRaND-1 CubeSat Filmed by BBC Stargazing Live * Help Wanted: AMSAT News Service Rotating Editor Positions Available * First 24 GHz Contact Between USA and Japan * Kline School Posts AMSAT Announcement SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-006.01 ANS-006 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 006.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 6, 2013 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-006.01 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Reminder -- AMSAT Receives $25,000 Matching Funds Challenge Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity to double your donation. There are several ways you can double your donation to keep Amateur Radio in Space: + Members have received a form in the mail to fill out and return. Please do so today! + Go the AMSAT Store and make a donation + Donate via a PayPal donation sent to martha at amsat.org or click on our PayPal widget at http://www.amsat.org. Your generous contribution to AMSAT to support AMSAT and Project Fox now will help ensure that our common dream of keeping amateur radio in space will, indeed, become a reality. Fox-1A's design goals include: + Fox-1 includes a U/V (mode B) FM analog transponder. It's 2 meter downlink should be even easier to hear than AO-51. + Fox-1 is being designed so you can work it with just a dual-band HT and an "arrow" antenna. + The telemetry data from Fox-1 will be sent on the voice downlink in the frequencies below the audible band as low-speed FSK with forward error correction. + Fox-1 will provide an on-orbit test of a new high speed digital data mode for use on future missions. + A free telemetry decode program, FoxTLM, will be available to decode and display the low-speed telemetry and the high speed data downlink. + Fox-1 is designed to host a significant science payload to support future science missions that help us to get a free launch. This capability is fully utilized in our second ELaNa proposal to fly Fox-1B. + Fox-1 is designed to keep the FM transponder active using it solar cells in the event of on-orbit battery charging problems. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SKN on OSCAR 2013 Best Fist Nominations Due Many thanks to all who participated in AMSAT's Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2013. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to nominate someone you worked for Best Fist. Remember, your nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, only of those you worked. Send your nomination to w2rs at amsat.org. This year's event is dedicated to the memory of John Thompson, W1BIH/PJ9JT, who passed away in 2012, aged 96. Although known primarily as an HF DXer and contester, John was also active on OSCAR, mostly on CW. Those nominated will be recognized in an ANS bulletin in early Feb- ruary, and in The AMSAT Journal. [ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposal Window for U.S. ARISS Contacts Open until January 28 NASA's Teaching from Space program says their application window for schools and suitable public venues in the United States is open until January 28, 2013. To be considered for an ARISS contact with crew members aboard the International Space Station the application process consists of sub- mission of an educational proposal describing incorporation of sci- ence, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects into the cur- riculum. The ARISS program is a cooperative venture of NASA, ARRL and AMSAT and other international space agencies that organizes scheduled con- tacts via Amateur Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the ISS and classrooms and communities. One of the ARISS partners, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), posted information of the proposal process on their web at: http://www.arrl.org/ariss-proposal-requirements The NASA Teaching From Space web site has all of the instructions and links to downloadable forms posted at: http://tinyurl.com/NASA-TFS-JanuaryWindow (nasa.gov) Proposals accepted during January are for ARISS contacts that would take place in the U.S. between June 2013 and November 2013. A variety of public forums considered for ARISS contacts include: + School assemblies + Science museums + Scout camporees and jamborees and space camps + Large group audiences where students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space and space technologies and Ama- teur Radio. [ANS thanks NASA Teaching From Space, ARRL, and ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Awards AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO says congratu- lations are in order for our latest AMSAT Awards recipients: The following have entered into the Satellite Communicators Club for making their first satellite QSO. + Joseph Fouquet, N5JF + Mark Gearis, KG4JAG The following have earned the AMSAT Communications Achievement Award. + Costantino Montella, IK8YSS, #551 + Joseph Fouquet, N5JF, #552 + Anthony Sirianni, KD8OEE, #553 The following have earned the South Africa Satellite Communications Achievement Award. + Costantino Montella, IK8YSS, #US180 + Arnel Nebrida, DU2XXA, #US181 + Anthony Sirianni, KD8OEE, #US182 + Mark Gearis, KG4JAG, #US183 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org. Bruce says this will finish up the AMSAT Awards for 2012. Get on the air and earn your AMSAT Award during 2013! [ANS thanks AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PhoneSat CubeSat Now Rescheduled for February Launch from Wallops The PhoneSat cubesat, originally planned for a December 2012 launch, now looks like it will fly aboard a new commercial rocket from Orbit- al Sciences Corp. Orbital's initial flight of the Antares-110 vehicle will carry PhoneSat into low earth orbit. The vehicle will be launch- ed from a new launch pad LA-0A at Wallops Island, where the former Conestoga launch pad was located. Phonesat carries an amateur radio payload on 437.425 MHz, has been chosen as one of the winners in the Aerospace category for the Pop- ular Science magazine "Best of What's New 2012" awards. PhoneSat is a technology demonstration mission consisting of three 1U CubeSats intended to prove that a smartphone can be used to per- form many of the functions required of a spacecraft bus. The satellite is built around the Nexus smartphone which will be run- ning the Android operating system and will be enclosed in a standard 1U cubesat structure. The main function of the phone is to act as the Onboard Computer, but the mission will also utilize the phone's SD card for data storage, 5MP camera for Earth Observation, and 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer for attitude determination. One of the nanosatellites, powered by the HTC Nexus One smartphone, will send back pictures of Earth. The other two, running on the Sam- sung Nexus S, will have two-way S-band radio allowing them to be controlled from Earth. With a short lifetime of only about one week, the satellites have no solar cells and operate on battery only. Also planned for this launch is the commercial DOVE-1 satellite for a technology demonstration nanosatellite based on the triple CubeSat form factor. It's mission consists of: + Build a low-cost imaging satellite with non-space, COTS components. + Show that a bus constrained to the 3U cubesat form factor can via- bly host a small camera payload. + Demonstrate the ability to design, produce and operate satellites on short schedules and low cost. Dove-1 plans to transmit its telemetry and image data to the ground on a proposed frequency of 145.825 MHz in the amateur radio band al- though this is a commercial mission. [ANS thanks NASA, Gunter's Space Page, and AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- TAPR DCC Videos Available Online Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, says HamRadioNow (http://arvideonews.com/hrn/) recorded all of the 2012 Atlanta ARRL & TAPR Digital Communications Conference. The videos are posted in this link above. The HamRadioNow netcasts appear in newest to oldest order on the web page. Scroll down to find these episodes from the 2012 DCC: + Episode 33 is a talk with TAPR President Steve Bible, N7HPR, about what TAPR is today (and what it's been), the DCC. + Episode 34 is Steve again with his lead-off talk on the ARISSat project's user survey. + Episode 35 has Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI, and Jeremy McDermond, NH6Z, reviewing this year's hardware and software updates to HPSDR - High Performance Software Defined Radio. + Episode 36 is more than a primer on SDR and FlexRadio's new 6000 series by FlexRadio's Stephen Hicks, N5AC. + Episode 37 has NW Digital Radio's Bryan Hoyer, K7UDR, and John Hays, K7VE, updating a pair of old ideas: a packet-hailing channel and AMPRNet44. + Episode 38 features Hessu Hannikainen OH7LZB, developer of the APRS.FI website describing development of an open-source server for the APRS-IS network that distributes APRS data worldwide. Episode 44, added on December 27 is a video from the DCC presenting the design of a Handheld SDR by Chris Testa, KD2MBH. TAPR says the DCC videos will also be viewable on the YouTube TAPR Digital Videos Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TAPRDigitalVideo [ANS thanks Gary Pearce, KN4AQ and TAPR for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- STRaND-1 CubeSat Filmed by BBC Stargazing Live AMSAT-UK reports on http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=12039 about the BBC filming at the Surrey Space Centre (SSC) and Surrey Satellite Tech- nology Limited (SSTL) for an item on the STRaND-1 CubeSat mission for the "Stargazing Live" program to be broadcast January 8-10. Volunteers from the SSC and SSTL built STRaND-1 in their spare time. The STRaND-1 spacecraft will carry an Amateur Radio AX.25 packet radio payload on 437.575 MHz. It will be the UK's first "PhoneSat" carrying a Nexus Android Smartphone that will run a number of Space Apps. In addition it will have both a Resistojet and a Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) module. The 'STRaND Data' App, one of the Space Apps that will run on the Smartphone was a spin-off of the work done by the AMSAT-UK FUNcube team. This App will collect satellite telemetry from within the sat- ellite and display it graphically on the Nexus One Display. The dis- play is observed by an on-board camera and the images transmitted to earth on Amateur Radio frequencies. Pictures taken during the BBC filming can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Surrey-Space-Centre/147861435274871 STRaND-1 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nanosats [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Help Wanted: AMSAT News Service Rotating Editor Positions Available The AMSAT News Service (ANS) is responsible for researching, writing, editing, and publishing the weekly amateur satellite news bulletins. With the addition of a couple of volunteers this would generally involve taking a turn about every 3 to 4 weeks. At present we a looking for interested satellite enthusiasts to join the ANS editorial team. Professional writing/editing experience is NOT a requirement. Your interest and enthusiasm in following and reporting on amateur radio in space will get you started! The ANS Editor team helps each other by rounding up items of interest. Plus we receive submitted items for publication ... so you won't be left all alone! If you can commit to working on the bulletins for a week on a rotat- ing basis please reply via e-mail to AMSAT News Service Editor Lee McLamb, KU4OS via ku4os at amsat.org. [ANS thanks AMSAT Vice-President User Services, Gould Smith, WA4SXM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- First 24 GHz Contact Between USA and Japan Al, W5LUA and Shichirou, JA6CZD made the first 24 GHz EME contact between the USA and Japan on January 2 at 1430Z. The two stations had about an hour of common window where each had 15 to 20 degrees of elevation. JA6CZD uses a 2.4 M offset fed dish with a 22 watt SSPA. W5LUA uses a 2.4M offset fed dish and a TWT mounted on the feed support provid- ing 100 watts at the feed. JA6CZD sent Al a 559 signal report and Al gave Shichirou a 449 report. Both stations use linear polarity and must compensate for the 70 degrees of spatial offset between their locations. JA6CZD was used horizontal and Al used vertical polarization. The noise figure at both stations was under 2 dB. Al measured his Doppler Shift with his return echoes at 51 KHz at the start of the contact. The mutual Doppler Shift placed both at about 24048.108 MHz based on a center frequency of 24048.100 MHz. This shifted down in frequency as the schedule took place. W5LUA was GPS locked and JA6CZD uses an OCXO and a Rubidium standard to control frequency. [ANS thanks Al Ward, W5LUA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Kline School Posts AMSAT Announcement The Kline School "Out of This World Experience" Raises $6500 for AMSAT Fox story, originally announced in the ANS-351 bulletins, now has some photos to accompany this event. (See: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2012/000675.html) In conjunction with Kline School's ARISS contact on December 6 the students launched a Spell-A-Thon and raised $6,500 dollars for solar panels on Fox-1. Kline School posted coverage of AMSAT's write-up at: https://sites.google.com/a/klineschool.com/return-to-space/highlights https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kline-School/153838291839 (plus you get a preview of page 5 of the January/February 2013 AMSAT Journal under production.) [ANS thanks Kline School and The AMSAT Journal 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. And with that, please keep in mind when Christmas was over Rudolph had a chance to do something he had wanted to do for a long time. He made an appointment with a plastic surgeon because he was so sensitive about his looks. However, it wasn't his glowing pro- boscis that he wanted changed. He was proud of his nose and the help he had given Santa because of it. No, he was sensitive about his long ears which were much more prominent than the ears of the aver- age reindeer. So one week after Christmas, he underwent reconstruc- tive surgery, and since that time, January 1st has been celebrated as ... New Ears Day. 73, This week's ANS Editor, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM K9JKM at amsat dot org

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Re: G-5500 question
by Mark L. Hammond 05 Jan '13

05 Jan '13

Hi Bob, Not sure I can help--but I wonder what interface you're using between SatPC32 and the G-5500? Mark N8MH At 10:05 PM 1/5/2013 +0000, Bob- W7LRD wrote: >The 5500 goes up to 450 degrees in az. I use satpc-32, every once in awhile for no "forseeable " reason the rotor will park at 450 degrees. This is not what it is set for. It is a bit concerning as the coax is not the right length for that much rotation and it puts a strain on things. Any ideas?? >73 Bob W7LRD >_______________________________________________ >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

G-5500 question
by Bob- W7LRD 05 Jan '13

05 Jan '13

The 5500 goes up to 450 degrees in az. I use satpc-32, every once in awhile for no "forseeable " reason the rotor will park at 450 degrees. This is not what it is set for. It is a bit concerning as the coax is not the right length for that much rotation and it puts a strain on things. Any ideas?? 73 Bob W7LRD

4 3

ARISS contact Live on CBC TV at 1854 UT
by Trevor . 05 Jan '13

05 Jan '13

Bedford NS ARISS contact live on CBC CBC News is planning to broadcast live an ARISS contact between Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, aboard the ISS, and the students at the Charles P. Allen High School, Bedford, NS, on Saturday Jan 5, 2013, at 18:54 UTC. See the CBC NS Web site http://www.cbc.ca/ns for details. Daniel A. Lamoureux, VE2KA ARISS Canada ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

RAC825 Satellite tracker instruction manual
by Starr 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Hi All, Best wishes for 2013. I now have a second hand Creative Design Corp RAC825 Satellite Tracker along with a ERC-51 elevation rotator and EC5-3 azimuth rotator. Unfortunately I do not have the manual and I am trying to calibrate the read out, so far without success. I would appreciate if someone could tell me how to calibrate the read out, or tell me where to locate an instruction manual etc. Also, if possible, I would like to know the address, email or physical, of Creative Design Corp, Kanagawa, Japan in case it needs repairs. Thank you for reading. 73 Starr Moffatt ZL3CU

1 0

Easing of satellite export controls law signed Thursday
by Trevor . 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Space Flight Now says "The provision permits the Obama administration to remove satellites and related equipment from the U.S. State Department's munitions list, which restricts the weapons material from export to other countries." http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1301/03exportcontrol/ Clearly any easing of ITAR is welcome but I'm still not clear if the changes that Obama has signed enable US Hams to fully engage in all aspects of international satellite projects without fear of six figure fines or jail terms. Can someone clarify ? 73 Trevor M5AKA

3 2

FITSAT-1, 5.84GHz images
by Mineo Wakita 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

I received the 14 images which were photographed by FITSAT-1, 5.84GHz. They are Photographs wonderful all. (C)FITSAT-1 GS http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/fitsat58.htm#584 JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

1 0

HudsonValleySatcomGroupNet
by cotejaune2＠aol.com 03 Jan '13

03 Jan '13

Please join us for the net this evening @ 8PM EST on Echolink N2EYH-l Hope to hear you there. 73 wa2aqh/kc2dtq

1 0

FITSAT-1 "Niwaka"
by Bill Rushin 03 Jan '13

03 Jan '13

I received my FITSAT-1 "Niwaka"QSL card #71 on Dec. 24, 2012. Thank you JG6YEW. 73 Bill KK4KWB

1 0

Phonesats in EE Times
by Trevor . 03 Jan '13

03 Jan '13

"The PhoneSat project is kind of a technology demonstration effort," said Jasper Wolfe of NASA's Ames Research Center. During the PhoneSat mission, amateur radio operators will be able to download and upload data packets. http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4403998/NASA-to-launch-4-in-cube-co… Last I saw the launch date was early Feb, 2013. 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Thanks for qsl card
by Nitin Muttin 02 Jan '13

02 Jan '13

Agree Andy, I recieved my FITSAT qsl card ( #29) promptly by Air Mail, I am still awaiting some for which I had submitted reception reports. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG]

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Thanks for qsl card
by andy thomas 02 Jan '13

02 Jan '13

All this is just a public posting to thank the FITSAT-1 Niwaka team for their qsl card (number 124) acknowledging my reception of JQ6YEW, which I received in the post this morning. In my opinion, following this tradition of ham radio proves the entitlement to the use of these frequencies which lie within the passbands of our transceivers. I have listened for ham radio operators since 1968 and as a teenager at that time I sent my reception reports, seeking the goodwill of the operators. The thrill of QSl'ing hasn't gone away, although I am now licensed to transmit and hold my DXCC and Diamond DXCC on HF. I wish more satellites would follow this tradition, as I am keeping my personal documentary record of the use of amateur satellites in this way. With thanks for the card and my very best wishes to the FITSAT team 73 de andy g0sfj

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Re: AC0RA/m
by wyattdirks 01 Jan '13

01 Jan '13

Well made it home safe just a little while ago. Sorry wasn't able to make it to the en grids due to bad weather and the sats passes not lining up. Happy new year Wyatt -------- Original message -------- From: Wyatt Dirks <wyattdirks(a)msn.com> Date: To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] AC0RA/m Tomorrow I will be heading north from em21 through several semi-grids arriving back at my home late on the 1st. I am not going strait home so I might be able to work the sats from the following grids em 08/09/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19 and en00/01/10/11/20 and a few more. I am going to try to hit as many grids as I can but due to the long drive times and the satellite pass times I might have to skip a few here and there. Look for me on all satellite passes on the 31st and 1st. Happy New Year! 73 Wyatt AC0RA _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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AMSAT India in 2012
by Nitin Muttin 01 Jan '13

01 Jan '13

Friends, Wish you all Happy new year 2013. Visit the below url to view President's message and 2012 Accomplishments of AI. http://amsatindia.org/reports/AI-2012.pdf http://amsatindia.org/reports/ 73 Nitin [VU3TYG] Secretary, AMSAT INDIA

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Happy New Year wishes
by Graham Shirville 31 Dec '12

31 Dec '12

Hi All, Just a note to wish everyone well for the forthcoming year and to thank all of those who are contributing in so many different ways to ensure the future success of the amateur satellite world. Thanks are also due to the many who contribute to the vital educational outreach work which is so necessary for future generations Hopefully 2013 will turn out to be a bumper year for new launches! Have FUN Best 73 Graham G3VZV

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Re: AO-07 switch to Mode-B today
by Rsoifer＠aol.com 31 Dec '12

31 Dec '12

The 24-hour timer on AO-07 appears to be working, so it should switch back to Mode A about the same time (10::38:15) tomorrow, 1 January.. 73 Ray W2RS

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AO-07 switch to mode-B today
by Ib Christoffersen 31 Dec '12

31 Dec '12

Hi all, The switch to mode-B was at 10:38:15 UTC. Happy New Year to all of you. 73 OZ1MY Ib

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AMSAT Awards to finish up 2012
by Bruce 31 Dec '12

31 Dec '12

Here are our latest AMSAT Awards recipients and this will finish up awards for 2012. The following have entered into the Satellite Communicators Club for making their first satellite QSO. Joseph Fouquet, N5JF Mark Gearis, KG4JAG The following have earned the AMSAT Communications Achievement Award. Costantino Montella, IK8YSS, #551 Joseph Fouquet, N5JF, #552 Anthony Sirianni, KD8OEE, #553 The following have earned the South Africa Satellite Communications Achievement Award. Costantino Montella, IK8YSS, #US180 Arnel Nebrida, DU2XXA, #US181 Anthony Sirianni, KD8OEE, #US182 Mark Gearis, KG4JAG, #US183 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes

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AO27
by Vince, K9TSU 30 Dec '12

30 Dec '12

Since the AO27 website is out of date, what's the latest? There's a 90 degree pass on the next one here for me in WI. Is it working or not? de K9TSU

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AC0RA/m
by Wyatt Dirks 30 Dec '12

30 Dec '12

Tomorrow I will be heading north from em21 through several semi-grids arriving back at my home late on the 1st. I am not going strait home so I might be able to work the sats from the following grids em 08/09/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19 and en00/01/10/11/20 and a few more. I am going to try to hit as many grids as I can but due to the long drive times and the satellite pass times I might have to skip a few here and there. Look for me on all satellite passes on the 31st and 1st. Happy New Year! 73 Wyatt AC0RA

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AO-7 in Mode A for SKN
by Rsoifer＠aol.com 30 Dec '12

30 Dec '12

AO-7 was in Mode A this morning, and will probably be in Mode A again for SKN on 1 January. With about 100 watts EIRP and a 10m vertical, I had a respectable 569 signal through the passband. CU there! 73 Ray W2RS

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