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FO-29 status update
by Mineo Wakita 15 Dec '11

15 Dec '11

I calculated FO-29 Eclipse from 1st Dec.2011 to 31th Dec.2014 using scrap.exe software. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/11215f29.png And the control station says that 'Because the malfunction of the part of the command generator of FO-29 occurs, we cannot operation FO-29 now. We, the control station perform the recovery of this device now. Wait for a while now.' JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Prospero Pass This Morning 0943 - 0955 GMT
by Roger Duthie 15 Dec '11

15 Dec '11

Please check our blog for details of a pass we've decide to command. It's in an hour. Apologies for the short notice. We'll do more in the future. Keep and eye on our blog!!! Blog URL: http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/prospero-satellite - Roger Duthie M0RJA

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AI participation at HFI 2011
by Nitin Muttin 15 Dec '11

15 Dec '11

All, AMSAT INDIA had setup a booth at Hamfest India held on Dec 10th and 11th 2011 at Cochin. The hamfest was a great success with ~900 delegates and many visited the AMSAT INDIA booth and I have recieved positive unsolicited feedback from many delegates. We had displayed the below at the booth. 1. Transponder– Ganesan KJ6LRR displayed U/V linear transponder,cubesat comm system and his other projects. 2. Satellite Tracking and antenna orientation - Mani VU2WMY and Balaji VU3PZA displayed satellite tracking and antenna positioning using Yaesu G5500 rotator with two HB9CV (2meter) antenna for reference only. They also had a FT 847 to demo auto Doppler correction. 3. Antennas for LEO satellites - One 70 Cms egg beater antenna, Double cross , 70 cms Slim Jim and QFH for 137 MHz were displayed. Ramesh VU2RMS and Ravi VU2RVJ managed this at the booth. 4. Telemetry Decoding- Simulated demo of telemetry decoding from Amateur radio satellites and also demo the same using Funcube dongle. Nitin VU3TYG and Somu VU3HCJ managed this at the booth. 5. Distribution of Goodies- One sticker (containing AMSAT INDIA logo and HAMSAT Image). We also conducted a Quiz in which a recorded satellite QSO was required to be heard by paticipants and the questions answered, winner was picked by lucky draw and a brass PSLV rocket (scale model) was presented. 6. Ramesh VU2RMS got a book printed on "working the amateur radio satellites" and this was made available at a heavily discounted price. We also had a one hour technical talk during the technical session and the presenters spoke on various topics like satellite tracking , antennas , telemetry decoding etc. I would like to place on record our appreciation to the HFI 2011 organizing committe for all their help and warm hospitality during our stay at Cochin, special thanks to Girish VU2KGB (AI life member) who personally ensured that we were comfortable and AI President Ramesh VU2RMS for all the help to make this a grand success. Great team work by the AMSAT INDIA team comprising of Ramesh VU2RMS, Mani VU2WMY, Ravi VU2RVJ, Somu VU3HCJ, Ganesan KJ6LRR, Balaji VU3PZA who worked hard to get the materials ready for the booth and foils for the technical talk. Some photos taken by VU3SOH of the event and the AI booth can be viewed at https://picasaweb.google.com/106446396333396507000/HFI2011FirstDay?feat=ema… and by VU2YNS at https://picasaweb.google.com/110214972693892202781/HAMFEST2011?authkey=Gv1s… 73's Nitin [VU3TYG] Secretary,AMSAT INDIA

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AC0RA/p AO7 1005z looking for Europe
by Wyatt Dirks 15 Dec '11

15 Dec '11

Today on the 1005z pass of AO7 I will be setting up my portable ssb satellite station to attempt to work into Europe. I will be working portable from EN41cx in Iowa. On this pass of ao7 the footprint reaches as far as Austria, Poland, and Spain. I will be calling at 145.952+/- and if nothing is heard there I will tune around. Hope to work someone across the pond. 73 Wyatt AC0RA

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Joanne "CN:35"
by Joe Batty 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Joanne, My mistake, I was trying to work AO-27 which on the other side of the country and I guess I gave my grid as CN35 not CN 85. A newbe at work still trying to learn how this Sat stuff works. Lots to learn after years of HF. (You were right Wyatt) 73 Joe KT7E CN85mm

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UT1FG/MM
by John Geiger 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Which grid was Yuri in during the AO27 pass at 1950Z this afternoon? 73s John AA5JG

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ARRISSat-1 (37772) decay date update for 2011 Dec 14
by DeYoung James 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Greetings, It is time for another decay date prediction update. As the satellite has gotten lower the atmospheric drag has increased significantly. This prediction update uses solar data through 2011 Dec. 14. The fit only includes orbital height data between Dec. 9 and Dec. 14. The decay date now indicated is 2011 Dec. 31 with a rule-of-thumb error estimate of about +/- 3 days giving a decay date ranging between 2011 Dec 28 to 2012 Jan 3. Jim, N8OQ

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Re: Coast-to-Coast Balloon Flight
by Bob Bruninga 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

This transcontinential and trans-Atlantic Balloon mission was fantastic! But in reviewing all the hundreds of emails and minute-by-minute tracking excitement, I just went back to read about the balloon itself, and can find nothing. The original post referred to the California Near SpaCe Project as being the owners. http://californianearspaceproject.com/ But in reviewing all the emails, I can find no other reference to WHO launched it and what it is. Further, going to that site has NO NEWS about this mission, other than a link to APRS.FI which we are all using to track it. So what gives? Are there no pictures of the launch, or who owns it? Or did I just miss the memo... Bob, WB4APR

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Kennedy Space Center Tour
by Bobby Lacey 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Happy Holidays to everyone.. I thought maybe some of you would enjoy looking at these: Recently I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time at KSC and was given access to both Atlantis and Endeavour. I spent approximately 3 hours inside Atlantis photographing the payload bay, flight deck, and mid-deck. While inside Atlantis, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take photos of mine and my dad's QSL cards on the flight deck: http://flic.kr/p/aVsWfM Afterwards, I was taken to the VAB to photograph Endeavour and then on to the engine shop where for the first time, all 15 space shuttle main engines sat in the same room at once. If you'd like, you can view the entire set at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxni8cR Vry 73 Bobby KF4GTA http://www.bobbylacey.com/KF4GTA/

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Stratolaunch Systems
by Ollie Eisman 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Maybe they'd like to take a ham radio satellite up on a test flight? http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/12/paul-allen-stratolaunch-sy…

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Re: K6RPT-11 Covered to Italy
by miguel.barreiro.paz＠gmail.com 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Seems to be falling right now. A truly amazing flight. ----- Reply message ----- De: "Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr)" <ldeffenb(a)homeside.to> Para: "TAPR APRS Mailing List" <aprssig(a)tapr.org>, <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Asunto: [amsat-bb] K6RPT-11 Covered to Italy Fecha: mié., dic. 14, 2011 10:12 I just confirmed with IS0AML-11, 300+ miles ahead of the balloon, that he's monitoring 144.390 and is already receiving the balloon's packets via RF. He's IGating, but not first so he's not showing up on the APRS-IS yet. With that coverage in place, the next 600 miles or so (4 hours @ 150mph) should have IGate coverage. I'm going to bed now...04:12 local. Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32 _______________________________________________ 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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Need APRS relay in Spain on 144.39 mhz
by Don Ferguson 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

We need someone in Spain to relay the balloon K6RPT-11 on 144.390mhz. We are losing the link to the web. Anyone in the South of Spain or near that area please contact hams in the area to relay the APRS traffic from our balloon. Thanks, Don, kd6ire

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K6RPT-11 Covered to Italy
by Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr) 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

I just confirmed with IS0AML-11, 300+ miles ahead of the balloon, that he's monitoring 144.390 and is already receiving the balloon's packets via RF. He's IGating, but not first so he's not showing up on the APRS-IS yet. With that coverage in place, the next 600 miles or so (4 hours @ 150mph) should have IGate coverage. I'm going to bed now...04:12 local. Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32

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K6RPT-11 APRS
by 9a2ga＠vip.hr 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

I'm waiting for it on 144.390! Hope that the it's lifetime is not critical, ... there are still several hunderts of km till reception possibility. 73 de Boris 9A2GA (AMSAT member #37164)

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AZORES -- Get Set To Monitor K6RPT-11 APRS Balloon!
by Bob Bruninga 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

Subject: Re: [aprssig] ATTN: European Hams -- Get Set To Monitor K6RPT-11 APRS Balloon! Well, if -11 is still airborne, operational, and headed in the same direction - and if anybody in the Azores is listening, it ought to be in range soon. Its on 144.39 MHz, AX.25 1200 baud packet > To see a complete picture of K6RPT-11's flight across the United > States (APRS-wise, at least), check out > > http://tinyurl.com/7wuhcb3 > > Last received packet at 08:42 UTC on 2011-12-13 put it 400 miles off > the East coast of the United States, moving east at 150 miles per hour > at 109,000 feet. > > Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32 > > On 12/12/2011 10:25 PM, Stephen H. Smith wrote: >> The K6RPT balloons launched from California late Sunday afternoon >> local time (about 0100 UTC Monday) have far exceeded expectations. >> K6RPT-12 landed Monday afternoon near Indianapolis, Indiana. >> >> K6RPT-11 survived the day's UV exposure and is still flying as of >> 22:30 EST (03:30 UTC). It's currrently over the state of Maryland >> about 50 miles (80 KM) north of Washington, D.C moving at 145 MPH >> (230 KM/h). This balloon is going to be out over the Atlantic >> within the next hour if all goes well. There is now a real >> possibility that it may get into radio range of the UK or continental >> Europe sometime Tuesday morning UTC. >> >> The problem is that it is transmitting on the North American APRS >> frequency of 144.39 MHz. Could some Euro receive/igate stations >> temporarily retune their RX to 144.39 until midday UTC Tuesday? >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- >> >> -- >> >> Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com >> Skype: WA8LMF >> Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net >> >> ***** NEW Precision Mapping 9 For UIview Released! ***** >> http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/PMap9_Notes.htm >> >> >> Vista & Win7 Install Issues for UI-View and Precision Mapping >> http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/UIview_Notes.htm#VistaWin7 >> >> HF APRS over PSK63 >> http://wa8lmf.net/APRS_PSK63/index.htm >> >> "APRS 101" Explanation of APRS Path Selection & Digipeating >> http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> aprssig mailing list >> aprssig(a)tapr.org >> https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig >> > > > _______________________________________________ > aprssig mailing list > aprssig(a)tapr.org > https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)tapr.org https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

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Fwd: K6RPT-11 transatlantic balloon is now being heard in Portugal
by Bob Bruninga 14 Dec '11

14 Dec '11

> The K6RPT-11 transatlantic balloon > is now being heard in Portugal on 144.39. > > At 02:00:30 z K6RPT-11 was heard > by CT1END in Amadora, Portugal. > >APRS packets: >2011-12-14 02:00:30 UTC: K6RPT-11>APBL10,WIDE2-1,qAR,CT1END,PORTUGAL: >!3531.31N/01636.70WO077/129/A=110384V1B2 CNSP-11 > > The balloon is still over the Atlantic, west of Portugal, > at a cruising altitude of about 109,000 to 110,000 feet > moving about 140-150 miles per hour. > > The course of the balloon has turned it slightly to the > north of due east (now 77 degrees). > > The balloon continues to beacon at a rate of about once > every two minutes. > Watch it live at: > http://aprs.fi/?call=k6rpt11&mt=roadmap&z=4&timerange=172800&_s=ss_call >Congrats to the team for getting this far! > >Douglas KA2UPW/5

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K6RPT-11 transatlantic balloon is now being heard in Portugal
by Douglas Quagliana 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

The K6RPT-11 transatlantic balloon is now being heard in Portugal. At 02:00:30 z K6RPT-11 was heard by CT1END in Amadora, Portugal. APRS packets: 2011-12-14 02:00:30 UTC: K6RPT-11>APBL10,WIDE2-1,qAR,CT1END,PORTUGAL: !3531.31N/01636.70WO077/129/A=110384V1B2 CNSP-11 The balloon is still over the Atlantic, west of Portugal, at a cruising altitude of about 109,000 to 110,000 feet moving about 140-150 miles per hour. The course of the balloon has turned it slightly to the north of due east (now 77 degrees). The balloon continues to beacon at a rate of about once every two minutes. Watch it live at: http://aprs.fi/?call=k6rpt-11&mt=roadmap&z=4&timerange=172800&_s=ss_call Congrats to the team for getting this far! Douglas KA2UPW/5

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Portugal Receives Packet!
by Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr) 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

2011-12-14T02:00:30.955 K6RPT-11>APBL10,WIDE2-1,qAR,CT1END,PORTUGAL:!3531.31N/01636.70WO077/129/A=110384V1B2 CNSP-11 Circle is 246 miles in radius. Balloon has a 409 mile footprint from 110,000 feet. Fringe of coverage. And a second packet: 2011-12-14T02:04:31.141 K6RPT-11>APBL10,WIDE2-1,qAR,CT1END,PORTUGAL:!3533.19N/01626.50WO077/128/A=110647V1C3 CNSP-11 Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32

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Gibraltar Monitoring for 144.39 balloon
by Bob Bruninga 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

While everyone in Southern Europe and Northern Africa is listening for the Transatlantic Balloon, K6RPT-11 on 144.39, I should also offer that you might hear (during mid-day only) a possible packet from W3ADO-1 too. PCSAT-1 has a downlink on 144.39 that is usually never heard in the USA due to QRM, but it might possibly be heard in Europe where there should be no other packets on that frequency. But remember, that PCSAT can ONLY be heard during rare alignment of its best solar panel to the sun, and usually around mid-day. All the excitement about K6RPT-11 landfall will be at night, so there will be nothing heard of PCSAT (using the callsign of W3ADO-11) until possibly mid-morning (if at all). If PCSAT does come alive, you will hear attempted occasional packets at both 1200 and 9600 baud, but almost always they are not decodable because there is not enough battery power to complete even the full duration of most 1 second packets.. But I just thought I would keep everyone informed in case a rare packet popped up on 144.39 in a quiet area. I also put out an object named "max-rng?" where I think will be the maximum receive range of the Azores stations based on the range when the started hearing it. This object is NNW of Funchal. And I see the track is starting to turn slightly northward, improving our chances of a Portugal reception! Bob, Wb4APR

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Re: [aprssig] K6RPT-12 recovered in Indiana
by Bob Bruninga 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

Cancel my request, Drats, emails crossed. Congratulations on an excellent recovery! Bob, Wb4APR From: aprssig-bounces(a)tapr.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark Conner Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 5:09 PM To: aprssig(a)tapr.org Subject: [aprssig] K6RPT-12 recovered in Indiana A member of the BASE/DePauw Univ balloon group recovered the payload this afternoon. This payload is identical to the one still flying near the Azores. 73 de Mark N9XTN Forwarded message below: This pales in comparison to the amazing flight of -11, but I recovered -12 from a tree top using the EZ Hang with a tennis ball. Recovery was fairly straightforward. I brought down one small twig from the tree top that I will ship back to Ron. Having the unit in my possession, I can confirm a payload mass of 153 gram. The antenna includes a simple whip with a nice counterpoise going up the payload string. The power was simply four "AA" lithium batteries. (Energizer Lithium Ultimate). The balloon is definitely Totex and 188 gram returned to the ground with the flight string in one large sheet. The neck was simply folded over and secured with two cable ties under a layer of black plastic electrical tape. Ron has shared accurate information with all of us. I'm glad that I was able to get this unit back for him. Now, lets hope that -11 keeps on flying along. -----------

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Indiana Balloon recovery?
by Bob Bruninga 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

Isnt anyone in Indiana going out to pick up the other DX balloon that landed about half way between Terra Haute and Bloomington Indiana? It was still beaconing up to about 3 hours ago, and has a perfect posit. Just go pick it up? See: http://aprs.fi/?_s=os&call=a%2FK6RPT-12 Bob, Wb4APR

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Re: AZORES -- Get Set To Monitor K6RPT-11 APRS Balloon! [Morrocco next!]
by Bob Bruninga 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

It made it across the Atlantic! First packets being heard in the AZORES and automatically injected into the APRS-IS system: See plot: http://aprs.fi/?call=k6rpt-11 Now we need hams in Morrocco to tune from their normal APRS channel to 144.39 for continued automatic ARPS internet tracking! Or send raw packets to me and I will integrate them if I can... In the “show-last” dialog box, enter 2 days to see its track all the way back to launch in Calif! Bob, Wb4APR Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AZORES -- Get Set To Monitor K6RPT-11 APRS Balloon! > If no local hams speak, there is an USAF airfield at Lajes > (or there it was a few years ago). Maybe you can find > someone there with a 2m capable receiver willing to record a long .Wav file... ----- Reply message ----- De: "Bob Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> Para: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Asunto: [amsat-bb] AZORES -- Get Set To Monitor K6RPT-11 APRS Balloon! Fecha: mar., dic. 13, 2011 18:51 Subject: Re: [aprssig] ATTN: European Hams -- Get Set To Monitor K6RPT-11 APRS Balloon! Well, if -11 is still airborne, operational, and headed in the same direction - and if anybody in the Azores is listening, it ought to be in range soon. Its on 144.39 MHz, AX.25 1200 baud packet > To see a complete picture of K6RPT-11's flight across the United > States (APRS-wise, at least), check out > > http://tinyurl.com/7wuhcb3 > > Last received packet at 08:42 UTC on 2011-12-13 put it 400 miles off > the East coast of the United States, moving east at 150 miles per hour > at 109,000 feet. > > Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32 > > On 12/12/2011 10:25 PM, Stephen H. Smith wrote: >> The K6RPT balloons launched from California late Sunday afternoon >> local time (about 0100 UTC Monday) have far exceeded expectations. >> K6RPT-12 landed Monday afternoon near Indianapolis, Indiana. >> >> K6RPT-11 survived the day's UV exposure and is still flying as of >> 22:30 EST (03:30 UTC). It's currrently over the state of Maryland >> about 50 miles (80 KM) north of Washington, D.C moving at 145 MPH >> (230 KM/h). This balloon is going to be out over the Atlantic >> within the next hour if all goes well. There is now a real >> possibility that it may get into radio range of the UK or continental >> Europe sometime Tuesday morning UTC. >> >> The problem is that it is transmitting on the North American APRS >> frequency of 144.39 MHz. Could some Euro receive/igate stations >> temporarily retune their RX to 144.39 until midday UTC Tuesday? >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- >> >> -- >> >> Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com >> Skype: WA8LMF >> Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net >> >> ***** NEW Precision Mapping 9 For UIview Released! ***** >> http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/PMap9_Notes.htm >> >> >> Vista & Win7 Install Issues for UI-View and Precision Mapping >> http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/UIview_Notes.htm#VistaWin7 >> >> HF APRS over PSK63 >> http://wa8lmf.net/APRS_PSK63/index.htm >> >> "APRS 101" Explanation of APRS Path Selection & Digipeating >> http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> aprssig mailing list >> aprssig(a)tapr.org >> https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig >> > > > _______________________________________________ > aprssig mailing list > aprssig(a)tapr.org > https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)tapr.org https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig _______________________________________________ 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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Norwegian Student CubeSTAR in the press
by Trevor . 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

The CubeSTAR satellite (437.465 MHz) being built by students at the University of Oslo features on page 2 of the December 14 issue of the publication Electronics Weekly, see http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1C4ee6257db71e1467.cde CubeSTAR http://cubestar.no/ University of Oslo - CubeSTAR http://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/english/research/projects/cubestar/ CubeSTAR on IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination pages http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=191 ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA

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FW: [aprssig] K6RPT-11 Has Left The US Mainland - Europe Get Ready to Monitor 144.39
by Bob Bruninga 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

AMSAT/APRS ops needed in Europe to track trans-atlantic balloon! Here is the last position copied on APRS with it 500 miles out to sea headed for Europe.. http://aprs.fi/?call=k6rpt-11&mt=roadmap&z=7&timerange=172800&_s=ss_call Its on USA freq of 144.39 so will not be heard in Europe except by people specifically tuning for it. Just point your high gain beam east and monitor 144.39 and capture any of the 1200 baud AX.25 packets! Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: aprssig-bounces(a)tapr.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Noskowicz Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 11:30 PM To: TAPR APRS Mailing List Subject: Re: [aprssig] K6RPT-11 Has Left The US Mainland - Europe Get Ready to Monitor 144.39 I see that VE3LSR-4 gated it recently from about 500 miles, so hopefully we'll be able to 'see' it about that far off the coast. What's the radio range at 107k ft...? My calculations show about 407 miles line-of-sight (over the horizon) to a 30' tower and 470 miles diffraction corrected radio range, it looks reasonable. Anybody know a URL for real-time jet stream maps/plots? Go baby, Go! -- 73, Steve, K9DCI USN (Vet) MOT (Ret) Ham (Yet) -- I served during the cold war, so you can continue to be served a cold one. Up to date APRS Beginner Guide - updated Apr-2011 http://K9DCI.home.comcast.net Click 'APRS Beginner INFO' under Contact More Details, Features and Downloads at: http://k9dci.home.comcast.net/ --- Gregg Wonderly wrote: > At that altitude, what is going to > happen over the ocean? Will it head north > due to some influence of the lower level jet stream > activities I wonder? > > Gregg > > On 12/12/2011 10:12 PM, Stephen H. Smith wrote: > > The K6RPT-11 balloon is now headed out into the > Atlantic! It left the US > > East Coast in southern New Jersey at 23:12 EST (0412 > UTC). Again, people on > > the east side of the Atlantic should start monitoring > in 4 or 5 hours on > > 144.39 for this balloon's 1-watt transmitter. > > > > WA8LMF LiveTrack Mapping Display via UIview and > Precision Mapping 9.0 Server > > > > . <http://wa8lmf.net/LiveTrack> > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- > > > > -- > > > > Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com > > Skype: WA8LMF > > Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net > > > > ***** NEW Precision Mapping 9 > For UIview Released! ***** > > http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/PMap9_Notes.htm > > > > > > Vista & Win7 Install Issues for UI-View and > Precision Mapping > > http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/UIview_Notes.htm#VistaWin7 > > > > HF APRS over PSK63 > > http://wa8lmf.net/APRS_PSK63/index.htm > > > > "APRS 101" Explanation of APRS Path Selection > & Digipeating > > http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > aprssig mailing list > > aprssig(a)tapr.org > > https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig > > > > > _______________________________________________ > aprssig mailing list > aprssig(a)tapr.org > https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig > _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)tapr.org https://www.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

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Looking ahead a few days with ARISSat-1
by Mark L. Hammond 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

Hi All, Based on current elements and WinAOS/SatPC32, it looks like we (North America) *might* begin to get some useable passes with ARISSat-1 beginning this Friday afternoon (Dec. 16)! It may actually take a few days beyond Friday, (depending on panel illumination, etc.) but it's coming back around, just in time for the Christmas holidays :) 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Panadapter for the FT-817 using the Funcube Dongle
by n1jez＠burlingtontelecom.net 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

The initial paper was presented at Microwave Update 2011. Paul, W1GHZ has made life easier with boards for the FT-817 (or other radios I would suspect). http://www.w1ghz.org/small_proj/small_proj.htm 73, Mike, N1JEZ AMSAT 29649 "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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Nanosat Mission Idea Contest
by Trevor . 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

http://www.uk.amsat.org/2011/12/13/nanosat-mission-idea-contest/ http://www.spacemic.net/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: RAX-2 Qusetion
by Mike Rupprecht 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

Tom, You heard RAX-2. Unfortunately they forgot to change the call sign (M-Cubed as well). 73 Mike DK3WN ----- original Nachricht -------- Betreff: [amsat-bb] RAX-2 Qusetion Gesendet: Mo, 12. Dez 2011 Von: Tom Lubbers K8TL<k8tl(a)earthlink.net> > I have been monitoring 437.345 MHz. Today I found a bunch of frames from > RAX-1. Since I can't find any current info on RAX-1 I wonder if RAX-2 is > identifying as RAX-1. Haven't seen anything from FAST1 since Saturday > evening. Never anything at 9600, thought maybe the 9600 might be broke on my > end but the frames from RAX-1 were at 9600. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > --- original Nachricht Ende ----

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DM83-93, DM72-82, and EM31 QSL's
by Clayton Coleman W5PFG 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

If we worked from DM83-93, I will QSL all stations in log. No need to QSL or SASE. If we worked from DM72-82, I will QSL all stations in log. No need to QSL or SASE. All of the above contacts will be in LotW by 12/13. Since EM31 was a quick roadside activation, I will not QSL unless you make a request for it. No SASE needed, just email me the QSO details. If you need it in LotW, say so in your email. 73 Clayton

1 0

RAX-2 Qusetion
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

I have been monitoring 437.345 MHz. Today I found a bunch of frames from RAX-1. Since I can't find any current info on RAX-1 I wonder if RAX-2 is identifying as RAX-1. Haven't seen anything from FAST1 since Saturday evening. Never anything at 9600, thought maybe the 9600 might be broke on my end but the frames from RAX-1 were at 9600.

1 0

ARISSat height
by Roland Zurmely 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

See the updated graphics for ARISSat height here: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/arissat.htm#r Often, ARISSat switch from high power to low power mode when passing over my QTH in Brazil, despite being fully illuminated by the sun. Coincidentally, this happens when he enters the SAA, South Atlantic Anomaly! Is there any relationship? 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Delfi n3Xt Frequencies
by Trevor . 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

The IARU Amateur Satellite Coordination pages have just been updated http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=138 "**A revised coordination has been provided to take into account other spacecraft likely to be on the same launch** transponder down 145.880 -145.920MHz and up 435.530-435.570MHz. telemetry and beacons on 145.870MHz and 145.930MHz and a high speed downlink on 2405.00MHz" 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

KD8KSN/p EN75 Michigan Ops
by Zachary Beougher 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

Hi All, Thanks for the QSOs during my short trip to Michigan this past week. We were on a brief family getaway and satellite comm was a secondary activity as usual. ;-) EN75 is not an extremely rare grid, but I believe at least 5-6 ops were able to add it to the new grid list. I have updated my blog with pics, QSL card and trip info at http://kd8ksn.blogspot.com/. The cards have been ordered and should be here in 2-3 weeks. I will send an email out as soon as I receive them. No requests/SASEs are necessary. 73! Zack KD8KSN

1 1

Things
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

Having learned my lesson, I try to keep my comments to the technical issues, but here goes. Has anyone been able to copy AUBIE? If so, tell me how you do it. I want to publicly thank Ed Long for his job as AMSAT Journal Editor. His guidance sure made things easy for article submissions. Delfi-n3Xt is good news. The linear transponder on the non-battery Delfi-C3 worked well until its failure. I still download packets from its scientific mode as it has excellent signals on 145.870. The JAVA based software is easy to load up and run needing only an audio link from the radio to a computer sound card. Hopefully n3Xt's design has a fail safe circuit so the battery won't take it down like so many, and it will operate on solar just like C3 and AO7. Merry Christmas Everyone, Mike (K9QHO)

3 2

W-32A For Sale
by Alan P. Biddle 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

All, I local ham I know has an Icom W-32A available. One of the better HTs to use with satellites. I have seen the equipment, and it is in very good condition. He has some pictures, which I can't attach here. Please direct any questions directly to Kirk. 73s, Alan WA4SCA FOR SALE: IC-W32A "Very Good Condition" Manual, Wall Charger "No box" (2) BP-173 Battery Packs "9.6V @650mAh CP-12L Car Charger OPC-478 Programming cable Asking Price $175.00 Contact: Kirk Waters Mobile: 615.927.2700 Email: kirkh2os(a)bellsouth.net

1 0

OSCAR 1 - Feb QST Articles on AMSAT-UK site
by Trevor . 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

The ARRL has kindly given permission to put some of the OSCAR 1 articles from the February 1962 edition of QST on the AMSAT-UK website. Links are at the bottom of this article: http://www.uk.amsat.org/2011/12/12/50th-anniversary-of-oscar-1/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

Singapore Student Satellite VELOX-P
by Trevor . 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

Planned to fly on an Interorbital launcher intp a 300km orbit. VELOX-P on IARU Sat Page http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/formal_detail.php?serialnum=223 NTU Satellite Research Centre http://www.sarc.eee.ntu.edu.sg/Pages/Home.aspx 73 Trevor M5AKA

1 0

1961-12-12: OSCAR 1
by B J 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

It's quite amazing when one considers the historical context: 1957-10-04: Sputnik 1 launched 1959-09-12: Luna 2 launched to moon, impacted 1959-09-13 1960-08-12: Echo 1 launched 1961-04-12: Vostok 1 with Yuri Gagarin 1961-05-05: Freedom 7 with Alan Shepard 1971-07-21: Liberty Bell 7 with Gus Grissom 1961-08-06: Vostok 2 with Gherman Titov 1961-12-12: OSCAR 1 launched 1962-02-20: Friendship 7 with John Glenn 1962-07-10: Telstar 1 launched 1962-08-27: Mariner 2 launched to Venus, closest approach 1962-12-14 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

3 3

No Further Efforts To Save Phobos-Grunt
by B J 12 Dec '11

12 Dec '11

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/russia-gives-up-on-fa… 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

4 3

Satellite Demo MSU-TI Dec 20
by Mark Spencer 11 Dec '11

11 Dec '11

I will be conducting an ARRL Teachers Institute at Mississippi State University from December 19-22. The afternoon of Dec 20 (with the 21st as a backup) I will be covering using space-borne systems in the classroom. A major part of that unit is demonstrating ham satellite contacts, and I could use your help. If you could give a listen for us on the AO27 pass that (I think.I'll confirm once I am at the location and test things out) will go over EM42 on Dec 20th at around 1435 EST and give a shout-out to the teachers. I will be using the call W1AW/5 for the pass. If you'd like a QSL for the contact, send an e-mail to me and I'll make sure you get one. If you would like to see what else is covered during the Teachers Institute, check it out at: http://www.arrl.org/teachers-institute-on-wireless-technology. The satellite demonstrations are always an eye-opening experience for the teachers, and the TI demonstrations would not be possible without your support and patience. TNX and 73, Mark Mark Spencer, WA8SME Education and Technology Program Director ARRL, the national association for Amateur RadioTM 43 Pinelock Dr. Gales Ferry, CT 06335 860-381-5335 860-460-1139 (cell) mspencer(a)arrl.org

2 1

FAST1 Status?
by Carl Rimmer W8KRF 11 Dec '11

11 Dec '11

Has there been a change to FAST1 since Thursday? During two passes on Thursday, I was able to digipeat through it using AGWPE (set to 1k2), UISS, and SatPC. I have included a portion of my log below. Both yesterday (12/10) and this morning (12/11) I was not able to digi through it although I was receiving the beacon. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [UISS Auto-Log date - Mode: Only Digipeated Packets - 12/8/2011] ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1:Fm K8TL To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=18 >[01:09:06] CQ V FAST1,EM89CV 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=53 >[01:09:14] :K8TL :Hi UR 59 from Carl in Cleveland OH EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[01:09:51] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=57 >[01:09:55] =4127.04N/08148.18W`Carl in Cleveland, OH EN91ck {UISS52} 1:Fm K8TL To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=18 >[01:10:06] CQ V FAST1,EM89CV 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[01:11:28] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=59 >[01:11:57] 73 All until another pass from Carl in Cleveland, OH EN91ck ---------------------------------------------------- [UISS Auto-Log date - Mode: All Packets - 12/8/2011] ---------------------------------------------------- 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1 <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:43:31] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:43:33] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1 <UI pid=F0 Len=57 >[02:43:42] =4127.04N/08148.18W`Carl in Cleveland, OH EN91ck {UISS52} 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=57 >[02:43:44] =4127.04N/08148.18W`Carl in Cleveland, OH EN91ck {UISS52} 1:Fm FAST1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 Len=123 >[02:44:00] F11G0GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG212006289 026 019 018 020 027 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1 <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:44:04] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:44:06] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm KO6TZ To W8KRF-6 Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=26 >[02:44:17] DM13rw via FO-69 Sara Lily 1:Fm KO6TZ To W8KRF-6 Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=26 >[02:44:21] DM13rw via FO-69 Sara Lily 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1 <UI pid=F0 Len=53 >[02:44:28] :KO6TZ :Hi UR 59 from Carl in Cleveland OH EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=53 >[02:44:30] :KO6TZ :Hi UR 59 from Carl in Cleveland OH EN91ck 1:Fm WB5LHD To WB5LHD Via FAST1* <DISC P>[02:44:42] 1:Fm FAST1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 Len=123 >[02:45:00] F11G0GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG211006286 026 019 018 020 027 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To KO6TZ Via FAST1 <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:45:11] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To KO6TZ Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:45:13] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm FAST1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 Len=123 >[02:46:00] F11G0GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG210105286 026 019 018 020 027 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1 <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:46:13] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck 1:Fm W8KRF-6 To BEACON Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=51 >[02:46:15] Hello to All from Carl in Cleveland, OH USA EN91ck In the above log, FAST1* indicates I was digipeated. I also did receive digipeated beacons from other stations (KO6TZ, WB5LHD, K8TL). What are others experiencing? -- *Carl W8KRF*

2 1

NASA Images of Sun
by Clint Bradford 11 Dec '11

11 Dec '11

Incredible ... NASA's latest stunning images of sun - http://cnet.co/vUWiwS Clint Bradford

1 0

AO-27 scheduler data file error
by George Henry 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

There was a typo in the Topr.txt file as received from the AO-27 control team: the second line of the file, which defines the transponder "on" period, should read 420, not 240. You can edit the file yourself with your favorite text editor, or download a corrected version of the file from the scheduler website, http://sites.google.com/site/ao27satellitescheduler. Still no word on when the official AO-27 website will be back up. George, KA3HSW

1 0

Re: 9 cubesats on board Vega
by Andy Kellner 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

Well my point exactly. Somebody a while back jokingly put the concept out to tape 2 woxoun ht's together, mount 2 antennas on some solar panels and throw the thing out the window ... I mean just think about it for a second: : take a 2 U cubesat frame, put the guts of 2 HT's in there, together with a battery and some charging electronics, mount antennas and of you go ? Do we really _need_ remote command capability ? Or telemetry and all the software ? Onboard scheduling ? Or would a simple homebrew-repeater-in-space do ? I think the only intelligence you really need is in the battery charger. Ok, it might become unpredictable if and when the thing is switched on, based on low battery levels .. so what ? If its there I work it, otherwise I wait for the next pass. Just make sure it is smart enough to bridge batteries with a short. I mean the concepts of Fox & friends and great. But I think we are at the 'less is more' point. I think many of us would prefer a simple-and-dirty fm repeating sat which is actually flying, rather then all the great plans and concepts which take years and many many dollars to complete. ARISSAT was great, that the antenna was missing not our fault. Cant we put another ARISSAT in cubesat format together rather quickly, instead of re-inventing the wheel over and over again ? Its a bit like letting a kid starve to death because you don't have the resources to cook a gourmet meal. Guess what, a simple ham-and-cheese sandwich will do. Andreas - VK4HHH ________________________________ From: Thomas Doyle <tomdoyle1948(a)gmail.com> To: Andy Kellner <hawat1(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, 9 December 2011 1:25 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 9 cubesats on board Vega How many cubesats does the Amateur Radio community have ready for launch - not talking, planning or thinking about about building but actually ready to go ? 73 W9KE tom ... On Thu, Dec 8, 2011 at 8:28 AM, Andy Kellner <hawat1(a)yahoo.com> wrote: I'll be darned. 9 (nine!) cubesats on board of this launch vehicle and the whole world wide amateur radio community has major problems finding somebody to launch 1 every 5 years ? >Whats wrong with this picture ? I would like to find out why ESA for example has no problems launching the cubesats by the dozend (for free i bet you), >but refuse to carry just one for us. Does somebody has ESA's email address ? :) Is it really all about the educational aspect of things ? We can use that sales pitch, too. > > >Andreas - VK4HHH > > > >________________________________ > From: Trevor . <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Sent: Thursday, 8 December 2011 9:56 PM >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory > >--- On Thu, 8/12/11, Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> wrote: >> can't we squeeze a little bird in there? > >They'll be some CubeSat's on the launch I believe going into a 1500 by 300 km orbit see > >http://www.esa.int/esaMI/Education/SEM3N03MDAF_0.html > >73 Trevor M5AKA > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Sent from my computer. tom ...

13 15

FAST1
by Kevin Deane 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

Sorry I meant the Stations Heard via ISS I know about logging in to the Maildrop. Did not get in on the pass I mentioned before, but I did hear some packets. Did not come through on my screen anyway. Can we get another clarifacation on the path? FAST1 or FAST-1? I saw KO6TH was trying and K8TL did get into the Maildrop and said also that he saw some unproto go through. I think it is almost as fun as voice when it is working good. Kevin KF7MYK

2 1

FAST1
by Kevin Deane 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

"the team has decided to open up FASTRAC-1 to the amateur radio community with the hope as more people use it to digipeat through the satellite, the battery levels will diminish and cause a hard reset of the microcontrollers on board." So the only reason we get to use it is to wear down the batteries in hopes of a hard reset. Then what they turn the digipeater back off? Well at least we get to have some fun, I heard it last pass and will try this next one if I can get the split in my radio in time. I dont suppose there will be a message board like the ISS? Kevin KF7MYK

3 2

Re: SatPS32 off screen window
by andrew abken 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

>Has anyone had a SatPC32 problem where the program opens in a window off >screen. I'm stuck here and none of the standard window fixes to bring the >window back onscreen I goggled up work. I need to know where SatPC32 stores >it's startup window information, somehow it must of got clobbered. I'm >running XP... I have the same question ;) Andy

1 1

Orbitron Help thanks
by John Heath 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

Orbitron Help Thanks to those who replied. Now that I know how to pause the Orbitron simulation I can get on with the orbital decay project I am working on. I just love it when members of this bb are so helpful. Its what its all about. 73 John G7HIA

1 0

Fast1
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

Has anyone had any positive results?? I have beaconed with 1200 and 9600, nothing. After the 0330Z pass did copy RS0ISS on the same frequency pair, boy was my element set off!! Happy Holidays Tom K8TL

4 4

Orbitron Help ?
by John Heath 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

Hi Orbitron users. I find the simulation feature is very useful but I can't find out how to pause it. Does anyone have the required key strokes, or is that feature not included in the software. Thanks John G7HIA

2 1

Re: SatPC32 off screen window
by David Palmer KB5WIA 10 Dec '11

10 Dec '11

Here's what I do, it works for me for any off-screen windows: * Click on the taskbar to make sure your off-screen window is selected. * HIt Alt-Space to bring up the window minimize/maximize/close/move dialog. * Choose Move. * Hit any arrow key (important - this starts the move process). * You can now (left-click-and) drag the window back onto your main screen using your mouse. Hope it helps!!! 73 de Dave KB5WIA http://kb5wia.blogspot.com On Fri, Dec 9, 2011 at 10:59 PM, Jeff KB2M <kb2m(a)comcast.net> wrote: > Has anyone had a SatPC32 problem where the program opens in a window off > screen. I'm stuck here and none of the standard window fixes to bring the > window back onscreen I goggled up work. I need to know where SatPC32 stores > it's startup window information, somehow it must of got clobbered. I'm > running XP...

1 0

MY MAIL BOX ON FAST 1
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

After the 0300 pass I'll leave my mailbox open (K8TL-1). If you can't sleep and the bird isn't QRL try to leave me a message. I'll leave things set on 1200B. 73 and good luck.

1 0

fast1 1200
by Tom Lubbers K8TL 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Dec 10 0122 connected to my self and disconnected several times, I also sent myself several packets. Only other thing heard was FAST1 beacon. This was 1200b. Will try 9600b next orbit. (C K8TL V FAST1) BEACONED cq (cq V FAST1) AND SENT UNPROTO CQ' COPIED MOST OF THEM COMMING BACK DOWN. Tom K8TL

1 0

looking for info on using a telescope tripod for automatic tracking
by k4rjj＠comcast.net 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Hi everyone. I found a Meade telescope trpod with the az/el gears on it and a worm drive for each. There are no motors on it but I think that could be fixed with a call to Meade parts. What I'm looking for is a solution to drive the motors with instruction from one of the sat tracking programs out there. Any help would be great. The tripod is a medium duty model and has a top mount that is perfect for an Arrow yagi set. I made a short video of it. Tell me what you think and what can be done. Thanks! Ronny K4RJJ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_BcS6HjxTU

3 2

W5PFG/P to Grid EM31, 10 Nov 2011
by Clayton Coleman W5PFG 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

I will be traveling to EM31 tomorrow afternoon, 10 November. If you need grid EM31 confirmed, please email me. There are a couple of SO-50 passes I will be able to work but only if requested. 73 Clayton

1 0

Re: FAST-1/Digi-ON 1k2/9k6
by Mineo Wakita 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

I confirmed today that Up 145.980MHz / Down 437.345MHz, 9600bps 20:59-21:12JST, 9 Dec 2011, Ele 59 N-E-ES Up 145.980MHz / Down 437.345MHz, 9600bps ----------------------------------------------------- [UISS Auto-Log date - Mode: All Packets - 2011/12/09] ----------------------------------------------------- Fm JE9PEL To APRS Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=26 >[21:02:53] :SAT :Hello via FAST1 Fm JE9PEL To APRS Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=26 >[21:02:58] :SAT :Hello via FAST1 Fm JE9PEL To APRS Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=54 >[21:03:18] =3523.05N/13936.61E- Yokohama Japan via FAST1 {UISS52} Fm JE9PEL To APRS Via FAST1* <UI pid=F0 Len=30 >[21:06:15] :SAT :Hello via FAST1 9k6 ---------------------------------------------------------- JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

2 1

Euroluna Cubesat on TV
by Trevor . 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/2011/12/09/danish-euroluna-project-on-tv/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

2 1

LARES To Test Einstein's Theory
by B J 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

http://spaceflightnow.com/vega/vv01/111207lares/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

9 12

Re: moderated list
by Joe Leikhim 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

No more so than should we have to have permission to transmit on a satellite. That being said, I have noticed over the years that a lot of childish stuff has been said on the AMSAT-BB which may have impacted the participation of volunteers, contribution of donations or professional offers of assistance (launch opportunities). You really never know who is reading, and you may scare off potential membership or contribution. Please think before hitting send. Unlike the PTT button, you have still a chance NOT to "say whats on your mind". >Message: 15 >Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2011 4:33:44 -0500 >From:<normn3ykf(a)stny.rr.com> >To:"amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] moderated list >Message-ID:<20111209093344.KKIX1.12900.root@hrndva-web05-z02> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 >Anyone else feel the need for a moderated list? -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida

1 0

Re: Robusta_and_Baumanets
by Mineo Wakita 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/esa9cubf.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

2 1

Opportunity to Test Cubesat Projects on High Altitude Balloons
by Trevor . 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

This appeared on the CubeSat mailing list http://lists.cubesat.org/mailman/listinfo The NASA Flight Opportunities Program is offering hosted flights aboard high altitude balloon platforms to test new space technology in a relevant, space-like environment. If you are developing an innovative Cubesat system that could benefit from a demonstration at 30 km (98,000 ft) altitude, this may be an opportunity to receive a NASA-hosted balloon-borne test flight. For more information, visit: https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/ The Announcement of Flight Opportunities solicitation is available here: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&so… The proposal deadline is next week on December 16, 2011. Godspeed, Eric Eric Byers Project Management Near Space Corporation

1 0

QRZ.com Gridmapper Working Again
by John Papay 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

I'm pleased to report that with the new QRZ.com format, the Gridmapper has been fixed. Gridmapper allows you to see the gridsquare of the lookup station on a Google map. A six character square is outlined. It makes it easy to see how far a particular station is from another grid that you might need. To use gridmapper click on Detail and then scroll to the bottom of the map on the right and click on the Gridmapper link. QRZ.com is a great resource for ham radio operators. We are very fortunate to have it. If you don't have your email address on qrz.com, please consider listing it. It makes it much easier for someone to contact you if there is something going on that you might not be aware of with respect to your operations. 73, John K8YSE

1 0

SpaceX WF9XGI Part 5 application
by Tarsala, Jan A (337C) 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&applicati… Jan WB6VRN

1 0

Unofficial forum - amsat.forumer.com
by AL4S - Rich 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

I started this last month seeing if it got any traction via Google+. Since it has not I will advertise it here. I personally prefer forums to email lists but to each his own. Please join in if you are interested. Sign up at amsat.forumer.com. Play nice in the sandbox. /Quote ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <normn3ykf(a)stny.rr.com> To: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2011 4:33:44 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] moderated list Anyone else feel the need for a moderated list? /Unquote Rich Gillin - *AL4S *907.884.1404 skype/ooVoo: rich.gillin msn: richgillin(a)hotmail.com G+: +AL4S

1 0

Next SpaceX Flight February 7, 2012
by Clint Bradford 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

RELEASE: 11-413 NASA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH DATE AND MILESTONES FOR SPACEX FLIGHT WASHINGTON -- NASA has announced the launch target for Space Exploration Technologies' (SpaceX) second Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration flight will be Feb. 7, 2012. Pending completion of final safety reviews, testing and verification, NASA also has agreed to allow SpaceX to send its Dragon spacecraft to rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) in a single flight. "SpaceX has made incredible progress over the last several months preparing Dragon for its mission to the space station," said William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. "We look forward to a successful mission, which will open up a new era in commercial cargo delivery for this international orbiting laboratory." Gerstenmaier said, "There is still a significant amount of critical work to be completed before launch, but the teams have a sound plan to complete it and are prepared for unexpected challenges. As with all launches, we will adjust the launch date as needed to gain sufficient understanding of test and analysis results to ensure safety and mission success." During the flight, Dragon will conduct a series of check-out procedures that will test and prove its systems in advance of the rendezvous with the station. The primary objectives for the flight include a fly-by of the space station at a distance of approximately two miles to validate the operation of sensors and flight systems necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach. The spacecraft also will demonstrate the capability to abort the rendezvous, if required. Dragon will perform the final approach to the ISS while the station crew grapples the vehicle with the station's robotic arm. The capsule will be berthed to the Earth-facing side of the Harmony node. At the end of the mission, the crew will reverse the process, detaching Dragon from the station for its return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific off the coast of California. If the rendezvous and attachment to the station are not successful, SpaceX will complete a third demonstration flight in order to achieve these objectives as originally planned. "SpaceX is on the forefront of demonstrating how a partnership between the government and private industry can lead to new capabilities and provide a large return on investment," said Alan Lindenmoyer, program manager for COTS at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "SpaceX is excited to be the first commercial company in history to berth with the International Space Station. This mission will mark a historic milestone in the future of spaceflight," said SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. "We appreciate NASA's continued support and their partnership in this process." Begun in 2006, NASA's COTS program is investing financial and technical resources to stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable and cost-effective space transportation capabilities. In a multiphase strategy, the program is spurring the innovation and development of new spacecraft and launch vehicles from commercial industry, creating a new system of delivering cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Through Space Act Agreements, SpaceX will receive up to $396 million and Orbital Sciences Corporation, NASA's other COTS partner, will receive up to $288 million for the successful completion of all milestones in the agreements. To date, SpaceX has received $376 million for completing 36 out of 40 milestones and Orbital has received $261.5 million for completing 23 out of 29 milestones. For more information on COTS, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/cots For more information on the International Space Station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station For more information on SpaceX or the Dragon spacecraft, visit: http://www.spacex.com -end- Clint Bradford clintbradford(a)mac.com

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The cubesat Debate
by John Heath 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Hi Gents, A couple of years ago I was privilaged to work with university students on a cubesat project. They were mostly space science and engineering students of very high calibre indeed. It was a pure delight to be in the company of such focussed and inteligent youngsters. They had no interest in grid squares and DX type ham radio, but they did want to know how to get their command signals up to the space craft and how to get their data down. Whatever your views about cubesats, if you get an opportunity to work with a cubesat group go for it. Its a blast. 73 John G7HIA

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Re: Amateur Satellite Service
by Rsoifer＠aol.com 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Hi all, If you would like to learn more about this subject, go to http://www.iaru.org/satellite/sat-freq-coord.html 73 Ray W2RS

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FAST-1/Digi-ON 1k2/9k6
by Mineo Wakita 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Now, Up 145.825MHz/Down 437.345MHz, 1200bps Up 145.980MHz/Down 437.345MHz, 9600bps (Info. by JH1BCL) http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/fastdigi.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: I STILL have a question!
by G0MRF＠aol.com 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Hi Frank. The next AMSAT satellite due for launch is likely to be Funcube from AMSAT-UK. It will be possible to donate to this project from later this month via the AMSAT-UK web site. UKube also carries a linear transponder, It's not an 'AMSAT' project, but the boards have been provided by AMSAT-UK. Fortunately -and we are REALLY lucky here- that project is already fully funded by the UK Space agency In the meantime, you can use Paypal to donate to Fox at _www.amsat.org_ (http://www.amsat.org) . I believe Fox is still at the advanced design stage but this will be a short process due to all the experience AMSAT-NA have gained with ARISSat. Or you can take the optimists view and support the completion of the hardware for P3E. Which if a launch can be identified will be spectacular for everyone. (But please let it be able to run on solar power alone!!) Sorry if I've missed any other projects...but I'm sure they will speak up Thanks David In a message dated 09/12/2011 10:19:33 GMT Standard Time, K4FEG(a)k4feg.com writes: With all that has been said here since the "expected" death of AO-51 I want to KNOW what I can do to help move towards whichever, next satellite that can be got into space. I don't care about the delivery vehicle , whether or not it is a cube, sphere, pyramid or in the shape of a Volkswagen Beetle. I am interested in a satellite that can be used by amateurs to "communicate" I have my personal preferences as to what type of satellite I would prefer but *_at this point I don't care what type of satellite it is. _* _*I know how to adapt to what ever mode it operates on. *_ _*I just want to know WHAT TO SUPPORT AND HOW TO SUPPORT IT!*_ all I have heard ,"stop the attacks, do this do that" I still don't have a clear picture of what is the closest to being ready and what we need to do to facilitate it's completion.I can't support it if the "powers to be" won't tell us what is needed. Information is power and I don't have any information on what direction we need to head. that's my opinion! *_Lead, follow or get out of the way!_* Frank K4FEG

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Re: DO-64 Successor Delfi-n3xt
by Trevor . 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Yes DNEPR launch in September is certainly good news. The IARU coodination page says the 145/435 frequencies are the same as DO-64 with the addition of 2401.500 MHz. http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=138 The launch announcement said: On Monday 31st of October, TU Delft has signed a launch contract with Innovative Solutions in Space-ISIS BV for the launch of Delfi-n3Xt. Delfi-n3Xt is now planned for a launch in September 2012 with a the Russian Dnepr launch vehicle. This means that the countdown to launch for Delfi-n3Xt has started. The last two months of 2011 will be dedicated to making a fully functional engineering model of the satellite. In the first quarter of 2012, the hardware and software will be tuned an finalized. In the second quarter of 2012, system level tests will be performed. In the summer of 2012 the preparations for launch and early operations will commence. These are very exciting times for the team, partners and everybody who is and has been involved in the mission! http://www.delfispace.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=… 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: moderated list
by Jeffrey Koehler 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

Yup. This name calling and finger pointing is getting ridiculous. WB2SYK Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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I STILL have a question!
by K4FEG 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

With all that has been said here since the "expected" death of AO-51 I want to KNOW what I can do to help move towards whichever, next satellite that can be got into space. I don't care about the delivery vehicle , whether or not it is a cube, sphere, pyramid or in the shape of a Volkswagen Beetle. I am interested in a satellite that can be used by amateurs to "communicate" I have my personal preferences as to what type of satellite I would prefer but *_at this point I don't care what type of satellite it is. _* _*I know how to adapt to what ever mode it operates on. *_ _*I just want to know WHAT TO SUPPORT AND HOW TO SUPPORT IT!*_ all I have heard ,"stop the attacks, do this do that" I still don't have a clear picture of what is the closest to being ready and what we need to do to facilitate it's completion.I can't support it if the "powers to be" won't tell us what is needed. Information is power and I don't have any information on what direction we need to head. that's my opinion! *_Lead, follow or get out of the way!_* Frank K4FEG

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cubsats
by Nick Pugh 09 Dec '11

09 Dec '11

KO4MA writes In the long term view, inclusion and support of cubesats into our community will benefit all the AMSATs more than derision and ridicule has to this point. Several cubes have attempted or will attempt to support amateur two-way packages, i.e. DO-64, CO-65, PWsat, FunCube, UKube, Fox. Let's encourage that, and stop with the self-centered view of the service. Most curse the darkness Some light a candle Go Drew Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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Re: Cubesats
by charlie Cantrill 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

I too attended the Hackerspace workshop and was surprised to see the attendees. NASA, Universities, Hams, Students, enthusiasts, and a private satellite company (don't remember which one). Better get on board the Cubesat train or get left behind. Bob's mantra is "better to have something ready to fly that works than wait for the perfect satellite on the perfect mission." I was proud when Bob touted the value of the Ham community and how their resources/guidance can be utilized and when he recognized the value of simple can be better. I teach High School students that are interested in Ham radio and space communications and collaborate with University folks in Kentucky. They want to work with the Ham community and want to learn, but aren't interested in chasing grid squares. They want to find out things such as if their antenna deployment system works in space, if their communication system works, etc, etc. Most are intimidated and driven away by the voice exchanges on the birds, some are interested, but most are tinkerers like ourselves. I would encourage AMSAT members to work with the Universities and K-12 students as they are good folks with good intentions. Make a good impression though because they don't need us to fly their birds, but certainly could use help and guidance. Just keep in mind many are students and are still learning as such, so be patient with them. :-) It may take you some time to gain their trust, but once you do, you may be surprised at how much they will work with you and how you will be revered by them. Charlie KI4RDT

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KD8KSN/P EN75 Friday Possible
by Zachary Beougher 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Hi All, Thanks for the QSOs today during our trip to EN75. We are on a brief family getaway and we are staying at a cabin right on the shores of Lake Huron (or as I said early this morning on SO50, “we are on the lake of shores Huron”). It is very cold, windy, and a little snowy right now, so I am uncertain about what passes I will be on. I got off of SO50 a bit ago around 2200z, and I apologize for those that were calling when I disappeared. I was shooting through trees and I completely lost the downlink all of the sudden. I am planning to work from this grid again tomorrow morning on SO50, and hopefully tomorrow afternoon on AO27 and SO50. If you need EN75 those will be the best times to look for me. Do keep in mind that these are only *possibilities* as I brought the equipment along as a secondary activity. We will be returning home Saturday. I will say that this trip has not provided as many operating opportunities since AO51 is down. Portable operators are really going to miss this bird since AO27 and SO50 are the main players now, but at least we do have those two. As a side note, if KD8BIN is on this reflector, please email me off list. 73! Zack KD8KSN EN75vp Cheboygan MI

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AO-7 V/A Transponder (Mode A)
by Rsoifer＠aol.com 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Operational linear transponder satellites have dwindled to only two: VO-52 and AO-7. The latter, now 37 years old, spends approximately half its operating time on the V/A transponder, or what we used to call Mode A: 145.85-145.95 MHz uplink, 29.4-29.5 MHz downlink. Unfortunately, activiity on the V/A transponder is quite low compared with what it was in the 1970s. Today, as then, much of this problem can be attributed to the V/A transponder's relatively weak downlink signal. In the 1970s, however, many users were able to solve this problem and work DX through this transponder out to nearly 8,000 km. How did they do it? As one of those 1970s users, I'll tell you: low-noise preamplifiers and good 10-meter antennas. In 2011, most modern radios have enough sensitivity that an external 29 MHz preamplifier should not be required. That leaves the antenna. Most satellite users wouldn't think of operating Mode U/V without good antennas. The 29 MHz band is no different. As any successful 1970s Mode A user can attest, a good 10-meter beam is by far the best choice. For best results, it should be pointed at the horizon, not elevated. Why? For most users at temperate zone latitudes, AO-7's elevation angle will be 10 degrees or less about half the time it is in range, and 30 degrees or more only about 10% of the time. During that 10%, the inverse-square law of distance will keep signals strong despite AO-7 being outside the beam's major lobe.. As in HF operation, the beam should be mounted as high above ground as possible. My friend Ben, W2BXA (now SK), with his beam at 20 meters, was able[ to work stations up to 300 km farther away than I could with mine at only 10 meters. That is a large part of the reason why Ben held Satellite DXCC No. 1 while mine is No. 13. If you cannot put up a beam, a rotary dipole is perhaps the next best choice, again mounted as high as possible. If you cannot do that either, try a ground plane antenna, mounted so as to be clear of all obstructions. No matter what your specific circumstances, put up the best 10-meter antenna you can. Let's use and enjoy BOTH transponders of AO-7! 73 Ray W2RS

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cube sats and turn signals
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Cube sats are about as worthless to the ham op as turn signals are on our cars, who uses them. How much can be learned from them that hasnt already been done. Why cant the schools all get together and use the info from all the ones in the past or did they really learn anything. beep beep beep

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HudsonValleySatcomGroupNet12/08@8pmeastern
by cotejaune2＠aol.com 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

We are back tonight at 8pm eastern on Echolink N2EYH-L and MtBeacon repeater 146.970pl100.Please join us for the net

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Cubesats
by Howie DeFelice 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

I recently attended the HackerSPACE conference in Kentucky hosted by Prof. Bob Twiggs. I too was a Cubesat non-believer but after attending the conference I came away with a new perspective. Universities are not given "gift certificates" for free launches, they must compete for them with their sponsor (a.k.a. the guy that is paying for the launch) in the same manner that AMSAT has recently submitted a proposal. These proposals are evaluated and the ones that the sponsor deems best qualified are given an opportunity for launch. Since the sponsors are promoting STEM education, that's what the proposals are evaluated on. The more educational content the better the chances to fly. The good news for us is that from what I observed at the conference, universities would be very happy to have assistance in the design of their communications package. Not only do we bring years of communications experience and a world wide monitoring network but we also offer actual hardware and technical support for free. Adding state of the art communications capability to a scientific/education payload increases the chances for a launch. Everybody wins in this scenario. The problem as I see it is not technical at this point but one of marketing. We need to turn the discussion educating the educators on the benefits of working with AMSAT. Almost half of the attendees at the HackerSPACE conference had no idea who AMSAT was or what they did. We were very lucky to have Prof. Twiggs there and the folks at Kentucky Space to include amateur radio as part of the conference. If we are unhappy about what universities are flying then it's up to us to fix it by making our presence known. The AMSAT engineering team has already proved they can build either FM or linear transponders into the right size package now we need to sell the product. We all need to become sales people and try to find the leads that could be our next launch opportunity. Of course this is just my opinion, you may have a different one :) ._ . _ . Howie, AB2S

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Amateur Satellite Service: Read the rules before posting
by John Klingelhoeffer 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Several recent postings by individuals show that they have clearly not taken the time to read the international agreements to which all of our amateur satellite service spacecraft abide. There are MANY allowable uses of the amateur satellite service spectrum other than launching transponders for hams to jawbone back and forth. If you'd take time to educate yourself on the rules that your hobby abides by, you would find that the following applies: "The purposes of an amateur satellite should be to: (1) Provide communication resources for the general amateur radio community and / OR [emphasis added] (2) Self training and technical investigations relating to radio technique. [See RR 1.56, 1.57, and 25.2.] "Radio technique" means having a reasonable possibility of application to radio communication systems. Examples relating to radio technique include, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO [emphasis added]: · communication protocols · attitude determination methods · command and control procedures · receivers, transmitters, and transponders · antennas · sensors to study spacecraft performance · telemetry protocols · power controls and supplies for use in space · spacecraft computers, memory, operating systems, programs, and related items · radiation effects on electronic components · radio wave propagation · meteor trail reflection · measurements of the orbital environment" There is NOTHING in these criteria that says that a satellite operating in the amateur satellite service MUST carry a communications transponder capable of relaying communications from ground stations. That is but ONE allowable operation, but NOT the only one. This may or may not fit your perception of the amateur satellite service, but that is of little matter since the rules very clearly allow other uses. Read the rules.

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2 Meter TV Interference
by Wyatt Dirks 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Just recently I have been having troubles with a neighbor while I am working the FM satellites(SO-50 and AO-27). The setup I am currently using is my mobile setup because I am unable to put a base station up for many reasons. I am using a FT8900 with 50 watts out into a 1/4 wave or 1/2 Larson mobile antenna.The 1/4 wave is mounted permanently via a hole in the roof of my truck an the 1/2 wave is mounted on a mount opposite the factory installed FM/AM radio whip. It doesn't seem to matter what antenna I use for the problem to occur. Then I use either the arrow antenna or my cju for the downlink. The problem occurs while I am transmitting. The neighbor says that his tv receives the interference in that the picture is disturbed and sometimes cuts out completely. He is getting his tv from hdtv over the air. He has an antenna in the attic that goes to a powered splitter which then goes to several tvs. That is about all i know on his setup but I do know that if he cuts the power to the splitter he receives nothing. Also the problem seems to be on every channel. Today I had another local ham over at the request of the neighbor and his mobile Kenwood radio did the same thing to the neighbors tv when he transmitted on 2 meter with 50 watts out. He also recommended that they get a filter. I did not see the specs on the filter nor do I know what bandwidth it was for. If anyone has any ideas on what would solve this problem and could share that would be great. Catch you on the birds Wyatt AC0RA

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Link to Holiday Ham Song
by Kevin Deane 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_9REVC4dtc hmm works for me thought it was pretty good. Kevin KF7MYK

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Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory
by Trevor . 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

--- On Thu, 8/12/11, Giulio AB2VY <giuliop70(a)aim.com> wrote: > The Microsatellite on the left of LARES > http://spaceflightnow.com/vega/vv01/111207lares/ > is "AlmaSat", first microsatellite of the University of Bologna (ITALY) IARU Coordinated frequencies at http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=39 also see http://www.almasat.org/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

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No launching capability is not the only threat
by Hans Lourens 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Hello fellow hams, Just today I wash reading an article about new treats for the ham community as a hole, watt are the problems of transmitting and receiving on frequencies ho are also used by medical applications and watt are the consequents if they are complaining about male functions in the same band. Read it for yourself at the address here below <http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-grants-secondary-service-allocation-to-wireles s-broadband-medical-micropower-networks> http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-grants-secondary-service-allocation-to-wireless -broadband-medical-micropower-networks 73, Hans.

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Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory
by Giulio AB2VY 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

The Microsatellite on the left of LARES http://spaceflightnow.com/vega/vv01/111207lares/ is "AlmaSat", first microsatellite of the University of Bologna (ITALY) 73 from Giulio AB2VY --- On Thu, 8/12/11, Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> wrote: > can't we squeeze a little bird in there? They'll be some CubeSat's on the launch I believe going into a 1500 by 300 km orbit see http://www.esa.int/esaMI/Education/SEM3N03MDAF_0.html 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory
by G0MRF＠aol.com 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Hi Bob. We did try. A member of AMSAT-UK was one of twenty something teams who travelled to the Netherlands to present a case for inclusion. Sadly not successful as we were not seen as an educational organisation. We have been working on that image and educational outreach and hardware ever since. Maybe next time 73 David G0MRF In a message dated 08/12/2011 07:46:57 GMT Standard Time, w7lrd(a)comcast.net writes: can't we squeeze a little bird in there? Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "B J" <va6bmj(a)gmail.com> To: "amsat-bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 6:00:26 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] LARES To Test Einstein's Theory http://spaceflightnow.com/vega/vv01/111207lares/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: 9 cubesats on board Vega
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

> >Well my point exactly. Somebody a while back jokingly put the concept out to tape 2 woxoun ht's together, mount 2 antennas on some solar panels and throw the thing out the window ... > >I mean just think about it for a second: : take a 2 U cubesat frame, put the guts of 2 HT's in there, together with a battery and some charging electronics, mount antennas and of you go ? Do you think that will pass thermal, vaccuum or vibration testing? Without that, you aren't getting on a launch, period. Designing, building, testing, and passing those tests, takes effort, time, and money. >Do we really _need_ remote command capability ? Yes, it's a regulatory requirement. If your satellite interferes with some other system, say a SARSAT or early launch warning satellite, you have to have the ability to shut it down. > >I mean the concepts of Fox & friends and great. But I think we are at the 'less is more' point. I think many of us would prefer a simple-and-dirty fm repeating sat which is actually flying, rather then all the great plans and concepts >which take years and many many dollars to complete. ARISSAT was great, that the antenna was missing not our fault. Cant we put another ARISSAT in cubesat format together rather >quickly, instead of re-inventing the wheel over and over again ? I agree with the sentiment, and have made the argument myself many times, as some of the AMSAT engineering guys will loudly attest to. However, there is a minimum level of responsibility and sophistication that has to go into a satellite to meet launch requirements, and regulatory requirements. The division of Fox into two satellites, one simple, and one more complex, is an attempt to address the urgency of the situation now. A pair of HTs strapped together would likely just make it harder to get on the next launch. What we CAN do is provide two-way packages to other, usually larger, missions for inclusion into their satellites. SO-67 and UKube are good examples of this, but it could certainly be tried more often. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: 9 cubesats on board Vega
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

I have a feeling that if a ESA member nation AMSAT group had a cubesat ready to fly, it might be able to go. This situation is part of the Fox plan as I understand it, to build more than one satellite, and have a "hot spare" for such an opportunity. 73, Drew KO4MA PS Andy, we do a little better than every 5 years. If you look at DO-64, ARISSat-1, SO-67 and HO-68, we've averaged one a year over the past 4 years. -----Original Message----- >From: Stefan Wagener <wageners(a)gmail.com> >Sent: Dec 8, 2011 10:17 AM >To: Andy Kellner <hawat1(a)yahoo.com> >Cc: "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 9 cubesats on board Vega > >Hi Andreas, > >very simple, politics. > >ITAR is killing AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-DL's leadership has openly >denouced Cubesats. So two of the biggest AMSATs either can't or don't >want to. Talk about a pathetic situation for our community. > >Stefan VE4NSA > > >On Thu, Dec 8, 2011 at 7:28 AM, Andy Kellner <hawat1(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> I'll be darned. 9 (nine!) cubesats on board of this launch vehicle and the whole world wide amateur radio community has major problems finding somebody to launch 1 every 5 years ? >> Whats wrong with this picture ? I would like to find out why ESA for example has no problems launching the cubesats by the dozend (for free i bet you), >> but refuse to carry just one for us. Does somebody has ESA's email address ? :) Is it really all about the educational aspect of things ? We can use that sales pitch, too. >> >> >> Andreas - VK4HHH >> >> >> >> ________________________________ >> From: Trevor . <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Sent: Thursday, 8 December 2011 9:56 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory >> >> --- On Thu, 8/12/11, Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> wrote: >>> can't we squeeze a little bird in there? >> >> They'll be some CubeSat's on the launch I believe going into a 1500 by 300 km orbit see >> >> http://www.esa.int/esaMI/Education/SEM3N03MDAF_0.html >> >> 73 Trevor M5AKA >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: cube sats and turn signals
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

There is nothing that says they have to be useful to the general ham community in order to exist. What they do is provide a mechanism for university students to learn engineering and science. Elementary students don't contribute to mathematics by learning to multiply, and likewise there isn't necessarily an expectation that cubesats contribute to the state of the art of anything. Yet, they often do. Commercial users are now looking at cubesats and the technologies developed within them, as alternatives to the VW bus sized satellites of the past. NASA is doing real science through cubesats and NSF grants (although I agree these are a poor fit for the amateur bands). In the long term view, inclusion and support of cubesats into our community will benefit all the AMSATs more than derision and ridicule has to this point. Several cubes have attempted or will attempt to support amateur two-way packages, i.e. DO-64, CO-65, PWsat, FunCube, UKube, Fox. Let's encourage that, and stop with the self-centered view of the service. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: wa4hfn(a)comcast.net >Sent: Dec 8, 2011 10:36 AM >To: AMSAT <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] cube sats and turn signals > >Cube sats are about as worthless to the ham op as turn signals are on our cars, who uses them. How much can be learned from them that hasnt already been done. Why cant the schools all get together and use the info from all the ones in the past or did they really learn anything. beep beep beep >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Almasat would have been a GREAT satellite to have had a secondary amateur two-way capability on; big, lots of power, and a great orbit. A few CTCSS decoders and maybe one or two extra command lines, and there could have been V/U or V/S voice capability, in a 1500km apogee orbit. It's a good example of why all the individual AMSAT groups should be as involved as possible with their own local educational projects from the beginning. The right ham at the right place could have turned this into a real gift for the community, and the university would have seen a huge increase in outside help with telemetry. The good thing is PWsat is on the same launch, has a FM to DSB transponder capability, and it appears the team is planning on exercising it. I know which satellite I'll help with telemetry before the others. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: "Trevor ." <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> >Sent: Dec 8, 2011 9:57 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LARES To Test Einstein's Theory > >--- On Thu, 8/12/11, Giulio AB2VY <giuliop70(a)aim.com> wrote: >> The Microsatellite on the left of LARES >> http://spaceflightnow.com/vega/vv01/111207lares/ >> is "AlmaSat", first microsatellite of the University of Bologna (ITALY) > >IARU Coordinated frequencies at >http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=39 > >also see http://www.almasat.org/ > >73 Trevor M5AKA >

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FW: [radio_pack] FW: A Ham's Night Before Christmas - YouTube
by Kevin Deane 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Kevin KF7MYK From: EH(a)gbis.com To: radio_pack(a)lists.unr.edu Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2011 15:52:57 -0800 Subject: [radio_pack] FW: A Ham's Night Before Christmas - YouTube Thanks to Jack W3FUN... Good enough to share with all and A Very Merry Christmas to all... Erv KB7IWT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_9REVC4dtc

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Voyager 1 Near Edge Of Solar System
by B J 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1112/06voyager/ I remember when it and Voyager 2 were launched in 1977. I don't think anyone could have predicted that it would last this long or go so far. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Re: 2 Meter TV Interference
by k6yk 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

We also still have a channel 13 out of Sacramento. Most of the rest of them moved to UHF digital. (Too bad channel 13 didn't move, too! It causes great QRM on 220 Mhz if you happen to be within a few miles of the transmiiter). 73, John K6YK On Wed, 7 Dec 2011 22:11:15 -0000 "John Geiger" <aa5jg(a)fidmail.com> writes: > Rock Island, IL, where I used to live, still has a channel 4 on VHF > channel > 4. > > 73s John AA5JG > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Charles Suprin" <hamaa1vs(a)gmail.com> > To: "Bob Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; "Gordon JC Pearce" <gordonjcp(a)gjcp.net> > Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 9:48 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 2 Meter TV Interference > > > >I didn't think there were any vhf stations left. All the numbers on > the > > channels now are virtual. All the tv antenna plans are for uhf > bands. A > > quick look in the Boston market and the lowest channel is 19, > channel > > 2@500MHz. Are there places that still use vhf? > > > > Charles > > On Dec 7, 2011 1:38 PM, "Bob Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: > > > >> HPF above 500 MHz? Then the TV would not be able to see anything > but a > >> few > >> UHF channels. > >> > >> What is needed is a stub filter. Just a piece of open ended coax > 13" > >> long > >> "T"ed into the antenna lead.... > >> > >> The 13" is about 66% of a quarter wave at 2 meters. > >> > >> Done > >> > >> Bob, WB4APR > >> > >> -----Original Message----- > >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org > [mailto:[email protected]] On > >> Behalf Of Gordon JC Pearce > >> Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 3:02 AM > >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 2 Meter TV Interference > >> > >> On Tue, 6 Dec 2011 21:17:55 -0600 > >> Wyatt Dirks <wyattdirks(a)msn.com> wrote: > >> > >> > >> > Just recently I have been having troubles with a neighbor while > I am > >> working the FM satellites(SO-50 and AO-27). The setup I am > currently > >> using > >> is my mobile setup because I am unable to put a base station up > for many > >> reasons. I am using a FT8900 with 50 watts out into a 1/4 wave or > 1/2 > >> Larson > >> mobile antenna.The 1/4 wave is mounted permanently via a hole in > the roof > > of > >> my truck an the 1/2 wave is mounted on a mount opposite the > factory > >> installed FM/AM radio whip. It doesn't seem to matter what > antenna I use > >> for > >> the problem to occur. Then I use either the arrow antenna or my > cju for > >> the > >> downlink. > >> > >> Use 5W into a hand-held Yagi. You'll get far better results. > >> > >> > >> > Today I had another local ham over at the request of the > neighbor and > >> > his > >> mobile Kenwood radio did the same thing to the neighbors tv when > he > >> transmitted on 2 meter with 50 watts out. He also recommended > that they > >> get > >> a filter. I did not see the specs on the filter nor do I know > what > >> bandwidth > >> it was for. > >> > >> What you want is a highpass filter that will lop off everything > below > >> 500MHz. The chances are that your TX output is clean enough but > the > >> little > >> amplifier in the splitter for the TV is causing all sorts of > intermod - > >> and > >> probably covers from broadcast VHF radio to the top of the TV > band. > >> > >> -- > >> Gordon JC Pearce MM0YEQ <gordonjcp(a)gjcp.net> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > > >> program! > >> Subscription settings: > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > > >> program! > >> Subscription settings: > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ____________________________________________________________ Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat! http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210

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Re: 2 Meter TV Interference
by Bob Bruninga 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

>> What is needed is a stub filter. Just a piece of open ended coax >> 13" long "T"ed into the antenna lead.... >> The 13" is about 66% of a quarter wave at 2 meters. > That could work too, but not if they have an active splitter > that's distorting and crunching away like a little fuzzbox, > generating all kinds of harmonics. In that case, the stub needs to go on the input of that device. Though, I have not seen a lot of "F" connector "T"'s... which would make it easy. So best to take a piece of cable with "F"'s on both ends, and "splce" the stub in the center by soldering carefully and sealing it all up. Bob, WB4APR

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IC 910H Hints?
by Joe Batty 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

Hi Folks, I'm trying to learn all the little ins and outs of the IC 910H that I've had for a short time. Is there an active station in the Portland, OR or Beaverton, Hillsboro area that has this radio that I can communicate with to help learn some little hints and quirks for it's operation. Especially when it comes to using SatPC32 and the LVB Tracker interface. It's all working, but I'd really like to become a lot more efficient with the radio, software and the protocol. I don't hink I'm being very efficient with either the radio and software. Being a newbie to Sats I'd really like to get the operating procedures down like I know what I'm doing. hihi Thank so much to all the Amsat folks, Dee especially, and have a great holiday. Also, a very honorable thank you to those surviving Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7th 1941. A very special day indeed for our real hero's. 73 Joe KT7E from the great wet Pacific North West

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Re: Two Meter TV Interference
by Clint Bradford 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

It is your neighbor's sub-par electronics that are not properly filtered/insulated. But no one wants to hear that they need to purchase a new audio-visual system so a neighbor can play with amateur radio ... (grin) This is one of our greatest "public relations" problems with the hobby: Educating non-hams as to what we are doing, why it might cause interference in their setups, and why we like ugly antennas ... First - 50W for '50 and '27 is ridiculously high power. You are crippling yourself with sub-par antennas for working the LEOs. I mean, a fifteen dollar tape measure beam and a single Watt gets the job done. If you insist upon this inefficient setup, then you have a couple choices ... 1. Do not operate when your neighbor may be watching TV. 2. Move your car a couple blocks away, if your neighbor may be watching TV. 3. And this is the most exciting alternative: Invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate - about 15 minutes before a pass of '50 or '27. Show them your setup. Show them a couple ham magazines. Tell them about amateur radio in your community, and how your local municipality has included amateur radio in the area's emergency plans. Gently educate them to the fact that when an emergency hits the region, it is ham radio that will be assisting the authorities as things get back to normal. THEN, take 'em out to your car, and start working the satellite. "And about 600 miles away is a little cube this big (hold your hands out about 25cm wide) and listen - we're going to talk THROUGH IT!" Do not laugh - this tactic has worked for me, and many others. Try it - before the relationship with your neighbor deteriorates any further. Clint Bradford http://www.k6lcs.com 909-241-7666

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New online logging site:AAR29/SAT
by Daniel "Nick" Kucij 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

I'm posting below information just received from Eric/F4EJW regarding a new website, AAR29/SAT, he and Remy, F1NNI have put up to provide an online log sharing resource for each of the amateur satellites in service. To find it, go to Eric's blog link listed below, then click on the Amateur Radio Satellite AAR29 banner. 73 Nick KB1RVT Hello, The special site satellites is opened you will so find information miscellaneous as well as a live log for the recording of the contacts on the diverse amateur Radio satellites. Good traffic has all and has all. 73 Qro ERIC F4EJW and F1NNI REMY click here http://f4ejw.over-blog.com/

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ARISSat
by Roland Zurmely 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

Updated graphics of average height and fall rateof ARISSat: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/arissat.htm#r 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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Re: Two Meter TV Interference
by Jim Adams 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

I agree with Clint's observations. I use an ht with 1 watt and a handheld antenna and do just fine. It's your neighbors goofy setup causing him problems. Jim Adams - K0BAM Delta County, Colorado DM68

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ARISSat SSTV pictures
by Roland Zurmely 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

The latest SSTV pictures I received from ARISSat are here: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/SSTV/ http://www.qslnet.de/member/py4zbz/satelite/sstv_via_sat.htm#4 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ

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