- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Can anyone help identify this signal
by Thomas Doyle 12 Aug '12

12 Aug '12

I was getting ready for a pass today and heard a very disturbing signal in the 70 cm satellite band (435.84MHz). The signal was very strong. The signal was at least 500KHz wide (max range on spectrum scope). The the spectrum looked like FM but the recording was made with the receiver set to usb mode. I checked the signal on two different receivers (IC-7000 and IC-7600 with a 70cm converter) to make sure it was not a internal birdie of some sort. During the pass it wiped out the sat when it was on. Fortunately it went away after about an hour. I am fairly sure it was terrestrial as the signal level did not change over the hour. Since it was on for only very short periods of time it was impossible to point the beam at it. Any help identifying the signal type would be appreciated. http://www.tomdoyle.org/RX-8-12-2012-435.84MHz%20-%20USB.WAV tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle

3 2

FP Saint-Pierre GN16
by Mark Saurman 12 Aug '12

12 Aug '12

Hi, Will be operating from approximately 15Z 13-August-2012 and 16Z 14-August-2012. I'll try to specifically be on at least the 1652Z-1707Z SO-50 pass and AO-27 1711Z-~1720Z pass. Will have HF capabilities also. I suppose someone will spot me on the cluster when they hear me. Callsign will be FP/N8TLV. QSL via N8TLV either direct or LoTW. Weather may affect ability to operate, particularly if the ferry is delayed/cancelled. Meteo France is currently calling for a lovely day of fog and drizzle between 19 and 21 degrees. 73, Mark

1 0

Re: W1T - FN52 Grid Activation *UPDATES*
by Ted 12 Aug '12

12 Aug '12

Yeah, but what are conditions on the lobster, quahog and corn on the cob front.. Sometime, ya just gotta have priorities.... Come to think of it, an Arrow might make a combo grill for that stuff Enjoy yer vacation Clayton...its 95 and smoky skies from forest fires here ! 73, Ted, K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: Clayton Coleman W5PFG [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2012 3:14 PM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: W1T - FN52 Grid Activation *UPDATES* Unfortunately the weather off Cape Cod in grid square FN52 did not cooperate. Instead, we operated from FN51 at the site of Marconi's 1902-1903 wireless station between Wellfleet and Eastham, Massachusetts. Several FO-29, SO-50, and AO-27 passes were worked. A major frontal boundary of low and high pressure systems was stalled along the coast, causing too much uncertainty. Waves were observed between 4-6 ft, winds a constant 15+ knots from the SW, and the U.S. Coast Guard had issued a SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY. The nice thing is that grids don't move. It'll be there for another day -- another activation. Thank you for all who worked W1T on this adventure. 73 Clayton W5PFG On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 9:21 AM, Clayton Coleman W5PFG <kayakfishtx(a)gmail.com> wrote: > We're approximately one week away from my planned trip to FN52aa off > the east coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts 11-12 August. > > SATELLITES: > Operations will be on the AO-27, SO-50, and FO-29 satellites only. We > will be operating QRP so please be conscious of this when you are > trying to make contact via FO-29's linear transponder. I will be weak > and the more power you run will be to the detriment of everyone on the > pass. Please take this into consideration! > > TERRESTRIAL SSB PHONE: > In addition to satellite activation we will run 6m SSB into a > rotatable dipole. QRP. > > CALLSIGN: > Special event call sign - W1T. There will be three hams on the boat > (N1EZT, KD1OQ, and W5PFG.) If either of us call someone with our own > call, do not return a call back if you are not being called. W1T will > be the primary call sign. > > QSL: > Self-addressed, stamped envelope to W5PFG. Non-US stations, please > email me. I will upload Logbook of the World only upon request. > > WEATHER: > At this time we are tracking coastal weather. Nothing major at the > moment except for Tropical Storm Florence. Aside from Murphy, Weather > is our biggest foe on this adventure. > > PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: > On "game day," K4FEG will announce my presence of W1T on Twitter > (@k4feg) and AMSAT-BB. Please do not re-post this information > anywhere else. > > 73, > Clayton > W5PFG > > On Sat, Jul 28, 2012 at 12:50 PM, Clayton Coleman W5PFG > <kayakfishtx(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> In just a few weeks I will embark on a fishing excursion off of Cape >> Cod in Massachusetts. On board are 2 other operators and we intend to >> activate water grid FN52aa for several AO-27 and SO-50 passes. >> Possible use of VO-52 and FO-29 satellite passes. This will occur the >> afternoon/evening of August 11 and potentially into the morning of >> August 12. Some passes from FN51 might be worked during transit. The >> primary call sign used will be W1T. >> >> Please note I am not announcing this operation to the AMSAT-BB, QRZ, >> eHam, Twitter, or other distribution methods. Once we are *live* and >> making contacts that weekend, please feel free to post. >> >> All of this, of course, is weather permitting. FN52aa is on the >> Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Cod. We're departing from the Bourne >> Marina on the south side of Cape Cod Canal. We are considering >> pulling the boat out and towing it to Truro for put-in. That is >> dependent on whether or not Truro has room for us. If the commercial >> fisherman have tagged out on Stripers, we might put the boat in at >> Truro and save a lot of water travel time. I have hard commitments on >> August 13 so there is no chance of extending the operation. >> >> 73 >> >> Clayton >> W5PFG

1 0

live video stream link for Cubesat Summer Workshop 2012
by Samudra Haque 12 Aug '12

12 Aug '12

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cubesat-summer-workshop-2012 Hi, from USU. Samudra N3RDX (202) 812-3325

1 0

Icom AG-35 Preamp Question
by Lawn, Richard 12 Aug '12

12 Aug '12

I bought an Icom AG-35 preamp about a year ago. The fellow ham advertised it as virtually brand new and it was/is. I planned to use it this summer with a TS-2000 which doesn't supply 12v voltage to the coax to power a preamp as other xcvrs do. I used a Mirage KP2 unit to inject power to the coax to drive mast mounted the preamp. When I turn the power on there seems to be little or no noticeable difference in background noise and worse than that I cannot here any signals on FO-29 downlink, and I know the bird has been active. Any suggestions? Is the preamp fried? I can't even get the weather proof case off to trouble shoot, not that I'd know what to look for. Any suggestions on repair? TNX 73 Rick W2JAZ

5 6

Re: Icom AG-35 Preamp Question
by Nader Omer 11 Aug '12

11 Aug '12

Hi Rick Check the KP2RC unit output volt if it the same as the input supply volt ! This volt suppose to be same on both the input and output coax connectors of the KP2RC control unit . Check the RCA phone jack at KP2RC unit if there any bridge or metal twist any short in this jack will drop the output volt to Zero . Hope this wll help Nader Omer st2nh

1 0

fo-29 tonight
by Lizeth Norman 11 Aug '12

11 Aug '12

Will be up for the 0530z fo-29 pass. I'll be looking for you Nick! 73 de Norm n3ykf/oa4

1 0

Scout contest for ARISS contact at National Scouting Museum announced.
by Tom Schuessler 11 Aug '12

11 Aug '12

Below is the announcement from the National Scouting Museum here in Irving, Texas about a contest to select Scouts to be the questioners in an upcoming ARIAA contact currently scheduled for Jamboree on the Air, (JOTA) weekend, October 20th. Scouts who enter should be capable of getting to Irving for JOTA but that should mean most of Texas, Oklahoma, western LA and Arkansas. Please pass this along to any Scouts or Scouters you know ASAP as there is only a short time in the contest. Deadline for submissions is September 15th. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP ScoutRadio Coordinator, Irving Amateur Radio Club http://irvingarc.org n5hyp(a)amsat.org _____________________________________________________________________ From: Office of Museum Department [OfficeOf.MuseumDepartment(a)scouting.org] Subject: Want to talk to an astronaut? ATTENTION SCOUTS AND VENTURERS! Have you ever wanted to speak with an astronaut in space? Here's your chance! On October 20, 2012, the National Scouting Museum will contact an astronaut on the International Space Station via amateur radio, during the 55th Jamboree On-The-Air (JOTA). Answer the following question: Why should we continue space exploration? in 100 words or less, and send your response to nsmuseum(a)scouting.org before 11:59 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2012 for your chance to be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Contest Details Competition is open to all currently registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers. All submissions must include the following information: name, rank, unit and unit number. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2012. 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. As many as 25 participants will be selected. Winners will be notified on September 20, 2012. Please click here to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your email address. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA National Scouting Museum 1329 West Walnut Hill Lane Irving, Texas 75038 1-800-303-3047 www.nationalscoutingmuseum.org

1 0

How the Amateur Radio OSSI-1 Satellite Works
by Trevor . 11 Aug '12

11 Aug '12

The Open Source Satellite Initiative has released a 20 minute video giving a general overview of the the Morse Code LED CubeSat OSSI-1. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9600 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

3 2

UT1FG/MM QSL Card Status
by John Papay 10 Aug '12

10 Aug '12

Yuri, UT1FG, has been on a well deserved vacation in Russia following his 6 month long voyage as Captain of the M/V Mottler. Logs for the April-May 2012 timeframe have just now become available to his manager Eugene, UX0FY. Yuri was only home for a few days but he managed to write many qsl cards which will be returned by mail (if postage was provided), or by the Bureau (if no postage was enclosed). Eugene will have the bureau cards out in September and said that the Ukraine Bureau is working very well. Direct cards are going out daily. Eugene has all of Yuri's logs now and can answer all requests. Eugene responds to all requests (with sufficient postage) on a direct basis. He encloses an insert that requests that the recipient send an email to him when they receive their card(s). This insures that the process is complete. If no email is received then the card is possibly lost or stolen in the mail. Eugene has not received email responses from the following stations: For 2011: WB6UQT EA3NW LU1MPK EA5SR WB0WZF RA3GAS W3KXR K8VFV F0FIG W0PTI PE1OXS LU1MHC KE4KOL WB3CSY LU4FW KD8KSN W1NG N4LR N8RO ND9M/MM KT3L N9AMW KB1RVT EA1BYC XE2AT For 2012: K5HDE KB1DMX K8SIX WB3CSY N0JE CO6CBF via WA5KBH F6HIQ US5ID PY2EU W4AS (sent in July) N8RO WA5KBH N9AMW If you are on this list, please send an email to Yuri's manager, UX0FY (email address on qrz.com). Let him know if you received your UT1FG/MM cards that you requested or not. If you did not receive the cards, he will work something out with you to get them. If you see someone on this list that you know, please tell them about this posting. Not everyone reads the amsat-bb. This goes for the 6 meter as well as the satellite contacts. 73, John K8YSE

2 1

Re: [APRS] Perseids Meteor Shower contacts
by Bob Bruninga 10 Aug '12

10 Aug '12

> Is the 6 meter frequency fm or usb or other? Use APRS or TNC using AX.25 1200 baud packet FM Would work much better at 9600 baud FM, but no time to organize participants. Bob, WB4APR -----Original message----- From: Bob Bruninga <wb4apr(a)amsat.org> To: 'TAPR APRS Mailing List' <aprssig(a)tapr.org>, APRS(a)yahoogroups.com Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Fri, Aug 10, 2012 21:11:36 GMT+00:00 Subject: [APRS] Perseids Meteor Shower contacts Saturday night, set your APRS radio to 147.585 and check your log the next morning to see how many MS packets you got from other stations. You'll have an order of magnitude more success if you do it on 50.62 MHz though there will be fewer stations, and so the performance will likely be about the same. beacon away at rates as high as one every 10 seconds http://aprs.org/meteors.html Make your packets as short as possible. The best format is simply to include a grid square using the format >AA##aa Name. The ">" at the beginning makes it so that APRS radios can receive and display them directly The name is optional... For best results, use a beam and point it at a distant population center about 600 to 1200 miles away. That is your target area. Check your log the next morning and see what you got. Please set your PATH to direct, with no digipeters... Good luck! Bob, WB4APR ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/APRS/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/APRS/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: APRS-digest(a)yahoogroups.com APRS-fullfeatured(a)yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: APRS-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

1 0

Perseids Meteor Shower contacts
by Bob Bruninga 10 Aug '12

10 Aug '12

Saturday night, set your APRS radio to 147.585 and check your log the next morning to see how many MS packets you got from other stations. You'll have an order of magnitude more success if you do it on 50.62 MHz though there will be fewer stations, and so the performance will likely be about the same. beacon away at rates as high as one every 10 seconds http://aprs.org/meteors.html Make your packets as short as possible. The best format is simply to include a grid square using the format >AA##aa Name. The ">" at the beginning makes it so that APRS radios can receive and display them directly The name is optional... For best results, use a beam and point it at a distant population center about 600 to 1200 miles away. That is your target area. Check your log the next morning and see what you got. Please set your PATH to direct, with no digipeters... Good luck! Bob, WB4APR

1 0

RS 40 is object 38735
by Nico Janssen 10 Aug '12

10 Aug '12

Doppler shift measurements show that RS 40 (alias Yubileiny 2, alias MiR) is object 38735 (2012-041C). This is now also confirmed by Space-Track. Object 38736 is Gonets M04. 73, Nico PA0DLO

1 0

fo-29 pass tonight
by Lizeth Norman 10 Aug '12

10 Aug '12

Will be up for the 0535 fo29 pass from fh17. 73 de Norm n3ykf/oa4

1 0

IO72 Next Wednesday
by K5OE 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

I will be on a family holiday next week in the UK and plan to be QRV on the FM sats from IO82 and IO81/82 border (Sunday thru Thursday), and IO72 (Wednesday, 15 Aug 2012, 1400z - 1630z). If I can get to the border between IO71/72 I will try that, but don't think I will have time (to go that far south). Looking west, I realize I will only be able to reach into Nova Scotia, Quebec, and W1/2/3, as I am traveling light with only an HT for AO-27 and SO-50. If you need IO72, drop me a note and I'll try to listen for your call (k5oe at aol dot com). I will be using my UK call, M0GOE. 73, Jerry, K5OE

1 0

Parkes observation of MSL EDL
by Tarsala, Jan A (337C) 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

http://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/people/sar049/msl_tracks/edl/ VY 73, Jan WB6VRN MSL Telecom

2 1

EM80
by Andrew Glasbrenner 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

It looks like I might be making a day trip to EM80 on Saturday for work, and might be able to squeeze in some QSOs if anyone still needs that grid, or maybe EL89 while enroute. VO-52 and FO-29 are preferred, as the FMs will be plenty busy on the weekend. Drop me an email if you need the grid and want to try to QSO. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) Kepler Building
by Trevor . 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

The AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium taking place September 15-16 at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, United Kingdom, will provide an opportunity to visit the satellite facilities in the new Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) Kepler Building. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9565 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

VO-52 beacon heard I think
by Ib Christoffersen 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

Hi all, I think I had a very small signal from Williams beacon frequency. Pass with AOS here in Copenhagen 1422 UTC - but just 1 degree of elevation in my worst direction. Hope I am right. Should be a good pass over NA in a few minutes. 73 OZ1MY Ib

3 3

HORYU-2 Earth Images
by Trevor . 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

Earth Images from amateur radio CubeSat HORYU-2 http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9548 also on the AMSAT-UK website Korean satellite pioneer presents RSGB technical books to the Open Source Satellite Initiative OSSI http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9535 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

Radio Astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell, SK
by andy thomas 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19164236 73 de andy g0sfj

4 4

Re: Request for help with FT817, from Arnie Coro CO2KK and Hector Martinez CO6CBF
by Prof. Arnaldo Coro Antich 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

Good afternoon list readers ...from sunny Havana where we have just completed while ago several AO27 QSO's ,despite a very poor location, sorrounded by buildings... Anyway both CO6CBF /2 EL83tc and CO2KK El 83tc, from my Nuevo Vedado QTH, it was possible to work stations using the FT817 for receiving, with the help of a nice GasFet preamp that Hector uses regularly with his portable station. Now we want to try FO29, and need to know how to set up the FT817 so that when it transmits on the 2 meters band, it then will receive on the 70 centimeters downlink. I have never operated the FT817 on two bands that way.... but once heard that there was a way of making the rig do that . Please send mail to coro at enet dot cu,and add a copy to arnaldo dot coro at gmail dot com 73 and DX plus see you all soon via satellite... Arnie Coro CO2KK together today with CO6CBF Hector visiting Havana

1 0

AO7
by K4FEG 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

The 2140UTC AO7 pass over the US was heard by myself, I couldn't find the satellite on Mode A so on the off chance I switched to Mode B and I was clearly hearing my downlink on both CW and SSB. I am not sure why or when it switched modes but the satellite was apparently in a "low" power mode as the downlink was very weak but clearly audible on CW and SSB. I did not notice any "FM'ing" on the satellite but I did not hear any other signals on the satellite either. I made a brief recording but I have a high noise level and did not record the full pass over EM55. That's what I observed this afternoon! 73 all FEG

1 0

Out of the Office
by Martha 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

I will be out of the office Thursday, August 9th and Friday, August 10th. Back on Monday, August 13th at 10:00AM ET -- 73- Martha

1 0

ESA - towards a new educational CubeSat initiative
by Trevor . 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

An opportunity here for free CubeSat launches. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9515 I don't know what the proposed orbit is. The last Vega CubeSat launch was a short lifetime but elliptical 1441 km by 310 km orbit. 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium takes place Guildford Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve AMSAT-UK News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

1 0

Re: Radio Astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell, SK
by Trevor . 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

--- On Wed, 8/8/12, Jeff Moore <tnetcenter(a)gmail.com> wrote: > What was his call sign??? He operated illegally. 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

Technical question about radar reflectivity
by Graham Shirville 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

Hi All, I am preparing a response to the UK Space Agency Consultation Document on the planned Reform of the UK Outer Space Act. Generally the proposals appear to support cubesat development here in the UK and therefore should be supported. Included in the Impact Assessment document that comes with the Consultation Document is a finding that “ Further, cubesat designers should be encouraged to incorporate appropriate reflectors on the outside of their platforms to enhance their radar cross-section/signatures and therefore their detectability from the ground in order to minimise the potential collision risk with other operational satellites.” Would I be technically correct to be able to state something along the lines of... “Many/most cubesat platforms have communication systems that use frequencies in the 435-438MHz amateur satellite service and use projecting 1/4 wave monopole or 1/2 wave dipole antennas. As these frequencies are adjacent to those used by many of the ground based radars used for tracking space objects, it can be demonstrated that this finding is being and will be satisfied” I assume that their reflection will be enhanced by these antennas but want to make certain of the facts ..... so expert comments please. thanks Graham G3VZV

4 3

Hardware From Mars Science Laboratory Landing Located
by B J 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/PIA16001.html 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Vermont Lunar Lander Ion Drive CubeSat aims for 2013 launch
by Trevor . 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Watch the presentation at http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9508 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium takes place Guildford Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve AMSAT-UK News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ----

1 0

fo-29 tonight
by Lizeth Norman 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Will be qrv on the 0540z pass of fo-29. Can work this pass all the way to the horizon due to it's azimuth. 73 de Norm n3ykf/oa4

1 0

qrv on hf from Peru!
by Lizeth Norman 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Hi all, Received permission from the club to operate via hf from the club station. Nice gear. Will listen up for anyone who needs Peru. Feel free to repost as need be! 73 de Norm n3ykf

1 0

(no subject)
by B J 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

http://www.onorbit.com/node/4836 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 1

IEEE Spectrum Article on AFRL's Plug and Play Satellite Architecture
by tom＠bloomington.com 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

http://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/satellites/us-air-forces-plugandplay-sat… Tom WB8WOR

1 0

Re Radar reflectivity
by Rsoifer＠aol.com 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Graham et al, Further to my last email, I discussed the subject in greater depth in my December 1961 QST article, "The Mechanisms of Space Communication." It is available to ARRL members on www.arrl.org. 73 Ray

1 0

Quite a way to rehabilitate yourself ...
by Joe Fitzgerald 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Will these guys help us launch AMSAT Fox? http://www.spacenews.com/civil/120726-san-quentin-prisoners-building-satell… -Joe

2 1

UA9CS Igor
by Marco 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Good morning all I have notice interesting to UA9CS Igor but noting the mail in qrz.com , help me Thank in advance Mark ik1ran

1 0

Curiosity - VK1ALR Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex Interview
by Trevor . 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

The Operations Manager at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex VK1ALR was interviewed by the Canberra Times newspaper, see See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9407 N8MH to speak at AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium, Guildford, Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9388 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

3 4

QSL available for AubieSat-1 / AO-71 reception
by John Klingelhoeffer 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

A QSL verification of receipt card is now available for AubieSat-1 / AO-71 reception. Operators desiring a confirmation of receipt for AO-71 are invited to send their signal reports to: Dr. J-M Wersinger, KI4YAU Allison Laboratories Room 210 Auburn University, AL 36849 Please note the date and time of receipt on your request (or your QSL card), as well as any other pertinent receiving information or conditions. Copies of the content of the CW signals you copied are requested, but not required. Any other questions regarding AubieSat-1 may be emailed to: jm.wersinger <at> gmail.com Thank you and 73.

1 0

MRO picture of Curiosity during descent
by Alan P. Biddle 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

An amazing picture of Curiosity and it's parachute during the descent phase: http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1112670227/mars-reconnaissance-orbiter-cu riosity-080612/ Alan WA4SCA

4 3

portable... EN54
by Vince, K9TSU 07 Aug '12

07 Aug '12

Hey guys.. I'm portable in EN54.. Wisconsin for the night. I had some trouble with the power lines on the last SO50 past.. but this next one around 11:30pm Central time looks better for me at 55 degrees above my horizon. Look for me... I know it's kind ofa late pass, but I manually track the satellite so QSO's going on helps me "hone in." THX :) K9TSU

1 0

Re: GN36/GN26 operation
by Mark Saurman 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

Hi again, Thanks everyone for the QSOs while I was on the GN26/GN36 border and on the GN26/GN27 border. Hope I was able to give a few of you some new ones. Sorry for the short advance notice. Our trip back to NL is primarily to visit friends and family and the XYL is standing in a wedding so radio is not at the forefront. When she decided she was going out with her female friends to see Magic Mike I decided to take that opportunity to head to some rarer grids hihihi! I will probably have opportunity to get out again but it'll be with short notice again. The GN36/26 border is about an hour and a half to two hour drive from here but I can get to GN36 in just under an hour. Since it seems like most have been asking for GN36 that's probably where I'll head. Of course if anyone wants a contact from GN37 that can be easily provided, just let me know. We'll be leaving here on the 17th. Also, we're going to Saint-Pierre next Monday, August 13th. Operations will be from GN16, unlike many DXpeditions who go to the very ham friendly Hotel Miquelon up in GN17 so maybe some of you need that. For QSLing, please QSL direct to N8TLV. I do not currently have LotW but getting my ID mailed out to the ARRL from here before I leave is on my to-do list. I have the software installed already so I will have LotW, just be patient and I'll have your QSOs loaded in. Hope that answers everyone's questions! 73, Mark VO1ONE

1 0

Re: VE3NKL/p
by Nikolai Ozerov 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

Thanks to everybody who was on the satellites during our vacation in Newfoundland. Working you on the birds was an exciting experience... Now it is time to fill out QSL cards and send them out... I will update my progress on this on the QRZ page. 73, Nikolai / VE3NKL > Many thanks to Nikolai, VE3NKL, who operated portable from 6 different > grids in Newfoundland, Canada during the past 2 weeks. > > *Thanks to his family that shared their vacation time with us "Grid > Chasers" while Nikolai took time out to work the satellite passes.* > > Great signal and you handled it well Nikolai. Thank you for the contacts > and new grid squares. > Thanks for GN09, GN19, GN26, GN28, GN37 & GN38 (May have been one more!). > > When do you go on vacation again?? HI HI! > 73 > de K4FEG EM55

1 0

Mars Science Laboratory Photographed During Landing
by B J 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20120806b.html 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

STRaND-1: Satellite Based On Smartphone
by B J 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

http://audioboo.fm/boos/909797-phone-in-space-planet-hunting-and-spaceport-… http://www.sstl.co.uk/divisions/earth-observation-science/science-missions/… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

2 1

GN36/GN26 operation
by Mark Saurman 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

Hi all, Going to try and operate from the GN36/GN26 border on the passes today between 17Z and 19Z today. Focusing on FM birds but will give the SSB ones a shot. I have a hard time sometimes with them being handheld! 73, Mark VO1ONE

1 0

ISS contact downlink recording
by dutchboy47501＠gmail.com 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

I recorded the downlink from a recent ISS contact with a group of Boy Scouts near Chicago. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F813COaiGaQ Ken KC9TTR

1 0

Re: Mars Science Laboratory Landing Confirmed
by Tony Langdon 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

At 03:36 PM 8/6/2012, B J wrote: >The first image has been transmitted and received. Watched the whole landing, awesome stuff. :) 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com

3 2

Mars Science Laboratory Landing Confirmed
by B J 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

The first image has been transmitted and received. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Mars Science Laboratory Landing Coverage
by B J 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

http://spaceflightnow.com/mars/msl/status.html http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html Landing less than 1 hour from now. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

/portable!
by Vince, K9TSU 05 Aug '12

05 Aug '12

The 6th, 7th and 8th I'll be portable and mobile in EN53 and EN54 on So50 and Ao27. de K9TSU

1 0

AMSAT Board of Directors Election Reminder
by Alan P. Biddle 05 Aug '12

05 Aug '12

By now, all members in good standing of AMSAT-NA should have received their ballots, including the position biographies by the candidates. Additional information for those interested can be found in the minutes of the 2011 Board Meeting which appear in the current issue of the AMSAT Journal. We have a full slate of candidates this year. 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 -------------------------------------------- AMSAT Board of Directors 2012 Ballots in the Mail Ballots for the 2012 AMSAT-NA Board of Directors election have been mailed to all members. Also included is biographical information about each of the candidates. 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

2 2

Antenna Polarization Technical Question
by andrew abken 05 Aug '12

05 Aug '12

Hi Tom, I thought fo-29 was transmitting circular. Would not surprise me if I was wrong:) Andy, kn6za

6 13

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 7, Issue 247
by Thomas Frey 05 Aug '12

05 Aug '12

amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org schrieb: > Message: 2 > Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2012 10:23:21 +0000 (UTC) > From: Jean-Pierre Godet<godetj(a)wanadoo.fr> > To:[email protected] > Cc:[email protected] > Subject: [amsat-bb] Yubileiny-2 RS-40 > Message-ID:<Pine.LNX.4.60.1208050840120.432(a)comcon2.org> > Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed > > Dear friends, > > Thanks to Jean-Louis Rault F6AGR who quickly informed me, I heard my > first signal from Yubileiny-2 RS-40 on monday July 30th afternoon. The > signal of the 435.365 MHz beacon was fairly strong regarding my poor > receiving devices and aerials. > After that, the beacon was heard on 435.265, but more often on 435.365 > MHz, sometime none of these two frequencies. I am using the 2012-041D > NORAD elements. I am not sure it is the good one, but for the moment A, B, > and C, the three others payloads launched with the same Rockot vehicle are > not too far away. > > Trying to get information about the Yubileiny-2 satellite, I sent > inquiries about the telemetry and the possibility that may be one of the > beacons will move to CW as it was done with the previous Yubileiny-1 RS-30 > and Mozhayets-4 RS-22, but I received no reply till now : three mails in > russian, to the Siberian State Aerospace University (RS-40 instruments and > research mission, Rrasnoyarsk), to ISS Reshetnev (company manufacturing > the RS-40 satellite, Krasnoyarsk), and to A. P. Papkov (Laboratory of > Astronotical technology, Kaluga, who published the telemetry decoding of > RS-22 and RS-30). > We are waiting with hope but, may be I am wrong, looks like the > university and the ISS company are not very interested by a collaboration > with the radioamateur community, only by their frequencies around 435 MHz. > > 73 ! > > Jean-Pierre/F5YG > Hello Jean-Pierre You are right, they have absolute no interest for us radio amateurs. And this could be a problem, if this Russian satellites flies over Europe and transmits their DOKA-B signals in FM (!) in the 435 MHz frequency range. Look for first hand infos in this PDF-document: http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/Yubileiny-2.pdf MiR(Yubileiny-2) is active in DOKA-B only in range of a control station in Russia, e.g. Moscow. -- Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Regards, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA ______________________________________________________________________ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/

1 0

Yubileiny-2 RS-40
by Jean-Pierre Godet 05 Aug '12

05 Aug '12

Dear friends, Thanks to Jean-Louis Rault F6AGR who quickly informed me, I heard my first signal from Yubileiny-2 RS-40 on monday July 30th afternoon. The signal of the 435.365 MHz beacon was fairly strong regarding my poor receiving devices and aerials. After that, the beacon was heard on 435.265, but more often on 435.365 MHz, sometime none of these two frequencies. I am using the 2012-041D NORAD elements. I am not sure it is the good one, but for the moment A, B, and C, the three others payloads launched with the same Rockot vehicle are not too far away. Trying to get information about the Yubileiny-2 satellite, I sent inquiries about the telemetry and the possibility that may be one of the beacons will move to CW as it was done with the previous Yubileiny-1 RS-30 and Mozhayets-4 RS-22, but I received no reply till now : three mails in russian, to the Siberian State Aerospace University (RS-40 instruments and research mission, Rrasnoyarsk), to ISS Reshetnev (company manufacturing the RS-40 satellite, Krasnoyarsk), and to A. P. Papkov (Laboratory of Astronotical technology, Kaluga, who published the telemetry decoding of RS-22 and RS-30). We are waiting with hope but, may be I am wrong, looks like the university and the ISS company are not very interested by a collaboration with the radioamateur community, only by their frequencies around 435 MHz. 73 ! Jean-Pierre/F5YG -- Powered by Linux (Slackware 10.0 - kernel 2.4.26)

1 0

Antenna Polarization Technical Question
by Thomas Doyle 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

I had a actual qso on FO-29 the other day and during the contact circular polarization switching was discussed. The station I was talking with described a very large change in received signal strength when switching between LHCP and RHCP. I have heard other people mention this and I recall some change when using AO-10 with my switchable KLM's back in the good old days. I have been trying to figure out why there would be such a big change. Here is a collection of theories/questions. I would appreciate comments on any or all of them. This is a bit complex so a direct reply is probably best. - In a perfect world if the satellite antenna is linearly polarized LH-RH switching would not make any difference. - In a real world it is unlikely that the ground station receive antenna is truly circular. It is somewhat elliptical. Question: if the receive antenna has an elliptical pattern does the angle of the major axis change when switching LH - RH. This is a complex question related to the nature of what caused the elliptical distortion in the pattern. Perhaps someone has measured this. If the angle of the major axis receive antenna pattern changes when switching between LH and RH and the satellite antenna is linearly polarized this could account for some change in received signal strength. Other than that I am at a loss to explain why switching LH-RH on a receive antenna would cause a large change in the strength of a signal received from a linear antenna. tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle

2 1

VE3NKL/p
by K4FEG 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Many thanks to Nikolai, VE3NKL, who operated portable from 6 different grids in Newfoundland, Canada during the past 2 weeks. *Thanks to his family that shared their vacation time with us "Grid Chasers" while Nikolai took time out to work the satellite passes.* Great signal and you handled it well Nikolai. Thank you for the contacts and new grid squares. Thanks for GN09, GN19, GN26, GN28, GN37 & GN38 (May have been one more!). When do you go on vacation again?? HI HI! 73 de K4FEG EM55

1 0

Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
by Stephen Melachrinos 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

> Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the orientation of the > satellite in such a way that would cause the direction of circular < polarization to change during the path. There are two perspectives in answering this. 1. You used the word "maintain," which implies the ability of the spacecraft to control its attitude. That's commonly done for commercial and military satellites, but rarely (if ever) done for amateur satellites. It's just too complicated and too expensive for amateurs to allocate the resources to make it happen. 2. You also asked why anyone would WANT to maintain the orientation like that. In a more general sense, recognize that not every satellite is a communications satellite, supporting communications with terrestrial stations. Scientific missions often have to point a body-mounted sensor somewhere, and the comm payload has to "adjust." For example, Hubble's main body IS the telescope, so it MUST point at the astronomical targets. For that mission, NASA paid for an articulated communications payload, but spacecraft don't always do that. 73, Steve W3HF

1 0

Hawaii Footprints
by Robert Smith 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Aloha I hope to be on the FO-29 pass at 2243Z and AO27 at 2308Z grandchildren precluding. As aforementioned my home QTH allows only the western region and Alaska on these passes. Hopefully mobile soon!!! 73 de robert, NH7WN

1 0

US Virgin Islands Satellite Operator
by Wyatt Dirks 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Fellow Satellite Operators, On the 2nd I was glad to make contact with KP2CT on FO-29 for his first satellite contact and my first contact from the US Virgin Islands. We have been talking for about a month now and on our second attempt we made it. For equipment he has a Icom 706 and an arrow antenna. He is manually tuning for Doppler and still getting the hang of it. I know some other stations reported hearing him on the 1st of August on our first attempt for contact. He is going to only be on the SSB satellites for now and probably only FO-29 due to the ease of working semi duplex on mode J vs mode B. Though we might try on VO52 at some point. He is still picking up on things that make it easier and need to trouble shoot a few problems we found during our first QSO! He will try to be QRV on fo29 during the next few week ends and possibly during the week depending on his free time due to his unpredictable work schedule. He also asked that people not try to contact him for skeds. If he knows he can make a Certain pass or passes I will try to make an effort to post to the BB. Good Dx! 73 Wyatt AC0RA

3 2

LA4FPA
by Wyatt Dirks 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Good morning LA4FPA, Ering has asked me to post that he will be qrv on fo-29 and ao-27 this weekend from Vigra Island which is in JP32 and IOTA EU-056. Good DX! 73 Wyatt AC0RA

1 0

BaoFeng UV-5R
by Robert Turlington 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Any one in the group had experience of the BaoFeng UV-5R in general or on the birds,the spec looks good, as does the price, but that's not the whole story is it? Regards Robert G8ATE

4 3

Portable EM46
by K4FEG 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Wa4NVM can be reached at wa4nvm(a)gmail.com while he is in EM46. Be sure and drop him an email if you need EM46 confirmed. 73 everyone! Frank; K4FEG, D.W.B. of EM55

1 0

Re: Active Birds
by Andrew Glasbrenner 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

If you want to make two-way QSOs, look at AO-7, FO-29, VO-52, SO-50, AO-27, and the ISS 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Paul Delaney - K6HR <paul.hamradio(a)verizon.net> >Sent: Aug 3, 2012 11:43 PM >To: 'kp hpjr' <inservice2him(a)hotmail.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Active Birds > > > >http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php > >Paul Delaney - K6HR >paul.hamradio(a)verizon.net >http://k6hr.dyndns.org:8080 > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >> Behalf Of kp hpjr >> Sent: Friday, August 03, 2012 17:10 >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Active Birds >> >> >> What birds are currently available to use? >> And what modes? >> Thanks >> Kirk, n0kk >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

2 1

Active Birds
by kp hpjr 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

What birds are currently available to use? And what modes? Thanks Kirk, n0kk

2 1

EM46 operation!
by K4FEG 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Rickey, WA4NVM is operating portable from EM46, he asked if I would post up for him the following information: If you need confirmation for the grid square EM46, please send WA4NVM an email with the contact details, No SASE is necessary. Rick said he would be happy to confirm the satellite contacts. If you didn't see his previous post, he is operating FM satellites only this trip. He will be in EM46 for tonight and some of the weekend. 73 all! RAT de WA4NVM/p EM46 c/o K4FEG

1 0

No tune in transmit on FT-726
by Tom Gentry 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Mystery is solved. The Repeater offset switch MUST be in Simplex for this to operate correctly. 73, Tom K5VOU On 8/2/2012 2:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > My Operators manual for the FT-726R instructs me to tune the receiver > while transmitting to the satellite in order to listen for my down > link. However on my 726, the RX tuning is locked while in transmit, > duplex or otherwise. Is there a mod necessary or is this a software > change made after mine was built? Looking for clues from 726 users. Thanks.

1 0

Commercial Spacecraft Development Awards Announced
by B J 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/aug/HQ_12-263_CCiCAP_Awards.html http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/08/03/boeing-spacex-and-sierra-nevada-win-… http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/08/03/boeing-statement-on-nasa-commercial-… http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/08/03/sierra-nevada-hails-nasa-ccicap-awar… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Re: Was AO-7B, now new High LEOs
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

> >Yes some launches such as the recent VEGA are into elliptical orbits BUT they have very short lifetimes before burn-up, I think the VEGA orbit is only 2 years. Ideally we'd want an elliptical orbit that would last 15-20 years I don't think any standard launches do that. > > >The costs of buying a launch to an orbit we'd like will likely remain prohibitive so it looks like we need to develop our own propulsion to take us from a "cheap launch" orbit at 350 or 700 km to one above 1250 km that'll permit DX working. > I think we'll find it easier to raise perigee of a short lived elliptical a bit, rather than raising a low circular to a stable high LEO or elliptical. But, I don't know for sure. I'm a geologist, a rock scientist, not a rocket scientist! AND! the propulsion depends on 3 axis control, which seems to be worked out well commercially now for 3U cubesats. 73, Drew

1 0

Re: Was AO-7B, now new High LEOs
by Trevor . 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

--- On Fri, 3/8/12, Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> wrote: > I still think we really need some good DX LEOs. Agreed, getting something into an orbit of 1250 to 2500 km is key (and having an SDX transponder that can survive the higher radiation levels). Yes some launches such as the recent VEGA are into elliptical orbits BUT they have very short lifetimes before burn-up, I think the VEGA orbit is only 2 years. Ideally we'd want an elliptical orbit that would last 15-20 years I don't think any standard launches do that. A number of CubeSats are expected to test a means of getting to higher orbits in the coming year: http://www.uk.amsat.org/5153 http://www.uk.amsat.org/9165 http://www.uk.amsat.org/9268 The costs of buying a launch to an orbit we'd like will likely remain prohibitive so it looks like we need to develop our own propulsion to take us from a "cheap launch" orbit at 350 or 700 km to one above 1250 km that'll permit DX working. 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

Was AO-7B, now new High LEOs
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Thanks for the report John. I was also on that pass, and concur with your observations, except I did hear two stations on voice repeating their calls, maybe trying to find themselves. Let's hope this is temporary, and due to bad solar angles or such. However, long term, every day AO-7 continues to tick is a gift. Eventually she'll degrade to unusability, or just quit altogether. Along the same lines of thought, FO-29 is long in the tooth as well, even though it's current performance is stellar.HO-68 was a worthy replacement for FO-29, but we know how that ended. As you well know, these two satellites are the backbone of the fleet at the moment. While I am extremely anxious to see everything on the next Dnepr launch fly and work well (FunCube, UKCube, Triton 1 and 2, etc...), the orbit isn't optimal for range and DX. The FOX satellites will likely be in similar orbits, although that is not known for sure yet. While it is important these satellites fly, and when they do they will fill important roles, I still think we really need some good DX LEOs. Launches of US and European small satellites are hamstrung by orbital debris rules requiring reentry in so many years. What's the solution? There are several. Look for launches to elliptical orbits with high apogees (like the recent Vega launch). Support projects from countries that do not participate in the orbital debris restrictions (India, Japan, China, Russia, etc.)as well as the lower altitude projects. I cringe every time a so-called "amateur" bird launches to 800 to 1700km from one of those countries with no two way package, especially when they are 10-40kg!. Look for piggyback opportunities to higher orbits. Develop propulsion and reentry measures to allow deorbit from higher altitudes after mission end. Pray for P3E to find a launch and funding to cover it. I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic in how we need to look for these opportunities before it's too late. I'm not knocking any current program; in fact I've donated heavily to Fox and FunCube. I'm just looking down the road to where we are headed. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: John Papay <john(a)papays.com> >Sent: Aug 3, 2012 8:28 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-7B Performance 1005utc 3Aug2012 > >AO-7B continues to struggle along. This mornings >1005utc pass was no exception. No signals were heard >from Europe and I could not hear my downlink until the >satellite was over 15 degrees. Low power up on cw >produced key clicks in the downlink. Surprisingly, higher >power started to produce a tone along with the key clicks. >On voice the downlink was distorted with low power. Again, >higher power produced more audio and less distortion. I only >heard one station sending dah's but very weak. AO-7 seems >to have good passes and not so good passes. You just have >to keep trying and hope to find a good one. >73, >John K8YSE > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

1 0

AO-7B Performance 1005utc 3Aug2012
by John Papay 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

AO-7B continues to struggle along. This mornings 1005utc pass was no exception. No signals were heard from Europe and I could not hear my downlink until the satellite was over 15 degrees. Low power up on cw produced key clicks in the downlink. Surprisingly, higher power started to produce a tone along with the key clicks. On voice the downlink was distorted with low power. Again, higher power produced more audio and less distortion. I only heard one station sending dah's but very weak. AO-7 seems to have good passes and not so good passes. You just have to keep trying and hope to find a good one. 73, John K8YSE

1 0

EM46 this weekend
by Rick - WA4NVM 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Anyone that needs to confirm grid square EM46, I will be there until Monday, Aug 6th. FM birds only. I will leave Memphis mid morning today. 73, Rick WA4NVM

1 0

Health of Oscar 7
by VK2MAL Yahoo 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Oscar 7 has been sounding rather rough on the edges the last few passes in mode B. Signals were more distorted then sounding FM. All stations here in VK were using low power and there was only one QSO at a time going through the transponder with our usual round table discussion. Don't know if anyone can comment on there experience with her lately and on how she is going? 73's Mal - VK2MAL

1 0

Re: G-5500 alignment
by Tom Gentry 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

On 8/2/2012 2:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > I had a 5500 azmith rotator lockup over winter. I finally had time to > take it down and find the problem. Now a different problem. I forgot to > mark the housing position before separating the upper/lower azmith > assemblies. I think I know where it was pointed, but how can I tell > where it should be aligned? Is this really a non issue? It really is an issue as to how it goes back together because of the way the AZ and EL motors are mounted on the L-bracket. You can tell which way the top should go on by connecting the motor and the pot to the controller box and stopping it at zero (N). Then install the case so that the limit dog is exactly halfway between the limit switches. That should have the cross boom pointing east and west and the antennas pointing north. 73, Tom

1 0

Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net Tonight Aug02@8PM Eastern On N2EYH-L Echolink
by cotejaune2＠aol.com 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Hope to hear you all on the net tonight Aug02 @ 8PM Eastern on Echolink N2EY-L or the MtBeacon Repeater 146.970 pl 100. Please join us and share your satellite knowledge with the net. 73 Gary wa2aqh and Tom kc2dtq.

1 0

Re: [aprssig] MATLAB serial comms? (solved!)
by Bob Bruninga 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Matt Willis answered it! Use fwrite instead of fprint. Done! End of drill. Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: Matthew Willis [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2012 10:28 AM To: bruninga(a)usna.edu Subject: Re: [aprssig] MATLAB serial comms? I assume you've tried fwrite as documented here? http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/matlab_external/f62852.html On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 10:18 AM, Bob Bruninga <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: > Does anyone know how to send SERIAL Characters from MATLAB? > > The catch is, we are trying to send BYTES above 127 (Extended ASCII) and the > usual %c formatter while using CHAR(133) for example, does not actually send > the byte "133". > > Relevance is: Students working on an APRS satellite project. > I can do it EASILY from all kinds of other devices, but the professor > insists on using MATLAB syntax. > > Thanks > > Bob, WB4APR > > > _______________________________________________ > aprssig mailing list > aprssig(a)tapr.org > https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

1 0

Fw: Appreciate Assistance in Tuning MBM88/70cmAntenna
by Farrell Winder 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

I forgot to mention that the MBM88 was also referenced as a Jaybeam. It was manufactured by Jaybeam Limited, ,Northampton, England and was recognized for its excellent performance. From: Farrell Winder Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2012 10:23 AM To: AMSAT Subject: Appreciate Assistance in Tuning MBM88/70cmAntenna I have an MBM88/70cm antenna that was very popular several years ago. Is anyone currently using it on satellite reception? I want to tune it for 439.25 MHz. Does anyone have a procedure for tuning to reduce SWR ? Specifically can the wing nuts on the reflector and director be loosened to slightly move the element position to optimize SWR? Anyone with experience of coax length that might effect SWR? Any references or suggestions would be most appreciated. Pleases reply off line. Thanks, Farrell Winder, W8ZCF Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

1 0

Appreciate Assistance in Tuning MBM88/70cmAntenna
by Farrell Winder 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

I have an MBM88/70cm antenna that was very popular several years ago. Is anyone currently using it on satellite reception? I want to tune it for 439.25 MHz. Does anyone have a procedure for tuning to reduce SWR ? Specifically can the wing nuts on the reflector and director be loosened to slightly move the element position to optimize SWR? Anyone with experience of coax length that might effect SWR? Any references or suggestions would be most appreciated. Pleases reply off line. Thanks, Farrell Winder, W8ZCF Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

1 0

MATLAB serial comms?
by Bob Bruninga 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Does anyone know how to send SERIAL Characters from MATLAB? The catch is, we are trying to send BYTES above 127 (Extended ASCII) and the usual %c formatter while using CHAR(133) for example, does not actually send the byte "133". Relevance is: Students working on an APRS satellite project. I can do it EASILY from all kinds of other devices, but the professor insists on using MATLAB syntax. Thanks Bob, WB4APR

1 0

ISS Packet with FT-817ND and SignaLink
by Luciano Gasparini 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Hello folks! Has anyone on this BB ever tried digipeating via ISS with a Yaesu FT-817ND and Tigertronics Signalink? I'm a newbie to packet and digital modes and will appreciate any comments/advices. 73, Luciano Gasparini PT9KK

1 0

NROL-36
by Graham Shirville 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Hi All, I am not sure if these details have already been published but based on todays scrubbed launch time here are the beacon start times for the 4 cubesats Mission Elapsed Time (s) UTC Time Event 0 02/08/2012 07:40 Launch 14376 02/08/2012 11:39 CXBN Beacon Start 17974 02/08/2012 12:39 Aeneas Sun/Beacon Start 18696 02/08/2012 12:51 CSSWE Beacon Start 24276 02/08/2012 14:24 CP5 Beacon Start I believe the revised launch time for tomorrow (Friday) may be 07:27 UTC 73 Graham G3VZV

1 0

FT-726R tuning problems.
by Tom Gentry 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Hi, My Operators manual for the FT-726R instructs me to tune the receiver while transmitting to the satellite in order to listen for my down link. However on my 726, the RX tuning is locked while in transmit, duplex or otherwise. Is there a mod necessary or is this a software change made after mine was built? Looking for clues from 726 users. Thanks. 73, Tom K5VOU

2 1

VE3NKL/p
by K4FEG 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

Nikolai, again has asked me to post up that he will be mobile on Thursday and the "Grid Hunters" should check hi QRZ.com page for updates. Remember, he is on a family vacation and is trying to work new grids while balancing his time with his family. Thanks Nikolai for the grids you have worked from! 73 K4FEG

1 0

AO7-b
by K4FEG 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

For those wondering about AO7-b, it is alive and well on the 2100UTC pass over the US, good signal from Paulo, PV8DX, yes it is still FM'ing some, but it is very readable when it is not being "hammered". The Grand Lady of Satellites is holding her on! Treat her like the Grand Lady she is! We need her to hang around! K4FEG

1 0

Amsat.org alias not working.
by Tom Gentry 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

Since I have referenced k5vou(a)amsat.org as how to reach me, I discovered that the alias is not working although it shows the correct destination email in the system and such. k5vou(a)arrl.net does work so please use that one for now. Anyone know if there is an issue with the system? 73, Tom K5VOU

2 1

Mars Odyssey's Role In Mars Science Laboratory's Landing
by B J 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

http://www.americaspace.org/?p=23351 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Amateur Radio CubeSats to launch Thursday Aug 2
by Trevor . 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

They'll be new signals to listen out for on 437 MHz following Thursdays amateur radio CubeSat launch from Vandenberg, Frequencies, preliminary TLE's and additional information is at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9277 The CubeSat IRC chat channel is the place to be on launch day. Join the CubeSat IRC chat channel to pass on their news and comments in realtime. You will need an IRC client such as ChatZilla for Firefox or mIRC to join the CubeSat chat. Use the irc.freenode.net server. Then join the #cubesat channel. Many users set their chat nickname to “name_callsign”. AMSAT-UK publishes a color A4 newsletter, OSCAR News, which is full of Amateur Satellite information. Free sample issue at http://www.uk.amsat.org/on_193_final.pdf Join AMSAT-UK online at http://tinyurl.com/JoinAMSAT-UK 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

1 0

2o12W
by Trevor . 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

A picture of Ken GW1FKY operating the Olympic Flagship Special Event Station 2 Oscar 12 Whiskey (2o12W) on the amateur radio satellites can be seen at http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9322 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

NASA News - Mars Science Laboratory Landing Toolkit
by JoAnne Maenpaa 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Hello Everyone, Here is some additional Mars Landing news which is probably more useful now rather than waiting for the next weekend AMSAT News Service cycle ... NASA is offering a web page with the Mars Science Laboratory Landing Toolkit http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/msl_landing.cfm Landing: 5-6 August 2012 10:31 pm Pacific, 5 August 11:31 pm Mountain, 5 August 12:31 am Central, 6 August 01:31 am Eastern, 6 August 05:31 am Universal, 6 August The page includes links for web streamed live landing coverage, mission information, and public relations. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Associate Editor, AMSAT Journal

1 0

AO-7B Follow Up - Good News
by John Papay 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Yesterday, 30 July 2012, on the 19, 21 and 23utc passes AO-7 was in Mode B and performing like it used to. It obviously had more power and although you could make it FM, the bird handled it with grace. It was workable to the north of my qth over the NWT which is not usually the case. Let's hope it stays in this condition for many years to come. John Papay john(a)papays.com

1 0

G4COM Noise Alignment Aid
by Marco Cardelli 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Hello Everybody! Anyone have the schematic diagram, bill of components and description of G4COM Noise Alignment Aid?? Ok for image format or PDF attachment. Thank you all. 73s Marco, IZ5IOW

1 0

Jamboree on the Air/ARISS contact at National Scouting Museum planning meeting
by Tom Schuessler 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Attention satellite ops/enthusiasts in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas area. The National Scouting Museum in Irving Texas is on the docket for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station contact in connection with the 55th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) Ham Radio/Scouting event. The contact is scheduled for October 20th but the time is still TBA. Keith Pugh, W5IU is the ARISS mentor and facilitator between the Museum and ARISS/NASA. The lead group running the JOTA activities is the Irving Amateur Radio Club of which I am a member. Ham participation is however open to all interested parties. Doug Quagliana headed up an AMSAT display and ran satellite contacts for last year's JOTA at the Museum. I am holding a planning meeting for all interested Amateurs and Scouters to get a handle on what types of activities we can create and staff for this event. The hope is that several hundred or more Scouts and adults will be coming through the Museum for the ARISS contact and participating in various radio and electronics activities. Meeting will be at 11AM this coming Saturday in Irving. Contact me directly if you are interested and I will give specific directions to the meeting location. Even if you cannot attend this meeting but are interested in participating in JOTA activities, I need to know so I can put you on a mail list and ultimately schedule you for setup (Oct 19) and JOTA operations. Please email n5hyp(a)amsat.org and I will be grateful. Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5hyp(a)amsat.org

1 0

Yaesu G-5500 voltages
by Tom Gentry 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

On 7/30/2012 2:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:41:07 -0700 (PDT) > From: "Pete Norris, K1HZU"<k1hzu(a)yahoo.com> > To:[email protected] > Subject: [amsat-bb] yaesu G-5500 > Message-ID: > <1343659267.81494.YahooMailClassic(a)web120001.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Does anybody have or know where I can find a voltage schedule for the Yaesu G-5500? I have the schematic but no voltages. > Thanks, Pete, K1HZU Hi Pete, I don't have them written down but I can probably figure them out by using a Japanese voltage chart [that's a working unit on which you measure the voltages :) ]. I have repaired several of the boxes recently and I am pretty familiar with the G-5500. You can email your questions to K5VOU(a)amsat.org or we can do a video call on Skype if you like. 73, Tom K5VOU

1 0

Sat WAS
by ted 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

I am the happy recipient of Satellite WAS # 332 and I want to express my thanks and appreciation to all of our great Satellite Ops, working from home and portable, to make this award and others a possibility. I fully realize where the credit should go! Thanks Again....ted....aa5ck

3 2

Mars Science Laboratory Course Correction
by B J 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20120728.html Landing is schedule for just after 0530 UTC on August 6. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

1 0

Having trouble getting on the SSB birds...
by W M Willoughby 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

I have made a few QSOs on the SSB birds while running half-duplex. Now, I am trying to implement full duplex using an FT-817, an FT-897 and an Arrow antenna on an az-el rotator. Separate coax cables connect the FT-897 to the 70 cm part of the Arrow and the FT-817 to the 2m part. I have a diagram of this setup that I could post. On the 1215Z pass of AO-07 just now, I was able to hear my CW signal while sending a string of dits. I set the FT-817 to 145950 CW mode with no Doppler correction and listened via headphones. On the FT-897, I started transmitting at 432150 CW with no Doppler correction. Eventually my transmit frequency reached 432146.1 and I heard my dits on the FT-817. Then I entered 3900 as the Upl Calibr in the CAT menu of SatPC32. I switched the FT-817 to USB mode and the FT-897 to LSB and clicked on the Doppler correction (the C+) in SatPC32. Using a handheld mic on the FT-897, I called a short CQ, but did not hear my voice. I have the FT-817 as the top radio in the Radio Setup menu of SatPC32 and the FT-897 as the bottom radio. With all of these settings, there is ample opportunity for error! Can anyone offer any suggestions to get me straightened out here? Thanks in advance for any assistance. Red, KC4LE

2 1

yaesu G-5500
by Pete Norris, K1HZU 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

Does anybody have or know where I can find a voltage schedule for the Yaesu G-5500? I have the schematic but no voltages. Thanks, Pete, K1HZU

2 1

Hotel booking for AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium
by Trevor . 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

The 27th AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be held on the weekend of September 15-16 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Guildford, England, GU2 7XZ, close to the University of Surrey. All accommodation will be at the Holiday Inn hotel. Please note that the hotel will only hold our reserved rooms until 3 weeks prior to the event, ie until August 24. If you book after this date, you risk there not being a room available. Bookings for Fri/Sun nights, or ones made after this date cannot be guaranteed. Booking information at http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK http://www.uk.amsat.org/ ----

1 0

AO-7 Mode B performing poorly
by John Papay 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

Since AO-7B came out of the eclipsed orbits, it has been performing poorly. I can usually do very well on the low elevation passes towards Europe, but now I may only be able to hear my own cw signal with no other signals heard. Today on the 2116utc pass I worked PV8DX on CW but as the bird moved north, it became apparent that the satellite was starved for power. If I used more than 5 watts on CW, the returning signal was only a key click. Five watts produced a tone but there was fm'ing. Voice signals were weak and distorted. Again I found that using more than 5 watts on ssb would yield garbled audio. The satellite cannot support much activity in this condition. Let's hope this is only temporary and that the satellite will return to the level of performance we had before the eclipse periods. In the meantime, FO-29 is still producing 1300km orbits between Europe and North America in our early afternoon. These high elevation orbits won't last forever so take advantage of them now. 73, John K8YSE

2 1

grid squares and trip update
by Lizeth Norman 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

Hi all! Will be driving down to Nazca starting tomorrow. Potential grid activations include fh25 and fh16. The good news is that we should have wheels for the rest of the trip. This means fo-29 and ao7(I'll give it a shot both mode a and b!) morning and evening passes from the Morrow Solar (fh17lt). 73 es be good! Norm n3ykf

1 0