- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: NASA Web Site
by Clint Bradford 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

>> ... cannot access ... spotty access ... Clean/clear/empty your browser's cache. And some sites still require the "www." ... "www.nasa.gov" instead of "nasa.gov" ... Clint Bradford

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AO-51 S-band // WIFI USB dongle as receiver?
by ac0z 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Hello to the AMSAT brain trust. I am new to satellites and have a new person question: > Is there any way to utilize a WIFI (2.4 GHZ, 13cm) USB dongle (with SMA ant. port) into a gain antenna, and successfully receive the S-band downlink from AO-51? This is a 13cm transceiver, but I suspect the answer is no. I already have a 24db gain dish, so I thought I would ask. Outside of WIFI, is there anything useful I can do with this dongle? The more conventional units (transverters, receivers, etc.) are a bit spendy for me right now. thanks. paul ac0z

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AO-27 Off Frequency?
by Zachary Beougher 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Hi, The last two AO27 passes I have worked over the past two days that come up from my SE appearing to be about 5kHz off frequency (high). I have to monitor 436.810 to receive the signal clearly at AOS. I would usually start at .805, 10kHz above the transmit frequency of 436.795. On the passes that favor my west all appears to be normal. Am I the only one that has noticed this? 73! Zack KD8KSN

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Re: OT: NASA Website access?
by Jeffrey Koehler 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

I get a "webpage not available " message. 73 Jeff WB2SYK Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone wb7dru(a)usfamily.net wrote: >Am I the only one having issues accessing nasa.gov? It fails on Verizon and Frontier Networks. Google has no new news. It seems the entry is gone from any DNS I can do a lookup on... > >Could very well be my cloud has turned against me >Dave > >__________________________________ >Dave Donaldson >HAM:WB7DRU >Navy/MC MARS:NNN0AXK >Burnsville, MN >Sent from my android device. >_______________________________________________ >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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OT: NASA Website access?
by wb7dru＠usfamily.net 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Am I the only one having issues accessing nasa.gov? It fails on Verizon and Frontier Networks. Google has no new news. It seems the entry is gone from any DNS I can do a lookup on... Could very well be my cloud has turned against me Dave __________________________________ Dave Donaldson HAM:WB7DRU Navy/MC MARS:NNN0AXK Burnsville, MN Sent from my android device.

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ao-27
by Dads 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Hi : The last pass on AO-27 the station GL08 doesn,t appear on the data base. Jerry w0sat

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Re: Droid Sat
by Tom 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

I'm seeing the same, Mike. I tried changing the text color thinking it may be set to white on white but saw no change in the satellite list. Tom - KØTW >Anyone running Droid Sat? I just installed it to try out. When I access the >list of satellite, all I see is a white screen with no text. I can select a >line and it does bring up a satellite.... > >73, >Mike, N1JEZ >AMSAT 29649

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HO-68
by Ellis Foley 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Return Mail to wa1rks(a)yahoo.com Does anyone have any info on HO-68,and the Camsat site? I can't seem to update or create an account. or get any info per the bird,and what its schedule is,or its health etc. Any input would be appreciated here. or at wa1rks(a)yahoo.com Tnks de Ellis WA1RKS.

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Droid Sat
by n1jez＠burlingtontelecom.net 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Anyone running Droid Sat? I just installed it to try out. When I access the list of satellite, all I see is a white screen with no text. I can select a line and it does bring up a satellite.... 73, Mike, N1JEZ AMSAT 29649 "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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Re: Android satellite tracking
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Wayne, When you are on the page of predictions, click on one and it will display a circle with a line that shows the satellite's path from AOS to LOS. During the pass there is a dot that travels along the line depicting the satellite's location. So it gives a little better idea where it is in relation to you. It's not exactly what you're looking for, but it does help. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 26, 2011 2:36 AM, "Wayne Estes" <w9ae(a)charter.net> wrote:

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Android satellite tracking
by Wayne Estes 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

What are the preferred Android satellite tracking programs for ham satellites? Most seem to be intended for visual sighting. This subject came up months ago, but without a search function I can't find it in the amsat-bb archives. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, Cn83ik

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ND9M/MM Ops: 26 Feb
by Clary, James T, Civilian 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

I was able to get BM55 into a few logs and BM75 into a bunch of them today, despite the crappy weather out on the Pacific. (There were no sigs other than my own on a morning VO52 pass covering some western states when I was in BM65, so that one went by the wayside.) We've got at least another day of this before the weather and seas clear up. Here's the sked for tonight and tomorrow: FO29 - 26/1022Z - should be in BM85 VO52 - 26/1727Z - BM95 SO50 - 26/2024Z - BM95 or CM05 AO27 - 26/2136Z - CM05 SO50 - 26/2208Z - CM05 FO29 - 27/0244Z - CM05 VO52 - 27/0420Z - CM05 or CM15 SO50 - 27/0500Z - CM05 or CM15 VO52 - 27/0555Z - CM15 FO29 - 27/1106Z - CM15 These passes occur during my work hours. I'll make 'em if possible. AO51 - 27/0053Z - CM05 FO29 - 27/0059Z - CM05 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid BM85

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IC-9100
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

HRO has the Icom 9100 on it's site now for the low low price of $3799.95 http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010763 Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X

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Droid Apps
by Clint Bradford 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

HamSatDroid works fairly well. Clint, K6LCS

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Speaking of HEO...
by Rich Dailey 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Does AO-10 still transmit a detectable carrier on 145.81? Just wondering. I think the last time I heard the feeble signal was 10 years ago. Rich, N8UX

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Re: IC-9100
by Tony Langdon 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

At 04:22 AM 2/26/2011, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: >HRO has the Icom 9100 on it's site now for the low low price of $3799.95 > >http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010763 Ouch! Well, for that price, you can get 2 IC7000s and keep the change. I bought 2 IC7000s AND AH4 tuners for that price, and that's not taking into account local price differences. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com

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Re: IC-9100
by John Geiger 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

But just because something is listed as a satellite radio, why only limit it to the satellite bands? Satellite radios also make good VHF/UHF weak signal and contest radios. 73s John AA5JG On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 1:56 PM, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net>wrote: > There aren't any satellites on 6M. > > There's always the "old fashioned" solution, an HF receiver, an HF > transmitter and a pair of converters or transverters. > They're still available for the microwave bands. > > There must be older 2M and 70cM multimode rigs available used ( IC211E, > TS700, IC202/404 etc) that will happily drive transverters for the higher > bands and amplifiers for their own band. > > > > > On 25-Feb-11 19:51, John Geiger wrote: > >> >> Used, now there are many more options. Hard to find anything to fault >> about the Kenwood TS790, except that it doesn't >> do 6m. >> >

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satpc32
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Has anybody connected the Felex 5000 to satpc32? Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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ND9M/MM Ops: 25 Feb 11
by Clary, James T, Civilian 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Today was a good day to stay indoors as a cold front moved through, bringing with it strong gusty winds, much colder temps (go figure!), and all day showers. I was able to make a few passes, but at best it was very hard keeping the step-ladder "station" in place, holding on to the antenna, and tuning the rigs. I missed several passes, but they were all during the business hours when I was tied up. By the way, I worked only KB5WIA during the VO52 pass at 25/0527Z; that was on CW. It sounded like someone had called me on SSB on the same freq and proceeded to work me. Hopefully it was another station he was working, 'cuz it sure wasn't me. Also, I'll be getting up extra early to work the FO29 pass at 25/1115Z. I should be in BM55 at that time. I should be able to put BM55, BM65, and BM75 into someone's logs tomorrow. Here's the planned sked for tomorrow, 25 Feb. Everything is contingent on the weather. SO50 - 25/2136Z (if I can ever turn it on!) AO27 - 25/2205Z AO51 - 26/0132Z FO29 - 26/0154Z AO7 - 26/0331Z (if in Mode B) FO29 - 26/0340Z VO52 - 26/0404Z SO50 - 26/0431Z (it's coming from the States, so hopefully someone else will turn it on!) VO52 - 26/0537Z The following passes are hopefuls as they're during my workday: VO52 - 25/1845Z SO50 - 25/1956Z AO27 - 25/2347Z (approx turn on time) AO51 - 25/2357Z FO29 - 26/0012Z I've got FO29 earmarked at 26/1201Z, but that's in the middle of my night, so the jury will stay out on that one until tomorrow night. 73, Jim, ND9M/MM / VQ9JC Grid BM45

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NASA - Bolden's Blog
by Clint Bradford 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

A tearjerker of a photograph on today's blog entry by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden - where he and other NASA management watch the launch of space shuttle Discovery (STS-133) this afternoon. http://tinyurl.com/bolden-blog Clint, K6LCS ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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PVC
by Mike1234 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio . Mike N8GBU

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A LITTLE HAM HUMOR for a change
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

You Might Be (and Probably Are) an Amateur Radio Operator, If: 1. You have bought black electrical tape in ten packs. 2. You have stripped wire with your teeth. 3. You have told your child, "One day, all this will be yours," and he or she did not respond at all. 4. You would rather help another Ham friend to hook up new equipment, or to put up a new tower, than to mow your own lawn. 5. You have grabbed the wrong end of a hot soldering iron. 6. You have gotten an RF burn from your own antenna. 7. You have given out RST reports while you were on the telephone. 8. When the microphones or visual aids at a meeting did not work, you rushed up to the front to fix them. 9. You have told the XYL, when she noticed a new rig in the shack, "Why, that has been there for years." 10. You have set your watch to UTC only. 11. You have had to patch your roof after an antenna project fell onto it. 12. You have put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car or on the riding mower, just so you could watch it on APRS. 13. You have tapped out "CQ" or "HI" on the car horn in Morse Code to another Ham. 14. Your teenager has refused to ride in your car because it looks like a porcupine. 15. You know the Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation of your home QTH. 16. You have gone into the local Radio Shack store, and the store clerk has asked you where something is and how it works. 17. You have answered the telephone with your call sign, and then finished the conversation with "73" and your call sign. 18. You have looked for antennas, radios, and Morse Code in movies and television shows. 19. When you look at anything made of wire or metal tubing, you wonder if it could be used as an antenna. 20. Your call sign is listed on one or more of your hats, T-shirts, or other garments. 21. You regularly carry one or more tools in your pockets at any given time. 22. When any kinds of batteries go on sale, you get really excited. 23. When you look at a barbecue grill, it creates ideas about ground plane antennas. 24. You have designated all your friends as Hams or Non-Hams. 25. You have referred to your Ham friends by their call sign suffixes instead of their real names. 26. You have intentionally confused Non-Hams by telling them that the only things you talk about on the air are pork products. 27. You have intentionally scared Non-Hams with the word "RADIATION"! 28. You have looked at telephone poles and power line towers as potential antenna supports. 29. You have thought you were still hearing CW, SSB, or SSTV tones, even when your Ham radio was off. 30. Your Go-Bag has more clothes in it than your dresser does. 31. You have a SKYWARN sticker on your back window. 32. Your significant other sits in the back seat, and your radios ride in the front. 33. Your neighbors wonder if you are a "Narc" (narcotics officer), a Spy, or a Federal Agent. 34. The cops pull you over because they want to see the inside of your car. This one is actually being done by Tim Clark, KB4RPV: 35. Your cell-phone's ring tone is your Ham radio call sign, sent in Morse Code http://www.planetofnoise.com/midi/morse2mid.php). ______________________ Thought this might be worth a little chuckle WA4HFN

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Re: A LITTLE HAM HUMOR for a change
by Zachary Beougher 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

You forgot a few..... 1. When looking for a place to live you don't look for a nice neighborhood, you look for the highest spot in the county with no trees. 2. Every grommet in your firewall has a 1" bundle of wires coming through it. 3. After you finish converting a computer PSU into one that can power a radio, you unplug it from the 120VAC and plunge your hand into the PSU to make some adjustments, just to remember the function of the electrical component called a capacitor. (I have done that) I could keep going..... 73! Zack KD8KSN -----Original Message----- From: wa4hfn(a)comcast.net Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 2:48 PM To: AMSAT Subject: [amsat-bb] A LITTLE HAM HUMOR for a change You Might Be (and Probably Are) an Amateur Radio Operator, If: 1. You have bought black electrical tape in ten packs. 2. You have stripped wire with your teeth. 3. You have told your child, "One day, all this will be yours," and he or she did not respond at all. 4. You would rather help another Ham friend to hook up new equipment, or to put up a new tower, than to mow your own lawn. 5. You have grabbed the wrong end of a hot soldering iron. 6. You have gotten an RF burn from your own antenna. 7. You have given out RST reports while you were on the telephone. 8. When the microphones or visual aids at a meeting did not work, you rushed up to the front to fix them. 9. You have told the XYL, when she noticed a new rig in the shack, "Why, that has been there for years." 10. You have set your watch to UTC only. 11. You have had to patch your roof after an antenna project fell onto it. 12. You have put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car or on the riding mower, just so you could watch it on APRS. 13. You have tapped out "CQ" or "HI" on the car horn in Morse Code to another Ham. 14. Your teenager has refused to ride in your car because it looks like a porcupine. 15. You know the Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation of your home QTH. 16. You have gone into the local Radio Shack store, and the store clerk has asked you where something is and how it works. 17. You have answered the telephone with your call sign, and then finished the conversation with "73" and your call sign. 18. You have looked for antennas, radios, and Morse Code in movies and television shows. 19. When you look at anything made of wire or metal tubing, you wonder if it could be used as an antenna. 20. Your call sign is listed on one or more of your hats, T-shirts, or other garments. 21. You regularly carry one or more tools in your pockets at any given time. 22. When any kinds of batteries go on sale, you get really excited. 23. When you look at a barbecue grill, it creates ideas about ground plane antennas. 24. You have designated all your friends as Hams or Non-Hams. 25. You have referred to your Ham friends by their call sign suffixes instead of their real names. 26. You have intentionally confused Non-Hams by telling them that the only things you talk about on the air are pork products. 27. You have intentionally scared Non-Hams with the word "RADIATION"! 28. You have looked at telephone poles and power line towers as potential antenna supports. 29. You have thought you were still hearing CW, SSB, or SSTV tones, even when your Ham radio was off. 30. Your Go-Bag has more clothes in it than your dresser does. 31. You have a SKYWARN sticker on your back window. 32. Your significant other sits in the back seat, and your radios ride in the front. 33. Your neighbors wonder if you are a "Narc" (narcotics officer), a Spy, or a Federal Agent. 34. The cops pull you over because they want to see the inside of your car. This one is actually being done by Tim Clark, KB4RPV: 35. Your cell-phone's ring tone is your Ham radio call sign, sent in Morse Code http://www.planetofnoise.com/midi/morse2mid.php). ______________________ Thought this might be worth a little chuckle WA4HFN _______________________________________________ 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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H.R. 607 - 440 Band
by Clint Bradford 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

>> ... Contact your Rep. about the possible loss of the 440 band http://www.arrl.org/sample-letters It is much more effective to follow the ARRL's suggestions and send letters directly to their lobbyist. Unless you have an inside contact with a rep's legislative aid to send to. Normal USPS mail can take up to two months to get screened in this "post 9/11" world. Clint, K6LCS Sent from my iPod touch. On Feb 24, 2011, at 12:00, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > > Contact your Rep. about the possible loss of the 440 band > http://www.arrl.org/sample-letters

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Re: Discovery Shuttle
by Trevor . 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Nicole Stott KE5GJN and Mike Barratt KD5MIJ 73 Trevor M5AKA > --- On Thu, 24/2/11, Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> > wrote: > > > From: Ted <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Discovery Shuttle > > To: "'AMSAT BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Date: Thursday, 24 February, 2011, 21:53 > > Launching now. > > > > Any hams on board ? > > > > TK > > K7TRK > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. > > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur > > satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > >

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Discovery Shuttle
by Ted 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Launching now. Any hams on board ? TK K7TRK

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Re: Discovery Shuttle
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Perfect Launch, Congratulations to all involved and pleased to see things went OK for this final launch of Discovery. Good luck for the rest of the mission and a safe return. We will miss you "Discovery " but you will always be a key player in the history of human space travel. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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Re: PVC
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

My az-el has an 8 foot steel mast, with two 5 foot PVC and closet dowel verticals on each end. It's been up for 5 years in the Florida sun and storms, supporting a 10 element 2m yagi, 30 element 70cm CP yagi, a 35 element 23cm yagi, and a 3 foot S dish at the ends of the PVC/wood H booms. I did use the grey thick-walled PVC, not the white stuff. It's a perfectly acceptable material with the wood inside, non-conductive, non-rusting. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Matt Patterson <mattpatt(a)1starnet.com> >Sent: Feb 24, 2011 2:05 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC > >I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this! > > >Matt >W5LL >

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AO-51 schedule for February, March 2011
by Mark L. Hammond 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Hello All, Here is the AO-51 schedule for the next few weeks. There is a little bit of something for everyone in here! Keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change due to power budget and/or telemetry downloading. February 21 (~2145 UTC) [Eclipses should end around Feb. 24/25] Dual Voice Repeaters : Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FM Downlink 435.150 MHz FM February 27 (~2100 UTC) Mode V/S Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM Downlink 2401.200 MHz FM March 3 (~1030 UTC) Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U PacSat BBS Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FSK 9k6 baud Downlink 435.150 MHz FSK 9k6 baud March 6 (~2115 UTC) Mode L/SU FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FM Downlink1 2401.200 MHz FM Downlink2 435.300 MHz FM (low power) March 11 (~1000 UTC) [Eclipses return around March 12/13] Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U PacSat BBS Uplink: 1268.703 MHz 9k6 baud Downlink 435.150 MHz 9k6 baud As always, command stations may need to reconfigure modes in order to collect telemetry as needed. Remember that power management may be running, and the transmitter(s) will shut OFF during periods of eclipse and/or low battery voltage. 73, Mark N8MH AO-51 Command Team

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Puyallup hamfest
by Bob- W7LRD 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Got a huge hamfest coming up in a few weeks. http://www.mikeandkey.org/hotels00.htm I plan to run a AMSAT information table. If you're there stop by and say hello. I will be on the look out for a dual band vhf/uhf transceiver. For playing mobile/satellite stuff. Please give me some make and model information for what you're using. I will check out satellite passes to try for a demo during the hamfest probably just the fm birds, using a IC-w32A/arrow. Uncle Larry, I hope you can make it! 73 Bob W7LRD

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Re: A LITTLE HAM HUMOR for a change
by Edward R. Cole 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Or when out on a Sunday drive with the XYL you point homes as "great ham locations!". When shopping for a new home, antenna considerations were highest priority. Holidays are scheduled in areas/dates with great hamfests or ham conferences. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 10:48 AM 2/24/2011, wa4hfn(a)comcast.net wrote: >You Might Be (and Probably Are) >an Amateur Radio Operator, If: > > >1. You have bought black electrical tape in ten packs. >2. You have stripped wire with your teeth. >3. You have told your child, "One day, all this will be yours," and >he or she did not respond at all. >4. You would rather help another Ham friend to hook up new >equipment, or to put up a new tower, than to mow your own lawn. >5. You have grabbed the wrong end of a hot soldering iron. >6. You have gotten an RF burn from your own antenna. >7. You have given out RST reports while you were on the telephone. >8. When the microphones or visual aids at a meeting did not work, >you rushed up to the front to fix them. >9. You have told the XYL, when she noticed a new rig in the shack, >"Why, that has been there for years." >10. You have set your watch to UTC only. >11. You have had to patch your roof after an antenna project fell onto it. >12. You have put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car or on the riding >mower, just so you could watch it on APRS. >13. You have tapped out "CQ" or "HI" on the car horn in Morse Code >to another Ham. >14. Your teenager has refused to ride in your car because it looks >like a porcupine. >15. You know the Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation of your home QTH. >16. You have gone into the local Radio Shack store, and the store >clerk has asked you where something is and how it works. >17. You have answered the telephone with your call sign, and then >finished the conversation with "73" and your call sign. >18. You have looked for antennas, radios, and Morse Code in movies >and television shows. >19. When you look at anything made of wire or metal tubing, you >wonder if it could be used as an antenna. >20. Your call sign is listed on one or more of your hats, T-shirts, >or other garments. >21. You regularly carry one or more tools in your pockets at any given time. >22. When any kinds of batteries go on sale, you get really excited. >23. When you look at a barbecue grill, it creates ideas about ground >plane antennas. >24. You have designated all your friends as Hams or Non-Hams. >25. You have referred to your Ham friends by their call sign >suffixes instead of their real names. >26. You have intentionally confused Non-Hams by telling them that >the only things you talk about on the air are pork products. >27. You have intentionally scared Non-Hams with the word "RADIATION"! >28. You have looked at telephone poles and power line towers as >potential antenna supports. >29. You have thought you were still hearing CW, SSB, or SSTV tones, >even when your Ham radio was off. >30. Your Go-Bag has more clothes in it than your dresser does. > >31. You have a SKYWARN sticker on your back window. > >32. Your significant other sits in the back seat, and your radios >ride in the front. > >33. Your neighbors wonder if you are a "Narc" (narcotics officer), a >Spy, or a Federal Agent. > >34. The cops pull you over because they want to see the inside of your car. > >This one is actually being done by Tim Clark, KB4RPV: > >35. Your cell-phone's ring tone is your Ham radio call sign, sent in >Morse Code http://www.planetofnoise.com/midi/morse2mid.php). > >______________________ > >Thought this might be worth a little chuckle >WA4HFN > > > >_______________________________________________ >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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service

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Re: Engineers Week Satellite Demonstration
by Clary, James T, Civilian 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Dale, Pse translate Alaska Standard Time to GMT, and I'll try to be QRV on whatever satellite is available at that time. 73, Jim, ND9M/MM / VQ9JC Grid BM35 > Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:38:19 -0900 > From: Dale Hershberger <daleh(a)alaska.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Engineers Week Satellite Demonstration > To: amsat-bbs <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Monday afternoon Feb. 28th KL4E will be doing a satellite Demonstration > at the Mears Middle School Chugiak, Alaska. Craig Bledsoe, KL4E will > be working afternoon passes that are available on the satellites. > Anyone is welcome to help in this Engineers Week Satellite > Demonstration.. > > Hopefully we will have two stations operating at the school to get as > many students as possible the opportunity to participate. This will be > a presentation during the 2PM to 2:45PM class Alaska Standard Time. > > Dale Hershberger > KL7XJ > AMSAT Area Coordinator Alaska

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Re: PVC
by Edward R. Cole 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

First off, The originator asks a very open-ended question. His only use of PVC was for a vertical antenna. So what is his intended use for a PVC mast? Except for very small wind-area antenna, it will not likely hold up. Why would one use inferior materials in place of easily obtained steel (best) or aluminum (satisfactory)? Does he need an insulated mast? Does he plan an antenna that has to be isolated from nearby metal because...? (it would affect the pattern?) Thick-wall fiberglass is considerably stronger than PVC and has all the characteristics. But neither will have the strength of steel. Adding wood inserted inside helps (somewhat). I made a 18-turn 432 helical beam with 1-1/4-inch wooden closet pole and it lasted two winters before snow-load broke it. I was too cheap for metal or fiberglass. Wood must be carefully selected for antenna material and probably not match using metal for strength/weight ratio. Some antennas have used PVC tubing for part of the structure. Perhaps a better answer would come with more details of what is to be supported by the PVC mast. And re: negative nancy - she may have extensive experience to speak from. ;-) I thought that was what the query was about - experiences by others using PVC. Not everyone will have positive experiences with PVC. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 10:31 AM 2/24/2011, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: >It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution >instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit. > >Dave - KB1PVH > >Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X >On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, "Matt Patterson" <mattpatt(a)1starnet.com> wrote: > > I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this! > > > > > > Matt > > W5LL > > > > > > On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote: > >> I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than >steel? > >> > >> 73's Peter VE7NGP > >> > >> -----Original Message----- > >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of Bruce Semple > >> Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM > >> To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC > >> > >> > >> And I forgot to mention -- > >> I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little >better! > >> > >> At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote: > >> > >>> Hello Mike - > >>> I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for > >>> added stiffness > >>> for a horizontal boom. > >>> For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - > >>> along with a wood pole. > >>> I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out. > >>> > >>> 73, > >>> Bruce > >>> WA3SWJ > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote: > >>> > >>>> Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place >of > >>>> steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to >the > >>>> winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio . > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Mike N8GBU > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> 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 > >> > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service

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UT1FG/MM Active Again
by Zachary Beougher 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Hi All, Maybe this is old news, but I just worked Yuri (UT1FG) in GL69 on AO51 at 1937z. I thought he had gone back home a few weeks ago, but I guess he is still out in the Atlantic. Does anyone have any details on where he is going next? Keep your ears open for him on the eastern passes, especially if you live in New England! If he is on his way home, we probably won’t have long to work him before he reaches Europe. 73! Zack KD8KSN

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Glory Launch SUSPENDED
by Clint Bradford 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Feb. 24, 2011 Steve Cole Headquarters, Washington 202-358-0918 stephen.e.cole(a)nasa.gov MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-056 NASA ASSESSING NEW LAUNCH DATES FOR THE GLORY MISSION WASHINGTON -- Preparations for the launch of NASA's Glory mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California have been suspended temporarily. Engineers continue to troubleshoot a malfunction in ground support equipment associated with the Taurus XL rocket. On Feb. 23, a false indication was received about the rocket's status after commands were sent approximately 15 minutes before launch to activate the Taurus. "We had an indication that a 'hold-fire' command was sent when indeed it had not," said Omar Baez, NASA launch director. The commands originated from the Vehicle Interface Control Console in the mobile launch support van stationed a few miles from the launch pad. The problem has not yet been isolated, and troubleshooting continues. Managers are evaluating possible Glory launch opportunities in early to mid-March. "The Glory spacecraft is doing fine," reported Bryan Fafaul, Glory project manager from NASA's Goddard Space Flight in Greenbelt, Md. "We are continuing to slow charge the battery until we have a new launch date." The Glory satellite will be launched aboard a Taurus on a mission to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. Glory launch management is provided by NASA's Launch Service Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital Sciences Corp. is providing the Taurus XL launch vehicle and is responsible for spacecraft operations. For status updates on the Glory launch, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/glory -end-

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save 440 band
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Contact your Rep. about the possible loss of the 440 band http://www.arrl.org/sample-letters WA4HFN Damon

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Engineers Week Satellite Demonstration
by Dale Hershberger 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Monday afternoon Feb. 28th KL4E will be doing a satellite Demonstration at the Mears Middle School Chugiak, Alaska. Craig Bledsoe, KL4E will be working afternoon passes that are available on the satellites. Anyone is welcome to help in this Engineers Week Satellite Demonstration.. Hopefully we will have two stations operating at the school to get as many students as possible the opportunity to participate. This will be a presentation during the 2PM to 2:45PM class Alaska Standard Time. Dale Hershberger KL7XJ AMSAT Area Coordinator Alaska

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satpc32 question
by ANTHONY JAPHA 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Hi, Anyone using a netbook running Windows 7 Starter with SatPC32? Have you used the Radio Shack USB/Serial adaptors with it? I use 2 of them on my desktop without trouble, but will they work with the netbook? What model netbook would you suggest? Any other suggestions? Tricks? Hints and Kinks? Thanks and 73, Tony, N2UN LM 183

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Re: PVC-ED...
by Clint Bradford 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

>> ... are always naturally curved, limp and bent ... Thought you guys were making fun of me at my advancing age ... Then I read the rest of the thread. Clint, K6LCS

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FS: Kenwood TM-V7A dualband radio
by John Geiger 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

I have for sale a Kenwood TM-7A 2m/70cm dualband, dual receive FM transceiver. I bought this to use on the FM satellites and it has been working great on them so far. The dual receive capability makes it work very nicely for FM satellite use. I am only selling it because I replaced it with a HF/VHF/UHF radio so I can get on the SSB satellites as well. It also has a built in duplexer so you can run a dualband antenna with it into the single SO239 on the rear. It does 45 watts on 2m and 35 watts on 70cm, has PL tones built in, alphanumeric lables for the memory channels, and has 4 hypermemories for returning to a specific configuration at the push of a button. It comes with the mic, power cord, mobile bracket, and original box. It does not have the manual with it but you can find those on line. The display works fine on it. There is one line that appears from time to time on the display but it doesn't interfere with anything. I am asking $175 shipped and can take paypal/check/MO. 73s John AA5JG

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AO-27 vs. TS-2000
by Ted 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Looking for some advice, please Tried real hard to work AO27 on an 80 degree + pass this afternoon, using the TS 2000 in Sat Mode. No good results because of the 'birdies' inherent in the radio. (tried the narrow FM deal - no luck). As I look at Page 103 of the TS2000 manual I see that while using the main VFO at 436.799 that there is no rx possible. Since AO27's down link is at 436.795, it seems that the 'birdie issue' is on the 440 side of the TS-2000. So, what I thought I would try on those 80+degree passes over me, is to use a 2m/440 mobile rig on RX (with a dual band vertical realizing that the vertical is not optimum)l) and use the TS-2000 for Doppler TX. I can program the mobile like the Clint HT step Doppler deal. This is all temporary but I'm so sick of AO51, I would like to try for some new grids. Need about 30 for VUCC. Any TS2000 wizards out there would be appreciated 73, Ted K7TRK

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Re: AO-27 vs. TS-2000
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Ted I added a AR2 preamp at the antenna ,it did not stop the birdy but it allows me to hear through it{no duplex}.I cant hear my self until the signal passes the birdy but signals are there With the preamp when I transmitt It goes in bypass and the birdy wipes me out but in rx mode I can hear . WA4HFN Damon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ted" <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:39:18 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-27 vs. TS-2000 Looking for some advice, please Tried real hard to work AO27 on an 80 degree + pass this afternoon, using the TS 2000 in Sat Mode. No good results because of the 'birdies' inherent in the radio. (tried the narrow FM deal - no luck). As I look at Page 103 of the TS2000 manual I see that while using the main VFO at 436.799 that there is no rx possible. Since AO27's down link is at 436.795, it seems that the 'birdie issue' is on the 440 side of the TS-2000. So, what I thought I would try on those 80+degree passes over me, is to use a 2m/440 mobile rig on RX (with a dual band vertical realizing that the vertical is not optimum)l) and use the TS-2000 for Doppler TX. I can program the mobile like the Clint HT step Doppler deal. This is all temporary but I'm so sick of AO51, I would like to try for some new grids. Need about 30 for VUCC. Any TS2000 wizards out there would be appreciated 73, Ted K7TRK _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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ND9M/MM Ops: 24 Feb
by Clary, James T, Civilian 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Today was very productive with three new wet grids being put into logs on five different satellites. Tomorrow should make at least two new grids (BM35 and BM45) available, and a third one (BM55) is possible. Here's where I expect to be QRV for tomorrow: AO7 - 24/1736Z AO27 - 24/2236Z (approx turn on time) FO29 - 25/0249Z VO52 - 25/0519 And these are the passes occurring during the business day that I'll make if time permits: VO52 - 24/1827Z AO27 - 25/0017Z (approx turn on time) AO51 - 25/0036Z FO29 - 25/0105Z AO51 - 25/0212Z 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid BM15

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Elk 2M/440-L5 antenna
by Ted 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Does anyone have a clean used unit that is for sale and able to be shipped to Oregon? Tnx, Ted K7TRK Pse contact off list at: k7trk(a)arrl.net or 541-282-2468 PayPal Preferred

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Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior.
by Louis House, KD5GM 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

I agree totally! about 90% of my VO-52 passes have no one on the band. 52 is good and strong nearly all of the time, sometimes even as low as -2 degrees at aos/los. 72 louis kd5gm CW, the original digital > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:42:24 -0500 > From: "Bill Gillenwater" <gillie(a)pa.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior. > To: "John Geiger" <aa5jg(a)fidmail.com>, "i8cvs" > <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>, "Amsat - BBs" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <36B1661D56DC4A6ABE981BDFE97306B5@billpc> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > Just worked a pass of VO-52, only two signals heard calling CQ and I was > calling on CW. Plenty of room for more activity. > > 73 Bill K3SV > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "John Geiger" <aa5jg(a)fidmail.com> > To: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>; "Amsat - BBs" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; > "Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL" <vlfiscus(a)mcn.net> > Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 8:28 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior. > > >> If you don't like the FM satellites, instead of complaining that we need >> more linear satellites (like I have seen suggested), HOW ABOUT USING THE >> ONES WE HAVE?? VO52 is an excellent satellite and it is hardly >> overcrowded, >> at least in the US. Many times there is only one or two stations on it. >> >> 73s John AA5JG

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Tayrus-XL SCRUBBED - 24 Hours
by Clint Bradford 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

At about T MINUS 8 minutes to launch, NASA discovered they were not able to "see" a feedline/commandline to be able to shut things down in the final five minutes of countdown, so mission scrubbed for this morning, and, hopefully, will blast off tomorrow morning. Clint

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ND9M/MM Ops - 24Feb11
by Clary, James T, Civilian 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

I should be QRV on the following passes tomorrow: AO7 - 24/0338Z (if in Mode B) AO51 - 24/0438Z (for JA) VO52 - 24/0504Z (very low elevation for me) SO50 - 24/0652Z I'll try to be on as many of the following passes as possible, but pse note that these occur during my work hours; sometimes I can easily get away, sometimes I can't. VO52 - 23/1810Z AO27 - 23/2304Z AO51 - 24/0114Z FO29 - 24/0159Z So far, I've had a lot of success with all satellites except SO50 which is hard for me to turn on. But I'll keep trying. We will cross into AM94 during the overnight hours, and hopefully I'll still be in that grid for the morning passes, assuming of course that I can get on at all. For the afternoon passes, I expect that we'll be in BM04 and maybe even get into BM14 by the end of the above list of passes. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid AM84

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Any Insomniacs? NASA TV 209AM PST
by Clint Bradford 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Anyone else going to watch the Taurus XL launch from Vandenberg at 2:09 a.m. PST Wednesday? The launch vehicle will place the NASA spacecraft Glory into polar orbit and a secondary payload carrying educational small satellites for California Polytechnic State University. As well as the KySat-1 CubeSat. EchoLink AMSAT conference, perhaps? Anywhere else we might be able to meet? Clint, K6LCS

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Satellite OPS9328 Launched 1967?
by John Heath 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Just been looking at the tracking site http://www.n2yo.com/satellites Some great stuff on this site and thanks for posting the URL to the bb. At the bottom of the amateur radio satellite page there is a listing for OPS9328 (IDSCS 15) Were they ham satellites, I don't recal reading about them. Is this just a simple mistake in the listing? 73 john g7hia.

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Re: Satellite OPS9328 Launched 1967?
by Rocky Jones 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Steve. thank you for your gentle corrections and you are "right". Should have remembered that better Robert G. Oler WB5MZO Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:19:45 -0600 From: melachri(a)verizon.net To: orbitjet(a)hotmail.com; g7hia(a)btinternet.com; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: Satellite OPS9328 Launched 1967? Two corrections: 1. The satellites were actually built by Philco-Ford, which later became Ford Aerospace, and is now Space Systems/Loral.(TRW built the DSCS-2 series of satellites.) 2. Oscar IV was not launched with IDCSP. Oscar IV went up in December 1965, piggybacking on the booster that launched OV2-03, LES-3, and LES-4. The first IDCSP launch was not until June 1966. Steve MelachrinosW3HF On 02/22/11, Rocky Jones<orbitjet(a)hotmail.com> wrote: John. Initial defense satellite communications system...The first real communications system that the US military had. YOu can look on the web and get more information...but there is an amateur radio connection. The theory of the satellite constellation was that the satellites were dispersed about every 20 or so degrees in a "almost 24 hour" orbit which meant that they drifted across the sky, but slowly. This allowed multiple users by folks using different satellites and if one failed another was available. They were TRW satellites and the TRW amateur radio club got permission to launch a ham sat (Oscar IV) with one "batch" of satellites. Had IV got into the correct orbit it too would have "drifted" across the sky a few degrees every day. All the satellites were launched on a Titan III (a IIIC if memory serves) which had what was called "the transtage" which did the final orbit insertion and then deployed the satellites...in the case of IV the transtage failed and IV and a bunch of IDSCS's birds (and another test satellite) were left in an orbit that was highly elliptical and short lived. IV kind of looked like the IDSCS. Its great satellite history...the IDSCS satellites had a 7 year kill timer ( a chemical timer) but at least 6 of the kill timers had not worked. Robert G. Oler WB5MZO 5Nsomething and ARRL/AMSAT NARS member > Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:58:42 +0000 > From: g7hia(a)btinternet.com > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite OPS9328 Launched 1967? > > Just been looking at the tracking site http://www.n2yo.com/satellites > Some great stuff on this site and thanks for posting the URL to the bb. > > At the bottom of the amateur radio satellite page there is a listing for OPS9328 > (IDSCS 15) > > Were they ham satellites, I don't recal reading about them. > Is this just a simple mistake in the listing? > > 73 john g7hia. > _______________________________________________ > 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: Considerate satellite operations behavior.
by Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

At 10:45 AM 2/21/2011 -0500, "Mark L. Hammond" <marklhammond(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Okay, this one perplexes me--what in the world can the "powers to be at >amsat" do to fix this? Turn Off all the FM birds. ;-) No, we told them a dozen times already. Stop building FM crap, and do a HEO or at least as minimums, LEO's with linear transponders and Vuala! Problem solved. But no, they are committed to Fox now, which mean more whining. Anyone remember this degree of whining back when there was a HEO?

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ND9M/MM Ops: FO29 & VO52
by Clary, James T, Civilian 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

I'm told that AO7 has switched to Mode A, so I'll instead be QRV on FO29 at 23/0255Z (QSX around 435.855) from AM84. Then later on at 23/0619Z, I'll be on VO52 (QSX 145.905 +/-), also from AM84. We'll likely cross into the BM grid field tomorrow. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC

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Radios in carry on luggage
by John Geiger 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

I am planning a couple of grid expeditions that will involve commercial flights, and wonder what experiences others have had with taking radios in their carry on luggage. Does TSA get very involved in this? Did you have to take it out of the case? Demonstrate it? Was it a bunch of hoops to jump through, or very smooth sailing? 73s John AA5JG

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mast material question
by zach hillerson 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

I am awaiting delivery of a Gulf Alpha dual band antenna that I plan to mount on a single mast for azimuth-only control. I've read various reports of metal masts causing polarity (?) issues and others that say they are ok as long as you don't align the elements with the mast etc... So - what is the real scoop. Should I be concerned with mast material with the above setup or is a traditional metal mast fine? If not, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. The stronger the better IMO. Although I realize there is a pretty minimal wind loan, and it will be mounted in a Glen Martin 4' roof tower, I'd rather not worry about my mast snapping in the wind... Thanks, Zach N4ERZ

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Luggage X Radios on planes
by Kevin Deane 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

I was wondering the same thing. I am going to CA soon and of course want to bring some gear.... I would think this is a pretty common item, but considering the number of hams vs population maybe not??? I am gonna call the airline and see what they say! Kevin KF7MYK P.S. I stopped experimenting with my new antenna, sorry for any interuptions this weekend, I was hearing you guys, and myself. Just not good enough. :(

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Re: Radios in carry on luggage
by Mark L. Hammond 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hi John, I've done this a few times with an FT-817 and HTs. Usually I keep the radio(s) in a big ziplock bag or two and pull it out for open viewing as it goes through the x-ray machine. Lay it in it's own plastic tub even, though I usually just lay it on top of the backpack. Another habit I have is putting the big pile of cables/wires into another big ziplock bag and pull it out so they can see it in the plastic tub, too. In essence, I treat like a laptop and assume it's an item of interest to them-so show it to them! They've never asked or given me grief. 73, Mark N8MH At 02:27 PM 2/22/2011 -0600, John Geiger wrote: >I am planning a couple of grid expeditions that will involve commercial >flights, and wonder what experiences others have had with taking radios in >their carry on luggage. Does TSA get very involved in this? Did you have to >take it out of the case? Demonstrate it? Was it a bunch of hoops to jump >through, or very smooth sailing? > >73s John AA5JG >_______________________________________________ >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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KB5WIA/P Mini Grid-Expedition Report (CM89)
by David Palmer 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hi Everyone, Yesterday's mini grid-expedition to grid square CM89 was a lot of fun. I live in grid CM88 (between San Francisco and Sacramento), so CM89 was only an hour north of me and easy to get to. We drove up to Colusa in the morning, and I was able to get my QRP-portable equipment (twin FT-817ND's and an Elk antenna) set up at around 11:30am local time, just before the first of six passes. Satellite SO-50 came by first at 19:44z, it was a nice easterly ascending pass and I made around 5 QSO's with good sigs. I then had time for lunch, and the next pass was AO-27 at 20:38z with good signals as well; I made 8 QSO's on that bird. At 21:24z SO-50 came around again, this time to the west, and I was able to get a few more QSO's in. Next it was time for AO-27 to come around again at 22:18z, also to the west, and I made a couple of contacts there. At 22:33z FO-29 came by on a low easterly pass, and I had a super difficult time hearing my downlink on this one! One big problem was a huge "POP" a few times a second, which kept resetting the AGC in both the radio and the one in my ears! I only figured out after the pass that the noise blanker (NB) on the '817 did an awesome job at removing this popping noise. Another issue was my location, next to a local casino, turned out to have a huge amount of RF noise -- guess thousands of "gaming machines" tends to generate some interference! All in all, I made no contacts on FO-29, but heard a number of stations coming back to me faintly ... I just didn't have enough receive sensitivity between the pops and the slot machines to pull them out. Finally at 23:14z AO-51 came by, and I was able to make around 10 nice QSO's on that bird. Yes, AO-51 was crowded, but like others have said recently, no more crowded than many days on HF. With just a bit of patience, it wasn't a problem at all to make contacts yesterday on '51, even on a mid-day easterly pass. Overall, the day went well. It was fun to work the six passes in rather quick succession (about 3.5 hours from beginning to end). The weather was beautiful (sorry Patrick, no earthquakes, power failures, or lightning strikes), and it was a nice day to be sitting in the back of the pickup truck playing with the sats! Lessons learned: 1) Remember to double-check that tracking software is set for new grid square! 2) The noise blanker on the FT-817ND works wonders. 3) Plan to choose a radio-quiet location next time! For anyone that worked me and wants QSL cards, just send me one and I'll send you one right back. I'll head back out that way in another few months in case anyone missed me. 73 de Dave KB5WIA

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Re: Satellite Antennas
by k6yk 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Another vote for linear antennas: I use a 20 element KLM for 70CM and 14 element Hy-gain for 2 meters. Vertical polarization. Mounted on an aluminum cross-arm with two U-100 rotors. This has been up for about 12 years, worked on every bird that's been up there, and does a fine job. Total expense: $40. 73, John, K6YK On Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:56:34 +0000 Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)verizon.net> writes: > I agree with Mark 100%. > I've been using my 'terrestrial' M2 antennas on the satellites for > years. The GulfAlpha "Easy Satellite" antenna I use for Field day > is > also linearly polarized, and works very well. > Fades? Sure I get them, but most of the time it's only for a few > seconds, and while a bit annoying it's not a show stopper. > 73, Jim KQ6EA > > On 02/22/2011 04:11 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > > Hi Howard, > > > > Lucky you :) > > > > Here is my personal opinion from 20 years of operations--if you > cannot > > change polarity, don't use circular. Linear works wonderfully. > > > > M2 yagis work great no matter what polarity the bird is in...I > have > > installed mine vertically on a metal boom. No regrets. And they > are > > quite a bit cheaper!! > > > > My last setup purchase included three M2 yagis, and I love 'em! > > > > http://www.m2inc.com/products/uhf/70cm/44018.html > > > > http://www.m2inc.com/products/vhf/2m/2m7.html > > > > http://www.m2inc.com/products/uhf/23cm/23cm35ez.html > > > > Price those, and then compare the price to circular ones with > polarity > > switching on the 2M AND 70cm, and you'll see one reason I went > that > > route :) > > > > Other reasons include quality, balance on the rotors, gain, > length > > (around 10'), durability, and simplicity, etc. > > > > Add a 2' dish on a 8' to 10' horizontal metal boom and you're good > for > > four bands, and the standard Yaesu G5500 will do just fine with > the > > whole mess. > > > > Don't get me wrong---circular is more of the ideal, but it gets a > bit > > more complicated with polarity switching (not easily done remotely > for > > example!), not to mention the expense. > > > > > > 73, > > > > Mark N8MH > > > > > > On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM, Howard Kowall <hkowall(a)shaw.ca> > wrote: > > > >> Good morning to all > >> Well my wife gave me the ok to get some new base satellite > antennas. > >> I could really only find 2 manufactures of theses antennas in > North America > >> M2 and GulfAlpha.Is there any others,and also can anyone > recommend something > >> I would like to be able to use them for the FM sats and > Transponders. > >> I would imagine that circular polarized would be the way to > go(rhcp) > >> Any input would be much appreciated > >> Thanks to all who read and reply > >> Howard > >> VE4ISP > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > ____________________________________________________________ $65/Hr Job - 25 Openings Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d6450d8aac7c3fb2dfst06vuc

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Satellite Antennas
by Howard Kowall 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Good morning to all Well my wife gave me the ok to get some new base satellite antennas. I could really only find 2 manufactures of theses antennas in North America M2 and GulfAlpha.Is there any others,and also can anyone recommend something I would like to be able to use them for the FM sats and Transponders. I would imagine that circular polarized would be the way to go(rhcp) Any input would be much appreciated Thanks to all who read and reply Howard VE4ISP

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offering M2 42 element CP
by chris pellenz 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hi All, I know I offered this a few weeks ago... at this point I think I could get it boxed up and shipped... It will break down to 4 x 5 ft sections. My M2 42 element circular polarized antenna... wired now for RH... does not have the remote switch device but of course that is available from M2. Please make me an offer... these are $400 new... someone will get a bargain here. If someone is interested, let me know and I can send pictures. If no interest due to lack of buyer protection I will let you know when I ebay it Thanks, Chris Pellenz KC2BBU Former AMSAT NA member

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Re: Fwd: 420 - 450 MHz in Jeopardy!
by Tom Schuessler 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

This is a very serious threat as the current administration and current majority folks on the FCC are bent on making us all pay for what we get free now, that being broadcast TV and two way communications. I am in the broadcast TV profession and we just went through a transition where most every station in the country had to spend maybe a Million Dollars or more each to convert to digital broadcasting and in most cases change channels due to the spectrum repack. Remember we lost the whole of the 700Mhz UHF band to broadband and homeland security users. Now the FCC is pushing a "Voluntary" relinquishment of an additional 120MHZ of spectrum which would mean in large markets like Dallas, there would no longer be room for all the channels currently on the air. The thing here is that the broadband providers who will take over this additional spectrum will charge you the user for some of the same content that you can now get for free via the broadcast TV spectrum. They also want your money to communicate person to person. Now for 420-450mhz. since this is pretty much right below the 470Mhz start of channel 14. It is not at all inconceivable that in the next 10 years, as the "spectrum crunch" gets worse, that the whole UHF TV spectrum gets lost to broadband concerns. We are next door and don't have all the resources to fight it. So fight it we must. Even if we are secondary users, we are stakeholders and need to make our voice heard. Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5hyp(a)arrl.net

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HELP ON LINEAR BIRDS
by Marc Tessier - VE3TES 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hello, after finally getting my uhf yagi to operate well again, I want to try my hand at the linear birds or SSB sats again, I am having troubles calibrating my uplink to the bird. I have read and followed the steps laid out in the FAQ, Yet I still have to recalibrate each pass. what could I be doing wrong??? my station is as follows Software - Satpc32 Radio - Kenwood TS-2000 Antennae are - 5 ele on 2m - 9 ele on uhf. Regards, Marc Tessier - VE3TES ve3tes(a)cogeco.ca

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Couple of 736r questions..
by Bill West 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Hello: I had a few questions about the operation of the Yaesu 736r. 1: I am on one of the SSB satellites (440/2 meters) - I hear my signal coming back down and all seems fine. Shortly afterward the RX and TX frequencies are not in sync so I need to adjust one of them to find and hear myself again. Which is best to adjust RX or TX? 2: In trying to make life easier by using the Memories Recall (MR) on the unit. I put in the frequencies of the centerband of each of the satellites. It is easiest to quickly adjust my frequency by just selecting Memory Recall 1, 2, 3, etc. That works fine for the FM satellites, but I am locked into that frequency on the SSB birds and I cannot use the VFO to adjust +/- my frequencies. If I hit VFO I go back to the frequency I was using before I did the Memory Recall. Is there a way to use the Sat Memories yet have the VFO work when you get there without changing the Memory contents as you would if you used the VFO/M button? Any tricks? Thanks for your time. - Bill KA4GDV - Orlando

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ND9M/MM Ops: 22-23 Feb
by Clary, James T, Civilian 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

I'll be QRV on VO52 this evening at 22/0603Z. This will be a low pass for me at 8 degrees max, so it'll be mainly for testing my station's receiving capability. It's apparent that my problem with hearing my own downlink at low elevations on the linear sats will persist, at least until I can change out my antenna when we arrive in California next week. (I'll be putting an Elk on line in place of the Arrow that I've been using.) I should be able to rearrange my lunch schedule to take advantage of the first window opportunity on AO27 tomorrow afternoon when it turns on at about 22/2333Z. Later at 23/0155Z, a small window will open up on AO51, followed by AO7 with a footprint extending to the central states at 23/0249Z and another one the next morning at 23/1645Z. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid AM43

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FW: Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior.
by Dee 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

-----Original Message----- From: Dee [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:26 PM To: 'Tony Langdon' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior. As with all HEO theories, we have to take this as one with a burden of expenses. My idea of a baseline is also an AO-10 or 13 type bird. Propulsion and getting a ride To the HEO orbit is very expensive. AMSAT, without having help from other interested parties, cannot possibly meet expenses on this. With a ride offer from one of the launch facilities, Satellite enthusiasts could possibly raise enough money to get this to happen. ITAR is not helping this AMSAT group bonding to give this a chance. Please let your wishes in this direction be known to any AMSAT people. I have been accused of having my own agenda for HEO birds. Remember, we cannot possibly afford this (unless a rich uncle leaves us a sizable amount) and this is why our officers want to stress the present usable LEO birds as our foreseeable future. Have faith and maybe the status of launches will change and all this will be a mute point. 73, Dee, NB2F -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tony Langdon Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 4:51 PM To: Rocky Jones; wa4hfn(a)comcast.net; tjschuessler(a)verizon.net Cc: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior. At 04:11 AM 2/22/2011, Rocky Jones wrote: >My argument with AMSAT and others is that the organization should be >leading by pushing more linear devices AND birds with larger >footprints. Where I think things got off track badly was with the >notion of AO-40...the theory that we had to build a satellite that >people could work "worldwide" with not much antenna and other >equipment. Oscar 10 and 13 (along with Arsene) in my view is about >the baseline satellite that AMSAT should be building and trying to lead >the satellite movement. As long as "baseline" satellite access is a >handitalkie with a long whip...we are not going to see much different >in my view nor should we expect it Linear birds are a good idea, and the idea of creating an "off the shelf" transponder package that university groups can install into their projects has been discussed here before, to help that end. larger footprints would be nice (and extremely useful in this part of the world), but the trick there is getting the launch opportunities at an affordable price, since it seems most affordable launch opportunities are to LEO. You can only place your bird where the ride takes you, unless you add propulsion, which means extra weight and complexity (meaning more cost, fewer launch opportunities and higher risk of failure, and most likely fewer birds). One of these days, I'll have a crack at the linear birds we have. I have the gear, just have to get around to using it! :) 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com _______________________________________________ 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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Fwd: 420 MHz in Jeopardy!
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Rick Pinelli" <ka2bsm(a)gmail.com> To: "Damon" <wa4hfn(a)comcast.net>, "David" <kd4noq(a)arrl.net>, "Lee" <LRACE(a)ci.collierville.tn.us>, "Rick" <wa4nvm(a)comcast.net>, randyw4412(a)aol.com, "chris dowland" <chris(a)aleadingedge.com>, "Danny Banks" <dbanksd(a)bellsouth.net>, "Richard Martin" <kj4dxf(a)att.net>, n4gmt(a)comcast.net, wv5j(a)netscape.net, w5ema(a)arrl.net Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 10:27:33 AM Subject: 420 MHz in Jeopardy! I received this info from one of the D-STAR groups about the 420 MHz band and thought I would pass it along. Rick - KA2BSM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subject: 420 band auction imminent if HR 607 passes I think we need to be aware of this issue, since our repeater system lives there. This is being done "in order to offset the loss of revenue that would occur as the result of the allocation of the D-Block to Public Safety instead of commercial auction". So they are giving away some spectrum that they said they would auction, and we get to pay the price for it. This bill was introduced by the Horable Peter King, R-NY District #3. Read more about Congresman King's spin on this plan here. http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/ny03_king/bipartlegsdblock.html Note that there is NO MENTION of the 420-450 and 450-470 bands in his press release, and they are in a footnote in the bill (oh, by the way, we can make up the revenue shortfall by auctioning off these frequencies...) So these bands will be sacrificed to pay for the reallocation of the spectrum that was previously cleared by TV Broadcasters for acution in the name of "Homeland Security". The 450 band contains Broadcasting Remote Pickup and Studio to Transmitter links along with other coordinated use. 420 to 450 is our 70cm amateur band. ---------------------------------------------------------- *Spectrum Management Bill Threatens Amateur Frequencies* *On February 10, Representative Peter King (R-NY-3), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced HR 607, the **Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011**. The bill been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which handles telecommunications legislation. * *HR 607 addresses certain spectrum management issues, including the creation and maintenance of a nationwide Public Safety broadband network. As part of that network, the bill provides for the allocation of the so-called "D-Block" of spectrum in the 700 MHz range for Public Safety use.* *The D-Block consists of two, 5 megahertz-wide segments of **spectrum (758-763 and 788-793 MHz) that became available when the FCC ended analog television broadcasts in June 2009 and reallocated the 698-806 MHz band for Public Safety and commercial broadband. It was anticipated that the D-Block would be auctioned for commercial use. * *There are several bills in Congress providing for the allocation of the D-Block for Public Safety use, and HR 607 is one of those. But HR 607 uniquely provides for the reallocation of other spectrum for auction to commercial users, in order to offset the loss of revenue that would occur as the result of the allocation of the D-Block to Public Safety instead of commercial auction. * *HR 607 lists the paired bands of 420-440 MHz and 450-470 MHz among the bands to be reallocated for commercial auction within 10 years of its passage. * Read more here< http://www.arrl.org/news/spectrum-management-bill-threatens-amateur-frequen… >

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HELP ON LINEAR BIRDS a reply
by Gkcarr 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Marc, you did fine during our FO-29 QSO @ 2053Z today. I also heard you on the next pass. 73 George WA5KBH -----Original message----- From: "Marc Tessier - VE3TES" ve3tes(a)cogeco.ca Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:02:37 -0600 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [Spam] [amsat-bb] HELP ON LINEAR BIRDS > Hello, after finally getting my uhf yagi to operate well again, I want to try my hand at the linear birds or SSB sats again, I am having troubles calibrating my uplink to the bird. > I have read and followed the steps laid out in the FAQ, Yet I still have to recalibrate each pass. what could I be doing wrong??? > > my station is as follows > > Software - Satpc32 > Radio - Kenwood TS-2000 > Antennae are - 5 ele on 2m > - 9 ele on uhf. > > Regards, > > Marc Tessier - VE3TES > ve3tes(a)cogeco.ca > _______________________________________________ > 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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AO-51 mode change 21 Feb 2011 2145utc
by Mark L. Hammond 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Hello All, Power up that L-band transmitter! AO-51 is about 2 days away from full sun. On-board temperatures are climbing, and it looks like we have just enough power to try to run both repeaters. It will take some tweaking of various power management parameters, and we'll see how things go. Right now 435.300 is at 420mW and 435.150 is at 300mW. Expect interruptions for telemetry collection by command stations; we'll try to keep the impact down to a minimum. You may also see the transmitters shutting off as we run right on the edge of the power budget. They should come back on when the batteries get a bit more juice in them. Both transmitters will be off during eclipses (which won't last much longer). We'll probably run dual repeaters until Sunday 27 Feb 2011. There is only about 3 weeks of full sun, then eclipses return. Dust off your S-band downconverters and antennas! We'll try to fit in some S-band activity before eclipses return (approx. 14 March or so). As of 21 Feb 2011 2145utc: Dual Voice Repeaters Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink 435.150 MHz FM On behalf of the command team, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior.
by k6yk 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

There's nothing AMSAT can do about lids. Lids are lids and they are everywhere on the hambands, not just satellite. I would suspect that the ones you're complaining about don't read this list, or talk to any other hams. We do all this writing, but the people who need to read it don't. The madness on the birds is minor compared to what it is on HF at times. (Not all the time)... Doing a demo on a SSB/CW bird would be much nicer. It's much more civilized most of the time. 73, John K6YK On Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:41:10 +0000 (UTC) wa4hfn(a)comcast.net writes: > This is and will be an ongoing problem until the powers to be at > amsat do something about the mess on the FM birds . Tom you are > preaching to the choir here because most of the offenders have no > idea that this BBS is here. If the FCC stopped long enough to > monitor this madness, they would likely have Amsat shut it down. BUT > it is our job to police the ham bands.I guess that might mean we > need to write down the bird,call sign ,date ,mode, and time and try > to contact the offender and explain to the operator the trouble they > are causing and offer them some advice on how to operate on the > birds. Amsat wants users and needs members but this madness has to > be corrected. I would not do a satallite demo any where and let > people hear the mess that is ever present now and even worse on the > weekends. Amsat needs to address this issue and offer a solution > before the responsible operators givenup and quite dealing with the > birds. > Thats my 2 cents worth AGAIN > WA4HFN Damon EM55 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Tom Schuessler" <tjschuessler(a)verizon.net> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 11:29:20 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Considerate satellite operations behavior. > > Hi all, > > I do not have the dollars yet to upgrade to an all mode radio to be > able to > do SSB/CW operations so FM is my lot for now. I love early mornings > on > AO-51 and later in the evening SO-50 and SO-67 when available > because the > roar of the crowd is significantly less. That being said, I like to > give > AO-51 or AO-27 a try once in a while in the afternoons to make a few > Qs but > find myself more often than not put off by the sheer mess found > there. Only > been doing this for 8 months with 260 QSOs on an irregular schedule > so maybe > I am out of line here, but I will throw out some observations > anyway. > > The for me 2210Z 20-Feb, 2011 pass was a typical example of what > makes this > part of the hobby hard to promote. I know that many of you are > conscientious operators and do not try stomp on others but there are > some > out there who just don't seem to understand that there is a proper > way to do > this that will maximize the number of QSOs that actually get > completed on a > given pass. > > I don't know how many times I heard someone call another station but > when > that second station answers, somebody else comes right on top and > obliterates the poor guy with a totally unrelated call. I have had > a > station call me back only to have his exchange blown out of the > water by > somebody else who is apparently not listening to the fact that > several > seconds of an exchange has already occurred. > > I am sure I was the cause of some interference this afternoon > attempting to > jump in after an exchange to get my call out there. I try however, > if it > appears that I with my 5W handheld and Arrow, are not making it > through the > current pileup, will wait 3 or 4 minutes until the pass has > progressed some > and try it again. Yes I know it is FM and I should not expect > better but > honestly I know it can be. Several times I heard a weak voice that > sounded > like a youth trying to get in but nobody paused enough to give the > poor kid > a shot. I made three Qs that pass but the kid got none and probably > walked > away thinking he had just wasted his time. > > I will be at a hamfest in a few weeks and plan to do a few > demonstrations > of FM satellite work with my Arrow there and know that many folks > will just > wag their heads and decide to never try at all because of the noise > and > disorganization. > > Another issue I hear is stations calling but not apparently hearing > anything > but they continue to call anyway and cause interference. A recent > SO-50 > pass in the evening had 6 or seven stations calling but only one or > two QSOs > actually took place as nobody seemed to be listening to the right > frequencies. I would request that the person who keeps up with the > Satellite status pages on the AMSAT web site please post the reality > the > SO-50 downlink is really about 5Khz lower than the published > 436.795. If > that were really the case, than I should always be starting a pass > on my > handeld at 436.805 but if I go there, I hear nothing much and always > end the > pass way down at 436.780 instead of .785. Since we always recommend > that > new operators look to AMSAT.org for their basic information, it > needs to be > kept current. If the information is wrong then people have to go > through > the trial and error method to find out the truth. > > Hopefully these remarks will not offend but will serve to spur us > all to > improve the way we do things so others can too have a shot at > making > contacts. > > Tom Schuessler > 2713 Lake Gardens Drive > Irving, Texas 75060 > 972-986-7456 > 214-403-1464 (Cell) > n5hyp(a)arrl.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 > ____________________________________________________________ $65/Hr Job - 25 Openings Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d62a99cef9ab4c9af8st01vuc

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LoTW troubles
by George Henry 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Although the LoTW FAQ shows "ARISS" and "AO-7" as the valid satellite names, TQSL bounced all of my QSOs for those two for "Invalid Satellite Name"... I looked in the ADIF file, and the Sat_Name fields are all correct, and it processed all of my other QSOs successfully. I also tried "ISS" and "AO-07", and it bounced those, as well. Any hints? George, KA3HSW

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Considerate satellite operations behavior.
by Tom Schuessler 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Hi all, I do not have the dollars yet to upgrade to an all mode radio to be able to do SSB/CW operations so FM is my lot for now. I love early mornings on AO-51 and later in the evening SO-50 and SO-67 when available because the roar of the crowd is significantly less. That being said, I like to give AO-51 or AO-27 a try once in a while in the afternoons to make a few Qs but find myself more often than not put off by the sheer mess found there. Only been doing this for 8 months with 260 QSOs on an irregular schedule so maybe I am out of line here, but I will throw out some observations anyway. The for me 2210Z 20-Feb, 2011 pass was a typical example of what makes this part of the hobby hard to promote. I know that many of you are conscientious operators and do not try stomp on others but there are some out there who just don't seem to understand that there is a proper way to do this that will maximize the number of QSOs that actually get completed on a given pass. I don't know how many times I heard someone call another station but when that second station answers, somebody else comes right on top and obliterates the poor guy with a totally unrelated call. I have had a station call me back only to have his exchange blown out of the water by somebody else who is apparently not listening to the fact that several seconds of an exchange has already occurred. I am sure I was the cause of some interference this afternoon attempting to jump in after an exchange to get my call out there. I try however, if it appears that I with my 5W handheld and Arrow, are not making it through the current pileup, will wait 3 or 4 minutes until the pass has progressed some and try it again. Yes I know it is FM and I should not expect better but honestly I know it can be. Several times I heard a weak voice that sounded like a youth trying to get in but nobody paused enough to give the poor kid a shot. I made three Qs that pass but the kid got none and probably walked away thinking he had just wasted his time. I will be at a hamfest in a few weeks and plan to do a few demonstrations of FM satellite work with my Arrow there and know that many folks will just wag their heads and decide to never try at all because of the noise and disorganization. Another issue I hear is stations calling but not apparently hearing anything but they continue to call anyway and cause interference. A recent SO-50 pass in the evening had 6 or seven stations calling but only one or two QSOs actually took place as nobody seemed to be listening to the right frequencies. I would request that the person who keeps up with the Satellite status pages on the AMSAT web site please post the reality the SO-50 downlink is really about 5Khz lower than the published 436.795. If that were really the case, than I should always be starting a pass on my handeld at 436.805 but if I go there, I hear nothing much and always end the pass way down at 436.780 instead of .785. Since we always recommend that new operators look to AMSAT.org for their basic information, it needs to be kept current. If the information is wrong then people have to go through the trial and error method to find out the truth. Hopefully these remarks will not offend but will serve to spur us all to improve the way we do things so others can too have a shot at making contacts. Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5hyp(a)arrl.net

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Re: Considerate satellite operations behavior.
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

This is and will be an ongoing problem until the powers to be at amsat do something about the mess on the FM birds . Tom you are preaching to the choir here because most of the offenders have no idea that this BBS is here. If the FCC stopped long enough to monitor this madness, they would likely have Amsat shut it down. BUT it is our job to police the ham bands.I guess that might mean we need to write down the bird,call sign ,date ,mode, and time and try to contact the offender and explain to the operator the trouble they are causing and offer them some advice on how to operate on the birds. Amsat wants users and needs members but this madness has to be corrected. I would not do a satallite demo any where and let people hear the mess that is ever present now and even worse on the weekends. Amsat needs to address this issue and offer a solution before the responsible operators givenup and quite dealing with the birds. Thats my 2 cents worth AGAIN WA4HFN Damon EM55 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Schuessler" <tjschuessler(a)verizon.net> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 11:29:20 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Considerate satellite operations behavior. Hi all, I do not have the dollars yet to upgrade to an all mode radio to be able to do SSB/CW operations so FM is my lot for now. I love early mornings on AO-51 and later in the evening SO-50 and SO-67 when available because the roar of the crowd is significantly less. That being said, I like to give AO-51 or AO-27 a try once in a while in the afternoons to make a few Qs but find myself more often than not put off by the sheer mess found there. Only been doing this for 8 months with 260 QSOs on an irregular schedule so maybe I am out of line here, but I will throw out some observations anyway. The for me 2210Z 20-Feb, 2011 pass was a typical example of what makes this part of the hobby hard to promote. I know that many of you are conscientious operators and do not try stomp on others but there are some out there who just don't seem to understand that there is a proper way to do this that will maximize the number of QSOs that actually get completed on a given pass. I don't know how many times I heard someone call another station but when that second station answers, somebody else comes right on top and obliterates the poor guy with a totally unrelated call. I have had a station call me back only to have his exchange blown out of the water by somebody else who is apparently not listening to the fact that several seconds of an exchange has already occurred. I am sure I was the cause of some interference this afternoon attempting to jump in after an exchange to get my call out there. I try however, if it appears that I with my 5W handheld and Arrow, are not making it through the current pileup, will wait 3 or 4 minutes until the pass has progressed some and try it again. Yes I know it is FM and I should not expect better but honestly I know it can be. Several times I heard a weak voice that sounded like a youth trying to get in but nobody paused enough to give the poor kid a shot. I made three Qs that pass but the kid got none and probably walked away thinking he had just wasted his time. I will be at a hamfest in a few weeks and plan to do a few demonstrations of FM satellite work with my Arrow there and know that many folks will just wag their heads and decide to never try at all because of the noise and disorganization. Another issue I hear is stations calling but not apparently hearing anything but they continue to call anyway and cause interference. A recent SO-50 pass in the evening had 6 or seven stations calling but only one or two QSOs actually took place as nobody seemed to be listening to the right frequencies. I would request that the person who keeps up with the Satellite status pages on the AMSAT web site please post the reality the SO-50 downlink is really about 5Khz lower than the published 436.795. If that were really the case, than I should always be starting a pass on my handeld at 436.805 but if I go there, I hear nothing much and always end the pass way down at 436.780 instead of .785. Since we always recommend that new operators look to AMSAT.org for their basic information, it needs to be kept current. If the information is wrong then people have to go through the trial and error method to find out the truth. Hopefully these remarks will not offend but will serve to spur us all to improve the way we do things so others can too have a shot at making contacts. Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5hyp(a)arrl.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

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Re: LOTW - improperly coded satellite contacts?
by Bill Dzurilla 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Thanks, Patrick,, I have already sent an email to LOTW. If the other station failed to include Propagation Mode or Satellite Name, there should be no match at all. There is no basis for me to be credited with a 144mhz or 432 mhz grid. I spent a lot of time going through my log before uploading it, as LOTW demands perfection. The slightest error (e.g., writing vo-52 instead of VO-52, AO51 instead of AO-51) and the entry is rejected. 73, Bill NZ5N > > Most likely, the other station didn't include one or both > of the fields > used to mark a QSO as a satellite QSO (Propagation Mode, > Satellite > Name). I've seen this on a handful of QSOs I've > uploaded in the past > few weeks. > > > Anyone know how this is handled? > > Assuming your log has all the necessary fields for a > satellite QSO (all > of the QSLs I've gotten from you are showing as satellite > QSOs, so I > don't think your logs are missing anything), there is only > one way to fix > this - the other station has to upload the QSO record(s) > again, this time > making sure those additional ADIF fields are in their > log. As long as the > other QSO details like date, time, your call, etc. are the > same, the new > upload replaces what was originally uploaded. > > If the other station's log has the satellite-related > fields, then an e-mail to > lotw-help @ arrl.org is necessary. There could be > errors in how ARRL's > database queries run to match up QSO records and make > QSLs. ARRL > will not fix problems with other stations' log uploads, and > everything has > to be in there correctly in order to use the resulting QSLs > toward awards.

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Re: LOTW - improperly coded satellite contacts?
by Marvin Tamez 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Bill, all of my matches, besides the 3 blanks, are coming back VUCC SAT. Maybe someone else can answer the why yours are coming back VUCC144 or 432?? Not sure where the imput error is, if there is one! Maybe the Propagation is being recorded as 144 or 432 enstead of "SAT" Sorry can't be of more help... Marvin ________________________________ From: Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> To: Marvin Tamez <k5mlt(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Mon, February 21, 2011 10:39:59 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] LOTW - improperly coded satellite contacts? M, Are all of your matches coming back as VUCC Satellite? Or are some coming back incorrectly as VUCC 144 mhz? B --- On Mon, 2/21/11, Marvin Tamez <k5mlt(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >From: Marvin Tamez <k5mlt(a)yahoo.com> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] LOTW - improperly coded satellite contacts? >To: "Bill Dzurilla" <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> >Date: Monday, February 21, 2011, 11:29 AM > > >Bill, you are correct, if my understanding is correct! LOTW is looking to match >QSO date, time, mode=144(uplink), Propagation=SAT, & SATname=AO-27, AO-51, >etc... I have uploaded 192 QSO's resulting in 41 QSL's of which 3 are blank in >the VUCC column. I've have not uploaded the QSO's between you and I. > > >73, >Marvin >K5MLT > > > > ________________________________ From: Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Sent: Mon, February 21, 2011 8:36:43 AM >Subject: [amsat-bb] LOTW - improperly coded satellite contacts? > >Hi, > >I just upload several hundred sat contacts to LOTW. Many matches were returned, >BUT many of them were credited for "VUCC 144 mhz" or "VUCC 432 mhz" and NOT for >"VUCC Satellite", which is how they should be credited. > >Does this mean that the person on the other side of the QSO did not properly >encode the log entry as a satellite QSO? Or is there some glitch in the LOTW >program? I would have guessed that, if I encoded the QSO as Satellite and the >guy on the other side did not, it would not show as a match at all. > >Anyone know how this is handled? > >73, Bill NZ5N > > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >

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Elk as a Base Antenna
by Clint Bradford 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

>> ... used an Elk as a base station antenna ... I would use Blue LocTite on all element threads ... then probably use marine spar varnish on it all before mounting in a semi- or permanent outdoor situation. And, of course, have some manner to rotate it. Clint, K6LCS

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FTM-350AR Question
by Zachary Beougher 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Hi! Hopefully there are a few on this list that own one of the new Yaesu FTM-350ARs – I cannot find anyone that owns one of these! I picked one up yesterday, and after a frustrating evening and day trying to familiarize myself with a new radio, I think I got most of it figured out. I do have a question: On my TH-D7A, when I get digi’d, “My Packet” appears on the display. Is there some feature I can enable on the 350 that would give me a confirmation message/beep that my APRS packet has been digipeated? I get a brief beep about 1/2 second before it transmits, but after that there is no beep/message. Any tips? 73! Zack KD8KSN

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Re: Elk
by n8gbu 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

I was wondering if anyone knows or has used an Elk as a base station antenna ? I have been kicking around the idea of using it they way as a first antenna for a base station. Something to try out and get the hang of things. Mike N8GBU

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LOTW - improperly coded satellite contacts?
by Bill Dzurilla 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Hi, I just upload several hundred sat contacts to LOTW. Many matches were returned, BUT many of them were credited for "VUCC 144 mhz" or "VUCC 432 mhz" and NOT for "VUCC Satellite", which is how they should be credited. Does this mean that the person on the other side of the QSO did not properly encode the log entry as a satellite QSO? Or is there some glitch in the LOTW program? I would have guessed that, if I encoded the QSO as Satellite and the guy on the other side did not, it would not show as a match at all. Anyone know how this is handled? 73, Bill NZ5N

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SA-AMSAT satellite to carry linear transponder
by Trevor . 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/february2011/kletskous.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA

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ND9M/MM - Sat Ops
by Clary, James T, Civilian 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

I expect to be QRV on AO7 tomorrow morning at 21/1653Z and will try to be in the 145.950-955 range. CW will be the primary mode, but I should be able to switch to SSB if needed. My QTH should be in or near grid AM42. FO29 looks good at 21/0209Z, but that's during the business hours. If nothing's going on that needs tending to, I'll look to be on 435.850-855. VO52 looks to provide a window common with the western states and VE7 at around 22/0605Z. I'll be in the 145.900-905 range. We'll probably be in or near AM52 at that point. All that said, we're expecting to get some sea swells tomorrow and the next day. These would rock the ship side to side pretty well if they occur, which is likely. If it's only the swells and not bad weather, then my op sked should be OK though. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid AM21 / GMT -11

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Kysat-1
by Kevin Deane 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

So how come nobody is talking about Kysat-1 wich will be launched on Feb, 23??? A cubesat which will be FM!!! YAAAA!!! http://ssl.engineering.uky.edu/missions/orbital/kysat1/about-kysat-1/ Kysat-1 website http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/index.asp Vandenberg AFB website Looks pretty real to me unlike the ARRISat which I think they should just zip tie to the outside of the spacestation somewhere!!! At least then it would last and they could play with it if need be. Anyway just thinking out loud. Kevin KF7MYK

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Re: Kysat-1
by charlie Cantrill 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

These guys are great! I had the privilege of riding to the AMSAT symposium this year with Bob Twiggs and part of their team. Earlier last year when NASA flewtheir SOCEM mission (suborbital cubesat), it was a great ride. This one should be even better. Keep you ears open for this bird. Unless something fails, it should do good.Also check out their Twitter and YouTube page for info about the mission:http://www.youtube.com/user/UKSpaceLab http://twitter.com/kyspace Charlie KI4RDT ----- Original Message -----Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:29:08 -0800 From: Kevin Deane <summit496(a)live.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Kysat-1 To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <COL107-W611E5175B5D1A2B9E08D5E83D60(a)phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" So how come nobody is talking about Kysat-1 wich will be launched on Feb, 23??? A cubesat which will be FM!!! YAAAA!!! http://ssl.engineering.uky.edu/missions/orbital/kysat1/about-kysat-1/ Kysat-1 website http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/index.asp Vandenberg AFB website Looks pretty real to me unlike the ARRISat which I think they should just zip tie to the outside of the spacestation somewhere!!! At least then it would last and they could play with it if need be. Anyway just thinking out loud. Kevin KF7MYK

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Portable op from FN00
by Helmuth Kump 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

I hope to be QRV portable from FN00 as the weather improves, mainly during weekday afternoons on the FM birds. I'll update my status as time permits on the QRZ site (search KT3L). 73 Doc KT3L

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UO 11
by jerry 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

I have copied a good bit of telemetry data from UO-11 . If anyone is interested I would post it of e mail it . Jerry WB5LHD

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keps age & ISS
by Bob- W7LRD 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

I should have been more specific. I run SatPc32 in two computers. The one that runs LVB has ISS about 40 min behind the other computer. All other satellites are right on. I have up dated the keps on both computers. Confused?? 73 Bob W7LRD

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keps age
by Bob- W7LRD 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

How does one determine the age of the keps in a computer? 73 Bob W7LRD

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Yuma AZ hamfest, day 2
by Patrick STODDARD 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Hi! The hamfest in Yuma, Arizona, started out very well yesterday afternoon. Many more people here compared to the Fridays of the past two hamfests. Thanks to the stations who called WD9EWK on two passes yesterday, on AO27 and FO29. This hamfest also has a focus on emergency preparedness, with a sizable presence from different organizations from the Yuma area. Not a bad thing, considering a 5.1 earthquake hit this area yesterday morning (no damage here; it was centered about 45 miles/70km southeast of Calexico and El Centro CA in Baja California), lots of rain this morning, and the power has been out here at the hamfest site for the past 60 minutes or so. Once the lightning stops outside, I can still do demonstrations later with my portable station. :-) Again, please feel free to call WD9EWK if you hear me on passes later today. I appreciate the fact most stations were giving more than just a grid locator yesterday, to help illustrate the coverage of our satellites for the crowds. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Yuma, Arizona http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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ao7
by Bob- W7LRD 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Check my last email. AO-7 on mode, should be mode B?? It's a grand old lady, I guess it can be tempermental. 73 Bob

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AO-7 ok??
by Bob- W7LRD 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Last two passes no go on AO-7, either mode. Anyone use it?? 73 Bob W7LRD

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Sat Tracker Itouch
by Howard Kowall 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Hello all My son just gave me his I pod touch (8gig) Is there any free apps for sat tracking for this unit would be handy when I am portable thanks to all who read and respond Howard VE4ISP

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Re: Mode A
by Tom 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Joe, As Drew mentioned, the best site for AO-7 status (IMHO) is http://oscar.dcarr.org/. I think there was some web site confusion in previous posts. Tom KØTW >I just went there and see a chart for reception reports, But i done see >where it says what mode it is going to be in and when? > >Joe WB9SBD

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Web Page VS Orbitron
by Joe 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

I found a web page that says it can track http://www.n2yo.com/?s=7530 and i installed a new Orbitron, and gave it the latest set of keps it wanted to do. Thing is the two things do not agree at all where Oscar 7 is at. not even close. soo how do I tell who is right other than to wait for a pass from either one and see if i hear anything. Joe WB9SBD -- The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com

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Mode A
by Joe 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

It has been at least a Decade since i was on a bird. My question is with all the birds up there now. Are any operational in mode A ? Joe WB9SBD -- The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com

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Re: Mode A
by k6yk 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

It was just on mode B at 17:00 Feb. 19th, and ND9M/MM was on from RL89. 73, John, K6YK On Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:32 -0500 Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> writes: > On 2/19/2011 11:49 AM, Joe wrote: > > I just went there and see a chart for reception reports, But i > done > > see where it says what mode it is going to be in and when? > > > You have to look at the pattern and extrapolate. As Bob pointed out, > > currently it switches around 2330Z every day. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > _______________________________________________ > 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 > ____________________________________________________________ Brooks LOVE IT. SHOOT IT. LIVE IT. Learn how! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d5ffb4ea2d1e3ecb29st05vuc

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flex & satpc32
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

I am trying to configure a flex and satpc32. I have satpc32 talking to the flex . I am having trouble hearing the down link when the tx is on the b vfo. Can some one tell me how to preset the flex ? Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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Arrisat-1
by Kevin Deane 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

I have been slackin, did they put it out or is it still postponed??? Kevin KF7MYK

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ND9M/MM - AO7 Ops from RL89
by Clary, James T, Civilian 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

I expect to be QRV on AO7 at 19/1703Z near the middle of the band if the local winds don't get too out of hand overnight. CW will be the mode at least at first. SSB will be available but I frequently have a hard time hearing my downlink with lower elevation passes, and this one will top off at about 14 degrees at my QTH. I should be in or near grid RL89 at that time. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid RL68

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Yaesu 847 power supply -linear vs. switching
by zach hillerson 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

I purchased a Yaesu 847 for both satellite and HF work. Since this is my 1st base-style transceiver I am now in need of a power supply. I was originally considering the Astron RS35M and am curious if linear or switching is the proper choice? Is there a Amsat BB favorite between switching and linear? Thanks for any help! Zach N4ERZ

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WD9EWK on FO29 @ 2331 UTC today
by Patrick STODDARD 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

Hi! I will do one more demonstration today from the Yuma AZ hamfest on FO29 at 2331 UTC today. If you are on that pass, please feel free to call WD9EWK on there. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Office Closed
by Martha 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

The AMSAT office will be closed on Monday, February 21 for observance of Presidents' Day. -- 73- Martha

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