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Successful SpaceX Launch Rehearsal
by B J 01 Sep '12

01 Sep '12

http://spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/004/120831wdr/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: FUNCube dongle for sale SOLD
by Alan P. Biddle 01 Sep '12

01 Sep '12

The FCD is sold. 73s, Alan WA4SCA -----Original Message----- From: Alan P. Biddle [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, August 24, 2012 3:50 PM To: AMSAT-BB Subject: FUNCube dongle for sale Hi, Cleaning the shack, and I have a spare FCD Pro V1.0 SN 188 for sale. This is first generation and does not provide +5V on the antenna as do the V1.1 units. It is in perfect electrical and mechanical condition, and used only the shack. $80 including shipping to North America. Please contact me off list. 73s, Alan WA4SCA

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SO-50 and FT-847
by Michael J. Wolthuis 01 Sep '12

01 Sep '12

Good morning Amsat, I have been struggling this morning to work SO-50 from an FT-847 and wondering if I am missing something. I had a 26deg pass today and could hear everyone fine. I am transmitting on 145.8500 +/- auto Doppler correction. I am using PL encode set in the radio on 67hz. I have the transmit on the subband and receive on the main band. Am I missing something simple? I couldn't seem to get into the satellite today no matter what I did. I have never been able to work SO-50. This same setup performed flawlessly on AO-51. My only thought is the CTCSS tone is not being generated or is not transmitting on the SUB Band? It does state ENC for Tone Encode on the FT-847 sub band. Curious what the list thinks I may have wrong? I really want to get active on SO-50 for the rest of the summer. Thanks for any thoughts, ideas, past gotchas, etc.. Mike Kb8zgl

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Live ISS Webcast on Tuesday, September 4
by JoAnne Maenpaa 01 Sep '12

01 Sep '12

Hello everyone, Here is a bit of news better sent now than waiting for the ANS news cycle: Title: 'Blast Back to School' International Space Station Downlink and Webcast Date: Sept. 4, 2012 Time: 11:30-12:30 EDT http://tinyurl.com/Sept4-ISS-Webcast (nasa.gov) Join astronauts Suni Williams and Joe Acaba live from the International Space Station, orbiting 250 miles above Earth. During this hour webcast, students and the public will learn about life aboard the space station, current research, and the path to becoming a NASA scientist, engineer or astronaut. Also featured in the program are Ray Lugo, director of NASA's Glenn Research Center, and astronaut Greg (Box) Johnson. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Associate Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Lapan A2 set for 2013 launch
by Trevor . 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

RSGB News reports on a story in the Jakarta Globe. See http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/indonesian-space-program-to-launch-loca… I understand LAPAN-A2 will use S band (non amateur frequency) for video surveillance and the amateur frequency 437.425 MHz for telemetry. I gather there is another Indonesian satellite LAPAN-ORARI that will carry a 5 watt output FM voice transponder with a 435.880 MHz uplink and 145.880 MHz downlink as well as an APRS Digipeater on 145.825 MHz and a green light laser for attitude determination. Does anyone know when LAPAN-ORARI is likely to launch ? 73 Trevor M5AKA

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AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Election Final Reminder
by Alan P. Biddle 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

All AMSAT-NA members, One last reminder that your ballots need to be received at AMSAT-NA headquarters by September 15th, 2012. Remember, this is one of your best opportunities to make your views on the path of our organization known. More details, courtesy of the AMSAT News Service, can be found below. 73s, Alan WA4SCA AMSAT Corporate Secretary -------------------------------------------- Select no more than three of the six listed candidates (in alphabetical order): + Tom Clark, K3IO + Steve Coy, K8UD + Mark Hammond, N8MH + Lou McFadin, W5DID + Gould Smith, WA4SXM + Patrick E. Stoddard, WD9EWK The 3 candidates receiving the most votes will become directors serving 2 year terms. The 2 receiving the next highest number of votes will be seated as alternates for 1 year terms. You must mail your ballot back to be received at the AMSAT-NA Office no later than the close of business on September 15, 2012: AMSAT 850 Sligo Avenue, #600 Silver Spring, MD 20910

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Re: Wisp and Windows 7 - more
by Tom Clarke 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

Hello Roy. It has been a while, but I still have your photo on the wall in the radio shack. I also have your listing on a test homepage I cobbled up about 1998. The page was never finished. You are listed as W5SLL, and your recordings of Sputnik 1 Extract -- " Roy and his two-year-old daughter would put the radio speaker in a window and then go outside and listen to the strong signals while they watched the third stage booster tumbling end over end like a bright pulsating star as it passed over in the evening sky. Listen with them to this recording of Sputnik 1 (.WAV (113K) or RealAudio (10K)). This recording was made in Dallas, Texas on October 7, 1957 at 0457Z using a military surplus AN/FRR3A HF RTTY receiver." Quite an achievement Roy. My first experience was trying to find a satellite, putting the radio on the beacon frequency, then bedding down on the floor of the shack with a sleeping bag and a pillow, and keeping an ear open, then, jump up, grab a pen, and note time and direction. Oscar 10 was my favourite. My first digital was 8J1JBS, and it was to upload a one liner.. both James, G3RUH and Freddie, ON6UG uploaded a reply on the same pass. This was one of the highlights of my life. Today my satellite gear is still here, FT736, DSP-12, and G3RUH's modems. My antenna (KLM's) took a fall, and are all down. The 22C is slightly bent in the middle. The old PC with Win 98 and the KCT is still here, and everything is gathering dust. The Satellite Gateway and the software development was fantastic. I was gearing up for AO-40, and have a tuned G3RUH / ON6UG dish here in a box. My intention was to use it on a camera tripod, but that was not to be. I miss Amsat, especially all the friends I met there, too many to mention. They were so helpful. I reverted back to building a model railroad, and have gone to West Springfield, MA. railroad show for the past six years or so. Then we to visit a cousin of Marie's in Chicago, for about two days, just to say hello, then home. Nell is right.. I'm five years behind you, and I do not climb ladders. My by-pass was 26 years ago.. so you have a bit to go yet.. I also developed diabetes, and I check my sugar several times a day. Keeping my sugar in check is a great way to control my diet. You have done very well at tracing your family history. I had not heard of the FamilyTreeDNA.com. Sometimes we take a few days over to Ennistymon, where we stay at the Falls Hotel. As the name implies, there is a nice waterfall right beside it. It's just two miles to Lahinch, where surfing is very popular. Delighted to hear from you again. Say hello to Nell and Rachael. Best wishes. Tom -- Ei6EH Kells Ireland ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roy" <rdwelch(a)swbell.net> To: "Tom Clarke" <clarket(a)iol.ie> Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2012 10:09 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Wisp and Windows 7 > Wow! A cherished voice from the past! How in the world are you Tom? So > very good to hear from you. It was June 12, 1995 when I visited your > shack in Ireland. I think you were at the 1997 AMSAT-GB meeting when I > last saw you. > > My 98 with the KCT is idle too, pretty much after the Gateway system > closed down and the digital birds disappeared. I need a small 10" or so > monitor to use with the 98 PC. I have an XP and a Win 7 work station I > use now but still keep the 98 machine setup. > > Nell and I are both in our 80s now and she refuses to let me go up on the > roof to do antenna work so if and when they need work I will have to do it > on the sly or get a friend to help me. I had a triple bypass heart > operation about 18 months ago and have been going to cardiac rehab three > days a week just to keep in shape. You recall my granddaughter, Rachel, > sending the small bear, Scotty, around the world. Well, she is married > and is teaching in Denver, Colorado. Her older sister has two children so > we are great grand parents now. > > I have been doing some genealogy research, trying to find out when and > where my Welch ancestors arrived in the country. I have documented my 4th > great grandfather, Walter Welsh settling in North Carolina in the 1750s > but have hit a brick wall trying to go back past him. As a result I tried > the FamilyTreeDNA.com way to see if I could find a relative. I tested to > 111 DNA markers and the closest match I found is a Max Walsh in Australia. > His grandfather arrived there from Ennistimon, county Clare, Ireland in > the 1800s. I match Max Walsh 105 out of the 111 markers, closer than some > cousins. With that match and the Walsh/Welch/Welsh similarity it supports > the family traditional tales that our family came to the USA from Ireland. > I haven't been able to dig back any further, however. > > It's been good to hear from you and I hope you and the family are all OK. > Stay in touch. > > Regards, > Roy Welch - W0SL > > On 8/30/2012 11:13 AM, Tom Clarke wrote: >> >> Hello Roy. >> >> Nice to see you. I still got the KCT and the PC with Win 98, but have >> them >> sitting idle for a number of years. >> >> My current PC and laptop have no slots for the KCT, and run XP. >> >> The KCT was a dream come true. I still have the FT736, DSP-12, and >> G3RUH modems, but lying idle. >> >> Best wishes to your family. >> >> Tom Clarke - Ei6EH >> >> > >

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Kennedy Space Center Visit
by Larry Koziel 30 Aug '12

30 Aug '12

Does anyone have any further details on the visit to the Kennedy Space Center planned for the Monday following the Symposium? Martha is away for the holiday and unavailable. I'm trying to make plans for that weekend and am trying to figure out whether it's at all practical to try to pick a late return flight on Monday. I'd like to take the tour, but I currently have only half the vacation time that I had in my last two jobs. I'd rather not have to spend an extra day traveling (and the extra hotel night and meals). Even knowing that the bus will (probably) be back to the hotel at 6, that just doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for the logistics of retrieving baggage left at the hotel and then taking a shuttle to the airport, getting checked in and through airport security in a comfortable time. Larry K8MU

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Wimo X Quad Antennas
by Howard Kowall 30 Aug '12

30 Aug '12

Hello All Has been awhile since I posted on the BBS,I hope everyone is enjoying the summer I have had to reposition my location for my Satellite antennas and now I need some smaller footprint antennas. The Wimo X Quad antennas for both 2m and 70cm are perfect size for me,has anyone used these antennas,or do you know something similar that would be of similar size and operation ? I live in Canada so shipping from Wimo may get costly ,Has anyone seen a homebrew version of these antennas ? Thanks to all who read and respond to this post in advance Howard VE4ISP

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Wisp and Windows 7
by Roy 30 Aug '12

30 Aug '12

WiSP does run fine on all Windows versions to date, but the Kansas City Tracker driver included with it does not run on any version later than Windows 98. I don't think this will be a problem for anyone since the KCT has been out of production for a number of years now. Just some of you old geezers like me still have one running in an old Win 98 machine. Roy - W0SL

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Possible CO96 Operations
by B J 30 Aug '12

30 Aug '12

I'll be flying to CO96 Wednesday of next week and will be returning on Friday. If time permits, I will try to be on AO-27 and SO-50 as I'll be taking my FT-817ND and my Arrow Yagi.. FO-29 is also a possibility but only in half-duplex. I will try to work any passes from about 1800 - 2100 UTC Wednesday and Friday but I won't try on Thursday as I have a prior commitment that day. If I do try to work an FO-29 pass, I'll be operating my radio manually, transmitting on 145.930 MHz and tuning my downlink around 435.855. Longer calls would be appreciated as I might not hear your callsign and/or grid square right away. Because of the reason for my trip, I can't guarantee that I will work any passes. I plan on going to CO96 at least once more later this year so I might have a better opportunity then. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: FUNcube <==> SatPC32
by Mark L. Hammond 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

Great write-up, Tom. Clever. Looking forward to trying it sometime (all I need is more time..hi hi)! 73, Mark N8MH At 04:44 PM 8/29/2012 -0500, Thomas Doyle wrote: >I have had success with the FUNcube - SatPC32 project. I finally have >a combination of stuff that works for me. Here is a collection of >notes on what works in my shack. Like most things there are lots of >different ways of doing this. I make no claim that this is the best. >Who knows it might be the worst. > >www.tomdoyle.org/FUNcube-SatPC32 > >73 W9KE Tom Doyle >_______________________________________________ >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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Duchifat-1 a 145.825 MHz APRS CubeSat
by Trevor . 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

Duchifat-1 is an experimental and educational spacecraft developed and built by young Israeli students at the Space Laboratory of the Herzliya Science Centre (HSC). It features APRS on 145.825 MHz and also a UHF/VHF BSPK transceiver that can operate as a FM to DSB transponder. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9982 73 Trevor M5AKA

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FUNcube <==> SatPC32
by Thomas Doyle 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

I have had success with the FUNcube - SatPC32 project. I finally have a combination of stuff that works for me. Here is a collection of notes on what works in my shack. Like most things there are lots of different ways of doing this. I make no claim that this is the best. Who knows it might be the worst. www.tomdoyle.org/FUNcube-SatPC32 73 W9KE Tom Doyle

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Re: Software must have list
by Mark L. Hammond 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

Wisp runs OK under Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. Mark N8MH At 09:53 PM 8/29/2012 +0300, Shamai \"SAM\" Opfer wrote: >Hi, >Two ways were mentioned to run old programs with windows 7: >1. Windows 7 Pro or highrer, working in its built-in "Windows XP mode" >2. Windows 7 Home (the cheaper version of Windows) with XP (or older >Windows version) installed.on a virtual machine. > >Does anyone know if WISP will work in both cases? even if Windows 7 (either >Home or Pro) is installed in 64 bit version? > > >thanks & 73 >shamai, 4z1ws > > >This solution seems cheaper than installing Windows 7 Pro. >Will it run WISP and other old programs as effectively as the "Windows XP >mode" in the more expensive Wi ndows 7 versions? > > > > >On Sun, Aug 19, 2012 at 10:46 PM, George Henry <ka3hsw(a)att.net> wrote: > >> Note that you can also install XP in a virtual machine on lesser versions >> of Win 7 (and Vista), but it's a multi-step process, and you must supply >> the XP installation disk. >> >> First, download and install Virtual PC from Microsoft. Then create a >> virtual machine, and install XP onto it just as you would to a real PC. >> I did it on my Acer netbook with Win 7 Home Premium, so I know it works. >> >> >> George, KA3HSW >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE(a)UNITED.NET> >> To: "'Andrew Glasbrenner'" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>; "'Amsat-BB'" < >> amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >> Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 9:10 AM >> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Software must have list >> >> >> [snip] >> >> >>> You didn't mention what version of Win7. If Pro or up, you can download a >>> free XP virtual environment from MS, which works well for old programs, >>> and >>> even allows ancient DOS programs to access comm ports. >>> >>> For non-ham stuff, a good antivirus program, and a backup program such as >>> Acronis, Norton, or perhaps Paragon. >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Alan >>> WA4SCA >>> >> >> ______________________________**_________________ >> 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<http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >> >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Elk Antenna
by mm0kjg 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

Hello everyone. I have wrote an email to Elk antenna's to see if they would send the lp 144/440 to Scotland. Have emailed them twice with no response. Email I sent to was rgaschk at astound.net from the website?. If this is wrong or outdated can somebody give me the correct email please. Cheers Kev mm0kjg

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TEDxISU "Open Source Space Revolution" Jeff Manber
by Trevor . 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

NanoRacks is involved with the amateur radio F-1 CubeSat due to be deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) in September. This video shows NanoRacks CEO Jeff Manber at a TEDx presentation at the International Space University. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9974 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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Software must have list
by Andrew Glasbrenner 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

So my 4 yr old XP shack computer is in critical care right now, and I have a new quad core Win 7 HP that I'm setting up today. So far I've downloaded and installed: SatPC32 (still working on the speech error problem) MixW 3 HDR 5.sumthing Spectravue next up is WSJT What must have ham radio programs, especially satellite/vhf/uhf, do you have and recommend? 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: Satellite's
by Mark L. Hammond 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

Tom, This is ALMOST what you want to do or describe. You're a clever guy..maybe you can put them together to do what you want :) http://www.geekshed.co.uk/flex-radio-powersdr-to-ci-v-interface/ http://www.geekshed.co.uk/icom-ic-910h-if-output-modification/ 73, Mwark N8MH At 10:47 AM 8/29/2012 -0500, you wrote: >Hi Mike, > >I have two radios that have a built in panadapter and have used the >dongle as a stand alone panadapter. The problem is all the panadapters >I have used or read about, other than SDR based gear like the Flex >radios, do not have a connection between the panadapter and the >frequency control of the radio. With an SDR receiver you click on the >waterfall or spectrum display and the radio is tuned to that >frequency. That is what I am trying to do and that bit you get for >free with an SDR receiver the hard the part I am trying to solve is >controlling the transmit frequency (including doppler correction and >offset) when using linear sats. The only way I have been able to do >this so far is to use SDR-Radio with its built in doppler correction >for the receiver and my IC-7000 as a transmitter under the doppler >corrected frequency control of SatPC32. This works but changing the >frequency on the SDR does not adjust the transmit freq. I am hoping >someone has actually done this as I have never been a big fan of >reinventing the wheel. > >The FT-817 is a very cool rig and I will be very interested to see how >you control the FT-817 frequency from the panadapter - that is the >tricky bit since the panadapter does not have to even know what >frequency you are receiving. It should be possible to poll the >panadapter for the offset of the frequency you have clicked on and add >that to the FT-817 frequency and feed it back into the FT-817. I am >sure you guys have come up with something. Thanks for writing the >article. I look forward to reading it. > >73 W9KE Tom Doyle > > > > > >On Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 9:18 AM, Mike Seguin N1JEZ ><n1jez(a)burlingtontelecom.net> wrote: >> Hi Tom, >> >> There will be an article coming up in the AMSAT Journal on work that W1GHZ, >> W1FKF and I have done on tapping the common IF in the FT-817 and using the >> FunCube as a Panadapter. Our primary application is weak signal microwave. >> >> I would think it would work well for satellite. That way your software would >> be controlling an FT-817. The common IF is centered on 68.33 MHz in the >> FT-817, so you see +/- 40 kHz around that. You would be able to take >> advantage of all the front end filtering in the FT-817. >> >> 73, >> Mike, N1JEZ >> AMSAT 29649 >> "A closed mouth gathers no feet" >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thomas Doyle" <tomdoyle1948(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Satellite's >> >> >>> I am close to a SatPC32 <-> dongle system but there is probably >>> someone with a much better 'simple' or even a 'very simple' solution. >>> I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has actually >>> achieved fully synchronized doppler corrected transmit control with a >>> dongle for the receiver. A reply offline would be best to prevent >>> flames. >> >> >> > > > >-- > >Sent from my computer. > >tom ... >_______________________________________________ >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-UK Colloquium Programme On Line
by David Johnson 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

Hi, On behalf of the AMSAT-UK Committee I should like to announce that the programme for the event is now on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/amsat2012 We are pleased to welcome senior representatives from AMSAT-NA, AMSAT-DL and AMSAT-SA who will be giving status updates on their respective development programmes. There will be an update on the FUNcube project as well as some real-time demos of the Engineering model. There are some other surprises in the programme, so please take a look. Details of the event itself can be found at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve 73 Dave Johnson, G4DPZ AMSAT-UK

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Satellite's
by Kevin Deane 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

I have been following most of the recent post's on Sat usage and I gather the main topic was the lack of use on the linear bird's. I think working the FM sat's (or lack of) are always fun and always have been. I am dying to work AO-7 for sure and VO-52, FO-29 but gave up trying to do so without the right equipment. I tried several times with an FT-857 and presets, heard people many time's but could not keep up with tuning and punching button's. Frustration overcame my desire to even try, knowing mostly that without the proper rig's I was just not going to fulfill my aching for these wondrous long passes with more than just a grid exchange. Which brings me to the point: Lack of money, you can get on the FM bird's with an Arrow and a Hand Held, I get a minute or so on my mobile! So what is the cheapest "proper" entry on the linear birds? Full duplex I found very nice on the FM sat's though I do not always have that luxury. An 857 run's what 8-900 buck's and I do not think even two of those would be very good? Let's change the topic a bit and ask the elmer's how to help us younger and or newer guy's get on the Linear Satellite's instead of reminiscing what once was or the lack of use of these great bird's that still live!!! Kevin KF7MYK

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Smartphone and Kinect CubeSat Presentations
by Trevor . 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

On September 15-16 Dr Chris Bridges will be giving two presentations to the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, United Kingdom. Chris will cover the Nexus Android Smartphone amateur radio satellite STRaND-1 which will carry both a Resistojet and a Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) module and STRaND-2 which will use Microsoft Xbox Kinect controller technology. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9946 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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Satellite Usage - 2012
by John Papay 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

The Funcube Dongle postings veered off into a discussion of the current state of affairs with the satellites that are still working. After reading about how the activity on the linear birds was down, I had to wonder a bit. It has not been my experience. I really expected the activity on the FM birds to diminish when AO-51 died. We only get 7 minutes of AO-27 and that doesn't make up for the much longer passes on AO-51. SO-50 has never been off the air since I started in 2006 but it is the most difficult to hear throughout the pass. For that reason, activity on SO-50 was fairly low. If you can't hear it, you can't work it. But to my surprise, SO-50 activity dramatically increased when AO-51 went silent. Those who work the FM birds became determined to work through this satellite despite the difficulties in hearing it. Of course, if you are not full duplex, you don't know when you are hearing the bird and that sometimes results in those who call but cannot hear the responses. They might assume that there is no activity on the bird when in fact there are many stations trying to make qso's. I started using the ssb birds in late November 2007. There wasn't much activity on AO-7, FO-29 and VO-52 at that time. But over the last two years, activity on the linear birds has steadily increased. Much of the increase can be attributed to the newer people who started on the FM birds and quickly decided to get involved with the linear birds. I think the availability of satellite capable radios has really helped. If you have a TS2000 you can be on a linear bird without much effort. They are easier to hear than an FM bird. Some are using a pair of radios to achieve full duplex with great success. And I highly recommend SatPC32 which I have used now since 2006. It runs 24x7 on a Vista Quad machine and doesn't crash. The recordings on my website were made possible using the auto multi-satellite tracking feature of this program. Recordings are made without any outside intervention. One of the things that powers DX on the HF bands are dxpeditions. Groups spend large amounts of money to travel to destinations all over the world so that others can put that country in the worked/confirmed column. With satellites today it's the VUCC award that drives the activity. When someone shows up from a rare grid, the birds are sometimes overwhelmed. ND9M has worked from hundreds of USA grids and has also worked from his ship on the linear birds. UT1FG/mm has been very active over the past three years and has created pileups on the ssb birds not unlike those on HF. To say the activity is down on the linear birds in recent years is simply incorrect. And more hams are operating satellites away from home than ever before. You work with what you have and make the best of it, fm or linear. The future of AMSAT and the satellite phase of our hobby is all about the new people. When you hear someone new on the bird and it's a noisy signal with an incomplete callsign, maybe without phonetics, call that station. Giving out that first contact with a newbie far outweighs 100 contacts with those that you have worked many times before. Sometimes the effort doesn't result in a qso, but maybe there is a possibility to follow up with an email or postcard with an offer of help. Just remember we all started out at some point with no experience. Most everyone can remember their first contact and how important it was in terms of encouraging future operating. So if you're reading the AMSAT-bb and are discouraged by the fact that there are no High Earth Orbit Satellites, don't be. Times change, technology changes but we continue by using what we have to the max and working towards improving our situation where we can. AMSAT works very hard to explore every possibility for building and launching new satellites. It's a tremendous effort that most of us don't realize is happening day after day. We all need to support this effort. FOX I and II will be here before we know it. These birds should give us some room for more qso's and new operators. In the meantime, AO-7 continues to work at an altitude of 1450KM. FO-29 is at 1200 or 1300 KM some of the time. These birds provide an opportunity to work DX if you can see down to the horizon. If you can't, you can always go to a location that is better and use your FT817 with an Arrow antenna and work down to the horizon. There is nothing wrong with using an Arrow or ELK antenna to work DX. WD9EWK has proven that point time after time. A good ham radio operator is one that looks at a problem as a challenge rather than a show stopper. Ham radio ingenuity over the years has been amazing. So if you are having trouble and are frustrated, develop an action plan to move forward. The resources available to us today are unprecedented. And there are mentors out there that are willing to help. Above all, stay positive and have some fun! 73, John K8YSE

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Allen, N5AFV comments on the Houston AMSAT Net
by Bruce 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

for those that would like to listen to allen, n5afv's, comments on the houston amsat net (august 28, 2012 8pm central) without having to listen to any part of the net, you can do so at this link... http://www.amsatnet.com/964snip.mp3 hope this makes it easier for those interested. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat

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Re: Satellite Usage - 2012
by K5OE 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

Not everyone has given up. Listen to Allen's, N5AFV, comments at the beginning of the Houston AMSAT net tonight... http://www.amsatnet.com/ 73, Jerry, K5OE

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Satellite and/or tracking apps for smart phones
by Philip Jenkins 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

Hi all I'm changing cell phone carriers and I can choose either an Android phone or an iPhone as my next smartphone. I haven't decided which phone yet, but I'd like to know which satellite-related apps other operators are using on both types of phones. Are there any apps for satellites other than for tracking? (I'm interested in tracking satellites too, of course). So I'm looking for recommendations and ones to stay away from. Any particular features to look for in these apps, or any bug-a-boos to avoid, especially when installing an app? Reply to my email, N4HF(a)AMSAT.ORG, or to the BB (since others might be interested too), although I don't want to be "blamed" for starting one of those threads that seems to run on forever. :-) If there are any websites which discuss satellite (tracking) software apps specific to smartphones, that would be great! Thanks. Gracias. Merci. Danke. Efxaristo. Spasibo, Obrigado Philip N4HF

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looking back
by John Becker 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

Sure do miss AO 40.

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BB Postings
by K4FEG 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

90 % of the people posting here I have NEVER heard on ANY satellite, I have contacted several about schedules and all I get is that the antenna system is down, or their dog ate their microphone cable or they don't have an angle on the satellite, but they sure got time to make postings on the BB, the linear birds are alive and well, the FM birds are crowded and I have never heard a Cube Sat. With no HEO satellites I work all 50 States in 8 months on the birds that are flying, I have worked 660 grid squares and have almost 600 confirmed in 12 months and 3 weeks. Fix your antennas, repair your mikes and cut your trees and get on the satellites! UT1FG works half duplex on the linear birds as a maritime mobile and does a fantastic job, on his last voyage on the open ocean I personally worked him in 170 NEW grid squares, There is plenty of activity. Pick a bird, Pick a mode, Pick a satellite or pick you nose, but at least pick up a microphone and get on the satellites they are still up there! AO27 is flying!!! BYE! K4FEG

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TDMA Question
by Howie DeFelice 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

Hi Dave, The answer is yes, TDMA voice can and has been used on commercial satellites; LEO,MEO and GEO for years. Commercial GEO satellites, for the most part, are just high powered frequency translators. All the TDMA part is generated on the ground. The complication is that all users will have a different path length and therefore a different transit time to the satellite. Compensating for this different path length is usually done by adding a timing offset to each user. For GEO satellites this is fairly simple. For orbiting satellites it must be done dynamically. It is also quite common to see VoIP transported inside TDMA frames since most current commercial TDMA modems have native Ethernet/IP interfaces. If amateur satellite is going to make the most of digital technology, I think we will see a trend away from boxes added to analog radios and see a movement toward the method used commercially, which is have all the data handling and modulation done at a low IF frequency that feeds the appropriate up and down converters. There are many bright and talented hams doing amazing work in DSP. I would not be surprised to see a cubesat using this technology supporting numerous QSO's on a single frequency sometime in the not so distant future. - Howie AB2S

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Re: Satellite Usage - 2012
by Andrew Glasbrenner 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

> To >say the activity is down on the linear birds in recent years is simply >incorrect. And more hams are operating satellites away from home than ever >before. Since my Board of Directors report from sometime ago was used as evidence, let me state that activity on the linear transponders -is- up from when I wrote that at least a year (or more?) ago. It's not uncommon to hear 4-5 qsos going at once now. That hasn't always been the case in years past. 73, Drew KO4MA

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TDMA Question
by Dave Marthouse 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

I have been doing some reading about tdma digital voice applications such as MotoTrbo etc. I am curious if tdma voice could be used on satellites successfully Do to the time delay particularly using a heo or geo bird. Can someone more knowledgeable than I help in answering this question? Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com

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More FCD
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

My FCD receives as well as my IC-910. At present I am using it mainly as a spectrum analyzer. On SO-52 you can see the whole band pass plus the beacon. It is interesting to note the beacon level versus most of the signals in the pass band. Also I can visually copy the CW from the beacon and other stations by watching the water fall. I did make a few contacts from the patio using the FCD, TH-F8 and arrow. One of these days I'll figure out how to make these posts from the BB page. Tom K8TL

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 7, Issue 272
by Matty Cunningham 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

Hi Tom, Simon Brown's (creator of Ham Radio Deluxe) excellent SDR console should work for you:- http://www.sdr-radio.com/Software/tabid/174/language/en-US/Default.aspx I have used this with TX/RX capabilities with a home built HF SDR receiver and an Icom 746, (eg SDR console 'mutes' when the external radio is set to TX) - you can also track the frequency of the external radio and change SDR rx freq by using the VFO dial on the radio, or from using the SDR console (clicking with mouse / using scroll wheel etc). The FunCube dongle works very well with the SDR console, it also has built in satellite support, so you can store downlink frequencies for each satellite, and it will also control rotators and calculate doppler shift (does a clever thing with the doppler shift by moving the AF from the IQ stream, rather than changing the LO on the dongle (each time the LO changes there is a gap before it locks again). You would have to build some sort of sequencer for taking the FCD out of the loop when going into TX, but these are widely available. I have a Kenwood TS-2000 that I use to play with the birds, I haven't yet tried this in conjuction with the SDR console, I imagine it would would (in satellite mode) so you can have U/V or V/U capabilities - this is something I should have a play with in the near future. Best regards Matty MD0MAN > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:44:32 -0500 > From: Thomas Doyle <tomdoyle1948(a)gmail.com> > To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNcube + SatPC32 + SDR-Radio > Message-ID: > <CAHnRQRJTqfD8AZ6=swwNh2+m0zM6SaSVkTusqRsf12wE+p+kTA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > The FUNcube and SDR-Radio work great together. Transmit control for > satellite use in SDR-Radio is very limited (non-existent from what I > have been able to find). > I would like the FUNcube / SDR-Radio combination to act like a simple > receiver under cat control from SatPC32 or similar program. I would > like to talk with anyone who has actual experience with this. > > > tnx & 73 W9KE > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 7, Issue 272 > ****************************************

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Proposal for 460-470 MHz CubeSat Band
by Trevor . 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

At the recent Summer CubeSat Workshop there was a presentation about the draft of US WP 7B which is proposing a band at 460-470 MHz for the use of CubeSats. The Powerpoint slides can be seen at http://cubesat.org/images/stories/Summer_Workshop_2012/Day_1/1115_Charles_S… The slides from the other presentations can be seen at http://cubesat.org/index.php/workshops/upcoming-workshops/124-2012summerwor… 73 Trevor M5AKA

7 6

Funcube Dongle Pro V1.1 for sale
by Stefan Wagener 27 Aug '12

27 Aug '12

If interested, drop me a note with a reasonable offer. Unit is serial# 820 and works great. Just don't use it. Stefan, VE4NSA

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Fwd: [CubeSat] NASA RFI for CubeSat Launch Requirements
by Samudra Haque 27 Aug '12

27 Aug '12

Hi, I'm forwarding this note for encouraging input and generating wider interest. Samudra N3RDX George Washington University samudra(a)gwu.edu ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jeremy Straub <jastraub(a)gmail.com> Date: Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM Subject: [CubeSat] NASA RFI for CubeSat Launch Requirements To: cubesat(a)cubesat.org Cc: larry.p.cooper(a)nasa.gov Hi All, NASA is currently soliciting input regarding the launch services needs of the CubeSat/small satellite community. This was discussed briefly at a presentation at the end of the Small Sat Conference. As I had not seen anything about this go out to this mailing list, I wanted to make sure that everyone that might be interested had an opportunity to respond. Given the stated topic of the presentation and the fact that it occurred as the conference was wrapping up (after lunch on the last day), many of those that might have otherwise been interested were not in attendance. The RFI (which is located at the URL below), Dr. Larry Cooper (Program Executive for Centennial Challenges) mentioned, will be utilized to shape future competitions aimed at creating lower-cost, higher-frequency CubeSat launch opportunities (including, possibly, propulsion-system-friendly ones). Given this, it seems that maximizing community input (to ensure a proper balance with launch service provider/vendor needs/etc.) is highly desirable. http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/sol.cgi?acqid=153002#Other%2001 Thanks, Jeremy Straub Ph.D. Student University of North Dakota _______________________________________________ CubeSat mailing list CubeSat(a)cubesat.org http://lists.cubesat.org/mailman/listinfo/cubesat

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TAPR Announces DCC (Digital Communication Conference) Technical & Introductory Sessions Schedule, Banquet Speaker/Topic and Sunday Seminar Speaker/Topic
by Mark Thompson 27 Aug '12

27 Aug '12

TAPR Announces DCC (Digital Communication Conference) Technical & Introductory Sessions Schedule, Banquet Speaker/Topic and Sunday Seminar Speaker/Topic ARRL/TAPR DCC, Atlanta, September 21 - 23 www.tapr.org/dcc Sheraton Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport 1900 Sullivan Road Atlanta, GA 30337 Technical / Introductory Sessions Schedule http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2012_Schedule.pdf Technical Sessions Friday - Saturday Introductory Sessions Saturday Saturday Night Banquet Speaker & Topic http://www.tapr.org/dcc#banquet DCC Saturday Night Banquet Speaker will be Bdale Garbee, KB0G talking about the "Sharing the Joy of Making" Sunday Morning Seminar Speaker & Topic http://www.tapr.org/dcc#seminar DCC Sunday Morning Seminar will be a hands-on tutorial using Gnuradio to design and implement software defined radios on your laptop presented by Tom Rondeau, KB3UKZ, the leader of the Gnuradio project.

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Video of OSSI CubeSat Presentation
by Trevor . 26 Aug '12

26 Aug '12

For anyone that didn't see the live webcast there is a video of the OSSI-1 keynote presentation given in Malmö, Sweden at http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9921 73 Trevor M5AKA

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RIP Neil
by Robert McGwier 26 Aug '12

26 Aug '12

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/aug/HQ_12_600_armstrong_family.html -- Bob McGwier Technical Director, Allied Communication, LLC Facebook: N4HYBob ARS: N4HY

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Astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, dies at age 82
by Alan P. Biddle 25 Aug '12

25 Aug '12

One of the real pioneers has passed: http://preview.tinyurl.com/9e722fo Alan ----------------------------------- Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get. Robert A. Heinlein

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Neil Armstrong
by Jeffrey Koehler 25 Aug '12

25 Aug '12

From CBS News' Bill Harwood 03:20 PM EDT, 08/25/12 ADVISORY: Neil Armstrong, first man on moon, dies at 82 By WILLIAM HARWOOD CBS News Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon and an enduring icon of the space age and America's greatest technological triumph, died Saturday, multiple sources said. He was 82. "We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures," he family said in a statement (http://www.neilarmstronginfo.com). "Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. "Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati. "He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits. "As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life. "While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves. "For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink." 73, Jeff WB2SYK

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14099 kHz CPUT CubeSat to launch in November
by Trevor . 25 Aug '12

25 Aug '12

The amateur radio CubeSat designed and built by students at the Cape Peninsular University of Technology in Bellville will be launched towards the end of November. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9891 73 Trevor M5AKA

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IARU Satellite Forum + SkyCube & 915 MHz CubeSat Ground Station Network
by Trevor . 25 Aug '12

25 Aug '12

The IARU International Amateur Radio Satellite Forum will this year be held in conjunction with the AMSAT-UK Colloquium which takes place in Guildford, England on the weekend of September 15-16. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9862 -- The Huffington Post reports on the imaging CubeSat SkyCube that will be utilizing a network of 915 MHz ground stations operated by the US Navy, the Boeing Corporation, and the University of Utah for CubeSat projects. Images taken by SkyCube will be transmitted by a 57.6 kbps modem that was developed for CubeSats using the 915 MHz band. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9872 -- 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: Ts2000 with external preamps
by Bob DeVarney W1ICW 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

I suspect the issue with the Icom preamps and a TS-2000 is that the Icom preamp does not appear to RF-sense.. if there's DC on the coax, it's in line, if there's not DC on the coax, it's bypassed. I run the SSB SP-2000 and it can handle 200 watts RF-sensed. No sequencer necessary with the rig barefoot. The box you referenced on eBay protects the TS-2000 from amplifiers that need a lot of current from the radio to switch them, or have high voltage levels in the switching circuit ( bad design ) I did find this link which had a lot of useful info: http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?287072-ICOM-AG-25-amp-TS-2000-Questions On 8/24/2012 12:15 PM, Lawn, Richard wrote: > I have an icom preamp and wish I didn't. I'll send you the eBay link separately. > Rick > > >

3 3

YW5B
by Omar Alvarez 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

I contacted the YW5B in 24.945 and they have problems to be on SAT, so will be in another expedition. Omar XE1AO DK89df ******************************** M.C. Omar Alvarez Cárdenas Facultad de Telematica, U de C 316 1075 xe1aom(a)ucol.mx omar_ac(a)hotmail.com ********************************

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Office Closed
by Martha 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

The AMSAT Office will be closed from Monday, August 24 - Tuesday, Sept 4th. -- 73- Martha

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FUNCube dongle for sale
by Alan P. Biddle 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

Hi, Cleaning the shack, and I have a spare FCD Pro V1.0 SN 188 for sale. This is first generation and does not provide +5V on the antenna as do the V1.1 units. It is in perfect electrical and mechanical condition, and used only the shack. $80 including shipping to North America. Please contact me off list. 73s, Alan WA4SCA

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KL7AA BP51 operational
by AL4S - Rich 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

Happy to report the Anchorage ARC's Earth Station at BP51be is operational. The M2 VHF/UHF antennas are on a Glen Martin tower with non-penetrating roof mount and pads. The Yaesu G-5500 az/el is driven by a ST-2 Sat Tracker by various Software including SatPC32. The main rig in use is the ICOM IC-910H with a MicroHAM MK2 interface. Next to be integrated is a KPC3+. This station is available to members of the club and guests. We will also participate with the genso.org project. www.kl7aa.net -- Rich Gillin - *AL4S* 907.884.1404 skype/ooVoo: rich.gillin

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USB SDR DONGLE - Re: Exclusive New Product Launch at AMSAT-UK Colloquium
by Thomas Doyle 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

I have been working with some of the new low cost RTL2832U+E4000 dongles that are flooding the market. It appears that they are designed for the digital TV market in some countries outside the US. They cost about $20. They usually come with an antenna and a remote control. The antenna and remote are useless but the dongle does work. It has a PAL antenna connector which is not a problem since an adapter are available at Radio Shack. It takes a bit of digging around to find the drivers. There was some sort of license fight between a couple of "open source" developers which makes it a bit more difficult than it should be. I have one 'working' with HDSDR. It is still a little funky changing frequencies with the 'FreqMgr' but it is early days. The performance is the same as the FUNcube. There are quite a number of different chipsets in use so buyer beware. If you like hunting for working drivers and ExtIO programs and tinkering these E4000 dongles are for you. IMHO the FUNcube Dongle is still the best bet for the rest of us. My FUNcube has been sitting on the shelf for quite a while as it does not perform as well as my receiver even with the help of a SSB mast mounted pre-amp and cavity front end filter. I was talking with someone on FO-29 and they mentioned they use theirs as just a panadapter. I dug my FUNcube out and it does work well as a panadapter (no connection to the receiver required). Very handy on those rare occasions when there are more than zero people on the linear sats. SDR-Radio v1.5 works well with the FUNcube . Very nice work by Simon. I do miss the picture of him and his dog when the SDR-Radio program boots up. Very interested in seeing Howards "FUNcube Dongle PRO-PLUS". I hope the PLUS is not a price increase. In an attempt to find out what it is before the official release I searched the net and came up with this gem from 2010 on the http://www.funcubedongle.com 'Ordering FAQ' page. Be sure to check out the link. " admin says: October 26, 2010 at 2:21 pm I am working on a Pro Plus version http://www.proplus.co.uk/ to enable us to work 24/7 on the Dongle. " Thanks to all the Europeans who manage to keep out hobby alive and up to date. 73 W9KE Tom Doyle On Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 1:09 PM, Trevor . <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > AMSAT-UK are delighted to announce that Howard Long, G6LVB, will be present at the Colloquium this year and will be launching a new "FUNcube Dongle PRO-PLUS" during his presentation. > > Full technical details have been embargoed until his talk and we are not permitted to steal his thunder by releasing further details of this new product in advance. Attendees at the Colloquium will therefore be the first to learn about Howard's latest development which will further advance the applications for SDR devices. > > The Colloquium is a truly international event and will include: > > Exclusive access to inspect the new SSTL clean room and integration facilities at the recently opened Kepler Building. If you have visited their previous facilities at the university campus, during previous Colloquia, you will be amazed by what is happening now. > > Presentations by experts from AMSAT-SA, AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-DL on their current spacecraft projects. > > CubeSat presentations on UKube-1, STRaND-1, STRaND-2 and, of course the FUNcube-1 project. > > We will be including an exclusive roundup of a number of new live and potential spacecraft projects that are under investigation and/or development. > > Additionally a number of presentations are planned covering new communications techniques and similar futuristic topics. > > Plus all the usual networking opportunities, the gala dinner and auction/raffle, plus the opportunity to operate the sophisticated groundstation in the GB4FUN mobile demonstration module. > > The Colloquium takes place at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, England, September 15-16. Rooms and Saturday’s Gala Dinner must be booked in advance at http://tinyurl.com/Colloquium-2012-Booking > > Further information http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > AMSAT-UK > ---- > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb -- Sent from my computer. tom ...

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Solved! Icom 821 and SatPC32 uplink frequency weirdness
by Stephan Greene 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

...and there was much rejoicing. Trying to get back on the satellites after many (10 year?) hiatus. [Yes, I missed AO-51, Arrisat, and a lot of the earlier cubesats. Sigh.] Trying to use SatPC32 to control my Icom 821H and I was seeing weird behavior and having trouble finding and staying tuned on my downlink. Manual control worked fine, but I wanted the computer taking care of some of the work for me. Finally noticed that the frequency jumps were EXACTLY the default repeater offsets used when the rig is in FM/repeater mode. No idea how the satellite section got that way (hidden menu triggered? stray bit flip?) but it happened whenever SatPC32 sent frequency corrections (either automatic Doppler correction from the software or tuning via keyboard commands) while I was transmitting. Solution was a full reset of the radio. Satellite mode works as it should, confirmed by some nice, computer-supported voice QSOs on AO-7 and VO-52 this evening. So, to summarize (and hopefully make it easier for anyone searching amsat-bb in the future if they run into this): Problem: Icom 821 in satellite mode. Sub-band transmitter frequency jumps +600 kHz (2M) or -5 MHz (70cm) while transmitting in CW, SSB, and FM, as soon as software sends a frequency correction to the radio. No jumps or problems when just listening and tuning across transponder. Manual satellite mode (software control off) behaves normally. Manual does not indicate satellite mode has a repeater offset feature. Solution: Full reset of radio, reconfigure radio as needed (interface baud rate and verify address) for software control. Thanks to the folks I contacted direct (searches of amsat-bb archives for SatPC32 and Icom 821 issues) for their suggestions and encouragement. Sometimes a problem that appears to be between the radio & the computer or software is due to the radio, not the computer. 73, hope to work many of you on the birds. Steve KS1G FM18hx ks1g(a)amsat.org

5 4

NASA tiny sats
by Robert McGwier 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

NASA Preparing Mini-Satellites To Send Into Space Powered By The Nexus One and Nexus S posted on Aug 24th 2012 at 4:54am by Chris Chavez The boys at NASA have been making headlines after hitting the sand dunes of Mars with their mini go-cart, Curiousity, and it looks like they have a few more surprises in store. A team from NASA’s Ames Research Center has been hard at work developing miniature satellites — called a “PhoneSat” — powered by, none other, than the OG Nexus One and Nexus S. NASA has spent the last few years putting these PhoneSats and the devices inside through the paces, testing them in a variety of situations, destroying a few prototypes in the process. Currently, the team has 2 nanosatellite prototypes that will be sent up into space at different times. To see if something like this is even possible, the first will consist of a Nexus One, external batteries, external radio beacon, all inside a comfy 10x10x10cm shell. If the PhoneSat 1.0 is a success, the team will send up the PhoneSat 2.0 with the more powerful Nexus S inside and featuring a 2-way S-band radio, solar panels, and GPS receiver. At $3,500 to build, NASA’s goal is to launch the “lowest-cost satellites ever flown into space,” and plans to send ‘em on up later this year aboard the Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Antares rocket. With plans to send future PhoneSats to the moon, it shouldn’t be long before we see the Galaxy Nexus making an orbital space trip for itself, finally at home amongst the galaxies. http://phandroid.com/2012/08/24/nasa-preparing-mini-satellites-to-send-into… -- Bob McGwier Technical Director, Allied Communication, LLC Facebook: N4HYBob ARS: N4HY

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Exclusive New Product Launch at AMSAT-UK Colloquium
by Trevor . 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

AMSAT-UK are delighted to announce that Howard Long, G6LVB, will be present at the Colloquium this year and will be launching a new "FUNcube Dongle PRO-PLUS" during his presentation. Full technical details have been embargoed until his talk and we are not permitted to steal his thunder by releasing further details of this new product in advance. Attendees at the Colloquium will therefore be the first to learn about Howard's latest development which will further advance the applications for SDR devices. The Colloquium is a truly international event and will include: Exclusive access to inspect the new SSTL clean room and integration facilities at the recently opened Kepler Building. If you have visited their previous facilities at the university campus, during previous Colloquia, you will be amazed by what is happening now. Presentations by experts from AMSAT-SA, AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-DL on their current spacecraft projects. CubeSat presentations on UKube-1, STRaND-1, STRaND-2 and, of course the FUNcube-1 project. We will be including an exclusive roundup of a number of new live and potential spacecraft projects that are under investigation and/or development. Additionally a number of presentations are planned covering new communications techniques and similar futuristic topics. Plus all the usual networking opportunities, the gala dinner and auction/raffle, plus the opportunity to operate the sophisticated groundstation in the GB4FUN mobile demonstration module. The Colloquium takes place at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, England, September 15-16. Rooms and Saturday’s Gala Dinner must be booked in advance at http://tinyurl.com/Colloquium-2012-Booking Further information http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK ----

1 0

SPROUT SSTV Nanosat Jan 2013
by Trevor . 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

SPROUT, a 20 x 20 x 22 cm amateur radio SSTV nano-satellite with a mass of 6.7 kg, plans to launch with the L-band (1236.5 MHz/1257.5 MHz/1278.5 MHz) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite ALOS-2 in January, 2013. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9837 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium takes place Guildford Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve ----

1 0

Ts2000 with external preamps
by Lawn, Richard 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

Can anyone recommend to me how they remove dc from the coax before rf hits my preamps and fry's them.? I see a box on eBay that a guy is selling but it seems to be a device that uses relays and is designed to key external rf amps using the din connector on the ts2000. I'm not certain however this will work for my needs. Rick W2jaz Sent from my iPad http://RickLawn.com

3 2

SpaceX Cleared For Cargo Flights To ISS
by B J 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

http://spacecoalition.com/blog/international-space-station-space-shuttle-na… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Possible Operation From CO96
by B J 23 Aug '12

23 Aug '12

I'll be travelling to CO96 in NE British Columbia in about 2 weeks time and I plan on taking my FT-817 and Arrow Yagi with me. If I can, I'll try to get onto AO-27 and SO-50. I don't have any details right now about exactly when I'll arrive or how long I'll be there. I might know more in the next 2 or 3 days. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Pictures Of Sfera Deployment
by B J 23 Aug '12

23 Aug '12

http://www.onorbit.com/node/4890 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

YW5B La Blanquilla Island DXpedition on Satellites
by JoAnne Maenpaa 23 Aug '12

23 Aug '12

Hello Everyone, Here is some news that arrived at the ANS "newsdesk" which would be too late if we waited for the next weekend news cycle: + Members of the Grupo DX Caracas announced their YW5B DXpedition to La Blanquilla Island (SA-037) between August 21-27. Activity will be on 160-2 meters using CW, SSB, FM, Satellites and the Digital modes. QSL Manager is DM4TI with instructions on his QRZ.com page. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1075) -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Associate Editor, AMSAT Journal

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HamsatDroid - Choices
by David Johnson 23 Aug '12

23 Aug '12

Hi, To keep all the HSD users in the loop.... I'm looking at what the basic / paid release should be so that we can get the better navigation / API functions. The problem occurs when it comes to phone v tablet For phone, Android v2.3.3 is recommended For tablet, Android v4.0.3 (or v4.1) to get the richness especially with the release of the Nexus 7. I'm tempted by the 4.0.3 for the paid version and upgrade from 1.5 to 2.3.3 for the base version. What do you think? replies here or hamsatdroid(a)g4dpz.me.uk 73 - Dave, G4DPZ

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The AMSAT-UK SPACE Colloquium - 14 - 16 Sep 2012
by Jim List 23 Aug '12

23 Aug '12

Hi Folks, There are still rooms available at the hotel at which the AMSAT-UK Colloquium will be held on 14, 15 and 16 Sep. TO BE SURE OF A ROOM AT THE HOTEL YOU SHOULD BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID DISSAPPOINTMENT! The location of the Colloquium is at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, Surry, UK. New this year will be guided tours of the new SSTL satellite construction facility, the Kepler Building, including a view of the clean rooms. This facility has been open less than a year, and is hugely impressive! Numbers on the tours are limited and strictly first come first served basis. Detailed timings to follow. Further details are at http://www.uk.amsat.org/9565#more-9565 and at http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve and you can book online using PayPal or Credit Card at http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/catalog/browse Any difficulties or questions to g3wgm at amsat.org 73 Jim G3WGM Hon Sec AMSAT-UK

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Live Video Broadcast of OSSI CubeSat Presentation Thursday
by Trevor . 22 Aug '12

22 Aug '12

On Thursday, August 23 at 1000 (presumably CET ?), Hojun Song is giving a keynote presentation in Malmö, Sweden about the CubeSat OSSI to the Media Evolution Conference, further details at http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9758 Also on the AMSAT-UK site Amateur Radio CubeSat F-1 on TV http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9746 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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Amsat Symposium call for papers!!!
by Daniel Schultz 22 Aug '12

22 Aug '12

This is the second call for papers for the 2012 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium to be held in Orlando, Florida on the weekend of October 26-28, 2012. Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy to be submitted by October 1 for inclusion in the printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV, at n8fgv(a)amsat.org We still have prime slots available on the speaker's schedule. The Amsat symposium depends on YOU to make it happen, without speakers there is no symposium. Please consider doing a presentation, even if you have never done so in the past. We are especially interested in papers and presentations involving our educational partnerships with K-12 and university level classrooms. Education is quickly becoming critical for our future rides to space. Dan Schultz N8FGV

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Extended rubber ducks / whips on an HT for LEOs
by Clayton Coleman W5PFG 22 Aug '12

22 Aug '12

I think it's time to stop recommending people use AL-800 or SRH320 -style extended whips for LEO newcomers. These antennas are very poor performers for working either SO-50 or AO-27. Even under an ideal pass, using these antennas will likely result in many missed calls. We all know "it can be done..." So can running a dogsled race with Chihuahuas. Here's my case, which has been experienced time after time, on the current FM birds: 1. New station decides to "give sats a try." (Excellent - we should encourage and provide proper guidance) 2. Station looks in drawer and finds an extended whip or buys one based on recommendation from website or article 3. Station gets on a pass, hears a break in the noise and some partial calls, so he gives his call sign 4. If the new station was lucky enough to capture the bird, likely other stations will "pounce" on the new guy and perhaps call incessantly 5. Perhaps the new station will hear the bird again for a minute, thinking it is clear, and gives their call sign 6. Repeat step 4-5; continue until LOS (many fewer good contacts are made) When we had AO-51, reception on an extended whip was more viable. Now with AO-27 and SO-50, these "extended" rubber ducks have become much less viable options. Often the stations on a whip do not take into account their "handicap" and try to make contacts even though they are not hearing the bird. It’s time to retire these extended whips as a recommendation since there are both inexpensive commercially-available gain antennas and many good home-brew designs. 73 Clayton W5PFG

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Re: Full Duplex radio?
by Greg Dolkas 22 Aug '12

22 Aug '12

I'm guessing it lost something in translation, but what exactly are the Stun and Kill features listed under Main Features? Greg KO6TH Sent from my trusty HP iPAQ. -----Original Message----- From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE(a)UNITED.NET> To: "'Gary "Joe" Mayfield'" <gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com>; "'AMSAT-BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: 8/21/12 5:44 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Full Duplex radio? Joe, I have email in to Radio Mart about that. Their HT line gets generally good reviews based on value/$ but with the caveat that they are not on a par with Kenwood, Yaesu, and Icom WRT features and often performance. Still, looks interesting. Alan WA4SCA -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gary "Joe" Mayfield Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 7:06 AM To: 'AMSAT-BB' Subject: [amsat-bb] Full Duplex radio? Has anyone played with one of these yet? http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=108702 Is it true full duplex? Pair it up with any antenna that hears the FM birds and you should be good to go? Just Curious, Joe kk0sd _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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What is the best log software for us?
by Juan Antonio Fernandez 21 Aug '12

21 Aug '12

Nowadays I use a log software based in Microsoft ACCESS. Do you know a suitable log for us (sat operators) compatible with Microsoft Access? I would not have any objection to transform or convert the fields into a different format. Juan Antonio EA4CYQ

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ISS orbit boost in progress
by Alan P. Biddle 21 Aug '12

21 Aug '12

The ISS is having its orbit raised: http://preview.tinyurl.com/9dv7553 The article describes it being done in two steps, so it will take some time for the Keps to settle down. Alan WA4SCA

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ISS spacewalk, satellite to be released?
by Mark L. Hammond 21 Aug '12

21 Aug '12

Okay--which small satellite is going to be released? I've lost track... from www.nasa.gov : "International Space Station Expedition 32 Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency have begun a planned 6 1/2-hour spacewalk. The pair will move the Strela-2 hand-operated crane from the Pirs docking compartment to the Zarya module, preparing Pirs for its replacement with a new laboratory and docking module. They will also deploy a small satellite and install debris shields on the Zvezda module." -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Joel Kleinman, SK
by Clint Bradford 21 Aug '12

21 Aug '12

SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX013 ARLX013 QST Managing Editor Joel Kleinman, N1BKE (SK) ZCZC AX13 QST de W1AW Special Bulletin 13 ARLX013 >From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT August 21, 2012 To all radio amateurs SB SPCL ARL ARLX013 ARLX013 QST Managing Editor Joel Kleinman, N1BKE (SK) QST Managing Editor Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE, of Meriden, Connecticut, died from injuries received during a house fire. He was 64. Kleinman was responsible for the coordination, organization, control and completion of all aspects of QST's editorial content each month. Kleinman's wife Jayne survived the fire, but is currently in the intensive care unit of a local hospital. "Joel was obsessed with making QST the best Amateur Radio magazine it could be, but he pursued that obsession with uncommon dignity and kindness," said QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY. "He was the quiet man behind the scenes, shouldering much of the burden that comes with creating 164 pages of new content every month. Joel set a high standard for all who may follow him." After graduating from the University of Montana with a MA in Journalism, Kleinman came to ARRL's Club and Training Department in June 1976 to lead a program aimed at introducing students to space science using Amateur Radio satellites. It was in this capacity that he contributed to the five-part series "Getting to Know OSCAR from the Ground Up" that was published in QST in 1977. Less than year later, Kleinman moved over to the ARRL's Production Department as an editorial assistant before becoming the ARRL Features Editor, then Editorial Supervisor, then Editorial/Production Supervisor. In 1988, he became Book Team Supervisor, where he was responsible for the development and editorial integrity of ARRL books and other media. He was named as QST Managing Editor in April 2001. Kleinman was not licensed prior to beginning his career at ARRL Headquarters: "When I came on board, I didn't know much about ham radio," he remarked in a "Behind the Diamond" feature in the June 1979 issue of QST. "But it was made very clear to me that I soon would -- and I did!" Before long, Kleinman had written such QST articles as "The Lure of 2 Meters -- Part 1," the OSCAR articles and "Network Hams: A Hobby Becomes a Career," which focused on hams who worked at ABC, CBS and NBC: "It's not often that a person gets to go on behind-the-scenes tours of the headquarters of all three broadcast networks in two days." "With the passing of Joel Kleinman, N1BKE, we have lost not only a respected professional colleague, but also a friend," said ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. "The shocking circumstances of his death sharpen the sadness we feel. The ARRL sends our deepest sympathy to all of Joel's friends and family. I would like to thank the many amateurs who have expressed condolences through social media and by other means. Although you may not have known Joel personally, you feel his loss as a member of the extended Amateur Radio family. Your kindness and words of comfort are sincerely appreciated." According to the Meriden Record-Journal, David Chester -- who lives across the street from the Kleinmans -- and about 20 others who were in his backyard at the time of the fire were the first responders to the blaze. "It was crazy," Chester told the newspaper. "Somebody smelled smoke, and most everyone went over there immediately." Others immediately ran into the house to save Jayne Kleinman. "Steve [one of Chester's friends] said he saw her legs and pulled on them," Chester said. "The other two grabbed her from her back, and together they brought her out onto the front lawn." Meriden Assistant Fire Chief Mark Finnegan told the Record-Journal that the Meriden Fire Department received a call around 5:15 PM on August 18, reporting a fire on the second floor of the single-family home. The fire was contained to the second floor of the home, and was put out by firefighters within 10 minutes. Firefighters were able to locate Joel Kleinman in a bedroom on the second floor and paramedics treated him at the scene, but he died later at a local hospital. "When they got to the top of the stairs, the guy told me they saw [Jayne's] foot and they grabbed her foot and dragged her down the stairs," Meriden Fire Chief James Trainor told the Hartford Courant. "I guess they tried to go back in but it was untenable. There was so much smoke he just couldn't make it." Trainor said that the fire was in an upstairs room and may have been burning for a while before rescuers arrived. "Joel was a gifted writer and editor," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ. "Amateur Radio is the richer today because he chose to devote his talents to the work of the ARRL." Kleinman was a former president of the Newington Amateur Radio League (NARL) and a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA). Funeral arrangements are pending. The ARRL is collecting condolence messages to forward on to Joel's family. If you would like send a message, please email it to, news(a)arrl.org. NNNN /EX

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Full Duplex radio?
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 21 Aug '12

21 Aug '12

Has anyone played with one of these yet? http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=108702 Is it true full duplex? Pair it up with any antenna that hears the FM birds and you should be good to go? Just Curious, Joe kk0sd

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Antenna
by Juan Antonio Fernandez 21 Aug '12

21 Aug '12

Experience tells me that the success come when you can change the polarization. So my advice is to build two dual-band linear antennas and set it in 90º with enough separations between them. You will remember this advice each time you turn your antenna switch and the signal emerges from the noise. You will take advantage of the 80% of each pass. Do not forget to take into consideración other similar easy-yaguis to build such as the IOio antenna. http://personales.ya.com/ea4cax/paginaea4cyq/Antenaioio/ioioingles.pdf Juan Antonio EA4CYQ From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of ld.lucas(a)frontier.com Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 2:18 AM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna This may have been discussed before forgive me if it has I am new at this. I was wondering if an Elk or Arrow antenna mounted on a mast at an angle with a TV rotor would work as a base antenna for Satellite work. Has anyone done this and any tips on how you have been successful. If this does not work what would be the best antenna other than beams for under $200.00 to do this? Thanks for your information.

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Re: ISS spacewalk, satellite to be released?
by Trevor . 20 Aug '12

20 Aug '12

The Radioskaf site lists Radioskaf-3 to commemorate 55th aniversary of Sputnik. But doesn't reference a satellite called Sphere. See http://tinyurl.com/Radioskaf-3 Currently manufactured "Radioskaf-3". This is the working name of the satellite, to be launched in honor of the 55th anniversary of the launching of the first artificial Earth satellite. This is an exact replica of the satellite, but modern components, plus on-board scientific instruments will YUZGU students. "Radioskaf-4" - follow-on satellite programs. The development of the satellite units are students from various universities in Russia, Peru and Jordan. Starting in 2013 with the ISS. It is possible that the shell satellite (support structure) will again who served the Russian space suit, but does not exclude the possibility of placing the equipment in the hexagonal case. "Radioskaf-5" - a project of the future satellite (the one in the photo below). 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Mon, 20/8/12, Trevor . <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Date: Monday, 20 August, 2012, 21:23 > http://www.zarya.info/ says it's 'Sphere" > (0.5m dia, 13 kg mass), > > 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: ISS spacewalk, satellite to be released?
by Trevor . 20 Aug '12

20 Aug '12

http://www.zarya.info/ says it's 'Sphere" (0.5m dia, 13 kg mass), 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Voyager 2 Launched 35 Years Ago
by B J 20 Aug '12

20 Aug '12

http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/fastfacts.html http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/science/planetary.html August 20, 1977. I don't recall there being much mentioned about it in the papers or on TV and radio. Later on, however, its planetary flybys were front-page news. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: Antenna
by Matty Cunningham 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

Hi, I have used a very similar setup in the past with a Sandpiper dual band yagi (3 elements on 2m, 5 on 70cms) so the Elk, or Arrow antenna should work just as well. I had mine set at a fixed elevation of around 30 degrees, this was great for ISS, and AO-51 when she was active, good luck on the birds. 73 de Matty MD0MAN Message: 9 Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2012 05:17:41 -0400 From: <ld.lucas(a)frontier.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Message-ID: <OHELLOPGPOJMODFAFMIEEEKGCPAA.ld.lucas(a)frontier.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" This may have been discussed before forgive me if it has I am new at this. I was wondering if an Elk or Arrow antenna mounted on a mast at an angle with a TV rotor would work as a base antenna for Satellite work. Has anyone done this and any tips on how you have been successful. If this does not work what would be the best antenna other than beams for under $200.00 to do this? Thanks for your information.

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So50 Ao27 UK Operation
by mm0kjg 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

Hello there. Is there anyone on this forum who uses So50 Ao 27 from the UK/Scotland. I don't seem to hear any the passes . I hear and use Fo29 and Vo52 OK but no success on FM birds. I worked Sumbandila and Echo in the past so not sure if am doing something wrong?. Cheers for any response. Kev mm0kjg

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Radio Amateur Reaches Mongolia + NEE-01 Pegasus
by Trevor . 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

Radio Amateur Reaches Mongolia in Fiat Panda Neil PA9N has been a frequent presenter at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium and worked on the amateur radio satellite XO-53, see http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9736 Also on the AMSAT-UK site: NEE-01 Pegasus – a window to see the Earth from the classroom This CubeSat has a Morse code/SSTV/Voice beacon as well as an HD video camera and TV transmitter, see http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9723 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Antenna
by ld.lucas＠frontier.com 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

This may have been discussed before forgive me if it has I am new at this. I was wondering if an Elk or Arrow antenna mounted on a mast at an angle with a TV rotor would work as a base antenna for Satellite work. Has anyone done this and any tips on how you have been successful. If this does not work what would be the best antenna other than beams for under $200.00 to do this? Thanks for your information.

4 3

Re: Software must have list
by ted 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

For logging I've found Logger32 works well, especially for keeping track of your portable operations. Logger allows you to log to a single logbook using different operators. For example, I use my callsign for normal QSOs, and /QRP, /6MTR, /SAT for home SAT QSOs, and /GRID for portable locations. It tracks awards, and grids for each operator. Info on any station you have ever worked is instantly available. I must admit though, I am not familiar with what else is out there. 73...ted...aa5ck

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N-connectors
by H. Vordenbaum 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

Does anyone have the dimensions for preparing LMR-400 cable for the 2-piece N-connectors such as DX- Engineering's N1001-S's? 73, Harvey K5HV

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ISS
by Kevin Deane 19 Aug '12

19 Aug '12

The 437.550 is workin pretty good, I guess no one uses it if they cant see their Callsign on the boob tube. Anyone that would like to try a digi contact in the future feel free to email me off list. Kevin KF7MYK

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ANS-232 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 18 Aug '12

18 Aug '12

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-232 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: * NASA Announcement of the Next CubeSat Launch Initiative * National Scouting Museum Announces JOTA Contest for ISS Contact * VQ9JC Activates Diego Garcia on Satellites * AMSAT at the ARRL New England Convention * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status - 13 August 2012 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-232.01 ANS-232 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 232.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 19, 2012 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-232.01 NASA Announcement of the Next CubeSat Launch Initiative On February 14, 2012 NASA announced that the AMSAT-NA Fox-1 Cube- sat was selected as one of 33 small satellites to fly as auxiliary payloads aboard rockets planned to launch in 2013 and 2014 during their third round of CubeSat Space Mission Candidates. NASA released the next Announcement of Cubesat Launch Initia- tive document on August 10, 2012. The CubeSat Launch initiative (CSLI) provides opportunities for small satellite payloads to fly on rockets planned for upcoming launches. These CubeSats are flown as auxiliary payloads on previously planned missions. The NASA document can be accessed on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/NASA-CubeSat-Initiative-PDF (www.nasa.gov). Electronic Proposals may be received until the close date on Novem- ber 12, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. EST via email to jason.c.crusan(a)nasa.gov. Proposed CubeSat investigations must be consistent with NASA's Stra- tegic Plan and the NASA education vision and goals. The research must address aspects of science, exploration, technology development, education or operations. NASA will enter into a collaborative agreement with the selected Cube- sat development teams to provide integration and other services as necessary to complete the launch activity. CubeSat developers are res- ponsible for the development cost of their satellite. The CubeSat Launch Initiative is open to NASA centers, U.S. not-for- profit organizations, and accredited U.S. educational organizations. Participation in the CubeSat Launch Initiative will be contingent upon selection by NASA and negotiation of an appropriate Agreement between NASA and the Collaborator. More information of the NASA CubeSat Launch initiative (CSLI) can be accessed on the web at: http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/CubeSats_initiative.html [ANS thanks Jason Crusan at NASA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- National Scouting Museum Announces JOTA Contest for ISS Contact On October 20, 2012, the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas (a suburb of Dallas) will contact an astronaut on the International Space Station via amateur radio, during the 55th Jamboree On-The-Air (JOTA). The National Scouting Museum says they expect as many as 25 partici- pants will be selected in a competition to speak via amateur radio with an astronaut in space. The competition is open to all currently registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers who submit the following: 1) Answer the following question: Why should we continue space exploration? in 100 words or less. 2) Indicate if you have any experience with amateur radio or STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects, as well as if you have earned the Astronomy academic belt loop and pin for Cub Scouts, the Space Exploration and/or the Astronomy merit badges, and any other special interests and training related to amateur radio, STEM, or space. Scouts must send their response by e-mail to nsmuseum(a)scouting.org before 11:59 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2012 for their chance to be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Scouts who enter should be capable of getting to Irving, Texas for JOTA but that should mean most of Texas, Oklahoma, western Louisiana, and Arkansas. [ANS thanks Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, Scout Radio Coordinator, Irving Amateur Radio Club for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VQ9JC Activates Diego Garcia on Satellites A news item in the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1074, dated August 13, 2012, reports Jim Clary, VQ9JC/ND9M, is back on Diego Garcia until mid-November, 2012. Jim operates through the LEO satellites with an FT-857 (TX) and FT-817 (RX) for duplex comms. His satellite antenna is a 5-element Elk log periodic. The ham shack building on Diego Garcia is closed for maintenance. Jim operates Field Day style from two recreational parks on the is- land. His HF antennas are hung from trees and he needs to bring all of his amateur radio gear with him including the radio, power supply, antennas, power and coax cables, keyer, laptop, and tools) with him in two backpacks. Jim's HF rig is an FT-897D (barefoot at 100W) and single-band dipoles. Most operating will be on CW, with SSB on occa- sion. Since his two operating spots are outside in public areas, Jim has to set up the station and then break it down each day, which further limits his operating time to 1230-1615z on most days. QSL via ND9M. All VQ9JC HF operating is from the island, so contacts are valid for DXCC and other awards. Satellite operating is from both the island as well as the ship Jim works on. All QSOs made from the ship will be clearly identified as '/MM' or 'maritime mobile', and the QSLs will indicate that as well. On his return voyage home from Diego Garcia to the United States last year Jim operated shipboard providing maritime mobile satellite con- tacts from rare ocean grids. No information is available yet about his return voyage plans for this trip. [ANS thanks Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1074 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT at the ARRL New England Convention AMSAT will be at the ARRL New England Convention 24-26 August 2012. The convention will be held at Holiday Inn in Boxborough, Massachusetts. Ernie Bauer, N1AEW, is leading the booth manning efforts. A forum session will also be held from 1000 to noon on Saturday, 25 August, which will include talks by AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW and VP Engineering Tony Monterio, AA2TX. [ANS thanks Ernie, N1AEW, for the above informaion] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Check out the "Eclectic Technology" column on page 44 of the August 2012 QST Magazine, by Steve Ford, WB8IMY for an article about the Fox-1 satellite (and brief mention of AMSAT's accomplishments in developing small satellites. + Some may wish to investigate the free Ham Radio Toolbar for your web browser by John, G0DPC at: http://www.haminfobar.co.uk/ John says he provides a completely free download, with no hidden catches. + You can see the images sent back from Japan's HORYU-2 amateur sat- ellite at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/9548 This link also provides latest mission information and telemetry capture/decoding tools. The satellite's callsign is JG6YBW and it transmits on 437.375 MHz. + In a 20 minute video Korean artist Hojun Song and Donghee Park des- cribes the Open Source Satellite Initiative amateur radio CubeSat OSSI-1. This satellite plans to launch on a Soyuz-2-1b rocket from the Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan along with the Bion-M1 and Dove-2 satellites in December, 2012 with an orbit of 575 km by 290 km and 64.9 degrees inclination. It has a beacon in the 145 MHz band and a data communications transceiver in the 435 MHz band. Also aboard is a 44 watt LED array to flash Morse Code messages to observers on Earth. Watch at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/9600 + This video report will update you with the Mars post-landing check out and preparations for the rover mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YyodK2g6aok And, get a personal perspective of the mission from Mark Rober, one of Curiosity's 3000 developers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PCKogFDM3Zg [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS Status - 13 August 2012 1. Missed Contact with Canada Science and Technology Museum Canada Science and Technology Museum Summer Day Camps had been scheduled for an ARISS contact on Thursday, August 9 via station IK1SLD in Italy. The contact was unsuccessful. ARISS is investigating the reason for the failure. 2. Expedition 30/31 Scheduled for Debrief Astronauts Don Pettit and André Kuipers (Expedition 30/31) will take part in an ISS Ham debrief session to give feedback on the ARISS program. The debrief is scheduled for August 15. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, 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 additional 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 student 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, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

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VE3NML works on STRaND solar cells
by Trevor . 18 Aug '12

18 Aug '12

There will be a presentation on the STRaND-1 satellite at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium being held at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, England on September 15-16. VE3NML works on STRaND solar cells http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9712 Also on the AMSAT-UK site JURBAN Team Aim for the Moon http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9704 Video of Space Jam 6 ISS Contact http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9699 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Fw: SPECIAL EVENT- FIRE ISLAND- FN30
by Peter Portanova 17 Aug '12

17 Aug '12

Hello: The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, www.gsbarc.org, will be active on Fire Island National Seashore August 18th and 19th. I will be using the callsign W2GSB/FI on the FM amateur Satellites. I will begin on S0-50, for the 14:10 U pass tomorrow, and all workable FM passes, during daylight hours for the weekend. If you would like a special QSL card, I look forward to working you, and follow the instructions on the gsbarc site, to receive the card, thank you. Due to the popularity of the FM satellites and activity on the weekend, it might be a good idea to call W2GSB, so I can have a better chance of working you, I will be hand held. 73's WB2OQQ Pete

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SPECIAL EVENT- FIRE ISLAND- FN30
by Peter Portanova 17 Aug '12

17 Aug '12

Hello: The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, www.gsbarc.org, will be active on Fire Island National Seashore August 18th and 19th. I will be using the callsign W2GSB/FI on the FM amateur Satellites. I will begin on S0-50, for the 14:10 U pass tomorrow, and all workable FM passes, during daylight hours for the weekend. If you would like a special QSL card, I look forward to working you, and follow the instructions on the gsbarc site, to receive the card, thank you. Due to the popularity of the FM satellites and activity on the weekend, it might be a good idea to call W2GSB, so I can have a better chance of working you, I will be hand held. 73's WB2OQQ Pete

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KF5LOQ
by K4FEG 17 Aug '12

17 Aug '12

Short notice but, Jack, KF5LOQ is mobile on his AZ trip and will be on the upcoming SO50 Pass from EM10! SEE you there! K4FEG "Your friendly neighborhood Grid Guerrilla"

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Microthrusters propel small satellites at MIT
by Trevor . 17 Aug '12

17 Aug '12

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9690 73 Trevor M5AKA

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AO-7 Mode B Downlink
by B J 16 Aug '12

16 Aug '12

I was able to hear my downlink on the last pass here, acquiring it a few minutes before 1600 UTC. The signal was the strongest I've heard for several weeks and there was no scratchiness or crackling. The pass peaked at about 30 degrees above the horizon and there was some local RFI from sources in my neighbourhood, but I was able to hear myself for several minutes until I lost the signal in the background noise shortly before local LOS. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Fox in QST
by Trevor . 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

The Eclectic Technology column on page 44 of Sept QST features the Fox satellite. There's also a video interview with Gould Smith/WA4SXM. 73 Trevor M5AKA

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(no subject)
by Ronald Perkins 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

Thanks to all of you that have answered my question. Got lots of great sites and ideas. Tnx agn.73'sRon AF7H

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(no subject)
by Ronald Perkins 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

Can anybody if AO-27 is operational. I'm new to this and haven't heard anything. Just wondering if I'm doing something wrong. Thanks Ron AF7H

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Fwd: Huntsville Hamfest this weekend
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "W5KUB Broadcast" <video6.w5kub(a)gmail.com> To: "Tom Medlin" <video6.w5kub(a)gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 10:13:04 AM Subject: Huntsville Hamfest this weekend It's time for the 2012 Huntsville Hamfest!! Please join us during our live, online broadcast of the Huntsville Hamfest this weekend. To join the broadcast go to http://W5KUB.com where the fun begins! During the Huntsville Hamfest W5KUB will interview vendors regarding their latest products, and broadcast the announcement of the Young Ham of the Year. Special guests will include Bob Heil (K9EID) of Heil Sound; Martin F. Jue (K5FLU) founder of MFJ Enterprises; Kay Kraigie (N3KN), ARRL President; Charlie Emerson (N4OKL) representing Huntsville Hamfest; etc. During the live broadcast, you will also have the opportunity to meet and chat with other ham radio operators from all over the world. During the 2012 Dayton Hamvention we had 47,400 viewers! You could be the winner of one of 19 prizes, total value approximately $3500, which will be awarded during the broadcast! These prizes are made possible because of our relationship with partners; such as, GigaParts, Huntsville Hamfest Prize Committee, Ten-Tec, NCG Company, Kantronics, MP Antenna, ARRL, MFJ, and many hams which have donated individual prizes. In the past year over $10,000 in prizes have been awarded! Of course, no purchase is necessary to win a prize. W5KUB is not affiliated with any products or companies and does not sell any products or services. Huntsville Hamfest broadcast hours: • Friday, August 17: 1400 UTC (9:00 AM CT) drive from Memphis to Huntsville (4 hrs) and set up • Saturday, August 18: 1500 UTC - 2230 UTC (9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CT) Huntsville Hamfest • Sunday, August 19: 1500 UTC - 2100 UTC (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CT) Huntsville Hamfest • Sunday, August 19: 2100 UTC (3:00 PM CT) drive from Huntsville to Memphis (4 hrs) Please join our group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/w5kub/ to keep up with us year-round. Also, please help spread the word by posting this announcement in Facebook and forwarding this message to your ham radio friends that may not have received this message! We'll 'see' you in Huntsville! 73 Tom Medlin, W5KUB http://w5kub.com If you would like to be removed from these mailings, please click Reply and type 'Remove' in the subject line.

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Milestones For Commercial Spacecraft Development Award Winners
by B J 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/08/13/a-closer-look-at-boeings-commercial-… http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/08/14/a-closer-look-at-spacexs-ccicap-mile… http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/08/15/a-closer-look-at-sierra-nevadas-ccic… The next 2 years are going to be quite interesting. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ@ DO33FL

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Dawn's Departure From Vesta Delayed
by B J 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/343061/title/Dawn_mission_to_die… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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September 6 launch & deployment ?
by Trevor . 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

I see the Vandenburg NROL-36 CubeSat launch is now scheduled for Sept 6. I seem to recall that Sept 6 was also a date mentioned in connection with the deployment of the amateur radio CubeSats, F-1, FITSAT-1, We-Wish and TechEdSat from the International Space Station (ISS). Does anyone know if the ISS deployment date is still Sept 6 ? 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Mass
by davekn4ok＠aol.com 14 Aug '12

14 Aug '12

Anyone form the state of MA that would like to sked with me on any of the birds please? Thanks, Dave, kn4ok

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Re: IO72 Next Wednesday
by K5OE 14 Aug '12

14 Aug '12

Reaching N.A. from IO81/82 has proven harder than I thought, with Peter, VO1ONE, my only success. The Malvern Hills have proven to be quite an impediment for reaching the horizon :-) I went south of Ledbury yesterday to the grid border, but still could not hear the birds until they were too high for America. That said, it was nice to hear and work some familiar voices I have not heard since AO-10/40 days, including Ib, OZ1MY, and Jussi, OH5LK. I will take today off, unless the rain forces me off the golf course, but still plan to work IO72 tomorrow from the beach: AO-27 at 1435z and SO-50 at 1618z. 73, Jerry, M0GOE

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last pass fo-29 fh17
by Lizeth Norman 14 Aug '12

14 Aug '12

Title says it all. Will be up on the 525z pass. Flying back in the pm. Thanks all for the fun qso's. Norm n3ykf

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Max Valier Microsat + POPSAT-HIP1 Nanosat
by Trevor . 13 Aug '12

13 Aug '12

High School Satellite Max Valier http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9657 POPSAT-HIP1 Nanosat http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9650 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium takes place Guildford Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve ----

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Re: FP Saint-Pierre GN16
by Mark Saurman 13 Aug '12

13 Aug '12

Hi all once again, Due to a mixup on Saint-Pierre Tours part, we are stuck in Fortune, NL (GN27) for the day. We'll be in Saint Pierre tomorrow. We're taking the 7:15 AM crossing (NDT) and will be there until Wednesday afternoon. I haven't looked at passes yet but will do my best to get on the AO-27 and SO-50 passes closest to those times. I think there'll be opportunity available since everything seems to close up for two hours around lunch. In the mean time if anyone needs GN27, I'll probably be on at some point this evening local time. Sorry for the inconvenience! The XYL practically lit the town on fire she was so livid hihi. 73, Mark

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AO7-a
by K4FEG 13 Aug '12

13 Aug '12

Just a note: AO7-a over the USA this morning had a very nice signal, there was no one but myself on the pass I was on, but the downlink was strong with minor QSB, I tested with variable power levels and as expected high power levels would bring on some distortion on CW signals and minor "FM'ing" on SSB signals. Running minimal power levels seemed to produce clear downlinks on both SSB and CW. I am not sure how the "bird" would react with multiple stations on simultaneously but it was quite clear with just myself on the satellite this morning. I think we just need to be gentle with the "Grand Lady of satellites" she seems to working, for now! I wish I had an answer for what is ailing the bird, but I don't. These are just my observations of the satellite! 73 All! Frank; K4FEG

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